Patent ID: 6287669
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B60R,Y10T

Abstract:
An article adapted for placement over a discontinuity to seal said discontinuity, the article comprising:(a) a melt-flowable composition characterized by a first width that flows and seals the discontinuity over which said article is placed when said article is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause said melt-flowable composition to flow, and then cooled; and(b) a shaped polymeric cap permanently attached to the melt-flowable composition and having a pre-selected, cross-sectional profile characterized by a second width and a shape in which the thickness of the cap across its width, the width of the cap, or both the width and the thickness of the cap vary, said cap controlling the melt-flow behavior of said melt-flowable composition to substantially confine said melt-flowable composition to an area underneath said cap when said article is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause said melt-flowable composition to flow,said pre-selected cross-sectional profile of said cap being substantially retained when said article is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause said melt-flowable composition to flow, and then cooled.