Channel-shaped strip structures

Claim 1

A channel-shaped strip structure, comprising: a channel-shaped metal carrier, in the form of a series of side-by-side U-shaped metal strip elements defining a channel, each element being connected to the corresponding adjacent element by means of an integral connecting link, and each element terminating in a thinned-down portion which extends at least partway to a corresponding portion terminating the ends of the adjacent elements, flexible covering material completely embedding the carrier, the flexible covering material being shaped to define gripping ribs running along the length of and within the channel shape of the strip structure and extending inwardly of the channel shape from the opposite inside walls thereof, there being one relatively large gripping rib on one said inside side wall and at least one relatively smaller gripping rib on the opposite inside side wall, and at least one flexible substantially inextensible tape-like member made of synthetic material running along the length of the strip and covered by the flexible covering material so as to resist any tendency of the strip structure to stretch, the tape-like member being free to move, with the flexible covering material, relative to the carrier elements, the said tape member positioned along the said one inside side wall adjacent to the relatively large gripping rib thereon.