U.S. patent application number 17/466929 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-23 for methods of bonding articles using moisture-curing adhesive composition.
The applicant listed for this patent is Swift IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Philip Swift.
Application Number | 20210396651 17/466929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005822447 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210396651 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swift; Philip |
December 23, 2021 |
Methods of Bonding Articles Using Moisture-Curing Adhesive
Composition
Abstract
An adhesive composition may be applied to a surface, such as
plastic, metal, wood, stucco, plaster, brick, concrete, glass,
rubber, tile, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, canvas, stone, or
drywall. The adhesive-containing surface is then pressed into
contact with a second surface to create a strong, watertight bond.
The methods disclosed herein may be used to assemble and/or repair
a variety of articles and structures, such as roofs, gutters,
boats, kayaks, personal watercraft, canoes, rafts, inflatable
articles such as toys, sporting equipment, and air mattresses,
outdoor equipment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, campers,
garden hoses, low-pressure PVC and plumbing pipes, tents, vinyl
awnings, covers and tarps, swimming pools, windows, doors, walls,
seams, vents, air ducts, HVAC systems, and the like. Also disclosed
herein are methods of testing the bonding strength of an adhesive,
methods of affecting underwater repairs, and methods of assembling
an all-terrain vehicle.
Inventors: |
Swift; Philip; (Weston,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Swift IP, LLC |
Weston |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005822447 |
Appl. No.: |
17/466929 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15857764 |
Dec 29, 2017 |
11131620 |
|
|
17466929 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 63/00 20130101;
B32B 7/12 20130101; B29C 65/484 20130101; B32B 21/02 20130101; G01N
19/04 20130101; G01N 2203/0033 20130101; G01N 33/44 20130101; B32B
15/043 20130101; B29C 66/0016 20130101; B29C 65/8215 20130101; C09J
2203/00 20130101; B32B 2037/1261 20130101; B32B 13/04 20130101;
B62D 21/00 20130101; E04H 2004/146 20130101; C09J 5/04 20130101;
G01N 2203/026 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 19/04 20060101
G01N019/04; B32B 15/04 20060101 B32B015/04; C09J 5/04 20060101
C09J005/04; B32B 21/02 20060101 B32B021/02; B32B 13/04 20060101
B32B013/04; G01N 33/44 20060101 G01N033/44; B62D 21/00 20060101
B62D021/00; B32B 7/12 20060101 B32B007/12 |
Claims
1. A method of assembling an all-terrain vehicle comprising:
applying an adhesive composition to a portion of a first frame
member; bringing the first frame member into contact with a second
frame member to bond the first frame member to the second frame
member; applying the adhesive composition to another portion of the
first frame member or the second frame member and bringing the
first frame member or the second frame member into contact with
successive frame members until a complete frame is assembled,
wherein at least the frame of the all-terrain vehicle is joined
using only the adhesive.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein remaining vehicle components of
the all-terrain vehicle are secured to the assembled frame and/or
to other vehicle components.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the remaining vehicle components
are selected from a group consisting of a motor, wheels, axles, a
steering assembly, a suspension, a seat, a steering wheel, and
operating controls.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein a motor is secured to the
assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein wheels are secured to the
assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein axles are secured to the
assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein a steering assembly is secured to
the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a suspension is secured to the
assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein a seat is secured to the
assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein a steering wheel is secured to
the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein operating controls are secured
to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein a motor, wheels, axles, a
steering assembly, a suspension, a seat, a steering wheel,
operating controls is secured to the assembled frame and/or to
other vehicle components.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising operating the
all-terrain vehicle over uneven ground, whereby the all-terrain
vehicle remains intact.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the uneven terrain includes
obstructions.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the obstruction is a log.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the obstruction is a rock.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the uneven terrain is a
rock.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the uneven terrain is a log.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/857,764 filed Dec. 29, 2017, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aerosol-propelled rubber compositions, such as FLEX
SEAL.RTM., and viscous liquid rubber compositions, such as FLEX
SEAL.RTM. LIQUID, sold by Swift Response LLC, have been widely
popular for consumer use in waterproofing and repairing various
articles and structures. It would be desirable to develop
alternative techniques for bonding and/or repairing household
articles, motor vehicles, structures, and the like, such as for
purposes of assembly and/or repair. It would be particularly
desirable to develop techniques which are safe and easy-to-use for
consumers.
SUMMARY
[0003] Aspects of the invention involve techniques in which an
adhesive composition is applied to a surface, such as plastic,
metal, wood, stucco, plaster, brick, concrete, glass, rubber, tile,
fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, canvas, stone, or drywall. The
adhesive-containing surface is then pressed into contact with a
second surface to create a strong, watertight bond. The methods
disclosed herein may be used to assemble and/or repair a variety of
articles and structures, such as roofs, gutters, boats, kayaks,
personal watercraft, canoes, rafts, inflatable articles such as
toys, sporting equipment, and air mattresses, outdoor equipment,
mobile homes, recreational vehicles, campers, garden hoses,
low-pressure PVC and plumbing pipes, tents, vinyl awnings, covers
and tarps, above-ground swimming pools, windows, doors, walls,
seams, vents, air ducts, HVAC systems, and the like.
[0004] In one example embodiment, a method of testing the bond
strength of an adhesive is provided. An adhesive composition may be
applied to a first surface of a first block, such as a brick,
cinderblock, wooden block, or metal block. The first surface of the
first block, containing the adhesive, may be brought into contact
with a second surface. The second surface may be a surface of a
second block of similar or dissimilar construction to that of the
first block, or a structural member such as a horizontally disposed
steel or wooden beam. In some examples, one or more additional
blocks may be bonded to the assembly in a similar manner, e.g., to
create a bonded stack of 3, 4, 5, or more blocks. Bond strength of
the assembly may be tested by holding one of the blocks (e.g., by
hand or with the aid of a tool such as a clamp) and allowing the
bonded block(s) to be suspended beneath the held block. In the case
where the second surface is a structural member, the first block
may be bonded to an underside of the structural member such that
the first block is suspended from the structural member. A
successful test may be characterized by the suspended block(s)
remaining bonded to the adjacent surface despite the weight of the
suspended block(s).
[0005] In another illustrative embodiment, a method of testing bond
strength of an adhesive comprises applying an adhesive composition
to a first surface of a first block, such as a brick, cinderblock,
wooden block, or metal block. The first surface of the first block
containing the adhesive may be brought into contact with a second
surface of a second block of similar or dissimilar construction to
the first block. A weight may be attached to the first block or the
second block. The bonded assembly, along with the attached weight,
may be suspended from a support. A successful test may be
characterized by the first and second blocks remaining bonded
together notwithstanding the mass of the weight attached to the
second block. In some examples, the adhesive is allowed to cure,
e.g., for a period of 4-7 days, to attain greater adhesive strength
thereby allowing a significant amount of weight (e.g., 500 to 1,000
lbs.) to be suspended from the bonded assembly without
delamination.
[0006] In another illustrative embodiment, a method of affecting
underwater repairs is provided. An adhesive composition may be
applied to a first surface. The first surface containing the
adhesive may be brought into contact with a second surface that is
underwater. In some examples, the first surface also may be
underwater at the time that the adhesive is applied thereto. The
first surface and the second surface may be pressed together to
bond the first surface to the second surface to affect the
underwater repair.
[0007] In yet another illustrative embodiment, a method of
assembling an all-terrain vehicle is provided. The method includes
a step of applying an adhesive composition to a portion of a first
frame member and bonding the first frame member to a second frame
member. Successive frame members are bonded to each other to
complete the assembly, wherein at least the entire frame of the
all-terrain vehicle is joined together using only the adhesive,
thereby avoiding the need for the use of welding or other assembly
techniques. In some examples, the thus-assembled all-terrain
vehicle may be operated over uneven terrain whereupon the
all-terrain vehicle remains intact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] 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:
[0009] FIGS. 1A-1D schematically illustrate methods of bonding
blocks and testing the resulting bond strength in accordance with
one or more illustrative aspects.
