An apparatus and method for consolidating a pipe that has been wrapped with reinforcing tape, is provided. The apparatus comprises two or more pipe consolidation devices, each having a first end, a second end, and comprising: first and second support members arranged at the first end and having a gap therebetween; and an optional third support member at the second end. Each device further comprises a peripheral band that extends around the first, second, and optionally the third support members and is substantially unsupported in the gap between the first and second support members. The apparatus additionally comprises a mounting plate having a central aperture, and two or more of the devices mounted on the mounting plate such that the first end of each device is arranged bearing against a pipe extending through the central aperture. A method of manufacturing reinforced pipe is also provided.

A method for assembling an assembly comprising a tape (100) of retaining elements and a substrate (200), said method comprising the following steps: a step of forming a tape of retaining elements by dispensing a molding material into a molding device (1), so as to form a tape (100) of retaining elements comprising a base (51) presenting a bottom face (511) and a top face (512), the top face (511) of the base (51) being provided with retaining elements; and a step of applying a substrate (200) against the bottom face (511) of the base (51) prior to said bottom face (512) of the base (51) solidifying in such a manner as to cause the substrate (200) to penetrate at least in part beyond a plane defined by the bottom face (511) of the base (51) of the tape (100).

A method for assembling an assembly comprising a tape (100) of retaining elements and a substrate (200), said method comprising the following steps: a step of forming a tape of retaining elements by dispensing a molding material into a molding device (1), so as to form a tape (100) of retaining elements comprising a base (51) presenting a bottom face (511) and a top face (512), the top face (511) of the base (51) being provided with retaining elements; and a step of applying a substrate (200) against the bottom face (511) of the base (51) prior to said bottom face (512) of the base (51) solidifying in such a manner as to cause the substrate (200) to penetrate at least in part beyond a plane defined by the bottom face (511) of the base (51) of the tape (100).

A compression apparatus (10) for compressing a tubular structure (12) to be formed into a hollow structure (20) such as a pipe comprises contact elements (60) arranged in two sets, (61, 62). The contact elements (60) are adapted to move along a compression section (41) in a coordinated sequence, whereby a portion (12a) of the tubular structure (12) within the compression section (41) is compressed between pairs (63) of opposed contact elements. The apparatus (10) includes registration means (110) for causing respective pairs (63) of opposed contact elements (60) to be maintained in registration with each other while moving along the compression section (41).

A compression apparatus (10) for compressing a tubular structure (12) to be formed into a hollow structure (20) such as a pipe comprises contact elements (60) arranged in two sets, (61, 62). The contact elements (60) are adapted to move along a compression section (41) in a coordinated sequence, whereby a portion (12a) of the tubular structure (12) within the compression section (41) is compressed between pairs (63) of opposed contact elements. The apparatus (10) includes registration means (110) for causing respective pairs (63) of opposed contact elements (60) to be maintained in registration with each other while moving along the compression section (41).

A method for making a floor or wall panel has a foamed polymer core. A foamable polymer powder is foamed between two conveyor belts in the forming zone of a steel belt press. The sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the layers at the entrance of the steel belt press is less than or equal to the opening of the steel belt press at the entrance of the steel belt press. The sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the substrate at the outlet of the steel belt press is equal to the opening of the steel belt press at the outlet of the steel belt press and greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the layers at the entrance of the steel belt press.

A method for making a floor or wall panel has a foamed polymer core. A foamable polymer powder is foamed between two conveyor belts in the forming zone of a steel belt press. The sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the layers at the entrance of the steel belt press is less than or equal to the opening of the steel belt press at the entrance of the steel belt press. The sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the substrate at the outlet of the steel belt press is equal to the opening of the steel belt press at the outlet of the steel belt press and greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the two conveyor belts and the total thickness of the layers at the entrance of the steel belt press.

A method for manufacturing a single- or multi-layered substrate, which is suitable for a floor panel, where, for forming a substrate layer, thermoplastic material is strewn, for example, onto a transport device. The strewn thermoplastic material is consolidated under the influence of pressure and/or heat, preferably in a press device, where the thermoplastic material to be strewn comprises micronized material.

A method for manufacturing a single- or multi-layered substrate, which is suitable for a floor panel, where, for forming a substrate layer, thermoplastic material is strewn, for example, onto a transport device. The strewn thermoplastic material is consolidated under the influence of pressure and/or heat, preferably in a press device, where the thermoplastic material to be strewn comprises micronized material.

A retaining device includes an elastic film extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plastics tape extending in the longitudinal direction having a base presenting a bottom face and a top face and including a plurality of retaining elements extending from the top face, the device being characterized in that the film, the base, and the retaining elements are formed integrally by extrusion.