Abstract An apparatus for continuously making a tubular polyurethane foam insulation adapted to be installed about a pipe or the like combines a stationary mold and a mandrel disposed in the mold with means for convolutely winding a continuous web about the mandrel and out through a slot in the mold wall, means for convolutely winding a second web about the first web and out through the same slot, means for placing a foamable polyurethane mixture between the webs and means for pulling the exposed portions of the webs longitudinally and thereby moving the two radially spaced webs through the mold while the foamable reaction mixture forms a longitudinally split tubular foam body having the first web as a liner and the second as a cover. The product produced by the apparatus and a process for making the product are also provided.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein that edge of the plate adjacent the mandrel is fixedly secured to the mandrel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 having means adjacent the exit end of the mold adapted to split longitudinally the polyurethane foam layer diametrically opposite those portions of the web which extended through the slot.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for engaging the portions of the webs extending outwardly from the slot comprises a pair of continuous chains disposed longitudinally adjacent said plate and adapted to press the said web portions against the plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 2 having means spaced longitudinally from the exit end of the mold adapted to remove both portions of the first web and only one portion of the second web from the tubular product.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mandrel is hollow and is combined with means for circulating a fluid coolant therethrough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 3 comprising means for cutting the resulting product into lengths after it passes through the mold.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 comprising means for adjustably supporting each end of the mandrel.