Abstract: The present invention provides an improved multi-layer composite of two or more polymeric layers at least one of which is formed from a thermosetting composition. The composite includes at least a first polymeric layer formed on a substrate and a second polymeric layer over the first polymeric layer, wherein in the absence of a boron-containing compound, the first and second polymeric layers have poor interlayer adhesion. The improvement resides in the inclusion of at least one boron-containing compound in one or both of the first and second polymeric layers in an amount sufficient to improve the interlayer adhesion between the first and second polymeric layers. Also provided is an improved curable coating composition used to form a multi-layer composite coating of two or more cured coating layers, at least one of which is formed from the thermosetting composition. Related methods and coated substrates are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need for a handle that is easily and removably attachable to the pin-connection hitch on the tongue of a towed vehicle allowing for manual movement and maneuvering of the towed vehicle. In the invention, a handle is provided that has a portion designed to be easily grippable with a human hand. The handle also has an attachment portion that is configured so as to be attachable with a pin to the pin-connection hitch on the tongue of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: Liquid coating compositions having improved mar and scratch resistance are disclosed. The coatings generally comprise one or more particles that have been modified to render the particles more surface active. The improved resistance is achieved without affecting the appearance or mechanical performance of the coatings. Methods for using the coatings, and the substrates coated therewith, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which contain (a) one or more polysiloxanes comprising at least one reactive functional group; a plurality of particles; and, optionally, one or more curing agents comprising at least one functional group that is reactive with any reactive functional group of polysiloxane (a). Additionally, a process for applying the multi-component composite coatings described above to a substrate and coated substrates are provided. A process for preparing the coating compositions also is provided. The multi-component composite coating compositions of the invention provide highly scratch resistant color-plus-clearcoatings capable of retaining scratch resistance after weathering.

Abstract: A collapsible utility trailer having a trailer bed, a trailer frame, a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels. The trailer bed has at least two bed sections and each of the bed sections has a length and a width. The trailer frame has a plurality of frame sections and each of the trailer frame sections have a length and a width that are less than the length and the width of the bed sections, respectively. The trailer bed sections are attached to the trailer frame. The front and rear pairs of wheels rotatably attached to the trailer frame so that the front and rear wheels are oriented substantially below the trailer bed.

Abstract: A ladder having a first ladder section, a second ladder section, an adjustable hinge mechanism, an engagement indicator and a static hinge mechanism. The adjustable hinge mechanism is mounted with respect to the first ladder and the second ladder so that the adjustable hinge mechanism is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The static hinge mechanism enables the first and second ladder sections to be maintained in a stationary position with respect to each other.

Abstract: Coating compositions are provided which are formed from components comprising (a) at least one polysiloxane comprising at least one reactive functional group; (b) at least one reactant comprising at least one functional group that is reactive with at least one functional group selected from the at least one reactive functional group of the at least one polysiloxane and at least one functional group of at least one reactant; and (c) a plurality of particles, wherein each component is different, and wherein the at least one reactive functional group of the at least one polysiloxane and the at least one functional group of the at least one reactant are substantially nonreactive with the particles. A multi-component composite coating composition formed from a basecoat and a topcoat deposited from the curable coating composition also is provided.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which contain (a) one or more polysiloxanes comprising at least one reactive functional group; a plurality of particles; and, optionally, one or more curing agents comprising at least one functional group that is reactive with any reactive functional group of polysiloxane (a). Additionally, a process for applying the multi-component composite coatings described above to a substrate and coated substrates are provided. A process for preparing the coating compositions also is provided. The multi-component composite coating compositions of the invention provide highly scratch resistant color-plus-clearcoatings capable of retaining scratch resistance after weathering.

Abstract: Coating compositions are provided which include a polysiloxane comprising at least one reactive functional group and at least one material comprising at least one reactive functional group. Also provided are multi-layer composite coatings formed from a basecoat deposited from a pigmented coating composition and a topcoat applied over the basecoat, the topcoat deposited from the aforementioned coating composition. A method for improving the scratch resistance of a coated substrate, as well as coated substrates also are provided. The compositions of the invention provide highly scratch resistant coatings, particularly highly scratch resistant color-plus-clearcoatings.

Abstract: A convertible ladder including a first ladder portion, a second ladder portion and a static hinge mechanism. The first ladder portion has a first locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The second ladder portion has a second locking mechanism proximate a first end thereof. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the first ladder portion with the first locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism is attached to the second ladder portion with the second locking mechanism. The static hinge mechanism maintains the first ladder portion in a stationary relation with respect to the second ladder portion.

Abstract: A ladder having a first ladder section, a second ladder section, an adjustable hinge mechanism, and an engagement indicator. The adjustable hinge mechanism is mounted with respect to the first ladder and the second ladder so that the adjustable hinge mechanism is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the adjustable hinge mechanism retains the first ladder section in a stationary orientation with respect to the second ladder section. When in the disengaged position, the adjustable hinge mechanism permits the first ladder section to pivot with respect to the second ladder section. The engagement indicator is mounted on the adjustable hinge mechanism. The engagement indicator is visible when the adjustable hinge mechanism is in the disengage position. The engagement indicator is not visible when the adjustable hinge mechanism is in the engaged position.

Abstract: Coating compositions are provided which are formed from components comprising (a) at least one polysiloxane comprising at least one reactive functional group; (b) at least one reactant comprising at least one functional group that is reactive with at least one functional group selected from the at least one reactive functional group of the at least one polysiloxane and at least one functional group of at least one reactant; and (c) a plurality of particles, wherein each component is different, and wherein the at least one reactive functional group of the at least one polysiloxane and the at least one functional group of the at least one reactant are substantially nonreactive with the particles. A multi-component composite coating composition formed from a basecoat and a topcoat deposited from the curable coating composition also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved multi-layer composite of two or more polymeric layers at least one of which is formed from a thermosetting composition. The composite includes at least a first polymeric layer formed on a substrate and a second polymeric layer over the first polymeric layer, wherein in the absence of a boron-containing compound, the first and second polymeric layers have poor interlayer adhesion. The improvement resides in the inclusion of at least one boron-containing compound in one or both of the first and second polymeric layers in an amount sufficient to improve the interlayer adhesion between the first and second polymeric layers. Also provided is an improved curable coating composition used to form a multi-layer composite coating of two or more cured coating layers, at least one of which is formed from the thermosetting composition. Related methods and coated substrates are also provided.

Abstract: Improved multi-layer composites are provided. The multi-layer composites include at least a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer formed over the first polymeric layer thereby forming an interface region there between. At least one of the polymeric layers is formed from a thermosetting composition which contains an adhesion promoter composition. The adhesion promoter composition is formed from (1) at least one adhesion promoting component, and (2) at least one surface active component. The improvement is represented by the presence of the adhesion promoting component (1) at the interface region.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved multi-layer composite of two or more polymeric layers at least one of which is formed from a thermosetting composition. The composite includes at least a first polymeric layer formed on a substrate and a second polymeric layer over the first polymeric layer, wherein in the absence of a boron-containing compound, the first and second polymeric layers have poor interlayer adhesion. The improvement resides in the inclusion of at least one boron-containing compound in one or both of the first and second polymeric layers in an amount sufficient to improve the interlayer adhesion between the first and second polymeric layers. Also provided is an improved curable coating composition used to form a multi-layer composite coating of two or more cured coating layers, at least one of which is formed from the thermosetting composition. Related methods and coated substrates are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of delivering immunogenic or therapeutic proteins to bone marrow cells using alphavirus vectors. The alphavirus vectors disclosed herein target specifically to bone marrow tissue, and viral genomes persist in bone marrow for at least three months post-infection. No or very low levels of virus were detected in quadricep, brain, and sera of treated animals. The sequence of a consensus Sindbis cDNA clone, pTR339, and infectious RNA transcripts, infectious virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations derived therefrom are also disclosed. The sequence of the genomic RNA of the Girdwood S.A. virus, and cDNA clones, infectious RNA transcripts, infectious virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations derived therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved multi-layer composites are provided. The multi-layer composites include at least a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer formed over the first polymeric layer thereby forming an interface region there between. At least one of the polymeric layers is formed from a thermosetting composition which contains an adhesion promoter composition. The adhesion promoter composition is formed from (1) at least one adhesion promoting component, and (2) at least one surface active component. The improvement is represented by the presence of the adhesion promoting component (1) at the interface region.

Abstract: Multi-component composite coating compositions are provided which comprise a base coat deposited from a pigmented film-forming composition and a transparent top coat applied over the base coat in which the transparent top coat is deposited from a film-forming composition comprising one ore more ungelled chain-extended organic polysiloxanes having reactive functional groups, and one or more curing agents having functional groups reactive with the functional groups of the polysiloxane. Additionally provided is a process for applying the multi-component composite coatings described above to a substrate. Substrates coated with the above-described multi-component composite coating compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Multi-component composite coating compositions are provided which comprise a base coat deposited from a pigmented film-forming composition and a transparent top coat applied over the base coat in which the transparent top coat is deposited from a film-forming composition comprising one ore more ungelled chain-extended organic polysiloxanes having reactive functional groups, and one or more curing agents having functional groups reactive with the functional groups of the polysiloxane. Additionally provided is a process for applying the multi-component composite coatings described above to a substrate. Substrates coated with the above-described multi-component composite coating compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A thermosetting composition that includes: (a) a crosslinking agent having at least two functional groups reactive with hydroxyl groups; and (b) a non-gelled, hydroxyl functional polymer prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization. The polymer contains at least one of the following polymer chain structures: —{(M)p—(G)q}x—  or —{(G)q—(M)p}x— wherein M is a residue, that is free of hydroxyl functionality, of at least one monomer; G is a residue, that has hydroxyl functionality, of at least one monomer; p and q represent average numbers of residues occurring in a block of residues in each polymer chain structure; and p, q, and x are each independently selected for each structure such that the hydroxyl functional polymer has a number average molecular weight of at least 250.