Abstract: The invention intends to provide an electronic component mounting structure where the repairability and the impact resistance are combined. In an electronic component mounting structure, a plurality of solder balls disposed in plane between an electronic component and a substrate is melted to bond the electronic component and the substrate and a resin of which tensile elongation after the curing is in the range of 5 to 40% is filled in portions that are gaps between the electronic component and the substrate and correspond to at least four corners of the electronic component to reinforce. Since the reinforcement area is small, the repairability such as the easy removability of the resin and the reusability of the substrate are excellent, the resin itself is allowed to expand to the impact at the drop to play a role of reinforcing the bonding without breaking, and the impact resistance is excellent as well.

Abstract: A process for recovering waste latex material from a manufacturing plant, treating the recovered waste latex material, and subsequently utilizing the recovered and treated waste latex material in a manufacturing plant. Waste latex material is recovered and treated to provide a fine, sand-like material that is suitable for reintroduction into a latex adhesive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for the production of a laminate material for hook and loop closures, particularly for diaper closures, comprises laminating a textile material onto a carrier film having a surface structure that is suitable for forming a connection with the hooks of a hook and loop closure. The textile material is not connected with the carrier film over its entire area, and the textile material forming the cover layer of the laminate material is brushed after lamination.

Abstract: A process for recovering waste latex material from a manufacturing plant, treating the recovered waste latex material, and subsequently utilizing the recovered and treated waste latex material in a manufacturing plant. Waste latex material is recovered and treated to provide a fine, sand-like material that is suitable for reintroduction into a latex adhesive manufacturing process.

Abstract: Presently described are loop materials comprising continuous multi-filament textured yarns intermittently bonded to a backing. In one embodiment, the yarn has a denier of less than 50, an energy at break of at least 60 joules/g, and an elongation of less than 45%. The multi-filament textured yarns preferably have a basis weight of no greater than 10 gsm and in some embodiments no greater than 5 gsm. In another embodiment, the loop material has a basis weight of no greater than 5 gsm and is characterized by having a ratio of shear strength to yarn basis weight of at least 300 g(f)/(g/m2). Such loop material preferably comprises a yarn having a denier of less than 50.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and method of making it. In one aspect, the carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer. The method includes extrusion coating at least one homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer onto the back surface of a primary backing to provide an adhesive backing. The method can include additional steps or procedures, either separately or in various combinations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multiple layer composites suitable for use as wall and floor coverings, among other uses, that provide a strong durable structure and a soft textile or fabric face. The composite includes a face layer bonded to an adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer penetrates into the face layer. The face layer can have legs extending there from, and such legs are anchored by the adhesive layer to provide stronger attachment between the adhesive layer and the face layer. A backing layer may also be provided in contact with the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer also embeds into the backing layer, and the legs extending from the face layer may penetrate into the backing layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interior lining element, in particular for motor vehicles, with a decorative layer and a support layer, wherein an underlayer is provided, which is located opposite the decorative layer in the support layer, and the decorative layer and the support layer are embodied from yarn loops, or individual continuous narrow ribbons, as well as to a method for producing the interior lining element.

Abstract: Color, pattern, design, and/or the like is applied by means of a jet dye process, or any other secondary or post pattern application process, including but not exclusively, silk screen printing, rotary printing, etc., to a bonded carpet, where the yarn in the carpet is all white (no dye applied) or light colored or where the yarn is pre-dyed with a single or multiple colors or where the yarn is treated chemically. The bonded carpet preferably has a low face weight and flat, short, dense, vertical cut pile.

Abstract: Block seals of pile weatherstripping (6), which may be inserted in doorjambs or window sash and are sometimes called dust plugs (15), are provided by hinged segments (16-21) of a continuous length of pile weatherstripping folded against each other. The pile may have an infiltration barrier providing a fin (4) which extends along a continuous serpentine path having loops (8) bridging the hinges (3). The hinged sections are connected by an adhesive-backed sheet (5). The block seals are adapted to be manufactured by a continuous process where the backing or base strip (7) of a continuous length of pile weatherstripping (1) is slit or notched from opposite spaced edges, leaving sufficient material in the backing to provide the hinges (3). The continuous serpentine barrier fin (4) allows the dust plug (15) to be installed oriented either with the ends or sides of the pile facing the moving member of the door or window to be sealed, while maintaining the fin infiltration barrier.

