Abstract: A decorative synthetic composite panel having a reinforced base portion comprised of a plurality of layers of fiber glass mat impregnated with a polyester resin, an overlying resin impregnated graphic print sheet, and a transparent resin overlay.

Abstract: A method for producing a veneer which provides the appearance of a prized wood comprises the steps of applying thermoplastic contact adhesive layers both to the non-thermoplastic surface of the common wood veneer and to the thermo-adhesive surface of a hot stamping foil. The contact adhesive layers of the veneer and foil are united without heat or pressure and then heat and pressure are applied to the united veneer and foil to effect fusion thereof. Another aspect of the invention comprises a veneer produced by the foresaid method.

Abstract: A composite structural frame component which has a high quality appearance and substantial structural rigidity. The component comprises an elongated substantially flat member having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending through the thickness of such member and tapered marginal edges, such grooves and tapered edges being mutually parallel and parallel to the longitudinal axis of such member. A flexible member, for example having a thickness substantially less than the thickness of the flat member, is secured to the surface of the flat member at which the apexes of the grooves are directed. The flexible member has a surface facing away from the flat member which is of a high quality appearance. Therefore, when the flat member is folded along the grooves to form an elongated structure of rectangular cross-section with a hollow interior, such structure is encased by flexible member. The resulting composite structure thus has a high quality appearance with substantial structural rigidity.

Abstract: A sheet of artificial leather made of polyvinyl chloride the back of which is coated with a dry adhesive capable of being activated by heat. The dry adhesive consisting of the product of the reaction between a substantially linear hydroxypolyurethane derived from a polyester and a partially blocked aromatic triisocyanate in a proportion such that the dry adhesive has an isocyanate value of at least 100. The adhesive may additionally contain polychloroprene. The sheet of artificial leather can be used for thermocovering of rigid articles which are not previously coated with glue, especially dash boards and door panels for motor vehicles made of ABS resin.

Abstract: A method for producing sheets of precomposed wood, with differentiated porosities, designed to imitate rotary-cut veneers and/or sheared sheets of natural wood. According to the method claimed herein, sheets of wood with differentiated porosities are obtained by cutting or shearing a block of precomposed wood, made up of sheets of natural wood having a first degree of porosity disposed between sheets of precomposed wood having a different degree of porosity, so as to imitate the typical graining and fibre structure of natural wood.

Abstract: A method manufacturing an exposed portion of a vehicle interior having a real wood appearance is shown. A desired wood finish is first applied to a selected surface of a sheet of wood veneer. A laminate backing is then applied to the wood veneer surface opposite the finished surface, the laminate backing comprises a peel-off adhesive backing. An overlay is then formed of the vehicle interior portion in a desired shape by stamping the laminated wood veneer with a steel rule die, the steel rule die being patterned in the desired shape. The adhesive backing is then peeled from the overlay and the backing surface of the wood veneer is then applied to a selected location within the vehicle interior so that the finished surface of the wood veneer is exposed.

Abstract: A bark camouflage cloth mimics the rough bark of a tree. The camouflage pattern on the cloth consists basically of rough, highly elongated vertical ribs of a first light or countershaded earth tone, vertical channels of a second, darker earth tone, and black vertical shadow edge markings along one side edge of each of the ribs. Islands of a third color, e.g., a greenish hue, are interspersed among the vertical ribs. The pattern of vertical shadow edge markings changes from left to right across the pattern to create the illusion of curvature of a tree trunk.

Abstract: A process for the production of colored films of paper impregnated with synthetic resin which contain melamine resin and have a three-dimensional surface structure, by printing the paper films with a colored pattern using an aqueous protein-based printing ink and lacquering thereover. The color which is printed in the regions in which the lacquer layer is to be thinner than in the other regions contains a lacquer repellent, and the printed and dried paper film is impregnated with an aqueous impregnation of a melamine resin from the unprinted side, with the formation of a one-sided excess of resin, and is dried. The printed and impregnated film is coated on the printed side with an aqueous lacquer based on melamine resins, and the lacquered film is hardened at elevated temperature without applying pressure. A laminate is produced by joining the unprinted side of the hardened film to a substrate such as chipboard.

Abstract: A cover material is formed of veneer and a splitable layer which is glued to a flex-resistant support. Paper having glue layers on both sides serves as the splitable layer. The finished veneer sheet material can be released from the support by means of a blunt blade, and can be struck to a door surface or another large area object as a whole piece.

Abstract: A composite sheet material having a soft, suede-like surface appearance and feel, high liquid absorption and retention, and improved resilience and abrasion resistence suitable for use as a wiping cloth comprising a reinforcing textile fabric substrate having opposed raised fiber surfaces, a water-absorbent, porous, polymeric foam layer composition comprising a acrylonitrile-butadiene polymer and a polyacrylate polymer secured to each of the raised fiber surfaces of the fabric with the fibers substantially embedded therein, and a plurality of flocked fibers embedded in and extending from the outer surface of each foam layer, the fibers having a length of from about 0.75 to 1.25 ml. and providing improved liquid absorption of the fabric and reduced surface tack. Preferably the textile fabric substrate is a woven fabric containing hydrophilic cellulosic yarns and fibers, and the flocked fibers embedded in the outer surface of the foam layers are hydrophilic cellulosic fibers, such as cotton.

Abstract: According to the invention, grip tapes based on plastic-coated supporting materials are described which have a supporting material comprising nonwoven, woven or knitted fabric having an extensibility before processing of at least 10% in the crosswise and/or lengthwise and/or diagonal direction, and an impregnation based on polyurethanes which is applied by means of wet coagulation. The grip tapes are obtained by soaking a supporting material of nonwoven, woven or knitted fabric and having an extensibility of at least 10% in the crosswise and/or lengthwise and/or diagonal direction in a solution of polyurethane-based impregnating agent, dissolved in a water-soluble solvent, passing the impregnated material through at least one coagulation bath comprising a mixture of the solvent with water, pressing the liquid out of the coagulate-coated supporting material, then rinsing the material with water and pressing it again and drying it, then cutting it as needed into strips.

Abstract: An artificial grain leather sheet free of rubber-like elasticity and characterized by excellent softness and strength composed of ultrafine super-entangled synthetic fibers having a denier of less than about 0.5 and a resin. The sheet has a body portion and a grain surface portion wherein the ultrafine fibers are supertangled at a multiplicity of entangling points, with the average distance between entangling points being less than about 200 microns and the fiber density coefficient near the surface being greater than about 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wood-like molded products of synthetic resin which are manufactured by mixing a synthetic resin material with a fine aggregate of cellulose base such as wood meal, chaffs, begasse and in which the internal residual stress which may cause deformation (for example, warping and twisting) of the products at the time or after molding is eliminated in advance to prevent chronological deformation. More particularly, it relates to a method of eliminating said residual stress by subjecting the molded products containing cellulose-base aggregate, especially the resinous skin layer thereof, to re-heating, curing and sanding or jetting treatments (sand blasting, shot peening, grit blasting) under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A padded material consists of a porous resilient layer which is bonded on one side to a web of foam and on the other side to a covering web, at least the foam web and the covering web consisting of a thermoplastically softenable material, and the covering web and the resilient layer being softened by heating and compressed in a pore-free manner in closely adjacent areas, and cooled to stabilize the structure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an artificial grain leather comprising a fibrous substrate and a coating layer, said substrate comprising a body portion of entangled ultrafine fibers and a surface portion of non-entangled ultrafine fibers, said coating layer being composed mainly of an elastic high polymer, and said coating layer, said portion of non-entangled ultrafine fibers and said portion of entangled ultrafine fibers being continuously connected in this order.

Abstract: A dressed leather comprises a split leather having one side from which fibers protrude, a first layer of a solidified aqueous dispersion having a thickness between 0.07 mm and 0.22 mm of a synthetic plastics material in which the fibers are completely immersed on the one side, a second layer of a synthetic plastics material of generally the same thickness as the first layer bonded to the first layer and having turned away therefrom a textured surface, and a finish layer overlying the textured surface of the second layer. The split leather is substantially free of the dispersion except at the fibers.

Abstract: Laminated artificial leather having a structure characterized in that, in-between a PVC foamed abraded bottom layer and a top layer of wet PU abraded or a special formulated PVC non-foamed sheet or a ground sheet of very low foaming rate, lamination of single or multilayer foamed and non-foamed PVC are inserted as intermediates. After the addition of leather like smell flavor and punched with micro-perforation, the final product gives both surfaces a hand feeling of Nu-Buck leather with excellent stability yet the cost is low and easy to work with.

Abstract: This invention relates to a release sheet which comprises a backing sheet, a release resin layer and a pattern layer, the pattern layer being positioned directly or indirectly on the reverse side of the release resin layer in relation to a peeling surface thereof. The release sheet is useful especially as a release sheet used in making synthetic leather.

Abstract: Leather waste is cut up into strips or portions and then subjected to working in order to break up the strips or portions into fine material and individual fibers, the fibers then being separated from the fine material. Alternatively, the strips or portions may be worked in order to loosen cohesion between the fibers, thereby producing bunches thereof. The bunches are at least partially broken up into individual fibers by means of a solvent which is then removed. Additives may be added in order to impart further properties to the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial grain leather having different color spot groups comprised of ultra fine fibers, in which at least one side of the fibrous substrate has two types of colors differing in hue and/or lightness value and being covered with transparent resin layers.The present invention produces a three-dimensional surface effect and a grain pattern effect, and is recognized as consisting of a mixture of ultra fine fibers each being quite different in color from the next, though providing the appearance of a single color from a distance, and producing a subdued and rich appearance as a result of the integration of colors by the color of a coating layer.

Abstract: The synthetic leather has high tensile strength and elongation which are well balanced in both transverse and longitudinal directions due to the use of a fabric knitted in a plurality of strokes as the base fabric bonded to a synthetic resin by means of an adhesive. Especially because elongation is well balanced in both directions, the synthetic leather can be used suitably as a leather for any object which is subjected to repeated heavy loads.

Abstract: Laminated artificial leather is disclosed having in between a face layer selected from an ordinary PVC or PU sheet and a bottom layer of a foamed abraded PVC, at least one intermediate layer selected from a fabric cloth or foamed PVC, and ideally a second intermediate layer of ordinary PVC sheet. The laminate is formed by adhesion, foaming and embossing, the final product having the feel of genuine leather. In practicing the invention, fabric cloth is not used either as the bottom of the laminate or as a backing for the bottom layer.

Abstract: First, a decorative sheet is produced by forming in sequence on a base paper such as titanium paper an ordinary printed layer and a heat-foamable printed layer, respectively with desired patterns. The decorative sheet is then impregnated with a thermosetting resin liquid and dried. The dried impregnated decorative sheet is superposed on a substrate such as a core sheet, and the resulting laminated structure is sandwiched between a pair of heating plates and heated and pressed whereby a thermoset integral structure with the pattern of the foamable printed layer foamed is produced. The entire surface of the integral structure is coated with a solvent to swell the foamed pattern layer and then rubbed to remove the swollen foamed pattern layer and form concavities thereat. The resulting thermoset resin decorative sheet or plate is provided with deep distinct concavities coincident with the pattern of the heat-foamable printed layer as well as a good surface luster.

Abstract: A reconstituted leather product and a method of manufacturing this reconstituted leather product is disclosed in which leather (preferably scrap leather) is ground or shredded into a fibrous state. The fibrous leather is mixed with a binder, such as natural rubber dissolved in an evaporatable solvent (e.g., naphtha), so as to form a paste-like mix. The mix is then extruded (or otherwise formed) into sheets or webs and is cured so as to drive off excess solvent. A reinforcing mesh web may be adhered to the back face of the sheet or may be sandwiched between layers of the fibrous leather and binder. The cured reconstituted leather may be finished to have any desired surface finish or color in a manner similar to real leather. The resulting reconstituted leather closely resembles real leather in feel, color, finish, odor, strength, flexibility, and appearance, but is of much lower cost.

Abstract: A stable aqueous polymeric composition is comprised of an aqueous anionic polyurethane dispersion and a compatible polymeric dispersion or emulsion. The compatible dispersions or emulsions may have a substantially neutral pH or be anionic or cationic. The polymeric compositions are useful in impregnating porous substrates to form composite sheet materials which can be further processed to form simulated leather and the like.

Abstract: A plurality of rolls of wallcovering having a wood grain design in a plurality of different widths which, in strips, is applied on a wall over previously applied adhesive, which preferably is pigmented to a relatively dark color.

Abstract: A plurality of rolls of wallcovering having a wood grain design in a plurality of different widths which, in strips, is applied on a wall over previously applied adhesive, which preferably is pigmented to a relatively dark color. Alternatively, the wallcovering strips are formed with an adhesive on the back and are applied in an alternating manner with narrow, dark-colored strips having an adhesive on the back, the dark strips simulating grooves between simulated wood planks.

Abstract: A laminated decorative tile particularly for flooring purposes, is made by forming a base layer of granulated cellulosic material in a matrix of fusible plastics, and placing on the base layer a thin decorative layer of cellulosic material with natural holes and recesses therein. After a film of fusible plastic has been applied on the decorative layer the laminate is hot pressed and then immediately cooled in a cold press. The tile obtained has a pleasing appearance because the granules of the base layer have been forced up, in the hot pressing operation, into the holes and recesses of the decorative layer, filling out these holes and recesses. In this embodiment the tile has a smooth wear resisting layer surface but this surface can be provided with a relief pattern such that it conforms to the structure of the decorative layer, if the tile after cooling is heated in a free state, i.e. without press plates.

Abstract: A metal article is made to look like wood by impressing a three-dimensional wood grain pattern in its surface, coating the pattern with a translucent film, and staining the film. The stainable film is an acrylic resin filled with an extender pigment whose mean particle size is from about 5 to about 7 microns.

Abstract: A decorative simulated ceramic tile comprises a substrate having a surface coated with an under-coat effective to provide a colored, printable base; an inked layer comprising a layer of colored ink lines of a silicone-containing drying ink forming a printed pattern on said printable base, said printed pattern being clearly visible; and a coloring pigment-containing top coat of a hard resinous, film-forming material; said top coat having a variable height thickness defining a contour of valleys, hills and plains, wherein the intensity of color in the top coat varies with the variation in the contour, the said valleys occurring over said ink lines such that the color of the ink is not obscured, and the hills lying adjacent said ink lines, said color in the top coat providing a contrast with the color in the under-coat and with the color in the printed pattern.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing artificial wood veneers comprises a step in which an artificial flitch formed of laminated material veneers respectively cut out of a certain kind of inexpensive natural wood is sliced in the direction of obtaining straight grain pattern to obtain a collected veneer in which mutual joining surfaces of the material veneers extend in parallel with each other and in the thickness direction, and a step in which many of the collected veneers thus obtained and material veneers cut out of another kind of natural wood are laminated, pressed and collected to form another artificial flitch which is sliced in a direction of obtaining a flat or flowered grain pattern which is very similar to that of a high grade natural wood.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated, arcuate, molded synthetic plastic members simulating bark board are interconnectable along their longitudinal edges to provide a simulated tree trunk section assembly the ends of which can be interconnected with like tree trunk section assemblies to provide simulated tree trunks of various diameters and lengths, as desired, for growing vines and climbing plants in a supporting, soil containing pot. Brace rods received through openings in the bark board members near the lower ends of the simulated tree trunk, and frictionally retained in adjusted position to extend radially-outwardly in abutting contact with the inner wall of the supporting pot or container, serve to rigidly support the assemblage in erect position within the pot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating composition rapidly curable at room temperature in presence of a vaporous tertiary amine catalyst and possessing a flexibility sufficient for a zero-T bend on metal and a mar resistance of at least about 2,000 grams as borne by the edge of a nickel passed on said film. The coating composition is a phenolic-terminated-polyester and multi-isocyanate curing agent (at least about 10% aromatic isocyanate content) dispersed in a fugitive organic solvent, and a mar-resisting aid of an organic compound physically incompatible in said coating composition and having an effective chain length of at least about 12 carbon atoms. Application of the coating composition preferably is on a flexible substrate such as a thermoplastic substrate.

