US4818829A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrally molded composites of silicone rubber
Assignee: Duralith Corp
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Filing: 1987-07-09
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Granted: 1989-04-04
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Expires: 2007-07-09
Abstract
Abstract Novel composite products formed by bonding a flowable elastomer, such as silicone rubber, to a transparent or translucent silicone rubber preform are described. These products have utility in the field of electromechanical devices such as an illuminated switch or key or as a transparent rubber window permitting view of an underlying display device. The bond between the preformed elastomer and the flowable elastomeric material is improved by post-curing the preform for about 4 hours at about 200° C. prior to contact of the flowable material with the preform. Methods of fabrication of the novel composites are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Leroy N. Nopper
- 👤 Meryl E. Miller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 06:39
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C43/00; B29C43/02; B29C43/18; B29C45/00; B29C45/14; B29C45/14778; B29C70/00; B29C70/68; H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; B29K; B29K2083/00; B29K2621/00; B29K2995/00; B29K2995/0018; B29K2995/0025; B29K2995/0026; B29K2995/0029; B29L; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/34; B29L2031/3443; B29L2031/46; B29L2031/466; H01H2219/00; H01H2219/002; H01H2219/014; H01H2219/018; H01H2219/054; H01H2219/062; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/044; H01H2229/046; H01H2229/058
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of manufacturing an integrally molded composite comprising the steps of: (a) placing a preformed elastomer in a mold cavity; (b) compressing the preformed elastomer between opposing wall portions of the mold cavity; (c)flowing an elastomer into the mold cavity and about the preformed elastomer under pressure such that the preformed elastomer is not displaced from its position in the mold.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of manufacturing an integrally molded composite comprising the steps of: (a) placing a preformed elastomer in a mold cavity; (b) compressing the preformed elastomer between opposing wall portions of the mold cavity; (c)flowing an elastomer into the mold cavity and about the preformed elastomer under pressure such that the preformed elastomer is not displaced from its position in the mold.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the preformed elastomer is formed by shaping silicone rubber and post-curing it for about 4 hours at about 200° C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the placing step comprises placing the preformed elastomer within a depression in the mold cavity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 3, wherein the elastomer which is flowed into the mold cavity is an opaque silicone rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the preformed elastomer is a light transmitting silicone rubber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 5, wherein the elastomer which is flowed into the mold cavity is an opaque silicone rubber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
A process of forming an integrally molded composite comprising the steps of: (a) placing a preformed elastomer into a heated mold cavity; (b) allowing the preformed elastomer to expand into a sealing contact with the mold walls; (c) flowing an elastomer into the mold cavity under pressure such that the preformed elastomer is not displaced from its contact with the mold walls.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
A process of forming an integrally molded composite comprising the steps of: (a) placing a preformed elastomer into a heated mold cavity; (b) allowing the preformed elastomer to expand into a sealing contact with the mold walls; (c) flowing an elastomer into the mold cavity under pressure such that the preformed elastomer is not displaced from its contact with the mold walls.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 7, wherein the preformed elastomer differs in at least one property from the flowable elastomer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 7, wherein the preformed elastomer differs in color from the flowable elastomer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 9, wherein the elastomers are silicone rubber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 7, wherein the preformed elastomer is fully cured prior to introducing the flowable elastomer into the mold cavity.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
54 words
A composite product comprising a first elastomer bonded directly to a second elastomer formed by (a) shaping and post-curing a first elastomer; (b) placing said first elastomer at least partially in compression; (c) flowing a second elastomer into contact with the post-cured first elastomer; and (d) forming a vulcanized bond directly between the elastomers.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
54 words
A composite product comprising a first elastomer bonded directly to a second elastomer formed by (a) shaping and post-curing a first elastomer; (b) placing said first elastomer at least partially in compression; (c) flowing a second elastomer into contact with the post-cured first elastomer; and (d) forming a vulcanized bond directly between the elastomers.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The composite product of claim 12, wherein said elastomers are comprised of the same material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The composite product of claim 13, wherein the material is silicon rubber.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The composite product of claim 12, wherein said first elastomer is translucent.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
12 words
The composite product of claim 12, wherein said first elastomer is transparent.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The composite product of claim 12, wherein said first elastomer is post-cured for about 4 hours at about 200° C.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
The composite product of claim 12, wherein said first elastomer is a light transmittable elastomer and said second elastomer is an opaque elastomer, said opaque elastomer is defined as an elastomer having a lower light transmissivity than said light transmittable elastomer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composite product formed by flowing an elastomer directly onto a fully vulcanized preform, said preform at least partially in compression.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composite product formed by flowing an elastomer directly onto a fully vulcanized preform, said preform at least partially in compression.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composite product of claim 19, wherein the preform is of a color different than that of the elastomer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composite product of claim 19, wherein the preform is of light transmittable material and the elastomer is opaque.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The composite product of claim 19, wherein the fully vulcanized preform comprises silicone rubber which has been post-cured, and the elastomer is silicone rubber.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The composite product of claim 22, wherein said fully vulcanbized preform has been post-cured for about 4 hours at about 200° C.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The composite product of claim 19 wherein said flowing step includes flowing said elastomer under pressure directly onto said fully vulcanized preform.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-04-03 | 1992-10-03 | 1993-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-04-03 | 1996-10-03 | 1997-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-04-03 | 2000-10-03 | 2001-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |