US4908247A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Article including segment which is elastically shirrable after manufacture
Assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
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Filing: 1987-04-10
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Granted: 1990-03-13
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Expires: 2007-04-10
Abstract
Abstract An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length subsequent to manufacture of the article, preferably by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion of the elastically shirrable segment. The predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of the elastically shirrable segment preferably comprises an elastomeric monomer which is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring. The opposed ends of the elastically shirrable segment in the article are interconnected to one another through the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member. The prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member is also secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of the composite structure. The article is elastically shirred by mechanically manipulating the predetermined portion of the shirrable segment until movement of the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member relative to the rigidifying member is effected. To elasticize the article containing the elastically shirrable segment, the relative movement between the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and the rigidifying member must be sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of the composite structure. This relative movement produces a degree of elastic shirring in the segment, and consequently in the article to which it is attached, in the direction of prestretching of the elastomeric member. The degree of segment shirring is proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and the rigidifying member in the area comprising the composite structure. Thus, the tension in the elastically shirrable segment can be increased by the user, as desired, by mechanically manipulating more of the composite structure. Elastically shirrable segments of the present invention are particularly well suited to high speed article manufacturing operations, since the segments can be applied to the articles in a substantially untensioned condition and their tension released subsequent to article manufacture.
Inventors
- 👤 James C. Baird
- 👤 II Thurman J. Koger
- 👤 Delmar R. Muckenfuhs
- 👤 Milton D. Spahni
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:03
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/15577; A61F13/15585; A61F13/15593; A41; A41F; A41F9/00; A41F9/02; A61F13/45; A61F13/49; A61F13/49007; A61F13/49009; A61F13/49011; A61F13/4902; B; B29; B29C; B29C61/00; B29C61/06; B29C61/0608; B29C61/065; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/91; Y10S493/00; Y10S493/962; Y10T; Y10T156/00; Y10T156/10; Y10T156/1002; Y10T156/1026; Y10T156/1052; Y10T156/1056; Y10T156/1062; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/14; Y10T24/1498; Y10T24/15; Y10T24/153; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/13; Y10T428/1328; Y10T428/1352; Y10T428/1386; Y10T428/23; Y10T428/239; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24025; Y10T428/24033; Y10T428/24058; Y10T428/24074; Y10T428/24091; Y10T428/24099; Y10T428/24273; Y10T428/24281; Y10T428/24298; Y10T428/24306; Y10T428/24322; Y10T428/24331; Y10T428/24355; Y10T428/24364; Y10T428/24446; Y10T428/24479; Y10T428/24521; Y10T428/24529; Y10T428/24612; Y10T428/24777; Y10T428/24802; Y10T428/2481; Y10T428/24851; Y10T428/2486; Y10T428/24942; Y10T428/24983
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 90
Claim 1
Independent Claim
279 words
An unrestrained article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred subsequent to the manufacture of said article along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment of said article, said segment of said article being elastically shirrable by mechanically manipulating said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
279 words
An unrestrained article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred subsequent to the manufacture of said article along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment of said article, said segment of said article being elastically shirrable by mechanically manipulating said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The article of claim 1, wherein said rigidifying member comprises a layer of pliable material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The article of claim 2, wherein said layer of pliable material comprises a polymeric film.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The article of claim 1, wherein said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member are secured in fixed relation to one another by being sealed to one another along the length of said composite structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The article of claim 4, wherein said seal between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member comprises a heat seal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The article of claim 4, wherein said seal between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member comprises an adhesive seal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The article of claim 1, wherein said rigidifying member comprises a brittle material which fractures upon mechanical manipulation of said composite structure to release tension in said prestretched elastomeric member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The article of claim 4, wherein said rigidifying member comprises a ductile material which is peeled from said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member to release tension therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The article of claim 1, wherein said rigidifying material comprises a fluid which has been allowed to dry.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The article of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in said elastically shirrable segment is secured directly to said article.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The article of claim 1, wherein said elastically shirrable segment includes a composite structure formed by said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member along substantially its entire length.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
282 words
An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to a pair of rigidifying members located on opposed surfaces of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment of said article, said segment of said article being elastically shirrable by mechanically manipulating said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
282 words
An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to a pair of rigidifying members located on opposed surfaces of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment of said article, said segment of said article being elastically shirrable by mechanically manipulating said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
62 words
The article of claim 12, wherein said rigidifying members are comprised of a pliable material and are sealed to one another, but not to said prestretched elastomeric member along the length of said composite structure, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being restrained from retracting along the length of said rigidifying members by securement at the opposing ends of said rigidifying members.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The article of claim 13, wherein securement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at the opposing ends of said rigidifying members comprises a seal between said elastomeric member and said rigidifying members.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The article of claim 14, wherein said seal between said elastomeric member and said rigidifying members comprises a heat seal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
68 words
The article of claim 13, wherein a substantially untensioned portion of said elastomeric member extends beyond each opposing end of said rigidifying members, said substantially untensioned portions of said elastomer member being secured directly to said article, whereby release of tension in said prestretched and tensioned portion of said elastomeric member intermediate said points of attachment to said article elastically shirrs said article intermediate said points of attachment.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
249 words
An unrestrained article including at least one segment which will automatically elastically shirr without external heating along a predetermined portion of its length subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to and during manufacture of said article is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in substantially fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at least until the manufacture of said article has been completed, said segment of said article being automatically elastically shirred by self-induced relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member at a rate response to the coming into play of inherent physical characteristics for which the elastomeric and rigidifying member components of the composite were considered and deliberately selected, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
249 words
An unrestrained article including at least one segment which will automatically elastically shirr without external heating along a predetermined portion of its length subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to and during manufacture of said article is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in substantially fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at least until the manufacture of said article has been completed, said segment of said article being automatically elastically shirred by self-induced relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member at a rate response to the coming into play of inherent physical characteristics for which the elastomeric and rigidifying member components of the composite were considered and deliberately selected, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The article of claim 17, wherein said rigidifying member comprises a layer of pliable material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The article of claim 18, wherein said layer of pliable material comprises a polymeric film.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
39 words
The article of claim 18, wherein said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member are secured in fixed relation to one another along their length by means of an adhesive which will creep when subjected to stress.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
11 words
The article of claim 20, wherein said adhesive is pressure sensitive.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
282 words
An article inlcuding at least one segment which will automatically elastically shirr without external heating along a predetermined portion of its length subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to and during manufacture of said article is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in substantially fixed relation along its length to at least one rigidifying member comprising a layer of pliable, pressure sensitive tape, said tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive which will creep when subjected to stress, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member forming a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at least until the manufacture of said article has been completed, said segment of said article being automatically elastically shirred by self-induced relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member at a rate responsive to the coming into play of inherent physical characteristics for which the elastomeric and rigidifying member components of the composite were considered and deliberately selected, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
282 words
An article inlcuding at least one segment which will automatically elastically shirr without external heating along a predetermined portion of its length subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to and during manufacture of said article is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in substantially fixed relation along its length to at least one rigidifying member comprising a layer of pliable, pressure sensitive tape, said tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive which will creep when subjected to stress, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member forming a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at least until the manufacture of said article has been completed, said segment of said article being automatically elastically shirred by self-induced relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member at a rate responsive to the coming into play of inherent physical characteristics for which the elastomeric and rigidifying member components of the composite were considered and deliberately selected, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
288 words
An unrestrained elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred subsequent to manufacture of said article, said segment being capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment, said segment having the capability of being elastically shirred after said segment is attached to said article by mechanically manipulating said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
288 words
An unrestrained elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred subsequent to manufacture of said article, said segment being capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment, said segment having the capability of being elastically shirred after said segment is attached to said article by mechanically manipulating said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The segment of claim 23, wherein said rigidifying member comprises a layer of pliable material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The segment of claim 24, wherein said layer of pliable material comprises a polymeric film.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
The segment of claim 23, wherein said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member are secured in fixed relation to one another by being sealed to one another along the length of said composite structure.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The segment of claim 26, wherein said seal between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member comprises a heat seal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The segment of claim 26, wherein said seal between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member comprises an adhesive seal.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
30 words
The segment of claim 23, wherein said rigidifying member comprises a brittle material which fractures upon mechanical manipulation of said composite structure to release tension in said prestretched elastomeric member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
The segment of claim 26, wherein said rigidifying member comprises a ductile material which is peeled from said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member to release tension therein.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The segment of claim 23, wherein said rigidifying material comprises a fluid which has been allowed to dry.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
The segment of claim 23, wherein at least a portion of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in said elastically shirrable segment is exposed for securement directly to said article.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
30 words
The segment of claim 23, wherein said composite structure formed by said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member extends along substantially the entire length of said segment.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
292 words
An elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred, said segment being capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to a pair of rigidifying members located on opposed surfaces of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment, said segment having the capability of being elastically shirred after said segment is attached to said article by mechanically manipulating said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying members relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying members being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying members in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
292 words
An elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred, said segment being capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to a pair of rigidifying members located on opposed surfaces of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment, said segment having the capability of being elastically shirred after said segment is attached to said article by mechanically manipulating said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying members relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying members being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying members in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
62 words
The segment of claim 34, wherein said rigidifying members are comprised of a pliable material and are sealed to one another, but not to said prestretched elastomeric member along the length of said composite structure, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being restrained from retracting along the length of said rigidifying members by securement at the opposing ends of said rigidifying members.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
The segment of claim 35, wherein securement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at the opposing ends of said rigidifying members comprises a seal between said elastomeric member and said rigidifying members.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
The segment of claim 36, wherein said seal between said elastomeric member and said rigidifying members comprises a heat seal.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
39 words
The segment of claim 35, wherein a substantially untensioned portion of said elastomeric member extends beyond each opposing end of said rigidifying members, said substantially untensioned portions of said elastomeric member being exposed for securement directly to said article.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
263 words
An unrestrained elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said segment exhibiting an ability to automatically elastically shirr without external heating along a predetermined portion of its length subsequent to its attachment to said article, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to and during manufacture of said article is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in substantially fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at least until the attachment of said segment to said article has been completed, said segment being automatically elastically shirrable by self-induced relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member at a rate responsive to the coming into play of inherent physical characteristics for which the elastomeric and rigidifying member components of the composite were considered and deliberately selected, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
263 words
An unrestrained elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said segment exhibiting an ability to automatically elastically shirr without external heating along a predetermined portion of its length subsequent to its attachment to said article, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to and during manufacture of said article is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in substantially fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at least until the attachment of said segment to said article has been completed, said segment being automatically elastically shirrable by self-induced relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member at a rate responsive to the coming into play of inherent physical characteristics for which the elastomeric and rigidifying member components of the composite were considered and deliberately selected, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
The segment of claim 39, wherein said rigidifying member comprises a layer of pliable material.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The segment of claim 40, wherein said layer of pliable material comprises a polymeric film.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
39 words
The segment of claim 40, wherein said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member are secured in fixed relation to one another along their length by means of an adhesive which will creep when subjected to stress.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
11 words
The segment of claim 42, wherein said adhesive is pressure sensitive.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
289 words
An elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred, said segment exhibiting an ability to automatically elastically shirr without external heating along a predetermined portion of its length subsequent to its attachment to said article, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to and during manufacture of said article is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in substantially fixed relation along its length to at least one rigidifying member comprising a layer of pliable, pressure sensitive tape said tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive which will creep when subjected to stress, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member forming a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at least until the attachment of said segment to said article has been completed, said segment being automatically elastically shirred by self-induced relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member at a rate responsive to the coming into play of inherent physical characteristics for which the elastomeric and rigidifying member components of the composite were considered and deliberately selected, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
289 words
An elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred, said segment exhibiting an ability to automatically elastically shirr without external heating along a predetermined portion of its length subsequent to its attachment to said article, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to and during manufacture of said article is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in substantially fixed relation along its length to at least one rigidifying member comprising a layer of pliable, pressure sensitive tape said tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive which will creep when subjected to stress, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member forming a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member at least until the attachment of said segment to said article has been completed, said segment being automatically elastically shirred by self-induced relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member at a rate responsive to the coming into play of inherent physical characteristics for which the elastomeric and rigidifying member components of the composite were considered and deliberately selected, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
187 words
A method for making an elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elasticized subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction; and (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, but which when mechanically manipulated will permit said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member to undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of segment shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being porportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
187 words
A method for making an elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elasticized subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction; and (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, but which when mechanically manipulated will permit said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member to undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of segment shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being porportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
237 words
A method for making an article including an elasticizable segment which can be elasticized subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction; (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until subjecting said composite to mechanical manipulation; and (c) securing said composite structure while it is in a substantially untensioned condition to the portion of said article to be elasticized so that the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member are aligned in the desired direction of article shirring, whereby upon mechanical manipulation of said composite structure said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member will undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of article shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
237 words
A method for making an article including an elasticizable segment which can be elasticized subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction; (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until subjecting said composite to mechanical manipulation; and (c) securing said composite structure while it is in a substantially untensioned condition to the portion of said article to be elasticized so that the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member are aligned in the desired direction of article shirring, whereby upon mechanical manipulation of said composite structure said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member will undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of article shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
262 words
A method for elasticizing a predetermined portion of an article subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction; (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member; (c) securing said composite structure while it is in a substantially untensioned condition to the portion of said article to be elasticized so that the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member are aligned in the desired direction of article shirring; and (d) causing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member to undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure subsequent to the manufacture of said article either by mechanically manipulating said composite structure or permitting to come into play without external heating the inherent physical characteristics for which said elastomeric and rigidifying members were considered and deliberately selected as composite components, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of article shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
262 words
A method for elasticizing a predetermined portion of an article subsequent to the manufacture of said article, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction; (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member; (c) securing said composite structure while it is in a substantially untensioned condition to the portion of said article to be elasticized so that the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member are aligned in the desired direction of article shirring; and (d) causing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member to undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure subsequent to the manufacture of said article either by mechanically manipulating said composite structure or permitting to come into play without external heating the inherent physical characteristics for which said elastomeric and rigidifying members were considered and deliberately selected as composite components, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of article shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 47, wherein said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member are caused to undergo movement relative to one another by mechanically manipulating said composite structure.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
290 words
An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member having at least one irregular surface, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being so oriented that said irregular surface on said elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member engage one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected by mechanical manipulation of said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
290 words
An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member having at least one irregular surface, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being so oriented that said irregular surface on said elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member engage one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected by mechanical manipulation of said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
49 words
The article of claim 49, wherein said irregular surface exhibited by said rigidifying member comprises a multiplicity of relief sites and said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member comprises a multiplicity of raised areas which extend into said multiplicity of relief sites in said rigidifying member.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
48 words
The article of claim 49, wherein said irregular surface exhibited by said rigidifying member comprises a multiplicity of raised areas and said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member comprises a multiplicity of relief sites which receive said multiplicity of raised areas in said rigidifying member.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
42 words
The article of claim 50 or claim 51, wherein said relief sites and said raised areas are substantially complementary to one another when the irregular surfaces on said tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member are placed in contact with one another.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
89 words
The article of claim 52, wherein said rigidifying member and said tensioned elastomeric member in said segment are each secured to different portions of said article, said article being folded upon itself so that said irregular surface on said tensioned elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member engage one another in superposed relation, said segment being capable of mechanical manipulation to elastically shirr said article by unfolding the superposed portions of said article from one another, thereby separating said tensioned elastomeric member from said rigidifying member.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
331 words
An elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred, said segment being capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member having at least one irregular surface the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being so oriented that said irregular surface on said elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member engage one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said portion of said shirrable segment, said segment having the capability of being elastically shirred after said segment is attached to said article by mechanically manipulating said portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
331 words
An elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred, said segment being capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to mechanical manipulation is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member having at least one irregular surface the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface, said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being so oriented that said irregular surface on said elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member engage one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member prior to mechanical manipulation of said portion of said shirrable segment, said segment having the capability of being elastically shirred after said segment is attached to said article by mechanically manipulating said portion of said shirrable segment until movement of said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member relative to one another is effected in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member being sufficient to release the tensile forces in the mechanically manipulated portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of shirring of said segment will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
51 words
The elastically shirrable segment of claim 54, wherein said irregular surface exhibited by said rigidifying member comprises a multiplicity of relief sites and said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member comprises a multiplicity of raised areas which extend into said multiplicity of relief sites in said rigidifying member.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
50 words
The elastically shirrable segment of claim 54, wherein said irregular surface exhibited by said rigidifying member comprises a multiplicity of raised areas and said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member comprises a multiplicity of relief sites which receive said multiplicity of raised areas in said rigidifying member.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
44 words
The elastically shirrable segment of claim 55 or claim 56, wherein said relief sites and said raised areas are substantially complementary to one another when the irregular surfaces on said tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member are placed in contact with one another.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
252 words
An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanically acting upon a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to being mechanically acted upon is maintained in a longitudinally extended condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said longitudinally extended elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to an encapsulating restraint member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched and tensioned condition, said encapsulating restraint member being strong enough to maintain said longitudinally extended elastomeric member in a state of compression sufficient to prevent said longitudinally extended elastomeric member from expanding in any direction perpendicular to the desired direction of shirring until said segment of said article is mechanically acted upon by rupturing said encapsulating restraint member along said predetermined portion of said segment to effect release of the compressive force acting upon said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, thereby simultaneously restoring and releasing the tensile forces in that portion of the longitudinally extended elastomeric member which has been freed of restraint and effecting a degree of shirring of said segment of said article along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which said encapsulating restraint member is ruptured along the length of said segment.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
