Abstract: A method for making an article of syntactic foam includes spreading a layer of a mixture including particulate resin and microballoons across a surface. At least a portion of the mixture is selectively heated so as to cause the portion to assume a desired shape for at least part of the article. The heating is performed Until the resin flows and wets the microballoons to form a solid mass. The method allows a finished part to be fabricated in a single sintering operation with little or no subsequent machining.

Abstract: A frictional holding pad for removably attaching items, such as a cell phone, to a surface, such as a dash, to allow storage of items on the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the support surface. A bottom surface of the pad is tacky to cling to the surface and a top surface is tacky to cling to the item. A lowermost contact surface of the pad can have a greater surface area than an uppermost contact surface. Indicia can be formed on the pad. The pad can be translucent or transparent. The pad can include an expanded vinyl material or a polyurethane material.

Abstract: A process for producing a multicolored coverstock (10, 20, 72) providing at least two thermoplastic or thermoplastic olefin sheets (12, 14, 58). Each of the sheets includes a different color. The process includes directing the sheets into a position where the edges (24, 26) of the sheets overlap. The sheets are laminated together and are laminated to a foam substrate (22, 60) by directing the sheets and the foam substrate through an embossing nip (72). The embossing nip is further operative to impart an embossed surface in the sheets (18). The resulting laminated coverstock may be used in vacuum forming, low pressure molding, and compression molding of interior trim parts of automobiles and other vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite structures comprising an open weave, natural or synthetic fabric or backing having fibers and a urethane froth foam, wherein the fibers of the fabric or backing are at least partially penetrated and/or embedded by the urethane froth. This invention also relates to a process for the production of a composite structure comprising A) applying a reactive urethane froth to an open weave, natural or synthetic fabric or secondary backing having fibers, B) passing the fabric or backing coated with the reactive urethane froth under a doctoring device such that the reactive urethane froth at least partially penetrates and/or embeds the fibers of the fabric or backing, and C) curing the reactive urethane froth.

Abstract: A method for making decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. Printed designs or materials and/or embossed materials can also constitute a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting a material having a three-dimensional pattern on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof and then cutting the slit material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet containing a flexible substrate film; an adhesive layer in contact with a main surface of the substrate film; and a liner is disclosed. The adhesive layer has an uneven surface structure with a plurality of projections extending from the surface and grooves surrounding the projections. The liner has a corresponding, mating surface in contact with the uneven surface of the adhesive layer. A method of making the adhesive sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressible printing blanket in which voids are formed in the compressible layer by using microballoons, comprising at least two fabric layers, an adhesive layer interposed between adjacent fabric layers, a surface rubber layer, and a compressible layer arranged between the at least two fabric layers and the surface rubber layer and containing spherical voids and voids having a shape other than a sphere in a ratio defined in formula given below:

Abstract: A tube-shaped cushioning material in which an air bag is continuously connected in line or mat-shaped cushioning material in which an air bag is continuously connected in two dimensions, in which a cutout notch is formed at a given space or continuously in a side edge and/or connecting part of the air bag, thereby facilitating a separating-dividing operation of the air bag in a size suitable for an article to be packed and a volume reduction operation of the air bag discarded after opening a package.

Abstract: A foam rubber sheet includes a substrate made from rubber material and two cloth layers respectively bonded to two sides of the substrate. Each cloth layer has an outer surface including a plurality of recessed portions and a plurality of protruded portions. The foam rubber sheet is made from a foam rubber sheet raw material having the substrate and two second cloth layers bonded to both sides of the substrate. A pair of embossing rolls is provided for drawing the foam rubber sheet raw material to pass through the embossing rolls. Each embossing roll includes an outer surface with a pattern, the pattern being configured to form the recessed portions and the protruded portions on each second layer cloth when the foam rubber sheet raw material is passing through the embossing rolls, thereby forming the foam rubber sheet with the cloth layers having the recessed portions and the protruded portions.

Abstract: A sheet-form structure of expandable thermoplastic resin is provided which is capable of undergoing a pseudo-one-dimensional expansion in its thickness direction and which enables manufacture of thermoplastic resin foams having reduced variations in thickness and weight precisions, increased compressive strength, and excellent properties such as surface smoothness. A method of manufacturing the sheet-form structure, as well as such thermoplastic resin foams, are also provided. A sheet-form structure 1 of expandable thermoplastic resin including granules 2 of expandable thermoplastic resin arranged generally uniformly for integral connection thereof through a thin film 3 of expandable thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: A foam pad comprising a surface to which a trim cover can be secured, the surface comprising a channel having a width of up to about 15 mm. Disposed in the channel is one of a male portion or a female portion of a releasably engageable male-female trim cover attachment system. A trim cover having the other of the male or female portion attached thereto may be readily attached to the foam pad. A process and a mold for producing the foam pad are also described. The foam pad is particularly useful as a component of a vehicular seat system (e.g., seat bottom, seat back and the like).

Abstract: A cushion having an underlying polyurethane foam or flexible layer which includes a non-plane surface, and an overlying visco-elastic foam layer positioned adjacent to the non-plane surface of the underlying layer, the cushion being adapted for suitably supporting a load, such as a human body, positioned thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut tranversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: A method for making decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. Printed designs or materials and/or embossed materials can also constitute a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting a material having a three-dimensional pattern on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof and then cutting the slit material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A masking material comprises an elongate strip at least partially coated with a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, die strip having a curved surface which is convex when the strip is viewed in cross-section and is positioned such that when the strip is adhered to a substrate by the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive a portion of the curved surface overhangs the substrate. The masking material comprises a removable edge portion comprising said portion of the curved surface detachably secured to a remainder of the strip and which may be removed to expose a second curved surface on the remainder of the strip which is convex when viewed in cross-section and which is positioned to overhang the substrate. The removable portion and remainder of the strip have different dimensions. Methods for making such masking material are also described.

Abstract: Fluid permeable graphite article in the form of a glassy carbon coated perforated flexible graphite sheet useful as an electrode and electrically conductive backing material in flow-through type electrical capacitors.

Abstract: Mechanically embossed resilient surface coverings having superior textural fidelity are prepared by mechanically embossing a polyurethane coated floorcovering before the polyurethane is cured. The mechanical embossing is conducted when the polyurethane is dry and the underlying plastic layer and the polyurethane are softened by heating. After the mechanical embossing step, the polyurethane is cured using ultraviolet (UV) light. The product can be cooled before or after UV curing. The invention is applicable to a variety of resilient surface covering products including floor and wall coverings which otherwise have a wearlayer which can be softened by heating. This includes surface coverings having the full range of decorative effects available in the art, including surface coverings which also have been, for example, chemically embossed, mechanically embossed, chemically and mechanically embossed or not embossed at all prior to application of the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method for making decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. Printed designs or materials and/or embossed materials can also constitute a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting a material having a three-dimensional pattern on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof and then cutting the slit material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A liquid-impervious backsheet for body fluids disposal article having upper and lower surfaces made of thermoplastic synthetic resin, the sheet includes a plurality of independent concave zones depressed downward from the lower surface and a smooth zone extending around these concave zones, each of the concave zones being formed in its region except its peripheral edge with at least one micropore.

Abstract: A wind tunnel blade (30) connected to a base (32) and held in position by a two-piece cuff (34). The wind tunnel blade (30) is formed in a resin transfer molding process in which central, fore, and aft foam core sections (70, 72, 74) are placed together to form the wind tunnel blade (30). Radius fillers (120) are used to fill the gaps between the outer edge of the foam core sections. The radius fillers (120) used in the wind tunnel blade (30) are formed by a braided sleeve (122) surrounding a number of unidirectional tows (124). A tip (68) is formed separately from the rest of the wind tunnel blade (30) and is glued to the top thereof. Stacked layers of braided fibers (100) are used to reinforce the central core section (70).

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping in a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating that of cloth includes the step of placing a floral grouping in the sleeve and binding the sleeve about a stem portion of the floral grouping via a bonding material disposed on the sleeve.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flattened tubular film (1) made of thermoplastic material, in which the inner faces are not welded or glued, and are in mutual contact only over a part of their surface, thus forming a plurality of cells (3) of determined shape, essentially hermetic, containing a gas. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such a film, by extruding a preform, introducing a gas into the preform and flattening using at least one cylinder (2) whose surface has a relief such that, during the flattening, the two inner faces of the film come into mutual contact only over a part of their surface, thus forming a plurality of cells of determined shape, substantially hermetic, in which the said gas is imprisoned.

Abstract: Lightweight, thermoplastic, vehicle headliners each having at least one integrally-formed, energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism and injection molding methods for making same are provided. Each headliner includes a stiff, self-supporting, thermoplastic sheet adapted to be mounted adjacent a roof of the vehicle so as to underlie the roof and shield the roof from view. The sheet has an upper surface and a lower surface. Each energy-absorbing, head-impact mechanism absorbs energy of an impact with its associated headliner by a passenger of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the at least one head-impact mechanism includes a plurality of spaced-apart, energy-absorbing, thermoplastic structures, such as ribs, which are connected to and extend upwardly from the upper surface of its thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover having a cloth-appearing finish on a surface thereof, the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover formed from a flexible, substantially non-shape sustaining laminated material having at least one surface with a cloth-like texture or appearance. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover has a closed lower end, an open upper end with an opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end thereof. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover has a plurality of overlapping folds of which at least a portion are permanently connected so that the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the original shape of the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover.

Abstract: This invention concerns a multilayer lining material in the form of sheeting which can be cut to size. Such lining materials are used, for example, as floor plates to cover the loading areas of utility vehicles and as floorboards for passenger vehicles. The lining material can be cut to size, so it can also be punched to obtain a shape corresponding to the loading area. A known lining material which is used as a floor plate consists of a wood fiberboard on the bottom side. A laminated material consisting of a TPO compact film (TPO=thermoplastic polyolefins) with a laminated nonwoven bonded to the wood fiberboard. Thus, the lining material consists of three layers. The known lining material has a complicated design because first a nonwoven must be laminated to the TPO compact film and then the wood fiberboard must be glued to the laminated material consisting of the TPO compact film and the nonwoven. This makes production very cost-intensive.

Abstract: A surface-covering protective structure. A thermal insulation layer has a basic wall thickness, fastening elements and a support arrangement integral with and projecting from the basic wall thickness of the thermal insulation layer. The support arrangement includes a plurality of supporting feet each comprising a supporting surface being operable to engage a protected surface that the protective structure is arranged on. The support arrangement is operable to physically separate the basic wall thickness of the thermal insulation layer from the protected surface. The fastening elements are operable to couple adjacent protective structures together. The protective structure, including the basic insulation layer, the fastening elements, and the support arrangement, includes thermally insulating plastic material operable to thermally insulate the protected surface.

Abstract: A baffle may conform to and be magnetically coupled to a body having a ferromagnetic component in proximity to the baffle. The baffle includes a first layer of a flexible thermally expansible baffle material which expands when subjected to an elevated temperature, and a second layer of a flexible magnetic material. The baffle may thereby be flexed to conform to an irregular or curved surface. In addition, the baffle may be preformed to provide an irregular or arcuate portion to conform to the body on which it is placed. The magnetic attachment facilitates attachment and removal without the need to provide holes in the body, and upon heating and expansion of the baffle, the baffle material expands to fill cavities and adhere to the inside wall surface of the body on which it is received.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.

Abstract: A bulletin board includes a generally planar polyfoam layer having a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface includes a recessed surface portion formed therein having an integrally disposed generally planar stiffening member held in place by the polyfoam. The planar stiffening member is preferably a cardboard piece and the polyfoam penetrates a portion of the corrugation from peripheral edges thereof inward. A method of forming the bulletin board is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of high density polyimide foam as insulation for electrical components.

Abstract: Fluid permeable graphite article in the form of a glassy carbon coated perforated flexible graphite sheet useful as an electrode and electrically conductive backing material in flow-through type electrical capacitors.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a quartz glass body, especially a quartz glass jig for plasma reaction in producing semiconductors having excellent resistance against plasma corrosion, particularly, excellent corrosion resistance against F-based gaseous plasma; and a method for producing the same. A body made of quartz glass containing a metallic element and having an improved resistance against plasma corrosion is provided that contains bubbles and crystalline phase at an amount expressed by projected area of less than 100 mm2 per 100 cm3.

Abstract: A sheet-form structure of expandable thermoplastic resin is provided which is capable of undergoing a pseudo-one-dimensional expansion in its thickness direction and which enables manufacture of thermoplastic resin foams having reduced variations in thickness and weight precisions, increased compressive strength, and excellent properties such as surface smoothness. A method of manufacturing the sheet-form structure, as well as such thermoplastic resin foams, are also provided. A sheet-form structure 1 of expandable thermoplastic resin including granules 2 of expandable thermoplastic resin arranged generally uniformly for integral connection thereof through a thin film 3 of expandable thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A sheet-form structure of expandable thermoplastic resin is provided which is capable of undergoing a pseudo-one-dimensional expansion in its thickness direction and which enables manufacture of thermoplastic resin foams having reduced variations in thickness and weight precisions, increased compressive strength, and excellent properties such as surface smoothness. A method of manufacturing the sheet-form structure, as well as such thermoplastic resin foams, are also provided.

Abstract: A ceramic structure obtained by combining a plurality of sintered ceramic material segments (3a, 3b) having a thermal expansion coefficient of 3.0×10−6/° C. or more and integrating them, in which ceramic structure thermal impact-relieving zones (5a, 5b) capable of releasing the thermal impact applied are provided between the segments (3a, 3b) and the widths of the thermal impact-relieving zones (5a, 5b) in the sectional direction of the ceramic structure are various. This ceramic structure is capable of sufficiently release the thermal impact applied, without significantly reducing the effective sectional area of the structure or the overall strength of the structure, and can have the universality capable of coping with various applications and various materials.

Abstract: A weather strip of a rubber material, provided with a sectionally U-shaped flange gripping portion having an insert buried therein, gripping lip portions formed inside, and seal portions integrated with the flange gripping portion. At least the gripping lip portions are formed of microfoam rubber in which the specific gravity of vulcanizate is in a range of from 0.9 to 1.0.

Abstract: Expandable sealant and baffle compositions and methods of forming and using such compositions are provided wherein the compositions comprise a first thermoplastic resin, an epoxy resin, preferably a second thermoplastic resin different from the first thermoplastic resin, and optionally a compound selected from the group consisting of pigments, blowing agents, catalysts, curing agents, reinforcers, and mixtures thereof. The resulting compositions are formed as self-sustaining bodies which can be heat-expanded into a lightweight, high strength product for sealing hollow structural members of vehicles, substantially decreasing the noise which travels along the length of those members as well as strengthening those members with minimal increases in their weights. In a preferred embodiment, the first thermoplastic resin is an SBS block co-polymer, the epoxy resin is a bisphenol A-based liquid epoxy resin, the second thermoplastic resin is a polystyrene, and the reinforcer is hydrated amorphous silica.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A mouse pad with improved self-cleaning and traction features. The mouse pad is a planar structure with a parallel top control layer and a bottom anti-skid coating. Formed on the top layer is a top control layer with a plurality of alternating, equal height, prismatic and pyramidal shapes, which provide improved cleaning and traction properties. Small troughs are formed between the adjacent shapes, which collect fine dirt and dust particles that are swept from the surface of the mouse ball during use. In one embodiment, the top control surface is made of flexible material that allows the prismatic and pyramidal shapes to bend slightly when the ball of a mechanical mouse rolls over the top surface. This bending action provides improved self-cleaning and traction features. In another embodiment, the top layer is made of transparent material. An ink layer may be applied to the bottom surface of the top layer.

Abstract: A substrate, preferably silicon, or other suitable material has a layer of glass material disposed thereon. The glass material of the present disclosure has a substantially increased uniformity due to the reduction in bubbles as well as a relatively smooth top surface. By virtue of the reduction in the number and size of the bubbles in the glass the dielectric properties of the glass are more uniform. Additionally, the fact that the surface of the glass is much more smooth reduces the potential of prior structures to have an unacceptably thin glass layer due to the need to grind the surface smooth.

Abstract: A tri-laminate body panel stiffener includes two polymer layers with or without a backing. One of the layers is a compliant foam layer mounted against a substrate while the other layer is a rigid foam layer mounted against the compliant foam layer. In another aspect of the invention the laminate comprises a backing member having an expandable foam mounted thereto with two or more opposing edges of the laminate being of non-straight construction such as being wavy or saw tooth. A pattern of holes may be formed through the foam and backing layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: Double-sided adhesive tape (fixer) which can be re-released without residue or destruction for hidden bonding on substrate that are to be bonded, with high peel strength, high shear strength and high tip-shear strength, characterized by

Abstract: The object of the invention is to produce a surface layer that can prevent from uncomfortable sensation upon manual handling of component such as metal chassis used in electronic devices. The surface is coated with a special paint material or a resinous coating material that include insulating material or foamed structure. For example, gaseous entrapments are incorporated in the layer by pre-mixing a foaming material in the paint, followed by foaming the layer at a high temperature. A decline in the restoring strength of the foaming material is supplemented by the top coating with the bead-containing paint.

Abstract: A portable electrical apparatus includes an electrical device generating heat in operation; a metal case conducting the heat generated by the electrical device, having an external surface, and containing the electrical device; and a film on the external surface including a granulated insulating material providing thermal insulation from the electrical device.

Abstract: A party favor is disclosed that integrates a noise-making article with removable graphics for the purpose of proving amusement. This party favor is a lamination of several layers generally including but not limited to a noise making cellular sheet material layer, an adhesive layer and a graphic layer. The cells of the noise making cellular sheet material layer may be popped to produce a multitude of popping noises for the entertainment of the user. The graphics layer decorated the party favor and may include removable graphics including but not limited to stickers, posters, place mats, tattoos, banners, signs, game boards, cut-outs, or cling images.