Component Comprises A Polymer (e.g., Rubber, Etc.) Patents (Class 428/159)
  • Patent number: 6132840
    Abstract: A fiber resin composite member manufacturing method includes the steps of: selectively distinguishing waste rubber and synthetic resins containing waste tires and waste PET bottles, waste fibers, waste timbers, waste paper, waste plant straws, waste shells from shellfish or clams and so on from industrial waste materials in accordance with their physical chemical features; disintegrating the waste rubber and synthetic resins containing the waste tires and the waste PET bottles in a super low temperature cooling method, disintegrating the waste fibers in an appropriate size by using a scutcher, and distintegrating the other waste materials by means of a general crusher; pouring the disintegrated waste materials into a molding machine in a predetermined composition ratio and melting-molding them in a desired type at a high temperature of about 150 to 300.degree. C. and a high pressure of about 150 to 3,000 ton; and cooling the molded fiber resin composite member at a temperature of about 40 to 70.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignees: Byung Gul Lee, Dae Youn Bark
    Inventor: Byung Gul Lee
  • Patent number: 6132847
    Abstract: A formed rubber extruded product which is formed of a vulcanizate of a rubber blend comprising a sulfur-vulcanizable ethylene-propylene-type rubber (EPDM) as a starting rubber and a pyrolytic foaming agent. The vulcanizate has a specific gravity of from 0.9 to 1.0 and a surface roughness (RZD) of 14 micrometers or less. The rubber blend contains the pyrolytic foaming agent in the form of an inorganic powder-supported foaming agent. A particle diameter of the inorganic powder in the inorganic powder-supported foaming agent is approximately 9 micrometers or less, and a particle diameter of the pyrolytic foaming agent is approximately 8 micrometers or less. Further, crystalline PE is contained in an amount of from 6 to 30 parts per 100 parts of EPDM. The foamed rubber extruded product of the present invention can be produced by the extrusion at a high rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Eiwa Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Okita, Katsumi Nakashima, Takashi Mizushima, Norikazu Mayama, Hitoshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6124019
    Abstract: The invention proposes an upholstery element with a covering which covers a core of an elastic material, preferably of a foamed plastic, and is fastened to this core by an anchorage element which is enclosed by the core, wherein the surface of the core (1) comprises a groove (4) which widens inwards, one edge of a material strip (7) is fixed to the inside of the covering (2), the opposite edge of which strip is provided with a dimensionally stable body (3), the body (3) is introduced into the groove (4), and the maximum diameter of the body (3) is located in the groove (4) and is greater than the minimum diameter of the groove (4), and a method for the production thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Fa. F.s. Fehrer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Mense
  • Patent number: 6063460
    Abstract: Polyolefin and polyphenyloxide products such as products made using expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polypropylene (EPP). A "foil" or "skin" of vinyl or other suitable decorative material is associated with the product to achieve a pleasing appearance and an otherwise satisfactory exterior surface. To make the product, the skin is positioned over the cavity of a female mold part. The mold is closed and, with or without vacuum assistance, the skin is brought into contact with the female mold surfaces during introduction of the plastic. This plastic is introduced in the form of small beads selected from the group consisting of polyolefin and polyphenyloxide beads which have been pre-expanded to a density reduction in the order of 75%. Air pressure is used to feed the beads into the mold cavity and steam is injected to soften the beads and to cause bonding thereof into an integral mass. In addition, the outer layer of beads is bonded to the foil whereby a one-piece part is removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Buffalo Molded Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Souders, Peter J. Aretz
  • Patent number: 6058883
    Abstract: A new washable/reusable animal bedding element for laying on the floor of a stable for providing a comfortable and hygienic bedding for an animal. The inventive device includes a core having an outer surface and a pair of opposite ends. An outer sheath is disposed around the outer surface of the core between the ends of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Anna Robins
  • Patent number: 6054005
    Abstract: Polymer structures having a laminated surface and enhanced physical properties that can be used for packaging, athletic gear (e.g., padding, water sport equipment), gaskets, and protective garments are described. The structures include a core of a relatively high density material and one or more layers laminated to the surfaces of the core material of relatively low density polymer foam. The structures can be stiff or flexible. The foam layers improve the softness of the surfaces of the core material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sentinel Products Corp.
