Abstract: Compositions of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyolefin and/or a styrenic polymer, and a compatibilizer are disclosed. The compositions retain the mechanical properties of tensile strength, elongation, and a low brittle point, even after being subjected to high heat for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayered, resilient flooring containing a multicolored pattern is disclosed. The method includes applying a multiplicity of pigmented, thermoplastic microbeads to a top surface of a thermoplastic base layer to form a pattern layer on the base layer, which typically remains sufficiently hot so that it is molten or tacky when the microbeads are applied. The base layer and pattern layer can be covered with a substantially transparent material to form a clear top layer. The base layer can be formed by melting a dry blend comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC) to produce a molten PVC output, shaping the molten PVC output into a smooth PVC sheet of uniform thickness. The microbeads can be applied to the base layer using a stencil. The multiplicity of microbeads can include microbeads of two or more colors. Preferably, the microbeads are approximately spherical and have an average diameter between 0.002″ and 0.040″.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomers including a polyvinyl chloride and a nitrile rubber additive are disclosed. The nitrile rubber additive can be crosslinked and/or essentially free of plasticizer. The thermoplastic elastomers can include additional materials, such a copolyester and/or a plasticizer. The thermoplastic elastomers can be soft, elastomeric and/or oil resistant. The thermoplastic elastomers can have good low temperature properties. The thermoplastic elastomers can have good flame retardant, smoke suppressant and/or char forming properties.

Abstract: Methods of making halogenated aromatic esters are described. Polymer compositions including halogenated aromatic esters are also described. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting a tetrabromophthalate, an alcohol and barium acetate.

Abstract: Compositions of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride resin, a polyolefin and/or a styrenic polymer, and a compatibilizer are disclosed. The compositions retain the mechanical properties of tensile strength, elongation, and a low brittle point, even after being subjected to high heat for an extended period of time.

Abstract: Articles having reduced pigment swirling are disclosed. The articles can include a resin, one or more pigments and less than about 1 percent by weight of a non-hygroscopic anti-static agent.

Abstract: Polymer compositions including an olefinic polymer, a polar polymer and a compatibilizer are disclosed. The compatilizer can be a block or graft copolymer including polymer portions that are compatible with the olefinic polymer and polymer portions that are compatible with the polar polymer.

Abstract: Flame retardant compositions for cable jacketing and wire insulation that contain:(a) polyvinyl chloride resin;(b) a pentaerythritol ester plasticizer;(c) aluminum trihydrate;(d) antimony trioxide flame retardant;(e) a brominated phthalate ester;(f) isodecyl diphenyl phosphate plasticizer; and(g) zinc borate flame retardant and that are free of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride resin are disclosed.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a garden hose includes a protective shell section having a generally tubular body with an inner bore shaped for receiving a coupling of the garden hose snugly therein. A flexible strain relief section is releasably attached to the shell section wherein the flexible strain relief section has a generally tubular body. A locking member of the strain relief section releasably attaches the strain relief section to the shell section. The locking member is receivable within an opening formed in the body of the shell section. The locking member is resiliently movable from a relaxed position in which it extends through the opening and engages the body of the shell section for preventing axial movement of the strain relief section away from the shell section, to an inwardly flexed position in which the locking member flexes inwardly out of the opening and disengages the body of the shell section for allowing relative axial movement between the shell and strain relief sections.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a tread pattern on a retread tire casing includes a plurality of rigid matrix segments each having a contoured tread pattern thereon. Each matrix segment is removably secured to a respective matrix segment holder. Each matrix segment holder includes guide blocks at the ends thereof, and the matrix segments are arranged in circumferential side-by-side relation. Guide shafts extend through aligned guide bores in adjacent guide blocks of adjacent matrix segment holders for guiding movement of matrix segment between a closed position wherein the matrix segments are in side-by-side abutting relation, and an open position wherein adjacent matrix segments are separated. A spring is received over each end of each guide shaft and captured between a recessed shoulder in the guide block and a threaded nut received over the end of the guide shaft. The springs normally bias the matrix segment into the closed position.

Abstract: A floor mat construction of rubberized material including a base and feet of barbell-like configuration which extend integrally downwardly from the underside of the base for the support thereof in upwardly spaced relation on a supporting surface. A plurality of apertures the upper ends of which are of substantially hexagonal configuration, extend through the base to define a hexagonal honeycomb-like configuration in the upper portion thereof. The mat is lightweight but structurally efficient, the upper surfaces of the common walls between the hexagonal upper ends of the apertures providing durable scraping surfaces for a nonskid effect, and the feet firmly gripping the supporting surface therebeneath to resist creeping of the mat.

Abstract: A connector device for interconnecting a pair of adjacent floor mats wherein the mats are of the type having a rubberized base portion with a plurality of apertures therethrough and a plurality of supporting feet which extend integrally downwardly from the base portion to maintain it in upwardly spaced relation to a supporting surface. The connector device includes a connector body and a plurality of upwardly extending connector elements which are attached to the body. The connector elements are receivable in apertures adjacent the peripheries of a pair of abutting floor mats with the connector body extending between the mats. Plugs or the like are permanently securable in the connector elements in one of the mats to permanently secure the connector device thereto.