| abstract |
A composite molded article and a method of fabricating such an article is disclosed, which is especially well-suited for forming one-piece interior vehicle panels, by way of a single molding operation, wherein the one-piece interior panel can be easily installed as a unit within the vehicle. In the fabrication of the one-piece molded composite article, a deformable sheet material, such as vinyl, is positioned on a female molding surface and drawn into conformity with the female molding surface of the mold cavity, either with or without preheating or vacuum forming. The mold apparatus is closed and a first moldable material is introduced into the mold assembly, with certain predetermined portions thereof being blocked off, Subsequently, a second moldable material is introduced at least into the predetermined areas previously blocked off during the introduction of the first moldable material. By such a process, the one-piece molded article can be fabricated essentially in a single integrated operation, as a one-piece structure, while maintaining the capability of providing various materials or various characteristics at different locations on the one-piece article. |