| abstract |
A molded cross vehicle beam which includes a hollow blow molded thermoplastic rigid member that is integrally attached to a rigid support, e.g., a U-shaped metal plate, and at least one attachment element, is described. The rigid support ( 12 ) has a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of perforations having edges. The attachment element(s) ( 81, 84 ) have a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of perforations having edges. The attachment element provides a manner of attaching the molded cross vehicle beam to a separate structure (e.g., the A-pillars of an automobile). A thermoplastic parison precursor of the hollow rigid thermoplastic member ( 15 ) is blow molded against the first surfaces of the rigid support ( 12 ) and the attachment element ( 81, 84 ). Portions of the thermoplastic parison extend through perforations in each of the rigid support ( 12 ) and the attachment element ( 81, 84 ), thereby attaching the hollow thermoplastic rigid member ( 15 ) to the rigid support ( 12 ) and the attachment element ( 81, 84 ). The present invention also relates to a process by which the molded cross vehicle beam is prepared. |