Nomaco Inc.

Noel Group LLC

Bangshu Cao

Michael W Allman

Edouard Lauer

Scott Edwards

Ivan Sobran

Eduardo Lauer

Randal Lee Henderson

Andrew Costas Yiannaki

Embodiments disclosed herein include insulation used to insulate elongated members, such a pipe or duct, as examples. The insulation can address a number of features, including but not limited to expansion and compression of insulation material, expansion and compression of the elongated member insulated, and the ability to adapt the insulation for elongated member of different sizes and lengths. In one embodiment, the insulation is comprised of at least one plank comprised of a flexible polymeric foam configured to be wrapped around an elongated member. In order for the insulation to self-adjust to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the foam material, the plank is comprised of a plurality of flexible polymeric foam profiles. At least one flexible polymeric foam spacer may also be provided that self-adjusts to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction of the elongated member to prevent or reduce gaps in insulation.

Self-adjusting insulation, including insulation particularly suited for pipe or duct

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam as well. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the unitary composite cushioning structure is formed from a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The cellular thermoplastic foam provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum is disposed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Unitary composite/hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a thermoplastic foam(s) and a thermoset material(s)

By providing an elongated profile which incorporates a plurality of indentations formed therein, a load bearing/cushioning/supporting element is realized. By employing this construction, the element accommodates large strain under force, and shows good resiliency and repeated recovery. The element can be produced from a continuous extrusion process with immediate manipulation to re-shape the extrusion profile, or secondary thermal forming process which follows the extrusion process, or blow molding process, or injection molding process.

Load bearing or cushioning elements and method of manufacture

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Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Bangshu Cao