MULTIFUNCTIONAL VISCOELASTIC COMPRESSIVE APPLICATOR

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a system and a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator comprising: obtaining a mold, the mold having a plurality of appendages protruding from the interior surfaces of the mold towards the interior of the mold cavity and the plurality of appendages capable of creating a plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations in a finished product; filling the mold with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material; closing the mold cover to create a fixed mold cavity volume inside the mold; and allowing the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material to expand and cure inside the fixed volume of the mold whereby the expanding and curing of the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material inside the mold fills the mold and creates a compressive force that acts on the viscoelastic material to create the finished product is presented.

Claims

1. A method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator comprising: obtaining a mold, the mold having a plurality of appendages protruding from the interior surfaces of the mold towards the interior of the mold cavity and the plurality of appendages capable of creating a plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations in a finished product; filling the mold with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material; closing the mold cover to create a fixed mold cavity volume inside the mold; and allowing the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material to expand and cure inside the fixed mold cavity volume of the mold whereby the expanding and curing of the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material inside the mold fills the mold and creates a compressive force that acts on the viscoelastic material to create the finished product.

2. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 1 further comprising wherein the finished product has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and twenty-five (25) pounds per cubic foot.

3. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 2 further comprising wherein the finished product has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and four (4) pounds per cubic foot.

4. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 1 further comprising wherein the plurality of appendages creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are wider at an outer surface of the finished product and taper down narrower as the slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations go deeper into the finished product.

5. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 1 further comprising wherein the plurality of appendages creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are at an angle other than perpendicular to an outer surface of the finished product.

6. A method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator comprising: obtaining a mold, the mold having a plurality of appendages protruding from the interior surfaces of the mold towards the interior of the mold cavity and the plurality of appendages capable of creating a plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations in a finished product; placing a first attachment mechanism onto a first at least one interior surface of the mold; filling the mold with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material; closing the mold cover to create a fixed mold cavity volume inside the mold; and allowing the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material to expand and cure inside the fixed mold cavity volume of the mold whereby the expanding and curing of the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material inside the mold fills the mold and creates a compressive force that acts on the viscoelastic material to affix the first attachment mechanism to the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material to create the finished product.

7. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 6 further comprising wherein the finished product has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and twenty-five (25) pounds per cubic foot.

8. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 7 further comprising wherein the finished product has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and four (4) pounds per cubic foot.

9. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 6 further comprising wherein the plurality of appendages creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are wider at an outer surface of the finished product and taper down narrower as the slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations go deeper into the finished product.

10. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 6 further comprising wherein the plurality of appendages creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are at an angle other than perpendicular to an outer surface of the finished product.

11. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 6 further comprising wherein the first attachment mechanism placed onto the first at least one interior surface of the mold is at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a male and female fastener, or a surface tension fastener.

12. A method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator comprising: obtaining a mold, the mold having a plurality of appendages protruding from the interior surfaces of the mold towards the interior of the mold cavity and the plurality of appendages capable of creating a plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations in a finished product; placing a first attachment mechanism onto a first at least one interior surface of the mold; placing a second attachment mechanism onto a second at least one interior surface of the mold; filling the mold with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material; closing the mold cover to create a fixed mold cavity volume inside the mold; and allowing the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material to expand and cure inside the fixed mold cavity volume of the mold whereby the expanding and curing of the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material inside the mold fills the mold and creates a compressive force that acts on the viscoelastic material to affix the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism to the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material to create the finished product.

13. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 12 further comprising wherein the finished product has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and twenty-five (25) pounds per cubic foot.

14. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 13 further comprising wherein the finished product has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and four (4) pounds per cubic foot.

15. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 12 further comprising wherein the plurality of appendages creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are wider at an outer surface of the finished product and taper down narrower as the slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations go deeper into the finished product.

16. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 12 further comprising wherein the plurality of appendages creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations are at an angle other than perpendicular to an outer surface of the finished product.

17. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 12 further comprising wherein the first attachment mechanism placed onto the first at least one interior surface of the mold is at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a male and female fastener, or a surface tension fastener.

18. The method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator of claim 12 further comprising wherein the second attachment mechanism placed onto the second at least one interior surface of the mold is at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a male and female fastener, or a surface tension fastener.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0074] A more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments thereof and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0075] FIG. 1 is a top view of a mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator according to an embodiment;

[0076] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;

[0077] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a mold fora method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 filled with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material and the mold cover positioned to close the mold and create a fixed mold cavity volume inside the mold according to an embodiment;

[0078] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a closed mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 that had been filled with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material where the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material has been allowed to expand and cure thereby filling the mold and creating a finished product according to an embodiment;

[0079] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a finished product according to an embodiment of a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator;

[0080] FIG. 6 is a top view of a mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator according to an embodiment;

[0081] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment;

[0082] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6 filled with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material, a first attachment mechanism placed onto a first at least one interior surface of the mold and the mold cover positioned to close the mold and create a fixed mold cavity volume inside the mold according to an embodiment;

[0083] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a closed mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6 that had been filled with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material, and a first attachment mechanism placed onto a first at least one interior surface of the mold where the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material has been allowed to expand and cure thereby filling the mold, affixing the first attachment mechanism and creating a finished product according to an embodiment;

[0084] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a finished product according to an embodiment of a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator;

[0085] FIG. 11 is a top view of a mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator according to an embodiment;

[0086] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment;

[0087] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11 filled with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material, a first attachment mechanism placed onto a first at least one interior surface of the mold, a second attachment mechanism placed onto a second at least one interior surface of the mold, and the mold cover positioned to close the mold and create a fixed mold cavity volume inside the mold according to an embodiment;

[0088] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a closed mold for a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11 that had been filled with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material, a first attachment mechanism placed onto a first at least one interior surface of the mold, and a second attachment mechanism placed onto a second at least one interior surface of the mold where the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material has been allowed to expand and cure thereby filling the mold, affixing the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism, and creating a finished product according to an embodiment; and

[0089] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a finished product according to an embodiment of a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator.

[0090] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and text. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation, and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments.

[0092] For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, a simple example will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this example is illustrative and not limiting and is provided purely for explanatory purposes. In the illustrative example and as seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

[0093] Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 which show an embodiment of a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (100) comprising: obtaining a mold (110), the mold (110) having a plurality of appendages (120) protruding from the interior surfaces (112) of the mold (110) towards the interior of the mold cavity (114) and the plurality of appendages (120) capable of creating a plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (130) in a finished product (140); filling the mold (110) with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (150); closing the mold cover (160) to create a fixed mold cavity (114) volume inside the mold (110); and allowing the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (150) to expand and cure inside the fixed mold cavity (114) volume of the mold (110) whereby the expanding and curing of the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (150) inside the mold (110) fills the mold (110) and creates a compressive force that acts on the viscoelastic material (150) to create the finished product (140).

[0094] In another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (100) further comprises wherein the finished product (140) has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and twenty-five (25) pounds per cubic foot.

[0095] In yet another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (100) further comprises wherein the finished product (140) has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and four (4) pounds per cubic foot.

[0096] In still another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (100) further comprises wherein the plurality of appendages (120) creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (130) are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (130) are wider at an outer surface of the finished product (140) and taper down narrower as the slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (130) go deeper into the finished product (140).

[0097] In another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (100) further comprises wherein the plurality of appendages (120) creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (130) are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (130) are at an angle other than perpendicular to an outer surface (142) of the finished product (140).

[0098] Turning now to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 which show an embodiment of a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (200) comprising: obtaining a mold (210), the mold (210) having a plurality of appendages (220) protruding from the interior surfaces (212) of the mold (210) towards the interior of the mold cavity (214) and the plurality of appendages (220) capable of creating a plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (230) in a finished product (240); placing a first attachment mechanism (270) onto a first at least one interior surface (212) of the mold (210); filling the mold (210) with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (250); closing the mold cover (260) to create a fixed mold cavity (214) volume inside the mold (210); and allowing the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (250) to expand and, cure inside the fixed mold cavity (214) volume of the mold (210) whereby the expanding and curing of the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (250) inside the mold (210) fills the mold (210) and creates a compressive force that acts on the viscoelastic material (250) to affix the first attachment mechanism (270) to the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (250) to create the finished product (240).

