Foamed surface covering with coherent layer

Abstract

Embodiments of a new foamed surface covering are disclosed, wherein a primary layer of polymeric foam features at least one coherent layer consisting of a water-resistant blend of styrene-maleic anhydride and acrylic resin. The coherent layer facilitates the secured and reusable application of the surface covering after repeated washings.

1 . A surface covering comprising:
 a multilayered composite material, wherein,   the multilayered composite material further comprises: (a) a primary layer of polymeric foam; and (b) at least one layer of coherent resin.   
     
     
         2 . The surface covering according to  claim 1 , wherein the primary layer of polymeric foam further includes a polymeric compound containing a resin selected from the group consisting of latex, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and ethylene vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         3 . The surface covering according to  claim 1 , wherein the primary layer of polymeric foam is composed of a thermally cured polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compound, the compound further comprising a plasticizer, polyvinyl chloride resins, calcium carbonate, a chemical foaming agent, a heat stabilizer, and a pigment. 
     
     
         4 . The compound according to  claim 3 , wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of Diisononyl phthalates (DINP), Dioctyl terephthalates (DOTP), Epoxidized Soybean Oils (ESO), or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The compound according to  claim 3 , further comprising a copolymeric blend of two dissimilar PVC homopolymer dispersion resins. 
     
     
         6 . The surface covering according to  claim 1 , wherein the primary layer is between 1.275 mm to 6.35 mm in thickness. 
     
     
         7 . The surface covering according to  claim 1 , wherein the primary layer of polymeric foam encases an intermediate reinforcing layer of knitted or nonwoven scrim. 
     
     
         8 . The surface covering according to  claim 7 , wherein the knitted scrim comprises woven yarns selected from the group consisting of natural or synthetic yarns. 
     
     
         9 . The surface covering according to  claim 8 , wherein the woven construction of the knitted scrim defines a series of apertures. 
     
     
         10 . The surface covering according to  claim 7 , wherein the nonwoven scrim comprises autogenously bonded polyester fibers. 
     
     
         11 . The surface covering according to  claim 1 , wherein the primary layer consists of a continuous layer of unsupported polymeric foam. 
     
     
         12 . The surface covering according to  claim 11 , wherein the continuous layer of unsupported foam includes at least one surface having a plurality of micro-embossed indentations. 
     
     
         13 . The surface covering according to  claim 12 , wherein the micro-embossed indentations provide an arrangement of concave recesses to enhance the bonding characteristics of the coherent layer. 
     
     
         14 . The surface covering according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one layer of coherent resin includes a composition of Styrene-Maleic Anhydride copolymer and Acrylic resin. 
     
     
         15 . The surface covering according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one layer of coherent resin is between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm in thickness. 
     
     
         16 . The surface covering according to  claim 14 , wherein the Styrene-Maleic Anhydride copolymer has a glass transition (Tg) temperature in the range of −30° to −40° C. 
     
     
         17 . The surface covering according to  claim 14 , wherein the Styrene-Maleic Anhydride copolymer is formed by means of controlled radical polymerization. 
     
     
         18 . The surface covering according to  claim 14 , wherein the Styrene-Maleic Anhydride copolymer is water resistant. 
     
     
         19 . The surface covering according to  claim 14  wherein the coherent layer of Styrene-Maleic Anhydride copolymer and Acrylic resin impedes the migration of plasticizers. 
     
     
         20 . The surface covering according to  claim 14 , wherein the coherent layer of Styrene-Maleic Anhydride copolymer and Acrylic resin prevents the adhesion of residual polymeric foam to subjacent surfaces upon removal. 
     
     
         21 - 44 . (canceled)