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Abstract

Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity oriented and non-oriented gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) or poly(styrene-ethylene-proplene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous elastomer composites to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, vibration dampers, vibration isolators, wrappers, hand exercisers, crutch cushions, cervical pillows, bed wedge pillows, leg rest cushions, neck cushions, bed pads, elbow pads, dermal pads, wheelchair cushions, helmet liners, hot or cold compress pads, exercise weight belts, swabs, traction pads, splints, slings, rib supports, orthopedic shoe soles, brace cushions for the hand, wrist, finger, forearm, knee, leg, clavicle, shoulder, foot, ankle, neck, back, and the like.

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First Claim