Andrew M Perkins

US Patent:

7963020, Jun 21, 2011

Filed:

Aug 28, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/846147

Inventors:

Nicholas P. De Luca - Washington DC, US
Andrew B. Perkins - Berkeley CA, US

Assignee:

Sealed Air Corporation (US) - Saddle Brook NJ

International Classification:

B23P 23/00

US Classification:

295642, 295646, 29 33 Q, 29445, 156510, 156538, 156556

Abstract:

A method and machine for manufacturing foam parts are provided. The method generally includes cutting a plurality of sections across the width of the base sheet, engaging and reorienting at least one portion of each section, and joining the portions of each section in a desired configuration to thereby form a plurality of parts. The portions can be engaged by actuator assemblies operating in successively adjacent work spaces across the width of the base sheet to simultaneously produce a plurality of similar parts. In some cases, each part includes at least one portion that is reoriented relative to another portion, such as by rotating one of the portions or adjusting one of the portions to a position that is offset from the plane of the section.

US Patent:

8486507, Jul 16, 2013

Filed:

Jun 26, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/459055

Inventors:

Nicholas De Luca - Washington DC, US
Andrew B. Perkins - Berkeley CA, US
Shane L. Washburn - Oakland CA, US
Joseph D. Gangel - Livermore CA, US

Assignee:

Cryovac, Inc. - Duncan SC

International Classification:

B32B 3/24
B32B 5/04
B32B 5/18

US Classification:

428136, 428131, 428134, 428137, 428138, 428220, 4283044

Abstract:

A mechanically expandable foam sheet has comprising a plurality of discrete slits therein that allow the foam sheet to be expanded from an unexpanded foam sheet configuration to an expanded foam sheet configuration. The expandable foam sheet has a density of from 14 g/liter to 48 g/liter in the unexpanded configuration and a thickness of from 6 mm to 50 mm. The slits are of a kind and of a size and arrangement that the expanded foam sheet locks into the expanded configuration by exhibiting a pressure-to-close of at least 5 gm/cm. Each of the slits provides only a single free volume in the expanded foam sheet. An expandable foam sheet having serpentine-shaped expansion and locking arms is also disclosed, as are various cushioning articles comprising expanded foam sheet.