Abstract: A multilayer product which comprises a first element consisting of a layer of spongy, semi-rigid polymer (A), impregnated on one or both sides with polyurethane resin (B), and inserted between two layers of glass fibre, natural fibre or a combination of glass fibre and natural fibre (C) coupled with the central layer (B) (A) (B), wherein the first element is coupled with at least a second element comprising a layer of spongy, semi-rigid polymer (A) , wherein the second element is impregnated on one or both sides with polyurethane resin (B), and wherein the second element is coupled with an additional layer of glass fibre, natural fibre or a combination of glass fibre and natural fibre (C).

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: Spray on polyurethaneurea coatings provide corrosion resistance over long periods of time to marine fixtures, particularly of active metals such as aluminum and steel. Radar arches, fishing platforms, railing systems, etc. can maintain their aesthetics over extended periods of time, even in salt water environments, when the coating has been penetrated to the metal surface.

Abstract: A frictional holding pad for removably attaching items, such as a cell phone, to a surface, such as a dash, to allow storage of items on the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the support surface. A bottom surface of the pad is tacky to cling to the surface and a top surface is tacky to cling to the item. A lowermost contact surface of the pad can have a greater surface area than an uppermost contact surface. Indicia can be formed on the pad. The pad can be translucent or transparent. The pad can include an expanded vinyl material or a polyurethane material.

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: Spray on polyurethaneurea coatings provide corrosion resistance over long periods of time to marine fixtures, particularly of active metals such as aluminum and steel. Radar arches, fishing platforms, railing systems, etc. can maintain their aesthetics over extended periods of time, even in salt water environments, when the coating has been penetrated to the metal surface.

Abstract: A cushion having an underlying polyurethane foam or flexible layer which includes a non-plane surface, and an overlying visco-elastic foam layer positioned adjacent to the non-plane surface of the underlying layer, the cushion being adapted for suitably supporting a load, such as a human body, positioned thereon.

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 composite polyurethane foam structure and method of preparing the composite structure, which structure includes a semirigid-rigid polyurethane foam layer having bonded, free, unreacted, ethylenically unsaturated groups like allyl or acrylic groups. The structure includes a cured, unsaturated resin composition layer which is chemically bonded to one or both surfaces of the polyurethane foam layer through the polymerization of the allyl or acrylic group in the foam surface with the polyester resin composition.

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 trim panel for use in automotive trim applications is made from a laminate of a thermoformable foam layer and an A-side layer made of vinyl or cloth or the like. The laminate is thermoformed to impart permanently the contour of a rigid substrate to which the panel will be attached. The foam layer retains the desired contour without the use of other materials. The A-side material and foam layer may be laminated by an adhesive layer may be a foam which is flame laminated to the foam layer and A-side layer. The foam layer may be encased by thin layers of polyethylene. Process controls are applied allowing thermoforming of parts to automotive precision.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent liner for use in a sterilization process and, more particularly, to an absorbent liner for cushioning surgical instruments and sterilization packs and providing an advantageous moisture absorption functionality during and after completion of a sterilization process. The absorbent liner functions advantageously with steam or ethylene oxide gas as the sterilization agent. The absorbent liner is fabricated from a material having a desired level of moisture absorption, e.g., on the order of at least about thirty percent (30%) by dry weight, and is preferably fabricated from a hydrophilic polymeric foam material, e.g., a hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The disclosed absorbent liner may be advantageously utilized in sterilizing surgical instruments and in conjunction with sterilization carts such that potential residual moisture is eliminated from the surface of the sterilized surgical instruments and the shelves of the sterilization carts.

Abstract: A mouse pad with improved self-cleaning and traction features. The mouse pad is a planar structure with a parallel top control layer and a bottom anti-skid coating. Formed on the top layer is a top control layer with a plurality of alternating, equal height, prismatic and pyramidal shapes, which provide improved cleaning and traction properties. Small troughs are formed between the adjacent shapes, which collect fine dirt and dust particles that are swept from the surface of the mouse ball during use. In one embodiment, the top control surface is made of flexible material that allows the prismatic and pyramidal shapes to bend slightly when the ball of a mechanical mouse rolls over the top surface. This bending action provides improved self-cleaning and traction features. In another embodiment, the top layer is made of transparent material. An ink layer may be applied to the bottom surface of the top layer.

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: A protective parking pad constructed of compressible and resilient material with temperature insulating properties and constructed to the appropriate size and dimensions to allow a set of protective parking pads, as disclosed, to be positioned on the floor of a parking area so that each tire of a parked vehicle rests on one protective parking pad. The object of the invention is to support the vehicle tires in a manner which maintains a round shape and to insulate the vehicle tire from rapid heat transfer to the floor of the parking area; thereby, protecting the vehicle tire from receiving a temporary or permanent deformation or “flatspot”.

Abstract: A shock absorbing material for automobiles, having extremely good shock absorbing properties, capable of absorbing shocks applied to a passenger in a car at the time of a crash, or the like, and reducing the head injury criteria, comprising a rigid polyurethane foam having a compression stress of 3 kg/cm2 or more, with concavities arranged on at least one planar surface. In order to mount the head protecting material to a ceiling material, a trim, a car body, or the like, easily and securely, the head protecting material is mounted to the ceiling material, or the like, with an adhesive sheet comprising a base material made of a foam material with an adhesive layer formed thereon.

Abstract: A surface covering comprising at least one layer containing wear-resistant particles, such as aluminum oxide, is disclosed. Preferably, the wear-resistant particles are present in the outermost layer of the surface covering which is exposed to the environment. A method to improve wear and/or stain resistance to a surface covering is also disclosed and includes adding an effective amount of wear-resistant particles to a top coat layer or outermost layer of a surface covering optionally, with the use of a suspension aid. Also, layers of surface coverings having differences in gloss levels is also disclosed. Methods of making the surface covering are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surface covering containing at least one layer containing wear-resistant particles, such as aluminum oxide, is disclosed. Preferably, the wear-resistant particles are present in the outermost layer of the surface covering which is exposed to the environment. A method to improve wear and/or stain resistance to a surface covering is also disclosed and includes adding an effective amount of wear-resistant particles to a top coat layer or outermost layer of a surface covering optionally, with the use of a suspension aid. Also, layers of surface coverings having differences in gloss levels is also disclosed. Methods of making the surface covering are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for crystallizing an amorphous silicon thin-film is provided, in which amorphous silicon thin-films on a large-area glass substrate for use in a TFT-LCD (TFT-Liquid Crystal Display) are crystallized uniformly and quickly by a scanning method using a linear lamp to prevent deforming of the glass substrate. The crystallization method includes the steps of forming an amorphous silicon thin-film on a glass substrate, and illuminating a linear light beam on the amorphous silicon thin-film from the upper portion of the glass substrate according to a scanning method. The crystallization method is applied to a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor manufacturing method including the steps of forming an amorphous silicon thin-film on a glass substrate, and crystallizing the amorphous silicon of the thin-film transistor according to a scanning method using a linear light beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molded tip on tubing and a method of making the same. The molded tip is molded on the tubing in a mold cavity and is for use in a stent delivery device, guide catheter, or angiographic catheter.

Abstract: A trim panel for use in automotive trim applications is made from a laminate of a thermoformable foam layer and an A-side layer made of vinyl or cloth or the like. The laminate is thermoformed to impart permanently the contour of a rigid substrate to which the panel will be attached. The foam layer retains the desired contour without the use of other materials. The A-side material and foam layer may be laminated by an adhesive layer which may be a foam which is flame laminated to the foam layer and A-side layer. The foam layer may be encased by thin layers of polyethylene. Process controls are applied allowing thermoforming of parts to automotive precision.

