Patent classifications
B29K2261/04
Reinforced Composites and Methods for Their Manufacture
Disclosed herein are, for instance, reinforced composites comprising an airlaid mat comprising a natural fiber component; and a resin dispersed within the airlaid mat; wherein the reinforced composite has a natural fiber volume fraction of 20 vol % to 80 vol %, by volume of the reinforced composite. Also disclosed herein are methods of making reinforced composites. For instance, disclosed herein are methods comprising forming a preform comprising: heating an airlaid mat to a temperature of from 40 C. to 200 C., the airlaid mat comprising a natural fiber component and a binder fiber component; and compressing the airlaid mat at a pressure of from 100 psi to 1200 psi; and impregnating the preform with a resin to form a reinforced composite.
Tool organizer and method of making the same
A tool organizer and method of making the same is provided which allows a user to quickly and easily store tools and other items of various sizes, shapes and configurations. The customizable organizer includes a depressible core capable of maintaining an impression of an object that is pressed into it. The organizer also includes a covering material such as a fabric, flock or elastomeric coating, which protects the outer surface of the core, and also provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A tacky adhesive is applied on an upper surface of the core so that when a tool or other item is pressed into the covering material that overlay the core, the tacky adhesive maintains the covering material in close conformity to the customized impression of the tool or other item created in the organizer.