Patent · US Active

Method and apparatus for making foam-in-place cushions with selective distribution of foam

US7607911B2 · kind B2 · utility

54Cited by
34References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 26, 2006
Grant dateOct 27, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 30, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB29C44/60
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.