U.S. patent application number 14/980941 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-29 for method of applying and using viscous liquid rubber composition.
The applicant listed for this patent is Swift IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Philip Swift.
Application Number | 20170182512 14/980941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59087659 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170182512 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swift; Philip |
June 29, 2017 |
METHOD OF APPLYING AND USING VISCOUS LIQUID RUBBER COMPOSITION
Abstract
Viscous liquid rubber compositions are applied to articles by
brushing, rolling, pouring, or dipping to repair leaks or to modify
the appearance and/or physical properties of the article, such as
water-permeability, thermal insulation, shock resistance, vibration
resistance, electrical insulation, and the like.
Inventors: |
Swift; Philip; (Weston,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Swift IP, LLC |
Weston |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59087659 |
Appl. No.: |
14/980941 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 13/08 20130101;
A63C 17/01 20130101; B05D 5/00 20130101; A63C 2203/42 20130101;
D06N 7/0073 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B05D 1/28 20060101
B05D001/28; E04F 15/02 20060101 E04F015/02; B60R 13/08 20060101
B60R013/08; A63C 17/26 20060101 A63C017/26; B05D 1/18 20060101
B05D001/18; B05D 1/30 20060101 B05D001/30 |
Claims
1. A method of modifying an article to provide a non-slip surface,
thermal insulation, electrical insulation, shock resistance,
vibration resistance, or a combination thereof, the method
comprising applying a viscous liquid rubber composition to at least
a portion of a surface of the article, wherein the viscous liquid
rubber composition is applied to the surface or portion thereof by
brushing, rolling, pouring, or dipping.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the
group consisting of a shoe, boot, hockey stick, golf club,
skateboard, baseball bat, javelin, and crochet mallet.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the
group consisting of a hammer, screw driver, saw, pliers, wrench,
wire cutter, shovel, hoe, and rake.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the
group consisting of a ladle, spatula, tongs, fork, knife, and
spoon.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is a carpet or
rug.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is a motor
vehicle.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is an electrical
wire.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the
group consisting of an air conditioning unit, air compressor, water
filtration system, and furnace, or a housing therefor.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the
group consisting of furniture, countertop, cabinet, hardwood floor,
glass, and tile.
10. A method of waterproofing an article, the method comprising
applying a viscous liquid rubber composition to at least a portion
of a surface of the article, wherein the viscous liquid rubber
composition is applied by brushing, rolling, pouring, or dipping,
and wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a
strainer, container, shoe, boot, boat, raft, document, photograph,
umbrella, tent, awning, shower, bathtub, laundry tub, sink, pool
preform, pond preform, cardboard box, concrete block, paper bag,
pipe, hose, metal roof, downspout, and gutter.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the article is a container
having at least one hole along a lower portion thereof, and wherein
the viscous liquid rubber composition is applied into the at least
one hole or onto a portion of a surface surrounding the at least
one hole.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying a patch to
cover the at least one hole, and applying a second layer of the
viscous liquid rubber composition to cover at least a portion of
the patch.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the article is a strainer and
wherein the composition is applied to the strainer or a portion
thereof by pouring.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the article is a boat having a
hull formed at least partially of wire mesh, wherein the
composition is applied to the wire mesh by rolling.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the article is a downspout or
pipe and wherein the composition is applied by dipping the
downspout or pipe into the composition.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising inserting the
downspout or pipe containing the composition into a fitting or
junction element to form a seal therebetween.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the article is a pool preform
or a pond preform, and wherein the composition is applied to
surfaces thereof by rolling.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the article is a concrete
block, the method further comprising the steps of forming a crack
in the concrete block and pouring the composition into the crack to
at least partially fill the crack.
19. A method of comparing the viscosity of a liquid rubber
composition to that of a reference liquid, the method comprising:
providing a generally horizontally oriented wire screen; pouring
the reference liquid onto a first portion of the wire screen;
pouring the liquid rubber composition onto a second portion of the
wire screen; and determining whether the reference liquid and the
liquid rubber composition poured onto the screen drip through the
screen.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the reference liquid is latex
paint.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Aerosol-propelled rubber compositions, such as FLEX
SEAL.RTM. sold by Swift Response LLC, have been used by consumers
for waterproofing and repairing household articles. It would be
desirable to develop alternative techniques for repairing or
modifying household articles, sporting equipment, motor vehicles,
appliances, portions of homes and associated structures, and the
like, to improve the appearance and/or performance of the article
while deferring the expense of replacing the article. It would be
particularly desirable to develop techniques which are safe and
easy-to-use for consumers.
SUMMARY
[0002] Aspects of the invention involve applying viscous liquid
rubber compositions to articles by brushing, rolling, pouring, or
dipping, to repair leaks or to modify one or more physical
properties of the article, such as water-resistance, thermal
insulation, shock resistance, vibration resistance, electrical
insulation, grip enhancement, strength and flexibility properties,
and the like. Other aspects involve applying viscous liquid rubber
compositions to articles for aesthetic purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] A more complete understanding of the present invention and
certain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the
following detailed description in consideration with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0004] FIGS. 1A-1D schematically illustrate filling weep holes in a
flower pot using a viscous liquid rubber composition.
[0005] FIG. 2A-2B schematically illustrate applying a viscous
liquid rubber composition to a tool or utensil.
[0006] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a process of applying a
viscous liquid rubber composition to a strainer.
[0007] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a process of applying a
viscous liquid rubber composition to spliced electrical wires.
[0008] FIGS. 5A-5D schematically illustrate a process of applying a
viscous liquid rubber composition to sporting goods.
[0009] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a process of applying a
viscous liquid rubber composition to an inflatable ball.
[0010] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a process of applying a
viscous liquid rubber composition to carpet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Viscous liquid rubber compositions (sometimes referred to
herein simply as "compositions") may be used in a variety of
techniques involving repair or modification of various household
items, hand tools, garden tools, cooking or eating utensils, sports
equipment, automobiles, boats, air conditioners, furnaces, and so
on. In general, the compositions may be applied using a variety of
techniques such as brushing, rolling, dipping, pouring, or coating
in other desired techniques. Often a conventional paint applicator
such as a brush or roller may be used. More specific techniques
involving the repair or modification of various objects also are
disclosed herein.
[0012] In some examples, compositions are applied to articles for
purposes of waterproofing, including repairing holes or leaks in
the article, or modifying an article to make it waterproof by
covering preformed holes or by adding a moisture-impermeable layer
to the article or portion thereof. The compositions may be poured
into cracks in concrete, such as cracks present along a garage
floor or in a basement foundation. In one example, a crack is
formed in a concrete block by milling or other suitable technique,
and a quantity of the composition is poured into the crack to fill
the opening. The composition may be poured directly into cracks and
holes to penetrate into deep hard-to-reach areas and create a
waterproof seal. The compositions also may be applied with a paint
roller onto concrete walls or floors to create a waterproof
layer.
[0013] In other examples, compositions are applied to articles for
purposes of changing the physical properties and/or aesthetics of
the article. For example, a layer may be applied to an article, or
a portion thereof, to introduce properties such as thermal
insulation, electrical insulation, shock resistance, vibration
resistance, and the like. Once cured, the composition generally
forms a durable, breathable, weatherproof barrier that is resistant
to rain, snow, sun, wind, air moisture, UV degradation, and natural
weathering over a wide temperature range. Aesthetic modifications
may include, for example, altering the color and/or texture of an
article, and/or applying indicia, stripes, logos, or the like to an
article or portion thereof.
[0014] The compositions typically include one or more synthetic
rubber components and generally are formulated to be viscous though
in the liquid phase at room temperature. The term "viscous liquid
rubber composition" is used herein to refer to a non-aerosol based
rubber composition that has relatively high viscosity. For example,
when a quantity of the composition is poured into a kitchen
strainer or onto a horizontally-oriented window screen, the
composition normally remains adhered to the strainer or screen
without any dripping. By way of non-limiting example, viscosity may
range from about 130 ku to about 170 ku, from about 140 ku to about
160 ku, or from about 150 ku to 155 ku; and specific gravity may
range from about 1.2 to 1.4 or from about 1.25 to about 1.35.
[0015] In one aspect, a method of visually determining the relative
viscosity of a liquid rubber composition comprises providing a
horizontally oriented screen, such as a conventional window screen
or a wire screen of similar mesh size. A reference liquid, such as
latex paint, is poured onto a first portion of the screen, and a
liquid rubber composition is poured onto a second portion of the
screen (or onto a second screen or similar construction). In one
example, a portion of the reference liquid poured onto the screen
drips through the screen, but the liquid rubber composition poured
onto the screen does not drip through the screen. This technique
may be used to demonstrate that the liquid rubber composition has a
viscosity higher than that of the latex paint.
[0016] Non-limiting examples of suitable synthetic rubbers include
ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, ethylene propylene
rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), rubbers prepared from
isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene), chloroprene
(2-chloro-1,3-butadiene), or from isobutylene with a small
percentage of isoprene for crosslinking, and polyether-based
silane-terminated polymers. The compositions typically include a
number of other components, such as mineral fillers, fluid
carriers, crosslinking agents, catalysts, and the like in suitable
proportions that will be apparent to persons skilled in the art
with the aid of no more than routine experimentation. The
compositions may contain a solvent that volatilizes after
application, although in view of current environmental regulations
it generally is desirable to employ solvent-less compositions which
may cure, for example, by crosslinking when exposed to the
environment.
[0017] The composition may be provided in a ready-to-use state,
e.g., such that no mixing of components is needed. In some aspects,
the composition may be brushed, sprayed, rolled, poured, or dipped
right from the can. The composition generally has relatively high
viscosity that allows for single or multiple coat application and
resists running, dripping, and sagging.
[0018] The compositions may be formulated in a variety of colors
tailored to particular applications. For example, compositions may
be clear, white, off-white, black, gray, blue, green, red, almond,
brown, silver, yellow, terra cotta, or other suitable colors. The
selection of appropriate pigment(s) or other colorant(s) needed to
achieve a desired color will be apparent to persons skilled in the
art.
[0019] The compositions may be used to fill holes in articles such
as containers, such as to repair leaks, or to modify the structure
of the article. For example, with reference to FIG. 1A, a ceramic
or plastic flower pot 1 designed for outdoor use often has a solid
sidewall 5 and a bottom 10 containing one or more weep holes 12 to
permit drainage of excess water. If such flower pots 1 are to be
used indoors, it may be desirable to fill the weep holes 12 along
the bottom 10 to prevent dirt-infused water from escaping from the
pot and potentially causing damage to floors, carpet, furniture,
etc. The compositions disclosed herein may be used to fill the weep
holes 12 along the bottom 10 to create a watertight container that
is more suitable for indoor use.
[0020] In one technique that may be used to fill a larger hole
present in a flower pot or other container, for example, with
reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, a first layer 15 of the composition
is applied to the surfaces of the container immediately adjacent to
the holes 12. This application step can be accomplished by
brushing, rolling, or pouring the composition to the desired area.
A patch 17 is then positioned over the first layer 15 so as to
cover the holes 12. When the composition cures, the first layer
functions 15 as an adhesive between the bottom surface of the
container 10 and the patch 17. As shown in FIG. 1D, a second layer
20 of the composition may be applied around the periphery of the
patch 17, if needed, to provide a watertight seal at the
intersection of the patch 17 and the bottom surface 10 of the
container. This application step can be accomplished by brushing,
rolling, or pouring the composition to the desired area, and can be
started before or after the first layer 15 cures.
[0021] If the patch 17 is moisture-permeable, such as cloth, woven
or nonwoven fabric, etc., a second layer 20 of the composition may
be applied over the entire outer surface of the patch 17 so that
the resulting bottom surface 10 of the container is watertight. If,
on the other hand, a moisture-impermeable material is used, such as
plastic or the like, it may not be necessary to apply a second
layer 20, or at least not necessary to apply the second layer 20
over the entire outer surface of the patch 17. In the case where a
moisture-impermeable material is used, the patch 17 may be applied
over the first layer 15 of the composition, as described above, or
alternatively the patch 17 may be applied first over the holes 12
following by applying the composition around the edges of the patch
17 to secure it to the container in a watertight fashion. For
applications involving the filling of smaller holes or the repair
of cracks in a container or other object, a patch often is not
needed. This application step can be accomplished by brushing,
rolling, or pouring the composition to the desired area. In such
situations, one or more coats of the composition may be applied, as
needed, directly to the object to fill the hole, crack, etc. When
multiple coats are used, the composition normally should be allowed
to cure between coats. In another example, the composition may be
poured onto the interior surfaces of a flower pot and allowed to
cure to form a waterproof liner.
[0022] In another aspect, with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, the
composition may be applied to at least a grip portion 203 of a hand
tool 200 (e.g., hammer 201, screw driver, saw, pliers, wrench,
shovel, wire cutter, hoe, rake, etc.) or eating or cooking utensil
(e.g., ladle 202, spatula, tongs, large wooden spoon, fork, knife,
soup spoon, etc.). Such an application creates an improved gripping
surface. In addition to the improved gripping surface, it also
enhances additional properties of the tool or utensil such as
enhancing its strength, making it more heat resistant (which can be
extremely beneficial for cooking utensils), increasing its
electrical insulation properties (which can be extremely beneficial
when working with tools useable on electrical wires or on power
tools), and deadening vibrations which would otherwise be passed to
the user. In one application technique, as shown in FIG. 2B, the
handle portion 203 of tool and/or utensil is dipped into a
container 208 of the liquid rubber composition 209 as shown in step
210. The tool and/or utensil is removed from the container 208
containing the liquid rubber composition 209 as shown in step 212
and the handle portion 203 is covered with a liquid rubber coating
206. The liquid rubber coating 206 is given time for the
composition to cure. Once cured and dried, as described above as
shown in step 214, the composition coated grip 206 may offer a
number of advantages such as thermal insulation, shock resistance,
vibration resistance, and/or electrical resistance. In an
alternative method, the composition 209 can be painted onto the
handle portion 203 of the tool 201 or utensil 202, e.g., by a paint
brush or paint roller, and cured to provide a grip 206 having the
desired properties.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 3, the composition also may be
applied to a strainer 300 as shown in step 310. This can serve to
make a portion of the strainer water impermeable if only a portion
of the strainer is coated with the composition; or it can make it
entirely water impermeable if the entire mesh portion 302 of the
strainer is coated. This application step 312 can be accomplished
by pouring the composition 309, from a container 308 for example,
onto a target area of the mesh portion 302 of the strainer 300 and
moving the container 308 (i.e., moving the target area to which the
composition is applied) until the all or the desired portion 304 of
the mesh strainer 300 is coated. Once cured in step 314, the coated
portion 304 is water-impermeable. In one embodiment, the liquid
rubber composition is sufficiently viscous and openings in the
strainer are relatively small such that no liquid passes through
the strainer. In an alternative application method, the liquid
composition can be painted onto the mesh portion 302 of the
strainer 300, e.g., by a paint brush or paint roller, and cured to
create the water impermeable region 304. These methods can also be
used to repair or patch a strainer where a portion of the mesh is
damaged by coating the damaged portion with the liquid rubber
composition, i.e., by making the damaged portion the target
portion.
[0024] In yet another aspect, with reference to FIG. 4, the
composition may be applied over exposed electrical wires 400a, 400b
to create an electrically insulating layer. In a common household
electrical wiring repair technique, loose electric wires are
twisted together and the twisted wires are capped with a plastic
cap. However, this technique is susceptible to the exposed wires
potentially becoming a hazard and the possibility of the plastic
cap falling off increasing the likelihood of a potential hazard. As
an alternative to this oft-used method, and as seen in FIG. 4,
after electrical wires 400a and 400b are spliced together by
twisting, the composition may be applied to coat the exposed areas
of the wires to form a protective, electrically insulating layer.
This application step can be accomplished by brushing, rolling, or
pouring the composition to the exposed twisted wires 400a and 400b,
or the region with the twisted wires may be dipped into a container
having the composition and withdrawn. Upon curing, the protective
insulating layer 406 is formed. The end portions of the sheathes or
cladding 402a and 402b of the respective wires 400a and 400b may be
coated as well if desired. If desired, a clear liquid rubber
composition may be used for this purpose, e.g., so that the
junction of the wires 400a and 400b remains visible through the
insulating layer 406. This enables the quality of the spliced wires
to be visually inspected for integrity. Alternatively, a colored
composition may be used, e.g., one which matches the color of the
existing sheathes or cladding 402a and 402b, or otherwise provides
color-coding as desired.
[0025] In another aspect, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the composition
is applied to an article of sporting equipment with a handle or
shaft such as a hockey stick, baseball bat, crochet mallet, golf
club, or the like, to other sporting equipment such as a
skateboard, or to an inflatable ball. In some examples, the
composition is applied to grip portion(s) to improve gripping
properties and/or provide thermal insulation, shock resistance,
vibration resistance, etc. In other examples, the composition is
applied to non-grip portion(s) of the article of sports equipment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the composition 508 may be
applied along the shaft of a hockey stick 502 for increasing
gripping and tactile properties, for aesthetic purposes, and/or to
modify the flex properties of the shaft, e.g., by increasing
flexural stiffness. The composition may be applied by any desired
technique, such as by painting with a brush 505 or roller or by
dipping or pouring. Once applied, the composition is permitted to
cure to form a single gripping region covering the majority of the
shaft or separate gripping regions 506a and 506b. This technique
results in providing enhanced gripping surfaces 506a and 506b where
the player's hands typically grip the stick 502 without adding
additional weight in the region therebetween. This technique may be
used with either wooden or composite hockey sticks. In another
example, not shown, the composition may be applied to the blade of
the hockey stick 502 to provide vibration resistance and/or to
modify the frictional properties of the blade.
[0026] FIG. 5B shows the application of the viscous liquid rubber
composition to a baseball bat 510. For example, as shown in FIG.
5B, the composition may be applied along the handle portion 514 of
the baseball bat 510 for increasing gripping and tactile
properties, for reducing vibrations that are transmitted back to
the user, and/or for aesthetic purposes. The composition may be
applied by any suitable technique, such as by painting with a brush
505 or roller or by dipping or pouring. Once applied, the liquid
rubber composition is permitted to cure to form an enhanced
gripping region 514. If a dipping process is used or if desired,
the butt end 512 portion of the baseball bat 510 may be covered
along with the base portion of the bat 510 proximate the butt end.
This technique may be used, for example, with wooden, aluminum, or
composite baseball bats.
[0027] FIG. 5C shows the application of the viscous liquid rubber
composition to a golf club 520. Grips on golf clubs have been known
to rip or undesirably wear. The composition may be applied to the
grip portion of a golf club, either directly to the shaft or over
an existing grip, to provide an enhanced grip. For example, as
shown in FIG. 5C, the composition may be applied to the grip
portion 524 of the golf club 520 for increasing gripping and
tactile properties, for reducing vibrations that are transmitted
back to the golfer, and/or for aesthetic purposes. The composition
may be applied by any desirable technique, such as by painting with
a brush 505 or roller or by dipping or pouring. Once applied, the
composition is permitted to cure to form the enhanced gripping
region 524. Multiple coats of the liquid rubber composition may be
applied, as desired, to increase the thickness of the grip 524.
[0028] FIG. 5D shows the application of the viscous liquid rubber
composition to a skateboard 530, and more specifically to the upper
surface 532 of a skateboard 530. Skateboarders commonly tape
sandpaper-like material to the upper surface of skateboards to
enhance the grip between shoes and the skateboard while skating.
However, the sandpaper-like texture adds to the wear of both the
upper and the sole of the user's footwear. As shown in FIG. 5D, the
composition may be applied to the upper surface 532 of the
skateboard 530 for providing increasing gripping and tactile
properties, and/or for aesthetic purposes. The rubber-coated upper
surface 532 provides an enhanced grip that may have less of a
negative impact on the wear of shoes. The composition may be
applied by any desirable technique, such as by painting with a
brush 505 or roller. Once applied, the liquid rubber composition is
permitted to cure to form the enhanced gripping region 534 on the
upper surface 532. In addition to providing an improved gripping
surface, the cured composition may provide other benefits to the
skateboard 530, such as increased strength, waterproofing, and
reduced vibrations transmitted to the rider. If desired, the liquid
rubber composition may also be applied to the lower surface and
sides of the skateboard 530 to make the skateboard entirely
waterproof and/or supplement the strengthening properties mentioned
above.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows the application of the liquid rubber
composition to an inflatable ball 610, such as a football, a rugby
ball, a soccer ball, a volleyball, or an exercise ball, which has
been damaged by a perforation or tear 602 and cannot fully hold air
at the desired inflation pressure. The composition may be applied
by any desirable technique, such as by painting the area 606
surrounding the perforation or tear 602 with a brush 505 or roller.
Once applied, the liquid rubber composition is permitted to cure to
patch the damaged area and form an air- and water impermeable
coating that enables the ball to hold air at a desired pressure
when inflated via nozzle hole 604.
[0030] The composition also may be applied to soles and/or other
outer portions of athletic shoes, boots, etc. to provide
waterproofing and/or modify physical properties thereof. For
example, a portion or the entire outer surface of shoes or boots
may be dipped into the composition, or the composition may be
applied to the outer surface or portion thereof by brushing or
rolling, to form a waterproof outer layer.
[0031] In yet another aspect, the composition is applied to
machinery for purposes of noise reduction. For example, the
composition may be applied to the base of a window air conditioning
unit, water filtration system (e.g., for a pool or hot tub), air
compressor, furnace, etc. to reduce noise resulting from vibration
of machine components. Instead of (or possibly in addition to)
applying the composition directly to the equipment, the composition
may be applied to structure that supports the equipment, e.g.,
housing or the like, to reduce noise associated with vibration.
[0032] In other aspects, the composition may be applied to a wide
variety of surfaces that are subject to high levels of
wear-and-tear, including furniture, countertops, cabinets, hardwood
floors, and the like. More generally, the compositions may be
applied to surfaces that are subject to high levels of
wear-and-tear as an alternative to polyurethane coatings that
conventionally have been applied to such surfaces.
[0033] In other examples of household applications, the composition
may be applied between tiles as a substitute for grout. For
example, ceramic tiles may be prepared and placed over a floor or
other surface to be tiled, and secured to the underlying structure
using conventional techniques. After the tiles are in place, the
spaces between the tiles may be filled with the composition by
brushing, extruding through a caulk tube nozzle, or other suitable
technique. In another example, the composition may be applied over
existing grout to form a protective coating.
[0034] The composition also may be applied to exterior surfaces of
automobiles, or other types of motor vehicles such as boats, to
form a decorative layer, indicia, stripes, or the like. In one
example, the composition is applied along the surfaces of the bed
of a pickup truck to form a protective layer, thereby eliminating
the need for a premolded bed liner. The composition also may be
used to seal a car bumper, car floorboards, car speakers, etc. In
other examples, the composition is applied to repair a leak in a
soft top of a convertible automobile or a leak in an inflatable
raft.
[0035] The composition may be applied to pipes and hoses, such as
the ends of downspouts, gutters, PVC pipes, irrigation pipes,
conduits, etc. to attach segments together in a watertight manner.
In one example (not illustrated), an end portion of a downspout or
PVC pipe is dipped into a can containing the viscous liquid rubber
composition. The downspout or PVC pipe containing the liquid rubber
composition is then inserted into a fitting or junction element,
e.g., gutter fitting. After the composition cures, the downspout or
PVC pipe is adhered to the fitting or junction element in a
watertight manner.
[0036] The composition also may be applied to various fabrics such
as an umbrella, tent, awning, or the like to increase
waterproofing. In one example (not illustrated), the composition is
rolled onto a metal roof and allowed to cure to form a waterproof
coating.
[0037] In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 7, the composition is
applied to carpet or an area rug 700 to create a non-slip surface.
More specifically, the composition is applied to the undersurface
704 of the carpet, i.e., the surface opposite the walking surface
702. The composition may be applied by any desirable technique,
such as by painting the underside 704 or portions thereof with a
brush or a roller 705. Once applied, the liquid rubber composition
is permitted to cure and the carpet 700 is placed in a desired
location with gripping region(s) 706 providing a non-slip surface
against the floor (not illustrated). The composition may provide
other benefits as well, including improving sound insulation as
well as wearing properties of the carpet or rug 700. In one
approach, only selected portions 706, such as the corner regions,
of the underside 704 are coated with the liquid rubber composition.
In another approach as illustrated in FIG. 7, a large area 706
including the entire lower surface may be coated. Applying the
composition to the entire undersurface of a carpet or rug, or at
least a substantial portion thereof, also may avoid the need for a
pad as is conventionally used.
[0038] The composition also may be used to create a waterproof
liner for a pond, fish tank, or pool. For example, a pool or pond
structure may be formed from a suitable material such as rocks,
bricks, wood, concrete, or the like. If desired, the ground first
may be excavated such that the pool or pond structure is partially
or entirely in-ground. The composition then may be applied to the
exposed surfaces of the pool or pond structure using any suitable
technique such as rolling, brushing, or pouring. The composition is
allowed to cure, and the pool or pond structure thereafter may be
filled with water.
[0039] A clear composition may be applied to a newspaper, photo,
document, etc. as a protective and transparent lamination to
preserve the document. The composition may be applied to metal to
prevent rust and corrosion. A clear composition also may be applied
over glass for purposes of making the glass shatter-resistant.
[0040] In another example, as shown in FIG. 8, a shower or bathtub
800 is coated with the composition to create a waterproof liner
and/or to provide safety grip surfaces. More specifically, with
reference to FIG. 8, the bottom surface 802 of a shower or tub 800
where a user stands and which normally includes a drain 804,
commonly creates a dangerous slip-and-fall hazard due to being
slippery when wet. The composition may be applied by any desirable
technique, such as by coating the bottom surface 802 or portions
thereof with a brush or a roller 805. Once applied, the liquid
rubber composition is permitted to cure and non-slip regions 806
are formed by the cured compositions. The composition can be
applied to selected regions 806 of the bottom surface 802 as is
shown in FIG. 8 or alternatively the entire bottom surface 802,
except for the drain 804 can be coated.
[0041] In another aspect, the composition is applied to the
interior surfaces of a cardboard box, paper bag, or other
moisture-permeable container to create a watertight container. This
process includes coating the inside of a paper bag or cardboard
container with the composition. Preferably all of the bottom
surface of the bag or box is coated and at least a bottom portion
of the wall is coated. The thickness of the composition applied to
the side walls may be selected based on the configuration and
desired use of the bag or box. This application step can be
accomplished by a brush or roller or other desirable applicator.
Alternatively, the liquid rubber can be poured into the bag or box
and the bag or box can be rotated and/or tilted to coat its inner
surfaces. After the composition has cured, the paper bag or
cardboard container has become a waterproof, i.e., water
impermeable, container. Thus, according to one expanded process of
either of these methods, once the interior of a paper bag is coated
or partially coated with the liquid rubber and the liquid rubber
has cured, water can be deposited into the now-water impermeable
bag or box, to demonstrate its water impermeability and the water
may be poured from the bag or box. To further demonstrate this, at
least one live fish can be deposited into the now-water impermeable
bag or box with the water, and the water with the fish may be
poured from the bag or box.
[0042] In one example (not illustrated), an airboat is assembled in
which the bottom portion of the hull is formed using one or more
wire mesh sections supported by a metal frame. The composition is
applied onto the wire mesh using a paint roller. Additional coats
of the composition may be applied successively, as needed, after
allowing the previous coat to cure. The resulting hull is
water-impermeable such that the airboat may be operated over
prolonged periods of time without any water leaking into the
interior of the boat.
[0043] In another example, the composition is poured into a pan,
such as a rectangular non-stick baking pan, to a thickness of
approximately 1/2 to one inch. After the composition is allowed to
cure, the cured composition is removed from the pan. The resulting
material may be easily handled and manipulated to demonstrate its
flexibility.
[0044] In addition to the applications and benefits as set forth
herein, there are benefits in these techniques as demonstrating the
uses, the ease of the use, and the advantages of the viscous liquid
rubber composition by each of these processes. By making articles
waterproof, the techniques described herein further provide
benefits associated with avoiding contact with moisture, including
making articles rust-resistant, mold-resistant, mildew-resistant,
and the like.
[0045] The foregoing description should be considered illustrative
rather than limiting. It should be recognized that various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention as described and claimed herein.
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