Abstract: A method of edging a piece of furniture, such as a desk, and assemblies utilizing such edging are provided. Normal impact forces are absorbed by surfaces which do not permanently dent or crack in normal usage, retaining the integrity of the furniture edges while providing desirable feel and cushioning. An elongated core of relatively hard material having an elongated cross-member and an elongated leg disposed in a plane perpendicular to the cross-member has a body of relatively soft, flexible material (such as polyurethane foam with a surface skin) molded around it. A portion of the core leg extends outwardly from the body and is disposed in a channel formed in an elongated narrow face of the piece of furniture. The surface skin of the body may be textured. When utilized with a desk, protection is further provided by forming the drawer fronts of sheet metal with thermoplastic foam molded around them, the molded drawer fronts matching the molded contour of bodies providing the desk front narrow faces.

Abstract: An exterior, deep embossed, shingle lap siding system for building well and roof structures comprising rectangular building panels having a decorative outer weather resistant surface embossed to resemble, when assembled, a plurality of rows of shingle elements laid side-by-side, said weather resistant outer surface including a lower edge portion projecting downwardly below the upper edge portion of the next subjacent row and having an irregular lower edge embossed to resemble the lower edges of a row of variable length shingles placed side-by-side.

Abstract: A simulated leather sheet material is comprised of a polymer impregnated fibrous mass with a grain layer forming one surface and a split layer forming the opposing surface. The grain layer has an actual density equal to its bulk density and the split layer has a bulk density less than its actual density. The sheet material has a density decreasing from the grain layer to the split layer.

Abstract: A system for the manufacture of leatherlike materials, particularly for shoe uppers, which avoids pollution, toxicity and fire hazards and makes it possible for the shoe manufacturer to make his shoe upper materials as required with a minimum of investment in inventory of raw materials and with simple, relatively inexpensive equipment.

Abstract: An improvement in a bowling lane having a decorative laminate surface which improvement comprises incorporating into the core of the laminate a plurality of alternating layers of glass cloth impregnated with a thermosetting resin and crepe paper also impregnated with a thermosetting resin, the glass cloth and crepe paper being interlaminarily bonded to one another.

Abstract: The method of forming a simulated weathered antique wood finish on a surface in which the surface is first coated with a dark paint, and while still wet, a second coat of paint of a lighter color is brushed thereover to streak the same while varying the brushing pressure to vary the amount of blending with the first coat. A third coat of still lighter color is thereafter brushed over the second coat while the latter is still wet to streak the second coat while likewise varying the brushing pressure to vary the amount of blending with the second coat.

Abstract: Microporous polymeric material such as elastomeric polyurethane laminated to fibrous fabric by fusing projections integrally formed on such microporous material the projections being spaced or in an open pattern. The lamination may be effected by applying a flame to the projections or by otherwise supplying heat thereto to make them tacky and then pressing the fabric and tackified projection-carrying surface against each other to embed surface fibers of the fabric into the spaced tacky material.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production, by extrusion, of a partly finished clay product comprising a pair of parallel strips joined in back-to-back relation by a plurality of longitudinally extending walls in the form of frangible bridges which, when the partly finished clay product has been cut into blanks and fired to harden it, can be broken to separate the blanks into two ceramic tiles. The process comprises the steps of feeding a base material to a first screw extruder having two screw conveyors in series separated by a degassing chamber, and feeding a second, differently colored, material to the degassing chamber, preferably through a second screw extruder. Downstream of the degassing chamber the screw conveyor imparts a rotary mixing motion to the two-colored clays to swirl these and then the mixture is pressed through a die plate of suitable shape, which also cuts the extruded strip to expose a face having a wood grain effect.

Abstract: A leather-like material with a high degree of air permeability, good abrasion resistance and resistance to cracking at low temperatures comprising a porous fibrous substrate having fibers extending from a surface thereof, and a polymer layer secured substantially exclusively along said extending fibers and forming a discontinuous polymer phase and a continuous pore phase, said leather-like material having a surface luster of the same order of magnitude as top-grain leather.

Abstract: A contrasting color is imparted to the decorative surface of a decorative laminate by inserting a pigment coated release sheet between the molding caul and the decorative surface during the molding operation, with the pigment facing the decorative surface. Upon application of heat and pressure during the formation of the laminate, color is transferred from the release sheet to the decorative surface. A suitable technique is also used to emboss or impart surface texture to the decorative surface during molding. Thereafter, the textured surface is subjected to rubbing or brushing to remove more color from the embossed or raised areas than the debossed areas, thereby highlighting or imparting a shaded effect to the textured surface.

Abstract: A leather-like material with a high degree of air permeability, good abrasion resistance and resistance to cracking at low temperatures comprising a porous fibrous substrate having fibers extending from a surface thereof, and a polymer layer secured substantially exclusively along said extending fibers and forming a discontinuous polymer phase and a continuous pore phase, said leather-like material having a surface luster of the same order of magnitude as top-grain leather.

Abstract: A painted surface is applied to a piece of hardboard simultaneously while the board is being formed in a press. A heat-resistant paint layer is coated onto a carrier, and the painted carrier is placed over a loose layer of exploded wood fibers in a heated press. The press applies pressure in excess of 400 psi and heat above 400.degree. F. to compact the wood fibers into an integral hardboard piece while the heat from the press simultaneously transfers the paint layer from the carrier and bonds it to a surface of the board. In one embodiment of the invention, the paint layer is a thermosetting resinous paint system, and the paint coat is sufficiently heat-resistant to remain in a hardened condition at or above the temperature at which the board is formed, thus forming a separate hardened paint layer on the surface of the board. The carrier can include an adherence coat which is heat-activated in the press to crosslink and bond the paint layer to the wood fibers.

Abstract: Visible index strips which may or may not be preprinted and which can, at least in most cases, be produced at a lower cost than previously patented index strips. The index strips are of multi-ply construction with the plies typically, but not necessarily, being made of paper.

Abstract: A system for the manufacture of leatherlike materials, particularly for shoe uppers, which avoids pollution, toxicity and fire hazards and makes it possible for the shoe manufacturer to make his shoe upper materials as required with a minimum of investment in inventory of raw materials and with simple, relatively inexpensive equipment.

Abstract: Reconsolidated wood product and process and apparatus for forming the product, the product being formed from webs of splintered natural wood broken down by crushing or like processes, the webs being consolidated by compression and bonded with an adhesive.

Abstract: Upholstery material and shoe upper material made from a base sheet of criss-crossing elastomeric polyurethane fibers running parallel to the surfaces of the sheet, said fibers being bonded together at their points of contact. In one preferred form the product has a preformed skin whose thickness is less than about 100 microns and preferably less than about 50 microns, such as about 20 to 40 microns and the skin is joined to the fibers of the base sheet by spaced fingers of a binder.

Abstract: Resilient wood replication especially suited for use as floor covering is provided by a thick resilient elastomeric polyurethane base having a wood-stained molded textured wood-grain surface which is overcoated with a clear, tough, abrasion-resistant, flexible, water-resistant polyurethane protective coating. A preferred configuration of the resilient wood replication is a floor tile having opposed mating ends and two parallel sides and a surface configuration having a grain appearance of a plurality of parqueted natural wood pieces. A multiplicity of the tiles can be applied to the floor with complimentary ends fitted together to provide a continuous mass of tile having the actual lines between separate tiles virtually indistinguishable to the casual observer.