Abstract: An elongated decorative molding suitable for use with automotive vehicles has a core portion of reduced density and an outer portion of solid material such as a laminate secured thereto, to provide a finished colored surface of enhanced appearance and durability. The uses of a softer core material such as foamed soft polyvinyl chloride reduces the mass of plastic required by a significant amount, and modifies the flexibility and impact characteristics favorably, while the use of a skin layer such as a thin lamina secured thereto permits the core material to be non-pigmented, for significant savings.

Abstract: A process is provided for recycling contaminated plastic to achieve a product having improved softness and enchanced stability. The process includes the step of chilling the material being recycled to an embrittlement temperature and pulverizing the chilled material to a finely divided consistency. The process is suitable for use in recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a range of acceptable contaminants such as laminations, adhesives, coatings including a polyester film of Mylar (polyethylene teraphthalate) in plain or metalized form, which would normally require physical removal of the contaminants to prevent contamination of the reprocessed plastic, that usually results in a black material of very limited utility.

Abstract: The utilization of thermoplastic rubbers in the fabrication of body molding trim, such as automotive trim, is made possible in combination with polyvinyl chloride by the provision of an intermediate portion comprising a polyolefin having the property of providing non-delaminating adherence to the thermoplastic rubber and the polyvinyl chloride, thus permitting the use of thermoplastic rubber as the basis of a molding trim while making available the versatility and fabrication techniques already developed for polyvinyl chloride, including the use of decorative finishes such as mylar, bonded to the polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A decorative and protective flexible low profile trim has a plurality of raised ribs extending lengthwise therealong, having a plurality of relatively shallowly depressed valley portions defined thereby, and includes the provision of substantially planar decorative color stripes located in the valley portions, the raised rib portions adjacent thereto providing protective abutments on at least one flank of each adjoining colored stripe.

Abstract: A pliable edge protector for protecting an automobile door edge from dents and other damage is comprised of an extruded channelar member formed of soft polyvinyl chloride. A decorative strip is bonded to the exterior surface of the channel member, with the edges of the strip extending partly into the throat formed between the spaced-apart flange portions of the channelar member. A bead of hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive extends along the length of the interior surface of the bight portion of the channelar member and serves to adhere the edge protector to a door edge inserted into the throat and into contact with the interior surface of the bight portion.

Abstract: Decorative extruded vinyl mouldings for protecting auto bodies commonly have a metallized strip of chrome-like appearance laminated to the exposed impact-absorbing surface of the moulding. During prolonged exposure to weathering, the metallized strip becomes dull and unattractive. In this invention, a liquid acrylic coating is applied over the entirety of the metallized strip and cured by utlra-violet radiation at the extrusion speed of the vinyl moulding.