Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioned floor covering having a backing material formed from waste polymeric material and a blowing agent wherein the blowing agent may be activated either before or after the backing material is adhered to the floor covering. The waste polymeric material includes from about 0 to 40 percent aliphatic polyamide material and is granulated, densified and extruded at a temperature that does not exceed the temperature at which the blowing agent would be activated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vinyl-backed carpet is described wherein the carpet is assembled in a single continuous finishing line. The method includes the application of a vinyl plastisol reinforcing layer directly to the back of unfinished woven or tufted carpet material. The method allows the use of a thinner vinyl layer that results in savings in material, processing steps, and energy required for curing.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture such as building materials are formed from recycled waste polymeric material including 15 to 50 percent aliphatic polyamide material. The articles are formed by chopping and granulating the waste polymeric material into fragments and extruding them at a temperature that is lower than the lowest melting point of the aliphatic polyamide material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a woven textile surface covering. The method involves applying a resin composition layer onto a back surface of a woven layer. The woven layer is formed by weaving warp and weft yarns. The resin composition layer is effective for bonding to the warp and weft yarns. The resin composition layer is provided with a resin composition and a cross-linking agent effective to wet, penetrate, and encapsulate the warp and weft yarns. The resin composition layer occupies the interstices of the warp and weft yarns and when the resin is heated, the resin cross-links with the woven layer. A backing layer is then contacted with the surface of the heated resin composition layer thereby bonding the backing layer to the resin composition layer. The present invention also relates to a woven textile surface covering having a first layer with a decorative surface and a back surface. The first layer is formed from woven warp and weft yarns that have interstices therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved process for recycling waste polymeric material comprising a mixture of waste polymeric material wherein the waste polymeric material includes from about 0 to 40 percent aliphatic polyamide material; granulating and densifying the chopped mixture into fragments at least about 100 times smaller than the size of the waste polymeric material; and extruding the ground mixture at a temperature that does not exceed the temperature at which the largest portion of polymer based material decomposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recycling waste polymeric material comprising a mixture of waste polymeric material wherein the waste polymeric material includes from about 15 to 50 percent aliphatic polyamide material; granulating the chopped mixture into fragments at least about 100 times smaller than the size of the waste polymeric material; and extruding the ground mixture at a temperature of less than about the T.sub.g of the lowest melting waste aliphatic polyamide polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recycling waste polymeric material comprising a mixture of waste polymeric material wherein the waste polymeric material includes from about 15 to 50 percent aliphatic polyamide material; granulating the chopped mixture into fragments at least about 100 times smaller than the size of the waste polymeric material; and extruding the ground mixture at a temperature of less than about the T.sub.g of the lowest melting waste aliphatic polyamide polymeric material.

Abstract: A method of making a floor covering having decorative inlays therein is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of cutting and removing portions of the floor covering, providing inlays from another floor covering material having substantially the same shapes and sizes as the removed portions, and joining the inlays and floor covering to create a seamless structure. The seamless structure results from the application of a volatile solvent which causes the thermoplastic properties of the materials within the inlays and floor covering to fuse.