Structural building component having a decorative overmolding, apparatus for fabricating such an article and its method of manufacture

Abstract

A structural building component, such as a column, bracket, trellis, railing, beam or the like, has a construction defined by a rigid aluminum, metal, steel, iron or structural composite member having an exterior surface substantially overmolded with a decorative preferred Thermo-Set Polyaspartic Aliphatic Polyurea polymer composition to form an overmolding devoid of visible seams and fasteners with no post finishing required.

The overmolding has exceptional adhesion to the underlined aluminum, metal, steel, iron or structural composite member. The overmolding method incorporates a resilient mold apparatus enabling the formation of a cladding layer having a decorative outer surface imparting the authentic appearance and texture of a non-polymeric, naturally occurring wood, stone, metal, or other desired finishes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to structural building components. More particularly, the invention relates to a structural building component, such as a support column, bracket, trellis, railing, beam or the like having a decorative overmolding, and a molding apparatus and method for fabricating such a component.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]In construction of commercial, and even residential, building structures, it is frequently found to be necessary or desirable to substantially enclose or cover all or a portion of structural building components in order to provide a neat, attractive, or up-scaled appearance. Such need or desirability occurs both in the construction of new building structures and in renovation or remodeling of existing building structures. In the past, however, the components and materials required for enclosing or covering all or a portion of a building structure have generall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]In another aspect of the method of the present invention, prior to the step of introducing the molding composition into the resilient mold cavity, the mold apparatus is oriented such that a slope, or gradient, results longitudinally between opposite ends of the apparatus and, correspondingly, along the central axis of the resilient mold cavity. Subsequently, the volume of molding composition is introduced into the lower end of the resilient mold cavity. In this manner, mold cavity air is gradually displaced toward the upper end of the resilient mold, for egress through one or m

Problems solved by technology

The overlay structures of the prior art, while providing some aesthetic improvement to the building component, have been relatively expensive to manufacture, transport, and install, and have frequently lacked a neat and attractive appearance, largely due to visible, unattractive seams and to the necessity for the use of fasteners or other mounting

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