Ted H Wold

US Patent:

54359546, Jul 25, 1995

Filed:

Oct 8, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/134175

Inventors:

Ted H. Wold - Winnfield LA

Assignee:

Riverwood International Corporation - Atlanta GA

International Classification:

B27N 308

US Classification:

264115

Abstract:

A method for producing articles comprised of reinforced composite materials including primarily wood or cellulosic fiber and plastic is disclosed. The wood fibers are comminuted to substantially a specific thickness and classified according to length. Plastic is comminuted and mixed with wood fibers to form a reinforced composite mixture in predetermined ratios. The composite materials form the main structural or bonding components of the finished article. Other chemicals, such as a coupler can be added, as can other structural components, such as fiberglass. The mixture is deposited onto a mold when forming articles having deep drawn portions, and subjected to sufficient temperature and pressure to cause the composite mixture substantially to assume the mold form. The process variables disclosed can be selectively modified to produce predetermined physical characteristics in the finished article, such as strength, thickness or prestressed qualities. An article produced by the above process also is disclosed.