Foamed Or Cellular Component Patents (Class 428/158)
  • Publication number: 20020018875
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6344266
    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”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: St. Barsabas Inc.
    Inventor: John Charles Potocki
  • Patent number: 6342288
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Tada, Keiichiro Tabata, Toshiyuki Horimatsu
  • Publication number: 20020009574
    Abstract: Disclosed is a planographic printing plate precursor, comprising a hydrophilic support and an image forming layer containing oleophilic heat-fusible particles, wherein the hydrophilic support has voids and the void content is 20 to 40 ml/m2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Saburou Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 6324813
    Abstract: A flexible sleeve disposable about at least a portion of a flower pot or floral grouping is disclosed wherein the flexible sleeve is formed of a flexible, expanded core polymeric material in which at least one surface of the material has been textured or modified so that the material is provided with a cloth-like appearance. The flexible sleeve having a cloth-like appearance may also be provided with perforations at preselected areas. A method for making the perforations in the sleeve in preselected areas further comprises both vertical perforations and circumferential perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6303209
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus includes an electrical device generating heat in operation; a metal case conducting the heat generated by the electrical device, having an external surface, and containing the electrical device; and a film on the external surface including a foamed layer providing thermal insulation from the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6296913
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to decorative three-dimensional, detailed, sculptured items formed of foam plastic with contours and impressions of varying depth. It is attached to a desired surface via an adhesive layer. The items include detailed, sculptured, three-dimensional, predetermined ornamental creations on their front side with varying thicknesses and areas of impressions of varying thicknesses, and having substantially flat surfaces on their backs. There is also a reinforcement grid of a plurality of strands of material which have a tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the semi-flexible material contained within the semi flexible material. There is an adhesive applied to the flat surface of the present invention item, which may be protected before its use by a removable, peelable non-adhesive layer that attaches to the back of the item over the applied adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Mary Ann D'Andrade
  • Patent number: 6277468
    Abstract: The present invention provides a paper-laminated metal sheet having a structure in which at least one sheet of paper is laminated on at least one side of a metal plate via a pressure sensitive adhesive agent or an adhesive agent layer, and a protective layer is formed on a top surface of the paper-laminated side. With this structure, the paper-laminated metal sheet can be processed without wetting the paper with water, while thereby preventing the paper from being torn. In addition, the aesthetic appearance derived from the paper is kept for a long period of time. Due to high strength and processability derived from the metal base material, and high aesthetic appearance unbelievable for a metal plate derived from the paper, the paper-laminated metal sheet is valuable in various applications as a novel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsui Bussan Construction Materials Co., LTD
    Inventors: Tadashige Nakamoto, Hideki Nakamura, Takeshi Kii, Noboru Kishida, Koji Ishimoto, Mitsuo Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6265044
    Abstract: A vacuum covering method for covering a profiled surface of a base member with a sheet by effecting bonding between the sheet and the base member under vacuum, wherein the base member has a multiplicity of spaced vacuum grooves extending across the profiled surface. When air is evacuated from the vacuum grooves, the sheet is drawn by vacuum or suction down onto the profiled surface. The base member is injection-molded of synthetic resin and undergoes thermal shrinkage when it becomes cool after molding. With the vacuum grooves provided in the profiled surface, thermal shrinkage is distributed uniformly over the entire area of the profiled surface and does not generate shrink mark which may form a depression on a front surface of the sheet bonded to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tamio Furuya, Kenichi Chujo, Junichi Saita, Akihiro Kameshima
  • Patent number: 6251497
    Abstract: A foam board, for fabrication of sandwich panels made of a face sheets bonded over each side of the foam board, has two opposed planar faces having an embossed pattern in the faces. The embossed pattern has three series of parallel linear indentations, each of the series intersecting the other two series at an angle of 60°, such as a series of interlinked equilateral triangles angularly offset from the other two series. The indentations into the surface of the foam boards are sufficiently deep and close together to provide escape paths for volatiles generated during the bonding. In this way, the face sheets may be bonded over the foam board and the escape paths vent the volatiles and prevents the development of excessive pressure between the face sheets that otherwise would interfere with the bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Neil L. Hoopingarner, Barry D. Matin
  • Patent number: 6245410
    Abstract: Absorber elements are described of at least one composite material having absorbent elements on a support, in which a plurality of elements of a superabsorbent foam are arranged on at least one support in a grid pattern at distances such that the elements in the swollen state touch at their peripheries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Hähnle, Manfred Walter, Jürgen Tropsch, Jens Kremeskötter, Gunnar Schornick, Thomas Anstock
  • Publication number: 20010002293
    Abstract: A method for making a surface covering is disclosed which includes providing a surface covering having a backing layer, a foamable layer, and a design layer, wherein the design layer includes a portion of a pattern printed with at least one retarder composition. A wear layer is then provided on the design layer and the wear layer is cured. The foamable layer is thereby expanded to form a foam layer, and the pattern printed with at least one retarder composition is chemically embossed. The cured product is subsequently cooled to ambient temperature and then the top surface of the wear layer is subjected to a sufficient temperature to soften the wear layer. After being softened the wear layer is mechanically embossed with a surface texture, the embossed surface texture is set in the wear layer, and a top coat may then be provided on the embossed set wear layer. A surface covering having the various features described above is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Applicant: Mannington Mills of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Eby, Hao A. Chen, Alonzo M. Burns
  • Patent number: 6228463
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Hao A. Chen, Richard Judd, Isaac B. Rufus, Jeffrey R. Shultz
  • Patent number: 6224954
    Abstract: An insulating paperboard container is disclosed including a container body having a side wall and a bottom wall with the one side wall including a base layer and an insulating layer on at least a portion of the base layer, preferably on an inside surface of the side wall. The insulating layer being selectively adhered to at least a portion of the base layer such that the selective adhering of the insulating layer to the base layer creates air pockets between the insulating layer and the base layer with the air pockets being expandable in response to contact with a heated liquid. Such a container is formed from an insulating stock material comprising a paperboard base layer and an insulating layer overlying at least a portion of at least of one surface of the base layer with the insulating layer being selectively adhered to the surface of the base layer forming enclosed regions between the base layer and the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Mitchell, Gerald John Van Handel, Galyn A. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6217983
    Abstract: An R-foam having a surface with an electrically resistive ink layer that is continuous and an electrically conductive ink layer that is in a predetermined pattern. The resulting surface is thereby electrically modified to have a predetermined resistive taper across it according to a predetermined resistivity curve. The method of manufacturing the R-foam involves printing the ink layers to the surface in a predetermined pattern that results in the predetermined resistivity curve. The ink layers may be applied using silk screening, stamping, and ink jet printing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company
    Inventors: Shahriar Alam, Thomas A. Hunter, Michael J. Valle
  • Patent number: 6217973
    Abstract: A method for forming an angled plastic article of varying density whereby a blowing agent is added to a plastic material and the material is injected into a mold cavity of a mold unit. The interior walls of the mold cavity are maintained at a temperature sufficient to prevent the outer skin of the hardening plastic article from producing gas bubbles. The volume of the mold cavity is increased to allow bubbles to produce and uniformly distribute themselves throughout the mold cavity and then a reconversion phase is instituted whereby the desired density of the finished plastic article is achieved without voids or aberrations appearing in the surface of the plastic article. The mold unit is provided with extensible beveled edges which extend and retract as the mold cavity is enlarged and compressed. By this method, a resulting plastic article of varying density is produced having grooves running the length of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Siebolt Hettinga
  • Patent number: 6174587
    Abstract: A shock attenuation barrier including a plurality of layers successively arranged including a first layer, a second layer having a plurality of molded geometric shapes, a third layer including foam, a fourth layer having a plurality of molded geometric shapes and a fifth layer. Cavities defined by inside surfaces of the geometric shapes and a surface of the foam layer preferably are filled with a shock absorbing filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventor: Irving E. Figge, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6136415
    Abstract: An interior trim component such as a vehicle dashboard includes a substantially rigid and form-stable substrate of polypropylene and natural fibers, a supporting halo skeleton and other frame components heat fused onto the backside of the substrate, and a polyolefin foam layer as well as a decorative polyolefin cover film laminated onto the front side of the substrate. The foam layer has an increased thickness and a decreased foam density at sharply contoured or curved areas of the trim component, in comparison to the flat surfacial areas. As a result, the trim component has a desirable soft-touch characteristic and impact absorbing properties at all areas including protruding curves and edges. A method for forming such a trim component involves steps of pre-molding the foam layer and cover film by vacuum thermoforming, pre-molding the substrate by vacuum thermoforming, and then heat laminating the pre-heated, pre-molded substrate onto the pre-molded foam layer and cover film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: R + S Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Spengler
  • Patent number: 6120862
    Abstract: This invention discloses a substantially flat mechanically expandable pad, i.e., one positioned almost exclusively in the x-y plane, having a expandable member therein that once activated expands the mechanically expandable pad out of the x-y plane and into the z-direction. Such activation occurs when cinch members are used to contract the expandable member in the x or y-directions but cause its expansion in the z-direction. The pad is useful for cleaning, polishing, buffing, etc. and the expandable member has application in other types of absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yousef Georges Aouad, Cynthia Lee Alvis, Denise Jean Bien
  • Patent number: 6114008
    Abstract: A method for making a surface covering is disclosed which includes providing a surface covering having a backing layer, a foamable layer, and a design layer, wherein the design layer includes a portion of a pattern printed with at least one retarder composition. A wear layer is then provided on the design layer and the wear layer is cured. The foamable layer is thereby expanded to form a foam layer, and the pattern printed with at least one retarder composition is chemically embossed. The cured product is subsequently cooled to ambient temperature and then the top surface of the wear layer is subjected to a sufficient temperature to soften the wear layer. After being softened the wear layer is mechanically embossed with a surface texture, the embossed surface texture is set in the wear layer, and a top coat may then be provided on the embossed set wear layer. A surface covering having the various features described above is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Eby, Hao A. Chen, Alonzo M. Burns, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5972491
    Abstract: An object is to provide a thermoplastic resin molded article concurrently having excellent heat insulating properties, rigidity, and lightness, and to provide a method for producing the same. A molded article made from a thermoplastic molding material comprises: a multilayer structure portion having a surface layer composed of a non-foamed type of said molding material and an internal layer composed of a foamed type of said molding material; and a portion composed of only a non-foamed type of said molding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Chisso Corporation
    Inventors: Mikihiko Kimura, Michio Yoshizaki, Kouichi Honda
  • Patent number: 5972470
    Abstract: An absorption mat 1 receives organic hydrocarbons in liquid, paste-like or solid form, for example, oil, fats, fuels and solvents. The absorption mat includes a plate-like molded body 2 made of rubber granulate 3 or rubber shavings 3 bonded to each other to define a plate-like body. A base layer 6 resistant to the hydrocarbons is joined by vulcanization to the plate-like molded body 2. The base layer 6 is a composite base barrier layer including first and second layers (10, 12) made of hydrocarbon resistant material and a mesh-like support layer 14 is sandwiched and trapped between the first and second layers (10, 12) for preventing unwanted stretching of the mat during manufacture and when handling before placement on the ground or floor area and when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Clouth Gummiwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wilhelm Engst
  • Patent number: 5945200
    Abstract: A molded plastic product has a pad and a core. The pad is made of plastic foam and a skin that covers the surface and side face of the plastic foam. The core has a pad housing for accommodating the pad. A groove is formed partly or entirely along the side face of the skin. The plastic foam bonds the pad and core together. The groove prevents the plastic foam from leaking onto the surface of the skin and provides a function of firmly holding the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Inoac Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5939173
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellular material strip (100,200,300,400), whose surface is partly provided with an adhesive coat (10). The cross section of the cellular material strip, according to the invention, is comprised of the following: a first, in particular isosceles trapeze (12) with a first height (14) and a first long and a first short datum line (16,18), a rectangle (20) with long and short sides (22,24,26), in which case a first long side (22) of the rectangle terminates flush with the first long datum line (16) of the first trapeze (12), and a second, in particular isosceles trapeze (28) with a second height (30) and a second long and a second short datum line (32,34), in which case the second long datum line (32) of the second trapeze (28) terminates flush with a second long side (24) of the rectangle (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Vosschemie GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus-Wilhelm Voss
  • Patent number: 5939174
    Abstract: A method of mixing two or more kinds of adhesive resin liquids takes the steps of arranging such that resin outlet ports (6a, 7a) of feed tubes (6, 7) for feeding two or more kinds of resin material liquids which are hardened by reaction face a side skin surface (3b) of an ultrasonic wave transmission solid horn (3), allowing the resin material liquids to flow down passing along the side skin surface (3b) while applying ultrasonic vibrations to the resin material liquids, and guiding the resin material liquids to a distal end face (3a) of the ultrasonic wave transmission solid horn (3), thereby mixing the resin material liquids in an aerial state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Satoh
  • Patent number: 5916662
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Mark Joseph Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5885693
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: C.A. Greiner & Sohne Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Bernhard Eder, Franz Reitinger, Hans-Michael Sulzbach, Horst Klahre
  • Patent number: 5885675
    Abstract: The disclosed gelatinous cushion comprises a gelatinous material enclosed in a membrane fixed to a support. The membrane has at least one told and the gelatinous material assumes the shape of the fold. The fold is arranged in such a way that the membrane unfolds when pressure is exerted on the cushion. Advantages: the elimination of the membrane effect due to the compression of the gelatinous material in the membrane, the improvement of wearing comfort and of dampening properties. Application in particular to the making of highly comfortably nose-pads for eyeglass frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Epitact S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Martin
  • Patent number: 5871835
    Abstract: For sealing and for covering a gap, more particularly between a fixed and a movable body portion of a motor vehicle, independently of its width, a strip of cellular material (100) is emloyed, whose surface is partly provided with an adhesive coat (24) and which, at a predetermined point, possesses such a bend (14) that a first and a second cellular material strip leg (10,12) is formed in order to be able, when introducing into the gap to be sealed the cellular material strip with the cross swection of the legs, while following the introduction, the entire length of the cellular material strip over both legs prevents the cellular material strip from protruding from the gap and thus offers at the same time a sealing retaining force by means of the compressed legs so that the gap is covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Vosschemie GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus-Wilhelm Voss
  • Patent number: 5861201
    Abstract: A coextruded label material is provided which comprises a styrenic unfoamed layer and a styrenic foam layer wherein the styrenic unfoamed layer is the predominant portion as contrasted to the styrenic foam layer. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an additional clear or translucent unfoamed plastic layer is adhered to the unfoamed layer with printing interposed between the unfoamed layers. Printing is provided on the unfoamed layer of the coextruded material or other side of the additional clear or translucent unfoamed layer. A container package is provided wherein a label is cut from the label material and wrapped about a hollow container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Labels Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice W. Blackwelder, Louis M. DiBello
  • Patent number: 5851633
    Abstract: Packing is fixed to and adheres to a molded damper on the outer periphery of the both sides of the damper body like a frame. To prevent defective molded products, a portion of the damper body having the packing disposed thereon is made thicker than a portion without the packing so that resin can flow into the portion where the packing is disposed before it goes into the portion without the packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignees: Nippondenso Co., Ltd, Shimizu Industry Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chiharu Kamiya, Yoshihide Kanai
  • Patent number: 5849406
    Abstract: A ceramic composite panel comprising, a pair of skins disposed in spaced relationship to one another and, a ceramic foam disposed between the pair of skins is disclosed. The pair of skin comprises fibers disposed in a pre-ceramic resin in its ceramic state. The foam comprises a cured mixture of a pre-ceramic resin and a phenolic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: David Eric Daws
  • Patent number: 5843544
    Abstract: Methods and systems for forming hinged starch-bound matrices. Starch-based compositions are molded between heated molds in order to form a cellular matrix and also to remove the water from the starch-based compositions in order to form a binding matrix of solidified starch. The molding apparatus is configured to form one or more creases within the hinge area in order to define one or more lines upon which the hinge will bend. The molding apparatus is also configured such that the region of the mold corresponding to the inner surface of the hinge area will transfer heat more slowly to the inner hinge surface, resulting in reduced thickness of the skin of the inner hinge. This increases the collapsibility, or ability of the inner surface of the hinge to fold or buckle, during the bending action. This in turn reduces the bending radius of hinge such that the hinging action exerts less strain on the outer surface of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5840392
