CA2053621A1 - Wallboard bundling tape and method - Google Patents
Wallboard bundling tape and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA2053621A1 CA2053621A1 CA 2053621 CA2053621A CA2053621A1 CA 2053621 A1 CA2053621 A1 CA 2053621A1 CA 2053621 CA2053621 CA 2053621 CA 2053621 A CA2053621 A CA 2053621A CA 2053621 A1 CA2053621 A1 CA 2053621A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- band
- sheets
- edge
- tape
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Landscapes
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A bundling tape has two rows of perforations extending from one end of the tape to the other; the perforations are arranged inward of and substantially parallel to the edges. A
first band is formed between one edge and a first row of perforations, and a second band is formed between the other edge and the second row of perforations; between the two rows of perforations is a center band tear strip. The bands have co-planar upper and lower surfaces. Adhesive is applied only to the bottom surfaces of the first and second band; there is no adhesive on the center band. Bundles of material, such as wallboard, are fastened together by adhering the bottom surface of the first band to the uppermost sheet of material, and by adhering the bottom portion of the second band to the lowermost sheet.
A bundling tape has two rows of perforations extending from one end of the tape to the other; the perforations are arranged inward of and substantially parallel to the edges. A
first band is formed between one edge and a first row of perforations, and a second band is formed between the other edge and the second row of perforations; between the two rows of perforations is a center band tear strip. The bands have co-planar upper and lower surfaces. Adhesive is applied only to the bottom surfaces of the first and second band; there is no adhesive on the center band. Bundles of material, such as wallboard, are fastened together by adhering the bottom surface of the first band to the uppermost sheet of material, and by adhering the bottom portion of the second band to the lowermost sheet.
Description
36~ `
WALLBOARD BUNDLING TAPE AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to forming bundles of material and in particular to forming bundles comprising two sheets of wallboard or sheet rock.
BACKGROUND OF THE INV~NTION
Wallboard is ~reguently used as a wall material in home and commercial construction. Wallb~ard, often referred to as gypsum wallboard or sheet-rock, is normally shipped in bundles of two rectangular sheets which are held together by a printed paper tape, called bundling tape, applied along the edges of the sheets. The bundling tape is applied to the edges of the two sheets of wallboard at the gypsum manufacturing plant; the tape can either have prP-applied adhesive on the back, or the adhesive can be applied to the back of the bundling tape immediately at the point o~ application to the w~llboard.
Typically, wallboard has a smooth surface ~n one side and a coarse or tougher surface on the other side. Th smosth surface will ultimately face outward into the room where the wallboard is installed. The coarse backing surface is generally tougher, and there is little concern if the coarse back sheet is scratohed or nicked in transport. For this reason the bundles are usually formed with the smooth surfaces facing one another and with the rough or coarse surfaces facing outward.
With reference to Fig~ 1, a prior art wallboard bundle 115 is illustrated. An upper sheet 117 has its downwardly facing ~mooth surface facing, and resting upon, the smooth upwardly facing ~ur~ace (not shown) of lower sheet 119; rough surface 116 on upper sheet 117 is facing upward while the rough sur~ace (not shown~ of lower sheet 119 faces downward.
Sheets 117 and 119 are generally rectangular in shape, and have side edges 112 and end edges 114. To economize on space in shipping, and to facilitate the formation o~ bundles, sheets 117 and 119 are arranged so that the side edges 112 and ~S362~L
the end edges 114 are co-planar with the edges o~ the other sheet in the bundle. A small gap 144 may be visible between the two sheets due to slight manufacturing imperfections, and due to the paper which is ~enerally bonded to the gypsum or other material making up the wallboard.
Sheets 117 and 119 are fastened together through the use of prior art bundling tape 110 which is applied to end edges 114 and which overlaps onto rough surfaces 116. A zipper tape 111 is placed over the gap 144 when the bundling tape 110 is applied. The bundling tape 110 adheres to the zipper tape as well as to the end edges 114 and rough surfaces 116.
Generally, the ~ipper tape 111 extends to corners 154 where rough surfaces 116 and end edges 114 meet. Zipper tape is generally formed ~rom a roll of "liner board" which is approximately three times thicker than the bundling tape, and which is generally more rigid and stronger than the bundling tape.
The prior art bundling tape 110 is generally an elongated strip of paper, or other suitable material, which may have adhesive precoated across its entire bottom surface before application to the wallhoard; in the alternative, the zipper tape back surface, the exposed portions of the end edgas 114 and the portions of rough surfaces 116 adjacent to corners 154 may all be coated with adhesive so that bundling tape 110 may be adhered ~o the zipper tape and wallboard. Usually bundling tape 110 is applied at both ends of a bundle to form the complete wallboard package which is shipped.
When a carpenter is ready to use the prior art wallboard package, sheets 117 and 119 are separated by removing zipper ~ape 111 along with the center p~rtion 134 of the bundling tape 110. To remove zipper tape 111 and center portion 134 of bundling tape 110, the carpenter must grip a first end 140 of zipper tape 111 and pull it away from edges 114; this leaves behind an upper band 132 and a lower band 134 of bundling tape 110. Bands 132 and 134 which remain behind have irregular rough edges 136, and the bundling tape 110 which remains attached to end edges 114 may inter~ere with the ability to ~a~s~2~
align sheets 117 or 119 with the edge of other sheets or to join closely with flat surfaces. The zipper tape and attached center portion 138 of bundling tape 110 is usually thrown away, although in some cases, it may be recyclable.
The pracess ~ ~r~uci~ t~e pr~or ar~ ~al~ar~ ~undles ra~uires special equipment to apply the zipper tape, and then to apply bundling tape over the zipper tape and to the edges and surfaces of the wallboard sheets. Since the zipper tape is approximately three times as thick as the bundling tape, but the rolls of the former and later usually have equal diameter, it i~ usually necessary to stop the manufacturing process three times to add new rolls of zipper tape for every one roll of bundling tape. Furthermore, it is necessary to carefully align the zipper tape so that the zipper tape covers the gap between the sheets of wallboard: this is so the bundling tape will not adhere to the end edges 114 in such a fashion that ~ragment~ of bundling tape remain across the gap after removal of the zipper tape. If su~ficiently large portions o~ bundling tape remain attached across the gap, the wallboard pieces will not separate; use of a knife or sharp kni~e or sharp object would then be necessary to cut the bundling tape, and the cutting instrument may damage the wallboard.
The zipper tape is not only more dif~icult to apply, requiring extra equipment and extra processing ~teps, but is also more expensive due to the increased amount of material required: zipper tape increases the amount of material which is thrown away and also increases shipping weight.
Furthermore the prior art zipper tape frequently leaves behind portions of bundling tape on the end edges of the wallboard which requirs removal in order to facilitate better engagement with an adjacent sheet edge or to reduce the size of cracks in a wall or ceiling. There is thus a need for a wallboard bundling tape and bundling method which can dispense with the zipper tape of the prior art: yet also be easy to apply and remove, but which is less capable of accidental gluing o~ the gap between the wallboard sheets in a bundle or ~5362~
which is not capable of leaving substantial amounts of tape on the edges of thP wallboard pieces after they are separated.
SUMMARY oF THE INVENTTON
The present invention new bundling tape and method ~or fastening sheets of material together includes, in its preferred embodiment, provision of a tape which is an elongated strip that has two rows of perforations dividing the tape into three lengthwise extending bands. These bands comprise a first band and a second band located between the edges of the tape and the perforations, and a center band or tear strip sandwiched between the first and second bands and the two rows o~ perforations. In the preferred embodiment, the center band or tear strip is generally wide enough to encompass the combined width of the sheet edges and gap there-be~tween in a two sheet bundle of sheets. Adhesive is applied only to the surfaces of the first band and second band; there is no adhesive on the center band. The center band is easily removed by grasping one end of it and tearing it from the strip along its perforations.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bundling tape fo~ fastening sheets of material together which is inexpensive to produce, easy to apply, and whic~ permits easy separation of the sheets held together in bundles by the bundling tape.
It is a ~urther object of the present invention to provide a bundling tape which does not adhere to any substantial portion of the edges of the sheet~ which are fastened together by the tape.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide ~ bundling tape which can be removed afte~ application to a bundle without the use of an a~ditional "zipper~t tape or other tearing aid.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a bundling tape which can be used to fasten sheets of material together in a bundle in fewer process steps and with less equipment than the prior art.
Other objects and advantages o~ the subject invention ~:~5362~
will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description in which like referenca number~ are used for the same parts as illustrated in the various figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a prior art wallboard bundle showing partial disengagement of the bundling tape and zipper tape.
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view o~ a pre~erred embodiment of a wallboard bundle formed with the preferred embodiment tape of the present invention, showing partial disengagement of a portion of the tape; and FIGURE 3 is a perspectlYe Yiew of the preferred embodiment tape of the present invention, with a portion of the tape folded back upon it~elf to show the bottom surface of the tape as well as partial disengagement of the band portions forming the tape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INYENTION
Figure 2 illustrates a wallboard bundle 15 utilizing the bundling tape 10 comprising the preferred embodiment of the present invention. An upper sheet 17 lies upon a lower sheet 19. Both sheets 17 and 19 are generally rectangular in shape, and have side edges 12 and end edge~ 14; the edges o~ sheets 17 and 19 generally being co-planar. End edges 14 meet substantially planar, rough or coarse surfaces 16 at corners 54. Sheets 17 and 19 are arranged so that the roùgh or coarse sur~aces 16 faGe outward and the smooth surfaces (not shown~
are adjacent to, and facing, one a~other. A gap 44 may be seen between sheets 17 and 19, and is due to manufacturing irregularities and/or to the paper coating applied to the wallboard sheets which may mak~ corners 54 slightly rounded, rather than perfectly square.
