The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 08, 2003
Filed:
Jan. 11, 2001
Robert K. Galkiewicz, Roseville, MN (US);
Graham M. Clarke, Woodbury, MN (US);
Ronald W. Ausen, St. Paul, MN (US);
Brian E. Spiewak, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A new method of binding at least one article, and a new binding strap for use in binding an article or articles is taught. The new binding strap for preferred use in practicing the new method comprises an elongate base sheet having an array of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting integrally from the base sheet; the ribs comprising a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and a flange attached to at least one side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet; the array of ribs establishing a first fastening surface that can be pressed against and thereby interconnected with an identical fastening surface; the underside surface of the outer portion of at least some flanges projecting downwardly toward the base sheet; and the flange having a substantial thickness over most of its width such that the stem portion deforms in preference to the flange during peel-type disengagement from an identical fastening surface; and the strap having a length and width adapting the strap to be wrapped around one or more articles to apply a binding action on the article(s).