Methods of manufacturing multi-colored landscaping rings

Abstract

Methods of manufacturing multi-colored mulch pads include providing a mold; mixing together a rubber component, a binder and a first coloring agent to form a matrix having a first colored surface; and introducing a second coloring agent onto the matrix to create a multicolored skirt having a second colored surface opposite the first colored surface.

1 . A method of manufacturing a multi-colored mulch pad, the method comprising:
 providing a mold;   introducing into the mold a mixture comprising a rubber component, a binder and a first coloring agent to form a first colored surface;   introducing a second coloring agent in continuous contact with the first colored surface to create a composite, the second coloring agent having a different color from the first coloring agent; and   curing the composite to create a multi-colored mulch pad.   
   
   
       2 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the mulch pad defines a height of about one-half inch to about one inch. 
   
   
       3 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the mold defines a diameter of about twenty inches to about forty inches. 
   
   
       4 . The method as in  claim 1 , further comprising leveling the rubber component, the binder, and the first coloring agent. 
   
   
       5 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the curing is accomplished by heat, compression, adhesive, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       6 . The method as in  claim 1 , further comprising mixing a plurality of fibers with the rubber component, the binder, and the first coloring agent. 
   
   
       7 . The method as in  claim 1 , further comprising mixing a catalyst with the rubber component, the binder, and the first coloring agent. 
   
   
       8 . The method as in  claim 1 , further comprising leveling the second coloring agent. 
   
   
       9 . The method as in  claim 1 , further comprising joining the mold with a ring. 
   
   
       10 . The method as in  claim 9 , wherein the mold includes a peripheral lip and a projection, the projection extending upwardly from the peripheral lip. 
   
   
       11 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein the ring includes a ledge defining a shoulder, the projection and the ledge being complimentarily shaped to seat the ring and the mold together. 
   
   
       12 . The method as in  claim 1 , further comprising embossing one of the first and second colored surfaces such that each surface has a different texture. 
   
   
       13 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the rubber component of the first colored surface includes a plurality of buffings, and wherein the method further comprises introducing a plurality of rubber components with the second coloring agent onto the first colored surface to create a multi-colored pad having a second colored surface opposite the first colored surface. 
   
   
       14 . The method as in  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of rubber components introduced with the second coloring agent comprise rubber granules.