Patent ID: 6269724
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: B26D,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming a continuous web of a foam material from a water-filled block of a foam material, said water-filled block of a foam material having a base and a central axis extending generally orthogonally from said base, said apparatus comprising:(a) a rotatable platen oriented such that said water-filled block of a foam material can be rotatably supported upon its base on said platen;(b) a displacing means for displacing portions of said water-filled block of a foam material adjacent said rotatable platen, wherein a displaced portion of said water-filled block of a foam material is formed near its base, said displaced portion being defined by the portions of said water-filled block of a foam material remaining immediately adjacent said displaced portion of said water-filled block of a foam material;(c) a blade positioned generally vertically and substantially parallel to said central axis of said water-filled block of a foam material, said blade positioned to cut into said water-filled block of a foam material a predetermined distance from said central axis by making a vertical motion substantially parallel to said central axis, said blade having a portion operatively disposed within said displaced portion;(d) upper blade securement and a lower blade securement, said upper blade securement positioned above said water-filled block of a foam material, and said lower blade securement at least partially operatively disposed within said displaced portion to constrain said blade parallel to said central axis of said water-filled block of a foam material;(e) a rotational means for rotating said platen;(f) an advancement means for linearly decreasing said predetermined distance of said blade from said central axis; and(g) a controller for controlling said blade and said platen in operative relationship such that the continuous web of a foam material is produced as rotating platen is rotated while said predetermined distance of said blade from said central axis is continuously decreased.