Extendable and/or expandable foam panel constructions

Abstract

By forming a plurality of separate, spaced, expansion zones in preselected areas of a foamed plastic product having a desired size and shape, a new foam plastic product is achieved which is capable of being expanded or extended in at least one direction during its use in order to accommodate dimensional changes or requirements. By forming the expansion zones in a precisely desired pattern which extends over a substantial portion of the foam plastic product, the resulting product is capable of being expanded, extended, or adjusted in at least one of its dimensions. In this way, the resulting product is quickly and easily expanded or extended in one direction to fit any desired application surface with ease and simplicity.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 125,986, filed Apr. 29, 2008 entitled “EXTENDABLE AND / OR EXPANDABLE FOAM PANEL CONSTRUCTIONS.”TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to enlarged, foam panel constructions and, more particularly, to enlarged foam constructions which are capable of being expanded or extended in at least one dimension whenever desired.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Throughout the years, an ever increasing variety of products and product areas have benefitted from the use of foam plastic materials. In this regard, product manufacturers, suppliers, and / or shippers have found that foam plastic products, materials, and profiles can be employed for improving the quality of the product being produced, as well as for substantially improving packing materials and product safety panels which are commonly used in product protection during shipment. Furthermore, due to the unique nature of foam plastic products and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a new foam plastic product that can be expanded or extended in at least one direction during use, making it easier to accommodate dimensional changes or requirements. This allows for the creation of foam plastic products that are more versatile and adaptable to various applications. The invention achieves this by forming a plurality of separate, and pre-designed, expansion zones in the foam plastic product. These expansion zones can be formed with any desired shape or configuration, and can be expanded or contracted in at least one dimension to accommodate different needs or applications. The resulting foam plastic product is easier to install and can be used in a wide variety of products and applications.

Problems solved by technology

In this regard, one of the principal difficulties encountered with the use of foam plastic materials is the difficulty in controlling the dimensions of the foam plastic material during production, in order to assure that precisely desired dimensions are attained.

This problem has been found in the use of foam plastic panels for protecting large products, as well as in the use of foam plastic panels in furniture products, bedding, and mattresses.

However, during the production of the foam plastic panels, controlling a precise dimensional size has been found to be particularly difficult.

Although effective, this process is more expensive, since material is cut and thrown away, as well as being time-consuming and labor intensive.

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