Abstract: A surface covering is a laminate including a hard inorganic wear layer deposited on a support by a reduced pressure environment technique such as ion assisted physical vapor deposition. The support may be selected from metal foils, films or sheets and plastics, rubbers or mineral/binder systems. The preferred support materials include organic materials. The wear layer is between 1 micron and 25 microns in thickness and has a CIE LAB value of total Delta E of less than 12. Preferably, the wear layer is deposited on the support at a temperature of less than 175.degree. C.

Abstract: A floor covering is a laminate including a hard inorganic wear layer deposited on a support, preferably by a reduced pressure environment technique such as ion assisted physical vapor deposition. The support may be selected from metal foils, films or sheets and plastics, rubbers or mineral/binder systems. The preferred support materials include stainless steel and polyester sheet molding compound.

Abstract: A porous material is printed with a sublimable dyestuff designed to achieve substantial pattern depth penetration. After the porous fabric has been printed it is consolidated by compression and fusion to a desired degree. This then provides a product which has a through color printed effect.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the making of a decorative carpet through the use of sublimable dyes. A shading effect is secured through the use of air flow control sheets that affect the flow of air through a transfer sheet and a carpet product adjacent thereto. By lessening air flow, the intensity of dye being transferred is also lessened so that shades of a certain color can be secured.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the making of a decorative carpet through the use of sublimable dyes. A shading effect is secured through the use of air flow control sheets that affect the flow of air through a transfer sheet and a carpet product adjacent thereto. By lessening air flow, the intensity of dye being transferred is also lessened so that shades of a certain color can be secured.

Abstract: A transfer sheet is printed with inks containing sublimable dyes. A carpet having face fibers and a backing is prepared. The inked surface of the transfer sheet and the carpet are positioned adjacent the openings on opposite sides of a honeycomb structure. Heated air is applied to the transfer sheet to sublime the dyes in the ink and to transfer the sublimed dyes from the carrier, through the passageways of the honeycomb structure, to the carpet. The fibers of the carpet are thereby dyed.

Abstract: A pattern is placed on one surface of a carpet backing by the use of sublimable dyes. A carpet facing is tufted into the backing with the face yarns on the side of the backing opposite from the side of the backing containing the pattern of dyes. Subsequent heating causes the sublimable dyes to move from the carpet backing surface through the carpet backing and then through the face yarn to provide a dyed patterned face yarn. A latex coating is provided to the carpet backing to lock the tufted carpet face yarns to the carpet backing and to lock residual dye to the surface of the carpet backing.

Abstract: A pattern is placed on a porous transfer sheet by the use of sublimable dyes. Carpet face yarns are tufted into a backing material. The transfer sheet is placed adjacent the back of the carpet on the side of the carpet opposite from the carpet face yarns. Heated air causes the sublimable dye to move from the transfer sheet, through the carpet backing to the face yarns of the carpet to provide the dye pattern on the face yarns.