Pierre R Webster

US Patent:

20080157553, Jul 3, 2008

Filed:

Dec 7, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/952415

Inventors:

James T. Embach - Rochester Hills MI, US
Wade W. Bryant - Grosse Pointe Farms MI, US
Simon Cox - Henley-In-Arden, GB
Benjamin Walsh - Ampthill, GB
Pierre R. Webster - Beverly Hills MI, US
Therese A. Tant - Royal Oak MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B32B 5/18
B60R 13/02

US Classification:

296 108, 428 71

Abstract:

A flexible trim panel attaches to a surface of a vehicle interior and includes a compression-molded thermoplastic foam layer and a textile fabric or synthetic leather layer, such as expanded polyurethane or PVC material. The panel has a compression-molded surface feature in an inner and outer layer, and may have a pocket and a zipper closure. An LED, EL ribbon, or other lighting device is connected to a transparent zipper closure. A composite trim panel is also provided having a compression-molded EVA foam layer and an outer layer. The layers form a composite piece that is attachable to a seat, an instrument panel, or a door. A vehicle interior includes a seat, an instrument panel, a door, and at least one composite trim panel. A transparent closure device connects to the composite trim panel, and a lighting device having a variable property is positioned adjacently to the transparent closure device.