On Film, Sheet Or Web Patents (Class 264/466)
  • Patent number: 4886630
    Abstract: A method of producing a skin-covered pad for a seat, which includes by steps (a) preparing a lower mold which has a cavity formed therein, the mold having projections on a bottom of the cavity; (b) putting a bag-shaped outer skin member into the cavity, the skin member being thermally plastic; (c) putting an upper mold on the lower mold to close the cavity, the upper mold having an aperture formed therethrough; (d) projecting a press member into the cavity through the aperture, the press member having at its work head recesses which are shaped to match with the projections of the lower mold; (e) pressing the recessed work head of the press member against the projections of the lower mold with an interposal of a part of the outer skin member therebetween; (f) heating the work head of the press member thereby to soften the part of the outer skin member; (g) separating the work head of the press member away from the projections of the lower mold; and (h) pouring a liquid material for foamed plastic into the cavi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sugiura, Ichiro Matsuura, Fumio Miyauchi, Toyoharu Chiyoshi
  • Patent number: 4873036
    Abstract: In a method of making an integrally foam-molded seat by disposing a trim cover in a molding cavity of a mold used for molding a polyurethane foam and having a seat surface pattern embossed on its inner wall of the molding cavity, injecting a polyurethane resin solution into the molding cavity of the mold and foaming the polyurethane resin to mold the polyurethane foam integrally combined with the trim cover, a material not adhesive to the polyurethane resin is applied onto an inner surface of at least a side part of the trim cover, so that at least the side part of the trim cover may not adhere to the corresponding portion of the molded polyurethane foam, and a defect such as a void present in the moded polyurethane foam can be easily repaired is such a void is found in the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Muneharu Urai
  • Patent number: 4873032
    Abstract: A pour hole closure for use with an injection foam molding system including a mold assembly having a pour bushing leading to a reaction chamber. A cylinder having a slightly oversized plastic plug extending downwardly therefrom is normally positioned above the pour bushing in the mold assembly. The cylinder is pivotally movable away from its normal position against the force of resilient means. A pour head and nozzle assembly is adapted to move into engagement with the cylinder to move the latter while attaining a position wherein the nozzle is positioned above the pour bushing. The nozzle is lowered to engage the top edge of the pour bushing for injection of foam material into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Webster Kohlhase
  • Patent number: 4863654
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a first female mold member defining a shaped mold cavity for receiving a plastisol layer or skin. A second mold member is pivotally disposed on the female mold member between an open and closed position. In the open position, the second mold member receives and holds thereon a portion of the plastisol skin extending from the mold cavity. An insert is positioned in the mold cavity by a third mold member such as a mold lid on which the insert is releasably retained. After the insert is positioned in the mold cavity, the second mold member is pivoted toward the mold lid to fold the skin portion thereon over and against an edge of the insert. The skin is folded adjacent the pivot axis of the second mold member. Foam can then be introduced and cured between the skin and insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest L. Belleville, Patricia A. Betzig
  • Patent number: 4860415
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a portion of a seat. A cover member is shaped to a predetermined shape and placed in a foam molding tool into which is injected an expandable liquid foaming material to mold a foam pad which is integrally bonded to the cover member. In the manufacturing of seat backs, the cover member includes a tubular envelope cover positioned on a cantilever forming tool. Once the foam pad is molded, the cover member is turned inside out to enclose the foam pad with the cover member. The cover is then telescoped over a seat frame. Alternatively, the foam pad can be molded to a shaped fabric sheet, the envelope cover formed by sewing a second cover member to the fabric sheet. A seat cushion is made by shaping a cover member, placing the cover member in a foam molding tool which also holds the seat frame and injecting an expandable liquid foaming material into the mold to mold the foam cushion, bond the cushion to the cover and embed the seat frame in the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane W. Witzke
  • Patent number: 4860815
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite article by use of a mold core and a cavity block and wherein a skin and insert are placed in the mold cavity and foam precursors are poured into the mold cavity to complete the article includes a process in which a series of part replicas are formed and used to cast thermally stable liners that are carried by the mold core and mold cavity. The thermally stable liners have low melt temperatures and can be reused and recast following wear during the molding process. The liners are made from material which has low shrinkage and expansion rates to define a mold assembly that will produce repeatable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Parker, Bruce Batchelder, Norman Clavette
  • Patent number: 4860512
    Abstract: A door assembly having compression molded skins and compression molded panel is disclosed. The panel may be molded with one of the skins or molded separately. The surfaces of the panel and a surface of each of the skins have a textured pattern which simulates the grain and texture of a wood door. A core is positioned between said skins. The construction of the skins permits effective introduction of foam to form the core therebetween following assembly of the skins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Therma-Tru Corp.
