Single layer self-adhering reinforcing patch
AssigneeZephyros, Inc.
InventorsMichael Czaplicki, Keith Madaus, Chris Hable
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present teachings generally provide for a reinforcing patch for stiffening vehicle panels. The reinforcing patch may be fabric free (e.g., free of any reinforcing layer). The reinforcing patch may be cut into small shapes, complex shapes, or both. The stiffening material may be free of a mesh or a fabric, which may allow the reinforcing patch material to be easily produced and easily reprocessed. The reinforcing patch may include one or more reinforcing particulates in combination with one or more discontinuous fiber components to obtain stiffness comparable to traditional patches which include a mesh/fabric layer.
Claims19
A reinforcing patch for panel stiffening comprising:
- an adhesive including:
- i) one or more reinforcing particulates in an amount of greater than 30% by weight of the adhesive;
- ii) one or more discontinuous fiber components;
- iii) an epoxy resin and an epoxy adduct;
- and
- iv) one or more epoxide functional systems, one or more curing agents, one or more modifiers, one or more impact modifiers, one or more curing agent accelerators, and one or more blowing agents;
- wherein the reinforcing patch is free of any reinforcing layer;
- wherein the epoxy adduct is present in an amount of about 5% to 10% by weight of the adhesive;
- wherein the one or more impact modifiers is a core-shell particle consisting of a rubber core material and a harder outer shell that is compatible with the one or more epoxide functional systems;
- wherein the reinforcing patch is tacky prior to activation;
- wherein the reinforcing patch is not reactive at room temperature;
- wherein the reinforcing patch is not flexible after activation;
- and
- wherein the reinforcing patch has an extension at break of about 4.5 mm or greater.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.