    Inventors: Robert F. Hurley, Matthew L. Kozma, John D. Bambara, Scott C. Smith, Richard Bambara
  • Patent number: 6015609
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of a porous polymer comprising the steps of: i) forming a mixture comprising a polymerizable component and an organic solvent wherein the polymerizable component comprises at least one macromonomer having at least one perfluoropolyether unit; ii) polymerizing said mixture wherein immediately after the polymerization of said mixture at least a substantial proportion of said organic solvent is in the form of a discrete phase and wherein said discrete organic solvent phase forms an interpenetrating network throughout the mixture or is dispersed throughout the mixture; and iii) removing the discrete organic solvent phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignees: Navartis AG, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Hassan Chaouk, Gordon Francis Meijs, Bronwyn Glenice Laycock
  • Patent number: 6007890
    Abstract: A multilayered insulating panel having improved acoustic insulating properties and mechanical strength has two outer facings and a soft synthetic foam core having cavities. The foam core with the cavities is in intimate contact with the facings. The cavities are arranged so that the gaps between the core material and the outer facings are in alternate patterns with respect to the opposing outer facings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Jacques DeBlander
  • Patent number: 5987668
    Abstract: A washable fabric covered mattress pad involves the combination of a layer of resilient foam with a layer of fabric, both of which layers are machine washable and dryable. The fabric, either manmade or natural fiber material, is flame laminated to one side of the layer of foam. The non-covered side of the foam layer frictionally engages a mattress for non-slip self-positioning of the mattress pad without requiring straps or other specific holding mechanisms. A second or additional layers of foam of varying physical characteristics and/or thicknesses may be added through heat bonding thereof in a predetermined pattern to the non-covered side of the first layer of foam. Such arrangement results in a fabric covered, completely washable self-positioning mattress pad, such as having a preferred thickness generally in a range of from about one to about four inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Ackley
  • Patent number: 5972491
    Abstract: An object is to provide a thermoplastic resin molded article concurrently having excellent heat insulating properties, rigidity, and lightness, and to provide a method for producing the same. A molded article made from a thermoplastic molding material comprises: a multilayer structure portion having a surface layer composed of a non-foamed type of said molding material and an internal layer composed of a foamed type of said molding material; and a portion composed of only a non-foamed type of said molding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Chisso Corporation
    Inventors: Mikihiko Kimura, Michio Yoshizaki, Kouichi Honda
  • Patent number: 5948508
    Abstract: An on-line paintable insert useful for being mounted into a depression having a lateral, a longitudinal and a vertical extension, said insert comprising an optionally shaped body having a paintable surface and being attachable to the depression by an adhesive layer. The lateral extension of a bottom area of the body is essentially equal to or exceeds the minimum lateral extension of the depression over the longitudinal extension of the depression, and the body is deformable at least in the outer parts of the bottom area to allow for essentially self-centering and friction-fitting mounting of the insert into the depression. The lateral extension of an upper area of the body is less than the lateral extension of the depression at the vertical position of the upper area of the body when mounted into the depression, over the longitudinal extension of the depression which results in a gap between the upper area including the paintable surface, and the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Luigi Pastore, Georg Feichtmeier
  • Patent number: 5942313
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an injection molded object having an outer shell with a front face and a light transmitting assembly molded into the outer shell which assembly is visible from the front face. The method includes the following steps. Supporting a light transmitting assembly on a mold projecting tool which is closable with a mold cavity tool having an interior wall which defines the front wall of the outer shell. Forming narrow passages through the light transmitting assembly to connect its front and rear faces. Closing the mold to position the front face of the light transmitting assembly adjacent the interior wall of the mold cavity tool while leaving a narrow peripheral recess therearound in communication with the narrow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5938878
    Abstract: Polymer structures having a laminated surface and enhanced physical properties that can be used for packaging, athletic gear (e.g., padding, water sport equipment), gaskets, and protective garments are described. The structures include a core of a relatively high density material and one or more layers laminated to the surfaces of the core material of relatively low density polymer foam. The structures can be stiff or flexible. The foam layers improve the softness of the surfaces of the core material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Sentinel Products Corp.
    Inventors: Robert F. Hurley, Matthew L. Kozma, John D. Bambara, Scott C. Smith, Richard Bambara
  • Patent number: 5928754
    Abstract: A floor material which generates no harmful gas such as hydrogen chloride at the time of a fire, is suitable for dry maintenance with a high speed buffing machine and has excellent resistances against flaws, stains, abrasion and the like, which is also a floor material having markedly excellent adhesiveness to the floor ground. This invention is characterized in that a wax is contained in an amount of from 1 to 10% by weight in at least the surface layer of the floor material in which an olefinic resin is used as the base material and an inorganic filler is blended therein. Preferably, a back side layer of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or a mixed resin of said copolymer and other olefinic resin is used as its base material having an inorganic filler is blended therein is laminated on the under side of the surface layer, and 1 to 10% by weight of rosin is included in said back side layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Takiron Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Kondo, Takashi Butsuda, Xue Fang Song
  • Patent number: 5919575
    Abstract: A plastic laminated structural board is provided for use in a variety of applications such as furniture fabrication. The plastic laminated structural board utilizes a composite structure which includes a polymer layer adhered to an underlying paperboard core. The polymer layer masks surface imperfections in the underlying paperboard core, and the polymer layer is substantially free from imperfections and provides a strong and smooth surface for receiving a decorative paper layer. A polymer layer may by adhered to both sides of the paperboard core. Both sides of the composite structure may be finished with a decorative paper layer. The polymer layer may be impregnated with filler material to provide bonding sites and moisture permeability sites in the polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Company
    Inventors: Edward Eton Bowns, IV, David Carl Thornton
  • Patent number: 5916662
    Abstract: A decorative tile is made of molded hard urethane foam, having a surface patterned with smooth areas interrupted by surface textures, and colored by a coloring agent which is concentrated within the surface textures and thinly covers the smooth areas, so as to produce the convincing appearance of a weathered, aged stone tile. The surface of this tile (and other conventional tiles) is decorated in an automated fashion, by printing a clear sheeting with an electrostatic ink in a color laser printer, and then compressing the sheeting against the tile surface in a high temperature press to heat transfer the sheeting to the surface of the tile. This resulting product is a durable, light weight tile having a protected printed surface, indistinguishable from hand painted stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Mark Joseph Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5885692
    Abstract: A wave absorber comprising a foamed resin and a dielectric loss material dispersed therein, wherein the foamed resin is a foamed melamine resin obtained by foaming a resin composition comprising, as the main components, a melamine-formaldehyde condensate and a foaming agent. The wave absorber alleviates the problems of the prior art, and is lightweight and superior in self-extinguishing property, and shows an excellent wave-absorbing property owing to a uniformly dispersed dielectric loss material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignees: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc., Nisshinbo Tempest, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Imashiro, Shun Hasegawa, Isao Kato, Yoshihiko Kawahara
  • Patent number: 5885691
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing reinforced twin-sheet thermoformed articles comprising the steps of heating first and second sheets of thermoplastic material; forming the sheets in molds; heating a reinforcing insert of thermoplastic material; placing the heated insert on the first sheet in its mold at the location to be reinforced; pressing the second sheet into contact with the heated first sheet and the heated insert to form the insert between the sheets so that a fusion of the thermoplastic sheets and the insert takes place to produce a reinforced section of the article having a desired shape and thickness. Alternative processes are disclosed wherein a heated quantity of thermoplastic liquid material is extruded or injected between the first and second sheets within the first and second molds either by inserting the liquid material before the molds are closed or by injecting it through one of the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: TriEnda Corporation
    Inventors: Harlon W. Breezer, William F. Price
  • Patent number: 5866234
    Abstract: A new Fire Resistant Grill Mat System for protecting a surface whereupon a conventional grill rests upon by capturing grease, charcoal and other debris descending from the conventional grill during operation thereof. The inventive device includes a stratified mat having a Teflon fire resistant material layer and a rubber layer, an outer ridge for preventing run-off of the accumulated debris, and a plurality of semi-spherical indentions projecting into the rubber layer for cushioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventors: Daniel R. Vaughan, Cheryl L. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 5861201
    Abstract: A coextruded label material is provided which comprises a styrenic unfoamed layer and a styrenic foam layer wherein the styrenic unfoamed layer is the predominant portion as contrasted to the styrenic foam layer. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an additional clear or translucent unfoamed plastic layer is adhered to the unfoamed layer with printing interposed between the unfoamed layers. Printing is provided on the unfoamed layer of the coextruded material or other side of the additional clear or translucent unfoamed layer. A container package is provided wherein a label is cut from the label material and wrapped about a hollow container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Labels Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice W. Blackwelder, Louis M. DiBello
  • Patent number: 5851624
    Abstract: A composite finishing cover for a component such as a vehicle instrument panel is provided by extruding a parison of inner and outer layers of different recyclable plastics having different characteristics but which are from the same family of plastics. The parison is injected with low pressure gas when forming dies are being closed thereover so that the plastics will fully conform to the forming surfaces of the die tooling cavity. The closing force of the dies cause the heat softened inner layers of the first plastics material to join at their interface to form a relatively thick core or substrate providing structural support for the relatively thin and flexible outer layer of the cover, also joined at their interface. The outer layer provides a finishing surface that exhibits a soft feel as when the human hand lightly contacts and moves across the surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Leoncio C. Ang, Darlene B. Collins
  • Patent number: 5851634
    Abstract: A hinge for use in inorganically filled composite materials is provided. The hinge has an inorganically filled structural matrix comprising a water-dispersable organic polymer binder, an aggregate material, and a fibrous material. The hinge allows inorganically filled materials to be bent along a line without breakage of the material. The hinge is preferably formed by scoring a formed sheet of inorganically filled material. The hinge is particularly useful in containers that require bending of various container parts, such as in food containers and boxes made from inorganically filled materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5849392
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thread wound golf ball having improved flight performances, which comprises a solid center, a thread layer and an outer cover. The solid center is formed from a rubber component with crosslinked structure which contains an oily substance. Impact resilience of the solid center is 90 cm or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Hamada, Akira Kato, Keiji Moriyama, Kuniyasu Horiuchi, Tadahiro Ebisuno
  • Patent number: 5843555
    Abstract: A pattern-bearing sheet for a simultaneous injection-molding and pattern-forming method, has a sufficient malleability in the following conditions. When the sheet is cut to a 10-mm width and subjected to a tensile load and thus elongated at a rate of 30%/second in an environment at 50.degree. C., the sheet should exhibit a stress value of 0.6 kg or higher at the yield point and after passing through the yield point in the case where the sheet is formed from a material having a yield point, and the sheet should exhibit a stress value of 0.6 kg or higher at an elongation of 10% and higher in the case where the sheet is formed from a material not having a yield point. Desirably, the value when the sheet cut to 10-mm width is elongated at a rate of 7%/second to an elongation of 200% (200% modulus value) at a temperature of 100.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. should be 0.3 kg or lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Atake, Kazuhisa Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5834091
    Abstract: This has a plurality of nubs which incorporate preset multicolored decorative designs in their bodies, created by a machine able to apply this manufacturing process, on a multilayered monobloc composed of a base, support and seating layer and another or other upper ones, some of which are on the same level and in which cavities are formed, giving rise to the nubs which define images that change according to their three dimensional structure and different locations, alignments and possible quincunx formation, as well as the different perspective of observers and the variations in the distance of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Miguel Zubigaray Irazabal
  • Patent number: 5829215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer composite panel and a method of making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composite panel composed of a core of at least two layers of structural beam elements and a framework for holding the beam elements in place, with the beam elements and the core bound together and wrapped with fibre reinforcing fabric saturated with uncured resin, forming a unitary panel once the resin has cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Martyn Kenneth Billing
  • Patent number: 5824415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative material which is excellent in surface properties such as scratch resistance and soil resistance and, at the same time, environmentally friendly. The decorative material meludes: a substrate of a thermoplastic resin; and a resin layer 3 provided on one side of the substrate through a heat-sensitive adhesive layer 2, the resin layer being formed of a resin of a copolymer, of ethylene with an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid, which has been partially or completely neutralized with a metal ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kanki, Masaki Tsukada, Tadamichi Ishii
  • Patent number: 5817402
