Abstract: Extruded foam reinforcement pieces are described for assembly in connection with innerspring assemblies and mattresses. The pieces have optimized cross-sectional configurations which can be consistently extruded in continuous strands which are then cut to length according to the type and size of innerspring assembly. The pieces are configured to engage various components of the innerspring, including spring coils, spaces between spring coils, and framing borderwires. The foam reinforcement pieces facilitate attachment and alignment of overlying material such as padding and upholstery and function to improve the support characteristics of an innerspring.

Abstract: A cavitated pad and innerspring assembly combination, for use in mattresses, furniture, or other cushioned flexible support structures, wherein coils of the innerspring assembly have terminal convolutions which extend beyond the coil body and are not connected to adjacent coils. A cavitated pad has openings in which the terminal convolutions fit, and the pad overlies the coil bodies. In one embodiment, the cavitations extend either partially or entirely through the pad. Upholstery is attached over the pad. The combination of coils with terminal convolutions positioned within the cavitations in the pad provides a dampened or attenuated dual spring rate support surface with controlled lateral deflection of the terminal convolutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing thermal insulation and fire-resistance to buildings, by filling voids or spaces in and around structural members with a low density thermally insulating and fire-resistant cementitious composition containing a high proportion of a relatively smooth-surfaced, vesicular, expanded perlite. The method includes placing a flexible, woven, fire-resistant bag in the space to be filled, so as to act as a containment vessel, pumping a cementitious composition into the bag to fill a space by conforming to the shape of the space, while the bag simultaneously contains the cementitious composition in the desired position, and allowing the composition to cure into a lightweight, fire-resistant, and thermally insulating concrete. The method is particularly useful in and directed to remedial, post-construction applications in occupied buildings.

Abstract: A process was developed for modification of the surface of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibres so that these fibres function as a reinforcing agent in a cold-molded cementitious composite at levels below 1% by weight. The surface modification treatment involves treatment of the fibres with aqueous alkaline hydroxide between 20.degree. C. and 95.degree. C. for between 20 minutes and 7 hours. The modified fibre is used to replace asbestos in the cementitious composite and it has been found that this improves both the green strength and the flexural strength of the autoclaved material.