Abstract: The present teachings contemplate a method comprising coating a poly(vinyl chloride) material with a composition including a dicarbonyl compound, a cyanoacrylate compound, or a combination thereof and a viscosity modifying agent so that the composition has a viscosity of from about 50 cps to about 2500 cps; wherein the coated poly(vinyl chloride) material is capable of adhering to a second material without the use of a primer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement material for forming reinforced members. The reinforcement material includes a strengthening material which is preferably a fabric disposed at least partially between portions of matrix material.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, materials, and products for forming a foamed product, comprising the steps of combining an epoxy-based component with an amine-based component. The epoxy component is cross-linked through a polymerization reaction catalyzed by the amine formulation. In this regard, an reactive mixture or exothermic reaction is created between the epoxy component and the amine component when combined. The heat generated by the exothermic reaction softens a thermoplastic shell of a blowing agent formulated within the epoxy component thereby enabling a solvent core within the thermoplastic shell of the blowing agent to expand from the heat generated by the exothermic or reactive mixture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of employing a porous container for sealing, baffling, reinforcing or a combination thereof. According to the method, a porous container having one or more openings is provided. An expandable material is associated with the container and is preferably placed within the container. Thereafter, the expandable material is expanded to contact and adhere to a structure of an article of manufacture (e.g., an automotive vehicle).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying melt flowable materials to components of articles of manufacture. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein are concerned with formation of appropriate flowable materials, control over the manner in which the flowable materials are applied, treatment of the components prior to application of the flowable materials and the like. Moreover, the apparatuses and methods may be particularly suited for applying flowable materials to surfaces and components found in automotive, aerospace, and marine vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement material for forming reinforced members. The reinforcement material includes a strengthening material which is preferably a fabric disposed at least partially between portions of matrix material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for reinforcing, sealing or baffling a structure of an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. The member preferably includes a carrier member and an activatable (e.g., expandable, curable or both) material disposed upon a surface of the carrier member. The carrier member is preferably formed of a thermosettable material such as a molding compound (e.g., a sheet or bulk molding compound).

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of employing a porous container for sealing, baffling, reinforcing or a combination thereof. According to the method, a porous container having one or more openings is provided. An expandable material is associated with the container and is preferably placed within the container. Thereafter, the expandable material is expanded to contact and adhere to a structure of an article of manufacture (e.g., an automotive vehicle).

Abstract: A synthetic material and articles incorporating the same are disclosed. The synthetic material includes a base material, which is at least partially tacky. Preferably, a powder is dispensed upon the base material for providing a substantially non-tacky surface to the synthetic material.

Abstract: A reinforced hydroform member having an outer structural member reinforced by a structural foam supported by the outer structural member. The structural foam extends along at least a portion of the length of the outer structural member. The structural foam is a heat-activated epoxy-based resin. As the foam is heated, it expands and adheres to adjacent surfaces. The preferred structural foam material is commercially available from L&L Products of Romeo, Mich. under the designation L5206, L5207, L5208, or L5209.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of applying activatable material to a member of an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. According the method, the activatable material is provided to an applicator followed by applying the activatable material to the member. Preferably, the activatable material is applied in a condition that makes the material suitable for allowing further processing or assembly of the member, the article of manufacture or both.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle frame reinforcement system has a skeleton member designed to be secured to a vehicle frame, such as a roof or pillar section. An expandable material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcing foam, is disposed on the skeleton member. Once the system is attached to the frame, the foam expands and cures during an automobile assembly operation, bonding the reinforcement system to the frame. As a result, the reinforcement system provides enhanced load distribution over the vehicle frame without adding excessive weight.

Abstract: An activatable material and articles incorporating the same is disclosed. The activatable material includes at least three of an epoxy resin; a thermoplastic polyether; a blowing agent; a curing agent; and a filler. The activatable material is preferably used for sealing, baffling or reinforcing an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An energy management system and device for use in an automotive frame, rail, or other structural component of an automotive vehicle. The frame or rail having a cavity or exposed surface capable of supporting at least one member. The member having an interior portion and an exterior portion with the interior portion being defined by at least one trigger or step change to the geometry of the inner portion to target and direct axial bending of the system. A reinforcing material, such as a polymer-based expandable material, is disposed along the exterior portion of a member prior to final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the reinforcing material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the frame rail to mange, direct, and/or absorb energy in the event of an impact to the vehicle from an applied load or an external force.

Abstract: A lightweight member is provided for reinforcing, sealing or baffling structures of articles of manufacture such as automotive vehicles. The lightweight member preferably includes a carrier member having a cellular structure and an expandable material disposed thereon.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: A bladder system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including a flexible barrier member for dividing at least a portion of the structural member being reinforced into one or more sections; and a reinforcement material for filling one or more sections bounded by the flexible barrier member. The reinforcement material filling one or more sections of the structural member can be a pumpable polymeric material, and the flexible barrier member can be a polymeric material.