Patch repair system for collapsible fuel and water tanks
US7306851B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/20
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention is a patch system for repairing collapsible fuel tanks, water tanks, inflatable boats, and other articles fabricated from a flexible structural fabric coated with a polymer. The coated structural fabric is made of nylon or polyester synthetic fibers or a blend thereof, which are coated with a thermoplastic elastomer. The structural coated fabric is coated with a thermoplastic elastomer that is a urethane (TPU), or a TPU alloy polymer. Likewise, the patch is a urethane adhesive having a latent cure coated on a TPU film. The patch can also have an integral reinforcing fabric for applications requiring a higher tensile patch. In the invention, the urethane adhesive of the patch is solvent activated by the application of a thin coating of a volatile, substantially low odor, fugitive solvent like acetone or MEK. While in the activated state, the adhesive has much less cyrstallinity and a lot more tack. The solvent activated adhesive has good wetting, and aggressively wets out and adheres to the surface of the TPU coating on the tank. The activated adhesive side of the patch is pressed against the surface of the tank. The solvent will also partially etch the thermoplastic u…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.