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 molded article having a curved surface is formed from a heat curable reactive thermoset polymer resin powder containing an integrally formed insert bonded therein. The integrally formed insert may be threaded for subsequent attachment of the molded article to a frame or structure. The insert is partially surrounded by a boss with supporting features to ensure that the insert is orthogonally supported.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: A molded product for an operation panel 1 is produced by injection molding or the like. A set of characters 7 indicative of the type of each operation switch 17 is formed, by a screen printing process, at a location near to the subject switch opening portions 6. Next, another screen printing process is executed to form a set of Braille dots 12 indicative of each set of characters 7 at a location overlapping the subject set of characters 7. Accordingly, sticking spaces which are required in the case of sticking seals of the Braille dots 12 are unnecessary any more. The Braille dots 12 can be arranged freely in a narrow space. Even though the surface 3 of the operation panel 1 is curved, it is ensured that the Braille dots 12 be arranged in a secured layout, unlike the case of sticking a Braille tape on the surface 3.

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: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: A slip resistant floor mat composed of one or more layers of material the bottom layer of which incorporates a plurality of recessions with inset suction cups in the bottom surface of the bottom layer that comes into contact with the intended surface, such as a floor.

Abstract: A tube mat made of elastomer material in the form of an extrudate includes first and second front faces which are arranged in a vertical or angled manner in relation to the extrusion direction. A plurality of tubes extend in parallel in the extrusion direction between the two front faces. At least a portion of each tube is closed at adjustable distances whereby a closed air column respectively is formed and whereby the tube seal together with the tube mat forms a one-piece elastomer composite. A method for producing the tube mat is also provided in which after the extrusion, the tubes are closed at certain points by means of pressure and a pad roller, whereby beads and closing webs are produced. The pad roller is provided with pins that are distributed over the circumference of the roller. Vulcanization is carried out subsequently.

Abstract: A molded product is made comprising a low-density product having a porous volume including cells and an essentially non-porous layer adjacent an external surface of the product. Essentially none of the cells are exposed at the external surface. The external surface is sufficiently tough, smooth, strong and durable to be suitable as a substrate for silk-screen printing.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet containing a flexible substrate film; an adhesive layer in contact with a main surface of the substrate film; and a liner is disclosed. The adhesive layer has an uneven surface structure with a plurality of projections extending from the surface and grooves surrounding the projections. The liner has a corresponding, mating surface in contact with the uneven surface of the adhesive layer. A method of making the adhesive sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressible printing blanket in which voids are formed in the compressible layer by using microballoons, comprising at least two fabric layers, an adhesive layer interposed between adjacent fabric layers, a surface rubber layer, and a compressible layer arranged between the at least two fabric layers and the surface rubber layer and containing spherical voids and voids having a shape other than a sphere in a ratio defined in formula given below:

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a first body part with a seal support flange thereon that supports a unitary seal construction having a flexible bulb seal portion engageable with second vehicle body part including a hood or other vehicle body part for sealing against leakage between the first and second vehicle body parts and an integrally formed base portion and wherein the flexible bulb seal is hollow and is formed of a soft low density thermoplastic foam and the integrally formed base portion is integrally extruded with the flexible bulb seal and is formed solely from polymeric material having spaced walls defining a recess for fitting the unitary seal construction in place on the support flange.

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: The present disclosure relates to an anti-fatigue flooring article having inherent properties of electrostatic dissipation. Further, this disclosure relates to flooring article having at least two layers, wherein a first layer (comprised of dense rubber) is calendered to a second layer (comprised of foam rubber). Each layer has a different electrical conductivity, thereby creating a mat having an appropriate range of conductivity when combined. The present flooring article may also include a layer of static dissipating scrim, a grounding means, and/or a colored marking.

Abstract: A wind tunnel blade (30) connected to a base (32) and held in position by a two-piece cuff (34). The wind tunnel blade (30) is formed in a resin transfer molding process in which central, fore, and aft foam core sections (70, 72, 74) are placed together to form the wind tunnel blade (30). Radius fillers (120) are used to fill the gaps between the outer edge of the foam core sections. The radius fillers (120) used in the wind tunnel blade (30) are formed by a braided sleeve (122) surrounding a number of unidirectional tows (124). A tip (68) is formed separately from the rest of the wind tunnel blade (30) and is glued to the top thereof. Stacked layers of braided fibers (100) are used to reinforce the central core section (70).

Abstract: A flashless floor mat or product and method are provided. At least one embodiment of this invention relates to a flashless cushioned dust control mat article wherein the mat comprises at least two distinct layers of rubber, one comprising foam rubber, the other comprising solid rubber. The solid rubber layer is present over the foam rubber layer on the side of the mat in which at least one integrated rubber protrusion is present to provide cushioning characteristics. The solid rubber layer acts as a cap or barrier for the foam rubber layer, particularly over the integrated protrusion or protrusions, in order to provide a mat which is resilient, will not easily degrade in its modulus strength after appreciable use and/or washing within industrial cleaning processes, and will not exhibit appreciable cracking or breaking, particularly within the integrated protrusion(s), after standard use for pedestrian traffic. A method of producing such an inventive cushioned floor mat article is also provided.

Abstract: A molded product is made comprising a low-density product having an impermeable surface. The impermeable surface integral with the low density interior is suitable for receiving various types of brightly colored finishes. It is also contemplated that a non-porous plastic film may be molded in place on the surface of the molded product.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard container is disclosed including a container body having a side wall and a bottom wall with the one side wall including a base layer and an insulating layer on at least a portion of the base layer, preferably on an inside surface of the side wall. The insulating layer being selectively adhered to at least a portion of the base layer such that the selective adhering of the insulating layer to the base layer creates air pockets between the insulating layer and the base layer with the air pockets being expandable in response to contact with a heated liquid. Such a container is formed from an insulating stock material comprising a paperboard base layer and an insulating layer overlying at least a portion of at least of one surface of the base layer with the insulating layer being selectively adhered to the surface of the base layer forming enclosed regions between the base layer and the insulating layer.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: A surface covering and a method of manufacturing such surface covering is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface covering includes a film having a print layer forming a pattern or design disposed on one side of the film. A discontinuous gloss layer is disposed on the other side of the film substantially in-register with at least a portion of the printed pattern or design. Additionally, the gloss layer has at least one portion thereof which has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed. In another embodiment, the surface covering has a film and a discontinuous gloss layer disposed on one side of the film. The gloss layer forms a pattern or design and at least one portion thereof has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed. A surface texture is mechanically embossed into the film substantially in-register with the pattern or design of the gloss layer. Optionally, a web may be laminated to the surface covering.

Abstract: A pressing cushion (1) for use in laminating presses has a textile support (2) with threads (3, 4, 5), at least some of which constitute thermally conductive threads (3, 4, 5) that bring about, either directly or by contact with other thermally conductive threads (3, 4, 5), a thermal transfer from one outer side to the other outer side of the pressing cushion (1). The support (2) includes a cushion layer (7) made of a flexible rubber material, wherein the thickness of the cushion layer (7) is less than that of the support (2). The cushion layer (7) is embedded into the support (2) in such a way that thermally conductive threads (4, 5) protrude beyond the cushion layer (7) on both outer sides of the pressing cushion (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns a unilaterally mat, sealable, UV-stabilized and flame-resistant, sealable, co-extruded, biaxially oriented polyester film comprising at least one base layer (B) and a sealable top coating (A) applied to both sides of said base layer, in addition to a mat covering (C). The film also contains at least one UV stabilizer as a light stabilizer. The invention further concerns a method for the production of said film and the use thereof.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover having a cloth-appearing finish on a surface thereof, the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover formed from a flexible, substantially non-shape sustaining laminated material having at least one surface with a cloth-like texture or appearance. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover has a closed lower end, an open upper end with an opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end thereof. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover has a plurality of overlapping folds of which at least a portion are permanently connected so that the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the original shape of the substantially flexible, shape-sustaining cover.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: This invention concerns a multilayer lining material in the form of sheeting which can be cut to size. Such lining materials are used, for example, as floor plates to cover the loading areas of utility vehicles and as floorboards for passenger vehicles. The lining material can be cut to size, so it can also be punched to obtain a shape corresponding to the loading area. A known lining material which is used as a floor plate consists of a wood fiberboard on the bottom side. A laminated material consisting of a TPO compact film (TPO=thermoplastic polyolefins) with a laminated nonwoven bonded to the wood fiberboard. Thus, the lining material consists of three layers. The known lining material has a complicated design because first a nonwoven must be laminated to the TPO compact film and then the wood fiberboard must be glued to the laminated material consisting of the TPO compact film and the nonwoven. This makes production very cost-intensive.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article, in particular a glove, a condom, or the like, which is comprised of a flexible rubber and/or plastic, is embodied having at least one section of the surface intended contact or rest against human skin, which article is provided with a slip coating in a section of the surface. This slip coating is comprised of a polymeric material and at least in sections, has repeating shape deviations of the surface that are recessed in relation to a raised, net-like structure. The ratio of the average spacings between the shape deviations to their depth in relation to the raised, net-like structure is between 500:1 and 5:1 and the average roughness depth is between 0.5 and 100 &mgr;m, preferably between 1 and 40 &mgr;m.

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: Ionomer present in a polyethylene resin from about 1 to 40% by weight of the resin produces superior extruded foam sheet products that approach the pore size and resiliency of foams prepared from chemical blowing agents. The results can be achieved at normal extrusion rates and on standard extrusion foaming equipment. Tear strength is improved so that collapsible foam packaging products can be produced in which the foam body is cut through except for a surface thereof that remains intact to provide a hinge or joint about which the cut foam bodies can be pivoted.

Abstract: A foam plank laminate of thermoplastic material comprises at least two expanded foam sheets, both partially perforated, and laminated with the perforated surfaces facing each other and the smooth non perforated surfaces as the outer plank surfaces. The foam plank laminate can be obtained by an industrially acceptable production method as the partial perforation of the forming foam sheets accelerates the removal of a majority of the blowing agent from the foam structure, thus drastically reducing the curing time, and at the same time it has impermeability, good mechanical properties, and an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A foam rubber sheet comprises a substrate made from rubber material and two cloth layers respectively bonded to two sides of the substrate. Each cloth layer has an outer surface comprising a plurality of recessed portions and a plurality of protruded portions. The foam rubber sheet is made from a foam rubber sheet raw material having the substrate and two second cloth layers bonded to both sides of the substrate. A pair of embossing rolls is provided for drawing the foam rubber sheet raw material to pass through the embossing rolls. Each embossing roll includes an outer surface with a pattern, the pattern being configured to form the recessed portions and the protruded portions on each second layer cloth when the foam rubber sheet raw material is passing through the embossing rolls, thereby forming the foam rubber sheet with the cloth layers having the recessed portions and the protruded portions.

Abstract: A bulletin board includes a generally planar polyfoam layer having a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface includes a recessed surface portion formed therein having an integrally disposed generally planar stiffening member held in place by the polyfoam. The planar stiffening member is preferably a cardboard piece and the polyfoam penetrates a portion of the corrugation from peripheral edges thereof inward. A method of forming the bulletin board is provided.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: An automotive interior trim product, for example a headliner, and method of producing such a product. The product comprising an energy management element which is adapted to be secured to an automotive interior to provide an energy management function. The energy management element is fabricated from a material comprising an array of fused or bonded tube-like members, and comprises a one-piece unitary structure with zones of differing physical properties. The zones of differing physical properties provide different levels of energy management which are matched to the requirements of the interior. The differing physical properties and so differing levels of energy management in the different zones being produced by molding of the unitary element. Alternatively, and/or in addition within the fused array differing types of tube-like members may be used in the differing zones. Such differing types of tubes may have different wall thicknesses, different diameters/dimensions.

Abstract: A weather strip of a rubber material, provided with a sectionally U-shaped flange gripping portion having an insert buried therein, gripping lip portions formed inside, and seal portions integrated with the flange gripping portion. At least the gripping lip portions are formed of microfoam rubber in which the specific gravity of vulcanizate is in a range of from 0.9 to 1.0.

Abstract: A composite structure generally includes a polyolefin foam sheet and a film in adherence with the foam sheet. The film includes a blend of polyethylene and a thermoplastic elastomer. The elastomer includes a copolymer or terpolymer having a styrenic component and a rubbery component, the rubbery component having at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The rubbery component makes up at least about 70 wt. % of the thermoplastic elastomer. The resultant composite structure has a coefficient of friction ranging from about 0.5 to about 2.0, as measured at the upper surface of the film.

Abstract: A slip control article including a backing layer having a first surface with an array of at least 100 upstanding stems per square inch and a second surface. At least a portion of the upstanding stems is an elastomeric material and the stems have an aspect ratio of at least 1.25. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction when dry of at least 0.6 and a static coefficient of friction when wet within 20% of the static coefficient of friction when dry. The first surface has a peel strength and a tensile strength of substantially zero when engaged with another slip control article. The first surface has a relatively high shear strength when engaged with another slip control article. The high shear forces are due primarily to the frictional properties of the elastomeric materials, not a mechanical interlock of the stems, such as on a mechanical fastener.

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: This invention relates to a cushioned dust control mat article wherein the mat comprises at least two distinct layers of rubber, one comprising foam rubber, the other comprising solid rubber. The solid rubber layer is present over the foam rubber layer on the side of the mat in which at least one integrated rubber protrusion is present to provide cushioning characteristics. The solid rubber layer acts as a cap or barrier for the foam rubber layer, particularly over the integrated protrusion or protrusions, in order to provide a mat which is resilient, will not easily degrade in its modulus strength after appreciable use and/or washing within industrial cleaning processes, and will not exhibit appreciable cracking or breaking, particularly within the integrated protrusion(s), after standard use for pedestrian traffic. A method of producing such an inventive cushioned floor mat article is also provided.

Abstract: An insulating container comprising a container body having at least one side wall and a bottom wall with the side wall including a base layer, an insulating layer on at least a portion of the base layer and a printed pattern, mineral oil application or combination thereof on at least a portion of the surface of the insulating layer is disclosed wherein a thickness of the insulating layer is controlled by the printed pattern and/or mineral oil on the selected portion of the insulating layer. Similarly, stock material incorporating the present invention includes a base layer, an insulating layer formed on at least a portion of the base layer and a printed pattern printed on and or mineral oil applied to the insulating layer is disclosed wherein the thickness of the insulating layer is again controlled by the printed pattern and/or mineral oil on the portion of the insulating layer.

Abstract: A novel dielectric composition is provided that is useful in the manufacture of electronic devices such as integrated circuit devices and integrated circuit packaging devices. The dielectric composition is prepared by crosslinking a thermally decomposable porogen to a host polymer via a coupling agent, followed by heating to a temperature suitable to decompose the porogen. The porous materials that result have dielectric constants less than about 3.0, with some materials having dielectric constants less than about 2.5. Integrated circuit devices, integrated circuit packaging devices, and methods of manufacture are provided as well.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a first body part with a seal support flange thereon that supports a unitary seal construction having a flexible bulb seal portion engageable with second vehicle body part including a hood or other vehicle body part for sealing against leakage between the first and second vehicle body parts and an integrally formed base portion and wherein the flexible bulb seal is hollow and is formed of a soft low density thermoplastic foam and the integrally formed base portion is integrally extruded with the flexible bulb seal and is formed solely from polymeric material having spaced walls defining a recess for fitting the unitary seal construction in place on the support flange.

Abstract: A top side member 4 is attached to the side of one die 2 of a cavity 6 between a pair of dies 2 and 3, and a back side member 5 is attached to the side of the other die 3. A charge space is provided between these top and back side members 4 and 5. Raw material beads each made of a foam resin are supplied between the charge space, air is discharged from a plurality of work piece nozzles provided at the side of the die 3, and raw material beads are charged. At this time, air discharging is started from a work piece nozzle a41 set at the most distant position from a charger 61 for supplying raw material beads. Air is charged while the air is discharged sequentially up to the work piece nozzle a21 set at the most proximal position as the raw material beads are charged. Then, the raw material beads are heated to be foamed and fused, and the top and back side members 4 and 5 are integrated with each. other via the foam member 8.

Abstract: A vacuum covering method for covering a profiled surface of a base member with a sheet by effecting bonding between the sheet and the base member under vacuum, wherein the base member has a multiplicity of spaced vacuum grooves extending across the profiled surface. When air is evacuated from the vacuum grooves, the sheet is drawn by vacuum or suction down onto the profiled surface. The base member is injection-molded of synthetic resin and undergoes thermal shrinkage when it becomes cool after molding. With the vacuum grooves provided in the profiled surface, thermal shrinkage is distributed uniformly over the entire area of the profiled surface and does not generate shrink mark which may form a depression on a front surface of the sheet bonded to the base member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article, in particular a glove, a condom, or the like, which is comprised of a flexible rubber and/or plastic, is embodied having at least one section of the surface intended contact or rest against human skin, which article is provided with a slip coating in a section of the surface. This slip coating is comprised of a polymeric material and at least in sections, has repeating shape deviations of the surface that are recessed in relation to a raised, net-like structure. The ratio of the average spacings between the shape deviations to their depth in relation to the raised, net-like structure is between 500:1 and 5:1 and the average roughness depth is between 0.5 and 100 &mgr;m, preferably between 1 and 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An insulating paperboard container is disclosed including a container body having a side wall and a bottom wall with the one side wall including a base layer and an insulating layer on at least a portion of the base layer, preferably on an inside surface of the side wall. The insulating layer being selectively adhered to at least a portion of the base layer such that the selective adhering of the insulating layer to the base layer creates air pockets between the insulating layer and the base layer with the air pockets being expandable in response to contact with a heated liquid. Such a container is formed from an insulating stock material comprising a paperboard base layer and an insulating layer overlying at least a portion of at least of one surface of the base layer with the insulating layer being selectively adhered to the surface of the base layer forming enclosed regions between the base layer and the insulating layer.

Abstract: A wall or structural element, preferably for the body or parts of the body of motor vehicles, is formed for dissipating impact forces and introducing them into the load-bearing parts of the body of the motor vehicle. The wall or structural element is a composite element formed of a thin-section wall part and a molding which is bonded to the latter over its full surface area. The molding being composed of reinforcing elements fixed in a foamed binder. The reinforcing elements are derived from renewable raw materials in cut or uncut form, preferably monocotyledons or dicotyledons. Two or more composite elements, in each case having wall parts and moldings, may be bonded to one another to form a joint component, for example a motor vehicle door.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the release of a flammable blowing agent from an expanded foam is disclosed. According to the method, an expanded foam structure is perforated to form a first series of channels extending partially through its thickness from a first surface and a second series of channels extending partially through its thickness from a second surface opposite the first surface. The channels provide paths enabling the blowing agent to escape more rapidly from the interior of the expanded foam structure.

Abstract: A copying sheet comprising a printing film made of a synthetic resin film and a base film made of a foamed polyester resin film releasably adhering to the printing film, the printing film having formed on the front surface thereof a matting material layer and an antistatic agent layer, the matting material layer including silica having the average particle size of less than 5 microns and having a thickness of 0.5 to 10 microns for the purpose of fixing the powders of towner, the base film having formed on the back surface thereof a matting material layer and an antistatic agent layer, the matting material layer including silica having the average particle size of 3 to 10 microns and having the thickness of 7 to 15 microns for the purpose of preventing copying sheets from being sent out of a copier as two or more sheeting being superposed.

Abstract: An interior trim component such as a vehicle dashboard includes a substantially rigid and form-stable substrate of polypropylene and natural fibers, a supporting halo skeleton and other frame components heat fused onto the backside of the substrate, and a polyolefin foam layer as well as a decorative polyolefin cover film laminated onto the front side of the substrate. The foam layer has an increased thickness and a decreased foam density at sharply contoured or curved areas of the trim component, in comparison to the flat surfacial areas. As a result, the trim component has a desirable soft-touch characteristic and impact absorbing properties at all areas including protruding curves and edges. A method for forming such a trim component involves steps of pre-molding the foam layer and cover film by vacuum thermoforming, pre-molding the substrate by vacuum thermoforming, and then heat laminating the pre-heated, pre-molded substrate onto the pre-molded foam layer and cover film.

Abstract: Films, made of polyethylenes and fillers, and articles made therefrom greater WVTR than previously available films based on conventional Ziegler-Natta based polyethylenes. The polyethylenes are produced in a metallocene-catalyzed production process. The films may be made by a cast film process, and may be made in widely varying filler content, generally polyethylene to filler ratios of 30/70 to 70/30. The metallocene based polyethylenes when combined with filler also permit the extrusion of thinner films leading to lighter weight and softer films. The m-polyethylenes utilized for making such films typically have a Composition Distribution Breadth Index above 50%, a Mw/Mn below 3, and a Mz/Mw below 2.