Abstract: A seat cushion is described which has particular utility as a wheelchair seat cushion. The seat cushion includes a base layer of polyurethane foam with a front edge of greater height than the rear edge so as to define a downwardly sloping upper surface. The base layer supports an essentially constant thickness intermediate layer which is less firm than the base layer. The intermediate layer has a pair of laterally spaced recesses formed in the forward end of the intermediate layer which curve both upwardly and inwardly from the front edge of the intermediate layer. A top layer is secured to the intermediate layer and has a constant thickness. The top layer is formed of foam material which is less firm (e.g., a lower 65% IFD value) than the foam forming the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is formed of a foam which is less firm (e.g., a lower 65% IFD value) than the material forming the base layer.

Abstract: A mattress overlay cushion including three distinct zone sections with the intermediate zone section extending a greater distance longitudinally than the other two zone sections. Each zone section has a convoluted surface with a protuberance arrangement distinct from that of the others. A first and a second zone section feature a plurality of rounded peaks. Rounded peaks in the first zone are arranged in a plurality of transversely extending rows of individual peak members separated by valleys with the rounded peaks in each transversely extending row being offset transversely with respect to a longitudinally adjacent row. A plurality of peak members in the second zone are arranged in sets with each of the peak members within a particular set are joined at a base portion in a region above a maximum depth of the valleys such that adjoined peak members extend diagonally within each set. Thus, valleys are transversely positioned between adjacent sets of diagonally extending adjoined peak members.

Abstract: A method of preparing polyurethane packaging foam for dispensing into a container in which an article is present to be packaged for shipping, wherein the temperature of the polyurethane foam being dispensed into the container is reduced, as is the maximum reaction exotherm temperature. The method involves reacting polymeric isocyanate and polyoxyalkylated polyol precursors in the presence of water as the blowing agent for the foam. A nucleating agent is present in at least one of the precursors and is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the dispensing temperature of the foam reaction product but also the exotherm as the reaction continues to completion. Incorporation of a nucleating agent into the isocyanate and polyol resin components results in a carbon dioxide blown polyurethane packaging foam preferably having a density of 0.2 lb./ft..sup.3 to 2.0 lb./ft..sup.3.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a mixing, dispensing and purging apparatus of mutually reactive chemicals. The cartridge comprises a mixing assembly and purging rod. The mixing assembly includes a core member that is preferably deformable with an axial bore formed in it through which the purging rod reciprocates. The mixing assembly also includes a scraper assembly positioned within the mixing assembly. The scraper assembly includes two cup-shaped members positioned essentially in mirror image with each cup-shaped member including an aperture in its base through which the purging rod extends. An insert is positioned within both of the cup-shaped members and extends between the base of each cup-shaped members. The cup-shaped members and insert are designed to remove material built up on the reciprocating purging rod while keeping the rod aligned and preventing fluid flow through the scraper assembly. The scraper assembly thus alleviates the need for any solvent material.

Abstract: A resilient padding body which comprises an intermediate base layer and upper protruberances extending upwardly off the surface of the base layer and bottom protruberances extending downwardly off a lower surface of the base layer. The padding body includes longitudinal and lateral upper recesses which are formed between the upper protruberances. The upper protruberances have side walls which slope inwardly to form an object which is in the shape of a trancated pyramid and angled recesses. The base of the upper protruberances is essentially coplanar with the base member's upper surface. The base of each upper protruberance is separated by a slit which extends into the base member for about one half of the base member's thickness. The bottom protruberances include foundation sections which have vertical side walls. The foundation sections are spaced sufficiently to form a narrow channel between adjacent foundation section walls.

Abstract: A single layer mattress cushion formed of a common material throughout and having three distinct convoluted zones arranged along its length. The first zone is specifically configured for supporting the shoulder and head area of a person while the middle zone is specifically formed for supporting the torso area of a person and the third zone is specifically formed for supporting the feet and lower leg portion of a person. Each of the cushion's three separate sleep areas has a different compression modulus such that the middle zone provides a maximum dual level peak support for the torso area while the first zone section provides a mid-range support function to the head and shoulders of the person and the third zone section provides light and well ventilated support for the legs and feet of the user.

