Charles P Gates

US Patent:

62972979, Oct 2, 2001

Filed:

Mar 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/519503

Inventors:

Robert S. Brookman - Providence RI
Charles Gates - Warwick RI
Lawrence Wallace - North Kingstown RI

Assignee:

Teknor Apex Company - Pawtucket RI

International Classification:

B32B 2730

US Classification:

523218

Abstract:

A method of making a multilayered, resilient flooring containing a multicolored pattern is disclosed. The method includes applying a multiplicity of pigmented, thermoplastic microbeads to a top surface of a thermoplastic base layer to form a pattern layer on the base layer, which typically remains sufficiently hot so that it is molten or tacky when the microbeads are applied. The base layer and pattern layer can be covered with a substantially transparent material to form a clear top layer. The base layer can be formed by melting a dry blend comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC) to produce a molten PVC output, shaping the molten PVC output into a smooth PVC sheet of uniform thickness. The microbeads can be applied to the base layer using a stencil. The multiplicity of microbeads can include microbeads of two or more colors.