US3927438A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible tape fastener or hinge
Assignee: Saint Gobain Abrasives Inc
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Filing: 1974-11-22
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Granted: 1975-12-23
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Expires: 1994-11-22
Abstract
Abstract A continuous longitudinal flexible tape has an X-like configuration transversely of its length providing four opposite side portions and quadrants of the X adapted to be adhesively secured to and join together a plurality of members intended to be either fixed relative to each other or hinged to permit articulation of the members about a longitudinal axis of the tape. The tape comprises a first perforated strip with a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations in a central portion thereof situated between opposite side portions and forms one half of and first and second legs of the X. A second flexible slotted strip forming the second half and third and fourth legs of the X is intermeshed with the first strip and has an imperforate side portion adjoining a slotted side portion with a plurality of open ended elongated slots and elongated integral connecting portions extending transversely between the slots from the imperforate side portion. The first perforated and second slotted strips are assembled by inserting the elongated connecting portions through the perforations so they extend beyond the central portion of the first strip and are secured to at least one backing strip which together form a laminated side portion and fourth leg of the X. As a result the first and second strips are intermeshed, interlocked and hinged together by longitudinally spaced alternating connecting portions of the strips crossing and intersecting one another at the axis of the X-like configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Melvyn Blake
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:19
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05D; E05D1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
356 words
A flexible tape having an X-like configuration, in cross section, a central axis and four legs providing a longitudinally continuous structure adapted to extend along, be secured to and join a plurality of adjacent members together so that the central axis of the X-like configuration coincides generally with a juncture formed by the members to be joined, comprising: a first flexible perforated strip of predetermined width forming a first half of the X having opposite side edges, opposite side portions adjacent the side edges forming first and second legs of the X and adapted to be fastened to the members to be joined, a central portion between the opposite side portions and through which the central axis of the X passes, a plurality of apertures in the central portion spaced longitudinally along the central axis, a plurality of longitudinally spaced connecting portions between the apertures in the central portion integral with and connecting the opposite side portions; a second slotted flexible strip of predetermined width forming a second half of the X having opposite side edges, opposite side portions adjacent the side edges forming third and fourth legs of the X, and adapted to be fastened to the members to be joined, a plurality of longitudinally spaced elongated slots in one of the opposite side portions of the second strip extending inwardly a predetermined distance from one of the side edges interrupted by entrances to the slots to the other one of the opposite side portions of the second strip, a plurality of longitudinally spaced elongated integral connecting portions between the slots in a slotted one of the opposite side portions and extending from the other one of the opposite side portions through the apertures and beyond the central portion in the first perforated strip; a continuous flexible elongated backing strip of a transverse width less than the length of the slots adhesively secured to at least one side face of the slotted side portion and elongated connecting portions therein, whereby the first and second flexible strips are locked and hingedly connected together in an intermeshing and crossing relationship to form the continuous X-like tape structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
356 words
A flexible tape having an X-like configuration, in cross section, a central axis and four legs providing a longitudinally continuous structure adapted to extend along, be secured to and join a plurality of adjacent members together so that the central axis of the X-like configuration coincides generally with a juncture formed by the members to be joined, comprising: a first flexible perforated strip of predetermined width forming a first half of the X having opposite side edges, opposite side portions adjacent the side edges forming first and second legs of the X and adapted to be fastened to the members to be joined, a central portion between the opposite side portions and through which the central axis of the X passes, a plurality of apertures in the central portion spaced longitudinally along the central axis, a plurality of longitudinally spaced connecting portions between the apertures in the central portion integral with and connecting the opposite side portions; a second slotted flexible strip of predetermined width forming a second half of the X having opposite side edges, opposite side portions adjacent the side edges forming third and fourth legs of the X, and adapted to be fastened to the members to be joined, a plurality of longitudinally spaced elongated slots in one of the opposite side portions of the second strip extending inwardly a predetermined distance from one of the side edges interrupted by entrances to the slots to the other one of the opposite side portions of the second strip, a plurality of longitudinally spaced elongated integral connecting portions between the slots in a slotted one of the opposite side portions and extending from the other one of the opposite side portions through the apertures and beyond the central portion in the first perforated strip; a continuous flexible elongated backing strip of a transverse width less than the length of the slots adhesively secured to at least one side face of the slotted side portion and elongated connecting portions therein, whereby the first and second flexible strips are locked and hingedly connected together in an intermeshing and crossing relationship to form the continuous X-like tape structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
A flexible tape according to claim 1 further comprising: a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a side face, of each of the opposite side portions, situated on opposite side faces of each of the first and second strips; and a removable release strip on and protectively covering the layer of adhesive on the side face of each of the opposite side portions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A flexible tape according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of apertures in the central portion of the first perforated strip are substantially equally spaced, of substantially identical size, rectangular shape, and of substantially the longitudinal height of the elongated connecting portions of the second slotted strip within the apertures.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A flexible tape according to claim 1 wherein the first, second and backing strips are made of thin flexible sheet material selected from a group consisting of paper, natural and synthetic fabric, metal and plastic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A flexible tape according to claim 2 wherein the release strips are made of thin sheet flexible material selected from a group consisting of paper and plastic and having a release coated surface to which the adhesive does not permanently adhere to.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A flexible tape according to claim 1 wherein the opposite side portions and the integral connecting portions in the central portion of the first strip are imperforate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A flexible tape according to claim 6 wherein the backing strip, the other one of the opposite side portion adjacent the slotted side portion and the elongated integral connecting portions of the second strip are imperforate.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3851353A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-22 | 1979-06-23 | 1979-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-22 | 1983-06-23 | 1983-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-22 | 1987-06-23 | 1987-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |