Layer width control

The present invention provides a novel coextrusion apparatus that includes a first flow channel of a greater width than a second flow channel, and an adjustable vane blade between the channels. By the use of interchangeable plates, this unique apparatus is able to prevent any selected layer or layers of a laminate from extending to the full laminate width. This highly advantageous result is obtained by the formation of an isolating edge that is an integral part of a layer or layers that extend the full laminate width. Also provided is process for forming a laminate having an isolating edge.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
This invention relates to coextrusion, in particular the coextrusion of 
thermoplastic materials. 
Background Art 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,011 to Sponaugle pertains to a feedblock and die 
assembly which includes beveled plates that form flow channel walls. 
As illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,069 to Cloeren, an extrusion 
apparatus having a pivotably mounted, adjustable vane blade between a pair 
of flow channels, is known. By adjustment of flow channel width through 
radial movement of a point end of the vane blade, the apparatus provides 
for stream convergence at substantially equal flow velocities. Each layer 
of a laminate made by the apparatus, extends the full laminate width. 
However, it is desirable to be able to produce a laminate in which a 
selected layer or layers extend less than the full width of the laminate. 
For instance, it may be necessary as a result of a drawdown effect, to 
trim the edges of a laminate. Thus, when a laminate includes a layer or 
layers of an expensive material or of a material that would adversely 
affect recyclability, it would be economically beneficial for that 
particular layer to extend less than the full laminate width, so that 
trimming would not remove that material. 
Isolation of the ends of a core stream from the edges of a laminate may be 
achieved by encapsulation or sandwiching. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,397,428 to 
Donald, 3,479,425 to Lefevre et al, and 3,860,372 to Newman, Jr. 
illustrate encapsulation of a core stream. A feedblock that includes a 
removable die rigidly mounted between a pair of channels, exemplifies a 
coextrusion apparatus useful for sandwiching a core stream. However, 
neither encapsulation nor sandwiching is able to produce a laminate in 
which any selected layer, for instance, a skin layer, extends less than 
the full laminate width. 
Also known, as illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,510 to Nissel, is an 
edge-laminating apparatus. However, use of this type of apparatus 
disadvantageously requires a two step process, with edge-lamination being 
the second step. 
Japanese Patent Document No. 55/28825 exemplifies a multimanifold die in 
which a selected manifold or manifolds may be partially dammed, to prevent 
the ends of a skin or core layer from extending the full laminate width. 
However, this type of extrusion apparatus lacks the advantages of the 
extrusion apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,069 to Cloeren, and requires 
the interchange of parts to adjust an edge width. 
From the foregoing, it can be understood that there is a need for an 
improved coextrusion apparatus that could produce a laminate in which any 
selected layer or layers extend less than the full width of the laminate. 
Such an apparatus would provide an even greater contribution to the art if 
it made it easy to adjust the distance of the ends of the selected layer 
or layers from the laminate edges. Such an apparatus would make possible 
an improved coextrusion process. Moreover, such a coextrusion apparatus 
would make possible novel, heretofore unobtainable, composite structures. 
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved 
coextrusion apparatus that prevents any selected layer or layers from 
extending to the laminate edge. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved 
coextrusion apparatus that provides for facile adjustment of the distance 
of the ends of a selected layer or layers, from the laminate edges. 
It is an even further object to provide an improved coextrusion process. 
It is a still further object to provide novel laminate structures. 
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention 
are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will become 
apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following 
description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects 
and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of 
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the 
appended claims. 
To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purpose of the 
present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is 
provided an improved coextrusion apparatus. The apparatus includes a first 
flow channel having a width equal to that of a combined flow passage 
formed by the convergence of the first flow channel and a second flow 
channel. Separating the first flow channel and second flow channel is an 
adjustable vane blade having a width less than that of the first flow 
channel. The apparatus further includes a retention plate for limiting the 
second flow channel to a width less than that of the first flow channel. 
The result is a laminate having an isolating edge. 
Also provided is a unique process for forming a laminate. In the process, a 
first stream is allowed to flow to a certain width, and a second stream is 
permitted to flow to a lesser width. The first stream and second stream 
are thereafter converged upstream of a place of convergence at which the 
laminate is formed. As a result, the flow of the first stream limits the 
widthwise flow of the second stream, and the first stream forms an 
isolating edge that prevents the second stream from extending to the full 
laminate width. 
In addition, there is provided a novel process for adjusting the width of 
an isolating edge. In the process, the relative back pressures in adjacent 
flow channels are adjusted by the movement of an adjustable vane blade 
separating the adjacent flow channels. Thereafter, a first stream is 
allowed to flow to a certain width in one of the channels, and a second 
stream is permitted to flow to a lesser width in the other channel. Then 
the first stream and second stream are converged, as a result of which the 
flow of the first stream limits the widthwise flow of the second stream. 
By the process, a laminate having an isolating edge of a selected width is 
formed. 
Additionally, unique coextruded composite structures are provided by this 
invention. One such composite structure includes a first layer, a second 
layer, a third layer, and an isolating edge that limits the first layer 
and third layer widths to less than the full laminate width. The isolating 
edge is formed by and integral with the second layer, which is disposed 
between the first and third layers. 
Another such composite structure includes a first layer, a second layer and 
a third layer, as before. However, in this structure, an isolating edge 
limits the second layer and third layer widths to less than the full 
composite width. The isolating edge is formed by and integral with the 
first layer. 
A third such composite structure includes a first layer, a second layer, a 
third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, and an isolating edge that 
prevents the first, third and fifth layers from extending to the full 
composite width. The isolating edge is formed by and integral with the 
second and fourth layers. The second and fourth layers are disposed 
between the first and third layers, and between the third and fifth 
layers, respectively. 
Yet another such composite structure includes a first layer, a second 
layer, a third layer, a fourth layer and a fifth layer, as before. 
However, in this structure, an isolating edge prevents the second, third 
and fourth layers from extending to the full composite width. The 
isolating edge is formed by and integral with the first and fifth layers. 
In the drawing and in the detailed description of the invention that 
follows, there are shown and essentially described only preferred 
embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best 
mode contemplated by me of carrying out this invention. As will be 
realized, this invention is capable of other and different embodiments, 
and its several details are capable of modification in various respects, 
all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and the 
detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not 
as restrictive.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
As explained earlier, the present invention is directed to an improved 
coextrusion apparatus and process, and to novel coextruded composite 
structures. Synthetic resins or liquid crystalline polymers may be used in 
the invention. Streams converging to form a laminate, may be of 
substantially equal or dissimilar viscosities. However, for ease of 
understanding, the foregoing drawing and nearly all of the following 
description, pertain to the use of materials of substantially equal 
viscosities. Also, for simplicity, the following description assumes equal 
flow channel throughput. 
Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a preferred coextrusion 
apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. Apparatus 
10 includes a feedblock 12, a single manifold die 14, and a die plate 16, 
which connects the feedblock to the die. Conventional seals 18 are located 
at the feedblock/die plate and die plate/die junctures. 
An exit channel 20 of the feedblock connects through a channel 22 of the 
die plate, with an input channel 24 of the die. The width and height of 
the die input channel and of the die plate channel, are beneficially the 
same as the width and height of the feedblock exit channel. 
In a manifold 26 of die 14, transverse flow of a composite stream occurs. 
Thereafter, the transversely spread stream passes through a preland 
channel 28, and then a land channel 30 as it exits from the die. 
With continued reference to FIG. 1, feedblock 12 includes a flow selector 
plug 32 and housing plugs 34,36. The selector plug includes channels 
38,40, which along with a third channel (not shown), feed manifolds 
42,44,46 of flow channels 48,50,52, respectively, through connecting 
channels. Transverse flow of a stream occurs in a manifold. 
A connecting channel 54 is shown between channel 40 and manifold 46. 
However, for simplicity, not all connecting channels are shown in this 
Figure or in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 depicts a connecting channel 56 to manifold 
42, and a connecting channel 58 to manifold 44. 
Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that feedblock 12 includes recesses 
59,60 for housing plugs 34,36, and that removal of the housing plugs 
exposes internal flow channels. 
With reference to FIG. 3, each flow channel includes a flow-restriction 
channel 61,62,64, as shown. The diminished cross-section of a restriction 
channel vis-a-vis its manifold, restricts flow from the manifold to 
combined flow passage 20. The restriction channels are tapered in the 
direction of flow. 
At a locus of convergence 66, flow channels 48,50,52 converge to form 
combined flow passage or exit channel 20. Passage 20 has a width W, shown 
in FIGS. 2 and 5. Typically, in the case of a feedblock, this width is 4". 
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, flow channel 52 has a width W identical to that 
of passage 20. Inner walls 68,70 of housing plugs 34,36 define the flow 
channel width. Likewise, flow channel 48 has a width W, defined by inner 
walls 68,70. 
Pivotably mounted between flow channels 48 and 50, and between flow 
channels 50 and 52 are adjustable vane blades 72,74, respectively, for 
variably adjusting flow. Each blade has a width "V", which is less than 
"W". 
Adjustability of vane blades 72,74 is provided as now described. As shown, 
round shafts 76,78 at each end of a head portion 80 of vane blade 72 are 
supported by bearing surfaces 82,84 in housing plugs 34,36, and round 
shafts 86,88 at each end of a head portion 90 of blade 74 are supported by 
beariug surfaces 92,94 in the housing plugs. Shafts 76,86 are notched for 
radial adjustment of point portions or ends 96,98, shown in FIG. 3, of 
blades 72,74, respectively. Housing plug 34 includes openings 100 for 
providing access to the notched shafts. 
With reference again to FIG. 3, near point ends 96,98 of the vane blades 
are adjustable distribution pins 102,103, which typically include 
elongated grooves 104,105, best seen in FIG. 2. Pins 102,103 serve flow 
channels 48,52, respectively. Cooperation of a distribution pin with the 
adjacent point portion of a vane blade, provides, if needed, for the 
profiling of a stream as it exits from its flow channel. 
Referring also to FIG. 4, mounted on shafts 76,86 of the vane blades is a 
generally heart-shaped, retention plate 106 having a thickness T and, as 
shown in FIG. 2, apertures 108,110. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the length 
of retention plate 106 is such that vane blade ends 112,114 are completely 
covered by the plate. More precisely, when measured from the axis of a 
vane blade, the length of the plate equals the length of the vane blade. 
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a retention plate 116 of the same 
heart-shaped configuration and dimensions including thickness T, as 
retention plate 106, is mounted on shafts 78,88 of the vane blades. As can 
be seen in FIG. 5, retention plate 116 completely covers vane blade ends 
118,120. 
As retention plate 116 functions separately from retention plate 106, 
retention plate 116 could have a thickness greater or lesser than 
thickness T of retention plate 106. In fact, retention plate 116 could 
even have a different length, or not be used altogether. 
With reference to FIG. 4, portion 117,117' of retention plate 106 are 
disposed between housing plug 34 and vane blade ends 112,114, and 
retention plate 116 likewise has portions situated between housing plug 36 
and vane blade ends 118,120. Advantageously, as shown, outer wall surfaces 
121,122 of the retention plates are in contact with inner walls 68,70 of 
the respective housing plugs, and inner wall surfaces 123,124 of the 
plates are in contact with the respective vane blade ends. As a result, as 
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, width V of vane blade 74 plus thicknesses T,T of 
retention plates 106,116 equals width W of flow channel 52. Likewise, 
width V of vane blade 72 plus thicknesses T,T of the retention plates 
equals width W of flow channel 48. 
As can be seen in FIG. 4, an inner wall 123 of retention plate 106 defines 
an end of flow channel 50, and an inner wall 124 of retention plate 116 
defines the other end of the flow channel. Accordingly, flow channel 50 
has a width less than the width of flow channel 48, and likewise less than 
the width of flow channel 52. Conveniently, flow channel 50 has a width V 
equal to width V of either vane blade. 
As a result of the foregoing features of my coextrusion apparatus, the 
widthwise flow of a stream in flow channel 50 is limited by retention 
plates 106,116; whereas, streams in adjoining channels 48,52 flow to a 
comparatively greater width. Thereafter, upon convergence of the streams, 
the widthwise flow of the retained stream is limited by flow of the other 
streams. 
The result, as shown in FIG. 6, is a composite sandwich A having isolating 
edges B,C formed by streams D,E from flow channels 48,52, respectively. 
The isolating edges prevent ends F,G of a retaind stream H from extending 
to the full laminate width. Faces h,h' of the retained stream H are shown 
in contact with faces d,e of streams D,E, respectively. 
Isolating edge B has a width U, which is the same as that of isolating edge 
C. As explained below, width U is less than thickness T of retention plate 
116. Isolating edges B,C include edge seams I,J, respectively, formed by 
converging streams D,E. The edge seams are formed at locus of convergence 
66. 
A composite sandwich similar to that of FIG. 6, can be made using the 
die-in-a-feedblock apparatus described earlier. However, in addition to 
other limitations, that coextrusion apparatus requires a dedicated flow 
passage. 
As will be explained in detail below, by the use of interchangeable plates, 
my invention is capable of producing a laminate in which any selected 
layer or layers extend less than the full width of a laminate. In other 
words, my invention is capable of, for instance with reference to FIG. 6, 
preventing skin layers D,E from extending the full width, while allowing 
core layer H to extend the full width, and even of preventing a skin layer 
and core layer H from extending the full width, while permitting the other 
skin layer to extend the full width. 
An advantageous feature of my invention is a composite structure that 
includes an isolating edge which is formed by and integral with a stream 
forming the composite structure. Such an edge is beneficial forming for 
example, a laminate useful for biaxial orientation. In comparison, an edge 
seam of an edge-laminated composite formed by, for instance, the apparatus 
of the Nissel patent, could separate during the stress of the stretching 
process. 
Moreover, I have discovered that my coextrusion apparatus advantageously 
enables isolating edge widths to be increased or decreased, as desired, by 
mere adjustment of the point ends of the vane blades. I now set forth my 
theory explaining this highly useful discovery. 
Referring to FIG. 7, point ends 96,98 of vane blades 72,74 are shown 
rotated toward distribution pins 102,103. As a consequence, referring now 
also to FIG. 8, there is, compared to the flow in FIGS. 3 and 5, a more 
restricted flow across vane faces 126,128 of channels 48,52, and inversely 
a less restricted flow across vane faces 130,132 of channel 50. 
With continued reference to FIG. 8, in channels 48,52, the excess flow 
takes the path of least resistance, which is along edges 134,136 of 
retention plate 106 and along edges 138,140 of retention plate 116. 
Convergence of each side stream with the stream in channel 50 occurs at 
loci 142,144, shown in FIG. 7. As a result, each side stream limits the 
widthwise flow of the stream in channel 50. 
A relatively lower back pressure in channel 50 due to less restricted flow 
through channel 50, combined with a relatively increased back pressure in 
channels 48,52 causes the excess flow to pass from channels 48,52 into 
channel 50. The result, as shown in FIG. 9, is a laminate A' having 
isolating edges B',C' of greater width than thickness T, and therefore 
also of greater width than edges B,C of the Figure 6 laminate. It will be, 
of course, understood that the foregoing comparison between the laminates 
of FIGS. 6 and 9 is based upon volumetric output being constant from one 
case to the other. 
Width U' of isolating edge B' is the same as that of isolating edge C'. 
Loci 142,144 are upstream of locus of convergence 66, at which, similar to 
FIG. 3, composite A' and edge seams I',J' are simultaneously formed. 
When the relative back pressures in the manifolds are equal, an isolating 
edge width equals the retention plate thickness. In FIGS. 3 and 5, the 
relative back pressures are such that isolating edge width U of laminate A 
of FIG. 6 is less than thickness T of retention plate 116; whereas, as 
described for FIGS. 7 and 8, the relative back pressures are such that 
isolating edge width U' of laminate A' of FIG. 9 is greater than thickness 
T of retention plate 116. Therefore, there exists a position for each of 
the vane blade point ends between the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, 
that will produce, if such is desired, an isolating edge width equal to 
the retention plate thickness. More specifically, if blade point ends 
96,98 were positioned to provide an exit orifice from each flow channel 
equal to one-third of the area of locus of convergence 66, there would be 
obtained an isolating edge width equal to the retention plate thickness. 
It should, however, be understood that in my invention, factors such as the 
relative viscosities of the converging streams and relative channel 
throughput, affect the back pressure. Therefore, a fixed position for each 
blade point end may not yield a constant isolating edge width from case to 
case. Due to the importance of the viscosity factor, it may be necessary 
to make vane blade adjustments before a desired isolating edge width is 
obtained. 
It will, of course, be understood that in my invention, the vane blade 
point ends will both be set in the same position relative to the 
respective distribution pins, in order to provide an isolating edge of 
uniform width from side to side. 
If desired, the blade point ends may be positioned closer to the 
distribution pins than is shown in FIG. 7, and may even touch the 
distribution pins. The result, of course, would be isolating edges of even 
greater width than is shown in FIG. 9. Accordingly, by mere adjustment of 
the blade point ends, an isolating edge can be given any desired width 
between width U of FIG. 6, which is produced by the position shown in FIG. 
3, and the width produced by a position in which the point ends touch the 
distribution pins. 
However, due to, for instance, the relative viscosities of the converging 
streams or the isolating edge width desired, more than mere adjustment of 
the vane blades may be necessary. To solve a difficult and complex 
situation of this type, I have discovered that short retention plates, 
that is, retention plates of insufficient length to completely cover vane 
blade ends 112,114,118,120, may be substituted for plates 106,116. 
Beneficially, plates 106,116 are easily replaced. First, housing plug 34 is 
removed, an appropriate short plate is exchanged for plate 106, and the 
housing plug is put back in place. Then, the procedure is repeated with 
housing plug 36, with a second short plate being substituted for plate 
116. 
FIGS. 10-13 illustrate a second embodiment of my invention, in which a pair 
of identical short plates are employed in place of retention plates 
106,116. 
Referring to FIG. 10, in which only a single short retention plate 160 is 
shown, vane blades 72,74 remain positioned as in FIG. 7. Convergence of 
streams from channels 48,52 with the stream in channel 50 occurs at loci 
162,164. As a result, the widthwise flow of the stream in channel 50 is 
limited. 
Loci 162,164 are upstream of convergence place 166, at which isolating 
edges M,N, shown in FIG. 11, are formed. Convergence place 166 is itself 
upstream of locus of convergence 66, at which a laminate L, shown in 
Figure 11, is formed. Thus, it may be understood that use of a short plate 
results in isolating edge formation prior to the formation of the 
three-layer laminate in the combined flow passage. 
With reference to FIG. 11, comparison of a width X of isolating edge M of 
laminate L with the isolating edge width of laminate A', shown in FIG. 9, 
reveals that laminate L has a greater isolating edge width. Isolating edge 
N of laminate L also has width X. 
Referring to FIG. 12, in which vane blade point ends 96,98 are shown 
rotated further away from distribution pins 102,103 compared to FIG. 10, 
laminate L', shown in FIG. 13, has an isolating edge width X' about equal 
to the isolating edge width of laminate A' of FIG. 9. However, the point 
ends of the vane blades are much closer together in FIG. 12 than in FIG. 
7. Moreover, comparison of the laminates of FIGS. 9 and 13 reveals that 
the present invention provides for varying layer thickness, yet 
maintaining a desired isolating edge width. It will be, of course, 
understood that the foregoing comparisons between the first and second 
embodiments of my invention are based upon volumetric output being 
constant from one embodiment to the other. 
In my invention, isolating edge widths may be increased or decreased by 
mere adjustment of the vane blade point ends. The relative viscosities of 
the converging streams affect the back pressure and the isolating edge 
widths. 
If, due to, for instance, the relative viscosities of the converging 
streams or the edge width desired, a desired isolating edge width may not 
be obtained using short retention plates, the present invention provides 
for the use of retention plates of thickness greater than T and of vane 
blades of less width than width V, in place of the retention plates and 
vane blades 72,74 of the first and second embodiments. However, it will be 
appreciated that there is a substantial economic drawback to replacing the 
vane blades. 
The procedure for replacing the vane blades and retention plates is easy. 
Suitably, a procedure identical to that described for replacing only the 
retention plates may be followed, except that the vane blades are also 
removed and replaced at the time of replacing the first retention plate. 
In addition to the foregoing flexibility in obtaining a desired isolating 
edge width, my invention is able, by the use of interchangeable plates, to 
produce a composite in which any selected layer or layers extend less than 
the full width of the composite. This feature of my invention is 
illustrated by FIGS. 14-17, for a three layer composite. 
FIG. 14 illustrates a third embodiment of my invention, in which each 
retention plate of the first embodiment is replaced by a pair of plates. 
However, only one pair of plates, that is, plates 180,182, is shown. It 
will therefore be understood that plates identical to plates 180,182 are 
employed in place of retention plate 116. 
As can be understood from FIG. 14, these substitute plates limit the 
widthwise flow of streams in flow channels 48,52; whereas, a stream in 
flow channel 50 is permitted to flow to a width equal to that of combined 
flow passage 20. In short, this embodiment provides for flow channel 
widths that are the reverse of the first embodiment of the present 
invention. 
With continued reference to FIG. 14, convergence of the core stream with 
the streams in channels 48,52 occurs at loci 184,186. As a result, 
widthwise flow of the streams in channels 48,52 is limited by the flow of 
the core stream, and isolating edges Y,Y', shown in FIG. 15, are formed. 
Loci 184,186 are upstream of locus of convergence 66, at which a three 
layer composite structure Q, shown in Figure 15, is formed. Thus, 
isolating edges Y,Y' are formed upstream of locus of convergence 66. Plate 
tips 188,190 are in contact with distribution pins 102,103. 
Composite structure Q includes a core stream H, which forms the isolating 
edges. Streams D,E extend less than the full composite width. Isolating 
edge Y has the same width as edge Y'. 
Structure Q is especially useful when forming a biaxially-oriented laminate 
having heat-sealable skin layers. Isolating edges Y,Y' protect the ends of 
the skin layers from metal clips used for biaxial orientation; otherwise, 
the skin layer ends could adhere to the clips. 
FIG. 16 illustrates a fourth embodiment of my invention, in which another 
pair of identical plates are employed in place of retention plates 
106,116. 
As can be understood from FIG. 16, in which retention plate 200 is shown, 
these substitute plates limit the widthwise flow of streams in flow 
channels 48,50; whereas, a stream in flow channel 52 is permitted to flow 
to a width equal to that of combined flow passage 20. Thus, this 
embodiment provides a composite structure in which the core layer and a 
skin layer are prevented from extending to the full composite width by 
isolating edges formed by the other skin layer. 
With continued reference to FIG. 16 convergence of a stream from channel 52 
with the streams in channels 50,48 occurs at loci 204,202, respectively. 
As a result, the flow of the stream from channel 52 limits the widthwise 
flow of the streams in channels 50,48. Loci 202,204 are upstream of locus 
of convergence 66, at which a three layer composite structure R, shown in 
FIG. 16, is formed. Plate tip 206 is in contact with distribution pin 102. 
Heretofore unobtainable, composite structure R includes a side stream E, 
which forms isolating edges Z,Z'. Streams H,D extend less than the full 
composite width. Isolating edge Z is of the same width as edge Z'. 
As shown by the composite structures of FIGS. 6, 15 and 17, my invention 
makes it possible to selectively prevent the ends of a core layer, the 
ends of both skin layers, or the ends of a core layer and a single skin 
layer from extending to the full composite width. The use of an 
appropriate set of interchangeable retention plates makes possible this 
highly desired flexibility. 
As a result of the foregoing features of my coextrusion apparatus, the 
widthwise flow of a stream in a flow channel is limited by a retention 
plate; whereas, a stream in another channel flows to a comparatively 
greater width. Thereafter, upon convergence of the streams, the widthwise 
flow of the retained stream is limited by flow of the second stream. The 
result is a laminate in which the retained stream is prevented from 
extending to the full laminate width by an isolating edge formed by the 
second stream. 
If desired, my invention is able to produce a laminate having isolating 
edges of different thicknesses or even different edge configurations. Such 
a result may be easily obtained by, for instance, substituting retention 
plate 160 for retention plate 106, but leaving retention plate 116 in 
place (different thicknesses); or by substituting retention plate 200 for 
retention plate 106, but leaving retention plate 116 in place (different 
edge configurations). 
A further benefit of my invention is that the retention plates may 
advantageously influence stream profile based upon pressure displacement. 
Operation of coextrusion apparatus 10, shown in FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 8, will 
now be described. Vane blades 72,74 each having a width V of 3.8" and 
retention plates 106,116 each having a thickness T of 0.1" are selected 
for use and inserted into feedblock 12, which has a width W of 4" for flow 
channels 48,50,52 and flow passage 20. The resultant feedblock has a width 
V of 3.8" for flow channel 50, with the other flow channels and flow 
passage 20 remaining 4" wide. 
Vane blade point ends 96,98 are adjusted to provide at locus of convergence 
66, a laminate having a pair of isolating edges of 0.1" width. As 
explained earlier, the exact location of the point ends will vary 
depending upon the relative viscosities of the converging streams. 
The laminate formed at locus of convergence 66 is passed into die 14, which 
has a manifold 26 of 40" width, thereby providing a 10:1 spread ratio 
(40"/4"). In the manifold, transverse flow occurs to produce a laminate 
having isolating edges each of 1" width. Thus, the laminate product that 
exits from the die is 40" wide and has a pair of 1" wide isolating edges. 
When my invention is applied to a laminate of five or more layers, 
heretofore unobtainable composite structures are produced. FIG. 19 
exemplifies one such composite structure, formed by the use of an 
identical pair of upstream retention plates and two sets of identical 
downstream retention plates in the feedblock of FIG. 18. 
Referring to FIG. 18, the housing plug recess area of a dual plane 
feedblock 250, which has a housing plug recess 252, is shown. Feedblock 
250 includes flow channels 48',50',52', a combined flow passage 20', vane 
blades 72',74', a pair of upstream retention plates (only 106' shown), and 
distribution pins 102',103', all of which parts are similar to those of 
the first embodiment of my invention. However, in addition, feedblock 250 
includes a pair of downstream vane blades 260,262 pivotably mounted 
between a flow channel 264 and flow passage 20', and between flow passage 
20' and a flow channel 266, respectively; two sets of downstream retention 
plates (only one set shown, these being plates 180',182'); distribution 
pins 268,270; and an exit channel 272. 
A five layer composite structure S, shown in FIG. 19 is produced. The 
first, third and fifth layers of the composite extend less than the full 
composite width. Conversely, if a five layer composite structure in which 
the second and fourth layers extend less than the full composite width 
were desired, this structure may be obtained in accordance with my 
invention as follows: the downstream retention plates of FIG. 18 are 
substituted for the upstream retention plates of FIG. 18, the downstream 
vane blades are replaced by full width vane blades, and no retention 
plates are used downstream. 
FIG. 21 shows another novel five layer composite structure S', which may be 
produced by a coextrusion apparatus in accordance with the present 
invention. Such a composite structure is formed by employing a pair of 
identical retention plates in place of the plates shown in FIG. 18. 
Referring to FIG. 20, in which only a retention plate 290 is shown, streams 
from flow channels 48',50',52' converge in combined flow passage 20' to 
form a three layer composite stream. Thereafter, similar to FIG. 10, 
streams from flow channels 264,266 converge with the composite stream at 
loci 292,294. As a result, the widthwise flow of the composite stream in 
flow passage 20' is limited. 
Loci 292,294 are upstream of place of convergence 296. Convergence place 
296 is itself upstream of locus of convergence 298, at which a laminate 
having composite structure S' is formed. The second, third and fourth 
layers of the composite structure extend less than the full laminate 
width. 
In the preceding description of the present invention, there are shown and 
essentially described only preferred embodiments of this invention, but as 
mentioned above, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of 
changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept 
expressed herein. Several changes or modifications have been briefly 
mentioned for purposes of illustration. 
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
The extrusion apparatus of this invention is useful for selectively 
preventing any layer or layers of a laminate from extending to the edge of 
the laminate.