Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or a diblock copolymer resin at least partially cured into gel particles into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form a cured gelatinous elastomer or gel, which is then reduced in size, for instance to give an average particle size of 10 millimeters or less. Polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate forms polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink.

Abstract: Methods and combinations for making and using reflective particulate foam comprising flexible cellular foam and a plurality of reflective particulates randomly and/or uniformly dispersed during the production of the reflective particulate foam. Reflective particulates have reflective surfaces which are visually distinguishable as individual reflective particulates without the use of magnification. Reflective particulate foam provides a novel and uniquely distinguishable appearance for use on, under, or within mattresses, pillows, bedding products, medical cushioning foams, outdoor bedding pads, pet beds, outdoor pillows, cushioned display cases, cushioned package containers, and other cushioning products.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized A-B-A triblock copolymer resin and/or an A-B diblock copolymer resin into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form the gelatinous elastomer in-situ while simultaneously polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate to form polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to melt the styrene-portion of the A-B-A triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the A-B-A triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The combination has a marbled appearance. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink. Another advantage of in situ gel-foam is that the gel component provides higher support factors compared to the base foam alone.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer containing one or more phase change materials, known as “phase change gel”, and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing at least partially cured phase change gel particles comprising plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or diblock copolymer resin and one or more phase change materials, into a mixture of polyurethane foam-forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The phase change gel can be crosslinked to form a cured gelatinous gel, which is then reduced in size before introduction. After the foam-forming components polymerize to make polyurethane foam, the phase change gel particles are discrete visible particles dispersed throughout the foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking.

Abstract: Methods and combinations for making and using one or more graphite enhanced thermally-conductive foam (TC Foam) layers located on, under, or in cushioning foams and mattresses. Enhanced thermally conductive foam layers may be placed between on, under, within, or between other layering substrates to increase the overall cooling capability of the composite. TC Foam may be used in mattresses, mattress topper pads, pillows, bedding products, medical cushioning foams, and similar materials used in bedding applications.

Abstract: Methods and combinations of mattress support surfaces comprising one or more flexible polyurethane foam layers containing highly thermally-conductive solids, such as diamond or silicon carbide, and said layer combination is capable of transferring heat from a warm surface, such as a person sleeping on a bed, to a cooler region at a faster rate throughout the mattress than the thermal dissipation rate obtained from flexible polyurethane foam without highly thermally-conductive solids.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a novel liquid gel mixture comprising at least one flexible polymer carrier, parachlorobenzotrifluoride, optional thermally-conductive materials, and optional performance-enhancing additives; using the liquid gel mixture for making surface-infused layers on layering substrates; and using combinations of surface-infused gel layer and layering substrate in cushioning foams and mattresses. Layering substrates are surface-infused with a liquid gel mixture and may be compressed to increase the penetration depth of liquid gel mixture into the substrate layer surface. This compositions may be used in mattresses, mattress topper pads, pillows, bedding products, furniture upholstery, pet beds, medical cushioning foams, seat cushions and backs, automotive foam, sports cushioning, transportation cushioning, headrests, arm rests, personal protective equipment, toys, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and combinations for making and using one or more thermally conductive cellular foam layers comprising flexible cellular foam and metallic material particulates, and said thermally-conductive cellular foam layers may be located on, under, or in cushioning foams and mattresses or placed between on, under, within, or between other layering substrates to increase the overall cooling capability of the composite. The thermally conductive foam may be used in mattresses, pillows, bedding products, medical cushioning foams, and similar materials used in bedding environments.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or a diblock copolymer resin at least partially cured into gel particles into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form a cured gelatinous elastomer or gel, which is then reduced in size, for instance to give an average particle size of 10 millimeters or less. Polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate forms polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink.