Method and a device for applying a surface layer onto a hollow profile

A method for applying a surface layer onto a deformable, resilient elongated hollow profile having a predetermined original shape and having a wall portion which, in the cross section of the original shape, is curved, the method comprising the steps of:

• advancing the profile longitudinally past a pressing device;
• temporarily pressing the curved wall portion of said profile into a shape which is substantially straight in cross section as the profile passes the pressing device;
• feeding a strip of material for said surface layer in the longitudinal direction of said profile between said pressing device and the outside of said wall portion of said profile, and attaching said strip to said wall portion while said wall portion is in said substantially straight shape;
• and
• bringing the profile with the strip thereon to return to a shape substantially corresponding to the original shape of the profile.

Apparatus for applying a surface layer onto a deformable, elongated hollow profile having a wall portion, which in the original cross section of the profile, is curved, comprising:

• an applicator device;
• a mandrel having a planar support surface disposed adjacent said applicator device;
• means for advancing the profile longitudinally past said applicator device and said mandrel in a downstream direction so that said mandrel is disposed within the advancing profile, so that said wall portion of said profile passes over said support surface and so that said profile is in a resilient condition as said profile passes said mandrel;
• said applicator device including means for pressing said curved wall portion of the profile into abutment against said support surface of said mandrel to thereby temporarily deform said curved wall portion of the profile into a shape which is substantially straight in cross section;
• said applicator device also including means for applying the surface layer to said wall portion of said profile while said wall portion of said profile is in said shape which, in cross section, is substantially straight.

Apparatus for applying a surface layer onto a deformable, elongated hollow profile having a predetermined original shape and having a wall portion which in the original cross section of the profile, is curved, comprising:

• an applicator device;
• means for advancing the profile longitudinally past said applicator device in a downstream direction, so that said profile is in a resilient condition when said profile passes said applicator device;
• said applicator device including means for temporarily pressing said curved wall portion of the profile into a shape which is substantially straight in cross section;
• said applicator device also including means for applying the surface layer to said wall portion of said profile while said wall portion of said profile is in said shape which, in cross section, is substantially straight;
• said pressing means including means for bringing opposite inside surfaces of the profile into abutment against each other along a distance in the cross-wise direction of the profile substantially shorter than a distance corresponding to a fully pressed together profile.