Method of forming a composite article

Abstract

A method of forming a composite article including a first portion comprising a cured elastomer and presenting an engagement surface, and a second portion comprising a thermoplastic composition and presenting a locking surface is disclosed. The method comprises the step of forming a plurality of engagement voids in the engagement surface of the first portion. Each engagement void penetrates into the engagement surface of the first portion and is defined by a side wall which forms an acute angle with the engagement surface. The method also includes the step of applying the thermoplastic composition onto the engagement surface of the first portion to form the second portion such that the locking surface abuts the engagement surface and defines a plurality of locking protrusions disposed in the plurality of engagement voids of the first portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.