×

Process and apparatus for simultaneously shaping foam and laminating fabric thereto

  • US 4,786,351 A
  • Filed: 12/31/1985
  • Issued: 11/22/1988
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1985
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A process of shaping open cell cushion foam and simultaneously laminating steam permeable fabric thereto, comprising the following steps:

  • (a) placing a layer of hot melt fabric adhesive over one side of the foam,(b) overlaying the adhesive with the fabric,(c) pressing a contoured die against the fabric-covered side of the foam, thereby creating one or more bends or indentations in the foam, said die being perforated across substantially its entire contact surface and said contact surface being preheated to an elevated temperature, but said temperature being below the melting point of the adhesive,(d) ejecting a shot of superheated steam through the perforations in the die at a pressure sufficient to drive the steam through the fabric and force some of the adhesive at least part way into the interior of the foam, the temperature of the steam being high enough to melt the adhesive,(e) passing a cooling gas through the foam, until the adhesive has resolidified, thereby laminating the fabric to the foam and permanently fixing the bend(s) or indentation(s) in the foam, and(f) disengaging the die and the resultant laminated, shaped composition.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×