Decorative foam and method
US9498927B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2375/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Decorative foamed articles are prepared from foamed pellets, beads, particles, or other articles of a thermoplastic elastomer infused with a supercritical fluid in a pressurized container, then rapidly depressurized and heated either by immersion in a heated fluid that can rapidly heat the article or with infrared or microwave radiation to heat and foam the pellets, beads, particles, or other articles that are then molded into the articles. The pellets are dyed with a nonionic or anionic dye one of: (1) before being infused with the supercritical fluid, (2) during being infused with the supercritical fluid by a nonionic or anionic dye dissolved or dispersed in the supercritical fluid, which optionally comprises a polar liquid, (3) during immersion in the heated fluid, where the heated fluid contains the dye, or (4) after being foamed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.