The wallboard sheets are generally made from gypsum or L
other suitable materials. The rough surfaces are usually coated with a special heavy grade of paper; the smooth surface, which will eventually form the visible portion of a wall, ceiling or other finished structure, generally is coated with a smoother textured fabric, paper or other coating to 2C53~
provide a smooth and attractive surface. The end ~nd side edges are generally planar, and may be coated with paper, a plastic such as vinyl, or other material which protects the gypsum or other material making up the board from moisture and/or chipping.
The wallboard sheets are preferably shipped in bundles of two, with the smooth surfaces facing one another and the rough surfaces facing outward. Thus, the smooth surfaces are protected from damage during shipping; since the rough surfaces are generally not visible in the ~inished wall or structure, nicks and scratches in the rough surfaces caused by shipping and handling do not pose a problem. Furthermore, the heavy grade of paper used make the rough surfaces on the wallboards is tougher and less susceptible to damage.
Wallboard is frequently cut to conform to architectural structure limitations, but the cut edges are generally not visible in the completed wall or structure. With ~urther reference to Figure 3, th~ preferred embodiment of bundling tape 10 is illustrated; tape lo is in the shape of a generally rectangular, elongated strip or web with a first edge 22 and a second edge 24 which are substantially parallel to each other; edges 22 and 24 are also substantially parallel to rows of perfora~ions or tear lines 26. Perforations 26 run from the first end 42 to the ~econd end 40 of tape 10~ A first row 28 of perforations 26 runs substantially parallel to first e~ge 22 to form a first band or securement strip 36. A second row 30 of perforations 26 runs substantially parallel to first row 28 and to second edge 24 forming a second band or securement strip 32. Thus, a center band or tear strip 34 is located between first row 28 and second row 30 of perforations 26. Bands 32, 34 and 36 have substantially co-planar upper surfaces 32a, 34a and 36a, and substantially co-planar bottom surfaces 32b, 34b and 36b. Adhesive 38 is only applied to bottom surfases 36b and 32b of first band 36 and second band 32. There is no adhesive on either upper surface 34a or bottom surface 34b side of center band 34. The perforations 26 in tape 10 enable bands 32, 34, and 36 to be separated in ~53~2~
a fashion similar to the way stamps may be torn ~rom a sheet of stamps. Tha selvage, or border, about tape 10 is generally smooth, while the edges 52, which result from the separation of center band 34 from first band 32 and/or second band 36 are perforated. The perforated edges 52 have regular protuberances 53 which are preferably as small as possible.
Adhesive 38 may be a corn starch adhesive, a polyvinyl acetate or a standard gummed adhesive, such as is used on envelopes; any other suitable adhesive which is capable of bonding tape ~0 to the sheets of material which are to be bundled together may also be used.
The tape 10 may be made from a bleachad kraft paper, although other cellulosic or fibrous material may be used; it is also possible to use metal foils or plastic~ for the tape, although it may be necessary to use different adhesi~s depending on the type of material used to make the tape.
Tape 10 may be applied to she~ts 17 and 19 in a one-step process similar to the prior art processes, except that the additional equipment and steps nscessary to apply the zipper tape over gap 44 is no longer necessary. The prior art processes required that the zipper tape 111 cov~r gap 144 so that there would be no accidental bonding of bundling tape 110 across gap 144 without intervening zipper tape 111. The new process involves the application of the uncoated bottom surface 34b of center band 34 across end edges 14 on sheets 17 and 19. It is preferred that center band 34 have a width which is approximately e~ual to the combined width 5f end edges 14 on sheets 17 and J9 with gap 44; thus, rows 28 and 30 of perforations 26 would be approximately aligned along corners 54. First band 36 and second band 32 are preferably 1/2 inch in width/ and preferably the adhesive 38 on the bottom surfaces 32b and 36b would adhere to rouyh surfaces 116 only. End surface 50, which is essentially upper surface 34a in the preferred embodiment, would face outward from the combined edges 14 so that information, such as the name of the manufacturer or retailer, grade or type of wallboard and relevant patent numbers, can be seen printed on end surfaces ~q~S~
50 (in the same ~ashion as information printed on the prior art surface 150 shown in Figure 1).
In the preferred method of applying tape 10, first band 36 would be applied to a first or upper sheet 17 and second band 32 would be applied to a second or lower sheet 19. This may be performed sequentially or simultaneously. Tape 10 would preferably be applied at both ends o~ a bundle to form a complet~d wallboard package. The completed wallboard packages or bundles are then usually stacked so that pressure from upper bundles helps to ensure that bands 32 and 36 adhere tightly to the rough surfaces 16.