Abstract: A decorative tile is made of molded hard urethane foam, having a surface patterned with smooth areas interrupted by surface textures, and colored by a coloring agent which is concentrated within the surface textures and thinly covers the smooth areas, so as to produce the convincing appearance of a weathered, aged stone tile. The surface of this tile (and other conventional tiles) is decorated in an automated fashion, by printing a clear sheeting with an electrostatic ink in a color laser printer, and then compressing the sheeting against the tile surface in a high temperature press to heat transfer the sheeting to the surface of the tile. This resulting product is a durable, light weight tile having a protected printed surface, indistinguishable from hand painted stone.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaped part comprises at least one first portion having an equal density throughout the volume thereof and comprising a plastic foam of a primary material having a cellular structure and plastic foam granules interconnected by the cellular structure of the plastic foam, and at least one second portion having an equal density throughout the volume thereof, the second portion being adjacent the first portion and comprising a plastic foam of a primary material having a cellular structure and elastically precompressed plastic foam granules interconnected by the cellular structure of the plastic foam. 70% to 90% of the volume of the shaped part is formed by the plastic foam granules, and the density of the second portion is greater than the density of the first portion.

Abstract: For the production of sandwich structure elements comprising non-cellular polyurethane layers and polyurethane foamed layers which are produced on a substrate by the application of layers to a substrate, it is proposed that at least the non-cellular polyurethane layers contain 15 to 55% by weight of mica. Sandwich structure elements are obtained which are particularly dimensionally accurate and which adhere well. The effect is believed to be based on a non-homogeneous curing reaction of the mixture which reacts to form polyurethane, due to the presence of mica.

Abstract: A pattern-bearing sheet for a simultaneous injection-molding and pattern-forming method, has a sufficient malleability in the following conditions. When the sheet is cut to a 10-mm width and subjected to a tensile load and thus elongated at a rate of 30%/second in an environment at 50.degree. C., the sheet should exhibit a stress value of 0.6 kg or higher at the yield point and after passing through the yield point in the case where the sheet is formed from a material having a yield point, and the sheet should exhibit a stress value of 0.6 kg or higher at an elongation of 10% and higher in the case where the sheet is formed from a material not having a yield point. Desirably, the value when the sheet cut to 10-mm width is elongated at a rate of 7%/second to an elongation of 200% (200% modulus value) at a temperature of 100.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. should be 0.3 kg or lower.

Abstract: This has a plurality of nubs which incorporate preset multicolored decorative designs in their bodies, created by a machine able to apply this manufacturing process, on a multilayered monobloc composed of a base, support and seating layer and another or other upper ones, some of which are on the same level and in which cavities are formed, giving rise to the nubs which define images that change according to their three dimensional structure and different locations, alignments and possible quincunx formation, as well as the different perspective of observers and the variations in the distance of the latter.

Abstract: A composition containing thermoplastic elastomer and elastic fine particles is extruded into a sheet-like shape from an extruder. Then, by expanding this sheet-like shape member, a covering sheet having minute unevenness attributable to the elastic fine particles formed on the surface is produced. The covering sheet may have an adhesive layer, a substrate layer, a foamed resin layer, etc., on the opposite side to the surface having a matt feeling. Such covering sheet can be produced with good productivity without creating environmental problems such as a problem related to solvent, etc. By molding using the covering sheet, a molding having matt feeling can be obtained.

Abstract: A porous sheet is obtained by wet coagulating a polyurethane comprising a soft segment component of repeating units from a polycarbonate, those from a diethylene glycol-based polyester and those from a tetramethylene glycol-based polyester and a hard segment component of an aromatic diisocyanate and ethylene glycol. The polyurethane has excellent processability such as wet coagulatability and the obtained porous sheet has good durability and flexibility, in particular flexibility at low temperatures and is well usable for leather-like sheets.

Abstract: A headliner assembly for lining a passenger compartment ceiling of a motor vehicle comprising a headliner cover having an exterior surface presenting a major exterior appearance of the headliner assembly and an opposite interior surface, and a body of foamed material adhered to the opposite interior surface of the headliner cover and having central portions thereof with a greater thickness than peripheral portions thereof, the body of foamed material being of generally constant density throughout its extent including the central and peripheral portions thereof.

Abstract: A structure forming part of a shoe comprising a sealed member of elastomeric material having a plurality of chambers containing a fluid, the chamber having a generally planar alignment, the plurality of chambers interconnected by a plurality of flexible sheets, wherein at least a portion of at least a plurality of the interconnecting sheets is oriented at an angle to the general plane of the chambers.

Abstract: A material used to fabricate sashes used by window assemblies. The material comprises a foam core covered by a cladding material. The foam core acts as a filler and provides insulation, while the cladding material protects the foam core from the environment and physical abuse. Often, a structural assembly or member is provided to stiffen the sash material. The cladding and structural assembly are placed into a mold and resin is injected into the mold between the cladding and the structural assembly. The resin cures to form the foam core. The foam core bonds the cladding and structural assembly together to form the sash material. The sash material is cut with woodworking tools to form a sash for a window assembly. The cladding is configured such that, when the window assembly is installed in a wall, interior vapor barrier material and exterior air barrier material applied to the wall overlap with the cladding material to reduce air flow through the wall around the window assembly.

Abstract: A method of producing and the product of heat-proof laminate boards are disclosed. Each laminate board cut from a continuous laminate has a corrugated upper layer, a middle foam layer produced by spraying foam agent onto one side of the upper layer which will expand into shape automatically, a bottom layer having opposite edges folded in conformance to the corresponding edges of the upper layer so as to sealedly confine the foam in between the upper layer and bottom layer. The upper layer can be made of one of the materials including steel plate, PVC, PC, PP, aluminum plate, iron sheet. The bottom layer is made of materials including PVC film, PP film, papery film, fabric film, nylon film or wooden fiber sheet.

Abstract: Method of making a layered carpet construction suitable for use for the automotive industry as a "deck lid" wherein the backing of the carpet construction is specially processed to adhere to the backside of the exposed carpet face and a separate layer of foamed material is then secured to the backing.

Abstract: An instrument trim panel (12) includes a shell (14) made from a flexible plastic material. A textured section (18) is circumscribed by a simulated seam (20). A closed cell plastic block (28) is press fitted behind the textured section. An air pocket (26) is interposed between the block and textured section. A rigid substrate (22) is molded and cured behind the shell (14) and block (28). The air pocket allows the textured section to be deformed to simulate the appearance and feel of a leather applique.

Abstract: A thermal insulating device for use as the exterior coating of a space vehicle which consists essentially of a rigid carbon-carbon foam having an elastomeric foam bonded to the rear surface thereof and having a chemically vapor deposited coating applied to the front and side surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A padded cover for use with a mattress which provides added postural support (as well as extra thermal insulation and padding). The padded cover includes a sheet of support material which covers essentially the full length of the mattress. This sheet of support material is stiffened over the middle part of the mattress length. Thus, this arrangement provides extra firmness under the torso, while maintaining an essentially flat upper surface. This cover structure can be retrofitted to existing mattresses. The disclosed innovations also provide improved methods for manufacturing bedding material with stable and longitudinally nonuniform postural support. For example, in the presently preferred embodiment, three layers are fed into a standard quilting machine: an upper layer of ticking, a middle layer of convoluted-foam support material, and a bottom layer of quilt backing. The support material thus is quilted between the two other layers, giving a quilted fabric that may be made into a mattress cover.

Abstract: Padding for use with snowboard bindings that alleviate or reduce slippage of the boot when the boot is in the bindings. The padding comprises a structure 10 further comprising a first member 20 having a top side 12 and a bottom side 14 and a second member 22 having a top side 12 and a bottom side 14. The top side 12 is smooth or flat. In other preferred embodiments, the top side 12 is contoured. Further, in some preferred embodiments, the top side 12 has a logo or emblem. The bottom side 14 has an adhesive back.

Abstract: A cushioning structure which is a three-dimensional multiple woven texture formed of a surface layer portion and an intermediate layer portion, characterized in that (i) protuberances are formed on one side or both sides of the surface layer portion at least unidirectionally and have an average height of 2 to 15 mm, an average width of one side of the protuberance being 2 to 30 mm; and that (ii) said intermediate layer portion is formed of one layer or by laminating two or more layers, said layer having a plurality of communicating hollow portions which are arranged in parallel unidirectionally. This cushioning structure is excellent in air permeability, cushioning properties, durability and washability, and is therefore useful as various cushioning materials.

Abstract: In thermally insulating glass, an improved spacer is made with material and designed to be less thermally conductive then conventional metal spacers by providing a complete thermal brake between metallic side support members so that no metallic path is provided across the insulating material. The insulating material contains a moisture absorbent.

Abstract: A co-polymer composition for coating porous structural material includes a compatible surfactant resulting in a structural inter-bonding between the coating composition and the structural material. The co-polymer composition cured in a layer of unsupported foam has sufficient strength to be used as a substitute for comparably or larger sized layers of re-enforced concrete for conducting fluids while resisting compressive loads. A co-polymer foam composition for coating structural material cures to have an atmosphere-facing surface that is substantially impervious to corrosive substance penetration.

Abstract: A decorative moulding is provided to form pre-mitered corners. Two moulding pieces are provided each with both edges cut at a 45.degree. angle. One moulding piece is cut with a 45.degree. angle to the right and the other moulding piece is cut with a 45.degree. angle to the left. By matching up the angled ends of the decorative moulding, either an inside pre-mitered corner or an outside pre-mitered corner can be formed.

Abstract: The specification discloses foam insulation board for use in plaza deck construction, the upper and lower surfaces of which contain drainage channels. To avoid problems of easy breakage, especially of the kind associated with larger foam insulation boards having upper and lower drainage channels, the present invention discloses orienting the lower surface drainage channels 90.degree. with respect to the upper surface drainage channels, such that the two opposing surfaces of channels are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A compressible, flexible, resilient wedge shaped sealing strip for maintaining conforming sealing engagement with opposing spaced walls of various structures and sealing joints therebetween has a flexible resilient hollow body with an outer layer of foam both made of a material having the ability to recover from a compressed state and thus continuously exert and force the sealing strip into sealing engagement with the opposing spaced walls of the structure.

Abstract: A multi-layer laminated trim panel having a first sheet of high density cross-linked polyethylene foam, a second sheet of low density cross-linked polyethylene foam, a plurality of fasteners wherein the fastener heads are entrapped between the first and second sheets of cross-linked polyethylene foam, and an external cover sheet of cloth or vinyl. Additional sheets or pieces of cross-linked polyethylene foam can be incorporated between the first and second sheets of cross-linked polyethylene foam. Various methods of manufacturing the trim panels of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating accurate, numerically defined curved surfaces and volumes comprising a skeleton framework having a plurality of bulkheads fixed in spaced relationship with each other, each of the bulkheads having an equal number of boreholes passing through the outer perimeter thereof so as to provide a set of selected boreholes. A flexible spline having a memory is passed through each set of mating boreholes and is secured with the boreholes after the splines have reached their static states. The resultant framework is encased in a cured polymer and the polymer is trimmed and faired between the outer edges of the splines.

Abstract: Display cushion (1), especially for pieces of jewellery, with a cushion layer (3) of foamed material.A novel jewellery display cushion, which can be simply and inexpensively manufactured but nevertheless fully meets the high aesthetic requirements of the jewellery trade and presents additional handling advantages, is made available by the fact that the cushion layer (3) consists of a thermoplastic plastic material and is hot-formed to produce a moulding corresponding to the shape of the cushion.A process for manufacturing such jewellery cushions is also the subject of the invention.

Abstract: Display tray with a display section (2) for mounting pieces of jewellery and a strengthened edging (3). A considerable weight saving and reduction of the manufacturing cost without impairment of the display function is achieved by the edging (3) having a core (7) of rigid foam material and a covering (8) of plastic sheeting.

Abstract: A concrete fluid structure deteriorated to the condition of removal of substance of the concrete by sulfuric acids and like corrosive material in contact therewith is restored by a substratum of epoxy foam, polyurethane foam, or a combination thereof having a relatively thin layer of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene bonded to the outward facing surface of the foam and bonding the layer to the structure. A method for forming the substratum in the location of the deteriorated structure is described.

Abstract: A component having a virtually rectangular force-displacement characteristic line and comprising an elongated polymer foam block (1) of rectangular cross-section having sides a and b and having a recess (2) of width d and depth c extending along the entire length of the block on one side, said dimensions satisfying certain equations.