Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an extrusion molding method and system that may be utilized to produce one or more objects having a desired shape, such as a shape suitable for a synthetic wine cork, for example. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes: extruding a material including a blowing agent through a die; cutting the extruded material to obtain at least one piece; placing the at least one piece in a mold; and allowing the at least one piece to expand and cool within the mold in order to form a produced object, where the produced object has a predefined shape based on the mold.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a hot tub covering system comprised of a plurality of objects adapted to float on the water surface of a hot tub. The objects are adapted to disperse around a person's body in the water. In further exemplary embodiments, the system is adapted to reduce water evaporation and heat loss without substantially impeding use of the hot tub. Furthermore, if the hot tub is located in an indoors environment, the system reduces humidity (i.e., evaporation rate of the water) and creates a more pleasant atmosphere. As a non-limiting example, the objects may be made of a plastic, such as polyethylene, polystyrene or polypropylene. As non-limiting examples, the objects may have a generally cylindrical shape or a generally spherical shape.