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:
Oct. 02, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 06, 2000
Robert S. Brookman, Providence, RI (US);
Charles Gates, Warwick, RI (US);
Lawrence Wallace, North Kingstown, RI (US);
Teknor Apex Company, Pawtucket, RI (US);
Abstract
A method of making a multilayered, resilient flooring containing a multicolored pattern is disclosed. The method includes applying a multiplicity of pigmented, thermoplastic microbeads to a top surface of a thermoplastic base layer to form a pattern layer on the base layer, which typically remains sufficiently hot so that it is molten or tacky when the microbeads are applied. The base layer and pattern layer can be covered with a substantially transparent material to form a clear top layer. The base layer can be formed by melting a dry blend comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC) to produce a molten PVC output, shaping the molten PVC output into a smooth PVC sheet of uniform thickness. The microbeads can be applied to the base layer using a stencil. The multiplicity of microbeads can include microbeads of two or more colors. Preferably, the microbeads are approximately spherical and have an average diameter between 0.002″ and 0.040″. Optionally, the method includes bonding a backing layer to bottom of the base layer.