    Abstract: A self-adhering duct insulation board having a central foam insulation board with first, second, third, and fourth parallel outer board bend channels formed into an outer surface thereof and first, second, third, and fourth parallel inner board bend channels formed into an inner surface thereof, the first, second, third, and fourth outer board bend channels being oriented in parallel with the first, second, third, and fourth inner board bend channels, each of the first, second, third, and fourth outer board bend channels being arranged in relation to one of the first, second, third, and fourth inner board bend channels in a manner to form a flexible board bending hinge; an outer foil layer permanently attached onto the outer surface of the central foam insulation board, the outer foil layer forming four foil bend channels, one into each of the first, second, third, and fourth outer board bend channels of the central foam insulation board; an inner foil layer permanently secured to the inner surface of the cen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Kevin H. Clark, Deborah W. Clark
  • Patent number: 5773127
    Abstract: Improved durability and sharper chemical embossing images are obtained in a thick foamed thermoplastic floor structure by the use of an unfoamed inner layer. The floor covering is formed on a release paper and includes an unfoamed thermoplastic base coat, lower foamed thermoplastic layer, an unfoamed thermoplastic inner layer, an upper foamed thermoplastic layer and a clear coat. The enhanced chemical embossing is achieved by printing an inhibitor containing ink on the inner layer and below the upper foamed layer. Multilevel embossing is obtained by embossing both foamed thermoplastic layers or applying a growth-controlling agent to both surfaces of one foamable thermoplastic layer. The preferred embodiment includes a pearl platelet containing layer above the upper foamed layer to give the illusion of deeper embossing. The preferred embodiment also includes a wear coat of the reaction product of an aminoplast, a urethane and a polyol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela H. Martin, William J. Kauffman, Bruce F. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 5766719
    Abstract: A composite material comprised of a support (1) and a heat foamable material (8), with the heat foamable material (8) being contained into a room (7) defined by the support (1) so that when heat is applied, form expands out of the room (7). Additionally provided is an expanded seal (9) obtained by using a composite material as defined here before and to a process for the manufacture of such composite material. Other applications of the composite material such as structure reinforcement and vibration dampening, are further discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Magna Exterior Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Ralph Rimkus
  • Patent number: 5766720
    Abstract: An absorber of impact-caused vibrations which is excellent in absorbing impact-caused vibrations, particularly relates to vibration absorption from sports instruments, tools or bicycle associated with impact-caused vibrations, for example, with the absorber of impact-caused vibrations made of a weight and an elastomer attached to a part of devices such as grip end, absorbs impact-caused vibration energy by converting impact-caused vibrations of devices to moving energy of a weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamagishi, Hisashi Tazawa, Takehiro Hirahara
  • Patent number: 5753357
    Abstract: A moisture absorbent material comprises a porous matrix of absorbent alumina, the volume of the pores of the matrix being between 60 and 90%, preferably 80 to 85% of the volume of the material. The average diameter of the pores is between 5.times.10.sup.-9 and 1.times.10.sup.-6 m. The pores contain a crystalline deliquescent compound, preferably calcium chloride, in an amount of between 4 and 20%, preferably between 8 and 12%, by weight, excluding any water of crystallization, with respect to the total weight of the material. The absorbent may be incorporated in a shoe insole and absorbs up to 1.5 ml moisture per gram of dry material whilst generating heat, thereby maintaining the feet of the user both warm and dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: C. Filipitsch & Co. KEG
    Inventors: Claus Filipitsch, Oleg Ivanovitsch Talalaytschenko, Albert Wassiljewitsch Fedotov
  • Patent number: 5752926
    Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Landec Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew W. Larson, Steven P. Bitler, Lawrence C. Greene, David D. Taft, Ray F. Stewart, Valentine Y. Yoon, Thomas W. Ross, David A. Kamp, Edward E. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5733630
    Abstract: A process for preparing multi-level, selectively expanded, resinous sheeting comprising:(A) providing a composite comprising a backing material and adhered thereto a layer of a foamable resin which contains a blowing agent;(B) forming a partially printed composite by applying to a portion of the surface of the layer a composition containing an accelerator which functions to lower the temperature at which the blowing agent decomposes and by applying to some, but not all, of the other portions of the surface of the layer a composition containing an inhibitor which functions to decrease the activity of the blowing agent; and(C) forming the multi-level, selectively expanded, resinous sheeting by raising the temperature of the printed composite to a level such that the blowing agent decomposes and the resin fuses, the decomposition of the blowing agent evolving gas which causes expansion of the foamable resin in the portion where the surface is not printed and expansion of the foamable resin in the portion where t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Congoleum Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolf Frisch, Marina Gillis
  • Patent number: 5723199
    Abstract: A method of making ornamented elongate members, for example for picture frames, uses the steps of extruding a first material and cooling it so that it is substantially solid, extruding a second material along a surface of the first material, which is arranged to undergo a change enabling a firm bond to be formed between the materials, shaping the second material to produce surface ornamentation and cooling the first and second materials. This provides an inexpensive and quick way of producing ornamented members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Reddiplex Group PLC
    Inventor: Peter Lawrence Boot
  • Patent number: 5721034
    Abstract: Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process incorporating a resin distribution network. The structure includes cores each having a main feeder groove or channel therein. A resin distribution network is provided adjacent the core surface in fluid communication with the feeder groove. In a first embodiment, the resin distribution network comprises a plurality of microgrooves formed in each core surface. In a second embodiment, the resin distribution network comprises a separate distribution medium surrounding each core. Each core and associated resin distribution network is covered with a fiber material. The dry lay-up is placed against a mold and encapsulated in a vacuum bag. Uncured resin is fed under vacuum directly into the main feeder groove in each core via a fitting through the bag. The resin flows from the main feeder groove through the resin distribution network and outwardly into the fiber material and is allowed to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Scrimp Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William H. Seemann, III, George C. Tunis, III, Andrew P. Perrella, Rikard K. Haraldsson, William E. Everitt, Everett A. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5712018
    Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Congoleum Corporation
    Inventor: Rudolf Frisch
  • Patent number: 5710184
    Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Supreme Corq
    Inventor: Dennis L. Burns
  • Patent number: 5705252
    Abstract: An expanded resilient product and methods for making the same are disclosed. The product is characterized as a geometric solid of resilient material that has a plurality of slits formed therein. Each slit is defined by a first surface having a protruding portion and second surface having a recess portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the first surface which together form an interlocking fit between the two. Forces are applied to the product sufficient to dislodge a protruding portion of the first surface from the complementary recess portion of the second surface, thereby forming a plurality of gaps. The product is then permitted to relax, whereupon the protruding portions compressively contact the complementary recess portions of the second surface. But because of the interlocking fit, the protruding portions are prevented from re-engaging the recess portions and thereby maintain the expanded nature of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: James McKenzie Lea, Peter Dale Haggerty, Richard Charles Andler
  • Patent number: 5693393
    Abstract: A material for relief has a sheet obtained by heating and compressing a sponge made of a cellulose and a base attached to the back of the sheet. By forming a pattern on the sheet and supplying a water in such a manner as to correspond to the pattern, a raised-portion is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: T2 Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuma Harada
  • Patent number: 5686167
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Robert C. Bogert
    Inventor: Marion Franklin Rudy
  • Patent number: 5681652
    Abstract: The present invention provides a prooess for forming by extrusion a profile of extrudable material having a hard skin surface on a portion of the profile and a decorative enhancement on another portion of the profile. The decorative enhancement is formed integrally with the profile by use of an embossment technique on the profile before the extrusion material sets and hardens. The profile may be used in applications such as picture frames as well as door, wall and window moldings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Marley Mouldings Inc.
    Inventor: Carroll W. Cope
  • Patent number: 5639525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer compound for the production of sealing elements for vessel or container closures, which sealing elements when closed have a barrier effect preventing the penetration of gaseous or vaporous substances such as oxygen or aromatic compounds, in particular benzenes, phenyl ethers and suchlike into the vessel and/or show an excess pressure valve effect at interior vessel pressures of between approx. 3 and 10 bar and may be produced by mechanical forming of the unshaped thermally plastified polymer compound and its subsequent hardening directly on or in the vessel closure ("in shell" moulding), comprising a mixture of butyl and/or acrylate rubber and a polymer of an .alpha.-oleflnic unsaturated monomer as well as, if appropriate, one or several further polymer components and common additives such as glide enhancers, pigment, talcum and stabilizers. The invention further relates to a sealing element of this kind and a corresponding vessel or container closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: DS-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Tino Kuhn, Georg Schlenk
  • Patent number: 5633340
    Abstract: This invention relates to a molded object prepared from a copolyester having an inherent viscosity of 0.4 to 1.1 dL/g,wherein the acid component comprises repeat units from 90 to 40 mole % terephthalic acid and from 10 to 60 mole % of one or more additional dibasic acids selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, diphenyldicarboxylic acid, and stilbenedicarboxylic acid;wherein the glycol component comprises repeat units from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hoffman, Thomas J. Pecorini, James P. Dickerson, Joseph A. DeLoach