Abstract: A practice golf ball and its associated method of manufacture is claimed. The practice golf ball includes a hollow inner shell made of inexpensive molded plastic. The inner shell is molded so that the outer surface of the inner shell contains a dimple pattern. A first coating covers the inner shell. The first coating is applied as a liquid, wherein the first coating conforms to the dimple pattern on the inner shell. The first coating has a degree of elasticity greater than that of the plastic inner shell. A second coating covers the first coating. The second coating is also applied as a liquid, wherein the second coating conforms to the dimple pattern of the inner shell and the intervening first coating. The second coating has a degree of tear resistance greater than that of the plastic inner shell.

Abstract: An adjustable mold includes a distortable boundary, a flexible membrane, and a pressurizer, and method of use thereof. Pressure is applied to the flexible membrane, which causes the membrane to distort over the boundary. The shape of the boundary and the distortion of the flexible membrane control the optical characteristics of a lens resulting from the application and curing of a molding composition placed on the flexible membrane or to cast other items having variable shapes determined in part by the flexible membrane. In addition, a mold edge is used to allow casting in predetermined shapes, reducing need for grinding or edging. Visual and emission device calibration features used in conjunction with calibration reference images allow uniform selective distortion of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A molding press for simultaneously molding a product and laminating a pattern layer to the surface of the molded product comprising a bottom mold plate, a top mold plate, a mold ring element surrounding the mold plates and moveable independently of the top and bottom mold plates, an upper surface on said mold ring for engaging a peripheral edge of the top mold plate, and a flat groove in said mold ring upper surface which is slightly deeper than the thickness of a pattern layer to be laminated to the top surface of the final molded product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing board warpage during the application and curing or drying of liquid epoxies, or the like, on printed circuit boards using a clamping fixture assembly, which includes at least one clamping fixture support and at least one clamping fixture overlay. If desired, a plurality of printed circuit boards may be processed using an appropriate clamping fixture assembly. Furthermore, the clamping fixture may be constructed so a slight bow or curvature thereof can counter either a convex or concave bow or curvature of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The method provides for forming a supporting structure of the steering wheel, the structure having a metal core and an outer cover layer of polymer material; for each portion of the structure to be covered with valuable material (e.g. brier), two curved preformed half-shells of multilayer composite material are formed of such shape and size as to fit, facing each other, on opposite sides about the corresponding portion of the structure, so as to define a substantially continuous, tubular shell; the portion of the structure is wound, over the outer cover layer, with at least one layer of cloth impregnated with a polymer resin and to which the preformed half-shells are applied; and polymerization of the polymer resin, conducted in a heated mold, ensures adhesion of the half-shells to each other and to the structure.

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim panel for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes the steps of loading a trim blank into a cavity of a mold and loading an edge of the trim blank on a movable slide of the mold. The method also includes the steps of depositing a molten thermoplastic material onto a core of the mold and partially closing the mold. The method further includes the steps of moving the slide into a channel of the core, completely closing the mold, and forcing the molten plastic material into a down-turned flange area of the mold to form the interior trim panel with a down-turned flange.

Abstract: A film and heated plastic blank are sized to fit over a mold cavity and a combination of said film and blank formed. The combination is positioned over the mold cavity and formed in said mold cavity into the shape of said mold cavity.