Abstract: A pile article is provided having a band of textile material, and a plurality of fiber loops defining a pile having sides from ends extending longitudinally along the band. The band is ultrasonically welded to the ends and a portion of the sides of the pile, and is sufficiently wide to support the sides of the pile substantially upright. An interior textile strip may optionally extend longitudinally within the pile at the ends of the pile and within a portion of the pile sides.

Abstract: A composite sheet material for use as a portion of a tear away fastening system. The sheet material includes a substrate layer and yarns extending through the substrate layer such that the define an arrangement of looped elements projecting away from one side of the substrate layer. The looped elements are interconnected by portions of the yarns disposed across the other side of the substrate layer. A backing layer is disposed in overlying relation to the substrate layer to hold the yarns in place.

Abstract: A backing material is made of low-density and/or high-density polyethylene(s) and/or a flexibilizer to provide high-strength, low-cost, and recyclable backing material for fabrics. The backing material can incorporate polypropylene(s), additional flexibilizers, fillers, flame-retardants, anti-microbials, odor minimizers/eliminators, scent, and protectants for further desired properties.

Abstract: Weatherstripping is provided having a backing which a composite portion is either integral with or adhered to for reducing stretch and shrinkage in the weatherstripping. The composite portion is composed of strand portion, preferably a plurality of strands, embedded in a matrix. The strand portion may be fibreglass and the matrix may be polypropylene. The composite portion is bonded to or integral with the weatherstripping backing along its length such that the strand portion is oriented linearly in the same direction as the backing. The strand portion has a higher tensile modulus than the backing and thus provides resistance to stretching induced by pull forces during installation. The strand portion also tends to resist shrinkage in the backing.

Abstract: The suede-like fabric according to the invention is produced by the process which comprises the steps of supplying aqueous chemical composed of acrylic resin, emulsifying agent and water to treating rollers through chemical coating means; passing the raw fabric cloths between the treating rollers having the chemical supplied and supporting rollers to produce a uniform chemical coating of 70˜200 g/m2, the rollers pressing and fixing the passing raw fabric cloths; de-watering and drying the raw fabric cloths having the chemical coating fixed under pressing in a thermal chamber maintained at a temperature between 80 and 200° C.; and heating and pressing the dried raw fabric cloths by means of heating rollers at a temperature between 130 and 150° C. to finish the acrylic coating through this ironing step; and a further step of rubbing-off the coated surfaces of the raw fabric cloths for abrasion by rotating a striker drum made of wood for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A multi-layer sheet material for use as a portion of a tear away fastening system. The sheet material includes a substrate layer and loop forming yarns extending through the substrate layer such that the loop forming yarns define an arrangement of loop elements projecting away from one side of the substrate layer. The loop elements are interconnected by portions of the yarns disposed across the other side of the substrate layer. A backing layer is disposed in overlying relation to the substrate layer to hold the loop forming yarns in place.

Abstract: A covering for a floor, wall or ceiling surface includes tiles each having first and second discrete tile sections. The first section includes a primary backing exposed on one side of the tile forming a first discrete exposed surface portion and a plurality of yarns tufted into the primary backing with cut or loop yarns on the back side of the primary backing leaving backstitches forming a second discrete exposed surface portion of the first section. The primary backing and backstitches form the first and second surface portions, respectively, of the first section with aesthetic characteristics different from one another. The second section of the tile is formed of one of a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric and a tufted pile and which second section forms the remaining portion of the exposed surface of the tile.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersed polymeric composition for preparing the spill resistant carpet backing is provided. The aqueous dispersed polymeric composition of the present invention comprises an aqueous dispersed polymeric material, an inorganic filler, and a hydrophobic compound selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic acid, a salt of a hydrophobic acid, and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the inorganic filler is pretreated with the hydrophobic compound. Also, a kit and a method for preparing a spill resistant carpet backing from the aqueous dispersed polymeric composition is provided.

Abstract: Secondary carpet backings woven in a flat weave construction from warp tapes and multifilament picks with to about 100% theoretical coverage in the warp but less than full effective coverage and average pick counts of 12 to 20 per inch, such that the fabrics have weights of about 1.5 to about 7 osy and air permeability, provide dimensional stability and peel strength in carpets and facilitate robust cure rates in carpet manufacture.

Abstract: A pile article is provided having a band of textile material, and a plurality of fiber loops defining a pile having sides from ends extending longitudinally along the band. The band is ultrasonically welded to the ends and a portion of the sides of the pile, and is sufficiently wide to support the sides of the pile substantially upright. An interior textile strip may optionally extend longitudinally within the pile at the ends of the pile and within a portion of the pile sides.

Abstract: A pile article having a support strand for attachment to multifilament yarn to form a velour-like pile having loosely entangled filaments in spaced apart monolithic pile rows, a helically wound package of oriented pile articles for shipping and storage, and a pile surface structure comprising pile articles arranged in spaced apart rows on a substrate to form a pile surface that may be flat or moldable, and a method for making a pile surface structure by embedding the pile articles into the backing substrate. The pile surface structures may be usefully employed in automobile mats, carpets and panels.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for forming an improved lamination envelope (260) for use in forming a pre-press proof (200) which comprises laminating at least one surface of a lamination envelope (150) with a pre-laminate sheet (240) comprising a first thermoplastic layer (300) and a first support layer (145) having a first release layer (270) and first support base (310), forming a lamination sandwich (210). The first support layer (145) from the lamination sandwich (210) is removed forming a pre-lamination envelope (250). A stiffener sheet (170) is laminated to the pre-lamination envelope (250) forming an improved lamination envelope (260).

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a decorative wall 14 and ceiling device comprising a decorative base member 22, a peal-away back layer 38 and an adhesive layer 36. The decorative base member has embodiments comprising a flat surface embodiment 22, a flat surface embodiment having attachable pieces 24 and an embroidered embodiment 16 which utilizes a cut-out portion 42 as a part of the design. The body of the decorative member 22 may comprise cross-linked polyethylene foam 34 with a thin membrane film 38 being the peel-off backing. The present invention 10 can be cut and sized into a variety of shapes which can be used in combination 44 with each other.

Abstract: A tubular liner and a method for the rehabilitation of damaged conduits are disclosed. This tubular liner has unbound concentric outer and inner tubular jackets made of a flexible material capable of being impregnated with a curable adhesive resin. The tubular liner also has an impermeable film made of a material impermeable to liquid, bonded to an inner surface of the inner jacket.

Abstract: A floor covering article comprises a decorative fabric layer, pile yarns forming a decorative pile surface projecting from and partially covering the upper surface of the decorative fabric layer, and means for securing the pile yarns to the decorative fabric layer. The decorative pile surface covers between about 5% to about 95% of the upper surface of the decorative fabric layer so that the decorative fabric is clearly visible when the floor covering article is in planar orientation. The overall effect of the floor covering article, including the decorative fabric and the decorative pile surface, is decorative.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned floor covering article wherein the mat includes a tufted carpet placed on the top side of a foam rubber sheet and at least one foam rubber protrusion integrated within at least a portion of the bottom side of the foam rubber sheet. Such an article provides effective removal of moisture, dirt, and debris from the footwear of pedestrians through the utilization of a carpet pile component. Furthermore, the utilization of a foam rubber backing also allows for either periodic heavy duty industrial-scale laundering in such standard washing machines or periodic washing and drying in standard in-home machines, both without appreciably damaging the inventive floor covering article, such as a floor mat. Additionally, the presence of integrated foam rubber protrusions within the mat structure provides an effective cushioning effect for pedestrian comfort as well as a means to prevent slippage of the article from its contacted surface.

Abstract: A mixed media flock transfer, including an insert material, having a base sheet, with its surface area coated with a release adhesive, a patterned flock material having ends adhering to the release adhesive of the base sheet, in the form of a predetermined pattern, an insert material also having a predetermined pattern and which produces a design image being inserted at certain locations within the patterned flock, which when combined with the design pattern of the flock material, produces an overall image, the insert material also being secured to the base sheet by a pressure sensitive adhesive, both the patterned flock and insert material having a binding adhesive applied to their exposed surfaces, whereby the design image may be secured by the binding adhesive when transferred onto a product.

Abstract: A transfer comprising a flocking and non-compatible applique, the transfer to be applied to a material in a single application, the transfer being comprised of a release sheet to which flocking is applied in a desired pattern; an applique being cut to a desired pattern to fit with the pattern of said flocking, said applique being adhered to said release sheet; and a transfer adhesive applied over said applique and said flocking, said transfer adhesive being the type that adheres the transfer to a desired material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sealing and bonding the seams and edges of resilient and other types of floors, whereby specially formulated hot-melt sealants/adhesives are applied in molten form at the flooring installation site using a heated gun equipped with a specially designed tip. The hot-melt sealant/adhesive flows into and completely fills the seam and bonds to the edges of the flooring producing a bead of material that extends above the surface of the flooring. The specially designed tip facilitates this process by guiding along easily in the groove of the seam or joint and directing the molten sealant/adhesive accurately into the seam. The tip allows the seam or joint width to be very narrow and enhances sealing and adhesion by imparting heat to the edges of the flooring material. Upon cooling, a spatula knife or other appropriate tool is used to skive off the excess bead of material leaving it flush with the flooring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved loop portion of a hook and loop fastening system. The loop portion is a two-layer composite including a compressively resilient backing material and a layer of fibrous loop material. The loop material is placed adjacent the bottom surface of the backing material and then a plurality of the loop fibers are needled or stitched through the backing material to form a plurality of loops which project above the top surface of the backing material. Due to the resilient nature of the backing material, when a hook member is brought into engagement with the loop material, the backing material compresses thereby exposing a greater portion of the individual loops for engagement with the hooks. Once the hooks have been engaged, the backing material expands back to make the exposed portion of the loops smaller.

Abstract: The liquid-permeable composite nonwoven fabric for use in the body fluids absorptive articles such as sanitary napkins comprises a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric made from thermoplastic synthetic fibres and a plurality of continuous filaments made from thermoplastic synthetic resin being arranged parallel to one another and bonded to an upper surface of the nonwoven fabric at bonding zones arranged intermittently along and longitudinally of the respective filaments so that each filament may form bulges describing circular arcs above the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A back-up pad for supporting an abrasive article having projecting hooking stems. The back-up pad includes a support member and an engaging means provided on a major surface of the support member for releasably engaging the hooking stems of the abrasive article. The engaging means includes a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, a plurality of loops projecting from the first surface, and an adhesive applied to the second surface. The plurality of loops comprise a continuous strand, the strand including a plurality of loop portions projecting through the substrate from the second side to the first side to thereby form the loops, and a plurality of connecting portions between the loop portions. The substrate is located between the loop portions and connection portions of the strand, and the adhesive adheres the connecting portions of the strand to the second surface of the substrate. Also disclosed is an engaging means for use with a back-up pad, and a method of stitching the engaging means.

Abstract: A fusion bonded carpet in which the pile yarn is secured in a non hot-melt latex adhesive base and methods of manufacture of such carpet.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member, a process for manufacturing the reinforced structural member, and a method of connecting the reinforced structural members to one another are presented. The reinforced structural member includes a reinforcing material which is bonded to a wooden substrate in areas of anticipated connection of the reinforced structural member. The reinforcing material may comprise a fiberglass sheet, a wood laminate sheet, a coating of epoxy resin, or a combination of any of the foregoing.

Abstract: A sheet material having a decorative surface and a working surface, for application to a support surface is disclosed. A substantial area of the working surface is provided with a tacky, discontinuous layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. A pattern of non-adhesive projections which have a height equal to or greater than the thickness of the adhesive are provided within the discontinuities on the working surface.

Abstract: Polyolefin yarn capable of increased shrinkage comprising continuous strand of multiple monofilament fibers or staple fibers of propylene polymer material consisting essentially of at least about 5 parts by weight, but less than 50 parts by weight of syndiotactic propylene polymer having a syndiotactic pentad fraction of 0.7 or more, blended with crystalline isotactic propylene polymer, each propylene polymer material independently selected from the group consisting of:(I) homopolymers of propylene; and(II) random crystalline propylene copolymers, terpolymers or both, consisting essentially of from about 80 to about 98.5% of propylene; and from about 1.5 to about 20.0% of at least one comonomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene and C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefins; said copolymer preferably containing from about 2 to about 10% ethylene when said C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin is not present; and said terpolymer preferably containing from about 0.5 to about 5% ethylene when said C.sub.4 -C.sub.

Abstract: A bonded pile fabric is provided which comprises a base layer and a pile forming yarn adjacent to the base layer. The pile forming yarn is tacked to the base layer preferably by the introduction of heat prior to the application of adhesive which is preferably a low viscosity latex. A method and apparatus for making the bonded pile fabric are also provided.

Abstract: A geosynthetic clay liner is disclosed for providing barriers in landfills that substantially preclude the migration of liquids. The geosynthetic clay liner includes a layer of bentonite disposed between a primary carrier sheet and a cover sheet. The primary carrier sheet and the cover sheet are linked via plurality of tufting threads. A bight or loop portion of the tufting thread extends through to the undersurface of the lower or primary carrier sheet and is partially melted to prevent the bight portion from slipping back through the primary carrier sheet. The partially melted bight portions create an under surface with a high coefficient of friction thereby enabling the geosynthetic clay liner to be installed on steep slopes or banks of landfills or ponds.

Abstract: A composition for carpet backings which comprises:(a) an aqueous dispersion of a high molecular weight polymer; and(b) a blocked polyisocyanate in amounts of about 0.5-30 parts by weight in relation to 100 parts by weight of the solids of the aqueous dispersion.The composition preferably further contains a melamine resin in amounts of about 0.1-10 parts by weight, and/or a vulcanizing agent in amounts of about 0.5-10 parts by weight, each in relation to 100 parts by weight of the solids of the aqueous dispersion.The carpet having backings formed with the composition is excellent in washability so that there takes place little shrinkage and curling after repeated washing.

Abstract: A mat or rug having a laminate structure is described composed of (A) a reverse side mat layer including (a) a laminated mat composed of (a.sup.1) base fabric and (a.sup.2) nonwoven fabric made of a thermoplastic resin fibrous binder, the base fabric (a.sup.1) and nonwoven fabric (a.sup.2) being united by needling, (b) cut piles made of a thermoplastic resin implanted from one side of the laminated mat (a), and (c) a resin adhesive layer formed by coating a liquid resin adhesive on the nonwoven fabric (a.sup.2) on the side opposite to the cut piles (b) and drying, (B) a thermoplastic resin adhesive layer, and (C) a surface mat layer, wherein the surface mat layer (C) is adhered via the thermoplastic resin adhesive layer (B) to the reverse side mat layer (A) on the side of reverse side mat layer (A) on which the liquid resin adhesive has been coated, wherein the cut piles (b) are implanted under the following conditions:Implanting density: 16 to 400 roots/in.sup.

Abstract: An anti-fouling surface structure having a multiplicity of ribbons made of plastics thin film and planted on a surface and a method of planting ribbons on a substrate. The ribbons fixed to the surface flutter in sea-water so as to prevent marine growth on the surface. The anti-fouling surface structure may be realized by directly planting ribbons on the surface of a structure to be protected or covering the surface of the structure by a covering material which has a multiplicity of ribbons planted on a substrate sheet or string. The method of planting ribbons comprises the steps of slitting a wide film into a multiplicity of parallel ribbons, flexing and folding the multiplicity of ribbons simultaneously in the direction perpendicular to the slitting direction thereby forming crests ribbons on opposite sides, bonding the ribbons to a substrate at their crests on one side, and cutting the crests opposite to the bonded crests.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet material adapted to be cut into smaller pieces to form portions of a fastener. The method comprises providing a backing laminate comprising a layer of base material and a sealing layer of heat softenable polymeric material along a back surface of the base material; stitching a plurality of yarns through the base material to form loops projecting from a face surface of the base material and locking portions of the stitch adjacent the back face of the base material; and heating the polymeric material to adhere it to the locking portions of the stitches. The sheet material can then be used if loops are desired, or the loops can be cut to form hooks or heated to form headed projections on the sheet material.

Abstract: A woven fabric, namely a velours, consists of a foundation fabric and a pile layer of synthetic fibers, at least the pile fibers having a strong crinkle in the untreated woven state. The fiber sections of the pile fibers projecting out of the foundation fabric are permanently uncrinkled, straightened and largely paralleled in the nap surface area and assume an essentially straight position while the pile fibers in the area of the foundation fabric still have the initial crinkle. Due to this, a very easy-to-care-for velours is created with excellent pile retention in the foundation fabric.