252 words
An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanically acting upon a predetermined portion thereof, said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to being mechanically acted upon is maintained in a longitudinally extended condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment in said article being interconnected to one another through said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said longitudinally extended elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to an encapsulating restraint member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched and tensioned condition, said encapsulating restraint member being strong enough to maintain said longitudinally extended elastomeric member in a state of compression sufficient to prevent said longitudinally extended elastomeric member from expanding in any direction perpendicular to the desired direction of shirring until said segment of said article is mechanically acted upon by rupturing said encapsulating restraint member along said predetermined portion of said segment to effect release of the compressive force acting upon said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, thereby simultaneously restoring and releasing the tensile forces in that portion of the longitudinally extended elastomeric member which has been freed of restraint and effecting a degree of shirring of said segment of said article along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which said encapsulating restraint member is ruptured along the length of said segment.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
42 words
The article of claim 58, wherein said encapsulating restraint member comprise a layer of pliable material wrapped about and secured in position along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched and tensioned condition.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
The article of claim 59, wherein said shirrable segment includes means for rupturing said encapsulating restrain member.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
57 words
The article of claim 60, wherein said means for rupturing said encapsulating restrain member comprises a filament secured intermediate said longitudinally extended elastomeric member and the interior of said encapsulating restraint member, said filament having at least one end protruding beyond said encapsulating restrain member to facilitate easy grasping and pulling to rupture said encapsulating restraint member.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
251 words
An elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred, said segment being capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanically acting upon a predetermined portion thereof said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to being mechanically acted upon is maintained in a longitudinally extended condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said longitudinally extended elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to an encapsulating restraint member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched and tensioned condition, said encapsulating restraint member being strong enough to maintain said longitudinally extended elastomeric member in a state of compression sufficient to prevent said longitudinally extended elastomeric member from expanding in any direction perpendicular to the desired direction of shirring until said segment is mechanically acted upon by rupturing said encapsulating restraint member along said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment to effect release of the compressive force acting upon said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, thereby simultaneously restoring and releasing the tensile forces in that portion of the longitudinally extended elastomeric member which has been freed of restraint and effecting a degree of shirring of said segment along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which said encapsulating restraint member is ruptured along the length of said segment.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
251 words
An elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elastically shirred, said segment being capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length by mechanically acting upon a predetermined portion thereof said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment comprising an elastomeric member which prior to being mechanically acted upon is maintained in a longitudinally extended condition in the desired direction of shirring, the opposed ends of said shirrable segment being interconnected to one another through said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said longitudinally extended elastomeric member being secured in fixed relation to an encapsulating restraint member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched and tensioned condition, said encapsulating restraint member being strong enough to maintain said longitudinally extended elastomeric member in a state of compression sufficient to prevent said longitudinally extended elastomeric member from expanding in any direction perpendicular to the desired direction of shirring until said segment is mechanically acted upon by rupturing said encapsulating restraint member along said predetermined portion of said shirrable segment to effect release of the compressive force acting upon said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, thereby simultaneously restoring and releasing the tensile forces in that portion of the longitudinally extended elastomeric member which has been freed of restraint and effecting a degree of shirring of said segment along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which said encapsulating restraint member is ruptured along the length of said segment.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
44 words
The elastically shirrable segment of claim 62, wherein said encapsulating restraint member comprises a layer of pliable material wrapped about and secured in position along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched and tensioned condition.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
19 words
The elastically shirrable segment of claim 63, wherein said shirrable segment includes means for rupturing said encapsulating restraint member.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
59 words
The elastically shirrable segment of claim 64, wherein said means for rupturing said encapsulating restraint member comprises a filament secured intermediate said longitudinally extended elastomeric member and the interior of said encapsulating restraint member, said filament having at least one end protruding beyond said encapsulating restraint member to facilitate easy grasping and pulling to rupture said encapsulating restraint member.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for making an elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elasticized, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction, said tensioned elastomeric member exhibiting at least one irregular surface; and (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface by engaging said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member with one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until subjecting said composite to mechanical manipulation, but which when mechanically manipulated will permit said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member to undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of segment shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for making an elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elasticized, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction, said tensioned elastomeric member exhibiting at least one irregular surface; and (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface by engaging said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member with one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until subjecting said composite to mechanical manipulation, but which when mechanically manipulated will permit said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member to undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of segment shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
267 words
A method for making an article including an elasticizable segment, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction, said tensioned elastomeric member exhibiting at least one irregular surface; (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface by engaging said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member with one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until subjecting said composite to mechanical manipulation; and (c) securing said composite structure while it is in a substantially untensioned condition to the portion of said article to be elasticized so that the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member are aligned in the desired direction of article shirring, whereby upon mechanical manipulation of said composite structure said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member will undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of article shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
267 words
A method for making an article including an elasticizable segment, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction, said tensioned elastomeric member exhibiting at least one irregular surface; (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface by engaging said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said irregular surface on said rigidifying member with one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until subjecting said composite to mechanical manipulation; and (c) securing said composite structure while it is in a substantially untensioned condition to the portion of said article to be elasticized so that the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member are aligned in the desired direction of article shirring, whereby upon mechanical manipulation of said composite structure said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member will undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of article shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
287 words
A method for elasticizing a predetermined portion of an article, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction, said tensioned elastomeric member exhibiting at least one irregular surface; (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface by engaging said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said irregular surfacee on said rigidifying member with one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until subjecting said composite to mechanical manipulation; (c) securing said composite structure while it is in a substantially untensioned condition to the portion of said article to be elasticized so that the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member are aligned in the desired direction of article shirring; and (d) subjecting said composite structure to mechanical manipulation to disengage said irregular surface on said tensioned elastomeric member from said irregular surface on said rigidifying member, thereby causing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member to undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of article shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
287 words
A method for elasticizing a predetermined portion of an article, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction, said tensioned elastomeric member exhibiting at least one irregular surface; (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to at least one rigidifying member which also exhibits at least one irregular surface by engaging said irregular surface on said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said irregular surfacee on said rigidifying member with one another to form a composite structure which is strong enough to resist collapse in a direction parallel to the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member until subjecting said composite to mechanical manipulation; (c) securing said composite structure while it is in a substantially untensioned condition to the portion of said article to be elasticized so that the tensile forces acting upon said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member are aligned in the desired direction of article shirring; and (d) subjecting said composite structure to mechanical manipulation to disengage said irregular surface on said tensioned elastomeric member from said irregular surface on said rigidifying member, thereby causing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member to undergo movement relative to one another in the area comprising said composite structure, said relative movement being sufficient to release the tensile forces in at least a portion of said composite structure, whereby a degree of article shirring will occur in the direction of prestretching of said elastomeric member, said degree of shirring being proportional to the extent to which there is relative movement between said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member and said rigidifying member in the area comprising said composite structure.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
196 words
A method for making an elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elasticized, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction; and (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to an encapsulating restraint member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched condition to form a composite structure, said encapsulating restraint member being strong enough to maintain said longitudinally extended elastomeric member in a state of compression sufficient to prevent said longitudinally extended elastomeric member from expanding in any direction perpendicular to the desired direction of shirring prior to mechanical manipulation thereof, but capable of being rupture by mechanical manipulation to effect release of the compressive forces acting upon said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, thereby simultaneously restoring and releasing the tensile forces in that portion of the longitudinally extended elastomeric member which has been freed of restraint and effecting a degree of shirring of said segment along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which said encapsulating restrain member is ruptured along the length of said segment.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
196 words
A method for making an elastically shirrable segment for attachment to an article to be elasticized, said method comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting an elastomeric member to tension in at least one direction; and (b) securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to an encapsulating restraint member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched condition to form a composite structure, said encapsulating restraint member being strong enough to maintain said longitudinally extended elastomeric member in a state of compression sufficient to prevent said longitudinally extended elastomeric member from expanding in any direction perpendicular to the desired direction of shirring prior to mechanical manipulation thereof, but capable of being rupture by mechanical manipulation to effect release of the compressive forces acting upon said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, thereby simultaneously restoring and releasing the tensile forces in that portion of the longitudinally extended elastomeric member which has been freed of restraint and effecting a degree of shirring of said segment along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member, said degree of segment shirring being proportional to the extent to which said encapsulating restrain member is ruptured along the length of said segment.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 69, wherein the step of securing said prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member in fixed relation to said encapsulating restraint member comprises wrapping a layer of pliable material about and securing it in position along the length of said longitudinally extended elastomeric member while said elastomeric member is in a prestretched and tensioned condition.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 70, including the step of securing a filament intermediate said longitudinally extended elastomeric member and the interior of said encapsulating restraint member, said filament having at least one end protruding beyond said encapsulating restraint member to facilitate easy grasping and pulling to rupture said encapsulating restraint member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-03-12 | 1993-09-11 | 1994-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-03-12 | 1997-09-11 | 1998-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-03-12 | 2001-09-11 | 2002-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |