Abstract: A pipe insulation product is provided including pipe insulation having an inside surface defining a central opening for surrounding a pipe, and a longitudinal slit defined by two opposing walls enabling the pipe insulation to be forced over a pipe to surround the pipe, a foamed adhesive layer applied to one or both of the opposing walls of the longitudinal slit, and one or more removable release strips for temporarily covering the foamed adhesive layers applied to one or both of the opposing walls of the longitudinal slit. The release strips protect the foamed adhesive layers prior to use, and the foamed adhesive layer provides for a closure with improved performance once the pipe insulation is applied to a pipe.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an extruder for producing a thermoplastic material having a first and second portion comprising an axially extending barrel and a screw conveyer axially disposed within said barrel so as to define a passage for conveying thermoplastic material from an input through a melt zone to an output. Furthermore the present invention discloses an insulation member comprising an elongated insulation member formed of a thermoplastic insulating material, said insulating member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second side edges; the top edge comprising a protrusion, said top edge extending beyond a corresponding top edge of a corresponding panel of siding; and the bottom edge comprising a ledge, said ledge operable to overlap the protrusion.

Abstract: An extruder for producing a thermoplastic material having a first and second portion, namely, an axially extending barrel; first and second screw conveyers co-axially disposed within said barrel, said second screw conveyer co-axially disposed within said first screw conveyer with relative rotatable movement between said first and second screw conveyers so as to define a first passage for conveying thermoplastic material from an input to a melt zone and then an output and define a second passage from said melt zone to said output; a connecting passage for communication between said first and second passages whereby a first portion of said thermoplastic melt is conveyed through said first passage to said output and another portion of said thermoplastic melt is conveyed through said connecting passage and through said second passage to said output; means for changing the characteristic of said portion; means for merging said first and second portions together.

Abstract: An extruder for producing a thermoplastic material having a first and second portion, namely, an axially extending barrel; first and second screw conveyers co-axially disposed within said barrel, said second screw conveyer co-axially disposed within said first screw conveyer with relative rotatable movement between said first and second screw conveyers so as to define a first passage for conveying thermoplastic material from an input to a melt zone and then an output and define a second passage from said melt zone to said output; a connecting passage for communication between said first and second passages whereby a first portion of said thermoplastic melt is conveyed through said first passage to said output and another portion of said thermoplastic melt is conveyed through said connecting passage and through said second passage to said output; means for changing the characteristic of said portion; means for merging said first and second portions together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing residual gases from a foamed polymer material by subjecting the foamed polymer material to a vacuum.

Abstract: A foamed polyethylene product has an outer sheath of non-foamed polyethylene fused to an underlying foamed body portion. Preferably, the product is produced in an in-line method when the foam body is extruded and subsequently the skin is extruded directly on the body portion. This process only causes limited thermal degradation of an outer layer of the body portion which improves adhesion of the skin to the body portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for extruding an elongated article comprising a die having an opening therethrough; an extruder for discharging extrudable material through said die opening; structure for rotational movement between said die and said extruder so as to provide said elongated article having a rotational profile.

Abstract: A self-covering element for covering a pipe joint comprising of a deformable, hollow insulating element having a first portion and a second portion attached at an angle to one another. A longitudinal slit runs the length of the first and second portions, and a pressure sensitive adhesive with a removable release film is adhered to the longitudinal slit. The deformable insulating element allows for the entry of the pipe joint through the longitudinal slit, and surrounds the pipe joint. The pressure sensitive adhesive then seals the longitudinal slit and the pipe joint into the hollow cavity once the release film is removed.

Abstract: A foamed polyethylene product has an outer sheath of non-foamed polyethylene fused to an underlying foamed body portion. Preferably, the product is produced in an in-line method when the foam body is extruded and subsequently the skin is extruded directly on the body portion. This process only causes limited thermal degradation of an outer layer of the body portion which improves adhesion of the skin to the body portion.

Abstract: A foamed polyethylene product has an outer sheath of non-foamed polyethylene fused to an underlying foamed body portion. Preferably, the product is produced in an in-line method when the foam body is extruded and subsequently the skin is extruded directly on the body portion. This process only causes limited thermal degradation of an outer layer of the body portion which improves adhesion of the skin to the body portion.

Abstract: A foamed polyethylene product has an outer sheath of non-foamed polyethylene fused to an underlying foamed body portion. Preferably, the product is produced in an in-line method when the foam body is extruded and subsequently the skin is extruded directly on the body portion. This process only causes limited thermal degradation of an outer layer of the body portion which improves adhesion of the skin to the body portion.

Abstract: An extruder for forming elongated articles made of a thermoplastic having a cross-section that varies along their length comprising a moveable means for defining an extrusion orifice.

Abstract: A coupler and a method for securing foam tube insulation elements to one another for pipes, comprising of a strip having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may have a series of tab-like projections that define openings between the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface may also have a series of teeth.

Abstract: A floatable lounger includes a first buoyancy means; second buoyancy means spaced from said first buoyancy means; first and second extending means; and headrest rotatable about said first extending means between a first stored position and a second operable position. The floatable lounger provides for a simpler construction for a floating lounger with excellent buoyancy.