Abstract: A pile fabric is formed of interengaging ground yarns and cut pile tufts. The tufts are formed of wrap yarns extending upwardly from the ground yarns and forming the face of the fabric. Each of the wrap yarns comprises a body strand of untwisted staple fibers and a crimped textured binder strand which has extensible and retractable properties. In the wrap yarn, the binder strand is helically wrapped around the body strand in an axially extended and tensioned condition and is reduced in bulk compared to the condition the binder strand would assume when relaxed. When tufts formed of such wrap yarns are cut to form the face of a cut pile fabric, the binder strands retract and position themselves inwardly away from the face of the pile fabric so as to be hidden among the pile tufts and not visible. The retraction of the binder yarns and the appearance, hand and integrity of the resulting fabric can all be enhanced by various finishing processes.

Abstract: A pile fabric is formed from interengaging ground yarns and cut pile tufts formed of wrap yarns extending upwardly from the ground yarns to form the face of the fabric. Each of the wrap yarns comprises a body strand of untwisted staple fibers and a binder strand helically wrapped around the body strand. The binder strands are preferably crimped textured strands and formed of a thermoplastic polymer having heat shrinkable and fusible properties and a relatively low melting point of less than about 300.degree. F. The staple fibers and ground yarns are formed of a material unaffected at the relatively low melting point of the binder strand. When a moderated amount of heat is applied to a cut pile fabric formed from such wrap yarns, the binder yarns shrink and are retractably positioned inwardly away from the face of the pile fabric and are hidden among the pile tufts and not visible.

Abstract: A tufted fabric suitable for use as a throw rug or carpet is formed having a unique and appealing visual appearance and a lush, rich texture. The pile fabric is characterized in that the pile portion is formed from fabric strips, such as strips of woven fabric, which extend from a backing fabric. The strips may be of a uniform color throughout the fabric or may be of different colors to form a multi-color appearance. The fabric strips may also contain printed patterns thereon which present unique pattern effects in the pile fabric.

Abstract: A machine for producing pile fabric comprises a sonotrode (1) , a matrix (4) of tubes (5) bringing threads (10) onto a support sheet (7) for the purpose of welding rows of loops to the surface of this sheet. The matrix (4) is guided between slides (6) which are parallel to the longitudinal axes of the tubes (5) and perpendicularly to the surface of application of the sonotrode (1) vibrations. A driving mechanism (13, 14, 15) periodically brings the extremities of the tubes (5) from which the threads leave against the sonotrode (1) by pressing the base of a row of loops and the support sheet (7) against the sonotrode in order to cause them to be welded together.

Abstract: An improved pile-type, fin weatherstrip includes an elongated V- or U-shaped barrier fin bonded to a base strip and located between a pair of upstanding pile fiber arrays. The barrier fin is formed of thermoplastic film which is preferably smooth, but which may be roughened, dimpled or otherwise provided with a large number of pockets, or which may have a flocked surface. A lubricant grease is provided in the channel shaped cavity of the barrier fin, which lubricant is progressively dispensed in response to a wiping action type of movement which occurs when the barrier fin is compressed by the pile arrays during usage. The lubricant grease is exuded progressively over the useful life of the weatherstrip toward the free edges of the barrier fin located at or near the forward projecting face of the weatherstrip where such grease is dispensed in small amounts to decrease breakaway force, lower sliding friction and improved air infiltration characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cushioned floor covering article wherein the mat includes a tufted carpet placed on the top side of a foam rubber sheet and at least one foam rubber protrusion integrated within at least a portion of the bottom side of the foam rubber sheet. Such an article provides effective removal of moisture, dirt, and debris from the footwear of pedestrians through the utilization of a carpet pile component. Furthermore, the utilization of a foam rubber backing also allows for either periodic heavy duty industrial-scale laundering in such standard washing machines or periodic washing and drying in standard in-home machines, both without appreciably damaging the inventive floor covering article, such as a floor mat. Additionally, the presence of integrated foam rubber protrusions within the mat structure provides an effective cushioning effect for pedestrian comfort as well as a means to prevent slippage of the article from its contacted surface.

Abstract: A carpeted, automotive vehicle, load floor including a compression-molded composite panel is provided. A cover of the load floor covers a storage area of the vehicle and is pivotally connected to the composite panel. A substantially continuous carpet layer is bonded to the top surface of the panel and the top surface of the cover to at least partially form the carpeted load floor having a carpeted cover. A living hinge allows the carpeted cover to pivot between different use positions including open and closed positions. A decorative, noise-management covering layer is bonded to the bottom surface of the cover to reduce the level of undesirable noise in a passenger compartment of the vehicle in the closed position and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the bottom of the cover in the open position.