Abstract: By forming a plurality of separate, spaced, expansion zones in preselected areas of a foamed plastic product having a desired size and shape, a new foam plastic product is achieved which is capable of being expanded or extended in at least one direction during its use in order to accommodate dimensional changes or requirements. By forming the expansion zones in a precisely desired pattern which extends over a substantial portion of the foam plastic product, the resulting product is capable of being expanded, extended, or adjusted in at least one of its dimensions. In this way, the resulting product is quickly and easily expanded or extended in one direction to fit any desired application surface with ease and simplicity.

Abstract: By providing a unique product enhancing step which enables any desired section, portion, or element of a product being produced to be treated in a manner to provide desired enhanced physical, structural, and/or aesthetics characteristics, a new, fully integrated enhanced foam manufacturing system is attained which is capable of producing virtually any desired foam product, with each product incorporating any desired area or zone being formed with a particular physical, structural, and/or aesthetic property, characteristic, or enhancement. In addition, in accordance with the teaching of the present invention, any desired cross-sectional shape or configuration is capable of being manufactured in fully automated, high volume, rapid production conditions, with virtual ease and simplicity, with a specific physical, structural, or aesthetic property incorporated therein.

Abstract: By providing a unique product enhancing step which enables any desired section, portion, or element of a product being produced to be treated in a manner to provide desired enhanced physical, structural, and/or aesthetics characteristics, a new, fully integrated enhanced foam manufacturing system is attained which is capable of producing virtually any desired foam product, with each product incorporating any desired area or zone being formed with a particular physical, structural, and/or aesthetic property, characteristic, or enhancement. In addition, in accordance with the teaching of the present invention, any desired cross-sectional shape or configuration is capable of being manufactured in fully automated, high volume, rapid production conditions, with virtual ease and simplicity, with a specific physical, structural, or aesthetic property incorporated therein.