Inventors: Mihai Gavris, Tiberius loan Oltean

BACKGROUND

[0001] The exterior and interior surfaces of a building can be covered by many materials including natural materials, manufactured materials and materials simulating natural or manufactured materials. Non-limiting examples of natural materials include wood and stone. Non-limiting examples of manufactured materials include siding, stucco and masonry. Examples of materials simulating natural and manufactured materials include simulated stone, simulated wood, simulated siding, simulated stucco and simulated brick.

[0002] The exterior coverings of a building are configured to repel weather elements and protect the interior of the building or structure from the effects of weather. Additionally, the exterior and interior coverings of a building can present a desired aesthetic appearance to the building or structure.

[0003] Simulated materials can take many forms including the non-limiting examples of individual pieces or panels formed to represent the combination of individual pieces. Simulated materials can be applied to various types of building structures. Some examples of building structures configured to support simulated materials include wood or metal framing members (studs) or framing members covered by layers of sheet material (sheathing) and subsequently covered by one or more layers of insulation.

[0004] It would be advantageous if simulated materials could be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by a decorative, insulative product configured for application to the interior or exterior surfaces of a building structure. The product includes one or more layers configured to form a rigid, puncture resistant outer protective surface for the product and a base layer configured to support the one or more layers. The one or more layers forming the outer surface of the product are configured to provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the building or structure and the base layer is configured to provide a thermal insulative value and an acoustic insulative value to the product.

[0006] According to this invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a decorative, insulative product configured for application to the interior or exterior surfaces of a building structure. The method includes the steps of forming one or more layers within a mold, the one or more layers configured to form a rigid, puncture resistant outer protective surface for the product and applying a base layer over the one or more layers configured to support the one or more layers. The one or more layers forming the outer surface of the product are configured to provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the building or structure and the base layer is configured to provide a thermal insulative value and an acoustic insulative value to the product.

[0007] According to this invention there is also provided a building wall covered with decorative, insulative product. The building wall includes a plurality of framing members forming an exterior or interior surface and a plurality of decorative, insulative product covering the exterior or interior surface formed by the framing members. The decorative, insulative product includes one or more layers configured to form a rigid, puncture resistant outer protective surface for the product and a base layer configured to support the one or more layers forming the outer protective surface. The one or more layers forming the outer surface of the product are configured to provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the exterior or interior surface of the building wall and the base layer is configured to provide a thermal insulative value and an acoustic insulative value to the product.

[0008] Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the various embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a decorative, insulative product.

[0010] Figure 2 is a front view, in elevation, of a plurality of decorative, insulative products of Figure 1 combined such as to cover a building wall.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of decorative, insulative products of Figure 1 combined such as to cover building corner.

[0012] Figure 4 is a side view, in elevation, of a mold for forming the decorative, insulative product of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the

specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

[0016] The description and figures disclose decorative, insulative products configured for forming portions of interior or external walls for a building and methods for the production of the decorative, insulative products. The decorative, insulative products can be in the form of panels, corner pieces, or architectural trim pieces. As will be discussed below, the decorative, insulative products are manufactured using a mold filled with various layers of materials.

[0017] Referring now to the figures, a decorative, insulative product is shown generally at 10. Generally, the decorative, insulative product 10

(hereafter product 10) is configured to provide both a decorative siding material and an insulative siding material for application to external and internal surfaces of a building. The product 10 includes layers of resin-based material applied over a base of foam-based insulative material. The term "decorative", as used herein, is defined to mean providing an ornamental appearance. The term "insulative material", as used herein, is defined to mean any material configured to provide a thermal insulative value (R) or an acoustic insulative value. The term "product", as used herein, is defined to mean any desired form including panels, corner pieces and trim pieces. The term "layer", as used herein, is defined to mean a quantity or thickness of material. The term "resin- based", as used herein, is defined to mean a material having a polymeric base.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the product 10 has a front face 12, a rear face 14, a top edge 16, a bottom edge 18, a first side edge 20 and a second side edge 22. As will be explained in more detail below, the product 10 formed from a mold filled with various layers of material. In the illustrated embodiment, the front face 12 has a textured surface that simulates a plurality of natural stones. The term "textured surface", as used herein, is defined to mean an imitation of the tactile quality of a represented object. In other embodiments, the front face 12 can have textured surfaces that simulate other materials, such as the non- limiting example of brick, natural wood, stucco or siding. However, it should be appreciated that still in other embodiments, the front face 12 can have a non- textured or smooth surface. The term "smooth" surface, as used herein, is defined to mean a substantially continuous even surface.

[0019] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the top edge 16, bottom edge 18 and opposing first and second side edges 20 and 22 have a smooth surface. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the top edge 16, bottom edge 18 and opposing first and second side edges 20 and 22 can have textured surfaces that simulate other materials as discussed above for the front face 12.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the back face 14 of the product 10 has a non- textured surface. Alternatively, the back face 14 can have any other texture, such as a scratch coat, conducive for application to a structural surface.

[0021] Referring again to Fig. 1, the product 10 has a length LP and a height HP. In the illustrated embodiment, the length LP of the product 10 is in a range of from about 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) to about 48.0 inches (121.9 cm) and the height HP of the product 10 is in a range of from about 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) to about 16.0 inches (40.6 cm). In other embodiments, the length LP of the product 10 can be less than about 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) or more than about 48.0 inches (121.9 cm) and the height HP of the product 10 can be less than about 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) or more than about 16.0 inches (40.6 cm). While the product 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 is shown as having a generally rectangular shape, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the product 10 can have other desired shapes, including the non-limiting example of an irregular shape.

[0022] Referring again to Fig. 1, the product 10 includes an outer layer 30, an optional intermediate layer 32 and a base layer 34.

[0023] The outer layer 30 is configured to provide a protective surface and decorative surface to the product 10. In certain instances, the product 10 can be applied to the exterior surfaces of a building. Under these circumstances, the outer layer 30 of the product 10 can be in contact with environmental conditions such as rain, sleet, hail and snow. Accordingly, the outer layer 30 is configured to substantially protect the product from damage from the environmental conditions.

[0024] As discussed above, the outer layer 30 is configured to provide a decorative surface to the product 10. Accordingly, the surface of the outer layer 30 can have various coloring agents and patterns.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the material forming the outer layer 30 is formed from an unsaturated polymeric-based material, such as the non- limiting example of polyester resin or epoxy resin. However, other desired materials can also be used, sufficient to provide a protective surface and decorative surface to the product 10. As will be discussed in more detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer layer 30 is formed by spraying the unsaturated polymeric-based material into a mold. However, in other embodiments, the outer layer 30 can be formed by other desired methods, including the use of castable unsaturated polymeric-based materials.

[0026] Optionally, the outer layer 30 can include reinforcing materials (not shown). The reinforcing materials are configured to provide the outer layer 30 with desired levels of hardness and puncture resistance. In certain

embodiments, the reinforcing materials can be fibrous materials such as the non-limiting examples of fiberglass or carbon fibers. In other embodiments, the reinforcing materials can be other materials, such as for example sand, quartz, ground up rubber tire and sawdust. In still other embodiments, other suitable reinforcing materials can be used.

[0027] Optionally, the outer layer 30 can include various additives or coatings configured to impart desired characteristics to the product 10. As one non-limiting example, the outer layer 30 can include a fire retardant material. Examples of fire retardant material include aluminum hydroxide and boron. Other additives or protective coatings can be added to tailor the outer layer 30 to specialized conditions, such as extreme exposures of ultraviolet light, solar radiation, and/or temperature. The protective coating can also contain other additives such as algaecides or fungicides.

[0028] The outer layer 30 has a thickness Tl. The thickness Tl of the outer layer 30 is configured to provide the outer layer 30 with desired levels of strength and puncture resistance. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness Tl is in a range of from about 0.02 inches (0.5 mm) to about 0.12 inches (3.0 mm). In other embodiments, the thickness Tl of the outer layer can be less than about 0.02 inches (0.5 mm) or more than about 0.12 inches (3.0 mm).

[0029] Referring again to embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the product 10 includes the optional intermediate layer 32. The optional intermediate layer 32 is configured to provide support to the outer layer 30, such as to improve the rigidity and puncture resistance of the outer layer 30. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the size and shape of the product 10, coupled with the configuration of the outer layer 30, may provide the product 10 with sufficient rigidity and puncture resistance so as to eliminate the need for the intermediate layer 32.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the material forming the intermediate layer 32 is an unsaturated polymeric-based material, such as the non-limiting example of polyester resin, epoxy resin or high density polyurethane foam. However, other desired materials can also be used, sufficient to provide a support to the outer layer 30. As will also be discussed in more detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate layer 32 is formed by spraying the unsaturated polymeric-based material into the mold and over the inner surface formed by the outer layer 30. However, in other embodiments, the intermediate layer 32 can be formed by other desired methods, including the use of castable unsaturated polymeric-based materials.

[0031] Optionally, the intermediate layer 32 can include reinforcing materials (not shown). The reinforcing materials are configured to provide the intermediate layer 32 with desired levels of strength and puncture resistance. In certain embodiments, the reinforcing materials can be the same reinforcing materials used for the outer layer 30, such as fiberglass or carbon fibers. In other embodiments, the reinforcing materials can be other desired materials.

[0032] The intermediate layer 32 has a thickness T2. The thickness T2 of the intermediate layer 32 is configured to combine with the thickness Tl of the outer layer 30 to provide the product 10 with layers of resin-based material having a total desired thickness. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness T2 is in a range of from about 0.12 inches (3.0 mm) to about 0.32 inches (8.0 mm). In other embodiments, the thickness T2 of the intermediate layer 32 can be less than about 0.12 inches (3.0 mm) or more than about 0.32 inches (8.0 mm). Optionally, if needed, the thickness of the intermediate layer 32 can be varied as desired such as to improve the rigidity and puncture resistance of the outer layer 30 and to provide an overall thickness of the layers of resin-based material.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the combination of the thicknesses Tl and T2 of the outer layer 30 and the intermediate layer 32 is in a range of from about 0.14 inches (3.6 mm) to about 0.44 inches (11.2 mm). In other embodiments, the combination of the thicknesses Tl and T2 of the outer layer 30 and the intermediate layer 32 can be less than about 0.14 inches (3.6 mm) or more than about 0.44 inches (11.2 mm).

[0034] Referring again to Fig. 1, the base layer 34 is configured to provide a thermal insulative value (R) to the product 10 as well as an acoustic insulative value to the product 10. The term "insulative value", as used herein, is defined to mean the ability of a material to substantially retard the flow of thermal energy. Factors contributing to the thermal and acoustic insulative value of the product 10 include the thicknesses of the base layer 34 and the materials used to form the base layer 32.

[0035] The base layer 34 has a nominal or average thickness T3. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness T3 is in a range of from about 0.59 inches (15.0 mm) to about 11.8 inches (300.0 mm). In other embodiments, the thickness T3 of the base layer 34 can be less than about 0.59 inches (15.0 mm) or more than about 11.8 inches (300.0 mm).

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the material forming the base layer 34 is a polymeric-based foam material such as for example polyurethane foam. In other embodiments, the material forming the base layer 34 can be other materials or combinations of materials including the non-limiting example of polyurethane foam combined with expanded or extruded polystyrene foam. Accordingly, as one non-limiting example, a base layer 34 having a thickness T3 of 0.79 inches (20 mm) and formed from a polymeric-based foam material yields a thermal insulative value (R) of about 20. Other combinations of the thickness of the base layer 34 and materials forming the base layer 34 can provide other desired insulative values (R).

[0037] In a similar manner, a base layer 34 having a thickness T3 of 0.79 inches (20 mm) and formed from a polymeric-based foam material yields a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) in a range of from about 0.2 to about 0.7. The NRC is a single-number index determined in a lab test and used for rating how noise absorptive a particular material is. This industry standard ranges from zero (perfectly reflective) to 1 (perfectly absorptive). The NRC simply averages the mid-frequency sound absorption coefficients (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hertz) rounded to the nearest 5%. Other combinations of the thickness of the base layer 34 and materials forming the base layer 34 can provide other desired acoustic insulative values.

[0038] Optionally, the base layer 34 can include reinforcing materials (not shown). The reinforcing materials are configured to provide the base layer 34 with desired levels of rigidity and puncture resistance. In certain embodiments, the reinforcing materials can be fibrous materials such as the non-limiting examples of fiberglass or carbon fibers. In other embodiments, the reinforcing materials can be other materials, such as for example sand, quartz, ground up rubber tire and sawdust. In still other embodiments, other suitable reinforcing materials can be used.

[0039] Optionally, the base layer 34 can include various additives or coatings configured to impart desired characteristics to the product 10. As one non-limiting example, the base layer 34 can include a fire retardant material as discussed above.

