Abstract: A synthetic resin leather comprising a substrate at least one surface of which is arranged with a synthetic resin layer, wherein said synthetic resin layer contains 1 to 70 weight parts of bridged polyalkylene oxide to 100 weight parts of synthetic resin. As the synthetic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic soft resin, mixed resin composed of 50-95 wt. % of thermoplastic polyurethane and 50-5 wt. % of acrylic soft resin, copolymer of polyester resin or polyolefin resin can be used. A surface coating layer containing powder of natural organic substance can be arranged over the surface of synthetic resin layer of said synthetic resin leather. As the powder of natural organic substance, collagen can be desirably used. Further, on the surface of the synthetic resin leather, it is desirable to mark a pattern and to make the height of convex part of the pattern higher than 0.05 mm.

Abstract: A pigmented fiberglass door and a process for finishing a molded, wood grain fiberglass door is provided. The pigmentation process comprises the sequential steps of priming the door surface; painting the door surface; staining the door surface while removing stain from raised grain edges of the door; and, applying a clear, protective coat to the door. This process has been found to provide a painted and/or stained door which has an appearance indistinguishable from a wooden door.

Abstract: A pre-textured sealing tape is provided for sealing the chink between the stacked logs in a log structure. A woven or textile type of backing support material is coated with a thin layer of flexible moisture impermeable material resembling conventional chinking materials. A suitable adhesive can be applied to the opposite side of the support materials with the adhesive covered by a release layer. The tape is cut to the desired width for the chink that is to be sealed and is finished in a rolled configuration. An acrylic resin mixed with silicon sand has been found to be preferable for the flexible texturing of the tape. The tape can be applied directly to the logs or to objects positioned within the chink, such as splines or insulation sheeting.

Abstract: An environmental friendly artificial leather product includes a substrate, an adhesive layer, an intermediate layer and a top layer. The artificial leather resides in that the top layer and adhesive layer is formed of a solvent-free elastomer resin composition and the intermediate layer provided between the top layer and adhesive layer is formed of a polyurethane resin composition containing more than 50% by weight solid content of polyurethane resin. A method for producing an environmental friendly artificial leather product includes coating a first solvent-free elastomer resin composition on a releasing paper to form a top layer, coating a polyurethane resin composition containing more than 50% by weight solid content on the top layer to form an intermediate layer, coating a second solvent-free elastomer resin composition on the intermediate layer to form an adhesive layer, and finally applying a substrate on the adhesive layer, and peeling the releasing paper.

Abstract: In order to provide leather with the desired cushioning properties and desirable soft handling properties, especially a grained leather with a grain structure on its upper surface, or a split leather with a surface finish, even if this leather is of minimal thickness, a foam layer is created on the non-visible underside surface of the leather. This foam layer is formed by applying a liquid plastic material containing means to create the foam and is subsequent solidified by removal of the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides separate paper for a process which is to be used for producing synthetic leather and which is capable of preventing inclusion of bubbles generated at the time of application of a coating liquid for forming leather therein and providing normal patterns free from bubbles.

Abstract: A wood panel formed by cutting a layer from a laminated blank formed by bonding wood pieces of various colors, shapes, textures, or grain patterns to create artistic effects in the completed panel through use of several alternative construction techniques, and techniques for providing enhancing modifications and low-stress means for mounting the completed panels.

Abstract: A building material having a durable exterior finish comprising a fiber cement substrate laminated with a fluorohydrocarbon protective film. The protective film provides the fiber cement substrate with resistance to weathering and maintains the surface texture of the underlying fiber cement substrate while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform pre-finish on the exterior surface. The protective film is bonded to the fiber cement substrate using an adhesive composition comprised of a one-component moisture cure polyurethane or polyurea adhesive composition having a reactive isocyanate compound or a two component polyurethane or polyurea composition.

Abstract: An extruded wood imitation component and process is described. The component has a solid core containing coloured polymer material formed from a mix of coloured thermoplastic polymer with veins of contrasting coloured polymer throughout the core and on outer surfaces of the component simulating natural wood. In the extrusion process the mixture includes coloured polymer pellets of different colours and sizes which are mixed and melted in an extruder under controlled conditions to provide contrasting streaks of molten polymer throughout a molten extruded core and on outer surfaces of the core of the extrudate which exits the land of the die.

Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.

Abstract: A process for producing a multicolored coverstock (10, 20, 72) providing at least two thermoplastic or thermoplastic olefin sheets (12, 14, 58). Each of the sheets includes a different color. The process includes directing the sheets into a position where the edges (24, 26) of the sheets overlap. The sheets are laminated together and are laminated to a foam substrate (22, 60) by directing the sheets and the foam substrate through an embossing nip (72). The embossing nip is further operative to impart an embossed surface in the sheets (18). The resulting laminated coverstock may be used in vacuum forming, low pressure molding, and compression molding of interior trim parts of automobiles and other vehicles.

Abstract: An extrusion molding apparatus for a product having a wood pattern and an extrusion molding method are disclosed, in which a second synthetic resin containing a wood powder of 80˜120 meshes at a predetermined ratio is fed to a die through a second extruder and then is coated on a surface of the product, thereby providing an esthetic surface and an improved durability.

Abstract: An oil tone artificial leather sheet having a blend of an oily substance of viscosity 50-10,000 mPa·s at 30° C. and a supporting polymer on part or all of a nap surface of a napped sheet comprising a non-woven fabric of microfine fibers and polyurethane existing in the non-woven fabric, wherein raised fibers comprising the microfine fibers are present in part or all of at least one surface and are forming the nap surface, and which has a high-quality appearance, and the soft hand touch and touch of natural leather. The sheet is useful in, for example, the manufacture of shoes or the like.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming abrasion-resistant, high clarity coatings is described. It has been found that a macrocrystalline or single crystal mineral abrasive can be added at high levels, about 5 to about 80 percent by weight, to art-recognized film-forming resin compositions for producing coatings exhibiting exceptional abrasion resistance and clarity. Such a coating composition is useful for application to surfaces including wood, vinyl, tile, rubber modified cement, marble, metal, plastic, and laminated surfaces.

Abstract: A trim panel (1) and a method of making a trim panel (1) comprising providing a formable sheet (12) having at least one layer, locating the sheet (12) adjacent to a forming surface (80), conforming the sheet (12) to the forming surface (80) so that the sheet (12) has a characterizing topography (15) and removing the sheet (12) from the forming surface (80). A substrate (40) is provided having a rear surface (45) and an opening (55) therethrough. Lastly, the sheet (12) is attached to the rear surface (45) of the substrate (40) so that the characterizing topography (15) extends through the opening (55). Alternatively, the sheet (12) may comprise at least one tab (17) and the substrate (40) may comprise at least one tab opening (57) wherein the tab (17) is inserted into the tab opening (57) to snap-fit the pieces together.

Abstract: Surface structured decorative boards (1) having a first and a second opposite edge (1I and 1II respectively). The board (1) include an upper side decorative surface (2) an upper side surface structure and a base layer. The structure is comprised by at least two surface grades (10) forming a decorative surface pattern on said upper side, said pattern being applied in predetermined fixed positions (P) on the first and the second edges (1I and 1II respectively). The first edge pattern positions (PL) and the second edge pattern positions (PR) are matched so that the pattern continues over the first and second edges (1I and 1II respectively) of adjacent boards (1).

Abstract: A non-woven fabric having such a structure that fine fibers having a small fineness are entangled with one another and a sheet obtained by impregnating the non-woven fabric with an elastic polymer satisfy the following requirements: the fine fibers should be obtained by splitting a strippable and splittable composite short fiber comprising at least two components; the fine fibers should have a monofilament size of 0.01 to 0.5 denier; the fine fibers should form a fine non-woven fabric structure that they are entangled with one another at random; the apparent density should be 0.18 to 0.

Abstract: An extrusion molding apparatus for a product having a wood pattern and an extrusion molding method are disclosed, in which a second synthetic resin containing a wood powder of 80˜120 meshes at a predetermined ratio is fed to a die through a second extruder and then is coated on a surface of the product, thereby providing an esthetic surface and an improved durability.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a decorative wood article includes the steps of applying a decorative overlay onto at least one surface of a wood article, applying a radiation curable powder coating onto the outer surface of the overlay, heating the applied radiation curable powder coating at a temperature sufficient to melt and flow the powder coating, and exposing the applied powder coating to radiation energy to cure the powder coating and form a film on the outer surface of the decorative overlay.

Abstract: An artificial leather sheet substrate comprising: a fiber entangled nonwoven fabric composed of bundles of a polyamide-based microfine fibers comprising a polyamide or a polyamide composition having a hot toluene swelling degree of 2 to 10%, and having a fineness of 0.1 decitex or less; and an elastic polymer and a releasing agent between the bundles, the releasing agent being also added to the inside of the bundles. This leather-like sheet substrate is soft and is excellent in denseness, dyeability and color fastness. The sheet is suitable, as a suede-like artificial leather or a grain surface like artificial leather, for fields for which high quality is required, for example, for clothing. The sheet is high in denseness of surface napped fiber and is excellent in hand touch, writing effect and draping ability, especially as a suede-like artificial leather.

Abstract: The present invention provides the method of manufacturing the artificially figured veneer or artificially figured board at high productivity with the expression of the grain and figure of natural wood in very similar form observed in natural woods, in addition to normal grain of natural wood.

Abstract: A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive cleaning sheet is disclosed which comprises a substrate, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on one or both sides of the substrate, and a porous screen disposed on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The cleaning sheet is substantially non-tacky when the cleaning sheet surface is kept in a non-pressed state, and exhibits tackiness when the cleaning sheet surface is kept in a pressed state. Also disclosed are a method of using the cleaning sheet, an image-forming material having a cleaning part, and a method of cleaning an image-forming apparatus. These are useful for the cleaning of, e.g., the magnetic reading parts and magnetic-card transport parts of apparatuses accepting various magnetic cards and the thermal heads and/or transport rollers of various recording apparatuses.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet having naps on its surface and having writing effect, a high-class external appearance, hand touch and feel like natural leather, and folds like natural leather. When it is subjected to lasting shoemaking, it is possible to obtain shoes which have at its surface no unevenness and do not get out of shape. A leather-like sheet wherein the following fiber-entangled nonwoven fabrics (A) and (B) are stacked with an adhesive agent present in a discontinuous state: (A) a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric containing an elastic polymer and comprising a microfine fiber (a) having a fineness of 0.1 denier or less, the surface opposite to its stacking surf ace being fluffed, and rupture elongations in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions thereof being 50% or more and 80% or more, respectively, and (B) a fiber-entangled nonwoven fabric containing an elastic polymer and comprising a microfine fiber (b) having a fineness of 0.

Abstract: This invention relates to grained, textile flat materials coated with PU systems and to a process for the production thereof and to the use of such flat materials as a decorative starting material.

Abstract: A napped leather-like sheet material comprising an entangled nonwoven fabric composed of ultrafine fibers and an elastomer contained therein and having a nap made of ultrafine fibers on one or both sides thereof, which material is provided with a silk protein substance and a softening agent on the surface portion of the napped face or faces; and a method of producing the above napped leather-like sheet material which comprises applying a liquid containing a silk protein substance and a softening agent to the surface of a napped leather-like sheet material by, for example, a gravure printing or spraying technique.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming abrasion-resistant, high clarity coatings is described. It has been found that a macrocrystalline or single crystal mineral abrasive can be added at high levels, about 5 to about 80 percent by weight, to art-recognized film-forming resin compositions for producing coatings exhibiting exceptional abrasion resistance and clarity. Such a coating composition is useful for application to surfaces including wood, vinyl, tile, rubber modified cement, marble, metal, plastic, and laminated surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial leather having nap very little oriented on the surface and having short fibers densely, and hence having a good nubuck-like look and hand, and also relates to a production process thereof. The present invention provides an artificial leather having a nap surface of ultra-fine fibers at least on one side, which is formed by applying an elastic polymer to an ultra-fine fiber-entangled substrate, characterized by being 0.3 g/cm3 or more in the apparent density of the artificial leather, being 0.5 mm or less in the nap length, and being 25% or less in the R value obtained from the goniometric reflectance distribution measured with the nap surface rotated from 0 degree to 180 degrees using a goniophotometer.

Abstract: A novel pre-tannage system for leather comprises treating the pelt or hide with a zeolite material in a first pre-tannage step and thereafter treating the pelt or hide with one or more modified aldehyde tanning agents. In this condition the pelt or hide is suitable for a number of different tanning steps namely chrome tannage, vegetable tannage, synthetic tannage or a combination of these.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic composite material containing an organic fibrous material and a mixture of two or more organic fibrous materials and a thermoplastic binder. The inventive composite material has a flow transition range between 70 and 130 degrees. The invention also relates to a method for producing a thermoplastic composite material of this type, the use of said composite material to coat the surfaces of objects and to an adhesive for permanently bonding the surface coating to the surface being coated.

Abstract: An artificial leather strip, and methods of making such a strip. The synthetic leather strip is suitable for sporting applications such as lacing baseball gloves and shoes. The strip comprises at least one reinforcing cord embedded in a matrix. The matrix comprises PVC and additives such as nitrile rubber and/or urethane, and is sufficiently tough to resist the “cheesecutter” effect when the strip is flexed, for example by being tied in a knot.

Abstract: A high specific strength, light-weight, low elongation, high peeling strength and burst strength imitation leather with suede hand touch or embossed pattern suitable for manufacturing of gloves, garments, shoes, bags, wallets, couches, seat cover, suitcases, balls and the like, by mixing an adhesion fiber with regular fiber or microfiber to mechanically form nonwoven, then filled with PU composition to become the base material, the surface of the base material is either ground, embossed or bound with a release paper to be coated with PU epoxy composition, or at lease one PU layer with micro-pores is applied on the surface of the base material before the grinding, embossing, or binding.

Abstract: To produce a reformed medium density fiber (MDF) product, a reforming process is performed on a pre-finished MDF board having at least one pre-finished surface which, in turn, carries at least one coating. The process comprises the steps of: placing the pre-finished medium density fiber board in a heated press mold; closing the heated press mold while the pre-finished medium density fiber board is located therein; applying pressure and heat to the pre-finished medium density fiber board using the heated press mold so that the pre-finished surface(s) is (are) reformed without cracking, bubbling, or removal of the coating(s); opening the heated press mold; and removing the pre-finished medium density fiber board from the heated press mold. The application of pressure and heat preferably is such that the board becomes reformed, preferably no greater than 0.045 inch into the board.

Abstract: A programmable furniture texturing robotic system includes a programmable multiaxis robot fixed to a support frame and a table fixed to a support frame such that they form an integrated unit and the programmable multiaxis robot has a furniture texturing tool unit attached to the end of the robot arm. The furniture texturing tool unit is attachable to and detachable from the arm of the robot and is either a furniture chattering tool unit or a furniture distressing multitool turret. The furniture chattering tool unit has a circular saw blade which produces surface chatter marks when it is dragged across the surface of a furniture part. The furniture distressing tool unit has a plurality of furniture distressing tools, each of which produce a plurality of furniture distress marks including simulated wood rot, worm holes, hatchet marks, rock marks, wood split marks, crooked vein lines, and cigarette burn marks.

Abstract: A release sheet according to the invention comprises a base release sheet, which is a laminate of a base material and a release resin layer, and a design printed sheet which can be stacked releasably on the base material of the base release sheet. Said design printed sheet have a base sheet and a convex image layer with the desired pattern positioned on the one side of the base sheet. In the release sheet according to the invention, the base release sheet may be used repeatedly and only the design printed sheet may be replaced with another one having the desired convex image layer. The use of such a release sheet makes it possible to prepare synthetic leather in various kinds and small lots.

Abstract: A semi-finished wood simulating product and method is disclosed. The product is manufactured by providing a substrate having at least one surface to be finished. A liquid basecoat is applied on the substrate and dried. A wood grain pattern is deposited, in liquid form, on the basecoat. Some of the pattern is transferred from the originally deposited position on the basecoat to a subsequent position. The pattern is then cured. A polymerizable protective coating is applied onto the substrate overlying the basecoat and the pattern. The protective coating seals the substrate and is adapted for accepting a colorant to be applied by an end user. The protective coating is then polymerized. Additionally, if a porous substrate is provided, a sealer is applied prior to the liquid basecoat and is then cured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paper-laminated metal sheet having a structure in which at least one sheet of paper is laminated on at least one side of a metal plate via a pressure sensitive adhesive agent or an adhesive agent layer, and a protective layer is formed on a top surface of the paper-laminated side. With this structure, the paper-laminated metal sheet can be processed without wetting the paper with water, while thereby preventing the paper from being torn. In addition, the aesthetic appearance derived from the paper is kept for a long period of time. Due to high strength and processability derived from the metal base material, and high aesthetic appearance unbelievable for a metal plate derived from the paper, the paper-laminated metal sheet is valuable in various applications as a novel material.

Abstract: A calenderable thermoplastic polymer alloy composition made by blending ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate with a blend of polypropylene, ethylene copolymer ionomer resin, ethylene/glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate copolymer, and uncrosslinked ethylene propylene rubber.

Abstract: A composite thermoplastic continuous laminate for cladding flat or shaped panels of wooden material, said laminate having a through-colored lower layer, an intermediate layer of transparent material, and a through-colored upper layer of different color from that of said lower layer.

Abstract: A semi-finished wood simulating product and method is disclosed. The product is manufactured by providing a substrate having at least one surface to be finished. A liquid basecoat is applied on the substrate and dried. A wood grain pattern is deposited, in liquid form, on the basecoat. Some of the pattern is transferred from the originally deposited position on the basecoat to a subsequent position. The pattern is then cured. A polymerizable protective coating is applied onto the substrate overlying the basecoat and the pattern. The protective coating seals the substrate and is adapted for accepting a colorant to be applied by an end user. The protective coating is then polymerized. Additionally, if a porous substrate is provided, a sealer is applied prior to the liquid basecoat and is then cured.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluorochemical compositions, their preparation and their use as water- and oil-repellents, and substrates treated therewith. The fluorochemical composition comprises a mixture of fluorochemical compounds and/or polymers, each component having at least two fluoroaliphatic groups and a large hydrocarbon moiety such as derived from dimer acids, and the polymer having at least one fluoroaliphatic group and a plurality of said hydrocarbon moiety.

Abstract: A polymer laminate essentially consisting of at least two cholesteric, liquid-crystalline polymer layers and a light-absorbent layer in between is suitable as starting material for effect pigments having a color impression which is dependent on the viewing angle.

Abstract: A woodgrained member having at least a color clear layer 22 on a surface of a woodgrained urethane-based member 16, comprises concave portions formed at the surface of the urethane-based member 16, a wood filler 20 embedded into the concave portions and a color clear layer 22 provided on the surface of the urethane-based member into which the wood filler 20 has been embedded, wherein the depth of the concave portions is 0.02 mm.about.0.1 mm. The urethane-based member 16 which has above structure and has a Shore A hardness of 75 or more, a Shore D hardness of 20 or more, an extensibility of 80.about.300%, and a density of 0.3.about.0.9 g/cm.sup.3 is a steering wheel.

Abstract: A method for making a surface covering is disclosed which includes providing a surface covering having a backing layer, a foamable layer, and a design layer, wherein the design layer includes a portion of a pattern printed with at least one retarder composition. A wear layer is then provided on the design layer and the wear layer is cured. The foamable layer is thereby expanded to form a foam layer, and the pattern printed with at least one retarder composition is chemically embossed. The cured product is subsequently cooled to ambient temperature and then the top surface of the wear layer is subjected to a sufficient temperature to soften the wear layer. After being softened the wear layer is mechanically embossed with a surface texture, the embossed surface texture is set in the wear layer, and a top coat may then be provided on the embossed set wear layer. A surface covering having the various features described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: A decorated shaped product having an expression or design applied thereto which closely resembles an actual expression of a source material such as a natural object is disclosed. The product includes a shaped base material formed thereon with a flow pattern and a transfer pattern of which at least a part is subjected to a concealment exposing treatment and which is printed on the shaped base material. Also, a method manufacturing the product and the shaped base material are disclosed.

Abstract: A leather and low melt thermoplastic adhesive laminate and a fixture which permits the laminate to be produced in a high volume, less expensive manner is disclosed. The disclosed laminate includes a leather layer cohesively bonded to a low melt thermoplastic adhesive layer and may include a scrim layer in addition to the low melt thermoplastic adhesive layer. A method is disclosed which permits for the rapid assembly of the laminate using pre-die-cut pieces of leather, low melt thermoplastic adhesive, and scrim.

Abstract: A frangible tear strip for toner cartridges used in electro-photographic copying devices, in which bursting strength is increased without making it more difficult for the user to longitudinally tear the strip to create an opening for passage of toner prior to use. This is accomplished by providing multiple areas of transverse reinforcement of the strip either by increased local area fusing of the material, or the lamination of transversely extending reinforcements at spaced intervals. In a preferred embodiment, the reenforcing material extends the entire axial length of the seal. In a further embodiment, the reinforcing material includes a layer of foam material having a rectangular opening overlapping a corresponding opening in a toner cartridge.

Abstract: To provide a non-impregnated type substrate useful as a base fabric for artificial leather, which is superior in leather-like handle, air permeability and lightness properties; and an artificial leather made therefrom. A non-impregnated type substrate useful as a base fabric for artificial leather, which is a fiber assembly constituted by matrix fibers and binder fibers having an elastic polymer arranged on the surface thereof, the binder fibers being dispersed in and head-bonded to the matrix fibers, wherein the elastic polymers are contained within a specified amount, the bonds between binder fibers and matrix fibers by the elastic polymer are formed within specified proportions and with particular configurations, and the substrate has a density of 0.15 to 0.45 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A semi-finished wood simulating product and method is disclosed. The product is manufactured by providing a substrate having at least one surface to be finished. A liquid basecoat is applied on the substrate and dried. A wood grain pattern is deposited, in liquid form, on the basecoat. Some of the pattern is transferred from the originally deposited position on the basecoat to a subsequent position. The pattern is then cured. A polymerizable protective coating is applied onto the substrate overlying the basecoat and the pattern. The protective coating seals the substrate and is adapted for accepting a colorant to be applied by an end user. The protective coating is then polymerized. Additionally, if a porous substrate is provided, a sealer is applied prior to the liquid basecoat and is then cured.

Abstract: A reconstituted leather product and process for making. The reconstituted leather product can be finished to have the look and feel of real leather and physical properties equivalent thereto. The process is essentially dry and involves reducing leather materials to fibers, preferably not longer than one inch. The process further involves blending these fibers with synthetic fibers, a resin and optionally other additives, forming the mixture into a mat, curing the mat and pressing the mat into a reconstituted leather product.