Patent US4174988A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
← Back to Patent Explorer
US4174988A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Method and apparatus for making padded straps

Assignee: ANDERSON ACQUISITION Inc
•
Filing: 1977-08-31
•
Granted: 1979-11-20
•
Expires: 1997-08-31
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract A method and apparatus for manufacturing padded or cushioned straps having a main structural strap member adatped to be fastened to a surface, a vinyl wrap or cover and a foam cushion material intermediate the vinyl wrap and the strap member. The method of the present invention includes the steps of (1) longitudinally tensioning the vinyl wrap, (2) positioning the foam cushioning material and the strap member on the vinyl wrap, (3) compressing the foam and securing the components in position by applying a force across the strap member and the vinyl wrap, (4) wrapping and transversely tensioning the vinyl wrap about the foam member and the strap member so that the longitudinal edges are opposed, (5) maintaining the vinyl wrap in transverse tension and maintaining the position of the components, (6) positioning a trim strip across the opposed longitudinal edges of the vinyl wrap, (7) joining the trim strip to the vinyl wrap by dielectric heating of the trim strip and the vinyl wrap, (8) bending the assembled strap to an appropriate shape, and (9) heating the assembled strap to shrink the vinyl wrap. The apparatus disclosed herein provides a convenient structure for practicing the above method.

Inventors

  • 👤 Ronald D. Moore
  • 👤 Everett L. Bethel

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-05 06:11
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C63/00; B29C63/02; B29C63/04; B29C53/00; B29C53/02; B60; B60N; B60N3/00; B60N3/02; B29L; B29L2007/00; B29L2007/007; B29L2009/00; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/30; B29L2031/3055; B29L2031/46; B29L2031/463; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T156/00; Y10T156/10; Y10T156/1002; Y10T156/1028; Y10T156/103; Y10T156/1043; Y10T156/1051

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim 252 words
A method for making a padded strap having a strap member, a cushion member, a cover having opposite edge portions, and a flexible shoulder member having shoulders at opposite edge portions comprising positioning said cushion member on said cover, said strap member on said cushion member, and said shoulder member with respect to the other of said members so that said cushion member and said cover are disposed on one side of said strap member, said opposite edge portions of said cover extend laterally outwardly of said cushion member and said strap member, and said shoulders of said shoulder member are disposed so as to extend above the side of said strap member opposite said one side; applying a force to the side of said strap member opposite said one side to compress said cushion member; wrapping said cover about said cushion member, said strap member, and said shoulders while said cushion member is compressed so that said opposite edge portions are disposed on said opposite side of said strap member; engaging said cover on said opposite side of said strap member at said shoulders in a manner to independently restrain each of said shoulders from movement in either direction laterally of said strap to substantially prevent positional change of said shoulders through flexing of said flexible shoulder member but leaving said opposite edge portions of said cover exposed while maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed; and joining said edge portions while said cushion member is at least partially compressed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 252 words
A method for making a padded strap having a strap member, a cushion member, a cover having opposite edge portions, and a flexible shoulder member having shoulders at opposite edge portions comprising positioning said cushion member on said cover, said strap member on said cushion member, and said shoulder member with respect to the other of said members so that said cushion member and said cover are disposed on one side of said strap member, said opposite edge portions of said cover extend laterally outwardly of said cushion member and said strap member, and said shoulders of said shoulder member are disposed so as to extend above the side of said strap member opposite said one side; applying a force to the side of said strap member opposite said one side to compress said cushion member; wrapping said cover about said cushion member, said strap member, and said shoulders while said cushion member is compressed so that said opposite edge portions are disposed on said opposite side of said strap member; engaging said cover on said opposite side of said strap member at said shoulders in a manner to independently restrain each of said shoulders from movement in either direction laterally of said strap to substantially prevent positional change of said shoulders through flexing of said flexible shoulder member but leaving said opposite edge portions of said cover exposed while maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed; and joining said edge portions while said cushion member is at least partially compressed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 28 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein an engaging force is applied to said cover when said cover is engaged on said opposite side of said strap member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said engaging force maintains said cushion member at least partially compressed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 15 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said edges are joined by fusion bonding thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 23 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein said edges are joined by passing a high frequency current in the vicinity of said edges.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein an engaging force is applied to said cover at said shoulders.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 18 words
A method according to claim 6 wherein said engaging force maintains said cushion member at least partially compressed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 20 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said edge portions are joined by a trim strip bridging said edge portions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said padded strap, after joining of said edge portions, is bent to have an appropriate configuration for mounting.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 20 words
A method according to claim 9 wherein said strap is heated after bending to remove any wrinkles in said cover.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 18 words
A method according to claim 8 wherein said trim strip and edges are joined by fusion bonding thereof.
Claim 13
Independent Claim 233 words
A method for making a padded strap having a strap member, a cushion member, and a cover having opposite edge portions comprising the steps of: positioning said cushion member on said cover and said strap member on said cushion member so that said cushion member and said cover are disposed on one side of said strap member and said opposite edge portion extends laterally outwardly of said cushion member and said strap member; applying a force to the side of said strap member opposite said one side to compress said cushion member; wrapping said cover about said cushion member and said strap member while said cushion member is compressed so that said opposite edge portions are disposed on said opposite side of said strap member; providing at least one abutment surface closely adjacent said edge portions on said opposite side of said strap member; partially releasing the compression of said cushion member so that said cover proximate to said opposite edge portions engages said abutment surface and so that said partially compressed cushion member applies an abutment force restraining said cover in said wrapped configuration; and joining said edge portions while said cushion member is at least partially compressed with said cover being restrained in said wrapped configuration by said abutment force so that said cushion member retains a partial compression after disengagement of said cover from said at least one abutment surface.
Claim 14
Independent Claim 233 words
A method for making a padded strap having a strap member, a cushion member, and a cover having opposite edge portions comprising the steps of: positioning said cushion member on said cover and said strap member on said cushion member so that said cushion member and said cover are disposed on one side of said strap member and said opposite edge portion extends laterally outwardly of said cushion member and said strap member; applying a force to the side of said strap member opposite said one side to compress said cushion member; wrapping said cover about said cushion member and said strap member while said cushion member is compressed so that said opposite edge portions are disposed on said opposite side of said strap member; providing at least one abutment surface closely adjacent said edge portions on said opposite side of said strap member; partially releasing the compression of said cushion member so that said cover proximate to said opposite edge portions engages said abutment surface and so that said partially compressed cushion member applies an abutment force restraining said cover in said wrapped configuration; and joining said edge portions while said cushion member is at least partially compressed with said cover being restrained in said wrapped configuration by said abutment force so that said cushion member retains a partial compression after disengagement of said cover from said at least one abutment surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 33 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said strap member is provided with shoulders at opposite edge portions extending above said opposite side thereof and wherein said cover is wrapped about said shoulders.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 24 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said abutment surface abuts said cover at said shoulders to retain said cover in said wrapped configuration.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 20 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said edge portions are joined by a trim strip bridging said edge portions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 25 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said padded strap, after joining of said edge portions, is bent to have an appropriate configuration for mounting.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 20 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said strap is heated after bending to remove any wrinkles in said cover.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 15 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said edges are joined by fusion bonding thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 23 words
A method according to claim 18 wherein said edges are joined by passing a high frequency current in the vicinity of said edges.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 16 words
A method according to claim 12 wherein said edges are further joined to said strap member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method according to claim 12 further including the step of longitudinally tensioning said cover and maintaining said longitudinal tensioning until said edge portions are joined.
Claim 24
Independent Claim 353 words
An apparatus for constructing a strap having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member on one side of said strap member, a cover of substantially greater width than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges and means providing a pair of shoulders on the other side of said strap member which extend above a portion of said strap member intermediate said should shoulders comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on said one side of said strap member; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member and said shoulders so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member and intermediate said shoulders including holding means for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration at said shoulders so as to leave said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said holding means including a jaw member having an abutment surface which is rotated relative to said base member and which is configured so that said abutment surface engages said cover at said shoulder and so that a laterally inward portion of said jaw member which rotates over said shoulder is positioned substantially more proximate said intermediate portion of said strap than the point of engagement of said abutment surface with said cover at said shoulder, said holding means maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed whereby said longitudinal edges of said cover may be joined with said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed.
Claim 25
Independent Claim 353 words
An apparatus for constructing a strap having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member on one side of said strap member, a cover of substantially greater width than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges and means providing a pair of shoulders on the other side of said strap member which extend above a portion of said strap member intermediate said should shoulders comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on said one side of said strap member; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member and said shoulders so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member and intermediate said shoulders including holding means for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration at said shoulders so as to leave said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said holding means including a jaw member having an abutment surface which is rotated relative to said base member and which is configured so that said abutment surface engages said cover at said shoulder and so that a laterally inward portion of said jaw member which rotates over said shoulder is positioned substantially more proximate said intermediate portion of said strap than the point of engagement of said abutment surface with said cover at said shoulder, said holding means maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed whereby said longitudinal edges of said cover may be joined with said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed.
Claim 26
Independent Claim 308 words
An apparatus for constructing a strap having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member and a cover of substantially greater width than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on one side of said strap member; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member including holding means having an abutment surface positionable on said opposite side of said strap member closely adjacent said cover so that upon release of said clamping means, the compression of said cushion member is partially relieved to cause abutment of said cover with said abutment surface, so as to engage said cover in said wrapped configuration near the longitudinal edges of said cover yet leaving said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said cushion member being maintained at least partially compressed by said holding means so that said partially compressed cushion member forcibly bears said cover against said abutment surface thereby retaining said cover in said wrapped configuration whereby said longitudinal edges of said cover may be joined with said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed.
Claim 27
Independent Claim 308 words
An apparatus for constructing a strap having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member and a cover of substantially greater width than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on one side of said strap member; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member including holding means having an abutment surface positionable on said opposite side of said strap member closely adjacent said cover so that upon release of said clamping means, the compression of said cushion member is partially relieved to cause abutment of said cover with said abutment surface, so as to engage said cover in said wrapped configuration near the longitudinal edges of said cover yet leaving said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said cushion member being maintained at least partially compressed by said holding means so that said partially compressed cushion member forcibly bears said cover against said abutment surface thereby retaining said cover in said wrapped configuration whereby said longitudinal edges of said cover may be joined with said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 40 words
An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said wrapping means is rotatable with said holding means relative to said base member for wrapping said cover about said strap member and for positioning said holding means for engagement with said cover.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 38 words
An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said strap member is provided with shoulders at opposite edge portions extending above said opposite side thereof and wherein said wrapping means is adapted for wrapping said cover about said shoulders.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 34 words
An apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said holding means includes an abutment surface positionable on said opposite side of said strap member for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration adjacent said shoulders.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 24 words
An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein said holding means abutment surface is a curvilinear surface adapted to engage said cover adjacent said shoulders.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 43 words
An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said wrapping means including said holding means comprises a pair of jaw members mounted for movement relative to said base member and positioned for engagement with said cover for wrapping said cover about said strap member.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 72 words
An apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said jaw members are mounted for movement relative to said base surface of said base member so that at least a portion of each of said jaw members moves to a position on said opposite side of said strap member to wrap said cover about said strap member to position said longitudinal extending edges of said cover on said opposite side of said strap member.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 43 words
An apparatus according to claim 29 wherein said portion of each of said jaw members includes an abutment surface positionable on said opposite side of said strap member for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration near the longitudinal edges of said cover.
Claim 35
Independent Claim 379 words
An apparatus for constructing a strap having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member and a cover of substantially greater width than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on one side of said strap member; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member including holding means having a pair of jaw members mounted for movement relative to said base member and positioned for engagement with said cover and so that at least a portion of each of said jaw members moves to a position on said opposite side of said strap member to wrap said cover about said strap member to position said longitudinal extending edges of said cover on said opposite side of said strap member, said portion of each of said jaw members includes an abutment surface positionable on said opposite side of said strap member for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration near the longitudinal edges of said cover and yet leaving said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said movement of said jaw members positions each of said abutment surface closely adjacent said cover so that upon release of said clamping means, the compression of said cushion member is partially relieved to cause abutment of said cover with said abutment surfaces, said cushion member being maintained at least partially compressed by said holding means so that said partially compressed cushion member forcibly bears said cover against said abutment surfaces thereby retaining said cover in said wrapped configuration.
Claim 36
Independent Claim 379 words
An apparatus for constructing a strap having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member and a cover of substantially greater width than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on one side of said strap member; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member including holding means having a pair of jaw members mounted for movement relative to said base member and positioned for engagement with said cover and so that at least a portion of each of said jaw members moves to a position on said opposite side of said strap member to wrap said cover about said strap member to position said longitudinal extending edges of said cover on said opposite side of said strap member, said portion of each of said jaw members includes an abutment surface positionable on said opposite side of said strap member for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration near the longitudinal edges of said cover and yet leaving said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said movement of said jaw members positions each of said abutment surface closely adjacent said cover so that upon release of said clamping means, the compression of said cushion member is partially relieved to cause abutment of said cover with said abutment surfaces, said cushion member being maintained at least partially compressed by said holding means so that said partially compressed cushion member forcibly bears said cover against said abutment surfaces thereby retaining said cover in said wrapped configuration.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 43 words
An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein said jaw members are mounted for rotation with respect to said base surface of said base member for wrapping said cover about said strap member and for positioning said abutment surfaces for engagement with said cover.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 46 words
An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said strap member is provided with a shoulder at each opposite edge portion extending from said opposite side thereof and wherein respective ones of said jaw members are adapted for wrapping said cover about respective ones of said shoulders.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 34 words
An apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said abutment surfaces are positionable on said opposite side of said strap member for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration adjacent respective ones of said shoulders.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 75 words
An apparatus according to claim 34 wherein said jaw members are rotatable to a position wherein said abutment surfaces are positioned on said opposite side of said strap member while said clamping means applies a force to said strap member to compress said cushion member and wherein said compression of said cushion member is sufficient to provide clearance for said jaw members relative to said respective ones of said shoulders during wrapping of said cover.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 22 words
An apparatus according to claim 35 wherein said abutment surface is a curvilinear surface adapted to engage said cover adjacent said shoulders.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 54 words
An apparatus according to claim 36 wherein said curvilinear surface has a curvature which extends to a maximum point from said opposite side of said strap member at an intermediate location thereon and wherein said shoulders are positioned substantially adjacent said intermediate location of said curvilinear surface of respective ones of said jaw members.
Claim 43
Independent Claim 261 words
An apparatus for constructing a strap having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member and a cover of substantially greater width but shorter length than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on one side of said strap member; tensioning means for longitudinally tensioning said cover independently of wrapping means for said cover and prior to wrapping of said cover; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member including holding means for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration near the longitudinal edges of said cover yet leaving said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said holding means maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed whereby said longitudinal edges of said cover may be joined with said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed.
Claim 44
Independent Claim 261 words
An apparatus for constructing a strap having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member and a cover of substantially greater width but shorter length than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on one side of said strap member; tensioning means for longitudinally tensioning said cover independently of wrapping means for said cover and prior to wrapping of said cover; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member including holding means for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration near the longitudinal edges of said cover yet leaving said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said holding means maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed whereby said longitudinal edges of said cover may be joined with said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed.
Claim 45
Independent Claim 217 words
A method for making a padded strap characterized by a pair of laterally spaced flexible shoulders having a strap member, a cushion member and a cover having opposite edge portions comprising the steps of: positioning said cushion member on said cover and said strap member on said cushion member so that said cushion member and said cover are disposed on one side of said strap member and said opposite edge portions of said cover extend laterally outwardly of said cushion member and said strap member; applying a force to the side of said strap member opposite said one side to compress said cushion member; wrapping said cover about said cushion member and said strap member while said cushion member is compressed so that said opposite edge portions are disposed on said opposite side of said strap member; engaging said cover on said opposite side of said strap member at said shoulders in a manner to independently restrain each of said shoulders from movement in either direction laterally of said strap to substantially prevent positional change of said shoulders through flexing of said flexible shoulder but leaving said opposite edge portions of said cover exposed while maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed; and joining said edge portions while said cushion member is at least partially compressed.
Claim 46
Independent Claim 217 words
A method for making a padded strap characterized by a pair of laterally spaced flexible shoulders having a strap member, a cushion member and a cover having opposite edge portions comprising the steps of: positioning said cushion member on said cover and said strap member on said cushion member so that said cushion member and said cover are disposed on one side of said strap member and said opposite edge portions of said cover extend laterally outwardly of said cushion member and said strap member; applying a force to the side of said strap member opposite said one side to compress said cushion member; wrapping said cover about said cushion member and said strap member while said cushion member is compressed so that said opposite edge portions are disposed on said opposite side of said strap member; engaging said cover on said opposite side of said strap member at said shoulders in a manner to independently restrain each of said shoulders from movement in either direction laterally of said strap to substantially prevent positional change of said shoulders through flexing of said flexible shoulder but leaving said opposite edge portions of said cover exposed while maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed; and joining said edge portions while said cushion member is at least partially compressed.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 18 words
A method according to claim 39 wherein an engaging force is applied to said cover at said shoulders.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 20 words
A method according to claim 39 wherein said edge portions are joined by a trim strip bridging said edge portions.
Claim 49
Independent Claim 344 words
An apparatus for constructing a padded strap characterized by a pair of laterally spaced shoulders extending above a portion of said strap member intermediate said shoulders having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member on one side of said strap member and a cover of substantially greater width than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on said one side of said strap member; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member and said shoulders so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member and intermediate said shoulders including holding means for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration at said shoulders so as to leave said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said holding means including a jaw member having a surface which is rotated relative to said base member and which is configured so that said surface engages said cover at said shoulder and so that a laterally inward portion of said jaw member which rotates over said shoulder is positioned substantially more proximate said intermediate portion of said strap than the point of engagement of said abutment surface with said cover at said shoulder, said holding means maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed whereby said longitudinal edges of said cover may be joined with said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed.
Claim 50
Independent Claim 344 words
An apparatus for constructing a padded strap characterized by a pair of laterally spaced shoulders extending above a portion of said strap member intermediate said shoulders having a strap member with longitudinally extending edges, a cushion member on one side of said strap member and a cover of substantially greater width than said strap member and also having longitudinally extending edges comprising: a base member having a base surface for supporting said cover on said base surface with said cushion member supported on said cover and said strap member supported on said cushion member so that the longitudinal edges of said cover extend laterally outwardly relative to the longitudinal edges of said strap member and so that said cover is on said one side of said strap member; clamping means including a clamping member having longitudinal edges for applying a force to said strap member so as to compress said cushion member with said longitudinal edges of said clamping member being disposed laterally inwardly of said longitudinal edges of said strap member; and wrapping means for wrapping said cover about said strap member and said shoulders so that said longitudinal edges of said cover are located on the side of said strap member opposite said one side of said strap member and intermediate said shoulders including holding means for engaging said cover in said wrapped configuration at said shoulders so as to leave said longitudinal edges of said cover exposed, said holding means including a jaw member having a surface which is rotated relative to said base member and which is configured so that said surface engages said cover at said shoulder and so that a laterally inward portion of said jaw member which rotates over said shoulder is positioned substantially more proximate said intermediate portion of said strap than the point of engagement of said abutment surface with said cover at said shoulder, said holding means maintaining said cushion member at least partially compressed whereby said longitudinal edges of said cover may be joined with said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 74 words
An apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said abutment surface is positioned closely adjacent said cover so that upon release of said clamping means, the compression of said cushion member is partially relieved to cause abutment of said cover with said abutment surface, said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed so that said partially compressed cushion member forcibly bears said cover against said abutment surface thereby retaining said cover in said wrapped configuration.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 24 words
An apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said holding means abutment surface is a curvilinear surface adapted to engage said cover adjacent said shoulders.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 43 words
An apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said wrapping means including said holding means comprises a pair of said jaw members, a first jaw member for engaging one of said shoulders and a second jaw member for engaging the other of said houlders.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 24 words
An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said holding means abutment surface is a curvilinear surface adapted to engage said cover adjacent said shoulders.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 43 words
An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said wrapping means including said holding means comprises a pair of said jaw members, a first jaw member for engaging one of said shoulders and a second jaw member for engaging the other of said shoulders.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 81 words
An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said movement of said jaw members positions each of said abutment surface closely adjacent said cover so that upon release of said clamping means, the compression of said cushion member is partially relieved to cause abutment of said cover with said abutment surfaces, said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed so that said partially compressed cushion member forcibly bears said cover against said abutment surfaces thereby retaining said cover in said wrapped configuration.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 81 words
An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said movement of said jaw members positions each of said abutment surface closely adjacent said cover so that upon release of said clamping means, the compression of said cushion member is partially relieved to cause abutment to said cover with said abutment surfaces, said cushion member remaining at least partially compressed so that said partially compressed cushion member forcibly bears said cover against said abutment surfaces thereby retaining said cover in said wrapped configuration.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US1977626A Cited
US3115227A Cited
US3318636A Cited
US3393939A Cited
US3736621A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1982-11-19 1983-05-21 1983-11-20 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1986-11-19 1987-05-21 1987-11-20 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1990-11-19 1991-05-21 1991-11-20 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag