Wabash National has been granted a patent for a composite structure that combines fiber-reinforced plastic with a wood layer featuring engagement features. A co-cure adhesive layer, containing elastomers and specific resins, bonds these materials together, enhancing structural integrity. GlobalData’s report on Wabash National gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Wabash National, Foamed multilayer laminates was a key innovation area identified from patents. Wabash National's grant share as of June 2024 was 51%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Composite structure with fiber-reinforced plastic and wood layer
The granted patent US12036772B2 describes a composite structure that integrates a fiber-reinforced plastic with a wood layer, featuring a co-cure adhesive layer that bonds the two materials. The wood layer has an uppermost and a lowermost surface, with the latter incorporating at least one engagement feature designed to enhance adhesion. The co-cure adhesive consists of an elastomer and a resin, which can be selected from vinyl ester, polyester, or epoxy resins. The engagement features may include grooves, such as dovetail or U-shaped grooves, or a grid pattern of holes, which facilitate a stronger bond between the wood and the fiber-reinforced plastic.
Additionally, the patent outlines specific configurations for the composite structure, including the use of multiple wood planks and a laminate structure for the fiber-reinforced plastic, which consists of reinforcing layers and transverse beams. The elastomer, which can be urethane, is specified to comprise a variable weight percentage of the co-cure adhesive, ranging from 5% to 95%. The patent also details a composite floor structure that includes a platform with an upper wood layer and a fabric-reinforced plastic layer, further enhanced by the co-cure adhesive. This structure may also feature integrally molded transverse beams, ensuring stability and strength in the overall design.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