[0040] Referring now to Fig. 2, a plurality of products 10A-10G can be combined to form a wall 50. In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 2, the products 10A-10G can optionally be shaped in a jig-saw fashion such as to allow adjoining products 10A-10G to mesh together in a more natural appearance and avoid the appearance of rectangularly- shaped panels simply stacked together. In other embodiments, the products 10A-10G can have other shapes, such as the non-limiting examples of rectangular, square or irregular shape, sufficient to allow adjoining products 10A-10G to mesh together in a natural appearance.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjoining side edges of the products 10A-10G have substantially straight and smooth surfaces, thereby allowing a tight fit between the adjoining products 10A-10G. In other embodiments, the adjoining side edges of the products 10A-10G can have other surfaces sufficient to allow a tight fit between the adjoining products 10A-10G.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, an optional sealant 52 is positioned between the adjoining side edges of the products 10A-10G. The sealant 52 is configured to seal gaps formed between the adjoining side edges of the products 10A-10G, thereby substantially preventing the flow of acoustic energy, thermal energy and moisture through the wall 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealant 52 is a polymeric material, such as for example polyurethane. However, the sealant 52 can be other desired materials.

[0043] While the wall 50 illustrated in Fig. 2 is shown to have a quantity of seven products 10A-10G and have a generally rectangular shape, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, a wall can have any desired number of products 10 and can have any desired shape, including an irregular shape.

[0044] Referring now to Fig. 3, a plurality of products 110A- 110E can be combined to form a corner 150. In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, the products 1 lOA-110E can optionally be shaped in a jig-saw fashion such as to allow adjoining products 1 lOA-110E to mesh together in a more natural appearance and avoid the appearance of rectangularly- shaped panels simply stacked together. In other embodiments, the products 1 lOA-110E can have other shapes, such as the non-limiting examples of rectangular, square or irregular shape, sufficient to allow adjoining products 110A-110E to mesh together in a natural appearance.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjoining side edges of the products 110A-110E have substantially straight and smooth surfaces, thereby allowing a tight fit between the adjoining products 1 lOA-110E. In other embodiments, the adjoining side edges of the products 1 lOA-110E can have other surfaces sufficient to allow a tight fit between the adjoining products 110A-110E.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3, an optional sealant 152 is positioned between the adjoining side edges of the products 1 lOA-110E. In the illustrated

embodiment, the sealant 152 is the same as, or similar to, the sealant 52 illustrated in Fig. 2 and discussed above. In other embodiments, the sealant 152 can be different from the sealant 52 illustrated in Fig. 2 and discussed above.

[0047] While the corner 150 illustrated in Fig. 3 is shown to have a quantity of five products 1 lOA-110E, it should be appreciated that in other

embodiments, the corner 150 can have any desired number of products. Also, while the corner 150 illustrated in Fig. 3 is shown such that the sides of the corner have a generally right-angle orientation to each other, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the sides of the corner can have any desired orientation to each other.

[0048] Referring now to Fig. 4, a production mold is illustrated generally at 60. The production mold 60 is configured to manufacture the products 10. The production mold 60 includes a mold frame 62 and structural material 64.

[0049] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the production mold 60 forms a mold cavity 70 within the structural material 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the mold cavity 70 is oriented such that the outer layer 30 of the product 10 is arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation. Alternatively, in other embodiments the mold cavity 70 can be oriented such that the outer layer 30 of the product 10 is arranged in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0050] While the production mold 60 illustrated in Fig. 4 shows a lone mold cavity 70, it should be appreciated that the production mold 60 can include any desired quantity of mold cavities 70.

[0051] The mold frame 62 is configured to support the structural material 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the mold frame 62 is made of a rigid material, such as for example metal. In other embodiments, the mold frame 62 can be made of other rigid materials, such as reinforced plastic, sufficient to hold the structural material 64.

[0052] Referring again to Fig. 4, the structural material 64 is positioned within the mold frame 62 and is configured to form the mold cavity 70. The structural material 64 is configured to support the load formed during the forming of the product 10. In certain embodiments, the structural material 64 is a flexible material and in other embodiments, the structural material 64 can be a rigid material. Non-limiting examples of a flexible material forming the structural material 64 include silicone rubber and polyure thane. Non-limiting examples of rigid materials forming the structural material 64 include epoxy- based resins, Teflon®, polypropylene and polyurethane-based resins. In still other embodiments, other desired materials can be used to form the structural material 64, sufficient to be a load supporting material capable of providing substantially rigid structural support during the formation of the product 10.

[0053] In other embodiments, the production mold 60 can be made from a solid block of material. The production mold 60 material can be any material suitable to form a mold 60 containing mold cavities 70. Non-limiting examples of suitable material include latex rubber, elastomers such as polyure thane, and thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride.

