Method and composition for car ramp concealing fiberglass artificial geological rock formation

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and composition for producing composite fiberglass artificial geological rock formation facades that can be used for concealing car ramps. In particular, the method and composition of the present invention provides for the production of a semi-unitary artificial geological rock formation facade that is uniquely lightweight, extraordinarily strong and durable, resistant to environmental forces and that has realistic natural rock characteristics, such as texture, sheen and coloration. The composition is comprised of a particular mixture of fiberglass, polyester resin, cabosil dust, ceramic dust and catalyst for curing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to artificial rock formations and, more particularly, to artificial rock formation facades for the concealment of car ramps. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] The manufacture of artificial rocks has long been used in landscaping and for other purposes in order to avoid the use of natural rocks, which requires finding suitably shaped rocks, transporting them to the location to be used and then digging ground around the rocks so that they rest within the ground at a suitable height. Because this process is obviously burdensome and time consuming, a variety of alternatives to natural rocks have been developed. [0005] Artificial rocks are actually hollowed out rock liners or shells, which are typically formed of concrete formed into a mold. The mold is formed from a natural rock or simulated rock sculpture that has been selected for its size, shape and design characteris...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention provides a composition and method for manufacturing semi-unitary artificial geological rock formation facades that are uniquely lightweight, durable, resistant to environmental forces, and which have realistic natural rock characteristics, such as texture, sheen and coloration. Additionally, the artificial geological rock formation facades can be produced relatively quickly compared to prior art artificial rocks.

Problems solved by technology

Because this process is obviously burdensome and time consuming, a variety of alternatives to natural rocks have been developed.

Though contemporary rock liners have significant functional and economic advantages over natural rocks, the current processes for forming such artificial rocks suffer significant shortcomings, resulting in slow production rates and compromised product quality.

Thus, the resulting product usually does not assume all surface characteristics of the mold, a deficiency that is particularly significant in the upper and side portions of the inverted artificial rock.

This deficiency is typically remedied by applying additional cement by hand to the lower outside portions of the completed artificial rock, resulting in surface details which are only vaguely reminiscent of the natural rock.

Additionally, they are comparatively heavy in weight, adversely affecting their shipping and setup.

Additionally, durability, weathering and resistance to cracking and chipping represent other typical problems encountered with artificial concrete rocks.

This mixture is problematic because it requires spraying a gel coat or barrier coat first into the mold.

Polyester resin requires the addition of fiberglass due to the inherent brittleness of the polyester resin.

The production rate for this process is slow, typically limited to one or two parts per mold per day.

A further problem encountered is the inability to produce self-supporting, substantially rigid artificial rocks of sufficient durability, strength and hardness so as to withstand the rigors of environmental wear and tear.

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