Abstract: Foamable polypropylene composition comprising a polypropylene resin having an D1238L melt flow rate of from about 0.5 to about 30 g/10 min, and a method for extruding rigid, foamed polypropylene sheet with improved surface appearance having a density in the range 0.4 to about 0.

Abstract: A plastic component with a base body made of a rigid foam material is connected with a grid-like net structure. According to one aspect of the present invention, the grid-like net structure has a tear-resistant core material that is surrounded by a mantle material. In this example, the mantle material is in frictional connection with the foam material of the base body that allows, for example, cracking off of fragments from the plastic component to be significantly reduced.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of three-dimensional hollow novelty items and their manufacture, particularly items such as artificial pumpkins that the consumer desires to carve or alter after purchase. A carvable novelty article, such as an artificial Halloween pumpkin, comprises a polyurethane shell substantially surrounding an interior volume and having a thin coating, such as an acrylic elastomer, on the exterior surface of the shell. The carvable article can be formed by an inventive process in which polyurethane foam material, such as material having a nominal density of about 2.5-3.0 pounds per cubic foot, is sprayed from a nozzle rotating with respect to the inside of a mold. After the polyurethane foam article and the mold are separated, the article is coated with an elastomeric coating, such as an acrylic material that is applied as a liquid.

Abstract: An in-mold label comprising a thermoplastic resin film base layer comprising a thermoplastic resin as the main component (I) carrying printed matter on its front side and a heat sealable resin layer (II) formed on the back side of the base layer (I) and made of a resin composition comprising 55-90 wt % of a polyethylene, 5-40 wt % of a polyetheresteramide, 1-20 wt % of a modified low-molecular weight polyethylene, and 0-20 wt % of a polyamide resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (10) containing a liquid product. The container enables the venting of the liquid product by a venting means. The venting means allows the passage of gases between the interior and the exterior of the container when the pressure inside the container differs from the ambient pressure. The venting means is permeable to gases, but impermeable to the liquid product. The liquid product comprises particulate solids selected from the group consisting of carbonate, percarbonate, perborate and mixtures thereof. The size of the particulate solids is not greater than 400 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A multi-layer insulating material is described for pipes which are designed for the conducting of fluids of higher temperature, said multi-layer insulating material having an inner layer part made of a temperature resistant and/or non-combustible and flexible material of pre-determinable thickness and an outer layer part made of foam material which has a lower temperature resistance in comparison with the inner layer part.

Abstract: In order to develop known solid or hollow plastics profiles, particularly those as used to absorb tensile, bending, and/or pressure loads, such as are primarily used as insulating segments in composite profiles containing metallic profiled elements, such that the problems normally encountered with the use of higher filler contents of the plastics material used, intended to favorably influence the expansion characteristics, are ressolved, the invention proposes that said profiles contain a surface layer of a solid, non-porous first plastics material and, in the core region, a fine-pored cellular structure of a second plastics material.

Abstract: A heater roller assembly for use with a fuser apparatus includes a housing comprising a radiation shield enclosing a radiant heat source, and a heater roller that is disposed within the housing and is externally heated by the radiant heat source. The heater roller includes a core, a base cushion layer overlying the core, and an outer layer overlying the base cushion layer. The outer layer of the heater roller includes a fluorocarbon random copolymer having subunits of wherein x is from 10 to 90 mole %, y is from 10 to 90 mole %, x+y equal 100 mole %, and ORf is a perfluoroalkoxy group. A fuser apparatus includes a fuser roller whose outer surface is in contact with the outer layer of a heater roller included in a heater roller assembly.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for cleaning toner resin from the operating parts of a printing device. The assembly comprises a porous member impregnated with a silicone copolymer and a rigid member with a supporting base to mount said porous member. The assembly is preferably a two-part kit having a brush member for wiping components of the printing device and a pad member mountable for stationary positioning within said printing device for scrubbing components of the printing device as they move relative to the mounted pad. The silicone copolymer has the formula where x represents from about 98.8 molar percent to about 99.5 molar percent, y represents from about 0.5 molar percent to 1.2 molar percent and R comprises from about 70% by weight to about 100% by weight of a C15-C60 alkyl group and from about 0% by weight to about 30% by weight of a C2-C14 alkyl group.

Abstract: In order to achieve an economical and trouble-free continuous extrusion of plastic hollow profiles having at least one hollow chamber that is filled with foam, the profile tool of an extrusion device is configured in the shape of a pistol. The profile tool comprises a pistol shaft (102) with a melt feed channel (166), which is connected to the melt discharge opening of the extruder (300) and which opens into a melt radial distributor channel (164) that surrounds the lance guide channel (150). The profile tool is also equipped with a pistol barrel (101) comprising a melt ring channel (162), which extends from the melt radial distributor channel (164) to the profile nozzle (160) and comprising a lance guide channel (150), which extends in a continuous manner from a lance inlet (152) to the profile nozzle (160).

Abstract: A laminate product is provided. The laminate product includes a first layer of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, and a second layer of woven fabric of polytetrafluoroethylene containing yarn. The membrane preferably has an air permeability of at least 0.01 cfm/ft2 at 0.5 inch water gauge, and a thickness of greater than about 0.5 mil. The woven fabric preferably has a weight of between about 15 ospy and about 30 ospy. The laminate product can be sewn to provide a filter bag for use in pulse jet filter applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for labeling a glass, plastic or metal container or surface with a polymeric label by means of a water based adhesive composition by the following steps: (a) selecting a polymeric label having a density of less than 0.9; (b) applying a water based adhesive to said polymeric label to form a fastenable polymeric label; (c) fastening said fastenable polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface; and (d) allowing said polymeric label to dry on said glass, plastic or metal surface or container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow foamed polyolefin-based resin container comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, at least one of the inner and outer layers being formed of a foamed polyolefin-based resin sheet, wherein at least a side wall part of the container has a hollow portion between the inner and outer layer and a process for produciong the same, and the like. The hollow foamed polyolefin-based resin container can be used as containers for retorted food products and other containers.

Abstract: A method for producing an insulated container using a modified blow molding process. A multi-layer parison is created that includes inner layer, a thermoplastic foamed resin central layer, and an outer layer. The parison is clamped between halves of female mold, and a gas, e.g., air, is briefly blown into the interior of the clamped parison section to expand the parison section to substantially against the outer walls of the mold. Vacuum is applied through the mold walls to hold the clamped parison section in place, and the gas pressure is released. By removing the gas pressure, the clamped parison section is permitted to mold without internal pressures. That is, the vacuum holds the parison section in place, without air pressure crushing, or pressing against, the inner layer of the parison. In this manner, the foamed central layer is free to expand.

Abstract: An insulating beverage cup or sleeve is produced with a foam layer disposed on an inner surface of a food or beverage paper stock. A polyethylene film layer is arranged in a position between a paper stock layer and an inside surface of the beverage container. The foam layer decreases the energy transfer between the beverage and the user's hands allowing the user to hold onto the cup for an extended period of time without causing user discomfort or pain, e.g. greatly extends the hold time of the paper cup. The exterior surface of the beverage cup remains highly printable and predisposed to high quality graphics both before and after cup manufacture.

Abstract: A multi-layer fuel tube comprising at least three thermoplastic resin layers, said at least three thermoplastic resin layers comprising (A) a layer of polyamide 11 resin and/or polyamide 12 resin, (B) layer of polyamide 6, and (C) a layer of polyamide containing 0.05 to 30% by weight of a layered silicate uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: A continuous chain of connected absorbent pouches comprises a first panel, a second panel, and a super-absorbent material. Each of the absorbent pouches is adapted to absorb liquids. The first panel and the second panel are attached to each other along their respective general peripheries so as to form a space therebetween. The space comprises super-absorbent material. At least one of the first and second panels has at least one hole formed therein. The hole is of sufficient size to be permeable to liquid. Each of the pouches is adapted to absorb at least about 20 times its own weight of a 0.9 wt. % saline solution in an unloaded condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering part with cable channels and a cabled covering part such as a carpet for vehicles, which is provided with several self-closing channels acommodating a cable network. These channels can be formed directly into the spring-elastic part of the covering or can comprise a plastic or foam rubber sleeve slotted on their longitudinal side and lying in the covering part. The inexpensive and simple to manufacture covering part permits an exact leading of the cables, a good protection for the cable network and a simple and quick application and exchange of the cables. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a covering part.

Abstract: A radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material is described. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: The present invention is an insulating composite comprising (a) a first thermally reflective layer having a reflective surface and an opposing surface and (b) silica aerogel granules. The present invention further includes an insulating element in which the insulating composite is disposed within an air-impermeable container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheathing material for a construction machine and a method for producing the same, in which lightweighting can be attained without using a reinforcing member, and which is not greatly flexed even if a load is applied. The sheathing material for a construction machine which is lightweighted and has a flexure rigidity is obtained by molding a resined shell 1d having a hollow construction by rotational molding, filling a resin foamed body 1e such as a hard polyurethane foam within the resined shell 1d to set it, thereby providing a sandwiching construction, and adjusting filling density of the resin foamed body 1e.

Abstract: Beverage and food containers made from sheet material, and methods of making such containers. Such container comprises a layer of paperboard and an expanded foam layer applied as a coating in a liquid carrier, and affixed to a paperboard substrate layer. The expanded foam has a remote surface preferably defined by intermingled peaks and valleys. The sheet material can include a protective cover layer overlying the remote surface. Such cover layer can comprise paper, plastic film, or foamed thermoplastic. The sheet material can include a heat seal layer, with the paperboard substrate layer between the heat seal layer and the expanded foam layer. Preferred composition for the foam layer is PVDC or AMM.

Abstract: A microcellular injection blow molding system and method, and microcellular blow molded articles produced thereby, are described. The system is equipped to extrude microcellular material that changes in thickness, material density, or both in the machine direction while maintaining a constant pressure drop rate during nucleation just prior to extrusion, providing the ability to produce consistent uniform microcellular material independent of material thickness. The systems and methods are particularly useful in production of strong, thin-walled, non-liquid-permeable, opaque containers that do not contain reinforcing agent, chromophore, or residue of chemical blowing agent or chemical blowing agent by-product.

Abstract: Sheet material especially for beverage and food containers, and methods of making. The sheet material comprises a layer of paperboard and expanded, preferably non-syntactic, foam layer applied as an unexpanded coating, preferably about 1-76 microns thick, in a liquid carrier, to the paperboard layer. The expanded foam has a remote surface preferably defined by intermingled randomly-spaced peaks and valleys. The coating is preferably sufficiently continuous to prevent a user's finger from touching the substrate, and sufficiently insulating that a person can hold a container of 100 degree C. liquid, having sidewalls made from the sheet material, without discomfort. A cover layer can overlie the foam. The substrate can include a heat seal layer, with the paperboard between the heat seal layer and the expanded foam layer; or with the foam layer between the heat seal layer and the paperboard. Preferred composition for the foam layer is PVDC or AMM.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elongate article such as a golf club shaft. An elongate hollow polymer core is formed by gas injection molding. A plurality of layers of a curable material are wrapped around the core. The layers have a uniaxial reinforcement with the reinforcement in respective layers inclined relative to each other. The wrapped core is subsequently cured.

Abstract: Polyester resin foamed sheet, mono e biaxially stretched usable for the production of containers for beverages and foods, having a density lower than 700 kg/m3 and a crystallization rate such that, when the sheet is heated at 120° C. for 5 minutes, the crystallinity does not exceeds 15%. The aromatic polyester resin used for preparing the foamed sheet can be mixed with an aliphatic polyester resin to impart biodegradability and/or compostability to the sheet or with 1-10% by weight of a polyamide.

Abstract: A system for protecting the body and finish of a vehicle from colliding with the walls and posts of a garage has foam plastic padding attached to the wall and surrounding the posts. The material on the walls is a laminated polyethylene plank, with a backing of contact adhesive, so that it may be easily applied without tools. The padding for the columns is a hollow cylinder formed of the same material as the wall padding, but is formed into hollow cylindrical sheathes, with a slit along the entire major axis of the cylinder so that the sheathes may be forced onto the columns without modification. The cylindrical sheathes have an elastic memory, so that they may be deformed when inserting them onto the posts, but return to their cylindrical shape thereafter.

Abstract: A composite polyurethane foam structure and method of preparing the composite structure, which structure includes a semirigid-rigid polyurethane foam layer having bonded, free, unreacted, ethylenically unsaturated groups like allyl or acrylic groups. The structure includes a cured, unsaturated resin composition layer which is chemically bonded to one or both surfaces of the polyurethane foam layer through the polymerization of the allyl or acrylic group in the foam surface with the polyester resin composition.

Abstract: The polyester resin of the present invention is produced by polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising a glycol component containing 5 to 60 mol % of a spiroglycol represented by Formula I: and 30 to 95 mol % of ethylene glycol, and a dicarboxylic acid component containing 80 to 100 mol % of terephthalic acid and/or an ester thereof. The polyester resin has (1): an intrinsic viscosity of 0.4 to 1.5 dL/g, (2) a melt viscosity of 700 to 5,000 Pa·s, (3) a molecular weight distribution of 2.5 to 12.0; and (4) a glass transition temperature of 90° C. or higher and a cooling crystallization exotherm peak of 5 J/g or lower. The polyester resin of the present invention is excellent in heat resistance, transparency, mechanical properties, moldability and fabrication qualities and useful for producing shaped articles such as films, sheets, hollow containers and foamed products.

Abstract: A method of increasing the amount of entrained vapor in fiber-reinforced resin composite materials, and in particular filament wound composites, wherein a particularly effective chemical foaming or blowing agent is incorporated into the resin matrix composition used to form the composites. The foaming agent creates vapor-filled voids throughout the resin matrix of the composite as it cures. The superior composites containing these vapor-filled voids demonstrate high burst strength retention and excellent resistance to cyclic fatigue. The invention also relates to composite materials and articles thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a post (1), which is especially a hollow, tube-like piece and which is particularly intended for use as posts for traffic lights, street lights, signposts or similar, and which is formed of two layers. The inner layer (3) is of fibre-reinforced thermoset plastic and the outer layer (4) is of polyolefin plastic.

Abstract: A plastic foamed synthetic closure for use with liquid bearing containers which closely simulates natural cork products is realized by incorporating color concentrates into the polymer melt and forming the color concentrates into elongated streaks. The desired emulation is further enhanced by arcuately pivoting the foamed plastic material during the production to form curved or sinusoidal-shaped streaks. This invention also provides manufacturing methods for mass producing individual products in a continuous motion casting system wherein fully complete products are formed in polymer casting members, which receive foam material exiting from the die and allow the foamed material to be formed in a continuous operation in the casting members. Finally, the present invention also teaches a unique system for maintaining and delivering carbon dioxide in its supercritical phase for use as a blowing agent.

Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.

Abstract: The invention described herein consists of an expanded PTFE (ePTFE) material that contains a novel fibril and node structure that exhibits a pore size distribution of two or more distinct pore sizes. The pore size distribution of small pores inter-spaced with larger pores to create a mosaic pore structure is advantageous as a blood-contacting surface and renders the invention a very useful and advantageous vascular graft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for producing blow-molded plastic hollow bodies. The device is of an enhanced design which avoids the shortcomings of traditional blow-molding technology. The extrusion die according to this invention is adjustable for different settings to produce different, partly overlapping wall thicknesses of the parison blank in order to compensate for the insufficiencies inherent in blow-molding and to obtain a finished blow-molded product with as consistent and uniform a wall thickness as possible, with an overlay, for instance in vertical wall sections, of evenly spaced longitudinal ribs. A technical concept is introduced whereby, as a novel process, the two conventional measures used to achieve a uniform wall thickness in the finished blow-molded hollow body are complemented by an additional, third step which makes it possible to produce containers whose hollow bodies are provided with targeted, intentional and reproducible irregular wall-thickness patterns.

Abstract: The disclosed biaxially oriented, multilayer polypropylene film comprises at least one base layer B, one interlayer Z and one top layer D and contains migrating additives. The film contains a maximum of 0.15% by weight of migrating additives, based on the total weight of the film. The multilayer film structure is produced by coextrusion and biaxial stretching followed by heat-setting and, optionally, corona treatment. The film is particularly useful in packaging and in laminates.

Abstract: An insulating system for pipes is provided which includes at least two different types of pipe insulation, wherein each pipe insulation is a pipe jacket formed by two mating sections, a first section and a second section with each section having a mating surface, wherein further when the two mating sections are put together with the mating surface of the first section exactly abutting the mating surface of the second section, they form a tubular structure having a bore which is a suitable size to receive a pipe. Of the three possible types of pipe insulation available, insulation A, insulation B, and insulation C, each pipe insulation type is formulated to insulate pipes having a different surface temperature, and yet pipe insulations A, B, and C each have identical outer diameters.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article, such as a flower pot cover, is disclosed wherein the article has a paper-like appearance. The article can be made by forming a flexible, substantially non-shape sustaining polymeric material or a laminated material wherein at least one surface of the material is modified to provide the material with a paper-like texture or appearance. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article, which has an appearance of being made of paper, includes a base having a closed lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The base of the article has a plurality of overlapping folds of which at least a portion are permanently connected so that the article may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the original shape of the article.

Abstract: Article of manufacture comprising (i) a sheet of a foamed mixture of starch and at least one of, a polyhydroxy ether, a poly(hydroxy amino ether), a poly(hydroxy ether sulfonamide), a poly(hydroxy ether sulfide), a poly(hydroxy amide ether), or polyvinyl alcohol and (ii) a barrier layer. Specifically, a beverage cup or ice chest with foamed starch/polymer core layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforced formed part with longitudinal and/or transverse cross-sections which may differ in shape and/or size, with a hollow outer formed part (12) and a highly deformation-resistant open or closed-cell foam filling (14) which is at least partly adjacent to the outer formed part, at least partly fills the inner space in the hollow outer formed part (12) and improves the mechanical deformation resistance of the outer formed part, and a process for producing the formed part, in which a hollow component is made by a prior art process and a foam is introduced into it in such a way that the foam is at least partly in contact with the hollow component and is a snug fit therein or is secured by a prior art securing process, and the use of the formed part as claimed in one of the preceding claims as a bearing component in scaffolding, in frameworks, especially in the building trade, in vehicle manufacture for air, land and waterborne vehicles and the furniture industry.

Abstract: A heater roller assembly for use with a fuser apparatus includes a housing comprising a radiation shield enclosing a radiant heat source, and a heater roller that is disposed within the housing and is externally heated by the radiant heat source. The heater roller includes a core, a base cushion layer overlying the core, and an outer layer overlying the base cushion layer.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a friction welded component, and a method of manufacture for such a component, comprising a pair of upstanding tubular members (6,8) which are friction welded at their respective end cross-sections, in coaxial concentric relationship, to a surface of a thin walled member (4). A reinforcement means (10) is provided in the region between the tubular members such that loads acting on the tubular members are more evenly distributed to the thin walled member. The wall thickness of the thin walled member is substantially the same as or greater than the wall thickness of the tubular members The invention finds particular application in the fabrication of bosses to gas turbine aero-engine casings.

Abstract: A composite structure generally includes a polyolefin foam sheet and a film in adherence with the foam sheet. The film includes a blend of polyethylene and a thermoplastic elastomer. The elastomer includes a copolymer or terpolymer having a styrenic component and a rubbery component, the rubbery component having at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The rubbery component makes up at least about 70 wt. % of the thermoplastic elastomer. The resultant composite structure has a coefficient of friction ranging from about 0.5 to about 2.0, as measured at the upper surface of the film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an azlactone-derivatized polyamide shaped article made by reacting at least one polyamide with a solution comprising an aza-bicyclo compound and a vinylazlactone derivative of the formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are defined herein.

Abstract: A multi-purpose sheet material comprising an absorbent layer and a cut-resistant material in contact with the absorbent layer. The cut-resistant material can comprise a cut-resistant support system, such as cut-resistant support element formed in the absorbent layer for example. The cut-resistant material may alternatively comprise cut-resistant particles, such as polymer particles having an average size of at least about 100 micrometers for example. Preferably, the sheet material exhibits an absorbent efficiency of at least about 0.2 and a slice resistance of at least about 30 kgf/cm, and more preferably an absorbent efficiency of at least about 1.0 and a slice resistance of at least about 40 kgf/cm. It is also preferred that sheet material exhibit a cut-resistance of at least about 30 kgf/cm, an absorbent efficiency of at least about 0.2, and a wet abrasion loss of less than about 400 mg per 100 revolutions.

Abstract: A composite structure having first and second layers which are wrapped about one another to form a cylinder. The first layer is formed from an expandable film or foaming adhesive. The second layer is formed from a reinforcing member. The second layer is overlaid onto the first layer. The first and second layers are then rolled together in a jelly roll fashion. The roll is then cured to expand the film. The structure may thereafter be incorporated into a panel and drilled to receive a fastener. The composite structure is generally lightweight having a high compressive strength-to-density ratio. The physical properties of the composite structure may be tailored to a particular application. For example, the physical properties of the composite structure may be tailored to provide improved energy absorption with reduced initial peak compressive strength. A method for forming a composite structure from an expandable film member and a reinforcing member is also provided.

Abstract: In a preferred construction, a food container includes: (i) a container base such as a serving platter, plate or bowl having (a) a substantially planar central area, (b) a container base sidewall extending outwardly and upwardly from the central area having: (1) a frustral tapered container base sealing area formed in the container base sidewall, and (2) a container base stop ridge adjacent the frustral tapered container base sealing area, and (c) an outwardly extending convex rim adjoining the container base stop ridge having an outer lip formed thereabout; and (ii) a resilient mating domed lid having (a) a raised central portion, (b) a downwardly extending resilient lid sidewall adjoining the raised central portion, (c) a flexible surround adjoining and extending outwardly about the downwardly extending resilient lid sidewall, (d) an outwardly extending flange adjoining the surround having (1) a frustral tapered lid sealing area formed there for engaging the frastral container base sealing area formed in th

Abstract: A tube reinforcement assembly is designed to reinforce complex tube structures, such as those having bends or varying inner diameters. The assembly includes a carrier and a plurality of spring-biased, deflecting wings around the carrier. The wings have structural foam layers on both surfaces that expand when heated. In one application, the wings of the assembly are compressed so that the assembly can fit around bends and narrow areas within the tube. Once the assembly is in its desired position, the structural foam is expanded and cured so that one expanded foam layer presses against the inner wall of the tube structure and the other expanded foam layer presses against the carrier of the reinforcement assembly.

Abstract: A plastic foamed synthetic closure for use with liquid bearing containers which closely simulates natural cork products is realized by incorporating color concentrates into the polymer melt and forming the color concentrates into elongated streaks. The desired emulation is further enhanced by arcuately pivoting the foamed plastic material during the production to form curved or sinusoidal-shaped streaks. This invention also provides manufacturing methods for mass producing individual products in a continuous motion casting system wherein fully complete products are formed in polymer casting members, which receive foam material exiting from the die and allow the foamed material to be formed in a continuous operation in the casting members. Finally, the present invention also teaches a unique system for maintaining and delivering carbon dioxide in its supercritical phase for use as a blowing agent.