Although it is preferred that none of the adhesive coated bottom sides 32b and 36b of bands 32 and 36 be applied to end edges 14, the invention would still work better than prior art tapes if this were the case, provided that neither band 32 or 34 were to be applied across gap 44; however, this is easily avoided due to the width of center band 34 and with correct alignment of the roll of tape 10 which is to be applied to the end edges 14 of the wallboard.
To separate the wallboard pieces in a bundle, a carpenter or other user, would grasp center band 34 at first end 42 and pull the center band 34 away from bands 32 and 36, thus tearing tape 10 at parforations 26. Bands 32 and 36 will remain adhered to end edges 14, but in the pre~erred mode the perforated edges 52 would be aligned with corners 54 so that only the regular protuberances 53 would project over or beyond the edges 14. Protuberances 53 should not substantially interfere, in the preferred embodiment, with the ability of the ~nd edges 14 to be aligned with the side edges or end edges of another piece of material~
Although, the preferred embodiment of tape 10 is intended for use at the end edges of bundles of two sheets of wallboard, it is envisioned that tape 10 could be used about side edges 12 instead of end edges 14, or about side edges 12 and end edges 14. Furthermore, it is also envisioned that tape 10 could be used to bundle together a wide variety of sheet-like materials, or to bundle a plurality of sheets ~5362~1L
g located between a lowermost and an uppermost (or a "first" and a "second7' sheet) with the bands 32 and 36 attached to the outer surfaces of the uppermost and lowermost sheets.
Although the preferred embodiment has been described and illustrated herein, it will be understood that various alterations, modifications, and substitutions may be apparent to one of skill in the art without departing from the central spirit of the invention. The scope of the inv~ntion is accordingly defined by the following claims:
WALLBOARD BUNDLING TAPE AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to forming bundles of material and in particular to forming bundles comprising two sheets of wallboard or sheet rock.
BACKGROUND OF THE INV~NTION
Wallboard is ~reguently used as a wall material in home and commercial construction. Wallb~ard, often referred to as gypsum wallboard or sheet-rock, is normally shipped in bundles of two rectangular sheets which are held together by a printed paper tape, called bundling tape, applied along the edges of the sheets. The bundling tape is applied to the edges of the two sheets of wallboard at the gypsum manufacturing plant; the tape can either have prP-applied adhesive on the back, or the adhesive can be applied to the back of the bundling tape immediately at the point o~ application to the w~llboard.
Typically, wallboard has a smooth surface ~n one side and a coarse or tougher surface on the other side. Th smosth surface will ultimately face outward into the room where the wallboard is installed. The coarse backing surface is generally tougher, and there is little concern if the coarse back sheet is scratohed or nicked in transport. For this reason the bundles are usually formed with the smooth surfaces facing one another and with the rough or coarse surfaces facing outward.
With reference to Fig~ 1, a prior art wallboard bundle 115 is illustrated. An upper sheet 117 has its downwardly facing ~mooth surface facing, and resting upon, the smooth upwardly facing ~ur~ace (not shown) of lower sheet 119; rough surface 116 on upper sheet 117 is facing upward while the rough sur~ace (not shown~ of lower sheet 119 faces downward.
Sheets 117 and 119 are generally rectangular in shape, and have side edges 112 and end edges 114. To economize on space in shipping, and to facilitate the formation o~ bundles, sheets 117 and 119 are arranged so that the side edges 112 and ~S362~L
the end edges 114 are co-planar with the edges o~ the other sheet in the bundle. A small gap 144 may be visible between the two sheets due to slight manufacturing imperfections, and due to the paper which is ~enerally bonded to the gypsum or other material making up the wallboard.
Sheets 117 and 119 are fastened together through the use of prior art bundling tape 110 which is applied to end edges 114 and which overlaps onto rough surfaces 116. A zipper tape 111 is placed over the gap 144 when the bundling tape 110 is applied. The bundling tape 110 adheres to the zipper tape as well as to the end edges 114 and rough surfaces 116.
Generally, the ~ipper tape 111 extends to corners 154 where rough surfaces 116 and end edges 114 meet. Zipper tape is generally formed ~rom a roll of "liner board" which is approximately three times thicker than the bundling tape, and which is generally more rigid and stronger than the bundling tape.
The prior art bundling tape 110 is generally an elongated strip of paper, or other suitable material, which may have adhesive precoated across its entire bottom surface before application to the wallhoard; in the alternative, the zipper tape back surface, the exposed portions of the end edgas 114 and the portions of rough surfaces 116 adjacent to corners 154 may all be coated with adhesive so that bundling tape 110 may be adhered ~o the zipper tape and wallboard. Usually bundling tape 110 is applied at both ends of a bundle to form the complete wallboard package which is shipped.
When a carpenter is ready to use the prior art wallboard package, sheets 117 and 119 are separated by removing zipper ~ape 111 along with the center p~rtion 134 of the bundling tape 110. To remove zipper tape 111 and center portion 134 of bundling tape 110, the carpenter must grip a first end 140 of zipper tape 111 and pull it away from edges 114; this leaves behind an upper band 132 and a lower band 134 of bundling tape 110. Bands 132 and 134 which remain behind have irregular rough edges 136, and the bundling tape 110 which remains attached to end edges 114 may inter~ere with the ability to ~a~s~2~
align sheets 117 or 119 with the edge of other sheets or to join closely with flat surfaces. The zipper tape and attached center portion 138 of bundling tape 110 is usually thrown away, although in some cases, it may be recyclable.
The pracess ~ ~r~uci~ t~e pr~or ar~ ~al~ar~ ~undles ra~uires special equipment to apply the zipper tape, and then to apply bundling tape over the zipper tape and to the edges and surfaces of the wallboard sheets. Since the zipper tape is approximately three times as thick as the bundling tape, but the rolls of the former and later usually have equal diameter, it i~ usually necessary to stop the manufacturing process three times to add new rolls of zipper tape for every one roll of bundling tape. Furthermore, it is necessary to carefully align the zipper tape so that the zipper tape covers the gap between the sheets of wallboard: this is so the bundling tape will not adhere to the end edges 114 in such a fashion that ~ragment~ of bundling tape remain across the gap after removal of the zipper tape. If su~ficiently large portions o~ bundling tape remain attached across the gap, the wallboard pieces will not separate; use of a knife or sharp kni~e or sharp object would then be necessary to cut the bundling tape, and the cutting instrument may damage the wallboard.
The zipper tape is not only more dif~icult to apply, requiring extra equipment and extra processing ~teps, but is also more expensive due to the increased amount of material required: zipper tape increases the amount of material which is thrown away and also increases shipping weight.
Furthermore the prior art zipper tape frequently leaves behind portions of bundling tape on the end edges of the wallboard which requirs removal in order to facilitate better engagement with an adjacent sheet edge or to reduce the size of cracks in a wall or ceiling. There is thus a need for a wallboard bundling tape and bundling method which can dispense with the zipper tape of the prior art: yet also be easy to apply and remove, but which is less capable of accidental gluing o~ the gap between the wallboard sheets in a bundle or ~5362~
which is not capable of leaving substantial amounts of tape on the edges of thP wallboard pieces after they are separated.
SUMMARY oF THE INVENTTON
The present invention new bundling tape and method ~or fastening sheets of material together includes, in its preferred embodiment, provision of a tape which is an elongated strip that has two rows of perforations dividing the tape into three lengthwise extending bands. These bands comprise a first band and a second band located between the edges of the tape and the perforations, and a center band or tear strip sandwiched between the first and second bands and the two rows o~ perforations. In the preferred embodiment, the center band or tear strip is generally wide enough to encompass the combined width of the sheet edges and gap there-be~tween in a two sheet bundle of sheets. Adhesive is applied only to the surfaces of the first band and second band; there is no adhesive on the center band. The center band is easily removed by grasping one end of it and tearing it from the strip along its perforations.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bundling tape fo~ fastening sheets of material together which is inexpensive to produce, easy to apply, and whic~ permits easy separation of the sheets held together in bundles by the bundling tape.
It is a ~urther object of the present invention to provide a bundling tape which does not adhere to any substantial portion of the edges of the sheet~ which are fastened together by the tape.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide ~ bundling tape which can be removed afte~ application to a bundle without the use of an a~ditional "zipper~t tape or other tearing aid.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a bundling tape which can be used to fasten sheets of material together in a bundle in fewer process steps and with less equipment than the prior art.
Other objects and advantages o~ the subject invention ~:~5362~
will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description in which like referenca number~ are used for the same parts as illustrated in the various figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a prior art wallboard bundle showing partial disengagement of the bundling tape and zipper tape.
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view o~ a pre~erred embodiment of a wallboard bundle formed with the preferred embodiment tape of the present invention, showing partial disengagement of a portion of the tape; and FIGURE 3 is a perspectlYe Yiew of the preferred embodiment tape of the present invention, with a portion of the tape folded back upon it~elf to show the bottom surface of the tape as well as partial disengagement of the band portions forming the tape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INYENTION
Figure 2 illustrates a wallboard bundle 15 utilizing the bundling tape 10 comprising the preferred embodiment of the present invention. An upper sheet 17 lies upon a lower sheet 19. Both sheets 17 and 19 are generally rectangular in shape, and have side edges 12 and end edge~ 14; the edges o~ sheets 17 and 19 generally being co-planar. End edges 14 meet substantially planar, rough or coarse surfaces 16 at corners 54. Sheets 17 and 19 are arranged so that the roùgh or coarse sur~aces 16 faGe outward and the smooth surfaces (not shown~
are adjacent to, and facing, one a~other. A gap 44 may be seen between sheets 17 and 19, and is due to manufacturing irregularities and/or to the paper coating applied to the wallboard sheets which may mak~ corners 54 slightly rounded, rather than perfectly square.
The wallboard sheets are generally made from gypsum or L
other suitable materials. The rough surfaces are usually coated with a special heavy grade of paper; the smooth surface, which will eventually form the visible portion of a wall, ceiling or other finished structure, generally is coated with a smoother textured fabric, paper or other coating to 2C53~
provide a smooth and attractive surface. The end ~nd side edges are generally planar, and may be coated with paper, a plastic such as vinyl, or other material which protects the gypsum or other material making up the board from moisture and/or chipping.
The wallboard sheets are preferably shipped in bundles of two, with the smooth surfaces facing one another and the rough surfaces facing outward. Thus, the smooth surfaces are protected from damage during shipping; since the rough surfaces are generally not visible in the ~inished wall or structure, nicks and scratches in the rough surfaces caused by shipping and handling do not pose a problem. Furthermore, the heavy grade of paper used make the rough surfaces on the wallboards is tougher and less susceptible to damage.
Wallboard is frequently cut to conform to architectural structure limitations, but the cut edges are generally not visible in the completed wall or structure. With ~urther reference to Figure 3, th~ preferred embodiment of bundling tape 10 is illustrated; tape lo is in the shape of a generally rectangular, elongated strip or web with a first edge 22 and a second edge 24 which are substantially parallel to each other; edges 22 and 24 are also substantially parallel to rows of perfora~ions or tear lines 26. Perforations 26 run from the first end 42 to the ~econd end 40 of tape 10~ A first row 28 of perforations 26 runs substantially parallel to first e~ge 22 to form a first band or securement strip 36. A second row 30 of perforations 26 runs substantially parallel to first row 28 and to second edge 24 forming a second band or securement strip 32. Thus, a center band or tear strip 34 is located between first row 28 and second row 30 of perforations 26. Bands 32, 34 and 36 have substantially co-planar upper surfaces 32a, 34a and 36a, and substantially co-planar bottom surfaces 32b, 34b and 36b. Adhesive 38 is only applied to bottom surfases 36b and 32b of first band 36 and second band 32. There is no adhesive on either upper surface 34a or bottom surface 34b side of center band 34. The perforations 26 in tape 10 enable bands 32, 34, and 36 to be separated in ~53~2~
a fashion similar to the way stamps may be torn ~rom a sheet of stamps. Tha selvage, or border, about tape 10 is generally smooth, while the edges 52, which result from the separation of center band 34 from first band 32 and/or second band 36 are perforated. The perforated edges 52 have regular protuberances 53 which are preferably as small as possible.
Adhesive 38 may be a corn starch adhesive, a polyvinyl acetate or a standard gummed adhesive, such as is used on envelopes; any other suitable adhesive which is capable of bonding tape ~0 to the sheets of material which are to be bundled together may also be used.
The tape 10 may be made from a bleachad kraft paper, although other cellulosic or fibrous material may be used; it is also possible to use metal foils or plastic~ for the tape, although it may be necessary to use different adhesi~s depending on the type of material used to make the tape.
Tape 10 may be applied to she~ts 17 and 19 in a one-step process similar to the prior art processes, except that the additional equipment and steps nscessary to apply the zipper tape over gap 44 is no longer necessary. The prior art processes required that the zipper tape 111 cov~r gap 144 so that there would be no accidental bonding of bundling tape 110 across gap 144 without intervening zipper tape 111. The new process involves the application of the uncoated bottom surface 34b of center band 34 across end edges 14 on sheets 17 and 19. It is preferred that center band 34 have a width which is approximately e~ual to the combined width 5f end edges 14 on sheets 17 and J9 with gap 44; thus, rows 28 and 30 of perforations 26 would be approximately aligned along corners 54. First band 36 and second band 32 are preferably 1/2 inch in width/ and preferably the adhesive 38 on the bottom surfaces 32b and 36b would adhere to rouyh surfaces 116 only. End surface 50, which is essentially upper surface 34a in the preferred embodiment, would face outward from the combined edges 14 so that information, such as the name of the manufacturer or retailer, grade or type of wallboard and relevant patent numbers, can be seen printed on end surfaces ~q~S~
50 (in the same ~ashion as information printed on the prior art surface 150 shown in Figure 1).
In the preferred method of applying tape 10, first band 36 would be applied to a first or upper sheet 17 and second band 32 would be applied to a second or lower sheet 19. This may be performed sequentially or simultaneously. Tape 10 would preferably be applied at both ends o~ a bundle to form a complet~d wallboard package. The completed wallboard packages or bundles are then usually stacked so that pressure from upper bundles helps to ensure that bands 32 and 36 adhere tightly to the rough surfaces 16.
Although it is preferred that none of the adhesive coated bottom sides 32b and 36b of bands 32 and 36 be applied to end edges 14, the invention would still work better than prior art tapes if this were the case, provided that neither band 32 or 34 were to be applied across gap 44; however, this is easily avoided due to the width of center band 34 and with correct alignment of the roll of tape 10 which is to be applied to the end edges 14 of the wallboard.
To separate the wallboard pieces in a bundle, a carpenter or other user, would grasp center band 34 at first end 42 and pull the center band 34 away from bands 32 and 36, thus tearing tape 10 at parforations 26. Bands 32 and 36 will remain adhered to end edges 14, but in the pre~erred mode the perforated edges 52 would be aligned with corners 54 so that only the regular protuberances 53 would project over or beyond the edges 14. Protuberances 53 should not substantially interfere, in the preferred embodiment, with the ability of the ~nd edges 14 to be aligned with the side edges or end edges of another piece of material~
Although, the preferred embodiment of tape 10 is intended for use at the end edges of bundles of two sheets of wallboard, it is envisioned that tape 10 could be used about side edges 12 instead of end edges 14, or about side edges 12 and end edges 14. Furthermore, it is also envisioned that tape 10 could be used to bundle together a wide variety of sheet-like materials, or to bundle a plurality of sheets ~5362~1L
g located between a lowermost and an uppermost (or a "first" and a "second7' sheet) with the bands 32 and 36 attached to the outer surfaces of the uppermost and lowermost sheets.
Although the preferred embodiment has been described and illustrated herein, it will be understood that various alterations, modifications, and substitutions may be apparent to one of skill in the art without departing from the central spirit of the invention. The scope of the inv~ntion is accordingly defined by the following claims:
Claims (12)
1. A package, comprising:
at least two pieces of sheet material, said at least two pieces including a first piece and a second piece;
an elongated strip, said strip having a first edge, a second edge and first and second row of perforations;
a first band extending from said first edge to said first row of perforations:
a center band extending from said first row of perforations to said second row of perforations;
a second band extending from said second row of perforations to said second edge;
said bands having co-planar top sides and co-planar bottom sides; and adhesive means located on said bottom sides of said first band and said second band;
wherein said bottom side of said first band of each of said strip is adhered to said first piece of sheet material and said bottom side of said second band of said strip is adhered to said second piece of sheet material to fasten said pieces of sheet material together; and wherein said rows of perforations are positioned and dimensioned to facilitate easy removal of said center band of said strip to permit separation of said pieces of sheet material.
at least two pieces of sheet material, said at least two pieces including a first piece and a second piece;
an elongated strip, said strip having a first edge, a second edge and first and second row of perforations;
a first band extending from said first edge to said first row of perforations:
a center band extending from said first row of perforations to said second row of perforations;
a second band extending from said second row of perforations to said second edge;
said bands having co-planar top sides and co-planar bottom sides; and adhesive means located on said bottom sides of said first band and said second band;
wherein said bottom side of said first band of each of said strip is adhered to said first piece of sheet material and said bottom side of said second band of said strip is adhered to said second piece of sheet material to fasten said pieces of sheet material together; and wherein said rows of perforations are positioned and dimensioned to facilitate easy removal of said center band of said strip to permit separation of said pieces of sheet material.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein:
said material is wallboard.
said material is wallboard.
3. The package of claim 1, wherein:
said material comprises first and second rectangular sheets of wallboard with each sheet having two side edges, two end edges, a rough surface and a smooth surface;
wherein said sheets are in stacked array defining a bundle in which the smooth surface of said first sheet faces said smooth surface of said second sheet and said end edges of said first sheet are substantially co-planar with said end edges of said second sheet; and wherein said first band is adhered to said rough surface of said first sheet, and said second band is adhered to said rough surface of said second sheet.
said material comprises first and second rectangular sheets of wallboard with each sheet having two side edges, two end edges, a rough surface and a smooth surface;
wherein said sheets are in stacked array defining a bundle in which the smooth surface of said first sheet faces said smooth surface of said second sheet and said end edges of said first sheet are substantially co-planar with said end edges of said second sheet; and wherein said first band is adhered to said rough surface of said first sheet, and said second band is adhered to said rough surface of said second sheet.
4. The package of claim 1, wherein.
said material comprises rectangular sheets of wallboard, each of said sheets having two side edges, two end edges, a rough surface and a smooth surface;
said sheets being arranged in a bundle comprising a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein said smooth surface of said first sheet faces said smooth surface of said second sheet and said end edges of said first sheet are substantially co-planar with the end edges of said second sheet, and wherein said first band is adhered to said end edge of said first sheet and a portion of said rough surface of said first sheet, and said second band is adhered to said end edge of said second sheet and said rough surface of said second sheet.
said material comprises rectangular sheets of wallboard, each of said sheets having two side edges, two end edges, a rough surface and a smooth surface;
said sheets being arranged in a bundle comprising a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein said smooth surface of said first sheet faces said smooth surface of said second sheet and said end edges of said first sheet are substantially co-planar with the end edges of said second sheet, and wherein said first band is adhered to said end edge of said first sheet and a portion of said rough surface of said first sheet, and said second band is adhered to said end edge of said second sheet and said rough surface of said second sheet.
5. A method for bundling relatively rigid sheets of material together, comprising:
providing first and second aligned sheets of relatively rigid material each having an edge surface and upper and lower surfaces with the upper surface of the second sheet facingly engaging the lower surface of the first sheet, and fastening said sheets together by applying at least one piece of a perforated tape to said first sheet and said second sheet: said tape comprising an elongated strip, said strip having a first edge, a second edge and at least two rows of perforations, said tape further comprising a first band extending from said first edge to a first row of said at least two rows of perforations, a center band extending from said first row to a second row of said at least two rows of perforations, a second band extending from said second row to said second edge; said bands having co-planar top sides and co planar bottom sides; and adhesive means located on said bottom sides of said first band and said second band; wherein:
said fastening step further comprising the steps of:
adhering said adhesive means on said bottom side of said first band to said first sheet; and adhering said adhesive means on said bottom side of said second band to said second sheet.
providing first and second aligned sheets of relatively rigid material each having an edge surface and upper and lower surfaces with the upper surface of the second sheet facingly engaging the lower surface of the first sheet, and fastening said sheets together by applying at least one piece of a perforated tape to said first sheet and said second sheet: said tape comprising an elongated strip, said strip having a first edge, a second edge and at least two rows of perforations, said tape further comprising a first band extending from said first edge to a first row of said at least two rows of perforations, a center band extending from said first row to a second row of said at least two rows of perforations, a second band extending from said second row to said second edge; said bands having co-planar top sides and co planar bottom sides; and adhesive means located on said bottom sides of said first band and said second band; wherein:
said fastening step further comprising the steps of:
adhering said adhesive means on said bottom side of said first band to said first sheet; and adhering said adhesive means on said bottom side of said second band to said second sheet.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein:
said two sheets are wallboard, said sheets being rectangular in shape and having a smooth surface, a rough surface and edges, said sheets being arranged with said smooth surface on said first sheet facing said smooth surface on said second sheet, at least one said edges on each said sheet being co-planar with at least one edge on an adjacent sheet; and wherein said adhering step adheres said adhesive means on said bottom side of said first band and said second band to said rough surface on said first sheet and said second sheet.
said two sheets are wallboard, said sheets being rectangular in shape and having a smooth surface, a rough surface and edges, said sheets being arranged with said smooth surface on said first sheet facing said smooth surface on said second sheet, at least one said edges on each said sheet being co-planar with at least one edge on an adjacent sheet; and wherein said adhering step adheres said adhesive means on said bottom side of said first band and said second band to said rough surface on said first sheet and said second sheet.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of stacking said fastened sheets with other similar sheets so that said bands adhered to said rough surfaces are pressed against said rough surfaces.
8. A method of securing together two relatively rigid sheets of material having upper and lower surfaces and aligned edges; said method comprising:
(a) providing a fastening tape having a width greater than the combined thickness of said first and second sheets, first and second parallel tear lines extending lengthwise of said fastening tape to define a tear strip between said tear lines and first and second securement strips outwardly of said tear lines:
(b) adhesively securing said first securement strips to said first sheet so that said first tear line is aligned with one edge of said first sheet; and (c) adhesively securing said second securement strip to said second sheet so that said second tear line is aligned with an edge of said second sheet to secure said sheets together while permitting separation of said sheets following removal of said tear strip.
(a) providing a fastening tape having a width greater than the combined thickness of said first and second sheets, first and second parallel tear lines extending lengthwise of said fastening tape to define a tear strip between said tear lines and first and second securement strips outwardly of said tear lines:
(b) adhesively securing said first securement strips to said first sheet so that said first tear line is aligned with one edge of said first sheet; and (c) adhesively securing said second securement strip to said second sheet so that said second tear line is aligned with an edge of said second sheet to secure said sheets together while permitting separation of said sheets following removal of said tear strip.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said first securement strip is secured to the upper surface of the first sheet and said second securement strip is secured to the lower surface of said second sheet.
10. The method of claim g wherein said sheets are wallboard.
11. The method of claim 9 including simultaneously with step (b) adhesively securing a portion of said first securement strip to an upper edge portion of the aligned edge of said first sheet and adhesively securing a portion of said second securement strip to a lower edge portion of the aligned edge of said lower sheet.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said sheets are wallboard.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2053621 CA2053621A1 (en) | 1991-10-17 | 1991-10-17 | Wallboard bundling tape and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2053621 CA2053621A1 (en) | 1991-10-17 | 1991-10-17 | Wallboard bundling tape and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2053621A1 true CA2053621A1 (en) | 1993-04-18 |
Family
ID=4148581
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2053621 Abandoned CA2053621A1 (en) | 1991-10-17 | 1991-10-17 | Wallboard bundling tape and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2053621A1 (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-10-17 CA CA 2053621 patent/CA2053621A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |