Abstract: This invention relates to an automobile headliner which is formed from a batt of polymeric fibers compressed and molded into a predetermined contoured shape. The headliner is characterized by being of a highly deformable resilient construction to facilitate installation in the vehicle. More specifically, the fibers forming the batt are bonded together at a multiplicity of locations which impart a self-supporting molded rigidity which allows the headliner to retain its shape in the installed condition in the vehicle, yet rendering the same highly deformable and resilient to allow it to be rolled or folded upon itself during installation and to thereafter resiliently recover to its original molded shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided in a system for continuously feeding disparate materials into a compounding extruder for the inline sheet extrusion of a highly filled thermoplastic material having at least about 65 percent by weight of filler. The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly suitable in conjunction with the continuous lamination of the inline sheet extruder product with carpet.

Abstract: A molded foam-backed carpet assembly is provided which is suitable for use in automobiles and which includes a carpet layer, a moldable thermoplastic polymer layer and a sound deadening foam cushion bonded to the thermoplastic polymer layer. The physical properties of the foam are controlled to provide enhanced vibration damping and sound deadening in the carpet assembly.

Abstract: Three dimensional molded articles suitable for use as fibrous surfaced panels for automobile trunk compartments and the like are produced by molding a heated non-woven web formed of a blend of relatively high melting fibers and relatively low melting thermoplastic fibers. The low melting fibers form a multiplicity of bonds which impart shape retentive rigidity to the nonplanar three dimensional web. A characteristic feature of the molded article is that the low melting fibers present at one surface of the web have a fibrous form, while the low melting fibers present at the opposite surface of the web have portions which exhibit a nonfibrous fused form and form said bonds.

Abstract: A molded foam-backed carpet assembly is provided which is suitable for use in automobiles and which includes a carpet layer, a moldable thermoplastic polymer layer and one or more foam pads fusibly bonded to the thermoplastic polymer layer and extending over less than the entire surface of the thermoplastic polymer layer to provide desired cushioning and sound and thermal insulation only in preselected areas of the carpet where needed.

Abstract: Highly flexible compositions of matter useful in the preparation of carpet backing are disclosed comprising thermoplastic resin compositions including copolymers of ethylene and unsaturated esters of lower carboxylic acids, such as vinyl esters and/or lower alkyl acrylates, in admixture with olefinic elastomers and substantial amounts of filler. The preferred thermoplastic resins employed include the copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, and the preferred olefinic elastomers disclosed are ethylene copolymer elastomers, such as copolymers of ethylene and propylene, as well as terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene, and the compositions preferably include a stearate or stearic acid and a hydrocarbon oil component. Carpet constructions are also disclosed comprising a plurality of carpet fibers and a thermoplastic barrier coating comprising the above combination of a thermoplastic resin, an olefinic elastomer and a substantial portion of filler material.