U.S. patent application number 15/621487 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-19 for densified foam core (dfc) board for use as a backing surface.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stephen Courey, JEFF LUBINSKY. Invention is credited to Stephen Courey, JEFF LUBINSKY.
Application Number | 20180106039 15/621487 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61904366 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180106039 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Courey; Stephen ; et
al. |
April 19, 2018 |
DENSIFIED FOAM CORE (DFC) BOARD FOR USE AS A BACKING SURFACE
Abstract
A waterproof board for use as a backing surface comprising a top
face, a bottom face, a plurality of sides, a core layer having a
thickness of about 5 millimeters, and a sound layer having a
thickness of about 2 millimeters. The sound layer is generally
interconnected to the core layer. The core layer may comprises at
least two faces, either of which may comprise a textured surface.
The textured surface may comprise either a substantially smooth
finish or a substantially abrasive finish. The core layer comprises
a densified foam material having a density of 490 kg/m.sup.3 to
about 520 kg/m.sup.3, and a specific material composition, both of
which enhance waterproofing and attain an optimal balance between
rigidity and severability.
Inventors: |
Courey; Stephen; (QUEBEC,
CA) ; LUBINSKY; JEFF; (PAUPACK, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Courey; Stephen
LUBINSKY; JEFF |
QUEBEC
PAUPACK |
PA |
CA
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61904366 |
Appl. No.: |
15/621487 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62409654 |
Oct 18, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29L 2031/10 20130101;
E04C 2/526 20130101; E04C 2002/005 20130101; E04F 13/0875 20130101;
E04B 1/8409 20130101; E04B 1/86 20130101; E04C 2/528 20130101; E04C
2/205 20130101; E04C 2/20 20130101; E04B 2001/8461 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/20 20060101
E04C002/20; E04C 2/52 20060101 E04C002/52; E04B 1/84 20060101
E04B001/84; E04F 13/08 20060101 E04F013/08 |
Claims
1. A board intended for use as a backing support comprising: a core
layer having a first face and an oppositely disposed second face,
said core layer formed of a densified foam material having a
predetermined structural integrity; said predetermined structural
integrity of said core layer being sufficiently rigid to support
one or more coverings thereon, said predetermined structural
integrity of said core layer also being sufficiently severable so
that a user may score and break said board into smaller pieces, and
a textured surface formed on at least a portion of either said
first face or said second face.
2. The board as recited in claim 1 wherein said predetermined
structural integrity is also sufficiently rigid to permit
installation of said board without damage.
3. The board as recited in claim 1 wherein said core layer
comprises waterproofing properties.
4. The board as recited in claim 1 wherein said densified foam
material is waterproof and comprises polyvinyl chloride and calcium
powder in generally equal amounts of between about 45% to 48% each,
and generally about 3% to 6% of a stabilizing agent and a foaming
agent.
5. The board as recited in claim 1 wherein said densified foam
material comprises a density of about 450 kg/m.sup.3 to about 550
kg/m.sup.3.
6. The board as recited in claim 5 wherein said densified foam
material comprises a density of about 490 kg/m.sup.3 to about 510
kg/m.sup.3.
7. The board as recited in claim 1 wherein said core layer
comprises a thickness of generally about 4 millimeters to about 6
millimeters.
8. The board as recited in claim 1 wherein said core layer
comprises a thickness of about 5 millimeters.
9. The board as recited in claim 1 wherein said textured surface
comprises a substantially abrasive finish.
10. The board as recited in claim 9 wherein said textured surface
is formed on substantially all of said first face.
11. The board as recited in claim 10 wherein said second face
includes a textured surface.
12. The board as recited in claim 11 wherein said textured surface
on said second face comprises a substantially smooth finish.
13. The board as recited in claim 1 wherein said textured surface
comprises a substantially smooth finish.
14. A waterproof panel for use as a backing support for coverings
comprising: a core layer having a first surface and a second
surface, said first surface including a substantially abrasive
texture, said core layer comprising a densified foam material
having a density of between generally about 490 kg/m.sup.3 to about
520 kg/m.sup.3 to provide a structural integrity having sufficient
rigidity to support one or more coverings and for installation of
the panel without damage, and a sound layer connected to said core
layer and structured to reduce sound.