[0099] In another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (200) further comprises wherein the finished product (240) has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and twenty-five (25) pounds per cubic foot.

[0100] In yet another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (200) further comprises wherein the finished product (240) has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and four (4) pounds per cubic foot.

[0101] In still another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (200) further comprises wherein the plurality of appendages (220) creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (230) are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (230) are wider at an outer surface of the finished product (242) and taper down narrower as the slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (230) go deeper into the finished product (240).

[0102] In another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (200) further comprises wherein the plurality of appendages (220) creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (230) are, configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (230) are at an angle other than perpendicular to an outer surface (242) of finished product (240).

[0103] In yet still another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (200) further comprises wherein the first attachment mechanism (270) placed onto the first at least one interior surface (212) of the mold is at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a male and female fastener, or a surface tension fastener.

[0104] Turning now to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 which show an embodiment of a method of creating a multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (300) comprising: obtaining a mold (310), the mold (310) having a plurality of appendages (320) protruding from the interior surfaces (312) of the mold (310) towards the interior of the mold cavity (314) and the plurality of appendages (320) capable of creating a plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (330) in a finished product (340); placing a first attachment mechanism (370) onto a first at least one interior surface (312) of the mold (310); placing a second attachment mechanism (380) onto a second at least one interior surface (312) of the mold (310); filling the mold (310) with a predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (350); closing the mold cover (360) to create a fixed mold cavity (314) volume inside the mold (310); and allowing the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (350) to expand and cure inside the fixed mold cavity (314) volume of the mold (310) whereby the expanding and curing of the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (350) inside the mold (310) fills the mold (310) and creates a compressive force that acts on the viscoelastic material (350) to affix the first attachment mechanism (370) and the second attachment mechanism (380) to the predetermined amount of viscoelastic material (350) to create the finished product (340).

[0105] In another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (300) further comprises wherein the finished product (340) has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and twenty-five (25) pounds per cubic foot.

[0106] In yet another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (300) further comprises wherein the finished product (340) has a density in the range of between two (2) pounds per cubic foot and four (4) pounds per cubic foot.

[0107] In still another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (300) further comprises wherein the plurality of appendages (320) creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (330) are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (330) are wider at an outer surface (342) of the finished product (340) and taper down narrower as the slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (330) go deeper into the finished product (340).

[0108] In still yet another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (300) further comprises wherein the plurality of appendages (320) creating the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (330) are configured so that the plurality of slices, indentations, cavities, hollows, voids or augmentations (330) are at an angle other than perpendicular to an outer surface (342) of the finished product (340).

[0109] In another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (300) further comprises wherein the first attachment mechanism (370) placed onto the first at least one interior surface (312) of the mold (310) is at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a male and female fastener, or a surface tension fastener.

[0110] In yet still another embodiment of the method of creating the multifunctional viscoelastic compressive applicator (300) further comprises wherein the second attachment mechanism (380) placed onto the second at least one interior surface (312) of the mold (310) is at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a male and female fastener, or a surface tension fastener.

[0111] The components of the apparatus illustrated are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the apparatus include such modifications and variations. Further, steps described in the method may be utilized independently and separately from other steps described herein.

[0112] While the apparatus and method have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope contemplated. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings found herein without departing from the essential scope thereof.

[0113] In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, references to one embodiment, some embodiments, an embodiment and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as about is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as first, second, upper, lower etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

[0114] As used herein, the terms may and may be indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing, one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of may and may be indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occurthis distinction is captured by the terms may and may be.

[0115] As used in the claims, the word comprises and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, consisting essentially of and consisting of. Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges there between. It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggest themselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, where not already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should cover those variations.

[0116] Advances in science and technology may make equivalents and substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of the imprecision of language; these variations should be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the method, machine and computer-readable medium, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice these, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.