Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Timothy D Colyer

William J Kauffman

Martin Dees

John R Eshbach, Jr

Ralph W Wright, Jr

Darryl L Sensenig

Cheryl W Landers

Christopher K Moore

Disclosed is both a product and method relating to a decorative metallized laminate. The laminate comprises a substrate and at least two laminated films, wherein one of the films is a metallized film. The method comprises a dual film continuous dual laminating process for producing a metallized laminate.

Method for making metallized decorative laminate

A multi-dimensional image is obtained in a substantially flat surface covering by aligning the platelets of a platey material in the optical surface of the surface covering parallel to the exposed surface of the surface covering and realigning predetermined platelets to a predetermined angle with respect to the original alignment. The platelets can be realigned by pressing a gelled transparent or translucent element into the platey material containing layer or by mechanically embossing the platey material containing layer.

Decorative surface covering with controlled platelet layer orientation

A method of manufacture for producing a decorative laminate which exhibits through-color printing is provided in which a layer of absorptive PVC resin particles of substantially only one particle thickness is printed with, for example, three differently colored vinyl plastisol printing inks. The decorative article is useful as a floor covering.

Method for making a decorative laminate

A decorative laminate is provided which includes a printed layer of absorptive PVC resin particles of substantially only one particle thickness which can be printed with, for example, three differently colored vinyl plastisol printing ink compositions, and which exhibits through-color printing. The decorative article is useful as a floor covering.

Decorative laminate

A substantially non-overlapping tightly packed layer of plastic chips is formed and attached to the surface of a substrate by a method in which the chips are dispersed onto the surface of a liquid, flowing from a first location to a second location. The rate of flow of the surface of the liquid is reduced at the second location to cause the chips to pack together in a single-chip-thickness layer. The layer of chips is then removed from the liquid by passing a porous web upward at an angle from below the liquid surface through the chip layer-liquid interface. The chip layer is then transferred to a heat-sensitive transparent adhesive coating on a suitable prepared substrate and secured thereon by means of heat and pressure. A resinous wear layer which is transparent after fusion is then applied. Prior to fusion of the wear layer, it may be passed beneath a smoothing blade or, if a more embossed surface texture is desired, beneath an air knife to move some of the resinous wear layer material from between the chips onto the surfaces thereof.

Flotation method for orienting chips in the manufacture of surface

A decorative laminate having a differential texture and a differential gloss, and a method of manufacture therefor, are provided wherein the laminate has an embossed surface comprising raised segments which contain PVC resin particles adjoining recessed segments which do not contain PVC resin particles whereby the raised and recessed segments impart a relief pattern on the surface of the decorative laminate, and the raised segments have a rougher surface texture and a lower gloss than the recessed segments. The decorative article is useful as a floor covering.

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Columbia, PA, United States of America

Timothy D Colyer