    Abstract: A composition containing thermoplastic elastomer and elastic fine particles is extruded into a sheet-like shape from an extruder. Then, by expanding this sheet-like shape member, a covering sheet having minute unevenness attributable to the elastic fine particles formed on the surface is produced. The covering sheet may have an adhesive layer, a substrate layer, a foamed resin layer, etc., on the opposite side to the surface having a matt feeling. Such covering sheet can be produced with good productivity without creating environmental problems such as a problem related to solvent, etc. By molding using the covering sheet, a molding having matt feeling can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitaka Miyake, Tomoko Uematsu, Toshimitsu Tsuji
  • Patent number: 5812332
    Abstract: A windshield for a head-up display system has a pair of opposing major surfaces that are nonparallel to one another in selected areas. Light rays directed toward the nonparallel area of the windshield are reflected from the outer and inner major surfaces of the windshield and directed toward the eye of the observer as parallel or superimposed light rays to eliminate ghost images when viewing images projected by the head-up display system through the windshield. The interlayer blank utilized to make the windshield has a non-uniform thickness profile with a tapered thickness positioned in the selected areas of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Freeman
  • Patent number: 5811175
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an injection molded object having an outer shell with a front face and a light transmitting assembly molded into the outer shell which assembly is visible from the front face. The method includes the following steps. Supporting a light transmitting assembly on a mold projecting tool which is closable with a mold cavity tool having an interior wall which defines the front wall of the outer shell. Forming narrow passages through the light transmitting assembly to connect its front and rear faces. Closing the mold to position the front face of the light transmitting assembly adjacent the interior wall of the mold cavity tool while leaving a narrow peripheral recess therearound in communication with the narrow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5800904
    Abstract: A composite surface covering includes a substrate and an inorganic wear layer. The composite surface covering retains its performance characteristics after mechanical embossing. Preferably, the inorganic wear layer of the surface covering is deposited on the substrate by a reduced pressure environment vapor deposition technique. Preferably, the inorganic wear layer is aluminum oxide. The preferred substrate is a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Robert A. Hallman, Robert D. Hensel, Eugene M. Kirchner, Jeffrey S. Ross, Jerome D. Wisnosky
  • Patent number: 5773127
    Abstract: Improved durability and sharper chemical embossing images are obtained in a thick foamed thermoplastic floor structure by the use of an unfoamed inner layer. The floor covering is formed on a release paper and includes an unfoamed thermoplastic base coat, lower foamed thermoplastic layer, an unfoamed thermoplastic inner layer, an upper foamed thermoplastic layer and a clear coat. The enhanced chemical embossing is achieved by printing an inhibitor containing ink on the inner layer and below the upper foamed layer. Multilevel embossing is obtained by embossing both foamed thermoplastic layers or applying a growth-controlling agent to both surfaces of one foamable thermoplastic layer. The preferred embodiment includes a pearl platelet containing layer above the upper foamed layer to give the illusion of deeper embossing. The preferred embodiment also includes a wear coat of the reaction product of an aminoplast, a urethane and a polyol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Pamela H. Martin, William J. Kauffman, Bruce F. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 5766719
    Abstract: A composite material comprised of a support (1) and a heat foamable material (8), with the heat foamable material (8) being contained into a room (7) defined by the support (1) so that when heat is applied, form expands out of the room (7). Additionally provided is an expanded seal (9) obtained by using a composite material as defined here before and to a process for the manufacture of such composite material. Other applications of the composite material such as structure reinforcement and vibration dampening, are further discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Magna Exterior Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Ralph Rimkus
  • Patent number: 5759670
    Abstract: The insulation barrier is made with a flexible foam polyethylene substrate and a film which is secured to at least one side of the substrate and which extends from at least one lateral edge of the substrate. The insulation barrier may be supplied in roll form or in panel form. In one embodiment, the film may be provided with a plurality of small holes to permit moisture vapor to pass through under a differential pressure on opposite sides of the barrier. In still another embodiment, the substrate may be provided with spaced apart embossments while the film is provided with pockets receiving the embossments. The barrier has multiple uses as an insulation/vapor barrier for interior and exterior use on buildings including use in roofing, flooring and walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Harry Bussey, Jr., Harry Bussey, III
  • Patent number: 5733630
    Abstract: A process for preparing multi-level, selectively expanded, resinous sheeting comprising:(A) providing a composite comprising a backing material and adhered thereto a layer of a foamable resin which contains a blowing agent;(B) forming a partially printed composite by applying to a portion of the surface of the layer a composition containing an accelerator which functions to lower the temperature at which the blowing agent decomposes and by applying to some, but not all, of the other portions of the surface of the layer a composition containing an inhibitor which functions to decrease the activity of the blowing agent; and(C) forming the multi-level, selectively expanded, resinous sheeting by raising the temperature of the printed composite to a level such that the blowing agent decomposes and the resin fuses, the decomposition of the blowing agent evolving gas which causes expansion of the foamable resin in the portion where the surface is not printed and expansion of the foamable resin in the portion where t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Congoleum Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolf Frisch, Marina Gillis
  • Patent number: 5728476
    Abstract: Resilient floor coverings are disclosed wherein the wear layer is a polymer composition, prepared from an ionomer resin and a polyfunctional olefinic compound, such as a polyfunctional acrylate. These floor coverings have good visual appearance and good burn, abrasion and stain resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Amtico Company Limited
    Inventors: Ivor Charles Harwood, Gary John Wilson
  • Patent number: 5725916
    Abstract: A heat-insulating paper container has a body member and a bottom panel member. Part of the outer surface of the body member is coated with a paint containing 5 wt %-40 wt % of a synthetic resin component so that the foaming of a thermoplastic synthetic resin film is suppressed in that area. The remainder of the body member which has not been coated with the resin component containing paint forms a foamed heat-insulating layer of the thermoplastic resin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nihon Dixie Company Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Ishii, Tatsuya Koya
  • Patent number: 5723197
    Abstract: This invention deals with a particular mounting device--and its production--for foaming in a foam part made of polyurethane or similar material and serving as a pad for backrests, seating surfaces, and respective areas of car seats. The mounting device allows attachment of a cover onto the foam part. This invention dispenses with the use of metal inlaid wires in the foam part and uses an easily-produced foam part. The mounting device has a girder section with preferably a coarse meshwork which is at least partially foamed around by polyurethane or similar material before being placed into a mold for the foam part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Grund, Horst Steinmeier, Matthias Habersatter
  • Patent number: 5714227
    Abstract: Tubular parison of a molten resin to such an extent as to melt undergoes a pre-blow with a blow molding apparatus, whereupon the blown tubular parison is clamped between dies of a blow molding apparatus, and also, is mutually weld together with parts of the inside faces of the tubular parison to form a multiple of isolated hollows in the parison. Gas is fed through a multiple of gas feed nozzles which are provided in the die into the hollow portions. A number of the hollow portions are opened in a second process to form a functional part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Sugawara, Koki Hirano, Katsuhiko Tada, Tetsuya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5712018
    Abstract: A water-based embossing composition for use in chemically embossing a foamable polymeric material having a blowing agent incorporated therein comprising: (A) a film-forming resin dissolved or dispersed in said aqueous composition; (B) a modifier which is effective in modifying the activity of the blowing agent comprising particulate solids which are substantially insoluble and uniformly dispersible in the liquid medium of the embossing composition and which have an average particle size of no greater than about 100 microns, said modifier being present in the composition in an amount of at least about 3 wt. %; and (C) optionally, a colorant or a softening agent for the modifier solids or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Congoleum Corporation
    Inventor: Rudolf Frisch
  • Patent number: 5705252
    Abstract: An expanded resilient product and methods for making the same are disclosed. The product is characterized as a geometric solid of resilient material that has a plurality of slits formed therein. Each slit is defined by a first surface having a protruding portion and second surface having a recess portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the first surface which together form an interlocking fit between the two. Forces are applied to the product sufficient to dislodge a protruding portion of the first surface from the complementary recess portion of the second surface, thereby forming a plurality of gaps. The product is then permitted to relax, whereupon the protruding portions compressively contact the complementary recess portions of the second surface. But because of the interlocking fit, the protruding portions are prevented from re-engaging the recess portions and thereby maintain the expanded nature of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: James McKenzie Lea, Peter Dale Haggerty, Richard Charles Andler
  • Patent number: 5686167
    Abstract: A structure forming part of a shoe comprising a sealed member of elastomeric material having a plurality of chambers containing a fluid, the chamber having a generally planar alignment, the plurality of chambers interconnected by a plurality of flexible sheets, wherein at least a portion of at least a plurality of the interconnecting sheets is oriented at an angle to the general plane of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Robert C. Bogert
    Inventor: Marion Franklin Rudy
  • Patent number: 5658652
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for panels in vehicles, comprising an outer cover layer (1), an inner carrier (2) and an intermediate layer (3) of a highly heat-reflecting material. The heat-reflecting layer (3) extends continuously, on the one hand with a part in close connection to an area of the cover layer which at least during certain time periods is exposed to heat radiation and accordingly is given an increased temperature, and on the other hand with at least one additional part over an area which has a lower temperature. In this manner, the increased temperature is limited through reflection and through dissipation of heat from the area with the increased temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Per-Ivar Sellergren
  • Patent number: 5641556
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite article having a front face containing a visible icon, which front face may be planer or arcuate. The method includes the steps of forming a core having perforate and imperforate portions in the core thereby creating a stencil defining the icon; forming an anvil having supporting surfaces in the shape of the icon and seated in supporting contact with the stencil; and forming the front layer of the article by injection molding an opaque plastic covering the front face of the core except for the imperforate portions of the stencil defining the icon. The composite article includes a core having a front face and a rear face with perforate and imperforate portions of the core forming a stencil defining the icon. An opaque plastic layer is formed on the front face of the core and covers the stencil except for the icon portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5631053
    Abstract: A hinge for use in inorganically filled composite materials is provided. The hinge has an inorganically filled structural matrix comprising a water-dispersable organic polymer binder, an aggregate material, and a fibrous material. The hinge allows inorganically filled materials to be bent along a line without breakage of the material. The hinge is preferably formed by scoring a formed sheet of inorganically filled material. The hinge is particularly useful in containers that require bending of various container parts, such as in food containers and boxes made from inorganically filled materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries
    Inventors: Per J. Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5626982
    Abstract: A heat insulating pad material, particularly for use in a battery shield, is made of a molded foam with a rough surface produced by in-mold expansion molding of expandable resin beads, a facing of a high-melting resin film, and an intermediate layer of a low-melting resin film. The foam and the facing are laminated together by melting the low-melting resin film in a manner that the rough surface is transparent through the facing. Upon lamination, heat may be applied onto the facing under pressure to emboss the rough surface of the molded foam, thus imparting a textured pattern. A heat insulating assembly for a battery comprises a battery case having outer surface walls and a pad of a one-piece pad member or pad members fayed and secured to the walls in a covering manner. The pad may be of the aforementioned pad material as well as molded foams produced by in-mold expansion molding or extrusion molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Kanegafuchi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Kawai, Masao Ando, Masahiro Chikada, Yoshihiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5612118
    Abstract: A printing process prints a continuously moving substrate with elongate, semi-tone graphics. The printed substrate is incorporated into a composite elastic material, in which the substrate is contracted, thereby forming a desired full-tone graphic from the semi-tone graphic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Schleinz, Daniel J. Conrad, Joseph S. Kucherovsky
  • Patent number: 5585185
    Abstract: Method of making a layered carpet construction suitable for use for the automotive industry as a "deck lid" wherein the backing of the carpet construction is specially processed to adhere to the backside of the exposed carpet face and a separate layer of foamed material is then secured to the backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventors: Rayna Smith, Dennis C. Young, Steve Bell
  • Patent number: 5571597
    Abstract: An instrument trim panel (12) includes a shell (14) made from a flexible plastic material. A textured section (18) is circumscribed by a simulated seam (20). A closed cell plastic block (28) is press fitted behind the textured section. An air pocket (26) is interposed between the block and textured section. A rigid substrate (22) is molded and cured behind the shell (14) and block (28). The air pocket allows the textured section to be deformed to simulate the appearance and feel of a leather applique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gallagher, Lawrence R. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5565250
    Abstract: A multi-layer film comprising a thermoplastic barrier layer, and a seal layer. The seal layer being an ethylene copolymer, having in the range of from about 5 to about 12 mol percent of a comonomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl acetate, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate and butyl acrylate. The multi-layer film is RF weldable in the range of from about 10 to about 50 MHz to form a non-peelable seal and where the seal layer has an anti-block matted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan B. Ohlsson, Philippe De Cambourg, Willy J. J. Leysen