Method and apparatus for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat employing multiple durometer layers
US7682680B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24983
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material that exhibits a first durometer. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible support sheet. The frame assembly includes an aperture that receives a layer of heated liquid gel which cools to form the layer of resilient gel material exhibiting the first durometer. In one embodiment, a barrier layer exhibiting a second durometer is situated on the gel layer that exhibits the first durometer. In one embodiment, the barrier layer prevents the flow of oils from the gel layer to a flexible base sheet disposed on the barrier layer. In another embodiment, the flexible base sheet may exhibit a second durometer. In either embodiment, the layers exhibiting the first and second durometer cooperate to influence the feel of the mat to the user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.