Bendable foam covered rod-like article and method and apparatus for

Abstract

Bendable foam-covered rod-like articles and a method and apparatus for their production are described. The method involves feeding an adhesive coated flexible core to an extruder, which in turn extrudes a low density, closed cell foam sheath about the core. The core and sheath composite is then cut into rod-like elements of predetermined length. Each of the rod-like elements is then restrained at a position spaced inwardly from one its ends, and an orificed plate and an element end are axially pressed together such that the core extends through the orifice 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. The process is repeated on the opposite end of the rod-like element, to thereby produce a core/foam sheath composite article having good bonding between the core and sheath, and in which the core is recessed from the sheath ends. In one form of the invention, the ends of the core are rounded prior to finishing of the article ends.