Chivas Products Limited

Everett L Bethel

Ronald D Moore

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.

Method and apparatus for making padded straps

This invention pertains to a novel ornamental strap or handle particularly suited for use as door pulls, assist straps, or the like in automobiles or the like. The invention provides a strap having a luxurious cushioned feel when grasped by an individual, a decorative appearance and strength and rigidity to accomplish its intended purpose. The strap of the present invention includes a base strip with a cushion strip of generous thickness disposed on at least one side thereof and a suitable cover strip wrapped securely around the base and cushion members. A trim strip is disposed over and conceals the longitudinal edges of the cover strip and is secured thereto by any suitable means such as dielectric heat fusion. Means are also provided to cushion the hard feel of the lateral edges of the base member. Thus, a decorative strap is provided which has a smooth wrinkle-free aesthetically pleasing contour and creates a soft plush luxurious feeling when engaged by the hand.

Strap fitting for automobile interior and other uses

The fitting is an elongated door or like pull strap which is ornamental and well suited for blending, or contrasting, with the decor of a passenger automobile interior. Certain embodiments are intended for installation on a door or other interior panel of a vehicle of the so-called luxury type; in other adaptations use in a less expensive or standard, less luxuriously appointed vehicle is contemplated. However, in all forms a basic and common feature relates to a bracket-mounted strap which presents a well cushioned or padded surface which faces the associated auto panel and is therefore felt by the fingers of the hand of a vehicle occupant; this is diametrically opposed to a finger grip on the rigid, inherently unyielding surface characteristic of automotive door and related pull straps in current use, which surface faces the panel also.

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Sterling Heights, MI, United States of America

Everett L Bethel