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Sealing method and article

  • US 5,964,979 A
  • Filed: 08/15/1997
  • Issued: 10/12/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/15/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for sealing a discontinuity in the surface of a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) placing over said discontinuity an article comprising (i) a melt-flowable composition characterized by a first width, and (ii) a shaped, polymeric cap 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;

    (b) heating said article to cause said melt-flowable composition to flow and seal said discontinuity;

    said cap controlling the melt-flow behavior of said melt-flowable composition to substantially confine said melt-flowable composition to the area underneath said cap; and

    (c) allowing said article to cool while substantially retaining said pre-selected cross-sectional profile of said cap, wherein said cap remains adhered to said melt-flowable composition after said article is cooled.

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