Abstract: A soft member constituting the main portion, and a rigid member. The soft member has a loop rib integral therewith, and the rigid member has a loop base element almost entirely embedded in the rib. The base element has load pads spaced there along for lockingly engaging the panel in which the grommet is positioned. The base member is molded in the bottom part of the mold, and then it is lifted out of its original molding position to expose it for injecting the soft material in surrounding position around the base member.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an integrated process for the manufacture of polymer and/or composite products, comprising the integration of processing operations to achieve a plurality of material conversion steps, such as impregnation, consolidation and bonding, within one single controlled fabrication cycle. The process includes an in-situ final preparation of at least one composite preform at the location of the moulding operation and an integrated moulding operation comprising a step of providing an additional matrix-functioning material into the mould to at least partially enclose the composite preform, the operation of providing the additional matrix-functioning material providing the pressure for an in-situ final consolidation of the composite product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insert molding method for injection molding of resin or rubber at an insert set in a lower mold by injecting and filling melted resin or rubber into a cavity of an upper mold through a gate in a state where the upper mold and lower mold are disposed so as to be opposed to each other, and the invention relates to a metal mold therefor, wherein a movable supporting member having flexibility, on which the above-described insert is placed, is vertically movably disposed in a recess formed on the upper surface of the above-described lower mold, and the underside thereof is supported by the tip ends of shafts of a plurality of pressing means that independently operate, and the corresponding movable supporting member is moved while being pressed by the respective shafts of the corresponding pressing means to the upper mold at a plurality of positions, and molding is carried out in a state where the upper surface of the above-described insert is uniformly brought into contact with

Abstract: The molded article includes at least one compression molded plastic layer having an inner surface and an outer surface thereof, and at least one plastic projection, as a boss or rib, extending from and bonded to the inner surface of the compression molded plastic layer. An outer plastic film is desirably bonded to the compression molded plastic layer and desirably compression molded therewith.

Abstract: An elastic blade regulates the layer thickness of a toner used in the developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic apparatus. The elastic blade is manufactured by providing a metal layer consisting of a rolled metal. The metal layer has a warped shape including a convex side caused by rolling the metal layer. A rubber layer is provided only on a surface of the metal layer at the convex side thereof.

Abstract: A decorative component (1), in particular designed to constitute a piece of internal trim of a vehicle, including at least a sheet of material (2) provided with stiffening means (3) and having, at least locally, on at least one of its faces, referred to as an aspect conferring face (4), an aesthetic and comfortable aspect. According to the method, the stiffening means (3) include a bead (5) of material, whether continuous or discontinuous, provided on a part at least of the periphery of the sheet (2) to fix its shape according to the shape desired for the component. The method also relates to manufacturing such a decorative component and to a use thereof, as well as to a process for manufacturing a piece of internal trim of a vehicle, for example a door panel, using the decorative component.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a register for ventilating air includes molding a deflector member having a plurality of shafts and a plurality of first deflector plates. The deflector member is made from a first resin. A connector member, which holds the plurality of shafts rotatably and connects the first deflector plates swingably, is molded from a second resin that possess characteristics that prohibit it from fusing with the first resin. Next, a frame-shaped member, made from a third resin and having a plurality of second deflector plates, is molded by the process. Then, the deflector member, which includes the connector member, is assembled with the frame-shaped member. A knob for operating the first deflector plates can be molded integrally with one of the first deflector plates.

Abstract: A method for making a screen filter, especially for filtering liquid or gaseous materials, in which the screen filter comprises a mounting ring or mounting element (10) and a filtering screen arranged on the mounting ring or mounting element. The filtering screen is composed of a mesh web fabric (15) and can be connected to a basket-shaped support skeleton (16). The mounting ring (10) and the support skeleton (16) are injection-molded around the mesh web fabric (15).

Abstract: A molding die 1 for molding a laminated molding having a molding body with compressible surface members 23 and 24 partially laminated thereonto, where a flow-regulating portion for regulating flow of molten resin flowing toward the surface members 23 and 24 is provided to a die body 10 to regulate the flow of the molten resin flowing on the same plane as the surface members 23 and 24 toward the surface members 23 and 24. Accordingly, since resin lap at an peripheral end portion of the surface members 23 and 24, and position shift of the surface members 23 and 24 by the flow of the resin, laminated molding having good quality and appearance can be obtained.

Abstract: A process produces a resin intake member by injection moling. The intake member has a hollow generally cylindrical main section and a subsidiary section integrally connected to an outer periphery of the hollow main section. The process includes a primary molding step which forms the hollow main section in a primary molding die and a secondary molding step which subsequently inserts the formed hollow main section into a secondary molding die to integrally form the subsidiary section with the hollow main section in the secondary molding die.

Abstract: A method of producing a stratiform article includes disposing a preformed insert on a first mold portion, the insert having an exposed edge portion; injection molding a thermoplastic polymer into a mold cavity formed by the first mold portion and a second mold portion so that the polymer substantially fills the cavity and covers the exposed edge portion of the insert on its front, back and edge; and allowing the polymer to solidify, thereby forming a substrate that is bonded to the insert and has a recess in which the edge portion of the insert is disposed, wherein the insert covers a portion of an outer surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing support materials in carrier frames in the manufacture of seat components for chairs including moving the support material to an openable mold press forming a mold cavity for the carrier frame when the mold press is closed, shaping the support material, and molding the carrier frame to capture the shaped material in the carrier frame. In one embodiment, the support material is stretched as it is moved to the mold press, and/or in the mold press before molding the carrier frame. Excess support material is removable from an outer side portion of the carrier frame after molding the carrier frame and before discharging the carrier frame and support material captured thereby from the mold press.

Abstract: A protective flooring tile, and method of manufacturing the same, having a durable and water resistant prefabricated top layer which is made of rubber material. The top layer has a top surface and a bottom surface, with the bottom surface having voids which extend from bottom surface toward the top surface. A resilient bottom layer extends from the top surface and is made of granulated rubber. The bottom layer has a prepolymer material provided between the granulated rubber which bonds the granulated rubber together. The prepolymer material flows from the bottom layer into the voids of the top layer during the manufacture of the protective flooring tile to bond the top layer to the bottom layer.

Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a process and an apparatus for delivery of plastic at a viscosity and in the required quantity suitable for compression molding of large, and often odd shaped three-dimensional products, such as large automotive body parts and large appliance parts, etc. These products may consist of plastic only, or may require additional layers of other plastics or even other materials such as woven cloth, inserted into the cavity before molding. The purpose of this invention is to provide a process and apparatus for use with a compression molding machine to supply plastic to a mold cavity, at a number of suitable locations, and in appropriate quantity at each location as required by product shape and thickness. The apparatus and process includes a delivery head which is mounted on rails attached to the machine clamp or the mold cavity, and a connection between the injection unit of the molding machine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pleated filter assembly comprising a pleated filter and a plastic frame member that encases or captures an edge of the pleated filter media utilizes at least two plastic injection mold halves that mate to pleat the filtration media and provide a cavity for injecting plastic resin therein to create at least a portion of the plastic frame member that captures or encases the filter media, among other things.

Abstract: A mold assembly (100) formed of a pair of molds (102, 104) and a pair of release plates (118, 120). The molds (102, 104) have holes (126) which extend from outer surfaces into the mold cavities (106). The release plates (118, 120) have pins (122, 124) which pass into the holes (126, 128). When molding is finished, the molds (102, 104) are moved toward the release plates (118, 120). The pins (122, 124) contact the molded article(s) (134) and hold them in position as the molds (102, 104) are withdrawn.

Abstract: A process for producing a multilayer molded article in which a surface of a thermoplastic resin substrate is partly or entirely laminated with a skin material.

Abstract: A method of forming a carpeted plastic part includes positioning a carpet between first and second mold halves, wherein the carpet has a back surface. A non-reinforced plastic strip is positioned adjacent a portion of the back surface of the carpet. A hollow parison of reinforced plastic material is formed between the first and second mold halves. The first and second mold halves are then closed together to form a carpeted plastic part having a thinned-down region of the reinforced plastic material adjacent the plastic strip such that the plastic strip is sandwiched between the thinned-down region and the carpet to form a flexible living hinge.

Abstract: A film is placed over a mold cavity extending over the mold cavity rim. The film is held in place over the mold cavity by a frame member which engages the film adjacent the mold cavity rim. The frame is magnetically secured in place over the mold cavity rim to hold the film over the mold cavity rim. Molten plastic is provided over the film and the film and plastic is formed into a molded article having the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method of producing a vibration-isolating bushing with which it is possible to secure a larger area of the edge surface of an inner cylinder than in the prior art method. In upsetting one extremity of the inner cylinder by cold plastic working, after a rubber elastomer is secured to the outer circumference of the inner cylinder by vulcanization molding, as a jig for pressing onto the edge surface of the inner cylinder, an upsetting jig whose top surface is flat is used and the top surface of the jig is pressed onto the edge surface of the inner cylinder while causing the jig to gyrate on a conical orbit centering the axis of the inner cylinder, whereby the outside diameter only of the extremity is enlarged while suppressing the enlarging of the inside diameter.

