Fabric reinforced rubber product

Abstract

Provided is a laminate of masticated rubber. A layer of fabric, capable of withstanding vulcanization temperatures, such as a non woven layer of polyester or polyester and nylon is bonded by means of vulcanization to at least one outer surface of the rubber laminate. Advantageously, this increases the stiffness of the rubber laminate. Further advantageously and unexpectedly, the fabric reinforced rubber laminate in accordance with the invention shows significant improvement in heat aging properties, such as heat resistance, tensile strength, hardness and tear strength.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A rubber laminate comprising a rubber layer having an outer surface and a fabric layer bonded to said outer surface.  
     
     
         2 . The rubber laminate as defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric layer is bonded to said outer surface by means of vulcanization.  
     
     
         3 . The rubber laminate as defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric layer is bonded to said outer surface by means of adhesive.  
     
     
         4 . The rubber laminate as defined in  claim 2  wherein the fabric layer comprises unwoven spun bonded polymer capable of withstanding vulcanization temperatures.  
     
     
         5 . The rubber laminate as defined in  claim 2  wherein the fabric layer comprises polyester.  
     
     
         6 . The rubber laminate as defined in  claim 2  wherein the fabric layer comprises a polyester and nylon blend.  
     
     
         7 . The rubber laminate as defined in  claim 5  wherein the fabric layer has a thickness ranging between 0.006 inches to 0.013 inches.  
     
     
         8 . The rubber laminate as recited in  claim 2  wherein the rubber layer comprises cured Masticated Rubber.  
     
     
         9 . The rubber laminate as recited in  claim 5  wherein the rubber layer comprises cured Masticated Rubber.  
     
     
         10 . The rubber laminate as recited in  claim 1  wherein the rubber laminate has a thickness in the range of 0.04 inches to 0.5 inches.  
     
     
         11 . The rubber laminate as recited in  claim 1  wherein the rubber layer comprises an SBR blend.  
     
     
         12 . The rubber laminate as recited in  claim 1  wherein the rubber layer comprises rubber crumb adhered together with polyurethane.  
     
     
         13 . The rubber laminate as recited in  claim 2  wherein the rubber layer includes two outer surfaces, and said fabric layer is vulcanized to both said outer surfaces.  
     
     
         14 . A method of manufacturing a reinforced rubber laminate comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a rubber layer including an outer surface;    (b) providing a fabric layer;    (c) bonding said fabric layer to said rubber layer outer surface.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said bonding is effected by means of vulcanization of said fabric layer to said outer surface.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said rubber layer is recycled rubber.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said rubber layer is cured Masticated Rubber.  
     
     
         18 . The method or  claim 16  wherein the fabric layer comprises unwoven spun bonded polyester.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the fabric layer comprises unwoven spun bonded polyester and nylon.  
     
     
         20 . The rubber laminate as recited in  claim 2  wherein said rubber layer is recycled rubber.