Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric. In an alternative embodiment, an extensible fabric is coated with an extensible binder containing microencapsulated phase change material to form an extensible, coated fabric. The coated fabric is optionally flocked. The coated fabrics are manufactured using transfer techniques.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric. In an alternative embodiment, an extensible fabric is coated with an extensible binder containing microencapsulated phase change material to form an extensible, coated fabric. The coated fabric is optionally flocked. The coated fabrics are manufactured using transfer techniques.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted ahd dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric. In an alternative embodiment, an extensible fabric is coated with an extensible binder containing microencapsulated phase change material to form an extensible, coated fabric. The coated fabric is optionally flocked. The coated fabrics are manufactured using transfer techniques.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric.

Abstract: A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric.

Abstract: A sheet material is capable of converting a two dimensional image which may be of interest to a visually handicapped individual, into a three dimensional raised image that can be perceived by the visually handicapped individual using the individual's tactile sense. The method, apparatus and material uses a sheet-like substrate which is coated throughout its entire area by an expandable composition. A two dimensional, initially flat, image can be drawn, imprinted or otherwise placed on the substrate using a dark, dense color which is preferably black. The black color of the image absorbs energy to a greater extent than the surrounding substrate so that when the substrate is irradiated, for example, using an infrared lamp in an enclosure through which the sheet of material passes, the image becomes puffed and raised. The visually handicapped individual can than touch the surface of the substrate and easily perceive the raised image.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions are disclosed which are useful as backings for automotive carpets. The thermoplastic compositions contain a high filler content of at least 60 percent by weight, about 5 to 25 percent by weight of an ethylene homopolymer or copolymer, about 1 to 10 percent by weight of a non-vulcanized elastomeric resin and about 1 to 15 percent by weight of a plasticizer. Preferably a low viscosity precoat of polyethylene or ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer is applied to the carpet prior to the application of the thermoplastic backing. The backed automotive carpet is moldable, withstands both high and low temperatures, possesses outstanding sound absorbing properties and can be produced economically.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions are disclosed which are useful as backings for automotive carpets. The thermoplastic compositions contain a high filler content of at least 60 percent by weight, about 5 to 25 percent by weight of an ethylene homopolymer or copolymer, about 1 to 10 percent by weight of a non-vulcanized elastomeric resin and about 1 to 15 percent by weight of a plasticizer. Preferably a low viscosity precoat of polyethylene or ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer is applied to the carpet prior to the application of the thermoplastic backing. The backet automotive carpet is moldable, withstands both high and low temperatures, possesses outstanding sound absorbing properties and can be produced economically.

Abstract: A multilayer floor covering is provided which is suitable for use as a playing surface of an athletic facility. The floor covering comprises a composite needlepunched material in which a fiber batt bottom layer is needled into a support layer so that a portion of the fiber batt protrudes through the top of the support layer, a layer of polyurethane elastomer adhered to the composite needlepunched material and a top wear coating of polyurethane adhered to the layer of urethane elastomer.