Decorative surface coverings
US5891564A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/3158
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention discloses surface covering products and methods and an apparatus for making surface covering products. In particular, the method of the present invention includes depositing color particles on a moving carrier to form a base layer. The base layer then comes in contact with a patterned embossing device such as a roll to create a depressed or displaced pattern image on the base layer. Afterwards, accent particles or pellets are sprinkled or applied over the embossed base layer. The embossed base layer is subjected to heat and/or pressure to consolidate the accent and color particles and form a preformed mass. The preformed mass is then pressed to form a fused, texture-created structure. The surface covering products made from the process of the present invention have unique geometric patterns with well-defined grout lines or irregular decorative designs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.