Method of manufacturing wood-like plywood substitute
US7976655B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/688
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Discarded or recycled carpets or other textiles can be converted into wood-like materials, in sheets comparable to plywood. The carpets or textiles are shredded, combed, and layered across a conveyor to form a low-density mat, which is compressed and needle-punched to create a cohesive but flexible mat. An adhesive is applied to at least one and preferably two or more mats, by an applicator that spreads a liquid prepolymer onto one or more surfaces of the mat(s). The mat(s) travel through a press while the adhesive cures and hardens, and the use of foaming adhesives can ensure uniform permeation through dense fiber mats. The hardened sheets can be sawed, nailed, and otherwise handled like wood, and are strong, durable, and highly resistant to damage by water or insects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.