US5098622A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of making armrest for vehicles
Assignee: CHRISTENSEN RONALD L
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Filing: 1990-05-11
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Granted: 1992-03-24
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Expires: 2010-05-11
Abstract
Abstract A method for making an armrest or the like used in vehicles where the armrest is affixed to the vehicle door and also serves as a grab-handle to enable the passenger to pull the door closed. The method is an injection molded vinyl process that utilizes a two-piece insert in the main body of the armrest which allows foam to be introduced into the upper portion and inboard side where the user's arm rest. This method produces a more comfortable armrest that also is more visually pleasing and one that can be produced at a lower cost than known armrests of this type.
Inventors
- 👤 Cal A. Lilienthal
- 👤 Ronald L. Christensen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 00:45
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60N; B60N2/00; B60N2/75; B60N2/78
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
228 words
A method of producing a product having a flexible vinyl skin and a structural insert having a first part and a second part that provide a supporting structure for the product which is covered by the vinyl skin and filled with urethane foam, said method comprising: providing an injection mold having an interior mold surface corresponding to the exterior configuration of the finished product; positioning a moveable core and the first part of the structural insert in the mold a sufficient distance from the interior mold surface to define the thickness of the vinyl skin, said moveable core occupying a volume which is to be occupied by the second part of the structural insert and a foamed material molded in a subsequent step; injecting vinyl into the mold to form a vinyl skin; removing from the mold and the core the first part of the structural insert and the vinyl skin which together form a partially completed product; connecting the second part of the structural insert to the first part of the structural insert to form the supporting structure; placing the supporting structure and vinyl skin into a foam mold; injecting urethane foam into remaining spaces in the foam mold between the support structure and the vinyl skin and allowing said foam to expand to form a finished product; and removing the finished product from the foam mold.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
228 words
A method of producing a product having a flexible vinyl skin and a structural insert having a first part and a second part that provide a supporting structure for the product which is covered by the vinyl skin and filled with urethane foam, said method comprising: providing an injection mold having an interior mold surface corresponding to the exterior configuration of the finished product; positioning a moveable core and the first part of the structural insert in the mold a sufficient distance from the interior mold surface to define the thickness of the vinyl skin, said moveable core occupying a volume which is to be occupied by the second part of the structural insert and a foamed material molded in a subsequent step; injecting vinyl into the mold to form a vinyl skin; removing from the mold and the core the first part of the structural insert and the vinyl skin which together form a partially completed product; connecting the second part of the structural insert to the first part of the structural insert to form the supporting structure; placing the supporting structure and vinyl skin into a foam mold; injecting urethane foam into remaining spaces in the foam mold between the support structure and the vinyl skin and allowing said foam to expand to form a finished product; and removing the finished product from the foam mold.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-03-24 | 1995-09-23 | 1996-03-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-03-24 | 1999-09-23 | 2000-03-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-03-24 | 2003-09-23 | 2004-03-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |