The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 14, 1990
Filed:
Feb. 24, 1989
Rayna W Smith, Harrisburg, PA (US);
Gerald W Miller, Cincinnati, OH (US);
C. H. Masland & Sons, Carlisle, PA (US);
Abstract
Fiber reinforced thermoplastic molded products, sheets, and the like, having a glossy surface are produced by intimately blending discrete reinforcing fibers (e.g. fiberglass) and thermoplastic fibers (e.g. polypropylene or polycarbonate) into a web. The web is heated to the melting point of the thermoplastic fibers while applying pressure, to eliminate air and press the web into a consolidated structure. Breakage of the reinforcing fibers is minimized by limiting the thickness of the web and limiting the pressure so as to produce a consolidated structure with minimal fiber breakage and a Notched Izod of at least one. Layering consolidated structures, some without reinforcing fibers, may be heated and pressed together to form a final structure having a thickness greater than the individual structures. The great majority of the fibers are provided so that the fibers of each type are within the range of about 0.5-5 inches. A sheet capable of replacing an automotive metal panel (that is having sufficiently high gloss, rigidity and impact characteristics) is provided, the sheet having a Notched Izod of at least about two and preferably at least about five. Products with Notched Izods of up to eight or nine may be achieved.