Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for manufacturing articles, particularly containers and packaging materials, having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form an article which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are molded to fashion a portion of the mixture into a form stable shape for the desired article. Once the article has obtained form stability, the article is removed from the mold and allowed to harden to gain strength. The articles may have properties substantially similar to articles presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. They have especial utility in the mass production of containers, particularly food and beverage containers.

Abstract: A shaped multilayer polymeric article, and a method for manufacturing said article, comprising a top layer comprised of thermoset polyester resin, a supporting layer underneath said top layer comprised of fiber reinforced, thermoset, high density polyurethane foam, said supporting layer having a density and thickness at least effective to provide support to said top layer; an intermediate layer underneath at least a portion of said supporting layer comprised of thermoset, low density polyurethane foam; and a bottom layer underneath at least said intermediate layer comprised of fiber reinforced, thermoset, high density polyurethane foam.

Abstract: Sealable liquid-tight containers and methods for economically manufacturing such containers for storing and dispensing substances and any other purposes for which conventional sealable liquid-tight containers are utilized. The containers are readily and economically formed from mixtures of hydraulically settable binders such as hydraulic cement, gypsum and clay with water. Appropriate additives can also be added to the mixture which impart desired characteristics and properties to both the mixture and the hardened containers. The mixtures can be utilized to form containers by various methods. One method involves forming the containers without substantial mixing of the mixture, compacting the mixture and hydrating the mixture. Other methods involve molding the mixture, extruding the mixture and forming sheets from the mixture to be converted into containers. The components may also be dried, coated, lined, laminated and/or receive printing.

Abstract: A thin, tacky, non-pourable film of incompatible in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and thermosettable matrix resin that contains an essentially uniform density and thickness across the breadth of the film. The in situ-expandable mass is not pourable yet can be easily dispensed in a uniform manner within a mold and thereafter expanded to the dimensions of the mold. Composites and reinforced compositions, as well as methods of molding, are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible, non-porous tube characterized by the fact that the void spaces present in the luminal surface of a substrate tube of porous polytetrafluoroethylene are filled with a silicone or fluorosilicone rubber, that a continuous coating of said silicone or fluorosilicone rubber is not present on the inner surface of said tube, and that the inner surface of said tube incorporates surfaces of both the polytetrafluoroethylene and the silicone or fluorosilicone rubber. The tube has excellent lubricity, resistance to contamination, resistance to chemicals, and has exceptional tube flexing properties. The flexible tube may be employed, for example, as a tube for removal of gas destructively tested by a gas sensor, as a tube for transporting various liquids, and particularly as a tube in medical applications, such as a forceps channel tube, an endoscope channel tube, a bodily fluid transport tube, catheter tube, or the like. A method of making the tube is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved electrically conductive filter media particularly suitable for use in applications where static electricity must be dissipated. The filter media of the present invention comprises a microporous filtration layer having electrically conductive particles embedded therein. When attached to support media, this structure provides exceptional filtration efficiency while assuring a consistent and evenly distributed electrical pathway to ground.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article comprising a potted electrical component in a structure, wherein the electrical component is potted in a polyimide composition. The invention also relates to a method of potting electrical components comprising the steps of (1) adding a polyimide precursor to a structure including an electrical component, (2) curing the polyimide precursor to form a polyimide composition encapsulating the electrical component.

Abstract: A process for printing substrates with sublimation dyes comprises coating the substrate with successive polymeric coatings, the first of which include inorganic filler particles contained in a binder polymer that functions as a barrier to the dyes, preventing them from entering the substrate. The second, outer coating, has an affinity for the dyes, facilitating printing on them. The process is particularly useful for printing polymeric foamed and elastomeric substrates.

Abstract: A fiber cord having a plurality of fiber filaments twisted together in a first direction to produce strand yarns with a primary twist and a first twist coefficient, with a plurality of the strand yarns being in turn aligned and twisted together in a second twist direction opposite to the first twist direction to produce a fiber cord with a final twist and a second twist coefficient. The second twist coefficient is between 4.0 and 7.0 and the ratio of the second twist coefficient to the first twist coefficient is at least 1.25.

Abstract: A self biasable transfer roll system for transferring toner particles from an image support surface to a copy substrate, including a conformable roll member, comprising a core having a layer of compressible material radially surrounding the core, and a peripheral surface layer comprising piezoelectric material positioned along a circumference of the roll member for generating an electric field when deformed.

