Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-piece seal member that has a substantially rigid portion and a substantially flexible portion. The substantially flexible portion extends from and is connected to the substantially rigid portion in a substantially seamless manner. The substantially flexible portion has a durometer reading less than that of the substantially rigid portion. The substantially rigid portion has a mounting configuration that can comprise an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism has a web element, and a first flange and a second flange extending from the web element. The first and second flanges are spaced apart from each other so as to engage a surface of a base structure such as along the deck of a bathtub or a shower base structure. A gripping arrangement is formed when at least one of the first and second flanges is angled relative to the other. In order to engage an angled edge of a base structure, the first and second flanges can have a mitered joint.

Abstract: A backsplash is configured for a stable and permanent attachment to a countertop surface. The backsplash has a substantially elongated flat member which has a front face and a back face. The elongated member has extending from it near its bottom a first thin base ledge, a second thin base ledge, and a gripper flange. The first base ledge extends at a substantially right angle from the front face of the elongated member. The second base ledge extends at a substantially right angle from the back face of the elongated member, opposite the first base ledge. The gripper flange extends vertically from the flat member. A recess in the countertop surface is configured to frictionally receive the gripper flange and to also receive the first and second base ledges. An adhesive is used with the base ledges to augment the holding force of the gripper flange. A scribe ledge optionally extends from a top edge of the elongated flat member as an aid in installation to get a flush fit against a room wall surface.

Abstract: Shot peening with a mixture of at least two sizes of shot can be used to obtain a textured finish press plate with desirable gloss features. The press plate is impacted with a mixture of shot having at least two different sizes to simultaneously obtain a texture and gloss control. A separate overblasting step to obtain a desired gloss uniformity is thereby avoided.

Abstract: Process for the production of decorative laminates having improved scratch, mar, scrape and abrasion resistance comprising the initial step of preparing a mixture of a melamine-formaldehyde resin and an abrasion resistant material, wherein the mixture includes abrasion resistant alumina particles having a particle size of about 25 microns and abrasion resistant alumina particles having a particle size of about 3 microns at a ratio of about 2 to 1; about 0.25 percent silane; about 0.075 percent xanthan gum; and about 0.3 percent to about 1.2 percent polyvinyl alcohol or about 0.1 percent polyethylene glycol distearate having a molecular weight of about 6000, wherein all percentages are measured by weight of the total wet weight of the resin solution of the mixture.

Abstract: Damage resistant high pressure decorative laminate having excellent scratch, mar, scrape and abrasion resistance, as well as excellent appearance and cleanability and methods of producing same.The method of producing the decorative laminate includes applying a mixture of a liquid thermosetting resin and an abrasion resistant composition, followed by a second coat of the resin without the abrasion resistant composition, or with one having smaller abrasion resistant particles than in the first coat.

Abstract: An edge molding is shaped to mount on a corestock in a cooperative relationship with a substantially flat surface top to form a two piece surface top assembly which is easy to install yet appears to be seamless. The edge molding has a facing wall, an integral first ledge and an integral second ledge, each extending at substantially right angles from the facing wall. An inside face of the facing wall has at least one longitudinally running excess adhesive flow-out groove and the inside faces of the ledges have longitudinally running gripper ridges. The second ledge preferably also has a drip channel on its outside face to interrupt the flow of spilled liquid. The edge molding and surface top are positioned onto the corestock and adhesively secured thereto. An edge area where the surface top overlaps the edge molding is capable of being routed to a desired shape.

Abstract: Wear-resistant high pressure decorative laminates having excellent scratch, mar, scrape and abrasion resistance and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for the fabrication of press plates hardened by the use of plasma ion nitriding techniques to produce wear resistant decorative laminate containing alumina grit while improving associated press plate useful life. The application of this process to press plates having exacting final microfinish requirements is possible due to the determination of interdependancies between parameter settings and expected results. These interdependancies include the work piece geometry, surface and subsurface structure and desired results, process temperatures, pressures, and duration of heat-up time, thermal loading, reflective radiation and heat effects, cooling systems, and gas mixture composition.

Abstract: A press plate hardened by the use of plasma ion nitriding techniques produces wear resistant decorative laminate containing hard abrasive particles while improving associated press plate useful life. The press plate has exacting final microfinish requirements made possible due to the determination of interdependencies between parameter settings and expected results. These interdependencies include the work piece geometry, surface and subsurface structure and desired results, process temperatures, pressures, and rate of heat-up and duration of heat-up time, thermal loading, reflective radiation and heat effects, cooling systems, and gas mixture composition.