Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.

Abstract: Double-sided adhesive tape (fixer) which can be re-released without residue or destruction for hidden bonding on substrates that are to be bonded, with high peel strength, high shear strength and high tip-shear strength, characterized by a) an intermediate support which cleaves under the action of torsional forces, lever forces and/or peel forces, b) pressure-sensitive adhesive composition coated on both sides of the intermediate support, which composition can be released without residue or destruction by stretching in the direction of the bond plane.

Abstract: An insulative block of foam insulation has interspersed on an upper angled surface, a series of ridges and valleys. The valleys afford passageways for air circulation through the soffits and out the attic vents, be they ridge vents or attic turbines. This eave insulation prevents/reduces the thaw freeze phenomenon resulting from heat escaping in the vent region which results in the formation of ice dams which often produce roof damage.

Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet radiation which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing. In another variant, two different spectral regions of UV curing radiation are used so that a urethane coating can be employed as a top coat with a selectively embossed surface.

Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet light which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning article is made by a process of extruding two multilayer films (or extruding one film which is either annular or folded over) each having (a) a seal layer, (b) a tie layer containing an anhydride modified olefin polymer containing anhydride at a level of at least 150 ppm, based on the weight of the modified olefin polymer, and (c) an oxygen barrier layer comprising crystalline polyamide, crystalline polyester, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, and/or crystalline polycycloolefin. Selected portions of the films are heat sealed to one another in a selected area providing a heat seal pattern which leaves inflatable chambers between the films, whereby an inflatable cellular cushioning article is produced. At some point after extrusion, at least one of the multilayer films are aged for a time and at a temperature in accordance with at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (i) 141° F. to 250° F. for a period of at least 1 second; (ii) 101° F. to 140° F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: An interior lining component for a vehicle, in particular an inside roof lining, is provided. The interior lining includes at least one decorative layer forming a facing of the interior lining component, an intermediate layer covered by the decorative layer, and at least one support layer having a comparatively high flexural strength. The support layer includes at least one lower and one upper foam panel which are interconnected by pressing or press-moulding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speaker grille-integrated foamed thermoplastic resin molding for automotive interior comprising a base portion and a speaker grille wherein at least the base portion has a foamed layer and the foamed layer in the base portion has a density ? of not greater than 0.7 g/cm3 and an average expansion ratio of the speaker grille is 1 to 1.3 times, said molding being lightweight and being strong even in its speaker grille part so that it can be used as a speaker grille-integrated foamed thermoplastic resin molding for automotive interior such as a door trim and an instrument panel.

Abstract: An impact absorbing composite structure (10), the impact absorbing composite structure including a plurality of impact absorbing members (18) and a flexible layer (16), each impact absorbing member (18) integral with the flexible layer (16).

Abstract: A game ball including a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to the laced region of the casing. The lacing has an exposed surface comprised of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile. The outer material has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 100 and 650 kg/cm2. At least a portion of the lacing can have an exposed pebbled surface.

Abstract: A spacer for retrofitting corrugated metal roofs. The spacer includes a foam block having a notched bottom for receiving the corrugations of a metal roof. The opposite ends of the foam block are respectively provided with tongue and groove fittings. An adhesive layer is applied to the bottom surface of the foam block for securing the foam block to the metal roof. A high-density foam strip is affixed to the top of the foam block for supporting a corrugated, metal panel above.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate having a foam layer and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the projection hardly separates from the substrate and they are firmly jointed together. The invention provides a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the substrate has a foam layer and a skin layer containing no voids wherein the ratio (R/L) of the curvature R of a joint between the projection and the substrate to the thickness L of the skin layer is from 3 to 50.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: A laminate web is disclose, the laminate web comprising a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second nonwovens. The third material is apertured in regions adjacent the bond sites, such that the first and second nonwoven webs are joined through the apertures. In one embodiment an apertured laminate web is disclosed, having a first extensible web having a first elongation to break, and a second extensible web joined to the first extensible web at a plurality of bond sites, the second extensible web having a second elongation to break A third web material is disposed between the first and second nonwovens, the third web material having a third elongation to break which is less than both of the first or second elongations to break.

Abstract: A support cushion including a first underlying layer made from a flexible foam, at least one side of the first underlying layer being configured with a non-plane surface. The support cushion also includes a second underlying layer made from a flexible foam, at least one side of the second underlying layer being configured with a non-plane surface. The second underlying layer is placed in abutment with the first underlying layer. The support cushion further includes an overlying layer placed in abutment with the second underlying layer, the overlying layer being made from a visco-elastic foam.

Abstract: A composite material wherein one or more backing materials are disposed in generally contiguous relation to an insulating material. Methods for forming composite materials comprising securing one or more backing materials to an insulating material such that the backing materials are in generally contiguous relation to the insulating material. Methods for using the composite materials of the present invention wherein a structure is wrapped with a composite material of the present invention.

Abstract: A process for making a textured coating on a substrate and compositions for such coatings are disclosed wherein coating mixtures comprising un-expanded micro-capsules and a plastisol or other suitable resins are applied to the substrate and subsequently heat treated to expand the micro-capsules within the coating. The expanded micro-capsules create an aesthetically pleasing surface texture in the coating while retaining the desired wear-resistant properties of the coating.

Abstract: A foam pad comprising a surface to which a trim cover can be secured, the surface comprising a channel having a width of up to about 15 mm. Disposed in the channel is one of a male portion or a female portion of a releasably engageable male-female trim cover attachment system. A trim cover having the other of the male or female portion attached thereto may be readily attached to the foam pad. A process and a mold for producing the foam pad are also described. The foam pad is particularly useful as a component of a vehicular seat system (e.g., seat bottom, seat back and the like).

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim system for a vehicle includes providing a trim assembly having a cover layer and a backing layer attached to the cover layer, the backing layer including a polymeric material and a blowing agent. The method further includes activating the blowing agent to form fluid cells in the backing layer that expand and burst, such that the backing layer is an air-permeable layer after the activating step.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite vehicle body part includes producing an embossed portion on a foil in the part via plastic deformation. The embossed portion is formed by pressing the foil against a thin, detachable decoration negative in a deep-drawing tool or a foaming tool. The embossed portion remains visible even after a foam backing or injection-molded backing is provided on the foil.

Abstract: Methods for providing surface coverings with differential gloss, and surface coverings prepared by the method, are disclosed. The methods involve screen printing or rotogravure printing a relatively low gloss primer onto portions of a substrate surface covering. The primer-coated substrate is then coated with a relatively higher gloss coating composition, and the coating compositions are cured, advantageously in a single curing step. The result is a surface covering including a top coat having a lower gloss level overlying the primer and a higher gloss level in the regions not overlying the primer.

Abstract: A protective packaging sheet which is particularly suitable for packaging heavy loads such as coils of sheet steel. The packaging sheet is formed from a plastics sheet material having inherently relatively low compressions strength and resistance to impact forces and bending. These mechanical properties are vastly improved in the embossed packaging sheet. At least one of the surfaces of the sheet material is provided with shaped protuberances juxtaposed with adjacent shaped protuberances to provide a gap around each shaped protuberance. The shaped protuberances are arranged in such a way that all straight lines projected onto the surface cut through the shaped protuberances in addition to the gaps.

Abstract: A panel comprising at least one layer of thermoformable plastics material having separate regions of different thickness, is obtained by a method comprising the steps of: extruding of a sheet of plastics material with the addition to the said material of an expansion agent, the extrusion being conducted in conditions such as to avoid expansion of the material or to cause only partial expansion thereof; heating the thus-obtained sheet to a temperature such as to cause post expansion of the material; and thermoforming the sheet in a thermoforming cavity of complementary shape to the desired panel so that the thermoformed panel produced has in the regions of greater thickness an expanded cellular structure where the material has a lower density than the density of the material in the regions of lesser thickness.

Abstract: A floor cleaning wipe comprising a water insoluble substrate which is impregnated with a floor cleaning composition.

Abstract: A cover for a foldable convertible top has a highly stretchable outer foil having an inner face, and a foam-plastic core layer bonded over the entire bonding-foil inner face and itself having an inner face. The outer foil can be a one-piece slush-molded foil or it can be highly stretchable and a thin thermoplastic bonding foil can be provided between the outer foil and the core layer.

Abstract: A laminate web and several uses of the laminate web are disclosed. The laminate web comprises a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second webs. The laminate webs of the present invention are suitable for a variety of uses. Such uses include flexible carrying implement, medical applications, kitchen or bathroom implements, decorative coverings, home accent items, pet industry articles, fabric, fabric backings, edible materials, bedding applications, absorbent food pads, clean room wipes, tack cloths, and many other uses.

Abstract: An impact absorbing member is made of rigid polyurethane foam, and has a plate shape and recesses formed in at least one surface thereof such that the recesses are arranged in parallel along one direction. Each recess has a triangle section in a depth direction of the impact absorbing member, and has a sectional area decreasing toward a bottom thereof.

Abstract: Foldable mats non-adhering to ice are presented including multiple cores of relatively uniform thickness that remain flexible at temperatures below the temperature at which ice forms, and a flexible, water-proof cover surrounding the cores in distinct, foldable sections.

Abstract: A foam article for use as a masking material when spray painting a vehicle comprises a plurality of foam strips 1a, 1b, 1c joined together by a common seam 4 along at least one side edge to form a cord 6. The cord 6 can be adapted for masking across gaps of different size in different locations by superimposing the appropriate combination of foam strips 1a, 1b, 1c to provide the required thickness of cord 6. The cord 6 may be secured by wedging in the gap or by attaching an adhesive stripe 2 on at least one of the foam strips 1a to a surface on the inside or outside of the gap. The cord 6 may also be re-used by removing any painted foam strips or by re-arranging the foam strips to conceal any painted foam strips.

Abstract: Acoustical attenuating devices (52) and method of forming them. The attenuating devices (52) include an exterior layer (64), a sound absorption layer (66), and multiple perforated layers (68) coupled to the sound absorption layer (66). The perforated layers (68) include a perforated structural layer (70) and a perforated substrate layer (72). The perforated structural layer (70) and the perforated substrate layer (72) provide structural stiffness and define multiple resonating tubes (88) that attenuate sound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. In particular, the fabric article is in the form of a conveyor belt and is preferably constructed from Teflon®-coated woven fiberglass which will not adhere to the tacky rubber component of the target mat and can withstand the extremely high vulcanization temperatures and pressures required during the production of a dust control mat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a joint structure for a partial foaming part of an instrument panel, which is capable of preventing loss of materials due to unnecessary consumption of the skin layer and leakage of a polyurethane foam filled between the core layer and the skin layer during partial foaming of the instrument panel. In a joint structure between a core layer 2 and a skin layer 3 for manufacturing a partial foaming part 1 of which a polyurethane foam layer 4 is formed between the core layer 2 and the skin layer 3, a partial end portion 31 is curved inwards within the polyurethane foam layer 4 at a front end of the skin layer 3. A skin end portion 32 upwardly extends from an end of the partial end portion 31 and is pressed against the core layer 2 due to foaming pressure of the polyurethane foam layer 4. A foam staying space 33 is provided between an inner side surface of the core layer 2 and the skin end portion 32 of the skin layer 3.

Abstract: Improved processes for surface treating expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is disclosed and improved surface-treated devices made from the processes. The processes employ a laser to surface-modify an expanded PTFE structure to create a macro-roughened surface that has the capability to remain microporous throughout. The unique process of the present invention creates a ridge and valley structure on the surfaces of devices that includes unique gnarled nodes along valley floors.

Abstract: An automobile mat which overcomes the border which divides the sound absorption or interruption function of the floor mat, wherein the mat absorbs or interrupts sound effectively and reduces the noise in the interior of the automobile. The mat comprises a backing cloth having an upper and lower face; a pile layer formed on said upper face of the backing cloth; a felt layer adhered to the lower face of the backing cloth and a top face of a foam latex layer; and the foam latex layer having the top and a bottom face adhered to the bottom face of the felt layer.

Abstract: A foam layer can be formed at a temperature at which the surface quality of a surface layer is not deteriorated, and a molding technique that is excellent in adhesiveness of a foam layer and a surface layer or/and a base member is developed. For the purpose of obtaining a polypropylene resin molding composite for automobile, the present invention is characterized by a polypropylene resin molding composite for automobile comprising a surface layer and a foam layer, or a surface layer, a foam layer, and a base member, wherein the surface layer comprises a surface layer of a polypropylene resin and a laminate of a cushioning material, where the cushioning material is a polypropylene resin expanded sheet, and the foam layer comprises thermoplastic resin expanded particles comprising a core that is made of a polypropylene resin and is in an expanded state and a polyethylene resin coat layer covering the core and is in a substantially non-expanded state.

Abstract: A sandwich structure does not permit the permeation of water and a sandwich structure repairing method is capable of easily repairing the sandwich structure. A sandwich structure (1) includes a core (4) formed of a closed-cell foam plastic material, and surface plates (2, 3) formed of a fiber-reinforced composite material containing hydrophobic inorganic fibers as reinforcing fibers and bonded to the opposite surfaces of the core (4). Water is unable to permeate the sandwich structure.

Abstract: A multi-component composite extrusion includes various combinations of a hollow, high density profile filled in with a foamed, thermoplastic core. A further low density foamed profile can alternately surround the high density, hollow component. A capstock can be provided on either embodiment of the multi-component extrusion. All of the components are preferably substantially simultaneously extruded in a single multi-plate extrusion die, so that the various components are substantially laterally coextensive with one another and molecularly bonded to the adjacent component. The thin wall, high density component and the adjacent low density foamed thermoplastic component may optionally be provided with substantial wood fiber content to alter the macroscopic properties of the resulting multi-component extrusion. The extrusion has utility in the fenestration, decking, and remodeling industries.

Abstract: The invention is a composite mat that is useful in horse trailers, assembly-line settings, specialty packaging, or the like. The mat has a force distributing upper layer and an impact absorbing layer disposed below the force distributing layer.

Abstract: An upholstery pad has a panel with a hinging axis that divides a fixed portion of the panel from a flap of the panel. The flap is continuously pivotable about the hinging axis between a relaxed position and a biased position. The panel assembled into the upholstery pad along with one or more padding members and a sheet of an upholstery-type material, a force is created within the upholstery pad which urges the flap to pivot toward the relaxed position when the flap is pivoted toward the biased position. This force, in combination with friction between the sheet and a substructure, retains the upholstery pad in place with minimal other mechanical fastening, if any.

Abstract: A foam masking strip for masking a gap between two relatively movable parts such as a door and a door post of a vehicle comprises a flexible web connecting two lobes. The web is provided with an adhesive stripe for securing the masking strip to one of the parts and is of reduced thickness permitting independent movement of the lobes relative to each other. In this way, the masking strip can adapt to different gap sizes without compromising the interface between each lobe and the surface of the adjacent part of the vehicle.

