U.S. patent application number 12/834762 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for tape.
Invention is credited to W. Frank Little, JR..
Application Number | 20110033693 12/834762 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38442715 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110033693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Little, JR.; W. Frank |
February 10, 2011 |
TAPE
Abstract
A method and apparatus for applying and removing a strip of tape
to a surface. The tape having a width dimension and a longer length
dimension wherein the tape has a greater tensile strength than a
cured compound covering the tape. The tape applicable to panel
surfaces and panel joints and removeable after the compound has
cured on the tape.
Inventors: |
Little, JR.; W. Frank;
(Magnolia, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON & SHERIDAN, L.L.P.
3040 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 1500
HOUSTON
TX
77056
US
|
Family ID: |
38442715 |
Appl. No.: |
12/834762 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11679069 |
Feb 26, 2007 |
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12834762 |
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60782358 |
Mar 15, 2006 |
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60777188 |
Feb 27, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/292.1 ;
428/343 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 3/005 20130101;
Y10T 428/28 20150115; E04F 13/042 20130101; D03D 15/267 20210101;
C09J 201/00 20130101; Y10T 428/249924 20150401; D03D 9/00 20130101;
E02D 37/00 20130101; C09J 2301/124 20200801; C09J 7/21 20180101;
E04F 13/04 20130101; E04F 13/047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/292.1 ;
428/343 |
International
Class: |
B32B 7/12 20060101
B32B007/12 |
Claims
1.-52. (canceled)
53. A dry wall tape for use with a panel system, comprising: a mesh
having: a plurality of width strands which substantially traverse
the width of the tape, and a plurality of length strands which
substantially traverse the length of the tape, wherein the length
strands are more resistant to a pulling force than the width
strands and wherein the tape is configured to be applied to the
panel system.
54. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein at least one length
strand has a cross-sectional area larger than one of the width
strands.
55. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein the mesh includes more
length strands per unit area than width strands.
56. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein at least one length
strand has a tensile strength greater than 90 LBS/inch.
57. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein at least one length
strand has a tensile strength greater than 120 LBS/inch.
58. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein the plurality of length
strands are arranged under the plurality of width strands relative
to a surface to which the dry wall tape is applied.
59. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein the plurality of length
strands are interwoven with the plurality of width strands relative
to a surface to which the dry wall tape is applied.
60. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein each of the length
strands includes two or more strands interwoven together.
61. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein the plurality of length
strands are arranged on top of the plurality of width strands
relative to a surface to which the dry wall tape is applied.
62. The dry wall tape of claim 53, wherein the plurality of length
strands comprises fiberglass multi-filamented strands.
63. The dry wall tape of claim 53, further comprising an adhesive
applied to at least one side of the tape for securing the tape to a
surface.
64. The dry wall tape of claim 63, further wherein the dry wall
tape includes a top side having a mark to identify the top
side.
65. The dry wall tape of claim 64, wherein the mark is a color
coating.
66. The dry wall tape of claim 53, further comprising a handle for
gripping the tape after installation.
67. The dry wall tape of claim 66, wherein the handle comprises a
portion of the mesh extending from a finished surface.
68. The dry wall tape of claim 66, wherein the handle comprises a
portion of the tape within a finished surface.
69. The dry wall tape of claim 53, further comprising one or more
pull-strips which traverse the length of the tape.
70. A dry wall tape for use with a panel system, comprising: a
plurality of width strands which substantially traverse the width
of the tape; a plurality of length strands which substantially
traverse the length of the tape and comprises fiberglass; and an
adhesive disposed on at least one side of the tape, wherein at
least one length strand has a cross-sectional area larger than one
of the width strands, wherein the plurality of length strands are
arranged under the plurality of width strands relative to a surface
to which the dry wall tape is applied, and wherein the tape is
porous.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/679,069, filed Feb. 26, 2007, which
application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/782,358, filed Mar. 15, 2006, and U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/777,188, filed Feb. 27, 2006, all of
which are herein incorporated in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an
apparatus and method for taping a surface and removing the tape.
Particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and
method for securing and removing tape from panel surfaces. More
particularly still, the present invention relates to an apparatus
and method for taping a panel joint and or taping panel fasteners;
and then removing the tape and fasteners during disassembly of the
panels.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In the erection of panels for use in homes, facilities and
buildings, surface panels are often secured to support elements
such as studs. The surface panels are typically prefabricated
panels that vary in size. A common panel is four feet wide by eight
feet in length. These panels are fastened to the support element in
a manner that creates a substantially planar surface having joints
at some of the panel edges. In order to finish the panel and create
a smooth surface, it is often necessary to apply a tape over the
joint and/or apply a tape over the fasteners and then cover the
tape and fasteners with a compound such as mud. Once dry, the
compound is often smoothed to a seamless surface. The panel is then
ready for a finish such as paint.
[0006] The most commonly used panel is gypsum board sheathing,
which is also known as gypsum board, panelboard, plasterboard,
gypboard, GYPROC.RTM., SHEETROCK.RTM., and rock. Gypsum board
sheathing is composed of a sheet of gypsum covered on both sides
with a paper facing. Gypsum is calcium sulfate dehydrate
(CaSO4.2H2O). The removal and disposal of gypsum board sheathing
and other panels is becoming an increased environmental problem.
Hydrogen sulfide gas may be produced when gypsum is placed in a
landfill, particularly in a wet climate. Hydrogen sulfide gas is
toxic, even lethal to humans, and is detected by a foul, rotten-egg
odor. The environmental concerns associated with gypsum board
sheathing disposal have led several communities to ban gypsum board
sheathing at landfills. Thus, the disposal of gypsum board
sheathing, once removed, has become a problem. Further, with
increased depletion of our natural resources, the increased demand
on landfills, and the awareness of recycling; it is advantageous to
reuse existing building materials. There is also a cost savings in
reusing the existing materials. Reuse by way of relocation is far
better than reuse by way of recycling because of the dramatic
reduction in use of our natural resources due to the reduction in
landfill needs, toxic waste, transportation to and from the factory
and energy used during remanufacturing. Gypsum board accounts for
26% of the construction landfill waste (in Houston) and is the only
survey listed element that is toxic and is the only one that
currently has zero recycling and zero reuse score in the survey.
Building construction accounts for 40% of our national energy
consumption. Reducing this (along with auto energy consumption
which is 40%) by over half is realistic and together they could
eliminate our dependence on foreign energy.
[0007] In an attempt to solve the problem of gypsum board sheathing
disposal, some companies have started to recycle gypsum board
sheathing. The removed gypsum board sheathing is taken to the
recycling center and a portion of the gypsum is removed and
combined with virgin gypsum to make new gypsum board sheathing.
Currently, however, only 20-30% of the gypsum may be recovered from
the used gypsum board sheathing. Further, the recycling of the
gypsum board sheathing creates added cost in transporting it to a
recycle center. Another barrier, in gypsum recycling, is
economically separating the gypsum board panels from the support
elements and other construction waste during the demolition
process. Further, toxic mold is a major problem facing homes,
apartments, hotels, and hospitals due to water overflow from
fixture overflow and roof/envelope leaks. The water travels into
the dark cavities behind and between panels and becomes trapped,
thus creating a perfect breeding place for toxic molds. Removal of
the panels allow the cavity behind panels to dry out and wet
insulation to be easily removed. Once dry, the panels are
reinstalled.
[0008] The problem with taped joints in gypsum board sheathing or
other panels is that the removal of the panel is difficult without
destroying the panel. In order to remove the panel without
destroying the panel, it is necessary to access the fasteners. The
tape is provided on top of the fasteners but under the compound.
The compound used to finish the joint is typically very durable and
cures into a hard cement like substance over time. Curing continues
for many years after it is dry enough to receive paint or other
covering. Thus, accessing and removing the tape to access the
fasteners is difficult. Current gypsum board sheathing tapes on the
market are not designed for removal and thus will routinely break
when pulled once the compound has cured near maximum strength.
Currently the American Society of Testing and Materials ASTM,
requires a performance for the width dimension of the tape;
however, it does not regulate the performance of the length of the
tape. Because ASTM does not regulate the performance or tensile
strength of tape in the length direction, typical tapes have been
made with minimal tensile strength in the length direction as the
function of the length strands in joint tape is merely to carry or
host the width strands. The weaker length strands save materials
during manufacturing and thereby reduce the overall cost of the
tape. Thus, some dry wall tapes on the market today have a weaker
length dimension than width dimension.
[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an efficient and economical
apparatus and method for removing paneling for reuse in
construction. There is a further need for a tape that is removeable
once compound is applied and cured. There is a further need for the
tape to withstand the stresses unique to its removal in order to
prevent breaking during removal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to a strip of tape
having a width dimension and a longer length dimension. The tape
has a greater resistance to a pulling force than a cured compound.
The tape may be more resistant to a pulling force along the length
than the width.
[0011] The present disclosure further relates to a method of
removing a tape from a surface by applying the tape to the surface
typically in one continuous length. Pulling the tape along the
reinforced length dimension. Removing the tape without breaking the
tape. The tape has a reinforced length dimension.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention may be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a panel joint, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of a panel joint with a tape,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a front view of a tape mesh, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a front view of a tape mesh, according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tape mesh, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a tape mesh, according
to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a tape mesh, according
to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front view of a panel joint with a tape,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a completed
panel joint, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a
completed panel joint, according to an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tape, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a tape, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a panel
joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a panel
joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional side view of a panel
joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tape, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tape, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of a panel joint 100.
The panel joint 100, as shown, has two panels 105 which are
adjacent at edges 110. The panels 105 connect to a support element,
not shown, with fasteners 115. The support element may be any
element for supporting the panels 105 including, but not limited
to, wood studs, metal studs, concrete blocks, or furring channels.
The fasteners 115 may be any fastener including, but not limited
to, screws, or nails, or an adhesive. In one embodiment, the panels
105 are gypsum board sheathing panels. Although it should be
appreciated that any paneling may be used. With the panels 105
attached to the support element, a small gap 120 or discontinuity
exists between the panels 105. In order to finish the panel
surface, a tape and a compound are applied to the panel joint 100.
The compound cures into a hardened material which covers the tape
and the joint. The compound is then smoothed into a continuous
surface as will be described in more detail below. The tape or tape
system provided has a tensile strength along the length of the
cured compound 500. The compound will cure to a near maximum
strength over time. The near maximum strength is herein referred to
as "cured" as opposed to "sufficiently cured." Sufficiently cured
is a point beyond that required to cover, sand, paint and bond the
panel joint but less than near maximum strength. Depending on the
composition of the compound and humidity conditions, the compound
may be sufficiently curing for up to two years. The tensile
strength of the tape is greater than the tensile strength of the
adhesion strength of the cured compound. A sufficiently cured
compound is hard enough to be sanded and painted. Further, a
sufficiently cured compound bonds the panel joints together. The
compound continues to hardened until it becomes a cured compound.
Further, as time goes on the compound will continue to cure to have
an even higher resistance to a pulling force on the tape. As herein
defined the adhesion strength of the compound refers to the tensile
strength of the compound, the shear strength of the compound, the
tensile strength of the bond between the compound and the panel, or
any combination thereof. The tape disclosed herein may be removed
at any point during the curing of the compound, including many
years into the future. Therefore, the tape may be removed from the
panel surface after the compound has cured. When the tape is
removed, the compound is removed as well thereby exposing the
fasteners as will be described in more detail below.
[0031] FIG. 2 depicts the panel joint 100 having a strip of tape
200 applied to the joint, according to one embodiment of the
invention. The tape 200 has a width dimension 205 that is
sufficient to cover the gap 120 and the fasteners 115. In one
embodiment, the width dimension is 2''; however, it should be
appreciated that any dimension may be used as long as it covers the
gap 120. As shown, the tape 200 has a length dimension 210 that is
sufficient to cover substantially the entire length of the panel
joint 100. Although shown as covering substantially the entire
length of the panel joint 100, it should be appreciated that the
tape 200 may have any length dimension 210.
[0032] The tape 200, according to one embodiment, comprises a mesh
220. It should be appreciated; however, that the tape may be a
paper tape. The paper tape may have holes punched in it to simulate
the performance of a mesh tape. The mesh 220 has of a plurality of
width strands 225, which substantially traverse the width 205 of
the tape 200 and a plurality of length strands 230 which
substantially traverse the length 210 of the tape 200, as shown in
FIG. 2A. The length strands typically run substantially parallel
with the panel edge and the width strands typically run
substantially perpendicular to the panel edge. The width strands
and length strands are couple together by a glue, however, it
should be appreciated that the strands may be coupled by any method
known in the art including but not limited to interwoven together,
crimped, glued, tied, chemically bonded, leno woven, weft inserted
warp knitted, or melted. However, it should be appreciated that the
strands may run at a diagonal to the panel edge. The width strands
225 may be referred to as the Weft, pick, and fill. These terms
encompass strands that are substantially perpendicular to the joint
100. The length strands 230 may be referred to as the Warp. This
term encompasses strands that are substantially parallel to the
joint 100.
[0033] FIG. 2B shows an alternative embodiment wherein each of the
length strands 230 have a plurality of strands. The strands may be
combined to one another by any method including, but not limited
to, interwoven together, leno woven, weft inserted warp knitted,
crimped, glued, tied, chemically bonded or melted. The plurality of
strands increases the tensile strength of the length strands.
[0034] The strands are made from fiberglass or fiberglass
multi-filament strands. Although it should be appreciated that any
material for making a tape may be used including but not limited to
fiberglass yarns, paper, polymers, nylon, pvc, hemp, or cotton. One
advantage of the fiberglass strand is that it resists mold and will
not absorb moisture. Typical mesh tapes on the market today have an
equal size width and length strand; however, at least one tape has
a reinforced width strand when compared to the length. The latter
type enables the tape to reinforce the panel joint 100 while saving
material by supplying a weaker length strand. Typical width and
length strands on the market today have a tensile strength of 75
LBS/inch. At least one manufacturer produces a tape having a length
strand having a lower yield stress in order to save money during
manufacturing. In this instance the length stand has a tensile
strength of 50 LBS/inch while the width strands have a tensile
strength of 105 LBS/inch. The length strands on the market today
simply provide support for the width strands.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the mesh 220, in one embodiment,
includes a pull-strip 235 that is substantially the same length as
the tape 200. The pull-strip 235, as shown is a reinforced strand
which has an increased width for providing increased strength
against a pulling force in the longitudinal direction. The
pull-strip 235, as shown, is made from the same material as the
mesh 220. However, it should be appreciated that any material that
has substantial resistance to longitudinal forces including, but
not limited to, cloth, metals, polymers may be used. The pull-strip
235 is manufactured integrally with the mesh 220 as shown in one
embodiment.
[0036] A cross sectional view of the tape 200, shown in FIG. 3,
which depicts the length strands 230 running substantially parallel
to the pull-strip 235. The width strands 225 attach to a top 240 of
the length strands 230 and the pull-strip 235. In this embodiment,
the pull-strip 235 is provided under the width strands 225 in order
to ensure that when a pulling force is applied to the pull-strip
235, the pull-strip 235 is removed with the width strands. Although
shown as the width strands 225 being on top of the length strands
230, it should be appreciated that the strands 225 and 230 may be
in any configuration, including interwoven, as shown in FIG. 3A, or
the length strands 230 on top of the width strands 225, or the
length strands 230 and width strands 225 may be in a diagonal
relationship to the tape, or in any other configuration, so long as
the pull-strip 235 removes the width strands 225. Further, the tape
may include a plurality of strands for each length strand as shown
in FIG. 3B.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the pull-strip 235 is a strip
substantially in the middle of the width dimension 205 of the tape
200. It should be appreciated, however, that the pull-strip 235 may
be located at any location in the width dimension 205 so long as
the pull-strip 235 runs in the length dimension. In an alternative
embodiment, more than one pull-strip 235 may be used for each tape
200, as shown in FIG. 4. The two or more pull-strips 235 may be
arranged in any configuration so long as the pull-strips 235 are
adapted to remove the tape 200 from the panels 105. Increasing the
number of pull-strips 235 in the tape 200 will increase the amount
of pulling force that may be applied to the tape 200.