[0010] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a method of testing bond
strength in accordance with another illustrative aspect.
[0011] FIGS. 3A-3E schematically illustrate methods of making
underwater repairs in accordance with additional illustrative
aspects.
[0012] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a method of assembling an
all-terrain vehicle in accordance with another illustrative
aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] A polymer-based, construction-quality adhesive composition
(sometimes referred to herein as "adhesive" or "adhesive
composition") may be applied to a surface such as roofs, gutters,
boats, kayaks, personal watercraft, canoes, rafts, inflatable
articles such as toys, sporting equipment, and air mattresses,
outdoor equipment, mobile homes, motor vehicles, campers, garden
hoses, low pressure PVC and plumbing pipes, tents, vinyl awnings,
covers and tarps, above-ground swimming pools, windows, doors,
walls, seams, vents, air ducts, HVAC systems, furniture, and the
like. The adhesive-containing surface then may be pressed into
contact with a second surface to create a watertight bond, such as
for purposes of repair and/or assembly.
[0014] The adhesive should highly flexible when applied, allowing
it to readily conform to the shape of the article to which it is
applied. The adhesive may form a strong bond with a variety of
surfaces under a variety of conditions. In some examples, the
adhesive may be applied to a surface while in contact with water,
so that structures such as aquariums, swimming pools, hot tubs,
ponds, vessels, and docks may be repaired underwater. In some
examples, the adhesive may be supplied in a tube that may be
squeezed to easily apply a quantity of the adhesive onto a surface.
If desired, the adhesive may be provided in a receptacle that
allows it to be dispensed with the aid of a tool such as a caulk
gun.
[0015] The particular type of adhesive used is not limited provided
that it has sufficiently high adhesive strength and water-resistant
properties. A number of suitable adhesive compositions are
commercially available, including polyurethane construction
adhesives, polyurethane based moisture-curing adhesives, silane
modified polymers, and elastomers. Other types of adhesives may be
based, for example, on silicone, epoxy, acrylate, or synthetic
rubber. In one example, a rapid polymerizing, one-part
moisture-curing hybrid material may be used. In some examples, the
adhesive contains no solvent or water and is VOC compliant. The
adhesive may be formulated in a variety of colors tailored to
particular applications or consumer preferences. For example,
adhesive compositions may be clear, white, off-white, black, gray,
blue, green, red, almond, brown, silver, yellow, terra cotta, or
other suitable color. 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 with the aid of no more than
routine experimentation.
[0016] FIGS. 1A-1D show methods of testing the bond strength of an
adhesive in accordance with some illustrative aspects. As shown in
FIG. 1A, an adhesive composition 12 may be applied to a first
surface 10a' of a first block 10a, such as a brick, cinderblock,
wooden block, or metal block. As shown in FIG. 1B, the first
surface 10a' of the first block 10a which contains the adhesive 12
may be brought into contact with a second surface 10b'. The second
surface may be a surface 10b' of a second block 10b of similar or
dissimilar construction to that of the first block 10a, as shown in
FIG. 1B, or alternatively a surface 20' of a structural member 20
such as a horizontally disposed steel or wooden beam, as shown in
FIG. 1D. Pressure P may be applied to affect bonding between the
first surface 10a' and the second surface 10b' or 20'. In some
examples (not illustrated), one or more additional blocks may be
bonded to the assembly in a similar manner, e.g., to create a
bonded stack of 3, 4, 5, or more blocks. Bond strength of the
assembly may be tested by holding one of the blocks (e.g., by hand
or with the aid of a tool such as a clamp 16) and allowing the
bonded block(s) to be suspended beneath the held block. In the case
where the second surface is a structural member, the first block
may be bonded to an underside of the structural member such that
the first block is suspended from the structural member, as
depicted in FIG. 1D. A successful test may be characterized by the
suspended block(s) remaining bonded to the adjacent surface despite
the weight of the one or more suspended block(s).
[0017] FIG. 2 shows another illustrative embodiment of testing the
bond strength of an adhesive. An adhesive composition may be used
to bond a first block 10a to a second surface in a similar manner
to that which was previously described. The second surface may be
that of a second block 10b, as shown in FIG. 2, or alternatively a
structural member 20 as in FIG. 1D. A lower support, such as a
metal bracket 24, may be attached to the first block 10a and a
weight 26 may be attached to the lower support 24. The bonded
assembly, along with the attached weight 26, may be suspended from
an upper support 22, such as a metal bracket and/or cable. A
successful test may be characterized by the first 10a and second
10b blocks remaining bonded together notwithstanding the mass of
the weight 26 being supported by the bonded assembly. In some
examples, the adhesive may be allowed to cure, e.g., for a period
of 4-7 days, to attain greater adhesive strength. When the adhesive
reaches these greater adhesive strengths, a significant amount of
weight (e.g., 500 to 1,000 lbs. or more) may be suspended from the
bonded assembly without causing delamination.
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3E show methods of affecting underwater repairs in
accordance with additional illustrative embodiments. As shown in
FIG. 3A, an adhesive composition 12 may be applied to a first
surface, such as the rear surface 30b' of a ceramic tile 30b. The
first surface 30b' containing the adhesive 12 may be brought into
contact with a second surface that is underwater. For example, as
shown in FIG. 3B, the tile 30b may be bonded in a space adjacent to
existing tiles 30a. In some examples, the first surface also may be
underwater at the time that the adhesive is applied thereto. For
example, FIG. 3C illustrates applying adhesive 12 to an underwater
surface for receiving a tile 30b. The tile 30b may be pressed P
into place so that the adhesive 12 bonds the tile 30b to the second
surface to affect the underwater repair. The repaired underwater
structure is shown in FIG. 3E. Various other types of materials,
e.g., wood, metal, ceramic, and the like, may be bonded to
appropriate surfaces using the adhesive to affect underwater
repairs of various structures, such as vessels, docks, pools,
ponds, spas, and the like.
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts a method of assembling an all-terrain vehicle
400 in accordance with another illustrative embodiment. A plurality
of frame members 40 may be joined by applying an adhesive
composition to an end portion of a frame member 40 and pressing it
into contact with an adjacent frame member 40. Successive frame
members 40 may be bonded together in a similar manner to complete
the frame assembly, as shown in FIG. 4. At least the entire frame
of the all-terrain vehicle 400 may be joined together using only
the adhesive, thereby avoiding the need for the use of welding or
other assembly techniques. The remaining components of the vehicle
400 such as the motor, wheels, axles, steering assembly,
suspension, seat, steering wheel, and operating controls may be
secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components.
In some examples, the thus-assembled vehicle 400 may be driven by
an operator over uneven terrain, which may include obstructions
such as rocks and logs, and yet the frame and vehicle remain intact
due to the strength of the adhesive bonds.
[0020] The adhesive composition may be used to affect various other
household repairs. For examples, the adhesive may be applied to an
upper surface of a table base, and a tabletop may be placed on top
of the table base to secure the tabletop to the table base. In
other examples, adhesive may be applied to a gutter or drain spout
to bond the gutter or drain spout to a fitting or to another
conduit. In other examples, the adhesive may be applied to frame
for a ceiling light fixture to create a watertight seal between the
frame and a ceiling. The adhesive also may be applied to various
types of building materials such as drywall, wood, stone or ceramic
tile, vinyl siding, and the like to install and/or repair sections
of such materials.
[0021] 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.
* * * * *