    Inventor: John E. Thorn
  • Patent number: 4857380
    Abstract: A surface-reinforced lightweight article is described, which includes a honeycomb structure whose sidewalls are reinforced by an expanded foam. The article can be manufactured by laying a fibrous third layer, such as several layers of dry tissue paper backed by a layer of dry fiberglass cloth, on the walls of a mold, laying a second layer of multi-cell honeycomb-like material against the third layer, and laying a finely porous first layer such as tissue paper over the second layer. Foamable plastic is poured in the mold over the three layers and the mold is closed. As the plastic foams and expands, it forces the three layers into a tight sandwich and permeates the layers to reinforce them. Specifically, expanded foam in the cells of multi-cell honeycomb-type material braces the honeycomb sidewalls against collapse, to greatly increase the strength and rigidness of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: Sherwood Kent
  • Patent number: 4857248
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cosmetic puff for liquid foundation includes forming a latex film coating on one side of a crimp pattern plate by applying a latex film compound thereon. The latex film coated plates are set in a manufacturing framework. The foamed latex foam compound is injected into the manufacturing framework while adding a coagulant and an activator therein to hereby produce a gelled latex foam covered with latex films on both sides. The latex foam and the latex films are simultaneously vulcanized to thereby bond the latex films onto the latex foam. A manufacturing framework for a cosmetic puff is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Marume, Tadao Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 4855347
    Abstract: An in-mold lacquer coating, and a process for utilizing the same, for producing a polyurethane-based molded article. The lacquer coating is mold-releasable without the aid of an external mold release agent, is re-coatable after de-molding without additional surface preparation, and comprising a mixture of a pre-reacted aliphatic polyurethane resin, a technically simple silicon resin mold-release agent, and an aromatic, acetate and alcoholic solvent system that is incompatible with the silicon resin and that has constituents with specific gravities less than the silicon resin and with varying rates of evaporation such that the ratio of aromatic to alcoholic solvents decreases as the solvent system evaporates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Moline Paint Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Brian J. Falline, Bruce W. Weihrauch
  • Patent number: 4849145
    Abstract: For the production of articles comprising at least one layer of leather or simulated leather material and one layer of a synthetic resin connected to the first-mentioned layer in a shape-mating fashion, a mold cavity is filled with at least one layer of leather or a simulated leather material which later is in contact with at least one of the mold walls, and thereafter a synthetic resin, in the fluid condition or in a condition wherein it is rendered fluid, is introduced into the mold cavity. Finally, the synthetic resin is allowed to penetrate at least partially into the layer of leather or simulated leather material for the purpose of attaining an at least shape-mating bond therewith, and the peripheral edges of the layer of leather or simulated leather material are allowed to be covered by the synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Hermann Hirsch
  • Patent number: 4847024
    Abstract: A vehicle spoiler includes a first rigid body part having an external surface contour, a second resiliently deformable foam body part having an external surface contour complementary to the first surface contour, and means for integrally securing the first and second body parts together. Preferably, the deformable foam body part is molded in situ on the rigid body part. A finishing groove extending between adjacent edges of the first external surface contour and the second external surface contour prevents recognition of differences between the materials and processes used to form the first and second body parts and prevents inconsistent transition between the body parts. A method for forming the spoiler includes fabrication of injection molded body shell parts bonded together by a foam material to form a rigid first body section. The rigid body section is then positioned within a molding cavity while foam material is introduced into the cavity and against engagement surfaces on the rigid body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Michael Ladney
    Inventor: Norman S. Loren
  • Patent number: 4839117
    Abstract: A pour mold includes two parts one of which forms a mold cavity and the other of which forms the lid for the mold cavity; the lid includes a retractable pilot pin and vacuum cups for positioning a mold insert within the mold cavity automatically upon lid closure. The pilot pin loosely pilots the insert in the mold as it closes and as the vacuum cups pull the insert toward the lid during such closure. The vacuum cups hold the insert against the lid continuously during foam injection, foam reaction and cure and as the lid is separated from the mold cavity part so as to automatically remove the finished part from the mold when the lid is separated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Harold W. Swenson, Ken E. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 4839118
    Abstract: A vehicle interior part such as a glove box door or console door and its method of manufacture includes an outer shell backed by foam material which is bonded to a mold insert that reinforces the part and defines an exposed back. The insert includes a peripheral edge spaced with respect to a continuously formed raw peripheral edge of the shell and further includes a flange portion that is post formed so as to be bonded to and located in a net out relationship with the raw edge to define a finished surface appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Craig B. Labrie
  • Patent number: 4833741
    Abstract: Seat material having a covering member integrally provided on a foamed material and a patterned portion of the covering member formed by recessing the covering member in a stripe pattern and a method for producing such seat material comprising the steps of preparing a foaming mould having a patterning protrusion for recessing the covering member in a stripe pattern and clamping the covering member onto the patterning protrusion by a clipping member which is buried by the foamed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Ikeda Bussan Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Mizuno, Fumio Nara
  • Patent number: 4830912
    Abstract: A body comprising a dimensionally stable film container filled to the dimensions defined by the film with polyurethane foam, the polyurethane foam being foamed in situ in the film container thereby forming an adhesive bond with the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: David A. Weiss
  • Patent number: 4829644
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of producing a skin-covered foamed polyurethane article, such as a seatback proper of an automotive seat, a seat cushion proper of the same or the like. A bag-shaped skin member which is to constitute the skin of the article consists of two parts which have respective inwardly projected peripheral portions stitched up. One of the peripheral portions is folded back fully to constitute a thicker peripheral portion. A mold used for molding the article has a groove which extends around the side wall of the cavity. The skin member is put into the cavity of the mold in such a manner that the thicker portion is forcedly received in the groove, and then a liquid material of polyurethane is poured into the bag-shaped skin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Kondo, Kiichiro Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 4828325
    Abstract: An orthotic support system is embodied as cooperating seat and back cushion elements for assembly into a wheelchair frame. These cushion elements are custom-fitted to the individual patient by injecting an incipiently reacting and foaming, fluorocarbon-blown polyurethane chemical system into the space between a rigid mold box and an elastic membrane which is fitted over the open face of the mold box and which is deformably engaged by the appropriate portions of the patient's torso. The foaming mixture is injected in predetermined excess volume and expands against the physical resistance of the patient's body where contact is made with the corresponding regions of the elastic membrane; and this forcible engagement produces selective densification of the foam where a high degree of body support is required. Elsewhere, the foam expands more freely and stretchably inflates the membrane to generate graduatedly less dense regions matably contoured to fit or partially embrace the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Brooks
  • Patent number: 4821399
    Abstract: A method of assembling a refrigerator having a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment separated by a mullion partition, the refrigerator having an outer metal casing with side walls, an inner liner and foamed-in-place thermal insulation between the metal casing and liner wherein the insulation has a void cavity adjacent the mullion partition. The metal casing is formed to have a vertical front face perpendicular to the side walls and a reinforcing nut strip is placed in the front face. The front face and nut strip aligned screw receiving apertures. A nozzle is inserted through the aligned apertures into the insulation void cavity and foamable hot melt material is forced through the nozzle into the insulation void cavity to fill the cavity. The nozzle is then withdrawn from the aligned apertures and a fastener is secured through the aligned apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markley, William D. Irish
  • Patent number: 4808356
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of insulating a water heater that utilizes a foaming apron comprised of substantially parallel flexible sheets having an open end and open edges. One sheet is attached to the wall of a water tank and the space between the sheets is open to receive one or more charges of foam forming liquid. Preferably one pouring is performed in conjunction with an open centering template, thereby creating a uniform sealing insulatio layer around the water tank which protects the control mechanisms from the foam. After one charge has solidified sufficiently to maintain the jacket properly centered, the centering template may be removed and one or more further charges of foam forming liquids introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Bradford-White Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene L. West, Robert J. Marcinkewicz
  • Patent number: 4806185
    Abstract: A method for increasing heat dissipation from the smolder or open flame site of an upholstered article by interposing a fire barrier material between the outer upholstery fabric and the filler or padding materials. The fire barrier material is formed by coating a fibrous substance, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, and the like with a latex containing a finely divided heat conductive metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Springs Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick A. Porter, Hans R. Hoernle
  • Patent number: 4806094
    Abstract: A composite plastic product is formed by a process which includes formation of a preform of high strength plastic having openings formed therethrough which are covered by a film barrier that is formed during molding of the preform; and wherein the preform is configured to be placed as a unit in a foam station at which material is foamed onto the insert without escape to its backside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Ex-Cell-O Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Rhodes, Jr., Frank J. Preston
  • Patent number: 4805293
    Abstract: An insulated cabinet manufacture for use in a refrigeration appliance or the like, having an outer shell and an inner liner with foamed-in-place insulation therebetween. A wiring tunnel is extended inwardly through an opening in the shell, through the insulation space, and inwardly through an aligned opening in the liner. The opening in the liner may be substantially larger than the periphery of the wiring tunnel and a foam stop element is affixed to the inner surface of the liner with the wiring tunnel extending therethrough. A second foam stop element is loosely disposed on the wiring tunnel to be moved into engagement with the first stop element as an incident of the foaming of the insulation material during the foaming-in-place operation, The outer end of the wiring tunnel may be provided with a flange sealingly secured to the outer surface of the shell. A wiring harness is removably installed in the tunnel to provide wiring from exteriorly of the cabinet to the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Buchser
  • Patent number: 4803023
    Abstract: In production of a wood-type golf club head having a FRP shell and a foam resin core, a seat hole is formed in the sole portion of the club head and closed by a support plate having a threaded through hole at the center of gravity thereof; foamable resin is infused into the FRP shell cavity in the form of fine beads or solution, a plug as a weight balance adjusting piece is screwed into the support plate in direct contact with the foam resin core for secure holding of the weight balance adjusting piece during use of the club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Enomoto, Tatsuo Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 4797320
    Abstract: A composite plastic molding made up of a plastic foam and having a polyurethane skin is made by heating a reactive one-component system to form a polyurethane skin and then joining the polyurethane skin to the plastic foam. The one-component system is composed of a finely divided polyisocyanate in which from 0.1 to 25 equivalent percent of the isocyanate groups have been deactivated, a polyamine and/or polyol having a molecular weight of from 400 to 8000 and optionally a chain extending agent, a catalyst and known auxiliaries and additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Richard Kopp, Gerhard Grogler, Heinrich Hess, Hermann Schafer, Werner Rasshofer
  • Patent number: 4797312
    Abstract: A surface-reinforced lightweight article is described, which includes a honeycomb structure whose sidewalls are reinforced by an expanded foam. The article can be manufactured by laying a fibrous third layer, such as several layers of dry tissue paper backed by a layer of dry fiberglass cloth, on the walls of a mold, laying a second layer of multi-cell honeycomb-like material against the third layer, and laying a finely porous first layer such as tissue paper over the second layer. Foamable plastic is poured in the mold over the three layers and the mold is closed. As the plastic foams and expands, it forces the three layers into a tight sandwich and permeates the layers to reinforce them. Specifically, expanded foam in the cells of multi-cell honeycomb-type material braces the honeycomb sidewalls against collapse, to greatly increase the strength and rigidness of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Kent Sherwood
  • Patent number: 4786447
    Abstract: A method of molding a skin-covered foamed plastic article, which includes putting a skin member on a shaping device in a manner to cover the same thereby to prepare a first temporary unit, attaching shaping dies to the first temporary unit in a manner to cover the same thereby to prepare a second temporary unit, removing the shaping device from the second temporary unit thereby to prepare a third temporary unit, placing the third temporary unit in a mold in such a manner that a mouth portion of the third temporary unit is directed upward, pouring a liquid material of foamed plastics into the third temporary unit through the mouth portion, placing a lid member on the mold in a manner to close the mouth portion, and removing, upon sufficient curing of the material, the lid member from the mold and taking out the third temporary unit from the mold together with the cured material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kouda
  • Patent number: 4780263
    Abstract: Accurate and consistent location of jointed textiles within a mold is achieved by inserting the outer surfaces of the joint (12) into the cavity of an elongate, generally U-shaped member (20) and securing the joint to the meter, e.g. by sewing (21). The joint/channel member assembly can then be automatically gripped and placed in the desired position in the mold. The method is of particular application to processes involving vacuum member molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Dunlop Limited
    Inventors: Howard S. Atkin, David M. Rogers, George S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4769391
    Abstract: A precast composite plastic reinforcement insert, method of making the reinforcement insert and method of reinforcing a structural member. The insert includes pellets which are formed of a mixture of a thermoplastic polymeric resin and a blowing agent. Polymeric resins disclosed include a one-part epoxy with a thermal curing system or a thermoplastic polyester resin. The pellets in one embodiment are retained within a matrix of expanded polystyrene and in combination form the insert. The insert is formed in a mold cavity which receives the pellets and unexpanded polystyrene which is expanded during the process by heating the same within the mold cavity. The insert is used to reinforce a structural member by placing it in the structural member prior to a thermal paint curing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Essex Composite Systems
    Inventor: Joseph Wycech
  • Patent number: 4765934
    Abstract: Polystyrene beads or beads of other thermoplastic material are expanded to a consolidated foam structure in a hollow cavity of a marine float or other structure by providing the beads with a uniform coating of a saturated brine solution or other aqueous solution of water-soluble salt and exposing the solution to microwave energy to boil the solutioln and thereby heat the beads to cause expansion and fusion to a foam structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Dominion Al-Chrome Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Nazar, Jacob Leidner, Ferdinand M. Svirklys
  • Patent number: 4766025
    Abstract: A composite molded article and a method of fabricating such an article is disclosed, which is especially well-suited for forming one-piece interior vehicle panels, by way of a single molding operation, wherein the one-piece interior panel can be easily installed as a unit within the vehicle. In the fabrication of the one-piece molded composite article, a deformable sheet material, such as vinyl, is positioned on a female molding surface and drawn into conformity with the female molding surface of the mold cavity, either with or without preheating or vacuum forming. The mold apparatus is closed and a first moldable material is introduced into the mold assembly, with certain predetermined portions thereof being blocked off. Subsequently, a second moldable material is introduced at least into the predetermined areas previously blocked off during the introduction of the first moldable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Sheller Globe Corp.
    Inventors: John L. Sanok, Michael L. Piechura
  • Patent number: 4762584
    Abstract: A one-piece fishing rod handle is provided in which an integral handle portion is molded together with preformed rod handle components such as a reel seat is disclosed for use in through-rod-type construction wherein the rod blank extends axially through the entire length of the handle and foregrip. The individual preformed rod handle components are assembled onto either a mold core pin or fishing rod blank and properly registered in a mold cavity having the configuration of the finished rod handle. Molding resins such as polyurethane are then injected into the mold cavity and provide a handle portion which is bonded to the preformed reel seat. By the use of two differently dimensioned molds in conjunction with different density molding resins, dual composition one-piece fishing rod handles can also be molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Lew Childre & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Andreasen, Casey J. Childre, David B. Peed
  • Patent number: 4761257
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for foam molding packaging using a staged vacuum system to place a plastic sheet used as a release agent in conformity with the surface of the mold is provided. A mold having a complex image divides the mold image into separate and distinct sections. A plastic sheet is placed loosely over the mold in covering relation to the image and a vacuum is drawn on the surfaces of the separate and distinct sections of the mold image in a staged sequence to cause the plastic sheet to conform to the surfaces of the mold image on the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventor: Eric R. Bunn
  • Patent number: 4759891
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of foam molding packaging using a positive vertical mold is provided in which a vertical mold with sides having channeled vertical flap areas is automatically covered with a plastic sheet. Brushes, assisted by a vacuum assure the plastic sheet conforms to the mold including the flap areas. An open-ended carton having upper and lower flaps is placed over the mold so that the lower flaps are disposed vertically and cover the vertical flap areas. Foam precursors are dispensed into the carton and its top sealed to allow foaming within the carton. The carton is then removed from the mold with the foam cushioning fully formed therein including the carton flaps which cover the top of the article to be packaged therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventor: Abe Reichental
  • Patent number: 4758294
    Abstract: A process for the production of a foam-backed article in which a covering is formed by sewing several parts together along joining seams and the outer side of the cover is laid onto a preliminary mold. A one-piece airtight film is positioned so that it overlies the whole of the covering and is then applied against the film and a peripheral edge portion of the film is sealed against the preliminary mold. The vacuum is applied to the interior of the preliminary mold to pull and bond the film to the inner side of the covering which is thereafter removed, turned inside out, and applied into a thermoforming mold in which the foam backing is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Helmut Storch
  • Patent number: 4753586
    Abstract: An apparatus for making composite plastic product includes a mold insert with locating boss formations preformed from high strength plastic having openings formed therethrough; and wherein the insert is configured to be located on a mold cover which carries a locking device to hold the insert in place and wherein the locking device includes automatically operated knock-out means that engage the boss to separate a molded part from the lid when the locking device is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Ex-Cell-O Corporation
    Inventor: Cass V. Curtis
  • Patent number: 4751249
    Abstract: A precast composite plastic reinforcement insert, method of making the reinforcement insert and method of reinforcing a structural member. The insert includes pellets which are formed of a mixture of a thermosetting polymeric resin and a blowing agent. Polymeric resins disclosed include a one-part epoxy with a thermal curing system or a thermoplastic polyester resin. The pellets in one embodiment are retained within a matrix of expanded polystyrene and in combination form the insert. The insert is formed in a mold cavity which receives the pellets and unexpanded polystyrene which is expanded during the process by heating the same within the mold cavity. The insert is used to reinforce a structural member by placing it in the structural member prior to a thermal paint curing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: MPA Diversified Products Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Wycech
  • Patent number: 4749532
    Abstract: A hot water heater includes a storage tank and an outer decorative shell spaced from the tank. A foam insulation fills a cavity between the tank and the shell and a bottom wall in the form of preassembled fiberglass belt. The belt is wrapped and secured about to the tank by an encircling compressing and centrally located band. The outer ends of the belts flare outwardly to a diameter in excess of the inner diameter of the shell. A flat, flexible plastic sheet has a narrow portion draped over the top of the tank and sides extended down and overlap the opposite sides of the belt. The lower ends of the sheet essentially covers the belt. The flexible plastic sheet has a slight angle between the tank top and the belt. The outer shell which has a diameter somewhat less than that of the flared belt is telescoped downwardly over the tank and sheet folds the apron into a circular configuration, compressing the belt tightly between the storage tank and the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 4743188
    Abstract: A mold assembly for manufacturing composite plastic products includes a mold cavity part and a lid, which is joined to form a cavity for foam precursors. The precursors expand in the cavity in a known manner to fill the cavity with a suitable layer of foamed material, such as foamed urethane. The mold cavity supports an exterior shell and the lid supports an insert for reinforcing a finished composite product. A sleeve is integrally formed on the preformed shell and it in turn is located within an access port formed through wall of the cavity part to define a slideway for receipt of a pour head extension. The extension is selectively clamped and unclamped with respect to the shell sleeve by an inflatable seal clamp which is formed as an annular ring with a pressurizable passage connected to a source of selectively applied pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Gray, William Hagar, Laurent Gaudreau
  • Patent number: 4738809
    Abstract: In a process and apparatus for the production of a cushion element with a cover means enclosing same, at least one cover means is clamped with edge portions thereof between first and second clamping frames in such a way that the cover means defines a space therewithin. The clamping frames with the cover means clamped thereby are then held between first and second mold portions, with the cover means disposed in the mold cavity defined by the co-operation of the clamping frames and the mold portions. The cover means is drawn by suction against the mold cavity surface and a reaction mixture is then introduced into the space defined by the cover means within the mold cavity, through at least one feed opening. After reaction of the mixture the mold portions are separated and the cushion element with cover thereon from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Grammer Sitzsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Storch
  • Patent number: 4734230
    Abstract: A composite plastic product is formed by a process which includes formation of a preform of high strength plastic having openings formed therethrough which are covered by a film barrier that is formed during molding of the preform; and wherein the preform is configured to be placed as a unit in a foam station at which material is foamed onto the insert without escape to its backside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Ex-Cell-O Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Rhodes, Jr., Frank J. Preston
  • Patent number: 4734232
    Abstract: A solid tire having a polyurethane foam core is fabricated by first mounting the tire on a two piece jig which simulates the wheel hub on which the tire is to be mounted. This jig is centered on the tire and tightened so that the inside surfaces of the two halves of the jig abut tightly against the tire body. A fill hole for filling the tire with foam is provided on one of the jig halves. A plurality of small holes are formed in the tire in a circle which runs along the high point of the outer surface of the tire, these vent holes being formed on the same side of the tire as the fill hole. The tire is then filled with a mixture of polyol and isocyanate through the fill hole to form a microcellular flexible polyurethane core within the tire. The core material is fed into the tire until the tire is filled a predetermined amount which with the expansion resulting from the chemical reaction, completely fills the tire as evidenced by material existing from the fill hole, at which time the fill hole is plugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Bruce J. Hoesman
  • Patent number: 4719063
    Abstract: An implement handle is made for use by a crippled person, utilizing a cap adapted to receive an end of the implement and an initially flexible bag attached to the cap. Material in the plastic state is inserted into the bag, the material becoming rigid with the passage of time, and the bag is placed into the hand of the crippled person while the material is becoming rigid. The crippled person maintain a substantially constant grip on the bag during this process, whereupon the rigidified handle conforms itself to his particular grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Ontario Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert C. White
  • Patent number: 4714574
    Abstract: A flexible polyurethane foam article with regions of different hardness is made by introducing into a mould a foam formulation giving a foam of a given hardness and then introducing a foam formulation giving a foam of different hardness directly onto the first foam formulation at a time corresponding to a volume expansion in the range 100% to 2300%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventor: Rudolf J. Tenhagen
  • Patent number: 4714581
    Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Colite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Witt
  • Patent number: 4714576
    Abstract: A method of making a pole and coil assembly for a dynamo-electric machine (e.g., interpole for locomotive traction motors) comprising providing the coil wires with a polyphenylene sulfide coating, filling the pole-coil interspace with solid, foamable polyphenylene sulfide ground insulation and heating the assembly such as to foam the ground insulation in place and cause it to constrictively engage and bond to the pole as well as fuse to the PPS coating on the coil. The pole surface may be roughened and/or coated with PPS for improved pole retention and/or may be nickel plated for improved corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dale L. Cotton, Frank J. Nachman
  • Patent number: 4714577
    Abstract: In production of a wood-type golf club head having a rigid shell, metal pieces are dispersed in the matrix of crude foamable synthetic resin filled in the interior of a crude rigid shell for long maintenance in position of the center of gravity of the product despite shocks at shooting balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Nippon Gakki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Itsushi Nagamoto, Tatsuo Nakanishi, Ryohei Tajima
  • Patent number: 4713202
    Abstract: A process for preparing a multilayer structure. The structure is produced at an elevated temperature. The structure is characterized in that it distorts upon changes in temperature; includes at least two layers of different materials, at least one of which creeps significantly at the elevated temperature at which the structure is prepared and; contains no layers which creep significantly at ambient temperature. The process includes cooling said structure such that at least one of the layer(s) which creeps at said elevated temperature is cooled at a rate which is least 50% less than the material cooling rate thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Llewellyn D. Booth, Arie Cohen
  • Patent number: 4692477
    Abstract: Rigid polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by reacting together an organic polyisocyanate, a blowing agent, a trimerization catalyst, and a minor amount of a polyol, the polyol comprising a sufficient proportion of at least one polyoxyalkylene polyol having (i) terminal oxypropylene oxide blocks, (ii) a molecular weight of from about 300 to 3000, and (iii) an average hydroxyl functionality of from about 2 to 5 to form a foamed polyisocyanurate whose gel time is greater than about 70 seconds and friability is less than about 20 percent, as measured by the ASTM C-421 friability test. Laminates of such foams exhibit a high degree of fire resistance, low foam friability and good facer adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: The Celotex Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Jacobina
  • Patent number: 4681714
    Abstract: A method for molding articles where a composition is used to treat at least one shape determining face of a mold to impart durable release characteristics to said face which last through multiple molding cycles. The compositions comprise by weight 20 parts of primarily hydroxyl endblocked polydimethylsiloxane, 2 to 10 parts of alkyltriacetoxysilane, 20 to 80 parts of nonreactive organic solvent, and, optionally, 0.001 to 2 parts organometallic catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Lopes, Jerome M. Klosowski