Abstract: Described is a flat multifilament yarn with minimal opening tendency of the mutually bound-together filaments, expressed by the quantityVS(K.sub.F)>42%and with good compaction, expressed by the quantity(VG.sub.mean /VG.sub.max) * 100%>45%the VG quantities being degrees of intermingling determined using the Rothschild needle tester model 2040, VG.sub.mean being the arithmetic mean of 20 needle test measurements, and VG.sub.max being the maximum value of 20 needle test measurements. VS(K.sub.F) is the intermingling stability at a given total yarn tension K.sub.F determined by measuring the opening tendency of the flat multifilament yarn under dynamic-mechanical stress by a specific method.

Abstract: A container suitable for hazardous liquids such as agrochemical concentrates comprises an outer shell (I) made from a compressed fiber material, typically recycled biodegradable material, having an associated barrier (3) comprising a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric material. The container is stackable. A method of making the container, and of testing the coating for leaks, is also described.

Abstract: The dirt-repellent monofilament with a toughness of at least 36 cN/tex and an extension of under 44% has a soiling index A1>2 after five soiling and cleaning cycles. To manufacture the dirt-repellent monofilaments, a copolymer with a melting point of 255.degree. to 275.degree. C. and consisting of alkenes and perfluoroalkenes is added to a polymer melt of polythylene terephthalate before extrusion. The dirt-repellent monofilament is advantageously used in the manufacture of cleaning filters for the dry section of a paper machine, i.e. paper machine fabric filters. It may also be used to produce fabrics for general use as technical fabrics which have to be cleaned in difficult conditions.

Abstract: Containers incorporating a hydraulically settable structural matrix including a hydraulically settable binder such as cement for use in the storing, dispensing, and/or packaging of food and beverage products are disclosed. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage articles of manufacture have high tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths, and are lightweight, insulative (if desired), inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used. These disposable containers and cups are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment. The structural matrix of the food and beverage containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland-type cement) preferably in combination with a rheology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose, various aggregate materials, and fibrous materials, which provide desired properties at a cost which is economical.

Abstract: Textured yarns which can be processed for example by deep-drawing into irreversibly highly formable woven or knitted fabrics and a process for their preparation are described. These yarns have degrees of elasticity of below 50% and contain at least as carrier component undrawn but partially oriented polyester filaments which have been improved by a heat treatment in their flow stress.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more inorganic aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and the passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, paperboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.

Abstract: A resilient solid foam object which has a part of its outer surface scribed with a series of connected cuts. These cuts communicate with the interior of the foam object. The cuts are arranged to allow the foam object to be turned inside out and are shaped to form a three dimensional structure within the solid foam object. The three dimensional object is displayed upon turning the solid foam object inside out. Also described is a method for making these novel foam objects.

Abstract: A rubber composition containing a rubber forming a continuous phase of 100 weight parts; a nylon fiber with fine diameter of 1-15 weight parts by the fiber, the nylon fiber being grafted with a molecular of a rubber capable of co-crosslinking to the rubber forming the continuous phase; and a short fiber of 1-30 weight parts is used to at least a part of a rubber of a transmission belt. Thus, high anisotropy in modulus of elasticity in the transmission belt is maintained. Further, stress concentration at an interface of the short fiber and the rubber is distributed to enhance the strength, elasticity and flex fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a cover for an air bag deployment opening, the cover having a tear seam defined by a reduction in thickness of the cover. The cover can be formed as an unitary part of an outer skin layer for an automobile interior trim structure. The apparatus includes a thin shell having an inner surface upon which a thermoplastic material is cast to form the outer skin. A multiplicity of pins are disposed on and extend away from a backside thereof to transfer heat to the inner surface. The density of the pins is reduced on the portion of the backside of the shell proximate the portion of the inner surface upon which the tear seam of the outer skin is to be formed. The shell can be heated or cooled by using a plurality of nozzles to impinge heated or cooled air onto predetermined locations of the backside. A cover and tear seam construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to aliphatic copolyesters prepared from succinic acid (or derivatives thereof) and a process for the preparation thereof. The aliphatic copolyesters contain a second component, 1,4-butanediol, and a third component which is either a diacid or a diol (or derivatives thereof).

Abstract: Naturally flame resistant cotton fiber is provided. The naturally flame resistant cotton fiber of the present invention is used to produce fabric that complies with flammability safety regulations without application of a flame retardant chemical, or with application of reduced amounts of flame retardant chemical compared to fabric made from known cotton fiber. The flame resistant cotton fiber of the present invention can be used to produce articles of manufacture including garments, linens, mattresses and upholstery such as that used in home furnishings, motor vehicles and airplanes. Naturally flame resistant colored cotton fiber is provided that can be advantageously used to produce fabric and articles of manufacture that are not treated with chemical dyes or fire retardants. Cotton plant varieties that produce naturally flame resistant cotton fiber, as well as methods for the breeding and selection of these varieties, are provided.

Abstract: Mercerization wetting compositions comprising a compound of the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is hydroxyl or --SO.sub.3 M,R.sub.2 is C.sub.4 -C.sub.18 alkyl,M is an alkali metal,n is 0 or 1, andm is from 2 to 6 are described. The mercerization wetting compositions of the invention are high-wetting and low-foaming. Moreover, the compounds are readily biodegradable.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Halloween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin, elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for modifying fabric and fiber by impaction with particles that create axially aligned micro-cracks and increased porosity allowing penetration of dyestuffs into the fiber or fabric without the need for swelling agents or carriers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyolefin yarn capable of increased resiliency and shrinkage comprising continuous strands of multiple monofilament fibers or staple fibers of propylene polymer material, optionally blended with polypropylene homopolymer, said propylene polymer material selected from the group consisting of terpolymers of propylene with ethylene and C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin; compositions of copolymers of propylene with C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin together with copolymers of propylene and ethylene or terpolymers of propylene-ethylene-C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin; compositions of terpolymers of propylene, ethylene and C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin in combination with copolymers of propylene and C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin and copolymers of ethylene and C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin; random crystalline propylene copolymers with ethylene or a C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin; and a heterophasic polyolefin composition; and fabric, especially pile fabric, such as carpeting, produced therefrom.

Abstract: A rod connection arrangement includes a connection element for connecting a cylindrical reinforcing rod to a cylindrical main rod, with the reinforcing rod extending at an angle to the axis of the main rods. Each rod respectively consists of a core of compression material surrounded by a fiber composite wall having fabric layers with fibers that cross at an angle. The connection element consists of an arcuate body having a central axis and an inner surface with a radius substantially equal to an outer radius of the main rod. The arcuate body preferably extends over an arc of less than 360 degrees. The connection element further consists of an integrally formed joint plate projecting radially outwardly from an outer surface of the arcuate body. The joint plate is preferably formed by two layers of a fabric material imbedded in a rein matrix wherein fibers of the fabric layers cross at an angle of substantially .+-.45 degrees.

Abstract: A porous fiber having sufficient chemical resistance to a variety of substances to be adsorbed, and having a large specific surface area and a large void percentage. The porous fiber provided by the present invention features a main fiber body formed of a high-density polyethylene having a melt flow rate of 0.3 to 20 g/10 minutes and numerous pores. The pores are formed by mixing the high-density polyethylene with a paraffin wax while they are melted, melt-spinning a fiber with an extruder at a draft ratio of 200 or less, stretching the fiber, heat-treating the stretched fiber, mechanically crimping it and then removing the paraffin wax. In the porous fiber, the main fiber body has a specific surface area of 20 m.sup.2 /g or more, the ratio of the pores to the main fiber body is 20% or more and the main fiber body has a size of not more than 50 denier.

Abstract: An air filter material for intercepting dust is disclosed. The material is free of lubricants and antistatic agents, and consists of a blend of (I) polyolefin fibers and (II) polyacrylonitrile fibers that are geometrically stable. The fibers (I) are two-component polypropylene/polyethylene fibers of the core/jacket or side-by-side type, and fibers (II) are halogen-free. The fiber blend is washed during the manufacturing process after they are first combined.

Abstract: An elastic fixing roll having an elastic, compliant body material and release surface material is disclosed. The body material comprises porous silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, or fluorocarbon rubber foam, or a porous synthetic polymer foam reinforced with silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, or fluorocarbon rubber. The release surface material is formed of porous polytetrafluoroethylene film containing silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, or fluorocarbon rubber and is bonded to the body material by a non-continuous layer of adhesive.

Abstract: In a yarn composed of core-sheath filaments with or without further monocomponent filaments, the core and the sheath of the core-sheath filaments are produced by extruding spinnable polymers, with at least almost all the core-sheath filaments having a complete sheath. Of all the core-sheath filaments in the yarn, the proportion of core-sheath filaments P, in %, of which each core-sheath filament has (S.+-.0.1 S) % of sheath content (based on the total volume of the particular core-sheath filament), meets the following conditions: P.ltoreq.100, S.gtoreq.0.5, and P.gtoreq.30+(0.1 S).sup.8 %. This yarn can be produced by a process wherein the core component is fed via a first spinneret plate to a second spinneret plate in a plurality of individual streams, and between the first and second spinneret plate each individual stream of core component is enveloped by the sheath component being fed onto it, and the two components are conjointly spun, drawn and wound up.

Abstract: There are described a spinnable polyester for producing fully oriented polyester yarn by high speed spinning based on polyethylene terephthalate modified by incorporation of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids as cocondensed units and which may additionally contain up to 5% by weight of further additaments customary for modifying polyethylene terephthalate, wherein modifying aliphatic dicarboxylic acids present as cocodensed units have in total from 4 to 10 carbon atoms and are present in such an amount that the glass transition temperature of the polyester is 70.degree. C. or below, the recrystallization temperature of the polyester is 180.degree. C. or below and the heat of fusion of the polyester, determined by DSC measurement, is 30 J/g or below, a polyester yarn producible therefrom by high speed spinning, which has a novel combination of high strength, high modulus and enhanced shrinkage capacity, and a process for producing this yarn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric networks that can be made electrically conductive in bulk or which have a surface which is electrically conductive, and which networks exhibit resistivities in the ohm to kilo-ohm range. One aspect of the present invention, then, comprises an electrically conductive polymeric network comprising a cured thermosetting polymeric network which contains an oxidized additive comprising one or more of an oxidizable aniline, thiophene, or pyrrole additive, which additive was oxidized with an oxidizing agent in situ in the cured polymeric network.

Abstract: A spacer made of plastic material for building components, having at least two spaced apart panes that are fixedly connected to one another, consists of a hollow profiled member that is positioned between the panes. The hollow profiled member has sidewalls facing the panes, an interior wall facing the interior chamber between the panes, and an exterior wall facing outwardly. At least one first insert for inhibiting water vapor diffusion is provided. The at least one first insert is embedded in the sidewalls and the exterior wall. A second insert is embedded in the interior wall and is preferably of a material that inhibits water vapor diffusion, preferably a thin-walled foil made of metal or plastic.

Abstract: Solution spun fiber obtained from resin comprising an amide-imide polymer having repeating units of the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein the fiber has tenacity of at least about 1.5 grams per denier, and elongation of at least about 10%.

Abstract: A shaped article, in particular a support for image information layers prepared from a biaxially stretched film prepared from a polymer blend of 50 to 97 wt.% of a linear polyester and 3 to 50 wt.% of a polymer containing styrene, wherein the percentages relate to the sum of polyester and polymer containing styrene, is characterised by particularly-elevated covering power.

Abstract: A dyed union knit fabric comprised of at least a polyurethane elastic fiber containing a chlorine-induced degradation inhibitor in a proportion of 0.5-4.5 weight % relative to the weight of the fiber, and a polyamide fiber and/or a cation dyeable polyester fiber, which has been dyed with mixed dyes of acid dyes, dispersion dyes, metal-complex dyes, reactive dyes and direct dyes, and markedly improved in resistance to chlorine-induced change in shade by allowing to contain at least one compound having a reaction amount of chlorine of 50 milliequivalent per gram or more, specifically one member of mono- and/or polyhydroxybenzene derivatives in a proportion of 0.1-20 % relative to the weight of the fiber; and a method for manufacturing same. According to the present invention, excellent resistance to chlorine-induced change in shade as well as chlorine-induced degradation can be afforded to the dyed union knit fabric.

Abstract: A tubular component made of composite material comprises a core of resistant fibers impregnated with a matrix of thermohardening resin. The core includes a tubular reinforcement made of fabric or of non-woven fabric. The tubular reinforcement comprises at least two coaxial adjacent layers which have reciprocal connection elements projecting radially.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the sterilization of the inside layer of a packaging material, the packaging material being produced as a laminate with an inside layer of a transparent thermoplastic which is applied on a reflective material layer. The sterilizing energy includes high energy light flashes emitted from one or more flash units, the light flashes being caused to act on the inside of the packaging material for purposes of exterminating bacteria and microorganisms present on the surface. Because the light flashes emitted from the flash unit are reflected by the reflective layer, the surface layer of the layer will be influenced by both the direct and the reflecting photoenergy from the flash units, the sterilizing effect being thereby improved. Packaging material well-suited for sterilization according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrically conductive rubber roller for electrophotography which changes very little in electric resistance with changes in environment. This roller is used for charging and image transferring processes in copying machines and laser beam printers. The roller comprises a porous body of crosslinking silicone composition, containing at least a silica type filler, carbon black a foaming agent and siloxane polymer; the composition has an electric resistance of 10.sup.3 -10.sup.8.

Abstract: A three-part laminate material for fabricating protective bags and cases which are used for storing and carrying items and equipment, the three parts being a hydrophilic layer for forming an inner liner which wicks moisture from the item, an open-cell foam middle layer integrally attached to the hydrophilic layer for floatation, impact resistance, and for receiving moisture from the hydrophilic layer, and a hydrophobic outer layer attached to the open-cell foam middle layer for preventing the penetration of liquid water and for allowing water vapor to evaporate therethrough.

Abstract: A sandwich type composite adhesive construction in a simpler form, composed of a central release liner having a permanent adhesive layer on one side thereof and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on the other side preferably separated therefrom by a release coat or member, and at least one release member on said adhesive layers but in a more complex form containing additional carrier layers or strengthening members including at least one or more support layers between two layers of permanent pressure sensitive adhesive. This adhesive construction provides a product, such as a pipe insulation that has unique properties and is cost effective.

Abstract: A process and composition for sealing a flanged metal enclosure both physically and electromagnetically by a gasket comprising metal-plated microporous polytetrafluoroethylene in either sheet or tube form. The sheets may be coated by conductive elastomers and the tubes filled with conductive elastomers.

Abstract: New plastic articles are disclosed and claimed having flame retardant properties which contain a core of a plastic polymeric material (thermoplastic, thermoset, rigid foam or semi-flexible foam polymeric material) which is coated with a protective, flame retardant layer comprising a mixture of a thermoplastic polymeric material and a flame retardant, char-forming, intumescent system. The new articles are suitable for the manufacture of e.g. rods, beams, pipes, hoses, non-tubular profiles and panels which are useful in various industries such as the building, automotive and mining industries.

Abstract: A composite is produced by depositing an organic slurry of ceramic matrix-forming material on a layer of fibrous material forming a tape therewith on drying, forming a layered structure of the tapes, laminating the structure, firing the laminated structure to burn out organic material and hot pressing the resulting porous structure to form a composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer foam heat-shrinkable tube comprising a hot-melt adhesive layer as the innermost layer, at least one non-foam layer and at least one foam layer provided on an outside surface of the hot-melt adhesive layer. The invention also relates to a method for producing a multi-layer foam heat-shrinkable tube comprising extruding a hot-melt adhesive layer as the inner most layer, at least one non-foam layer, and at least one foam layer to form a multi-layer foam tube, heating and expanding the inner diameter of the multi-layer foam tube, and cooling the expanded multi-layer tube while an inner diameter of the tube at the expanded state is maintained. The non-foam layers and foam layers can be provided in any number and any order.

Abstract: A plastic container having a multilayer label applied by in-mold labeling during the blow molding of the plastic container. The label comprises a non-cellular inner layer, an intermediate cellular layer compatible with the inner layer and heat bonded to the inner layer, and an outer non-cellular plastic layer compatible with the intermediate cellular layer and heat bonded thereto. The label is positioned in a mold cavity with the outer layer in contact with the mold. When a hot plastic parison at molding temperature is expanded by fluid pressure against the walls of the mold to form a container, the noncellular inner layer becomes bonded to the outer surface of the container by heat from the container.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight composite material having beneficial flexing characteristics is made using a unique reinforcement material. The reinforcement material comprises a fabric incorporating glass rovings with graphite tows in an architectural combination that retains the properties of both materials. Composite structures made using this reinforcement material with a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix are extremely lightweight, with desirable anisotropic flexing properties. The finished composite structure is extremely useful as an arch support in a shoe to absorb and distribute the forces generated by walking. In distributing forces on the foot such a support will provide the desired stiffness along the longitudinal axis while allowing increased flexibility along the transverse axis.

Abstract: A thin, tacky, non-pourable film of incompatible in situ-expandable thermoplastic particles and thermosettable matrix resin that contains an essentially uniform density and thickness across the breadth of the film. The in situ-expandable mass is not pourable yet can be easily dispensed in a uniform manner within a mold and thereafter expanded to the dimensions of the mold. Composites and reinforced compositions, as well as methods of molding, are disclosed.

Abstract: Aqueous fluoropolymer formulations containing in finely divided form from 15 to 75% by weight of a fluoropolymer which preferably has at least 40% by weight of tetrafluoroethylene units, from 0.5 to 10% by weight of an organic compound which has at least two, preferably 2-4, isocyanate groups and, optionally, up to 20% by weight of auxiliary or additive substances are prepared and used for coating yarn, in particular sewing yarn, and textile sheet materials.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. Disclosed is a carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Hallo-ween pumpkin, comprising a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin, elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.