Abstract: A method of manufacturing a floor covering presses a bottom layer of a polymeric material into apertures in a top layer having a higher pressure-flow viscosity than the bottom layer. The pressure also joins the layers into the floor covering and forms a continuous pressure-vulcanization skin on the top thereof for more uniform soiling and wear characteristics. Selecting the size and arrangement of the apertures in the top layer produces a corresponding pattern of the bottom-layer material in the top of the joined layers which is independent of any surface configuration also imparted in the pressing.

Abstract: A process for producing a surface-embossed, deep-drawn article suitable for an interior finish or lining of a motor vehicle, for example, starts with a partially-crystalline polymeric material, i.e., one having crystallites, in film form. The film-form material is heated to a temperature below the melting point of its crystallites an surface embossed. The embossed material is then cooled and crosslinked. The crosslinking is preferably done by irradiating the cooled material with a high-energy beam such as an accelerated electron beam, for example. The cooled and crosslinked material is then reheated, this time to a temperature above the melting point of its crystallites, and deep drawn into the shape of the article.

Abstract: A method for the production of an embossed laminate containing at least two layers, in which a thin top layer of stretchable material is backed with an unvulcanized bottom layer of rubber and pressed with a platen which has recesses which are arranged in a pattern and have a depth exceeding the thickness of the top layer, in which the two layers are bonded and solidified together by vulcanization, and in which at least the top layer is removed in the area of the projections by a cutting, milling or grinding process performed on a straight line, the laminate being exposed to a pressure and deformation acting perpendicular to its surface during the removal of the top layer in the area of the projections.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically-conductive floor covering presses a polymeric bottom layer into apertures in a top layer having a higher flow viscosity than the bottom layer, the pressure also bonding the layers together. The bottom layer contains from about 3% to about 80% by weight carbon black or graphite for electrical conduction; the top layer contains not more than about 0.5% thereof. The apertures in the top layer are at least 1 mm in diameter and regularly or irregularly spaced from the next adjacent aperture from about 2 mm to about 40 mm, the area of the apertures not exceeding 40% per unit area of the top layer. The dark color of the bottom layer resulting from its carbon black or graphite content therefore need not significantly affect the appearance of the top layer, but provides electrical conductivity through the apertures.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of a relief profiled outer sole of cross-linked EVA polymer foamed with closed cells is described in which the polymer used is formed into a cross-linked, expanded tempered blank, split by at least one cut into several subblanks, and whereupon the surface of a subblank is heated and pressed to form the relief profile. The temperature gradient of the blank while it is being pressed is important for precise formation of the relief profile.