Abstract: A floating fender consisting of a matrix, in solid form, made of rubber having a density not exceeding 0.91 which is free of gas-filled or air-filled closed pores, and from 5 to 20 parts by weight per one hundred parts by weight of the rubber of carbon black having a particle size smaller than 35 nanometers. The carbon black is dispersed throughout the matrix as a filler and the completed fender has an overall density not exceeding 0.97. The fender has a modulus at 25% elongation of at least 3.5 kg/cm.sup.2 and a tear resistance of at least 10 kg/cm.sup.2 and the carbon black incorporated as a filler in the solid form matrix is utilized solely for its small particle size and high structure, to wit a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption higher than 130 ml/100 gm and a specific surface greater than 130 m.sup.2 /gm.

Abstract: A foam-padded article such as an auto seat cushion having an outer upholstery integrally adhered to the foam is made by vacuum forming an airtight upholstery layer to which the foam adheres and then introducing the foamable cushioning material and foaming it into contact with the formed upholstery. Controllable folds are intentionally formed in desireable locations in the article, as for example, in one or more corners of a cushion not subject to heavy wear, by pressing one or more fold-forming plates into the upholstery layer in the forming mold before the foamed cushioning material sets thereby tensioning the remainder of the layer. The apparatus yieldably clamps the edges of upholstery surrounding the area to be folded while non-yieldably clamping it in areas to be tensioned. The folds so formed may be sealed with an adhesive before foaming occurs thereby assuring more permanent tensioning of the upholstery in the product.

Abstract: A dilation joint strip of rubber, synthetic rubber or other synthetic material having a substantially flat middle portion and side wings, said side wings being provided with anchorage means for anchoring said wings in concrete, the substantially flat middle portion being provided at either side with a strip of elastic cellular material extending in the longitudinal direction of said substantially flat middle portion.