Abstract: An anti-snoring pillow which reduces the snoring by the user when sleeping by positioning the head of the user such that the degree of blockage in the user's breathing passageway is reduced. The anti-snoring pillow includes a base member which is preferably inclined and has a curved front edge which is lower in height than the rear edge. The upper surface of the base member adjacent the front edge has an elongated bolster secured thereto, which bolster is curved along its length to conform to the curved shape of the front edge of the base member. The bolster also includes a curved peripheral cross-sectional area for comfortable support of a user's neck. The bolster and the base member, and the choice of materials therefor act in conjunction to ensure comfort and also the positioning of a user's head so as to decrease the blockage of the user's breathing passageway when the user is in a back or in a side sleeping position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing flexible polyurethane foam having reduced discoloration which utilizes low molecular weight alkanes or mixtures thereof as auxiliary blowing agents. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of auxiliary blowing agents which are linear or branched alkanes having boiling points above -50.degree. C. and below 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A mixing, dispensing and purging apparatus for mutually reactive chemicals. The dispensing apparatus includes a cartridge comprising a mixing assembly and purging rod. The mixing assembly having a block of inexpensive monolithic design with an axial bore formed in it through which the purging rod reciprocates. The mixing assembly also includes a scraper assembly positioned within the block of material. The scraper assembly includes two cup-shaped members positioned essentially in mirror image with each cup-shaped member including an aperture in its base through which the purging rod extends. An insert is positioned within both of the cup-shaped members and extends between the base of each cup-shaped members. The cup-shaped members and insert are designed to remove material built up on the reciprocating purging rod while keeping the rod aligned and preventing fluid flow through the scraper assembly. The scraper assembly thus alleviates the need for any solvent material.

Abstract: A carpet underlay is described which consists of a cushion layer having a scrim layer attached to its undersurface by a solvent adhesive. The upper layer also has a solvent adhesive applied thereto and a double adhesive coated film is securely affixed to the cushion surface by the solvent adhesive layer and the adhesive on the film. A release film is disposed above the upper layer of the double adhesive coated film.

Abstract: A method for making a polyurethane elastomer tire fill composition wherein a mixture of a) a low functionality (2.0-2.3) 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, such as a carboiimide-modified (2.0 functionality) 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and b) a nonreactive diluent, such as an oil extender, is mixed with a polyol, such as polypropylene oxide triol. The reaction mixture is inserted into a tire casing under pressure and cured therein to form an essentially void-free tire filler. The tire fill composition maintains pressure within the tire during use and has excellent physical and thermal properties. No prepolymer step is necessary in the method.

Abstract: A laminated foam mattress overlay for preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers in bedridden individuals. The mattress overlay includes an upper layer of polyurethane foam laminated to a base layer of a different polyurethane foam. The upper lay features a polyurethane foam which is of a higher density than the base layer. The upper layer also includes a higher initial softness ratio than the base layer. The base layer has higher 5, 25 and 65% indentation load deflection values (ILD) than the corresponding ILD values for the upper layer which is attributable to the firmer support provided by the foundation or base layer. The base layer is preferably thicker than the upper layer which can include a checkerboard-like upper surface. The combination of layers provides for a reduction in pressure points in the areas of greatest concern such as the hip and heel.

Abstract: A laminated foam mattress for reducing or relieving the pressure exerted against a user of the mattress. The matress includes an upper and a lower layer of polyurethane foam each of which is laminated to a middle layer of a different polyurethane foam. The upper and lower layers feature a polyurethane foam which is of a higher density than the middle layer. The upper and lower layers also include a higher initial softness ratio than the middle layer. The middle layer has higher 5, 25 and 65% indentation load deflection values (ILD) than the corresponding ILD values for the upper and lower layers which is attributable to the firm support provided by the middle layer. The middle layer is preferably about twice as thick as the upper and lower layers. The upper and lower layers each include a checkerboard-like upper surface. The combination of layers provides for a reduction in pressure points especially in those areas most susceptible to skin ulcers such as the hip and heel.

Abstract: An anti-snoring pillow which reduces the snoring by the user when sleeping by positioning the head of the user such that the degree of blockage in the user's breathing passageway is reduced. The anti-snoring pillow includes a base member which is preferably inclined and has a curved front edge which is lower in height than the rear edge. The upper surface of the base member adjacent the front edge has an elongated bolster secured thereto, which bolster is curved along its length to conform to the curved shape of the front edge of the base member. The bolster also includes a curved peripheral cross-sectional area for comfortable support of a user's neck. The bolster and the base member, and the choice of materials therefor act in conjunction to ensure comfort and also the positioning of a user's head so as to decrease the blockage of the user's breathing passageway when the user is in a back or in a side sleeping position.