BENDABLE FOAM COVERED ROD-LIKE ARTICLE AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SAME

摘要

An adhesive coated flexible core (10) is fed to an extruder which extrudes a low density, closed cell foam sheath (14) about the core. The core and sheath composite is then cut into rod-like elements (16) of predetermined length. Each of the rod-like elements is then restrained at a position spaced inwardly from one of its ends, and an orificed plate (20) and an element end are axially pressed together such that the core extends through the orifice (22) in the plate and the foam sheath is compressed. The excess core extending through the plate orifice is then cut, and the pressure between the plate and the element is released, such that the foam sheath returns to its original condition, thereby producing a composite in which the core end is recessed into the foam sheath end. The end of the element is finished by sealing, preferably through the application of a hot brand (30).