Abstract: The specification discloses an energy absorbing structure having a rod-like lateral cross section such as a hand rail, steering wheel or the like in which an inner structural member is made of a material capable of providing rigid structural strength, but being frangible upon sharp impact of the type encountered in vehicle accidents so as to absorb energy from the impact, and an exterior covering generally surrounding the inner member and being made of a somewhat stretchable, flexible, tough skinned and nonabrasive plastic material of sufficient thickness and strength that in the event the inner member does break, the covering prevents sharp ends or edges of the broken inner member from protruding and impaling an individual impacting the structure.

Abstract: The specification discloses noncracking permanent adhesives which utilize mixtures of phenolic resins and methacrylate resins having a Mw greater than about 100,000 and preferably about 400,000 bonding plasticized vinyl resin coverings, e.g., PVC, to hard polymeric substrate surfaces such as ABS, etc. Also, it is preferable that the vinyl resin covering contain plasticizers which are no more than limited in compatibility with the adhesive. It is theorized that the adhesive mixture prevents migration of plasticizer from the plasticizer-containing vinyl resin covering into the adhesive and eventually into the polymeric substrate.

Abstract: The specification discloses a weatherstrip for automobile doors, windows and the like comprising a strip of closed cell neoprene material, having an end which is molded over a mounting plate such that the mounting plate is an integral part of the end of the neoprene strip. The mounting plate is molded to a desired mounting configuration of a heat stabilized, mineral filled polyamide polymer containing approximately forty percent by weight of a finely divided mineral powder.