Abstract: A decorative, nonwoven laminate and a method of forming, including a first side of a first nonwoven affixed to one or both of a) a first side of a polymeric sheet or b) a second nonwoven, wherein the first nonwoven exhibits a basis weight of 15 g/m2 to 2500 g/m2 and the second nonwoven exhibits a basis weight of 15 g/m2 to 1200 g/m2; and a colorant deposited on a second side of the first nonwoven. A topical coating may or may not be applied to improve durability of the printed surface layer. The decorative nonwoven laminate may also amount to a single layer of the first nonwoven, which then includes a layer of colorant and a topical coating over the colorant and single nonwoven layer.

Abstract: A gauge-plate insulator for positioning between and mounting to two rail-spacing members that in turn extend transversely between and mount to two parallel rails to mechanically interconnect but electrical insulate the rail-spacing members and thus the parallel rails. The insulator includes a plate, front and rear mounting holes extending vertically through the plate, and a tongue extending downward from the plate along its lateral midsection from front to back. In typical embodiments, the insulator includes elongated platforms surrounding the mounting holes and arranged perpendicular to the tongue, and the insulator is of a one-piece monolithic construction made of a material selected for mechanical strength and electric insulation. And in some embodiments the insulator includes a tented top surface, ribs extending perpendicular to the tongue, and/or multi-level platforms.