Patent ID: 6033608
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: B29C,F41H,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming a tree bark-configured rubber article having a manmade textile backing comprising the sequential steps of(a) providing a rubber composition comprisingat least one rubber selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and mixtures thereof;at least one nitrogen-containing blowing agent;optionally, an ozone-resistance agent being ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM); andoptionally, at least one other additive selected from the group consisting of an antistatic agent, a perfume, a scent, a colorant, a dye, a pigment, and mixtures thereof;(b) placing said rubber composition over a silicon-based mold, wherein said mold is a relief of at least a portion of the bark of a tree;(c) placing at least one layer of a textile of sufficient size to cover at least a portion of said rubber composition, whereinsaid textile is selected from the group consisting of 100% polyester and 100% nylon;(d) vulcanizing the textile-covered rubber composition within the silicon-based mold under a pressure, at a temperature, and for a period of time sufficient to effectuate a closed cell structure within the resultant vulcanized foam rubber and to effectuate adhesion between the textile backing and the rubber composition;(e) removing the resultant vulcanized, textile-backed article from the silicon-based mold; and(f) optionally,(i) contacting at least a portion of the rubber side of said resultant article with at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an antistatic agent, a perfume, a scent, a dye, a pigment, and mixtures thereof;(ii) contacting at least a portion of the textile backing of said resultant article with at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a dye, a colorant, a pigment, an ultraviolet absorber, a softening agent, a soil release agent, and mixtures thereof; or(iii) both (i) and (ii).