Spiral formed products and method of manufacture
US6537405B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2023/225
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In the present invention, hollow thermoplastic foam tubes of any desired diameter are easily achieved as well as large sheets or planks of thermoplastic foam material in any width and thickness desired by spirally wrapping and fusing a thermoplastic foam profile having a desired size and shape. By employing a thermoplastic foam extruder to produce a profile having a desired cross-sectional shape or configuration, and advancing the profile onto a rotating support member for being wrapped peripherally surrounding the rotating support and continuously bonding the abutting edges of the profile as the profile is spirally wound, a unique spiral forming and product manufacturing procedure and system is realized. By employing this unique spiral forming process, a hollow cylindrical thermoplastic foam tube is formed on a continuous basis, with the length thereof being controlled only by the needs of the customer. In addition, any desired diameter can be formed, by employing one or more cooperating rotating support members having a desired diameter, with the thickness of the tube being controlled by the thickness of the profile formed by the extrusion equipment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.