Abstract: A hyperdispersant for use in a fluorocarbon coating composition is disclosed. The fluorocarbon coating composition generally comprises a fluorocarbon resin, a binder resin, a cross-linking agent, and the hyperdispersant. The hyperdispersant comprises the reaction product of a polyglycidyl oligomer and at least one amino compound. The polyglycidyl oligomer comprises a carbon chain having from 1 to 25 carbon atoms with at least one of an internal ether linkage and an internal ester linkage and comprises a plurality of epoxy groups. The at least one amino compound has a cyclic, heterocyclic, alkyl, or heteroalkyl structure substituted with at least one primary or secondary amine group for reacting with and opening at least one of the epoxy groups.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for shortening a shoe/boot lace, while retaining the aglets in place, are disclosed. The principle of the disclosure involves cutting a portion from the central part of the lace between the aglets, tying a knot(s) into both cut ends and threading the part laces through apertures in a housing to create a continuous, but shorter, lace. The shoe/boot may now be re-laced with the housing located at a suitable point, usually midway between the first pair of eyelets. The principle of the invention may be used in a purely functional way and/or to produce artistic effects on the footwear.

Abstract: A coating composition is used to form a film on a substrate. The coating composition includes a polyester, a cross-linking agent reactive with the polyester, and a solvent package substantially free of hazardous air pollutants. The solvent package includes a first solvent, a second solvent, and a third solvent. The first, second, and third solvents in the solvent package have boiling points of less than 300° F., of from 300° F. to 340° F., and of greater than 340° F., respectively. The first, second, and third solvents are also present in amounts of from 10 to 25 parts, of at least 50 parts, and of from 5 to 20 parts, by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the solvent package, respectively. The first, second, and third solvents improve properties of the coating composition and of films formed from the coating composition.

Abstract: A hyperdispersant for use in a fluorocarbon coating composition is disclosed. The fluorocarbon coating composition generally comprises a fluorocarbon resin, a binder resin, a cross-linking agent, and the hyperdispersant. The hyperdispersant comprises the reaction product of a polyglycidyl oligomer and at least one amino compound. The polyglycidyl oligomer comprises a carbon chain having from 1 to 25 carbon atoms with at least one of an internal ether linkage and an internal ester linkage and comprises a plurality of epoxy groups. The at least one amino compound has a cyclic, heterocyclic, alkyl, or heteroalkyl structure substituted with at least one primary or secondary amine group for reacting with and opening at least one of the epoxy groups.