US3811242A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for compressing foam blocks for storage and/or shipment
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-12-15
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Granted: 1974-05-21
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Expires: 1992-12-15
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for the compression and restraint of blocks of polyurethane foam or similar material to a small percentage of their original volume to reduce shipping and storage space. The blocks are compressed initially in the direction of at least one of the axes and are restrained in the direction of one of the other axes. Then, a restraining sleeve or a plurality of restraining bands holds the block in the compressed condition in the direction of the compressed axis and also prevents rebound or expansion in all directions of compression.
Inventors
- 👤 T Hayford
- 👤 D Hayford
- 👤 W Hayford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 00:13
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B63/00; B65B63/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
The method of compressing a block of foam material to effectively reduce its volume for shipment and/or storage which comprises: compressing the block in the direction of one of its axes (first axis) an amount of the order between 1 percent and 70 percent; compressing the block in the direction of another of its axes (second axis) an amount of the order between 10 percent and 75 percent while maintaining the compressive force in the direction of the first axis; removing the compressive force in the direction of the first axis; applying restaining means around the block so as to confine the block in the directions of both compressed axes; removing the compressive force in the direction of the second axis; and placing a liner along each face of the block normal to the second axis before compressing the block in the direction of the second axis.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
147 words
The method of compressing a block of foam material to effectively reduce its volume for shipment and/or storage which comprises: compressing the block in the direction of one of its axes (first axis) an amount of the order between 1 percent and 70 percent; compressing the block in the direction of another of its axes (second axis) an amount of the order between 10 percent and 75 percent while maintaining the compressive force in the direction of the first axis; removing the compressive force in the direction of the first axis; applying restaining means around the block so as to confine the block in the directions of both compressed axes; removing the compressive force in the direction of the second axis; and placing a liner along each face of the block normal to the second axis before compressing the block in the direction of the second axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the step of applying the restraining means comprises: ejecting the compressed block into a sleeve whose open end is transverse to the plane formed by the first axis and the second axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the step of applying the restraining means comprises: placing a plurality of straps around the compressed block; each of the straps being in a plane transverse to that formed by the first axis and the second axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 1 including: the step of compressing the block in the direction of its third axis an amount of the order of 2% to 10%.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 4 wherein: the step of compressing the block in the direction of its third axis is carried out while applying the restraining means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein: the step of applying the restraining means comprises ejecting the compressed block into a sleeve whose open end is transverse to the plane of the first axis and the second axis; and the block is compressed in the direction of its third axis an amount of the order of 2% to 10% concurrent with the applying of the restraining means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein: the step of applying the restraining means comprises placing a plurality of straps around the compressed block, each of the straps being in a plane transverse to that formed by the first axis and the second axis; and the block is compressed in the direction of its third axis an amount of the order of 2% to 10% concurrent with the applying of the restraining means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
125 words
Apparatus for compressing a block of foam material to effectively reduce its volume and to apply restraining means to hold it in said compressed state for shipment and/or storage which compriSes: first compressing means for compressing the block in the direction of a first axis thereof; second compressing means for compressing the block in the direction of a second axis thereof; a sleeve; a ram for ejecting the compressed block into the sleeve such that the second compressing means and the sleeve serve to prevent the block from expanding while the block is being fully ejected into the sleeve; and a plate opposed to the ram such that the block is compressed in the direction of its third axis while being ejected into the sleeve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
125 words
Apparatus for compressing a block of foam material to effectively reduce its volume and to apply restraining means to hold it in said compressed state for shipment and/or storage which compriSes: first compressing means for compressing the block in the direction of a first axis thereof; second compressing means for compressing the block in the direction of a second axis thereof; a sleeve; a ram for ejecting the compressed block into the sleeve such that the second compressing means and the sleeve serve to prevent the block from expanding while the block is being fully ejected into the sleeve; and a plate opposed to the ram such that the block is compressed in the direction of its third axis while being ejected into the sleeve.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 8 including: third compressing means for compressing the block in the direction of its third axis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
The invention of claim 9 wherein: the first compressing means comprises a pair of opposed horizontal plates movable toward and away from each other; and the second compressing means comprises a pair of opposed upper bars and a pair of opposed lower bars, each upper bar being coupled to a lower bar, the coupled bars being movable toward and away from each other in a direction transverse to the movement of the pair of opposed horizontal plates.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention of claim 10 wherein: the pairs of opposed bars carry a plurality of spaced grooves to permit the application of straps to the block in planes transverse to that formed by the first axis and the second axis.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
77 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein: the first compressing means comprises a pair of opposed horizontal plates movable toward and away from each other; and the second compressing means comprises a pair of opposed upper bars and a pair of opposed lower bars, each upper bar being coupled to a lower bar, the coupled bars being movable toward and away from each other in a direction transverse to the movement of the pair of opposed horizontal plates.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-05-20 | 1977-11-19 | 1978-05-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-20 | 1981-11-19 | 1982-05-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-20 | 1985-11-19 | 1986-05-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |