Patent ID: 6214267
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B29C,B29L,B60J,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of making an extruded strip having a cross-sectional U-shape with a pair of legs joined by a web, the method comprising the steps of:(A) extruding an elastomeric material about a wire core in an extruder, said core having transversely extending, parallel wire lengths only joined at alternating ends with bights in a continuous serpentine manner, said wire lengths joined in a longitudinal direction by low temperature threads;(B) feeding a high temperature thread into said extruder just upstream of said elastomeric material and positioning said high temperature thread to selectively determine a neutral bending axis of said strip; and(C) pulling said strip from said extruder; said elastomeric material having a temperature in said extruder which is higher than the melting temperature of said low temperature threads and lower than the melting temperature of said high temperature thread, wherein said elastomeric material contacts said low temperature threads thereby first softening and then melting said low temperature threads.