[0054] Having described the structure of the production mold 60, the process for forming the product 10 will now be described. Initially, the production mold 60 is positioned on a mold support (not shown). The mold support is configured to retain the production mold 60 is a rigid and fixed position during the mold process. The mold support can have any desired structure.

[0055] Optionally, the mold support can be supported by mold isolation mechanisms (not shown). The mold isolation mechanisms are configured to isolate the production mold 60 as the production mold 60 is vibrated by an optional mold vibrator (not shown). The mold isolation mechanisms can be any desired structure, mechanism or device, or combination thereof, such as for example elastomeric isolators or air bags, sufficient to isolate the production mold 60 as the production mold 60 is vibrated by the mold vibrator.

[0056] Optionally, the mold support can be configured for vertical movement as may be required for positioning the production mold 60 relative to dosing apparatus (not shown). In certain embodiments, the mold support can be connected to a hydraulic lift cylinder (not shown), configured to facilitate the vertical movement of the production mold 60. In other embodiments, the mold support can be connected to other structure or mechanisms, such as for example pneumatic or electric cylinders, or rack and pinion mechanisms, sufficient to vertically raise and lower the mold support.

[0057] Referring again to Fig. 4, optionally, a mold vibrator (not shown) can be connected to the mold support. The mold vibrator is configured to vibrate the production mold 60. Vibration of the production mold 60 can promote a flow of the materials forming the layers 30, 32 and 34 of the product 10 into all portions of the mold cavity 70. In certain embodiments, the mold vibrator can be a pneumatic, high- amplitude piston-type vibrator providing a liner force. One example of a pneumatic, piston-type vibrator is model VTS 50/10, marketed by Powtek Corporation, headquartered in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. In other embodiments, the mold vibrator can be other suitable vibrators, such as for example electric or rotary vibrators, sufficient to promote a flow of materials into all portions of the mold cavity 70.

[0058] In operation, the production mold 60 is secured to the mold support. Optionally, the mold cavity 70 can be colored or painted with one or more layers of suitable stone-colored paints. The paint can be applied with any desired manual or automatic mechanism or device.

[0059] Next the mold support, including the production mold 60 is positioned relative to one or more dosing apparatus (not shown). The term "dosing" as used herein, is defined to mean the use of defined quantities of material to manufacture the products 10. Generally, the dosing apparatus is configured to allow a flow of material to the mold cavity 70. The dosing apparatus can have any desired structure, mechanism or device or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, a lone dosing apparatus can be configured to sequentially apply the material for the outer layer 30 and the intermediate layer 32. In other embodiments, separate dosing apparatus can be used for application of the outer layer 30 and the intermediate layer 32.

[0060] Optionally, the dosing apparatus can be connected to supply hoppers (not shown). The supply hoppers are configured to supply material for the layers 30 and 32 to the dosing apparatus. The supply hoppers can be any desired structure, mechanism or device or combination thereof.

[0061] Next, a desired quantity of material forming the outer layer 30 flows through the supply hopper and into the dosing apparatus. As discussed earlier, in certain embodiments the material forming the outer layer 30 can be sprayable, such as to be sprayed into the mold cavity 70. In other embodiments, the material forming the outer layer 30 can be deposited or cast into the mold cavity 70. The quantity of material is sufficient when the formed outer layer 30 has a thickness Tl in the range as discussed above. Optionally, the material can be urged to flow into all portions of the mold cavity 70 by activation of the mold vibrator. Activation of the mold vibrator can change the rheological properties of the material and allow the material to flow more easily into all portions of the mold cavity 70.

[0062] After the mold cavity 70 has received the desired quantity of material forming the outer layer 30, the dosing apparatus and the mold vibrator are deactivated and the material within the mold cavity 70 is allowed to harden. Optionally, any desired apparatus and any desired methods can be used to facilitate the hardening of the material forming the outer layer 30.

[0063] Next, a desired quantity of material forming the intermediate layer 32 flows through a supply hopper and into a dosing apparatus. As discussed earlier, in certain embodiments the material forming the intermediate layer 32 can be sprayable, such as to be sprayed over the outer layer 30 in the mold cavity 70. In other embodiments, the material forming the intermediate layer 32 can be deposited or cast over the outer layer 30 in the mold cavity 70. The quantity of material is sufficient when the formed intermediate layer 32 has a thickness T2 in the range as discussed above. Optionally, the material can be urged to flow into all portions of the mold cavity 70 by activation of the mold vibrator, as discussed above.

[0064] After the mold cavity 70 has received the desired quantity of material forming the intermediate layer 32, the dosing apparatus and the mold vibrator are deactivated and the material within the mold cavity 70 is allowed to harden. Optionally, any desired apparatus and any desired methods can be used to facilitate the hardening of the material forming the intermediate layer 32, such as the non-limiting example of a curing chamber.

[0065] Prior to the hardening of the intermediate layer 32, the thicknesses Tl and T2 are determined using any desired method. If the thicknesses Tl and T2 are not sufficient to provide the thickness of the resin-based layers as discussed above, then additional material is added to the intermediate layer 32 using the apparatus and methods described above.

[0066] After the mold cavity 70 has received the desired quantity of material forming the intermediate layer 32, the dosing apparatus and the mold vibrator are deactivated and the material within the mold cavity 70 is allowed to set to a gel condition. Optionally, any desired apparatus and any desired methods can be used to facilitate the setting of the material forming the intermediate layer 32.

[0067] After the intermediate layer 32 has set to a gel condition, the material forming the base layer 34 is deposited within the mold cavity 70 by a foam dosing apparatus (not shown). A desired quantity of foam material forming the base layer 34 flows through the dosing apparatus. The quantity of foam material is sufficient when the base layer 34 is formed having a thickness T3 in the range as discussed above. The deposited material forming the base layer 34 contacts and bonds with the intermediate layer 32. Optionally, the foam material can be urged to flow into all portions of the mold cavity 70 by activation of the mold vibrator, as discussed above.

[0068] Optionally, the top of the mold cavity 70 cavity can be enclosed by a cap (not shown). The cap can be configured such as to control the vertical expansion of the foam material forming the base layer 34. The optional cap can be any desired structure, mechanism or device sufficient to control the vertical expansion of the foam material forming the base layer 34. However, it should be understood that the cap is optional, and that the decorative, insulative product 10 can be practiced without the cap.

[0069] Upon hardening of the base layer 34, the outer layer 30, and intermediate layer 32, the material in the mold cavity 70 becomes the product 10. After hardening, the product 10 is removed from the mold cavity 70 in a suitable manner, including passing the production mold 60 over rollers (not shown). Alternatively, any other method of removing the product 10 from the production mold 60, such as introducing a pressurized fluid such as air between the outer layer 30 and the structural material 64, or vacuum absorption can be used.

[0070] Referring again to Fig. 4, optionally, a removal or release agent can be applied to the mold cavity 70 prior to the deposition of the materials. The removal or release agent is configured to facilitate removal of the product 10 from the mold cavity 70. The removal or release agent can be any desired material or combination of materials.

[0071] Optionally, after the product 10 has been removed from the mold 60, the product 10 can be further thermally cured using any desired curing apparatus or method, such as for example a curing oven (not shown). In certain embodiments, the optional curing can also be used to substantially reduce or eliminate any residual odors.

[0072] While the production mold 60 illustrated in Fig. 4 has been described above as one method of forming the product 10, it should be appreciated that other methods of manufacturing the product 10 can be used. As one non- limiting example of another method of forming the product 10, the following production steps can be used. First, the base layer 34 can be formed by introducing foam material forming the base layer 34 into a mold (not shown) having a mold cavity. The mold cavity can have a textured surface that simulates a plurality of natural stones. In other embodiments, the mold cavity can have textured surfaces that simulate other materials, such as the non- limiting example of brick, natural wood, stucco or siding. However, it should be appreciated that still in other embodiments, the mold cavity can have a non- textured or smooth surface. The term "smooth" surface, as used herein, is defined to mean a substantially continuous even surface.

[0073] The foam material can be the same as the foam material discussed above, however other foam materials can be used. Optionally, the foam material can be urged to flow into all portions of the mold cavity by activation of the mold vibrator, as discussed above, or by other desired methods including pressure formed by apparatus in the form of a press.

[0074] Upon hardening, the foam material forming the base layer having the optional textured surface, is removed from the mold cavity. An outer layer and optionally an intermediate layer can be applied to the base layer. The outer layer and optional intermediate layer can be applied to the base layer in any desired manner, including spraying, casting or depositing, using any desired structures, mechanisms or devices. Upon application, the outer layer and optional intermediate layer assume the optional textured surface of the base layer. Optionally, the outer layer can be aesthetically finished as desired.

[0075] The principle of the decorative, insulative product and methods for the production of the decorative, insulative product have been described in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that the decorative, insulative product and methods for the production of the decorative, insulative product may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.