Methods of Bonding Articles Using Moisture-Curing Adhesive Composition

Abstract

An adhesive composition may be applied to a surface, such as plastic, metal, wood, stucco, plaster, brick, concrete, glass, rubber, tile, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, canvas, stone, or drywall. The adhesive-containing surface is then pressed into contact with a second surface to create a strong, watertight bond. The methods disclosed herein may be used to assemble and/or repair a variety of articles and structures, such as roofs, gutters, boats, kayaks, personal watercraft, canoes, rafts, inflatable articles such as toys, sporting equipment, and air mattresses, outdoor equipment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, campers, garden hoses, low-pressure PVC and plumbing pipes, tents, vinyl awnings, covers and tarps, swimming pools, windows, doors, walls, seams, vents, air ducts, HVAC systems, and the like. Also disclosed herein are methods of testing the bonding strength of an adhesive, methods of affecting underwater repairs, and methods of assembling an all-terrain vehicle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of assembling an all-terrain vehicle comprising:
 applying an adhesive composition to a portion of a first frame member;   bringing the first frame member into contact with a second frame member to bond the first frame member to the second frame member;   applying the adhesive composition to another portion of the first frame member or the second frame member and bringing the first frame member or the second frame member into contact with successive frame members until a complete frame is assembled,   wherein at least the frame of the all-terrain vehicle is joined using only the adhesive.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein remaining vehicle components of the all-terrain vehicle are secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the remaining vehicle components are selected from a group consisting of a motor, wheels, axles, a steering assembly, a suspension, a seat, a steering wheel, and operating controls. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a motor is secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein wheels are secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein axles are secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a steering assembly is secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a suspension is secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a seat is secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a steering wheel is secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein operating controls are secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a motor, wheels, axles, a steering assembly, a suspension, a seat, a steering wheel, operating controls is secured to the assembled frame and/or to other vehicle components. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising operating the all-terrain vehicle over uneven ground, whereby the all-terrain vehicle remains intact. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the uneven terrain includes obstructions. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the obstruction is a log. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the obstruction is a rock. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the uneven terrain is a rock. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the uneven terrain is a log.