Abstract: A method for forming a headliner including a fluted paper central substrate includes forming the fluted paper substrate in a first forming tool. The formed substrate is then moved to a second bonding tool. A cover layer and an adhesive layer are actuated in the bonding tool to secure the cover layer to the substrate. The bonding tool preferably consists of a heated upper portion adjacent the cover layer and the adhesive, and a cooled lower portion which receives the base material. The use of the cooled bottom portion maintains the dimensional accuracy of the base layer during the bonding process. The heated upper layer ensures efficient and quick actuation of the adhesive to bond the cover layer to the substrate.

Abstract: In the manufacture of multichamber tubular containers it has been found that the inner divider walls should be bonded to the exterior wall by means of a band sealing method. In the band sealing method there is a band that contacts the upper film and a band that contacts the lower film that are to be bonded. In the present processes the upper band contacts the inner divider wall while the lower band contacts the exterior surface of the outer wall of the tubular container. In order to prevent the marring or otherwise putting a defect into the exterior surface of the outer wall the temperature of the lower band is maintained at a lower temperature than the upper band. This will decrease the temperature of the exterior surface of the outer wall and prevent imperfections in the exterior surface of the outer wall. The advantage is a multichamber tubular container without any imperfections in the exterior surface. This enhances the overall appearance of the tubular container.

Abstract: A method for the production of a completely impregnated composite material having the surface thereof coated with a thermosetting resin and essentially consisting of a thermoplastic resin matrix including minute voids filled with a thermosetting resin and reinforcing fibers, which method comprises setting in place a roller and a collecting section disposed in the direction of the rotation of the roller, rotating the roller, feeding thermoplastic resin fibers and reinforcing fibers to the roller, causing the roller to throw a uniform mixture of the two types of fibers onto the collecting section, thereby forming a composite mat of the uniform mixture on the collecting section, then thermally compressing the composite mat and further solidifying the compressed composite mat by cooling and forming a composite material of the shape of a plate, further heating the composite material, thereby melting and expanding the thermoplastic resin forming the matrix, then cooling the expanded composite material, thereby form

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a flash-free weld between the ends of thermoplastic members, wherein the members are held in position by holders, the ends of the members are softened by a heater, the members and holders are brought together until the ends of the members are joined to result in a flash-free weld.

Abstract: A method for producing laminated integrated circuit cubes includes applying conductive heat to the cube using at least one conductive heating device. A vacuum is created around the cube to remove air and other gases from between the integrated circuit layers prior to curing. A force is applied to the cube while it is heated under vacuum. A cooling gas is then circulated over the cube. Temperature and force sensing can be performed, and the process can be controlled by programmable logic controllers and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoplastic welding together by fusion bonding, an assembly of composite parts, each having a resin-rich thermoplastic surface layer, along bond lines containing a conductive susceptor, includes a weld skate that can be moved along guiding and supporting tooling over the bond line to effect the weld. The skate has an induction work coil and two pressure pads, one on each side of the coil in its direction of motion in operation, for applying pressure to the parts while said induction work coil induces eddy currents in the susceptor to heat the susceptor by resistive heating and melt the thermoplastic surface layers. The skate has bearings projecting from its side into cam grooves machined into the sides of the tooling for guiding and supporting the skate during welding by the induction work coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal transfer of a picture pattern or a letter on a printing surface of a material formed of metal or ceramics exhibiting high heat dissipating properties. The thermal transfer apparatus, by which the thermal transfer method may be carried out, includes a holding unit for holding the material and having a heater for heating the material, a thermal transfer head for heating the thermal transfer film for transferring the printing layer onto the material, a cooling unit for cooling the thermal transfer film, a peeling unit for peeling the base film of the thermal transfer film, and a control unit for pressing the thermal transfer head against the thermal transfer film as the material is heated by the heater for transferring the printing layer onto the material. The control unit causes the thermal transfer film to be cooled by the cooling means after separation of the thermal transfer head from the thermal transfer film.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing laminated materials comprising a metal sheet laminated on one or both sides to a polymer film or films. The process comprises forming a laminate by a combination of heat and pressure followed by reheating. A heat zone is provided for heating and/or cooling the laminate after the reheat stage and prior to quenching so that the laminate enters the quenching stage at a substantially constant temperature, irrespective of line speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal transfer of a picture pattern or a letter on a printing surface of a material formed of metal or ceramics exhibiting high heat dissipating properties. The thermal transfer apparatus, by which the thermal transfer method may be carried out, includes a holding unit for holding the material and having a heater for heating the material, a thermal transfer head for heating the thermal transfer film for transferring the printing layer onto the material, a cooling unit for cooling the thermal transfer film, a peeling unit for peeling the base film of the thermal transfer film, and a control unit for pressing the thermal transfer head against the thermal transfer film as the material is heated by the heater for transferring the printing layer onto the material. The control unit causes the thermal transfer film to be cooled by the cooling means after separation of the thermal transfer head from the thermal transfer film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating a protective overcoat carried on a web to an image carrying medium is particularly useful for covering an image carrying medium having a large area. A hot roller and an actively cooled cold roller form a nip through which the web and image carrying medium advance in a juxtaposed relationship. A temperature differential is created across the layers of the web and medium to promote adhesion between the surface of the protective overcoat and the image while preventing lamination artifacts such as curling and rippling. Postwrap and prewrap angles are used to enhance control of artifacts and assist in post lamination separation of the overcoated image carrying medium from residual web material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing, extruding, milling and welding a high torque, thin monolithic walled guiding catheter having resilient reinforcement material (8, 23, 29, 70, 73) integrally spiralled or braided into monolithic walls (21) of flexible material. A solid lubricant, also referred to as dry lubricant, comprised of either special fluorine containing materials or polymeric organic silicon compounds is embedded into interior and exterior wall surfaces of the catheters. Smooth interior walls (11) are channeled (10) to decrease friction resistance, to trap resistance particles and to dissipate friction heat in the high ratio of surface area to cross-sectional area of small catheters. Number of spirals or braids of reinforcement strands per unit of length, number of layers of strands of the catheters, catheter diameter and progressiveness thereof are designedly different for separate portions of particular catheters.

Abstract: A three dimensional woven fabric connector includes a first generally planar section of flexible fabric composed of fibers which run lengthwise and are interwoven with fibers that run crosswise generally at right angles to the lengthwise fibers, and a second generally planar section of flexible fabric composed of lengthwise and crosswise fibers interwoven generally at right angles to one another. The second section of fabric is interwoven with the first section along an intersection of the two sections, with at least one lengthwise fiber being common to the two sections. At least some of the crosswise fibers of each section extend from that section through the intersection to the other section.

Abstract: A repair of a hollow tubular member adapted to contain a fluid under pressure, is performed by securing to the hollow tubular member to be repaired one end of a flexible tape consisting of continuous longitudinal fibers that occupy from 30-60% of the cross section of the tape, the fibers being encased in a thermoplastic matrix, the elastic limit of the material of the fibers being greater than the elastic limit of the material of the tubular member. The tape is caused to revolve around the tubular member while displacing the tape axially along the tubular member in order to wind the tape around the tubular member in a helix. The tape is heated immediately prior to its application to the tubular member and is cooled immediately following its application to the tubular member.

Abstract: The method consists in pressure bonding a first strip to a second strip through a bonding press, marking each of the strips with the pattern pitches and juxtaposing the pattern pitch markings of each strip at the time of the bonding by extension of at least one strip with respect to another and by differential heating of each of the opposing strips to cause a relative shift, by expansion, of the two strips with respect to each other.

Abstract: The process for the production of a thermoelectrically weldable zone in thermoplastic materials is significantly improved by the true-to-size, air-free embedding of the heating conductor at a clearly defined depth below the joining surface. For this purpose in a first process step a sublevel wire bed bottom is cut in the material, in which is cut a substantially inverted T-shaped incision, running in two planes and at the desired depth, measured from the material surface and, following the surface profile, the cut is passed along the heating conductor insertion line. Using the same tool the cover strips formed are raised and stretched along the path of cut, so that an open channel is formed with the sublevel wire bed bottom. Preferably in the same operation the wire bed is also cut true-to-size with a cutting tool and corresponding to the heating conductor. In a later process step the heating conductor is placed through the still open channel, the cover strips are pressed and then melted.