15. The panel as recited in claim 14 wherein said densified foam
material is also severable upon being scored by a user and flexed
along a score line created by the user.
16. The panel as recited in claim 14 wherein said sound layer
comprises ethyl vinyl acetate.
17. The panel as recited in claim 14 wherein said sound layer
comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting
of cork, rubber, or foam.
18. The panel as recited in claim 14 further comprising a moisture
layer disposed in interconnecting relation between said core layer
and said sound layer.
19. The panel as recited in claim 14 wherein said sound layer
comprises a thickness of about 1 millimeter to about 4
millimeters.
20. A waterproof board having at least one side used as backing
support for a plurality of coverings, said board comprising: a core
layer having a first face and a second face, each having a textured
surface formed at least partially thereon; said core layer having a
thickness of generally about 5 millimeters between said first face
and said second face, and comprising a densified foam material
having a density of between generally about 490 kg/m.sup.3 to about
520 kg/m.sup.3; said core layer also having a predetermined
structural integrity so as to be sufficiently rigid to support the
coverings and to permit attachment of said board to a surface
without damage; said predetermined structural integrity of said
core layer also being sufficiently severable so that a user may
score and sever a piece of said board; and a sound layer comprising
a thickness of generally about 2 millimeters and structured to
reduce sound.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
Section 119(e) to a currently pending U.S. provisional patent
application having Ser. No. 62/409,654 and a filing date of Oct.
18, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to a rigid panel or board
made from synthetic materials and which is suitable for use as a
backing support against which a variety of coverings may be
installed. The inventive board comprises at least a core layer made
from a densified foam material having a predetermined structural
integrity with sufficient rigidity suitable for installation and
the attachment of a variety of coverings thereon. In addition, the
densified foam material of the core layer has a predetermined
structural integrity to allow a user to make a score line on the
board and sever it into smaller pieces.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] During the construction of a home, building or other
structure, there will almost always be an unfinished wall surface
such as concrete block, a wood structure or the like, which needs
to be finished to offer a more appealing and/or polished
appearance. This is also true of most unfinished floor surfaces.
Traditionally, various cement based products, such as mortar or
"thin-set" have been used to treat such unfinished surfaces and aid
in making them more even or level, and often times, tiles of
marble, stone, ceramic, and the like are also applied as part of
the process. Other products used to treat unfinished surfaces, such
as uneven floors or slabs, include plywood underlayment products
that may come in sheets or planks having a thickness of about 6
millimeters. Because plywood underlayment products are not
waterproof, their application is generally limited to horizontal
surfaces. Additionally, the installation of plywood underlayment
products and/or cement based products is often tedious, labor
intensive and time consuming. For example, plywood sheets and
cement based mixtures are often heavy and cumbersome, plus cement
based mixtures and related products need time to cure or
harden.
[0004] As a result, it has become relatively common to use
pre-formed boards made of cementitious materials and attach them to
such surfaces in order to provide a backing support that is
substantially level, and against which a covering or finish product
may be installed. Some known "cement boards" are useful in those
areas of a building structure where water and moisture occur, such
as in kitchens and bathrooms, and are commonly used as wall
surfaces in bathrooms due to their ability to withstand relatively
high levels of humidity and to serve as a backing support against
which tiles of marble, stone and the like can be applied. In
contrast, however, other pre-formed boards known as "drywall,"
which are made of gypsum plaster and also used on interior walls of
a building structure, do not typically serve as a backing support
for tiles, and also, are very susceptible to moisture and/or
humidity and therefore, are not suitable for wet environments such
as in a bathroom, near a shower, etc.
[0005] There are several disadvantages associated with both known
drywall and cement boards, which include a relatively high cost of
the material, the heavy weight of the material and the resulting
difficulty associated with shipment, delivery and installation, as
well as attendant higher labor costs. Another disadvantage
associated with such boards is that there is often a considerable
amount of waste generated. Additionally, cement boards tend to be
thicker than other types of boards used as wall surfaces, and add
difficulty to the installation process as well as spatial
constraints, which can be problematic particularly in small areas
or tight spaces.
[0006] As such, it would be beneficial if a new backing support
product could be made out of a material that is relatively thin,
relatively lightweight, not cementitious, and which also offers
waterproofing properties. If any such improved backing support were
developed, it should also be sufficiently rigid so as to be capable
of being secured to a surface without causing any damage to the
backing support itself, while also capable of supporting a covering
without being damaged. Further, if any such improved backing
support were developed, it should also have an ability to be
readily modified or cut into any desired sizes or shape upon
installation. Ideally, if any such improved backing support were
developed, it would be capable of offering certain sound proofing
or sound attenuation properties, which is desirable for use in
multi-story developments such as condominiums, hotels, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is intended to present a solution to
these and other needs which remain in this field of art, and as
such, is directed to a panel or board made of synthetic materials,
and having a structural integrity and sufficient rigidity to permit
installation on a surface and to support a variety of coverings
thereon. The inventive board overcomes some of the drawbacks of
existing plywood underlayment and cement based products as the
inventive board is waterproof and can therefore be used on both
horizontal and vertical surfaces, and also in different areas of a
building such as bathrooms, other areas likely to be exposed to
moisture or humidity, as well as with many desired types of
flooring surface(s). The coverings, which may be installed in
overlying supported relation to the inventive panel or board, may
include tiles made of stone, marble, granite, and the like but also
others such as, but not limited to, laminate flooring, vinyl
composite tiles (VCT), wood planks and other flooring products. In
at least one embodiment of the present invention, however, the
panel or board can be formed to include a dye or colorant(s) in
order to coordinate with a particular color scheme for the
surrounding area, and in other embodiments can itself be directly
painted, so that in some instances, the present invention can be
used to finish a building floor, wall or other surface, and its use
with other coverings is not necessary.
[0008] The panel or board of the present invention, which can be
formed to offer various sizes and dimensions, comprises a core
layer having a first or top surface, an oppositely disposed second
or bottom surface, and a substantially uniform thickness that in
some embodiments is within a range of generally about 4 millimeters
to about 6 millimeters, and ideally about 5 millimeters. Also, a
textured surface is formed on at least a portion of either the
first top surface or the second bottom surface. The textured
surface comprises, in at least one embodiment, an abrasive finish
formed at least partially, if not entirely, on either the first or
second surface, to facilitate use with an adhesive or other
material such as "thin-set" or mortar. In some embodiments, both
surfaces may include a textured surface, such as but not limited
to, a substantially abrasive finish on one of these surfaces and a
substantially smooth finish on the other, which may be desirable in
other instances.
[0009] In addition, the panel or board of the present invention has
a core layer comprising a densified foam material having an optimal
density that achieves balance between rigidity and severability.
More specifically, the densified foam material has a predetermined
structural integrity so as to be sufficiently rigid to permit
installation onto a selected surface without causing damage to the
panel or board, and also, adequate structural support to one or
more coverings thereon, some of which may be heavy. At the same
time, the predetermined structural integrity of the densified foam
material is sufficiently severable such that a user can cut or
"score" a line on the panel or board with a box-cutter, knife or
other cutting tool, and subsequently "snap" the panel or board into
smaller pieces. As such, the densified foam material will have a
optimal density ranging from generally about 450 kg/m.sup.3 to
about 550 kg/m.sup.3, although in one or more preferred
embodiments, this will be generally about 500 kg/m.sup.3.
Additionally, the panel or board of the present invention can be
extruded from a foamed high density polyvinyl (PVC) composition
comprising in at least one embodiment generally equal amounts of a
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material and calcium powder, as well as
stabilizing agents and foaming agents, such as but not limited to a
composition of generally about 47% of PVC, and generally about 47%
of calcium powder, a stabilizer agent of generally about 3% and a
foaming agent of generally about 3%. Additionally, the densified
foam material composition and density thereof contribute to the
waterproofing properties of the invention, making it ideal for use
in moist environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, and showers. It
should be noted, however, that in other embodiments, the core layer
of the inventive panel or board, including the densified foam
material may also comprise other materials and/or formulations.
[0010] As one example, the panel or board of the present invention
may also comprise in some embodiments a sound layer formed from a
sound insulating material that can attenuate sound transmission,
which is desirable in some environments where sound reduction is
important, such as in multi-story developments. The sound layer may
be connected to the core layer and may comprise ethyl vinyl acetate
or other sound insulating materials including, but not limited to,
cork, rubber, or foam. The thickness of the sound layer may range
from about 1 millimeter to about 4 millimeters depending on the
desired level of sound attenuation. Additionally, the sound layer
may comprise a moisture layer in the form of a plastic film or
foil.
[0011] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as
the detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a board
according to the present invention comprising a core layer.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a board according to the
present invention in another embodiment comprising a core layer and
a sound layer.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of
a board according to the present invention comprising a core layer
and a sound layer.
[0016] FIG. 3B is a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of
a board according to the present invention comprising a core layer,
and a moisture layer.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a board
according to the present invention comprising a core layer having a
textured surface that is substantially smooth.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a board
according to the present invention comprising a core layer having a
textured surface that is substantially abrasive.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
board according to the present invention comprising a core layer
having a textured surface that is substantially smooth.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
board according to the present invention comprising a core layer
having a textured surface that is substantially abrasive.
[0021] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] The present invention is directed towards a panel or board,
generally indicated as 10, that may be used as backing support for
a variety of different applications. While the present invention is
referred to herein primarily as a board or panel, it may also
comprise a sheet or other similar structure, and consequently, this
terminology should not be deemed a limiting factor.
[0023] As will be explained in greater detail below, the board 10
of the present invention is intended for installation on an
unfinished floor, wall, soffit, ceiling, or other similar surface.
By way of example, the board 10 may be secured to an unfinished
wall such as a masonry wall or a concrete wall, or against an
unfinished floor such as a concrete slab or floor. In most
instances, the board 10 will typically be nailed, screwed or
drilled into place, but may also be secured by other methods. Also,
the board 10 of the present invention is well suited to level an
otherwise uneven surface, but it may also be used in a variety of
other applications. As another example, the board 10, itself, may
be used to form a wall, ceiling, soffit, or other similar partition
or divider, and to support a covering or finish. In other words,
the board 10 may be disposed against or connected to a support
structure such as, but not limited to, a frame or a mount.
[0024] After the inventive board 10 is installed in a desired
location, a variety of coverings or finishing products may be
installed, applied, or otherwise adhered to the board 10. These
covering or finish products generally require a flat surface for
installation and may include various types of tiles such as, but
not limited to, marble, stone, travertine, granite, mosaics,
ceramic, porcelain and the like, some of which may be quite heavy.
Other coverings can also be used with the inventive board 10, such
as, but not limited to, laminate flooring, vinyl composite tiles
(VCT), wood planks and other flooring products. Moreover, other
coverings or finish products which may also require a flat surface
for installation are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0025] With reference now to FIG. 1, the panel or board 10 of the
present invention comprises at least a core layer, generally
represented as 20. As shown, the core layer 20 comprises a first
face 22 that defines a top surface 12 of the board 10 and a second
face 24 that is oppositely disposed so as to define a bottom
surface 14 of the panel or board 10. The core layer 20 will
preferably have a uniform thickness between its top surface 12 and
bottom surface 14 and be in a range of generally about 4
millimeters to 6 millimeters, although in a preferred embodiment,
this thickness will be generally 5 millimeters. Additionally, at
least one of these faces, such as 22, 24 or such as surfaces 12, 14
will include a texture formed on at least a portion thereof. In
most embodiments, however, the board 10 will have a textured
surface formed at least substantially across one of these faces or
surfaces. Also in most embodiments, a textured surface can be
formed on both of these faces or surfaces. For example, and with
reference to FIGS. 4 through 7, the first face 22 and the second
face 24 may respectively comprise a first textured surface 26 and
second textured surface 28. The texture surface may comprise a
smooth finish, although in at least one embodiment, the textured
surface comprises an abrasive finish. However, the present
invention contemplates a board 10 having both a first face 22
defined by top surface 12 with a first textured surface 26 that may
be smooth, and a second face 24 defined by bottom surface 14 having
a second textured surface 28 that offers a partially or
substantially abrasive finish.
[0026] As represented in the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 1-7,
the board 10 may comprise a substantially rectangular shape, having
a pair of elongated sides or edges 16 and a pair of shorter sides
or edges 16'. Other configurations for the panel or board 10 are
possible and within the spirit of the present invention, such as
but not limited to, substantially square, trapezoid, circular or
other shapes. Also, and while the board 10 may be formed to have
other dimensions, in the embodiment having a rectangular shape, the
board 10 may be manufactured to have dimensions that generally
correspond to the spacing commonly found between drywall studs. By
way of example only, the dimensions of the board 10 may be
approximately thirty six (36'') inches wide by approximately sixty
(60'') inches long.
[0027] The core layer 20 of the inventive panel or board 10
additionally comprises a densified foam material having a
predetermined structural integrity. This predetermined structural
integrity is the result of the specific material composition and
density range of the densified foam material, and allows for an
optimal balance between rigidity and severability that makes the
board 10 ideal for use as a backing support. For example, the
inventive board 10 is sufficiently rigid so that the board 10 can
be installed and secured to an unfinished wall or floor surface,
whether by nails, screws or other fastening mechanism without
damaging the board, such as by the head of the screw or nail
penetrating the surface of the board 10. In addition, the board 10
is sufficiently rigid so as to provide adequate support to one or
more tiles, or other coverings disposed thereon. Moreover, the
inventive board 10 should at the same time be sufficiently
severable, so as to allow a user to expeditiously cut, trim or
otherwise form the inventive board 10 into a desired shape by
"scoring" a line(s) on the board 10 with a box-cutter, knife or
other cutting tool, and subsequently break or snap off a piece of
the board 10 along the scoring line. For example, and due to the
composition and thickness of the board 10 in some embodiments, a
user may use a box-cutter, knife, or other similar instrument to
"score" a line(s) on the inventive board 10 at a depth of
approximately 2 millimeters to approximately to 3 millimeters below
the top surface 12 of the board 10, and thereafter, readily snap or
break off the board 10 into smaller pieces along the scoring
line.
[0028] Accordingly, the core layer 20 comprises a densified foam
material that is preferably a foamed, high density, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) material. While the specific composition of the
densified foam material may vary, it generally comprises a
combination of a synthetic plastic polymer such as polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), calcium powder, and foaming agent. In at least one
embodiment, the material composition of the densified foam material
comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and calcium powder in generally
equal amounts. For example, the densified foam material may
comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in an amount of between generally
between about 45% to about 48%, and calcium powder in an amount
also generally between 45% to about 48%, as well as stabilizing
agent(s) in an amount of approximately 3% and foaming agent(s) in
an amount of approximately 3%. The foaming agent may be a mixture
of several materials that enhance stability. Additionally, the
density of the core layer 20 and its densified foam material may
range from about 450 kg/m.sup.3 to about 550 kg/m.sup.3, with very
favorable results attained with a density of 500 kg/m.sup.3.
[0029] A feature of the board 10 of the present invention is that
either of the faces 22 or 24 of the core layer 20 may be modified
or roughened to facilitate adhesion. As is represented in FIGS. 4
and 7, the board 10 of the present invention, and more specifically
the core layer 20, is initially manufactured so that all of its
faces, such as 22 and/or 24, comprise a substantially smooth
finish. As such, either or both of the first textured surface 26
and/or second textured surface 27 may comprise a substantially
smooth finish, generally indicated as 27. As is represented in
FIGS. 5 and 8, either or both of the first face 22 or second face
24 of the core layer, may be modified or roughened to achieve a
substantially abrasive finish, generally represented as 29. As
such, at least a portion of the core layer 20 may be passed through
a light sander to roughen it thereby creating a substantially
abrasive finish 29 on either or both of its faces 22 or 24. With a
substantially abraded finish 29, an adhesive such as thin-set,
mortar, or another compound, can better adhere to either face 22 or
24 of the core layer 20. Providing a board 10 comprising a core
layer 20 with a substantially abraded finish 29 is particularly
useful if an adhesive or other compound is required to install the
exposed surface. Conversely, a substantially abrasive finish 29 may
not always be needed, such as in a face 22 of 24 of the core layer
20, against which may not be installed an exposed surface. Hence, a
substantially smooth finish 27 is acceptable on areas that may be
intentionally left exposed, such as for example inner portions of
walls. Further, if the board 10 comprises is a sound layer 30, then
the face 22 or 24 of the core layer 20, that is connected either
face 32 or 34 of the sound layer, may also comprise a substantially
smooth finish 27 in lieu of a substantially abraded finish 29.
[0030] As previously mentioned, yet additional features of the
present invention include providing a board 10 with sound
attenuation properties. Therefore, and as shown in FIGS. 2-3A, the
inventive board 10 may also comprise a sound layer, generally
represented as 30. The sound layer 30 may be structured to lessen
sound transmissions in environments where sound attenuation is
important. These environments may include, but are not limited to,
multi-story developments such as condominiums, apartments, hotels,
retail spaces, office towers, hospitals, and several others. The
sound layer 30 may comprise ethyl vinyl acetate which is a material
that has sound attenuation properties. Other sound attenuating
materials, however, are also within the scope of the present
invention. For example, the sound layer 30 may comprise other
materials such as, but not limited to, cork, rubber, or foam. The
overall thickness of the sound layer 20 may vary, but generally
ranges from about 1 millimeter to about 4 millimeters depending on
the desired level of sound attenuation and on spatial constrains.
This range may also be about 1.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters
as a sound layer 30 having a thickness of about 2 millimeters may
be optimal. Additionally, as represented in FIGS. 2-3B, the sound
layer 30 may also comprise a plurality of edges 36. The plurality
of edges 36 of the sound layer 30 may substantially overlap or be
substantially coincident with the plurality of sides 16 of the
board 10. Alternatively, as is represented in FIG. 2, the sound
layer 30 may be disposed so that the edge(s) 36 are in a
substantially offset relation to the side(s) 16 of the board. That
is, a substantially offset relation, between the edge(s) 36 of the
sound layer 30 and the side(s) of the board 10, may be desirable so
as to provide an area of the board 10 where a user may be able to
cut the board 10 without having to cut or otherwise damage any
portion of the sound layer 30.
[0031] Moreover, as represented in FIG. 3B, the board 10 of the
present invention may also comprise a moisture layer, indicated as
40. The moisture layer 40 generally comprises an elastic material
such as, but not limited to, a plastic film or a foil, and serves
as a moisture barrier between the sound layer 30 and the core layer
20. A moisture layer 40 may be appropriate when the inventive board
10 is used as a leveling surface against a slab that is
substantially disposed at grade level. There may be excess moisture
in a slab, especially due to saturation of the underlying soil or
substrate. In such instances, a moisture layer 40 may be desirable
to prevent damage to the covering or finish. As is shown in FIG.
3B, the moisture layer 40 is generally connected to the core layer
20. When the board 10 is installed, the moisture layer 40 should
face the underlying surface such as the slab on grade so as to
serve as a moisture barrier.
[0032] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
panel or board can be formed to include a dye or colorant(s) in
order to coordinate with a particular color scheme for the
surrounding area. In other embodiments, however, the inventive
board can itself be directly painted, so that in some instances,
the present invention can be used to finish a building floor, wall
or other surface, and its use with other coverings is not
necessary.
[0033] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0034] Now that the invention has been described,
* * * * *