Patent ID: 8540926
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: A47G,B29C,B29D,B29K,B29L,B31D,B31F,B65D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of profiling a tube to form at least one profiled product having a first open end and a second open end, comprising the steps of providing a thin-walled tube having a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm and having a first open end and a second open end; supporting the tube on a substantially solid support along the entire length of the tube corresponding to the length of the product to be formed, said support containing at least one flow pathway; heating at least a portion of the tube while the tube is supported on the substantially solid support to form at least one heat-softened portion of the tube; and applying a fluid pressure change to the heat-softened portion of the tube via said flow pathway to form a profiled region of the tube, the tube defining a profiled product having a first open end, a second open end, and a predetermined three dimensional profile region.