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim panel for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes the steps of loading a trim blank into a cavity of a mold and loading an edge of the trim blank on a movable slide of the mold. The method also includes the steps of depositing a molten thermoplastic material onto a core of the mold and partially closing the mold. The method further includes the steps of moving the slide into a channel of the core, completely closing the mold, and forcing the molten plastic material into a down-turned flange area of the mold to form the interior trim panel with a down-turned flange.

Abstract: A template is placed over a mold cavity, with the template including a series of orifices which extend over substantially the entire surface of the mold cavity. Molten plastic is passed through the orifices in a pattern corresponding to the shape of the article to be molded, and the molten plastic is formed into a molded article having the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A composite molded product has a main body molded of a base material of a thermoplastic resin and defining at least one through opening. A porous skin material is integrated with the main body by thermal fusing. At least one rib is formed on the surface of the skin material at a position corresponding to the position of at least one through opening. At least one rib is integrated with the main body through porous structure of the skin material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming composite shaped articles used for athletic shoe soles, tubes, pipes, transmission belts and conveyor belts, comprising a vulcanized elastomer directly or autogenously bonded, that is, essentially in the absence of adhesive, to a thermoplastic elastomer comprising recurring polyamide-6 and polyether structural units, such as thermoplastic polyetheresteramide elastomers, are provided. The article is prepared by a process comprising placing a thermoplastic elastomer component into a vulcanization mold, overmolding onto at least a portion of the surface area of one face surface of the thermoplastic elastomer component with a vulcanizable elastomer component, and vulcanizing the vulcanizable elastomer component at a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic elastomer component but over a wide temperature range, which can be about 40° C. or higher.

Abstract: A multilayer molded article comprises a resin body and a skin material which covers a part of the surface of the resin body so that an edge part of the skin material present on the surface of the resin body is placed in a groove formed on the surface of the resin body. The article is produced by providing an unclosed mold comprising a lower mold having at least one pin for fixing the edge part of the skin material at a position where the edge part of the skin material is placed and an upper mold having a kick for forming the groove, placing the skin material on the lower mold and fixing the edge part of the skin material with the pin, supplying a mass of resin melt between the skin material and the lower mold, and closing the upper and lower molds to form the multilayer molded article.

Abstract: A sheet-decorating injection molding machine is provided with a female mold, a male mold, a sheet clamper for fixedly holding a decorative sheet on a parting surface of the female mold, and a hot plate having a first heating plate and a second heating plate jointed at corresponding edges thereof in a V-shape. The heating surfaces of the first and second heating plates face the female mold. The V-shaped hot plate is moved to a position near the decorative sheet held by the sheet clamper on the female mold to heat the decorative sheet uniformly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing tubular molded products from molding material includes a mold casing and a mold core having a common longitudinal central axis which is vertically disposed. The mold casing and mold core are spaced from one another to define a molding space therebetween. A supply device supplies molding material from above the molding space into the molding space. Treatment apparatus is disposed at treatment zones on the mold core for treating the molding material in the molding space, the treatment including treating the molding material by shaking the molding material or treating the molding material by heating the molding material, or both.

Abstract: A helical antenna having an antenna element covered with an insulating layer is formed by monolithically form the insulating layer so that the antenna element is integrated with the insulating layer. To be more precise, first, a cylindrical shell, which received a core pin in its center hole, is inserted into the antenna element along the longitudinal axis of the antenna element. The antenna element is put in a cavity of a molding die. A moulding resin which was heated and molten at a temperature higher than the melting point of the cylindrical shell is injected into the cavity to form an insulating cover over the cylindrical shell and the antenna element. The surface of the cylindrical shell starts softening upon contacting with the molten resin, and sticks around the helically coiled antenna line, whereby the pitch of the antenna element can be maintained substantially constant even if an injection pressure is applied during the molding.

Abstract: A helical antenna having an antenna element covered with an insulating layer is formed by monolithically form the insulating layer so that the antenna element is integrated with the insulating layer. To be more precise, first, a cylindrical shell, which received a core pin in its center hole, is inserted into the antenna element along the longitudinal axis of the antenna element. The antenna element is put in a cavity of a molding die. A molding resin which was heated and molten at a temperature higher than the melting point of the cylindrical shell is injected into the cavity to form an insulating cover over the cylindrical shell and the antenna element. The surface of the cylindrical shell starts softening upon contacting with the molten resin, and sticks around the helically coiled antenna line, whereby the pitch of the antenna element can be maintained substantially constant even if an injection pressure is applied during the molding.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette and a guide roller in which the magnetic tape can stably travel and the magnetic head can read/write the record correctly, and a method of manufacturing the guide roller are provided. The magnetic tape cassette of the present invention comprises a guide roller 106 rotatably supported by the lower cassette half. The guide roller is almost in the shape of a barrel of which a coefficient of curvature T expressed by the expression [1] representing the extent of curvature of the circumferential surface is in the range between 0.001 and 0.01, and comprises a primary molding and injected resin injected within the primary molding for bulging said primary molding into the shape of said barrel shaped cavity that has a largest diameter at the parting line by the injection pressure.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated structural molding formed from molded resin and an outer layer of facing material. The method comprises the step of initially placing the facing material in a mold. Molten resin is injected into the mold. The resin is spread throughout the mold by locating mold sections adjacent each other at a set compressive force. The partially assembled molding is then subjected to a cooling process in which the compressive force to which the molding is exposed is reduced so that the force is greater than zero but less than the compressive force used to spread the resin. The mold sections do not retract or move during the reduction in the compressive force. The cooling process is performed just before or after the completion of the spreading of the resin. In this way, the damage to the facing material of the molding is kept to a minimum.

Abstract: A plastic part having a complex structure as a first layer and a simple structure as a second layer, is formed using a method for molding. Initially, a single mold is provided, the mold having an interior cavity and a runner reaching from an exterior of the mold to the cavity. The mold is kept closed while a quantity of a first plastic material is injected via the runner into the interior cavity to form a first layer of the plastic part. The mold is then partially opened, creating an increased interior cavity section, into which a quantity of a second plastic material is injected, via the runner, to form a second layer of the plastic part. The solidified plastic part can then be ejected from the mold.

Abstract: A method of injection molding an over-molded article in which a cavity extension associated with a core is first moved to a disengaged position and the core is inserted into a first cavity having a defined volume in a first geometrical configuration. A first injection operation is performed into the first cavity to form a first layer of the article. The core is then removed from the first cavity with the first layer of the article on the core. The cavity extension is moved to an engagement position and the core and first layer are inserted into a second cavity. The second cavity and the cavity extension engage to form a composite cavity having a larger volume than the defined volume and define a second geometrical configuration. A second injection operation is performed into the composite cavity to over-mold the first layer to form the article. The core and cavity extension are separated from the second cavity to remove the article therefrom.

Abstract: A photocurable prepreg sheet for waterproofing includes (1) a fiber-reinforced resin layer which comprises a sheet-shaped inorganic or organic fibrous reinforcing material impregnated with a resin composition comprising: (A) an unsaturated polyester resin and/or vinyl ester resin: 100 parts by weight, and (B) at least two photopolymerization initiators having photosensitivity in different wavelength ranges from ultraviolet range to near infrared range: 0.01 to 10 parts by weight, and which is treated with light of a specific wavelength to thereby undergo prepolymerization which causes at least one of the polymerization initiators and radical-polymerizable unsaturated groups to remain partially intact; and (2) film which covers an upper surface and a back surface of the fiber-reinforced resin layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making insignias with a raised design is capable of providing more aesthetic appearance to the insignias thus made. A base material consisting of a base sheet and a surface sheet overlaying the base sheet is prepared for making into an insignia. The base material is coating with a surface coating of decorative material. A bottom mold and an upper mold are used to press the base material to form raised design of patterns. The bottom and upper molds are coupled to a composite heating device including high-frequency induction and electric heating means for applying both high-frequency induction heat and electric heat to the base material while the upper molding is being pressed against the bottom mold. The upper mold is formed with a plurality of edge-defining blades for cutting an edge for the insignia, a plurality of pattern-defining blades for forming a pre-designed pattern on the insignia.

Abstract: A simulated promotional pocket for a closure and method for manufacture thereof has a cup-shaped simulated promotional pocket molded within the closure to at least partially encapsulate anchor tabs extending from a liner pre-molded to an inside of the top wall of the closure. The anchor tabs are arranged in a target formation of concentric spaced-apart circles and are bent over outwardly during pressure molding of the cup-shaped promotional pocket to provide resistance to separation of the promotional pocket and the liner. The simulated promotional pocket having an open end is configured to be identical in appearance to an actual promotional compartment which holds a promotional item of value thereon, when viewed from outside a container closed by the closure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making artificial nail, including a printed pattern layer. A film having a transfer portion with a printed pattern is placed between two surfaces forming a cavity with a hole. A fluid resin is injected into the cavity through the hole and contacting the transfer portion. The resin solidifies and integrates with the transfer portion, which forms an artificial portion with the printed pattern. Also disclosed is an apparatus for use in making the artificial nail. The apparatus includes a mold including the two surfaces and a film supplier feeding the film with the transfer portion to the mold.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a part out of reinforced plastics material, the method comprising the following steps:

Abstract: The present invention realizes spreading a sheet on a frame member by a simple structure and a simple process, and prevents uneven tension charged against the sheet. In the sheet spreading method of the invention, a core member for a backrest of a chair which is heated to around 200° C. in a furnace is put into a flow dipping tank filled with powder resin. As a result, a resin coating is formed on the surface of the pipe constituting the core member. Also, a mesh is placed on a metal mold and clamped. Since a recess corresponding to the shape of the core member is formed in the top side of the metal mold, the mesh is spread on the core member with a tension charged against when the core member having the above-mentioned coating is pressed into the recess.

Abstract: A cushioned bicycle saddle and a method for manufacturing same are provided. The saddle includes a multiple density, cushioned surface bonded to a saddle shell which may include multiple openings. The saddle includes layer of soft, resilient gel bonded to a fabric surface. A flexible, orthotic shoe, disposed between the shell and the resilient gel, is provided in cooperation with the shell openings. The saddle may include an opening in a horn portion of the shell and the shoe may be highly resilient along the horn opening in order to prevent excessive pressure on a cyclist seated on the saddle. A method includes the steps of disposing the saddle shell having a fabric sealed thereto, into a mold having a molding surface defining a desired contour and/or pattern of embossment to be formed in the fabric. A thermoplastic gelable medium is injected between the shell and the fabric. The fabric is contoured and/or embossed by allowing the gelable medium to cool while the shell is disposed in mold.

Abstract: Metal lumps or pebbles are produced by introducing a molten metal stream into a stream of water in a direction which is substantially the same as the direction of the water stream and at a velocity which is substantially the same or slightly less than the velocity of the water stream.

Abstract: A decorative sheet (S) for in-mold decorating injection molding has a base sheet (1A) and a resin layer (2) formed on a surface of the base sheet (1A) to be brought into contact with an injection-molded molding and containing an acrylic-modified polyolefin resin. The acrylic-modified polyolefin resin is a resin composed by grafting-copolymerizing an acrylic monomer and/or an acrylic prepolymer on principal chains of a polypropylene resin. The decorative sheet (S) includes, for example, a base sheet (1A) of an acrylic resin, a decorative layer (3) of a binder resin and at least either an acrylic resin contained in the binder resin or a polyvinyl chloride-acetate resin, and a bonding layer (2) containing an acrylic-modified polyolefin resin. A primer layer (4) may be sandwiched between the bonding layer (2) and the decorative layer (3).