Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Processes – Adhering preformed sheet-form member
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-20
2001-07-03
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Processes
Adhering preformed sheet-form member
C052S749120, C156S071000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253528
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for applying TPO or TPE based solid phase adhesive to a single-ply roofing membrane. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for applying the adhesive layer between overlapping talc-free roofing membranes of a membrane roofing system to form a seam and a method of using the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A roof system generally includes a roof deck that is considered the structural supporting surface of a building extending between surrounding exterior walls of the building. The roof deck may be constructed from plywood, metal decking or concrete or any other suitable material. Depending upon the construction, the roof deck may extend over the surrounding exterior walls or the roof deck may stop short of the exterior walls thereby forming a parapet wall, i.e., a low retaining wall at the edge of the roof deck. If desired, the roofing system may also include an insulation barrier formed from polyisocyanurate or any other suitable material applied over the roof deck.
To make the roof system weather resistant, a single-ply membrane roof may be installed over the roof deck. A single-ply membrane roof refers to a water impermeable single sheet of polymeric material such as thermoplastic olefins, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonasted polyethylene or ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). The membrane roof may be mechanically fastened over the roof deck using a variety of different methods well known in the art.
When applying the membrane roof to the roof deck, it is usually necessary to splice together roofing membranes to form a single continuous field of the membrane roof An example of this would be cured EPDM sheets. It will be appreciated that the splice or seam area is subjected to both short term and long term stresses such as those caused by roof movement, heavy winds, freeze thaw cycling and thermal cycling. Such stresses may manifest themselves in shear forces or peel forces, i.e., the seam peels back under severe stress conditions or may cause a partially open seam under less severe conditions.
In view of the foregoing problem, it has been necessary to apply an adhesive to splice the cured EPDM roofing membranes together. The adhesive for splicing cured EPDM roofing membranes together must be capable of being simply and/or economically applied in the field to provide an acceptable adhesive bond. The applied adhesive must provide sufficient seam peel and shear strength such that the spliced EPDM roofing membranes resist both the short term and long term stresses. Moreover, the applied adhesive must be resistant to oxidation, hydrolysis and chemical attack from pooled water.
In accordance with one object of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for continuously applying TPO or TPE adhesive between talc-free overlapping edges of roofing membranes (e.g. EPDM sheets). In accordance with another object of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for continuously applying a TPO (thermoplastic olefin) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) adhesive between overlapping edges of EPDM roofing membranes. It is another object of the present invention to provide an applicator for applying a TPO or TPE adhesive between overlapping single-ply EPDM roof membranes to form a seam in the field. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an applicator and method for applying a TPO or TPE adhesive that is simple to use and economical to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention relates to an apparatus capable of applying a TPO or TPE adhesive between a talc-free first membrane and an overlapping talc-free second membrane. The apparatus includes a movably supported chassis and an extruder attached to the chassis having a nozzle including an outlet having at least one opening for applying the TPO or TPE adhesive between the first membrane and the overlapping second membrane to adhere the overlapping second membrane to the first membrane.
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Hubbard Michael J.
Kelly Walter J.
Verrocchi Anthony
Weinert Raymond J.
Meenan Larry R.
OMNOVA Solutions Inc.
Rywalski Robert F.
Safavi Michael
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