초록 ▼

The present invention discloses structural articles such as helmets, cooler chests, pallets, building boards and a large number of diverse articles all formed from an inner, preferably air permeable, body to which a structural strength imparting skin or layer has been applied to either a single surf

The present invention discloses structural articles such as helmets, cooler chests, pallets, building boards and a large number of diverse articles all formed from an inner, preferably air permeable, body to which a structural strength imparting skin or layer has been applied to either a single surface or opposite surfaces. The body can be expanded polystyrene, wood, particle board, cellulosic fiber cement, GECET or CARIL. The sheet or skin can be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyester, styrene, or polycarbonate. Amorphous polyester (APET) is particularly preferred. A method of forming such structural articles and apparatus for use in carrying out the method are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A method of forming an article having load bearing capabilities from a shape defining interior member, said shape defining interior member being not inherently load bearing and being at least partially fluid permeable, and at least one external skin, said method comprising the steps

[ I claim:] [1.] A method of forming an article having load bearing capabilities from a shape defining interior member, said shape defining interior member being not inherently load bearing and being at least partially fluid permeable, and at least one external skin, said method comprising the steps of:(1) heating a thermoplastic sheet intended to form said external skin;(2) bringing said heated sheet alongside said interior member to overlie;(3) applying a fluid pressure differential between opposite sides of said shape defining interior member and said thermoplastic sheet to conform said thermoplastic sheet to the shape of said shape defining interior member and mutually engage said shape defining interior member, air trapped between said thermoplastic sheet and said shape defining interior member passing through at least said shape defining interior member; and(4) maintaining the fluid pressure differential until said thermoplastic sheet has cooled whereupon tensional forces arise in said thermoplastic sheet in all directions.