Abstract: New cross-linked polymeric foam compositions, and methods for making the same, are provided. The new compositions utilize novel cross-linked polyolefin copolymers and show improvements in strength, toughness, flexibility, heat resistance and heat-sealing temperature ranges as compared to conventional low density polyethylene compositions. The new compositions also show processing improvements over linear low density polyethylene. The novel polyolefins, which are essentially linear, comprise ethylene polymerized with at least one alpha-unsaturated C3 to C20 olefinic comonomer, and optionally at least one C3 to C20 polyene, and exhibit, in an uncross-linked sense, a resin density in the range of about 0.86 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.96 g/cm.sup.3, a melt index in the range of about 0.5 dg/min to about 100 dg/min, a molecular weight distribution in the range of from about 1.5 to about 3.5, and a composition distribution breadth index greater than about 45 percent.

Abstract: The invention relates to foam structures with enhanced physical properties which can be used in the areas of packaging, athletics, water sports, and construction. In general, the structures are laminated polymer foams that include a core of a low density foam and one or more skins of relatively high density foam covering the core. The skins provide improved physical properties to the foam structures by improving the flexural strength, resistance to bending, and resulting damage from bending in the laminated foam structure while modestly increasing the weight of the laminated structure, for example. Uses of the foam structures include, but are not limited to, packaging materials, gym mats, body boards, or eaves fillers.

Abstract: The invention relates to foam structures with enhanced physical properties which can be used in the areas of packaging, athletics, water sports, and construction. In general, the structures are laminated polymer foams that include a core of a low density foam and one or more skins of relatively high density foam covering the core. The skins provide improved physical properties to the foam structures by improving the flexural strength, resistance to bending, and resulting damage from bending in the laminated foam structure while modestly increasing the weight of the laminated structure, for example. Uses of the foam structures include, but are not limited to, packaging materials, gym mats, body boards, or eaves fillers. The skin can act as a hinge to fold a die cut piece into a collapsible packaging system.

Abstract: Open cell foamed articles including silane-grafted single-site inititiated polyolefin resins are described. The single-site initiated olefin polymer resin can be a polyethylene, a copolymer of ethylene, a C3-C20 alpha-olefin, or a copolymer of ethylene, a C3-C20 alpha-olefin and a C4-C20 diene. The open cell foamed articles have good cushioning properties and can be non-allergenic.

Abstract: The invention relates to physically-blown low density polyethylene (LDPE) foams that are blends of an LDPE resin and a silane-grafted single-site initiated polyolefin resin. The LDPE resin generally has a density between about 0.91 and about 0.93 g/cm.sup.3 and a melt index greater than 1, and the silane-grafted single-site initiated polyolefin resin generally is a copolymer of ethylene and a C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 alpha-olefin that has a density between about 0.86 and about 0.96 g/cm.sup.3 and a molecular weight distribution between about 1.5 and about 3.5.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a cross-linked, rigid, polyethylene, foam sheet product, which method comprises heating at least one surface of a cross-linked, polyethylene, foam sheet material, to a temperature sufficient to cause a slight surface post-expansion of the foam sheet material, contacting the heated, post-expanded, foam surface with a cold metal element, to form a cross-linked, polyethylene, foam sheet product of the desired, accurate thickness, or having a desired three-dimensional design on the cross-linked, foam sheet material.

Abstract: A tubing plank is fabricated from foamed tubular members positioned parallel to and adjacent each other, the members having substantially coplanar longitudinal axes, and each member secured to each adjacent member along adjacent sidewalls to form a planar member. A sheet member may be applied to at least one face of the tubing plank, each sheet member forming a contact area. In another embodiment, tubular members are positioned parallel to and spaced apart from each other, adhered to at least one sheet member. A second sheet member may be adhered to the opposite face of the tubes from first sheet.

Abstract: A multicolored foam product and a method for the preparation thereof. Heat-plastified foamable gel of a thermoplastic resin or resins containing blowing agents are combined with different coloring materials added sequentially and extruded through an orifice of a die which is extended in length to facilitate laminar flow in the resin. This resin is expanded to form a multicolored layered foam product, such as multicolored foam planking, in a single extrusion. Multicolored foam planking produced is suitable for use as the body material for surfboards, body boards, and other recreational products.

Abstract: An improved cushioned shipping bag is disclosed, together with a unique method of continuously making the bags. The improved bag protects objects from being damaged when they are transported, shipped, handled or sent in the mail. A continuous layer of foamed plastic sheet material is positioned on and affixed (laminated) to a continuous layer of relatively thin sheet material. The laminated layers are then folded with the foamed plastic sheet material positioned on the inside; the folded laminated layers are subsequently heat sealed, glued or the like together at predetermined positions along the continuous laminate. The cushioned bag blanks subsequently are cut from the continuous laminate. In this manner, three sides of the objects to be shipped. The open end of the bag is provided with a foldable flap which is used to seal the bag after the objects are placed inside it.

Abstract: An improved cushioned shipping bag is disclosed, together with a unique method of continuously making the bags. The improved bag protects objects from being damaged when they are transported, shipped, handled or sent in the mail. A continuous layer of foamed plastic sheet material is positioned on and affixed (laminated) to a continuous layer of relatively thin sheet material. The laminated layers are then folded with the foamed plastic sheet material positioned on the inside; the folded laminated layers are subsequently heat sealed, glued or the like together at predetermined positions along the continuous laminate. The cushioned bag blanks subsequently are cut from the continuous laminate. In this manner, three sides of each bag are sealed and one end is left open for insertion of the objects to be shipped. The open end of the bag is provided with a foldable flap which is used to seal the bag after the objects are placed inside it.

Abstract: A tear and puncture resistant and padded shipping bag is formed from a laminate including at least one layer of tear resistant, synthetic fibrous material, and at least one layer of synthetic foam padding. The fibrous material and the padding are secured together at contiguous faces by, for example, an intermediate thermoplastic layer bonded between the tear resistant and padding layers. The bag, so formed, is particularly appropriate for containing pointed or sharp edged objects.