Patents by Inventor Michael Dennis Eckart

Michael Dennis Eckart has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6025069
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel thermoplastic article having a high-relief, molded or embossed surface produced by contacting a laminate comprising a first or outer copolyester sheet material and a second or backing copolyester sheet material with heat and pressure using a heated element which simultaneously causes the material to be bonded and a high-relief, decorative appearance to be produced on at least one surface of the thermoplastic article. Also disclosed is an embossed or molded, bonded laminate comprising, in order, (1) a first or outer copolyester layer, (2) a second layer comprising a film which is colored or which bears an image or pattern, and (3) a third or backing copolyester layer, wherein the first and third layers are composed on the above-described copolyester. The copolyesters of the thermoplastic articles and laminates are selected from copolyesters having an inherent viscosity of 0.5 to 1.2 dL/g, when measured at 25.degree. C. using 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Eckart, Raymond Lynn Goodson
  • Patent number: 5998028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel thermoplastic article having metallic wire, rod and/or bar embedded therein produced by applying heat and pressure to a laminate comprising, in order, (1) an upper sheet material, (2) metallic wire, rods or bars, and (3) a lower sheet material to produce a thermoplastic article having metallic wire, rod and/or bar embedded therein. The upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a copolyester having an inherent viscosity of 0.5 to 1.2 dL/g, when measured at 25.degree.C. using 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Eckart, Raymond Lynn Goodson
  • Patent number: 5958539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel thermoplastic article having a fabric comprised of textile fibers embedded therein produced by applying heat and pressure to a laminate comprising, in order, (1) an upper sheet material, (2) a fabric comprised of textile fibers, and (3) a lower sheet material to produce a thermoplastic article having the fabric embedded therein. The upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a copolyester having an inherent viscosity of 0.5 to 1.2 dL/g, when measured at 25.degree. C. using 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Eckart, Raymond Lynn Goodson
  • Patent number: 5894048
    Abstract: This invention relates to a synthetic laminate structure and a method for making the synthetic laminate structure. More particularly, the synthetic laminate structure contains an outer layer comprising a substantially transparent copolyester, a printed or colored film layer having opposed surfaces wherein at least one of the surfaces is colored or has an image printed thereon, a backing layer, and a laminating enhancer layer comprising a polyurethane disposed between the outer layer and the film layer, the laminated enhancer layer providing a bond between the outer layer and film layer characterized by a substantial absence of visible air pockets or adhesion discontinuities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Eckart, Raymond Lynn Goodson
  • Patent number: 5643666
    Abstract: This invention relates to a solid surface which is prepared from a copolyester laminated onto an image layer. More particularly, the solid surface contains an outer layer of transparent PETG copolyester, a polymeric film with a high resolution image printed thereon, and a backing layer. The image can be selected to give the solid surface the appearance of natural building materials, such a wood and stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Eckart, Raymond Lynn Goodson