Abstract: An elastic band activation apparatus for activating a heat-sensitive thermal film attached to an edge of a body of an article to form an elastic band along the edge of the article. The apparatus has at least one chamber with a heating zone having a shrinkage atmosphere at a first temperature sufficiently elevated to activate the heat-sensitive thermal film to shrink the film to form the elastic band. The chamber may also have a cooling zone with a quench atmosphere at a second temperature which is less than the first temperature to arrest the shrinkage of the heat-sensitive thermal film. An article transporter transports the article through the heating zone and then through the cooling zone. The apparatus may also include two lateral compression bars for spreading apart first and second adjacent edges of an article when transported through the chamber to expose the article interior region to activate first and second heat-sensitive thermal films, thereby forming first and second elastic bands.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a panel switch comprises of the steps of respectively mixing first and second adhesives which have no adhesive quality at a room temperature and have adhesive quality at a moderate temperature, printing an upper contacting point on one side of an upper sheet, printing the first adhesive on one side of the upper sheet to surround he upper contacting point, transforming the upper contacting point in a hemisphere form swelling toward the upper sheet;, printing a lower contacting point on one side of a lower sheet, printing the second adhesive on another side of the lower sheet, assembling a reinforcing plate, the lower sheet and the upper sheet in that order for the upper contacting point to face the lower contacting point, and simultaneously heating both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. In this case, the upper sheet is adhered to the lower sheet through the first adhesive, and the lower sheet is adhered to the reinforcing plate through the second adhesive.

Abstract: A laminate and a process for making a laminate of aluminum or aluminum alloy and a polyester. The process includes forming a laminate by contacting an aluminum or aluminum alloy sheet or foil with a film of polyester at a temperature and pressure sufficient to adhere the film to the sheet or foil, reheating the laminate to a temperature above the crystalline melting point of the polyester, cooling the laminate at a cooling rate controlled to prevent crystallization of the polyester, and quenching in water such that the molecular weight of the polyester layers in the laminate is between 14,000 and 23,000.

Abstract: A method of welding together cable insulations of cables having cores insulated by sheaths of polymeric insulation material capable of at least softening when heated, the method including electrically connecting the cores of the cables to be joined; heating the cable insulations by passing a current through the cores of the electrically connected cables effective to provide Joule heating sufficient to cause the cable insulations to at least soften; and pressing the heated cable insulations together with a pressure sufficient to cause the heated cable insulations to weld together.

Abstract: The invention is a process for forming a hollow tubular member with an integral attachment end fitting.

Abstract: Method and assembly for reinforcing flexible graphite by fusion bonding a film of thermoplastic polymer to the flexible graphite to form a laminiated product. One side of the thermoplastic polymer is raised to its softening temperature to cause it to bond to the flexible graphite while the opposite side thereof is maintained at a temperature below its softening point.

Abstract: A method for laminating plastic film to glass is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a precast layer of glass on a support and placing a polymer film at a distance therefrom; then providing a ram with a lower surface having substantially the same contour as the top surface of the glass layer and providing a hard, flexible intermediate layer between the ram and the polymer film in which the intermediate layer has a contour that is more convex than that of the lower surface of the ram. The distance between the ram and the precast glass is then decreased such that initially the lower surface of the ram contacts the intermediate layer and the central portion of the intermediate layer contacts the polymer film at its center first and continues to stretch the polymer film into contact with the glass layer at its center outwardly towards the edges. Eventually the pressure is increased between the ram and the glass layer, heat is applied, and the glass layer and polymer film are laminated.

Abstract: A method of making a laminated, thermally imageable tag, such as a baggage tag, as made from a top sheet. The top sheet is precoated on one surface with a thermally sensitive material. A hot-melt adhesive is applied to the bottom sheet. The top sheet, the reinforcing fibers, and the bottom sheet are pressed together, as by two pressing rolls defining a nip. A laminate thus is formed with the reinforcing fibers between the top and bottom sheets. The hot-melt adhesive is applied and the top sheet, the reinforcing fibers, and the bottom sheet are pressed together under conditions insuring that the thermally sensitive material is not heated to its activation temperature by heat transfer from the hot-melt adhesive, through the top sheet, to the thermally sensitive material.

Abstract: A mobile device for the complete consolidation of layers of material which exhibit thermoplastic properties for the formation of a composite of the layers upon a complex contoured substrate. The principal of the device is to provide heating into the molten temperature range of the thermoplastic material, applying sufficient pressure to the layers to cause flow of the plastic for a time sufficient to achieve full consolidation of the layers, and quickly cooling the structure to prevent delamination or other non-consolidation action. In the preferred form, there is an element to deposit a layer of the mateiral against another layer in close proximity. The two layers are pre-heated to near the melting temperature, and then further heated into the melting temperature range as they are brought into intimate contact with sufficient pressure to cause flow of the plastic for a time sufficient to achieve the full consolidation. The structure is then cooled.

Abstract: Magnetic stripes are applied to magnetically readable credit cards by incorporating the magnetic stripes in a cover sheet and laminating this cover sheet to a core stock sheet and then severing the laminated assembly into individual cards. The magnetic material bearing cover sheet is made by feeding the cover sheet without stripes continuously through a nip along with a plurality of tapes. Each tape is a laminate originally including a release layer, a magnetic layer, an adhesive layer, in that order, on a carrier layer. Heat and pressure applied to the nip releases the magnetic layer from the carrier layer and activates the adhesive layer to bond the magnetic layer of each tape to the original cover sheet, thus forming a stripe on the cover sheet. Distortion of the cover sheet by substantial shrinkage or wrinkling due to the heat effects resulting from the bonding operation are effectively eliminated by the use of a chill roller.

Abstract: Bags having a spout opening defined by a spout edge surface affixed within the bags are sealed with a spout closure membrane first by pressing the closure membrane against the spout edge surface with a cooled plate. A heating unit which includes a heating element, which has a surface which corresponds in size and shape with the spout edge surface, then is moved adjacent the cooled plate to heat a portion of the cooled plate for sealing the closure membrane to the spout edge surface. After heating the closure membrane for sealing the spout edge surface to the closure membrane, the heating element is moved away from the plate whereby the heated portion of the plate then cools and cools the seal. After the seal is cooled, the plate then is moved away from the sealed spout and bag.

Abstract: A process for the production of a film combination consisting of a perforated plastic film and a fibrous material, which are laminated together by means of the pneumatic vacuum used to perforate the film when it is in a thermoplastic condition.

Abstract: A method of welding porous tube ends onto a tube sheet is disclosed, wherein tube ends projecting over the tube sheet are fused into a melt. Part of the melt is conducted to the outside in a radial direction, so that it lies on the end face of the tube sheet. Melt and tube sheet are then welded together. The tube end is preferably cooled from the inside by a metal pin is inserted into the tube end.

Abstract: A layer of a neat resin in powder form is deposited either on a mold surface or on a bulk thermoplastic composite fiber reinforced sheet. The resin layer is adjacent to an insulated wall of a compression mold. The bulk sheet is preheated and compression deformed with the powdered resin. The heat from the sheet flows to and melts the powder layer producing a resin rich layer. The insulated wall permits the heat of the sheet to be retained sufficiently to melt the powdered resin. In the alternative, the neat resin powder may be replaced with a preformed film of thermoplastic resin compatible with the sheet resin. A structural homogeneous integral molecular bond is formed between the neat resin layer and the sheet.

Abstract: Hollow chamber plates of synthetic material are produced from two thermoplastic cover layers, which preferably have been produced immediately beforehand by extrusion, which are brought into contact with a large number of previously produced webs and welded together. By setting the webs into wavy lines running against each other, a high degree of rigidity in the hollow chamber plate is attained. A device for the production of such hollow chamber plates is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal vessel comprising upper and lower members, each of which consists of a seamless molded metal cup having a protecting resin cover layer, the open end portions of the upper and lower members being lap-bonded to each other through an adhesive to form a circumferential side seam, said metal vessel being characterized in that the open end portion defining the inner side of the circumferential side seam has a layer of a thermoplastic resin adhesive tape heat-bonded along the entire circumference of said end portion while wrapping the end edge and adjoining inner and outer side faces therein, a layer located on the outer side face of the adhesive tape is extended along the lap-bonded portion, and the adhesive layer present in the lap-bonded portion satisfies the following requirement: ##EQU1## wherein S1 stands for the sectional area (mm.sup.2) of the adhesive layer present in the lap-bonded portion, lo stands for the width (mm) of the lap-bonded portion, and t.sub.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced resin composites or other materials are consolidated in a noncontact-frictionless manner through the use of a pressurized plenum chamber (20) of a fluid bearing (10). The fluid bearing (10) is flexible and floats relative to the material (16) to be consolidated so that ply drop-offs and other variations in the thickness or surface contour of the material are easily accommodated. While within the plenum chamber, the material is locally heated by radiant energy from a source (30) positioned within the chamber. This localized heating enables the material to solidify in cooler zones of the plenum chamber under a uniform pressure.

Abstract: A large drum receives a heated sheet of vinyl mixture. While on the drum, the sheet has laminated thereto a rigid vinyl film and the surface of the sheet with the vinyl film is embossed. The film/sheet composite is cooled and removed from the drum.

Abstract: The purpose of the process and the apparatus of the invention is to face weld extruded thermoplastic moldings the end faces of which lie in a plane and the end face edges of which are juxtaposed in a coplanar fashion. The end faces are pressed against a heatable and coolable plate in which grooves are formed corresponding to the cross-section of the end face. The floor of the grooves is heated up to or above the melting temperature of the plastic. The entry of the grooves is thermally insulated from the floor region and, if necessary, can be cooled. When the end faces are sunk into the grooves, the plastic is melted. The plastic melt, rising in the groove, is cooled until solid in the thermally insulated entry region. Following the welding in the floor region, the floor region is cooled below the melting temperature, and the welded bundle is separated from the plate.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition having exceptional stability which is useful in the preparation of electrical laminates comprises an epoxy resin such as the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, an organic solvent, a polyhydric phenolic hardener and an acid having a pKa at 25.degree. C. of less than 2.5 or an ester of anhydride of such acid. The epoxy resin composition can also contain a bisphenol or bisphenol derivative such as bisphenol A. In addition, an accelerator such as an alkyl substituted imidazole can also be added to the composition prior to its use as in the preparation of electrical laminates.

Abstract: Fibrous polyolefin nonwoven sheets are bonded and stretched in a continuous, multiple stage process. First, the sheet is heated without significant stretching to a temperature that is close to, but below, the melting temperature of the polyolefin. Then, as the sheet is forwarded to a first stretching stage, the sheet temperature is decreased by 5.degree. to 40.degree. C. and thereafter the sheet is alternately heated and cooled as it passes through successive stretching stages, before final cooling to below 60.degree. C. In comparison to similar sheets bonded and stretched at constant temperature, the sheets produced by the process of the present invention are significantly more uniform in thickness.

Abstract: A reinforcing composite for bituminous roofing membranes is made by laminating fiberglass and polyester mats and scrims coated with selected adhesives.

Abstract: A reinforcing composite for bituminous roofing membranes is made by laminating fiberglass and polyester mats and scrims coated with selected adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus to facilitate the method of discontinuously laminating at least two thermoplastic layers together. The layers are heated and pressed together over all but a selected window portion of the layers to facilitate lamination between the layers at all points except the selected window portions. Relief grid images can be embossed in the selected window portion or holograms or other difficult to forge inserts can be provided in these window areas prior to lamination. During lamination, the reduced or absence of heating in these window portions permits lamination of the card without destruction of the selected window portion insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for continuously manufacturing a composite band comprising a plastic sheet bonded to an aluminized pellicle, these two components consisting of separate bands before carrying out the process. The composite band made by the process can be used for instance for insulating or padding. This band can also be used after cutting and thermoforming as a pan or container for perishable products such as meat. The perishable product is put in the pan, and both are covered with a plastic film to give a stocking and hygienic presentation. To carry out the process and to bond the basic plastic band (expanded polystyrene) to the aluminized pellicle, these two sheets are introduced between calendering cylinders with interposing between the two sheets an intermediate film of plastic material at softening temperature to provide the adhesion. Of course, it is the non-aluminized side of the pellicle which is in contact with the polystyrene basic band.

Abstract: A water-soluble coating composition adapted for imparting appropriate printing, especially off-set printing, and processing characteristics to a thermoplastic resin film to be used as a synthetic paper and a coated film prepared with the composition are provided. The coating composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of a water-soluble polymer containing tertiary or quaternary nitrogen, (B) 5 to 75 parts by weight of a water-soluble polyaminepolyamideepichlorohydrin adduct, and (C) 5 to 100 parts by weight of a water-soluble polyimine compound.

Abstract: A system for producing a relatively thin bitumen laminate comprised of an bitumen mastic core to which is adhered a fabric web on each side thereof, adherence being established simply by contacting the fabric web with the bitumen mastic while it is hot. The method includes continuous deposit at a fixed location of hot bitumen mastic to form the core on a moving lower fabric web, the laminated lower fabric web being in direct contact with a fluid cooled endless belt to prevent degradation of the fabric. The bitumen mastic is deposited on the lower web as it traverses the endless belt's upstream end roll, thereby insuring a firm, non-flexible surface upon which the mastic core can be sized by a doctor roll on the lower web. A moving top fabric web is laminated to the sized bitumen mastic core on the lower web at a location that is variable relative to the fixed location at which the mastic is deposited on the lower web.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating a cardboard blank (2) coated with a synthetic material include an inhibitor (21, 22) which inhibits heat transferred from the synthetic coating to the cardboard blank from raising the temperature of predetermined portions of the cardboard blank beyond a selected value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining together edge surfaces of polytetrafluoroethylene material by a butt joint in which clamps along the abutting surfaces press together the abutting surfaces, heating means spaced from and out of direct contact with a strip between the clamps heats the strip by radiation or convection, and a cooling arrangement is provided via the clamps to remove heat from the clamping zone. A thin foil of a fluorine-containing thermoplastic inserted between the abutting surfaces facilitates joining of the surfaces.

Abstract: A method of laminating a curable elastomeric backing section to a pile carpet section, for example, for automobile floor mats, utilizing a compressive molding process to laminate the curable elastomeric backing to the carpet. Cooling the pile of the carpet protects the carpet from becoming substantially permanently deformed during molding despite the compressive molding pressure. While the carpet pile is being cooled, sufficient heat is applied to the elastomeric backing to cure the backing. The back face of the carpet is bonded to the elastomeric backing during the compressive molding process.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a flexible fuel tank by firstly injecting an elastomer into a mold formed in the shape of a half-shell with a peripheral edge, cooling the peripheral edge of the injected elastomer, vulcanizing in-situ the entire half-shell except for the cooled peripheral edge, increasing the mold volume, halting the cooling of the peripheral edge, secondly injecting additional elastomer into the mold, and vulcanizing in situ the secondly injected elastomer, in addition to the peripheral edge of the firstly injected elastomer, such that the peripheral edges of the firstly and secondly injected elastomer half-shells unite, and the safety tank is formed of the thusly united half-shells.

Abstract: Method and machine for fabricating plasticboard wherein areas of bonding are created with localized heating and pressure.

Abstract: Hollow, thermoformed plastic shell members for use as panels and doors in the manufacture of cabinets and other furniture are easily and quickly assembled to rigid backing boards by guiding the boards, to which an adhesive edge coating of hot melt adhesive has been applied, into recesses in the shells. The guides comprise thin, resilient sheet metal members. A heated block at the inlet end of the guide path and a cooled block at the exit end result in the hot melt adhesive being properly applied and then quickly set.

Abstract: A densified bonded layer is formed in a panel of fluffed wood pulp fibers having particulate hydrocolloid material distributed therein by passing the panel between first and second compression means to apply pressure to the panel, at least one of the compression means being heated. By suitably selecting the temperature and pressure applied to the panel, an integral, densified, compacted, porous, absorbent fibrous layer or region having relatively high cohesive strength, relatively good capillarity, relatively good shape and volume stability and relatively high fluid retentivity can be formed therein. Particles of the hydrocolloid material are fixed within the panel by being bonded to the fibers substantially throughout the panel, and by mechanical entrapment between fibers in the densified bonded layer.

Abstract: A sheath for battery electrodes is made by introducing a fibrous tubular material along a mandrel. A perforated thermoplastic material is applied around the outside of the fibrous material. Subsequent to applying the fibrous material, the mandrel is heated, thereby heating the fibrous material. The latter heats and softens the inside of the thermoplastic material at their points of mutual contact. The thermoplastic material is then subjected to external pressing forces and external cooling temperatures to press the thermoplastic material against the fibrous material while cooling the thermoplastic material.