Modified low-density polyurethane foam body
OwnerMorey Weismaninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A low-density, open-cell flexible polyurethane foam body that is modified to impart resilience and enhanced shock-absorbency properties thereto. Modification is effected by implanting in the open cells of the body expandable microspheres having particle sizes in the micron range, each microsphere being formed by a gas proof polymeric shell encapsulating a drop of a liquid petroleum gas. The microspheres are expanded by heat to as much as fifty times their initial volume and are entrapped in the open cells of the body. The expanded microspheres are constituted by a soft polymeric shell enclosing a compressible gas, the expanded microspheres behaving as energy-absorbing miniature springs dispersed throughout the body.
Claims11
A low-density, open-cell flexible foam body whose low density is such that the body is lacking in resilience and shock-absorbing properties, said body being modified to impart resilience and enhanced shock-absorbing properties thereto to render it useful as a protective padding, said foam cells having entrapped therein expanded microspheres, each defined by a soft, gas proof polymeric shell enclosing a compressible petroleum gas whereby the expanded microspheres act as miniature springs which are dispersed throughout the body which when subjected to an impact force is deformed thereby and compressed;
- the body recovering its normal form when the force is withdrawn.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.