Abstract: Mechanically embossed resilient surface coverings having superior textural fidelity are prepared by mechanically embossing a polyurethane coated floorcovering before the polyurethane is cured. The mechanical embossing is conducted when the polyurethane is dry and the underlying plastic layer and the polyurethane are softened by heating. After the mechanical embossing step, the polyurethane is cured using ultraviolet (UV) light. The product can be cooled before or after UV curing. The invention is applicable to a variety of resilient surface covering products including floor and wall coverings which otherwise have a wearlayer which can be softened by heating. This includes surface coverings having the full range of decorative effects available in the art, including surface coverings which also have been, for example, chemically embossed, mechanically embossed, chemically and mechanically embossed or not embossed at all prior to application of the process of the invention.

Abstract: A foam faux tray ceiling system having elongated tiles shaped and sized so as to be joinable to one another and thereby form a faux tray ceiling. Each tile is made of a lightweight polymer foam and has a decorative surface, attachment surface, inner edge, outer edge, and two connection edges. The inner edges are preferably decoratively finished and the outer edges are flat.

Abstract: A sound absorbing structure comprising at least one porous member including a plurality of holes, and the holes are at least one kind of through holes and non-through holes. It is preferable that a plurality of porous members are stacked. It is also preferable that the holes of porous members are formed as diameter-varied holes, and an area of opening of each diameter-varied hole formed in the surface opposite to a sound source is largest and the area of opening of each the diameter-varied hole is reduced in a direction of the thickness of the porous member. Moreover, it is also preferable that the sound absorbing structure further comprises a coating film formed on at least a surface of the porous member which is opposite to a sound source wherein the holes penetrates the coating film and the porous member.

Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth, wherein the sleeve is formed of a flexible, laminated material having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. The sleeve includes a lower portion, which has a base portion and a skirt portion, and an upper portion which is detachable from the lower portion. The base, skirt and/or upper portion of the sleeve may be provided with a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. A method for wrapping a floral grouping in a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth includes placing a floral grouping in the sleeve and binding the sleeve about a stem portion of the floral grouping via a bonding material disposed on the sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth.

Abstract: It comprises three layers: a first layer of plastic material that provides the whole with mechanical strength, a second intermediate layer of foam forming a union between the first and second layer, and a third layer of impermeable plastic material and is characterised in that the first layer (2) is mase on an elastomeric polyolefin of high strength and elasticity, in that the second layer (3) is of closed-cell, physically or chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam, and in that the third layer (4) is of polyolefin with high tear resistance. A light waterproofing sheet is obtained which withstands extreme meteorological conditions, is resistant to chemical agents, while it also has optimum mechanical properties at a lower thickness thanks to the material of which the first layer is comprised and unlike other sheets existing it has no ageing limit, which measn that once the sheets have been fitted they do not have to be replaced.

Abstract: A polishing pad is provided. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer composed of a polymeric matrix and liquid microelements embedded in the polymeric matrix. Open pores defined by the embedded liquid microelements are distributed across a surface of the polishing layer. Due to the microstructural open pores uniformly distributed across a surface of the polishing pad, a polishing operation can be performed at high precision. The polishing pad shows constant polishing performance during the polishing operation, can be stably used, and does not cause a wafer to be scratched. In addition, a method of manufacturing the polishing pad is provided. Since all components used to manufacture the polishing pad are in a liquid phase, manufacturing can be easily performed.

Abstract: An impact absorbing member includes a plurality of synthetic resin foams arranged in a stack, the foams being formed from a hard skin layer and a foamed layer formed within the skin layer, thereby enhancing the productivity in manufacture of the impact absorbing member for a vehicle.

Abstract: A multilayer sheet structure (10) comprises a front sheet (11), a net-like backing sheet (12), and sewing threads (14) for partially joining the front sheet with the backing sheet so as to form bag portions (13) between the front and backing sheets. Paddings (15) such as cotton, wool or the like can be stuffed through net clearances of the backing sheet into bag portions surrounded with sewing threads to form bulges (11b) at desired locations on the front surface of the front sheet. Thus, a quilted multilayer sheet structure (17) having bulges on the front surface thereof can be easily produced.