Article with controlled cushioning
US9243104B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2375/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Pellets, beads, particles, or other pieces of a thermoplastic elastomer having a maximum size in at least one dimension of 10 mm or less (collectively, “pellets”) are infused with a supercritical fluid in a pressurized container, then rapidly depressurized and heated either by immersion in a heated fluid or with infrared or microwave radiation to foam the pellets The pellets are prepared with at least two different densities. Pellets with different densities, thermoplastic elastomer compositions, or foam response rates are placed in different areas of a mold. The mold is filled with pellets, then the pellets are molded into a part. The part has areas of different density as a result of the placement of pellets of different density.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.