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:
Jul. 11, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 23, 1997
David J Gruenwald, Butte des Morts, WI (US);
Brunswick Corporation, Lake Forest, IL (US);
Abstract
A technique for forming self-supporting structures with thermoplastic material incorporates a plasma-heated spray of thermoplastic material with glass fiber reinforcement, such as glass fibers. The material is sprayed into a mold which is shaped to create the desired form and configuration of the self-supporting structure. A mixture of thermoplastic powder and reinforcing fibers is carried by a stream of inert gas through a plasma region. The thermoplastic material is melted as it passes through the plasma region and the resulting plasma is sprayed against the surface of a form mold. The thickness of the resulting structure can be varied from region to region by changing the speed of movement of a spray nozzle relative to the form, using a plurality of spray nozzles that can be selectively activated and deactivated, or by providing a plurality of coats of sprayed thermoplastic material, one after another.