Cushion backed carpet

Abstract
An improved cushioned carpet fabric is provided. The cushioned carpet comprises a primary carpet having a primary base and a plurality of pile-forming yarns projecting outwardly from one side. A layer of reinforcement material is bonded to the primary base on the side opposite the pile forming yarns. The reinforcement layer is adjacent to and embedded in, a cushion layer of a polymer such as a polyurethane. There is preferably no additional adhesive between the cushion layer and the layer of reinforcement material since the primary carpet fabric is mated in-situ to the polyurethane-forming composition without preheating the polyurethane-forming composition. An apparatus and process for forming the cushioned carpet fabric of the present invention are also provided.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates to cushion backed carpet and more particularly to carpet having a polymer backing preferably formed from a polyurethane-forming composition which is mated to a primary carpet fabric in an in-situ manner without pre-curing the polyurethane-forming composition. A process and apparatus for forming the cushion backed carpet of the present invention are also provided.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Carpet and carpet tiles having cushioned backings are well known to those of skill in the art. Such cushioned backed carpet is disclosed, for example in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,857 (incorporated by reference). An example of a prior art tufted carpet product is illustrated in FIG.


1


A and an example of a prior art bonded carpet product is illustrated in

FIG. 1B

herein.




In the prior art tufted carpet, a primary carpet fabric


12


is embedded in an adhesive layer


16


in which is embedded a layer of glass scrim or nonwoven material. A foam base composite


19


is likewise adhesively bonded to the adhesive layer


16


. In the prior art tufted carpet illustrated in

FIG. 1A

, the primary carpet fabric


12


includes a loop pile layer


20


tufted through a primary backing


22


by a conventional tufting process and held in place by a precoat backing layer of latex


24


or other appropriate adhesive including a hot melt adhesive or the like. The foam base composite


19


of the prior art tufted carpet product preferably includes an intermediate layer


26


molded to a layer of urethane foam


28


as illustrated.




The bonded carpet product (

FIG. 1B

) formed according to the prior art employs the same type of foam base composite


19


adhesively bonded by adhesive laminate layers


16


. However, the primary carpet fabric


12


has somewhat different components from that of the tufted product in that it preferably comprises cut pile yarns


34


implanted in a PVC, latex, or hot melt adhesive


36


having a woven or nonwoven reinforcement or substrate layer


38


of fiberglass, nylon, polypropylene or polyester.




The practice utilized in forming the product disclosed in my '857 patent and other known products involves preforming and curing the foam base composite


19


of urethane foam and backing material by practices such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,171,395, 4,132,817 and 4,512,831, to Tillotson (all incorporated by reference). In the present practice, only after this foam base composite is formed and cured to some degree as a modular component, is it laminated to the carpet base.




As will be appreciated, the cost associated with such modular formation and assembly practices may be reduced by a simplified operation in which a primary carpet fabric, either with or without a stabilizing layer of scrim or the like, is laid directly into a polyurethane-forming composition and thereafter curing the polyurethane. The process can be made even more efficient if the polyurethane-forming composition requires no pre-curing prior to joining the carpet base.




Prior to the present invention, the known processes directed to the application of the polyurethane cushioned backings to fabric substrates have relied on the extremely close control of temperature in both the polyurethane composition and the adjoined fabric layer to effect stability through pre-cure of the polyurethane prior to lamination of the primary carpet to form a composite structure. Such pre-cure has been largely considered necessary in order to yield a stable foam structure to which the primary carpet backing could be applied. The application of heat to the polyurethane composition prior to joinder of the heated fabric backing causes polymer cross linking which has heretofore been thought to be necessary to stabilize the foam mixture to a sufficient degree to prevent the collapse of the foam.




The present invention also provides a particularly simple composite structure amendable to in-situ formation of a stable cushion carpet composite which is not believed to have been previously utilized. Specifically, it has not been previously recognized that a single process could be used to bring all the layers of the cushioned carpet composite together by laying a primary carpet fabric, either with or without some degree of preheat, directly into a mechanically frothed polyurethane-forming composition prior to curing the polyurethane and without an intermediate layer of material.




As indicated, the prior art carpet forming processes typically require the separate formation of a foam base composite comprising a backing layer and a layer of urethane foam. The backing layer is then used as an intermediate layer to which a primary carpet fabric and reinforcing layer can be adhesively bonded.




In the potentially preferred practice of the present invention, the base of the primary carpet fabric is adhesively bonded to a layer of non-woven glass reinforcement material to form a preliminary composite. A puddle of polyurethane-forming composition is simultaneously deposited across a nonwoven backing material. The preliminary composite and the polyurethane-forming composition are thereafter almost immediately brought together with the preliminary composite being laid into, and supported by, the polyurethane-forming puddle. The entire structure is then heated to cure the polyurethane forming composition. The preliminary composite may be slightly heated to about 120° F. to improve heating efficiency although the process may likewise be carried out without such preheating.




It is to be understood that, as with the prior art products, wherein the primary carpet fabric


12


may have different embodiments, the component structure of the primary carpet fabric is not critical to the present invention. Rather it is intended that any primary carpet fabric having a pile-forming portion and a primary base may be utilized as the primary carpet fabric. By “primary base” is meant any single layer or composite structure including, inter alia, the commonly used layered composite of primary backing


22


and latex precoat


24


previously described in relation to the prior art tufted product (

FIG. 1A

) and the adhesive layer


36


with reinforcement substrate


38


previously described in relation to the prior art bonded product (FIG.


1


B). As will be appreciated, the use of polyester in the primary base structure may be desirable due to the eventual heat curing such structure may undergo. Other embodiments as may occur to those of skill in the art may, of course, also be utilized. For example, in the bonded product, the pile forming yarns could be heat tacked to the substrate


38


as disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 08/091,309 to permit simplified construction of a primary carpet.




OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION




In view of the foregoing it is a general object of the present invention to provide a carpet including a foam cushioned backing formed in-situ.




In that respect, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cushioned carpet composite wherein a reinforcement layer is disposed, at least partially, within a polymer mass which is adjacent a primary carpet with such primary carpet being laid in-situ into a puddle of the polymer without a pre-curing operation.




It is a related object of the present invention to provide a cushioned carpet composite wherein a primary carpet fabric is joined to a reinforcement layer and laid in-situ into a polyurethane-forming composition which has not undergone a pre-cure operation.




It is a further related object of the present invention to provide a continuous process for the in-situ formation of a cushioned carpet composite wherein a reinforcement layer is adhered to the base of a primary carpet fabric simultaneously with the application of a polyurethane-forming composition to a nonwoven backing layer and the primary carpet fabric with the adhered reinforcement layer is laid into the polyurethane-forming composition prior to curing the polyurethane-forming composition to form the carpet composite.




It is still a further related object of the present invention to provide a continuous process for the in-situ formation of a cushioned carpet composite wherein a reinforcement layer is adhered between a primary carpet base and a backing layer through the in-situ application of a polyurethane forming composition without the need for an intermediate adhesion step.




It is still a further related object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for carrying out the continuous in-situ formation of a cushioned carpet composite.




Accordingly, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a cushioned carpet composite including a primary carpet fabric in laminar relation to a reinforcement layer wherein such reinforcement layer is at least partially embedded in a polyurethane foam layer which is disposed adjacent to a nonwoven backing layer. The reinforcement layer may be bonded to the base of the primary carpet fabric by the polyurethane foam or by a separate adhesive.




It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a process for forming a cushioned carpet composite including the simultaneous continuous steps of adhering a woven or non-woven reinforcement material to the base of a primary carpet fabric; depositing a puddle of a polyurethane-forming composition across a backing layer or support structure and laying the primary carpet fabric and adhered reinforcement material into the puddle of polyurethane-forming composition deposited on the backing layer.




It is a subsidiary feature of the present invention to provide a single step process for forming a cushioned carpet composite including applying a polyurethane-forming composition adjacent a primary carpet fabric and a nonwoven backing layer with the polyurethane-forming composition at least partially holding an intermediate layer of reinforcement material.




It is yet a further feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for use in the continuous in-situ formation of a cushioned carpet composite wherein the apparatus includes a polymer application unit for depositing a polyurethane-forming composition or other suitable polymer in combination with an adhesive application apparatus for adhering a reinforcement layer to the base of a primary carpet fabric. The polymer application unit and the adhesive application unit being simultaneously operable in controlled relation to one another such that the primary carpet with the adhered reinforcement layer may be laid directly into the polymer.




In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cushioned carpet is provided. The cushioned carpet comprises a primary carpet having a primary base and a plurality of pile-forming yarns projecting outwardly from one side. A layer of reinforcement material is bonded to the primary base on the side away from the pile-forming yarns. The reinforcement material is adjacent to, and embedded at least partially in, a cushion layer of polymer such as polyurethane. There is preferably no additional adhesive between the cushion layer and the layer of reinforcement material. An optional backing material is preferably disposed on the underside of the cushion layer. The backing material may include an adhesive backing on the side away from the cushion layer.




In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a process for making a cushioned carpet is provided. The process involves obtaining a primary carpet fabric comprising a plurality of pile-forming yarns extending outwardly from one side of a primary base. A layer of reinforcement material is adhered to the primary carpet fabric on the side from which the pile-forming yarns do not extend, thereby forming a preliminary composite. A puddle of polymer such as a polyurethane-forming composition is applied to one side of a backing material and preferably doctored to desired thickness. The preliminary composite is then laid into the puddle of polymer without curing. Following this mating operation the polymer is preferably heat cured and the carpet is cut into tiles.




In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for use in forming a cushioned carpet composite is provided, comprising: a reinforcement bonding unit for bonding a layer of reinforcement material to the underside of a primary carpet fabric to form a preliminary carpet composite; a polymer application unit for dispersing a polyurethane-forming composition across the surface of a carrier fabric; a mating unit for laying said preliminary carpet composite into said polyurethane-forming composition; and means for heat curing the polyurethane-forming composition subsequent to said preliminary composite being laid into said polyurethane-forming composition; wherein said reinforcement bonding unit, said polymer application and said mating unit are operable in a continuous, simultaneous manner.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1A

is a cut-away view of a prior art tufted carpet with a cushioned composite structure.





FIG. 1B

is a cut-away side view of a prior art bonded carpet incorporating a cushioned composite structure.





FIG. 2

is a schematic view illustrating a potentially preferred embodiment of the apparatus and process of the present invention.





FIG. 3A

is a cut-away side view of a tufted carpet incorporating a potentially preferred structure formed by the apparatus and process of the present invention as illustrated in FIG.


2


.





FIG. 3B

is a cut-away side view of a bonded carpet incorporating a potentially preferred structure formed by the apparatus and process of the present invention as illustrated in FIG.


2


.





FIG. 4A

is a cut-away side view of an alternative embodiment of a tufted carpet having no reinforcement layer.





FIG. 4B

is a cut-away side view of an alternative embodiment of a bonded carpet having no reinforcement layer.





FIG. 5

is a schematic view illustrating an alternative apparatus and process according to the present invention for forming a cushioned carpet composite without separate adhesive bonding between the primary carpet and the reinforcement layer.





FIG. 6A

is a cut-away side view of an alternative structure for a tufted carpet formed by the apparatus and process illustrated in FIG.


5


.





FIG. 6B

is a cut-away side view of an alternative structure for a bonded carpet formed by the apparatus and process illustrated in FIG.


5


.





FIG. 7

is a schematic view illustrating yet another alternative apparatus and process according to the present invention for forming a cushioned carpet composite without separate adhesive bonding between the primary carpet and the reinforcement layer as illustrated in FIGS.


6


A and


6


B.











While the invention will be described and disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments and procedures, it is by no means intended to limit the invention to such specific embodiments and procedures. Rather it is intended to cover all such alternative embodiments, procedures, and modifications thereto as may fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined and limited only by the appended claims.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION




A schematic view illustrating a potentially preferred apparatus and process used in forming the cushioned carpet of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.


2


. The apparatus is designated generally by reference numeral


100


. As illustrated, a primary carpet fabric


112


which may incorporate either a tufted or a bonded configuration as described above is drawn from a mounted carpet roll


114


. As indicated previously, the primary carpet fabric


112


preferably includes a plurality of pile-forming yarns projecting outwardly from one side of a primary base. If the primary carpet


112


used in the present invention is a tufted carpet, its configuration will preferably conform to that of the primary carpet


12


illustrated in regard to the prior art in

FIG. 1A

, while if the primary carpet


112


used in the present invention is a bonded product, its configuration will preferably be that of the primary carpet


12


illustrated in FIG.


1


B.




Alternative embodiments including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,665 to Machell (incorporated by reference) may likewise be utilized. For example, it is contemplated that specialized primary backings such as nonwoven structures comprising fiberglass sandwiched between layers of polyester may be utilized in the primary tufted carpet to impart the desired properties relating to stability thereby potentially reducing or even eliminating the need for the latex pre-coat presently utilized. Moreover, it is contemplated that if a precoat is to be utilized, it may be added directly in-line in an operation prior to any adhesive operation.




With regard to the presently preferred embodiment, in the tufted carpet of the present invention (FIG.


3


A), the primary carpet fabric


112


preferably comprises a loop pile layer


120


of pile-forming yarns tufted into a primary backing


122


as is well known and held in place by a precoat of latex or a hot melt adhesive


124


. It is contemplated that the latex or hot melt adhesive may be added in-line after removal from the carpet roll prior to the application of any other adhesive as described below. The carpet may be steamed after addition of the precoat to facilitate subsequent printing operations if desired to reduce stresses.




In the bonded carpet of the present invention (FIG.


3


B), the primary carpet fabric


112


preferably comprises a plurality of cut pile yarns


134


implanted in a latex or hot melt adhesive


136


which is laminated to a reinforcement or substrate layer


138


of a woven or nonwoven material including fiberglass, nylon, polyester or polypropylene. It is contemplated that this substrate layer


138


may be precoated with latex or other thermoplastic polymers to permit melting adhesion with the cut pile yarns


134


upon the application of heat, thereby potentially reducing or eliminating the need for the latex or hot melt adhesive


136


.




The yarns


120


,


134


may be either spun or filament yarns and are preferably formed from a polyamide polymer such as nylon 6 or nylon 6,6 available from DuPont Fibers in Wilmington, Del., although other suitable natural or synthetic yarns may likewise be employed as will be recognized by those of skill in the art. By way of example only and not limitation, other materials which might be used include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene; rayon; and polyvinyl polymers such as polyacrylonitrile.




In the tufted product, the adhesive pre-coat


124


is preferably SBR latex but other suitable materials such as PVC, EVA, acrylic, and hot melt adhesives as are well known to those of skill in the art may likewise be utilized. In the event that a hot melt adhesive is utilized, it is contemplated that a reinforcement material such as a glass scrim could be directly attached to form a composite laminate without the use of adhesives. Moreover, as previously indicated, it is contemplated that the adhesive pre-coat


124


may be entirely eliminated in the tufted product if the loop pile


120


is tufted in suitably stable relation to the primary backing


122


.




Referring again to

FIG. 2

, in the potentially preferred practice the primary carpet fabric


112


is conveyed by means of a plurality of rolls through an accumulator


150


as is well known in the art to a reinforcement bonding unit


155


. Simultaneously with the conveyance of the primary carpet fabric


112


to the reinforcement bonding unit


155


, a sheet of reinforcement material


158


is likewise conveyed to the reinforcement bonding unit


155


. The reinforcement material


158


is preferably fiberglass nonwoven material although alternative materials may include woven glass, woven polyester, nonwoven glass, and nonwoven polyester.




At the reinforcement bonding unit


155


, an adhesive


160


(

FIGS. 3A

,


3


B) such as a hot melt adhesive is preferably applied to the reinforcement material


158


by means of a film coater or other such unit as are well known. The reinforcement material


158


and the primary carpet fabric


112


are thereafter preferably passed in mating relation between joining members such as rolls


163


,


165


, thereby bonding the reinforcement material


158


to the underside of the primary carpet fabric


112


. That is, the reinforcement material


158


is bonded on the side of the primary carpet fabric


112


from which the pile forming yarns do not project. The bonding of the reinforcement material


158


to the underside of the primary carpet fabric produces a preliminary composite


166


which is thereafter laid into a puddle of a polyurethane-forming composition as described below.




Although the reinforcement bonding unit


155


is illustrated in its preferred embodiment as incorporating a film coater, it is to be understood that alternative equivalent means such as application rolls, spray headers and the like may also be utilized. By way of example only, and not limitation alternative means for the application of adhesive


160


are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,665 to Machell.




In the preferred practice, while the preliminary composite


166


is being formed, a backing material


170


such as a nonwoven backing is passed through a scray


172


to a polymer application unit


175


which preferably includes a polymer discharge unit


176


and a doctor blade


177


. The backing material


170


is coated with a polymer


178


such as a polyurethane-forming composition as disclosed more fully below.




In the preferred embodiment, the backing material


170


is an 80% polyester, 20% polypropylene nonwoven fibrous material which is available from Spartan Mills Company in Spartanburg, S.C. While this represents the backing material of preference, it is to be understood that any number of alternative compositions may likewise be utilized as dictated by requirements regarding shrinkage and installation. By way of example only, in instances where very little or no shrinkage may be tolerated, the backing material may be up to 100% polyester. Further, while a nonwoven backing material may be preferred, it is contemplated that either woven or non-woven constructions may be utilized as can materials other than the polyester/polypropylene mix such as nylon, fiberglass and the like. The thickness of the backing material


170


can vary in the range of from about 0.01 inches to about 0.19 inches, although a range of between about 0.05 inches and 0.12 inches may be preferred.




As indicated, in the preferred practice the polymer application unit


175


applies a deposit of a polymer


178


(

FIGS. 3A

,


3


B) to the backing material


170


after which the height of the polymer is doctored to a desired level. In the preferred practice, the polymer applied is a polyurethane-forming composition based on a so called soft segment prepolymer of MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) or an MDI derivative. The polyurethane-forming composition also preferably incorporates a silicone surfactant to improve both the frothability and stability of the polyurethane layer or “puddle” which is spread across the surface of the backing material


170


.




The preferred polyurethane-forming composition for use in the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,693 to Jenkines the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, the preferred polyurethane-forming composition which is applied across the surface of the carrier backing


170


includes:




(A) At least one isocyanate-reactive material having an average equivalent weight of about 1000 to about 5000;




(B) An effective amount of blowing agent; and




(C) A polyisocyanate in an amount to provide an isocyanate index of between about 90 and about 130, wherein at least 30 percent by weight of such polyisocyanate is a soft segment prepolymer reaction product of a stoichiometric excess of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) or a derivative thereof and an isocyanate-reactive organic polymer having an equivalent weight of from about 500 to about 5,000 and wherein the prepolymer has an NCO content of about 10 to about 30 percent by weight.




The polyurethane-forming composition also preferably contains a silicone surfactant to improve frothability and stability in the form of an organo-silicone polymer such as are disclosed generally in U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,941 to Prokai et al. the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, the preferred surfactant is preferably a linear siloxane-polyoxyalkylene (AB) block copolymer and specifically a polyalkyleneoxidemethylsiloxane copolymer. One such silicone surfactant which is particularly useful is available under the trade designation L-5614 from OSi Specialties, Inc. whose business address is believed to be 6525 Corners Parkway, Suite 311, Norcross, Ga. 30092.




A sufficient level of the silicone surfactant is used to stabilize the cells of the foaming reaction mixture until curing occurs to allow the preliminary composite


166


to be laid into the uncured polyurethane-forming composition puddle without destabilizing the layer of such polyurethane-forming composition disposed across the surface of the backing material


170


. In general, the silicone surfactants are preferably used in amounts ranging from about 0.01 to about 2 parts per hundred parts by weight of component (A) and more preferably from about 0.35 parts to about 1.0 parts by weight of component (A) and most preferably from about 0.4 to 0.75 parts per hundred parts by weight of component (A).




As previously indicated, after disposition of the polymer across the backing material


170


the layer or “puddle” of polymer deposited is preferably doctored to a pre-determined height by means of a doctor blade located at the polymer application unit


175


. While a simple mechanical doctor blade is preferred, alternative equivalent means such as an air knife or the like may also be used. Such an air knife is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,831 to Tillotson (incorporated by reference).




In an important aspect of the present invention, the primary carpet fabric


112


which is preferably joined to reinforcement material


158


to form the preliminary composite


166


can be laid directly into the polyurethane-forming composition immediately after it is doctored to the appropriate level without any need to significantly heat either the preliminary composite


166


or the polyurethane-forming composition. Accordingly, the preliminary composite


166


and the backing material


170


with the applied polyurethane-forming composition may be simultaneously delivered at room temperature to a mating roll


180


immediately following the application and doctoring of the polyurethane-forming composition. As will be appreciated, this avoidance of lag time between formation of the components of the cushioned carpet composite permits highly efficient processing readily controllable either manually or by computer control means (not shown) as are well known to those of skill in the art. In the preferred process, the preliminary composite


166


may be slightly preheated to improve operating control during lamination and curing but such preheat is not essential to formation of the desired product.




In the illustrated and preferred embodiment of the carpet, the process described above results in the layer of reinforcement material


158


being laid adjacent to and at least partially embedded in the layer of polyurethane


178


. That is, the reinforcement material


158


is preferably in intimate contact with the polyurethane


178


such that the polymer material will hold the reinforcement in place.




Once the preliminary composite


166


has been laid into the polyurethane-forming composition, the resulting composite may be heated in a heating unit


182


by means of conduction, radiant, or convection heaters as are well known in the art. Contact conduction heaters may be preferred. Such heating may be carried out at a temperature of between about 250° F. and about 325° F. for between about 2 minutes and 8 minutes. The resulting foam cushion layer (

FIGS. 3A

,


3


B) which is produced thereby preferably has a density of between about 12 pounds per cubic foot and about 20 pounds per cubit foot and more preferably between about 14 pounds per cubic foot and about 16 pounds per cubic foot.




Following the heat curing operation, the cushioned carpet composite which is formed may be passed over a unidirectional heat source


185


such as a plate heater or roll heater at about 400° F. to fuse any outstanding fibers on the backing material


170


into a sooth surface. The carpet composite which is formed will thereafter preferably be cut into carpet tiles almost immediately to avoid any undesired cupping or curl.




It will be appreciated that a number of alternative practices may be incorporated into the present invention yielding slightly different products. By way of example only, the reinforcement material


158


may be left completely out of the process thereby making the use of the adhesive application apparatus


155


and adhesive


160


completely unnecessary. In such instances, the primary carpet fabric may be laid directly into the polyurethane-forming composition thereby yielding a composite structure as illustrated in

FIGS. 4A and 4B

with the polyurethane


278


immediately adjacent to the primary carpet fabric


212


.




In yet another potential alternative, the backing


170


,


270


may have an adhesive quick release backing attached to the face to which the polyurethane-forming composition is not applied. As will be appreciated, such a quick release backing will permit the carpet to be readily installed and removed without damaging the polyurethane cushion


178


,


278


. Moreover, it is contemplated that in some instances the backing


170


,


270


might be completely eliminated such that the polyurethane cushion


178


,


278


would directly contact the flooring as disclosed in relation to my U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,003 which is incorporated herein by reference.




An alternative process and apparatus for producing a cushioned carpet composite according to the present invention is shown schematically in FIG.


5


. As illustrated, a primary carpet fabric


312


having either a tufted or a bonded configuration is drawn from a mounted carpet roll


314


, through an accumulator


350


, in the same manner described above. Simultaneously with the delivery of the primary carpet fabric


312


to the mating roll


380


, a reinforcement material


358


such as a nonwoven glass is delivered to a polymer contact roll


360


or similar device such as an extrusion coater. The polymer contact roll


360


preferably is in rolling contact with both the surface of the reinforcement material


358


as well as with an accumulation of a polymer


378


such as the polyurethane-forming composition previously described. The polymer contact roll


360


serves to pick up a portion of the polymer


378


and to pass the polymer over and through the reinforcement material


358


.




Simultaneously with the passage of polymer through the reinforcement material


358


, a backing material


370


such as the nonwoven polyester/polypropylene described above is preferably passed in adjacent mating relation to the polymer-coated reinforcement material


358


between the polymer contact roll


360


and a backing material mating roll


379


. A doctor blade


377


serves to control the depth of the polymer which does not pass through the reinforcement material


358


into contact with the backing material


370


. Thus, it is to be appreciated that a polymer sandwich structure is formed preferably comprising a layer of backing material


370


, a relatively thin layer of polymer


378


such as polyurethane which has been passed through a layer of reinforcement material


358


, and a doctored layer of polyurethane


378


which was not passed through the reinforcement material


358


. This polymer sandwich structure can thereafter be passed to the mating roll


380


for joinder with the primary carpet fabric


312


by laying the primary carpet fabric


312


directly into the doctored layer of polyurethane


378


without any precuring operation.




A potentially preferred configuration for a resulting tufted carpet composite is illustrated in FIG.


6


A. As illustrated, the reinforcement material


358


will be at least partially surrounded by, and embedded in, the polyurethane


378


. As illustrated, it is contemplated that the layer of precoat may be eliminated in the tufted structure since the tufts may be held in place by the polyurethane


378


. A potentially preferred configuration for a resulting bonded carpet composite is shown in FIG.


6


B.




A further alternative process and apparatus for joining all layers of the cushioned carpet composite is illustrated in FIG.


7


. As shown, a layer of reinforcement material


358


is preferably passed adjacent to a polymer contact roll


360


which is in simultaneous rolling contact with both the reinforcement material


358


and a deposit of polymer


378


. The polymer contact roll


360


serves to spread a portion of the polymer


378


through the reinforcement material


358


to create a coating on both sides thereof. The reinforcement material


358


with its coating of polymer


378


is then joined in a laminate structure to the primary carpet fabric


312


and a layer of backing material


370


by passage through the nip between the doctor blade


377


and backing material mating roll


379


. This practice will yield a bonded carpet composite structure substantially similar to those which are illustrated in

FIGS. 6A and 6B

.




It is, of course, to be appreciated that while several potentially preferred embodiments have been shown and described, the invention is in no way to be limited thereto, since modifications may be made and other embodiments of the principles of this invention will occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Therefore, it is contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications and other embodiments as incorporate the features of this invention within the true spirit and scope thereof.




The invention may be further understood by reference to the following example which is not to be construed as unduly limiting the invention which is to be defined and construed in light of the appended claims.




EXAMPLE




A tufted carpet was produced by the apparatus and process as illustrated and described in relation to FIG.


2


. The carpet produced has the configuration illustrated and described in relation to FIG.


3


A. The production parameters were as follows:


















Yarn




28 Ounces per square yard nylon 6,6







loop pile continuous filament.






Primary Backing




4 Ounces per square yard nonwoven







polyester.






Precoat




14 Ounces per square yard SBR Latex







filled with 100 parts CaCO


2


.






Hot Melt Adhesive




30 Ounces per square yard modified






Laminate




polypropylene.






Reinforcement




3 Ounces per square yard nonwoven glass







with acrylic binder.






Urethane Foam




32 Ounces per square yard.






Coverage






Urethane Foam Density




16 Pounds per cubic foot.






Backing Material




4 Ounces per square yard nonwoven (80%







polypropylene, 20% polyester).













Claims
  • 1. A dimensionally stable cushioned carpet tile suitable for disposition as discrete modular units across a flooring surface, the carpet tile comprising: a stabilized composite structure bonded to an underlying foamed cushion layer of polyurethane wherein said stabilized composite is comprised of;(i) a primary carpet fabric having a pile side and an underside with a plurality of pile forming yarns projecting outwardly from said pile side, (ii) an adhesive layer consisting essentially of at least one resilient adhesive directly bonded to and extending away from the underside of said primary carpet fabric, and (iii) a layer of stabilizing material in contacting relationship with said resilient adhesive such that said layer of stabilizing material is held in place at a fixed position below said primary carpet fabric, said foamed cushion layer having been cured in contact with said layer of stabilizing material such that said foamed cushion layer is bonded to said stabilized composite structure and at least a portion of said layer of stabilizing material extends below the surface of said foamed cushion layer thereby being embedded within said foamed cushion layer.
  • 2. The carpet tile as in claim 1, wherein said foamed cushion layer is comprised of a mechanically frothed polyurethane foam.
  • 3. The carpet tile as in claim 2, wherein said polyurethane foam has cured density of greater than about 10 lbs/ft3.
  • 4. The carpet tile as in claim 1, further including a layer of backing material disposed adjacent to the surface of said foamed cushion layer facing away from said stabilized composite structure.
  • 5. The carpet tile as in claim 4, wherein said backing material is a woven textile product.
  • 6. The carpet tile as in claim 5 wherein the materials forming a said woven textile product are selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, nylon, fiberglass and blends thereof.
  • 7. The carpet tile as in claim 4, wherein said backing material is a nonwoven textile product.
  • 8. The carpet tile as in claim 7, wherein the materials forming said nonwoven textile product are selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, nylon, fiberglass and blends thereof.
  • 9. The carpet tile as in claim 1, wherein said stabilizing material is selected from the group consisting of nonwoven glass and woven glass.
  • 10. The carpet tile as in claim 1, wherein said resilient adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.
  • 11. The carpet tile as in claim 1, wherein said stabilizing material is selected from the group consisting of woven polyester, and nonwoven polyester.
  • 12. A cushioned carpet tile suitable for disposition as discrete modular units across a flooring surface, the carpet tile comprising:a primary carpet fabric having a pile side and an underside and having a plurality of pile forming yarns projecting outwardly from the pile side; an adhesive layer consisting essentially of at least one adhesive directly bonded to and extending away from the underside of said primary carpet fabric; a layer of stabilizing material in contacting relationship with said adhesive such that said layer of stabilizing material is held in place by said adhesive at a fixed position below said underside of said primary carpet fabric so as to provide dimensional stability to said carpet tile; a cured foam cushion layer of polyurethane disposed adjacent to said stabilizing material, said foam having been cured in contact with said stabilizing material so as to provide a contact surface for said foam such that said stabilizing material is at least partially embedded in and bonded to said cured foam; and a textile backing material disposed adjacent to the surface of said foam cushion layer facing away from said stabilizing material.
  • 13. The carpet tile as in claim 12, wherein said foamed cushion layer is comprised of a mechanically frothed polyurethane foam.
  • 14. The carpet tile as in claim 13, wherein said foamed cushion layer has a cured density of greater than about 10 lbs/ft3.
  • 15. The carpet tile as in claim 14, wherein said foamed cushion layer has a cured density of about 12 lbs/ft3 to about 18 lbs/ft3.
  • 16. The carpet tile as in claim 12, wherein said textile backing material is a woven product.
  • 17. The carpet tile as in claim 16 wherein the materials forming said woven textile product are selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, nylon, fiberglass and blends thereof.
  • 18. The carpet tile as in claim 12, wherein said textile backing material is a nonwoven product.
  • 19. The carpet tile as in claim 18, wherein the materials forming said nonwoven textile product are selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, nylon, fiberglass and blends thereof.
  • 20. A cushioned carpet tile suitable for disposition as discrete modular units across a flooring surface, the carpet tile comprising:a primary carpet fabric having a pile side and an underside and having a plurality of pile forming yarns projecting outwardly from the pile side; an adhesive layer consisting essential of at least one adhesive directly bonded to and extending away from the underside of said primary carpet fabric; a layer of glass stabilizing material in contacting relationship with said adhesive such that said layer of glass stabilizing material is held in place by said adhesive at a fixed position below said underside of said primary carpet so as to provide dimensional stability to said carpet tile; a cured foam cushion layer of mechanically frothed polyurethane disposed adjacent to said stabilizing material, said foam having been cured in contact with said stabilizing material which provides a contact surface for said foam such that said stabilizing material is at least partially embedded in and bonded to said cured foam; and a woven textile backing material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene and blends thereof disposed adjacent to the surface of said foam cushion layer facing away from said stabilizing material.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 08/468,707, filed on Jun. 6, 1995, now abandoned which is a division of application Ser. No. 08/205,834, filed on Mar. 3, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,276.

US Referenced Citations (72)
Number Name Date Kind
1594261 Herschmann Jul 1926
1872846 Thiele Aug 1932
3002868 Bolvin Oct 1961
3014829 Curtin Dec 1961
3039907 Scholl Jun 1962
3074835 Gordon Jan 1963
3120083 Dahlberg et al. Feb 1964
3123508 Waugh Mar 1964
3238595 Schwartz et al. Mar 1966
3311338 Culley Mar 1967
3332828 Faria et al. Jul 1967
3360422 Desch Dec 1967
3385751 Willard et al. May 1968
3402094 Levitch Sep 1968
3537946 Truax et tal. Nov 1970
3560284 Wisotzky et al. Feb 1971
3576706 Baumann et al. Apr 1971
3664863 Dijkhuizen et al. May 1972
3695987 Wisotzky et al. Oct 1972
3704197 Bahlo Nov 1972
3733239 George May 1973
3804699 Johnson Apr 1974
3847647 Bahlo Nov 1974
3853680 Daniel Dec 1974
3887500 Prokai et al. Jun 1975
3887738 Taft et al. Jun 1975
3922454 Roecker Nov 1975
3926700 Hopkins, Jr. et al. Dec 1975
3982051 Taft et al. Sep 1976
4010301 Anderson et al. Mar 1977
4010302 Anderson et al. Mar 1977
4015041 Koschatzky et al. Mar 1977
4017656 Lasman et al. Apr 1977
4022941 Prokai et al. May 1977
4062993 Seward Dec 1977
4075377 Aichison et al. Feb 1978
4076878 Norby Feb 1978
4096303 Doerfling Jun 1978
4132817 Tillotson Jan 1979
4171395 Tillotson Oct 1979
4172917 Angelle et al. Oct 1979
4242394 Leib et al. Dec 1980
4268551 Moore, Jr. et al. May 1981
4286003 Higgins et al. Aug 1981
4397900 Higgins Aug 1983
4405393 Tillotson Sep 1983
4482593 Sagel et al. Nov 1984
4483894 Porter et al. Nov 1984
4512831 Tillotson Apr 1985
4522857 Higgins Jun 1985
4557774 Hoopengardner Dec 1985
4576665 Machell Mar 1986
4647484 Higgins Mar 1987
4661380 Tillotson Apr 1987
4689256 Slosberg et al. Aug 1987
4696849 Mobley et al. Sep 1987
4770916 Leukel et al. Sep 1988
4797170 Hoopengardner Jan 1989
4798644 Scott et al. Jan 1989
4822658 Pacione Apr 1989
4824498 Goodwin et al. Apr 1989
4842915 Hartmann et al. Jun 1989
4865688 Cross et al. Sep 1989
4871603 Malone Oct 1989
4877669 Endrenyi, Jr. et al. Oct 1989
4915999 Tilloston Apr 1990
5030497 Claessen Jul 1991
5045375 Davis et al. Sep 1991
5077874 Trask et al. Jan 1992
5104693 Jenkines Apr 1992
5198277 Hamilton et al. Mar 1993
5204155 Bell et al. Apr 1993
Foreign Referenced Citations (27)
Number Date Country
769844 Oct 1976 CA
2 129 055 Jan 1973 DE
111 658 Mar 1975 DE
25 44 033 Apr 1977 DE
25 57 719 Jun 1977 DE
0268875 Jun 1988 EP
1440797 Apr 1966 FR
465518 May 1937 GB
971 958 Oct 1964 GB
1050293 Dec 1966 GB
1195624 Jun 1970 GB
1273554 May 1972 GB
1 289 921 Jul 1972 GB
2 256 614 Dec 1992 GB
50-22317 Jun 1973 JP
48-88732 Nov 1973 JP
54-4514 Jan 1979 JP
56-155676 Apr 1980 JP
55-143083 Nov 1980 JP
55-148519 Nov 1980 JP
56-148531 Nov 1981 JP
58-138416 Dec 1982 JP
58-121922 Jul 1983 JP
59-102331 Jun 1984 JP
59-135023 Aug 1984 JP
1-247654 Mar 1988 JP
WO 8701656 Mar 1987 WO
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 08/468707 Jun 1995 US
Child 08/743376 US