Abstract: A polyurethane compound is disclosed, comprising the reaction product of an isocyanate and one or more polyols including at least one polytetramethylene ether glycol and polyethylene wax. The latter two ingredients greatly enhance abrasion resistance of the compound, making the compound particularly suitable for use as an outsole of footwear for rugged use applications.

Abstract: A polyurethane compound is disclosed, comprising the reaction product of an isocyanate and one or more polyols including at least one polytetramethylene ether glycol and polyethylene wax. The latter two ingredients greatly enhance abrasion resistance of the compound, making the compound particularly suitable for use as an outsole of footwear for rugged use applications.

Abstract: A dynamic helical mixer and a mixing head apparatus using that mixer are disclosed. Highly efficient mixing of two or more component reactive systems that have drastically different viscosities and ratios can be achieved because the mixer provides high shear in a mixing apparatus with a very small hold-up volume in the mixing head. The mixing head utilizes a hydraulic motor to transfer power to the dynamic helical mixer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tufted goods comprising a greige good having fibers tufted into a primary backing, a precoat which is adhered to the back surface of the greige good, and a flexible film which is laminated to the back surface of the precoat. The flexible film is treated via corona-discharge prior to being laminated to the precoat. This invention also relates to a process for producing tufted goods. This process comprises treating a flexible film via corona-discharge, contacting the treated flexible film with the uncured or partially cured back surface of a precoated greige good, and curing the article. Optional embodiments of this invention include having a foam layer between the precoat and the flexible film, or having a foam layer on the back surface of the flexible film. An alternate embodiment of this invention comprises substituting a foam layer for the precoat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tufted goods comprising a greige good having fibers tufted into a primary backing, a precoat which is adhered to the back surface of the greige good, and a flexible film which is laminated to the back surface of the precoat. The flexible film is treated via corona-discharge prior to being laminated to the precoat. This invention also relates to a process for producing tufted goods. This process comprises treating a flexible film via corona-discharge, contacting the treated flexible film with the uncured or partially cured back surface of a precoated greige good, and curing the article. Optional embodiments of this invention include having a foam layer between the precoat and the flexible film, or having a foam layer on the back surface of the flexible film. An alternate embodiment of this invention comprises substituting a foam layer for the precoat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite structures comprising an open weave, natural or synthetic fabric or backing having fibers and a urethane froth foam, wherein the fibers of the fabric or backing are at least partially penetrated and/or embedded by the urethane froth. This invention also relates to a process for the production of a composite structure comprising A) applying a reactive urethane froth to an open weave, natural or synthetic fabric or secondary backing having fibers, B) passing the fabric or backing coated with the reactive urethane froth under a doctoring device such that the reactive urethane froth at least partially penetrates and/or embeds the fibers of the fabric or backing, and C) curing the reactive urethane froth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of patterned polyurethane foam as a backing for tufted goods. This process comprises applying a puddle of a reactive polyurethane mixture to the back side of a greige good, passing the greige good coated with the reactive polyurethane mixture under a doctoring device and curing the polyurethane backed greige good. In one embodiment of the present invention, the doctoring device is patterned or an attachment to the doctoring device is patterned, and forms a corresponding pattern in the polyurethane coating as it passes under the doctoring device. In another embodiment, a woven secondary backing is laminated to the reactive polyurethane mixture after passing under the doctoring device, and pressure is applied against the face of the tufted good such that the urethane is pushed through the windows of the secondary backing. This pressure forms beads of polyurethane on the underside of the woven secondary backing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tufted goods comprising a greige good having fibers tufted into a primary backing, a precoat which is adhered to the back surface of the greige good, and a flexible film which is laminated to the back surface of the precoat. The flexible film is treated via corona-discharge prior to being laminated to the precoat. This invention also relates to a process for producing tufted goods. This process comprises treating a flexible film via corona-discharge, contacting the treated flexible film with the uncured or partially cured back surface of a precoated greige good, and curing the article. Optional embodiments of this invention include having a foam layer between the precoat and the flexible film, or having a foam layer on the back surface of the flexible film. An alternate embodiment of this invention comprises substituting a foam layer for the precoat.