[0038] Once the tape 200 is attached to the joint 100, a compound
500 is applied to the joint 100 in order to cover the tape 200, the
fasteners 115, and the joint 100, as shown in a cross sectional
side view of the joint 100 in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows the panel 105
attached to a support element 505 with the fasteners 115. FIG. 5A
shows the panel 105 as in FIG. 5 having a tape 200 wherein each of
the length strands includes the plurality of strands. The tape 200
has been applied to the joint 100 in an arrangement that covers the
fasteners 115. An optional handle 510, for gripping and removing
the tape 200, may be included in the tape 200. The handle 510 may
be only the pull-strip 235 or the entire tape 200 extending from
the panel 105, or any feature that allows access to the pull-strip
235 and/or the tape 200. Further, the handle may be at any location
in the joint 100 so long as it is accessible for removing the tape
200. With the tape 200 in place on the joint 100, the compound 500
is applied. The compound 500 is typically mud, but it should be
appreciated that it may be any joint compound including, but not
limited to, an aqueous cementitious adhesive, caulking, epoxy,
silicon, vinyl, a yucca based adhesive. As the compound 500 is
applied to the joint 100, the compound 500 fills in and encompasses
any spaces in the mesh 220 while covering the joint 100. With the
compound 500 covering the joint 100, it is smoothed into a
substantially planar surface. The handle 510 may optionally be
covered by trim, not shown, such as baseboards, crown molding, or
any trim appropriate for the location of the handle 510. Further,
the handle 510 may be covered by flooring, such as carpet, wood
floors, laminates, tile, etc, or covered by the ceiling covering,
such as ceiling tiles, or panels.
[0039] With the joint 100 complete, the panel may be finished by
any method including, but not limited to, painting, texturizing,
wallpapering, covering with fabric, wood, plastic, plastic
laminate, or linoleum. The panel then remains in place until the
panel is going to be demolished or demounted. Once the panel is
ready for removal, the trim covering the handle 510 is removed for
access to the handle. The handle 510 is gripped and pulled. As the
handle 510 is pulled, the pull-strip 235, and/or the tape 200,
removes the tape 200 with the compound 500 on top of it and/or
within the mesh 220. The pull-strip 235 is of sufficient strength
to remove the cured compound 500 without routinely breaking the
tape 200. With the tape 200 and the compound 500 removed from the
joint 100, the fasteners 115 are accessible. The fasteners 115 may
then be taken out. This procedure is repeated for each joint 100.
With all of the fasteners 115, removed the panel 105 may be taken
off the support elements and used in the construction elsewhere or
separated from other construction waste, during demolition or
demounting, in order to comply with toxic waste land fill
regulations.
[0040] Although described in the context of a vertical panel
assembly, it should be appreciated that the joint 100 may be on a
roof panel, ceiling panel, insulation panel, floor panel, or any
other surface that is covered with panels 105. Further, the same
tape may be used in substantially the same way to cover fasteners
115 located away from a joint 100. Further, a handle 510 may be
accessed simply by cutting into the joint 100 and accessing the
pull-strip 235 and/or the tape 200.
[0041] In yet another embodiment, the compound may be applied to
allow a portion of the tape 200 to be exposed while the tape is on
the panel. That is, a portion of the tape is exposed on the panel
after the compound has been applied. Thus, the completed panel has
a portion of the tape 200 that is exposed after the compound has
substantially cured. This exposed portion may be covered by a trim.
Upon removal, the exposed portion is gripped and pulled thereby
removing the compound covering the tape 200.
[0042] The tape 200 may have an adhesive applied to it in order to
initially apply it to the panel. The adhesive may be applied to
only the bottom side of the tape or it may be applied to both
sides. Further, the adhesive may be applied to the pull strip 235.
The adhesive may be any adhesive including, but not limited to, an
acrylic adhesive, rubber, a polymer.
[0043] In an alternative embodiment the length strands may be the
pull-strip and/or be integral therewith. FIGS. 6 and 6A depict an
alternative embodiment of the tape 600, wherein the length strands
act as the pull strip. In this embodiment, the tape 600 has
increased strength length strands 630. The length strands 630 may
have an increased cross-sectional area when compared to the width
strands 625, as shown in FIG. 6. This increase in cross-sectional
area provides for increase pull force resistance. Thus, this tape
600 is used in the same way as describe above but without needing
the pull-strip 235. Although shown without a pull-strip 235, it
should be appreciated that a pull-strip may be incorporated in
conjunction with the embodiment in FIG. 6 in order to increase the
resistance to a pulling force. Further, it should be appreciated
that both the length strand 630 and the width strand 625 may be of
the same cross-sectional area or substantially the same
cross-sectional area, as shown in FIG. 6A, as long as the length
strands 630 have sufficient strength to remove the tape 600 in a
steady pull, without routinely breaking. Further, in another
embodiment length strands 630 have an increased strength, yield
strength and/or ultimate strength. The increased strength is due to
material or configuration changes.
[0044] Traditionally the length strands 230, of drywall joint
tapes, were simply for supporting the width strands 225 and
therefore had low tensile strength. In an alternative embodiment,
the tensile strength of the length strands 630 is greater than 75
LBS/inch, which is greater than the tensile strength of the length
strand of current tapes on the market. In yet another embodiment,
the tensile strength of the length strands 630 is greater than 110
LBS/inch. In yet another, embodiment, the tensile strength of the
length strands 630 is greater than 200 LBS/inch. In yet another
alternative, the tensile strength strands 630 is greater than 230
LBS/inch.
[0045] In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a separate
pull-strip 735 is used. The separate pull-strip 735 is configured
in the same way as describe above; however, it is not manufactured
as an integral part of strip of tape 700. The separate pull-strip
735 is applied to the joint 100, then covered by the tape 700. The
separate pull-strip 735 may be placed at any location on the joint
100, such as over the gap 720, or in the gap 720 as shown in FIG.
7A, or over a fastener 715, or any other configuration. Further,
more than one separate pull-strip 735 may be used to increase the
pull force that may be applied, and/or cover multiple rows of
fasteners. The separate pull-strip 735, may be used in conjunction
with conventional gypsum board sheathing tapes or with any tape
described herein. With the tape 700 covering the separate
pull-strip 735, the joint 100 is completed and removed in the same
way as described above.
[0046] In yet another alternative embodiment, the pull-strips
235/735 are adapted to cover the fasteners 115/715, as shown in
FIG. 7B. With the pull-strips 235 covering the fasteners, the need
for the width strand 225 to be on top of the pull-strip 235 is
alleviated, due to the pull-strip protecting the fasteners from the
compound.
[0047] In yet another embodiment, one or more pull-strips 235 may
be used in conjunction with the width strands 225, and a reduced
number of length strands 230 or no length strands 230 may be used,
as shown in FIG. 8. The number of length strands 230 may be limited
or eliminated because traditionally the length strands 230 were
simply for supporting the width strands 225. Thus, with the
pull-strips 235 supporting the width strands 225, the need for the
length strands 230 is alleviated.
[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the pull-strip 235/735 is used
in conjunction with any tape, known in the art for gypsum board
sheathing joints. Further, the pull-strips 735 may be used without
tape at all, but only the compound.
[0049] The one or more pull-strips 235/735 described above may be
any configuration known in the art such as a ribbon, a string, a
strand, fishing line, wire, etc.
[0050] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the one or more
pull-strips 235/735 are configured to run the length of the tape in
a substantially non linear manner. For example, the one or more
pull-strips 235/735 may have a zigzag configuration as they extend
on the length of the tape, or a wave configuration, etc.
[0051] In yet another alternative embodiment, any or the mesh tapes
described above include a plurality of diagonal reinforcing strips,
or pull strips. In this embodiment, the diagonally reinforcing
strips traverse the width of the mesh tape at an angle to the
length strands of the tape. Due to the diagonal arrangement of the
reinforcing strips, the reinforcing strips do not extend the entire
length of the length strands. The reinforcing strips may be located
along the entire length of the length strands in the same manner as
the width strands. Further, a second set of reinforcing strips may
be placed above or below the reinforcing strips, thereby giving the
reinforcing strips a criss-cross design in a diagonal relationship
to the mesh of the tape. The reinforcing strips increase the
overall strength of the tape by adding structural support to both
the width and length strands of the mesh tape. The reinforcing
strips may have any configuration so long as they increase the mesh
tapes resistance to a pulling force in the length direction.
[0052] In some embodiments described above, it is necessary to
apply a top side of the tape 200 away from the panel surface. Due
to the arrangement of the pull-strip 235 or the length strands
230/630, it is necessary in some embodiments that they be situated
on the panel side of the width strands 225. Due to the small size
of the width strands 225, the length strands 230/630, and the
pull-strip 235, it is difficult to see which side needs to be up.
Thus, a mark 900 may be placed on the up side of the tape 200, as
shown in FIG. 9. The mark 900 may be anything that is quickly and
easily identifiable to a user of the tape 200 including, but not
limited to, a color on the top side, the manufactures trademark, a
product name, an advertisement, or a symbol. The mark 900 may be
painted or applied on the top side during manufacturing. In yet
another alternative, the mark 900 is used to identify removable
tape as described. Thus, a user who is removing a panel from a
building would see the removable tape, as opposed to traditional
tapes, and know that the tape may be removed, thus allowing him to
access the fasteners.
[0053] In yet another alternative, the tape 200 is placed on the
panel joint 100. A second strip of tape, not shown, is then placed
substantially over the tape 200 creating a panel joint covered by
two strips of tape. The panel joint 100 is then finished as
described above. When removing the two strips of tape, the strips
are pulled in conjunction with one another thereby increasing the
tape's resistance to breaking. In this embodiment any known tape
may be used. Further, additional layers of tape may be added.
[0054] Typically the openings in the mesh must be small enough to
keep sufficient amounts of compound out of the head of the
fasteners so that the fasteners may be easily accessed for removal.
In addition, the openings in the mesh must be large enough to allow
sufficient amounts of compound into the joint between the
panels.
[0055] In yet another embodiment, fasteners having pull thru or
snap off heads may be used on the panels. The pull through heads
would be fasteners with heads near the same size as the fastener
itself. Thus, when pulling the panel off of the support structure,
the fastener heads will easily pull through the panel without
damaging the panel. The pull thru head fasteners may be used at any
location on the panels. The panels may be wedged from the support
elements using any known method such as using a crowbar type tool,
or by hand, etc. Further, the space in between the support
structure and the panel may be accessed and the fastener may then
be cut.
[0056] In another embodiment the fasteners may be found using a
mechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic device. Thus, the fasteners
may be located before the compound or tape was removed. One example
of a mechanical method would be shaking or vibrating the panel in
order to expose the fastener. With the fasteners located, they may
be easily removed from the wall either before or after removing the
tape.
[0057] In yet another alternative, with the screws removed from the
panel edges, the entire panel may be moved by twisting, pulling,
etc. in order to locate the remaining fastener or fasteners in the
panel. With the last of the fasteners located, they may be easily
removed from the wall either before or after removing the tape.
[0058] In all of the embodiments discussed above, the cured
compound may be moistened before or during, and/or when pulling the
tape 200 covered by the compound, the removal process. This pulling
of the tape may be performed at an angle of less than 155 degrees
from the plane of the panel. This would facilitate the removal of
the panels.
[0059] In another embodiment, the support element need not be close
to the panel edges. Further, in some cases the panel is not
fastened to the vertical support elements. In addition, a cushion
may be used between the panel and the support elements to reduce
vibration due to atmosphere changes in pressure and the like. The
cushion may be any material such as painter's caulk. Further, the
panel may be fastened at all but one or more edges.
[0060] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
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