Abstract: Gloves and other articles are manufactured from a pair of thermoplastic sheets which are drawn along a process line in adjacent, facing relation. A portion of one of the sheets is pushed outwardly to form an outwardly projecting loop, and a thumb-shaped line is formed between adjacent sides of the loop. The loop and adjacent portions of the thermoplastic sheets are then advanced to a finger and hand-forming station, where a thermobonded line of the shape of fingers and hand is formed between the thermoplastic sheets in registry with the thumb-shaped line, while retaining an open wrist portion. One may then cut away the resulting glove at the wrist portion.

Abstract: A method of splicing a length of extruded handrail having a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration, a substantially flat inner drive surface, and a plurality of spaced, longitudinally extending inextensible members embedded in the body of the handrail. The ends of the handrail are squared, aligned, and butted. Longitudinally extending grooves are cut into the flat drive surface, through and on both sides of the butt joint, in the spaces between the embedded inextensible members. Predetermined lengths of inextensible members and elastomeric material are placed in the grooves, and bonded to the surfaces which define the grooves. In another embodiment, the grooves are extruded into the flat drive surface at the same time the handrail is extruded. In either embodiment, the ends of the handrail may be bonded together prior to, or simultaneously with, the bonding of the inextensible members and elastomeric material with the groove surfaces.

Abstract: A procedure for manufacturing elongated glued beams by gluing veneers in their grain direction after each other and upon each other. The veneer ends are cut obliquely so that the glue bond area will be large enough in view of adhesion, whereafter the veneer strips joined by gluing at their ends are glued to each other to form a beam.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for joining the tubes of a heat exchanger core to a connecting box, wherein the tubes are fastened to the connecting box and sealed, said tubes being secured to the connecting box by means of a friction joint and at least one space being provided for each tube surrounding the end of the tube; each said space comprising a cavity bounded by the connecting box and the tube or a corresponding recess, and being filled and sealed with adhesive material.

Abstract: A substantially planar reticulated material is formed by the conjunction of a plurality of strips of non-planar material so that the strips lie substantially perpendicular to the plane of the reticulated material with their edges lying coplanar with the reticulated material and forming opposite surfaces thereof. Each strip of nonplanar sheet material is formed on each opposite surface with a pattern of crests and valleys of repetitive wavelength such that each pattern repeat contains at least two crests and at least two valleys; in each pattern repeat the height of at least one crest or valley on at least one surface of the strip is different from that of at least one of the other respective crests and valleys on said surface; the recurring height difference produces a corrugation along the strip having a wavelength greater than the wavelength of the crests and valleys; and adjacent strips are abutted with the corrugation opposed to interfit at least one crest in a valley of each opposed corrugation.

Abstract: A wall panel for a building may be formed by twin sheet vacuum form molding an entire end panel which may then be cut to form an access opening which may be closed with the removed portion forming the door with the cut panel reassembled to form the building wall and door frame. A novel closure and lock secures the door.

Abstract: A light-weight, high-strength contourable core for inclusion in a contoured structural laminate in which the core is sandwiched between facing skins. The core is constituted by a planar array of block-like modules preferably made of end-grain balsa wood held together in edge-to-edge relation by a scrim formed by elastomeric filaments which extend through the body of the modules in an intermediate plane parallel to the opposing faces of the core. When the planar core is pressed against a wet-coated contoured skin surface for lamination thereto, the filaments bridging adjacent modules elongate to an extent permitting these modules to separate and conform to this surface. The filaments have an elastic recovery force low enough to prevent the modules from overcoming the surface tension created by the wet-coated surface and pulling away therefrom. However, the holding power of the filaments is sufficient to preclude disassembly of the core modules during normal core handling procedures.

Abstract: The present invention entails a laminated timber structure comprised of a plurality of elongated laminated timbers laminated together in side-by-side relationship to form an elongated timber structure. The cross sectional area of the respective elongated timbers are of a generally uniform shape and size, with the cross sectional area being preferably square such as one-half inch by one-half inch. This enables standard size laminated timbers such as two by four, two by six, four by four, to be formed. In forming the laminated timber structure of the present invention, the respective elongated timbers are disposed in side-by-side relationship and glued along the sides of the timber as well as across the ends, giving rise to both edge and face joints.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a veneer web composed of individual veneer strips of finite length and width which are pre-cut from a peeled veneer sheet. According to a known method, the strips are cut from the veneer sheet in random sizes, depending on the presence of faults or quality variations of the veneer sheet, whereupon they are combined in a tesselated pattern. An object of the invention is the provision of a method permitting veneer webs of practically any desired width and length to be produced in an economical manner with optimum utilization of the faultless and acceptable-quality portions of the peeled starting veneer material.

Abstract: The method of splicing belt ends to form an endless belt wherein such belt has reinforcing cords extending longitudinally therethrough. The respective belt ends are sheared to provide complimentary mating faces which are cemented together. Slots are cut along the running length of both end belt sections across the splice line and spaced laterally from the reinforcing cords. Additional cords are placed into such slots and cemented to both sections to provide an integral endless belt.

Abstract: The present invention defines two methods of forming a non-skid-surfaced wood panel, preferably plywood, which is treated with various coats or layers of epoxy resin, together with a finished surface coat of polyurethane combined with a hard-grit abrasive material evenly spread within the surface coat, so as to provide the non-skid substance that establishes a unique and wear-resistant structure for areas subjected to heavy foot traffic, the invention being particularly suitable for use on decking in marine environments.

Abstract: A method for splicing belt ends of an endless belt, as in the field, wherein uniform tension is provided to the reinforcing members such as strands or cables in the spliced section. The respective spaced ends or sections have all belting material removed leaving each end with a laterally extending end section spaced from its adjacent main body section of the belt and interconnected only by the cable. The dressed end sections are overlapped and thence the center section of the overlapped portions are cast into a belt section with cables embedded therein. The laterally extending end sections are cut leaving two uncast sections which are then cast or molded to encapsulate the remaining bare cables to form a continuous belt by such splicing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic mandrel in which at least two sections of a thermoplastic rod, comprising a thermoplastic material which has been compounded with a finely divided metal or a metallic oxide filler, is subjected to a high voltage electrical induction field in a mold, causing fusion of the rod ends. Prior to the fusion, the ends of the thermoplastic rod are cut in a wedge shape, and in the preferred method, the wedge shaped ends meet at an angle of 90.degree. and are pressed together in the mold. The heat resulting from energizing the metal filler in said thermoplastic rods by induction, causes simultaneous melting of both thermoplastic rod ends and subsequent fusion of said rod ends. The thermoplastic mandrel made according to this method has a bond at the splicing point which is smooth, flash free, fused, solid and seamless, said mandrel being free of warping, shrinking and deformation.

Abstract: A film processing method for removing troubled film strips from a series of film strips to which it is spliced for processing. The troubled film strip is removed by cutting along a line located inwardly of a leading end of the troubled film strip by a distance at least equal to the width of a splicing tape from a center line of the splice between the leading end of the troubled film strip and a preceding film strip such that a part of the troubled film strip remains connected to the preceding film strip. A succeeding film strip, or another film strip, is then spliced to the remaining part of the troubled film strip.

Abstract: A plastic pipe element comprises an inner one-piece liner of thermoplastic material. The liner is formed so as to include at least one cylindrical leg having a free outer end and inner end disposed intermediate opposite ends of the liner. At least one pipe section is formed comprising an inner thermoplastic lining and a fiber reinforced outer layer. That pipe section is bonded to an outer surface of the cylindrical leg such that an inner end edge of the pipe section overlies the liner. A sheet of fiber reinforced thermosetting resin molding compound is applied externally around the inner end edge of the pipe section and is subjected to pressure and heat to form the sheet into a desired shape. Thereafter, the sheet is allowed to harden. Elements formed in this manner include a T-fitting, a pipe flange, a 90.degree. fitting, a reducer fitting, a 45.degree. fitting, and a pipe cap.

Abstract: A veneer splicing apparatus comprising a veneer detector for detecting the irregular portions of a veneer, disposed before a cutting tool which reciprocates toward and away from conveying means capable of being optionally driven or stopped, with respect to the direction of feeding a veneer; a delivery conveyor disposed after the cutting tool; veneer supporting members each disposed between the cutting tool and the delivery conveyor with one end thereof directed toward the cutting tool and with the other end thereof pivotally supported; an adhesive material feed device to feed adhesive materials, such as adhesive tapes or adhesive-impregnated yarns, near to the veneer cutting position of the cutting tool; said cutting tool or a tool holder being provided with an appropriate number of guide grooves at an appropriate distance away from the cutting edge of the cutting tool; and pressing members integrally mounted on the tool holder on both sides, with respect to the direction of feeding a veneer, of the cutting t

Abstract: Method and apparatus for building annular tire components such as steel cord tread reinforcements, in which a measuring drum is employed to receive strip material and simultaneously to feed it to a component building former. The strip material laps a portion only of the measuring drum, and a measured length of the strip is severed on the measuring drum and the major portion of the length of strip is transferred to the building former by rotation of the measuring drum through substantially a whole revolution.

Abstract: In a process for producing wooden building components acted upon by flexural forces in the built-in condition, and made up of at least two members that are bonded together, the load capacity is increased by stressing at least one part of the component in the direction of its length by a linear force and is then bonded to another part of the component while still being acted upon by said force. In a preferred form of the invention at least one part of the component is acted upon by a pulling force and another part is acted upon by a compression force with a pre-stressing effect. The use of the process makes possible the production of bonded wooden structural members free of transverse forces.

Abstract: A golf club, such as a driver, includes a body portion formed of natural uncompressed hard wood having an angled face on one side thereof. A wedge component formed of laminated highly compressed densified wood is bonded to the angled face of the body portion and forms a striking face and partial bottom face for the club head. Weight is concentrated near the striking face and bottom face to improve club controllability, balance and striking efficiency. Pre-weighing of wood veneers prior to compressing enables control and location of club head center of gravity. Final shaping of the club head is accomplished on a copying lathe.

Abstract: A system and method for forming flat temporary seams between two sections of synthetic turf are disclosed. The synthetic turf includes a synthetic turf material having a polymeric backing thereon. A strip of the polymeric backing is removed along a first edge of a first section of synthetic turf and a first web of mated surface fastener material is fastened to the underside of the synthetic turf material along that edge. A strip of synthetic turf material is removed from the polymeric backing along a second edge of a second section of synthetic turf and a thickness of polymeric backing substantially equal to two mated webs of mated surface fastener material is removed from the exposed lip of polymeric backing. A second web of mated surface fastener material is then fastened to the exposed lip of polymeric backing along the second edge. A flat temporary seam may then be formed by overlapping and mating the first and second web of mated surface fastener material.

Abstract: Laminated wood strip or plank flooring members are disclosed having adjacent edges of adjacent strip or plank members slightly reverse-beveled, i.e. 2.degree. to 7.degree. from vertical, to tightly fit together to provide precise, flush contact between adjacent upper surfaces of adjacent strips or planks. The strip or plank wood materials are provided in various lengths and various predetermined widths so that the random width and length strip or plank materials can be fitted together to provide a most unexpected and pleasing appearance wherein each adjacent strip or plank member is precisely fitted together and adjacent surface portions are substantially flush, or in contact.

Abstract: A wood I-beam consists of a web and a pair of parallel flange pieces which are joined to opposite edges of the web. The web has a kerf cut into each of its opposite edges, thereby dividing each edge into a pair of legs. Each flange piece, on the other hand, has a tapered groove cut into it. After glue is applied to the tapered side walls of the grooves for the flange pieces, the opposite edges of the web are inserted into the grooves and then the two flange pieces are forced together. The taper and width of the grooves in the flange pieces is such that the side walls of the grooves bend the legs on the end edges of the web together against the natural resiliency of the wood. As a result, the web edges are urged against the side walls of the groove with sufficient force to enable the glue to set-up into an extremely strong bond.

Abstract: Universal file with inner gluing back for thermal gluing systems of the type comprising substantially the combination of a front sheet, a rear sheet, a back and a layer of binding glue applied on the inner side of said back, characterized in that the said back is made of a flexible synthetic material so that such file may be used for binding bundles of documents having various thicknesses.

Abstract: A method of forming a structural column wherein a plurality of formed inner and outer column layer halves are integrally constructed from flat sheets of wooden laminate simultaneously bonded together and molded into a triangularly shaped wave pattern.

Abstract: A fabric repairing tool is provided with a cutter which is operable in a one-shot shearing operation to remove a portion of fabric from a folded piece of material held in the tool with a foldable clamp, and is further provided with heating means which is energizable to a controlled temperature effective in a desirable period of time to bond a thermoplastic pad and patch to a damaged fabric.

Abstract: An improved seam construction for diving suits and method of performing same which consists of a seam formed by cutting slits into the edges of two abutting pieces of elastomeric material, gluing and stitching the outer layers of the edge of each piece, inserting and gluing a filler strip of material into the interior of the cavity formed by the slit and gluing the inner layers of the material over said filler strip. Diving suits formed using such seam construction are stronger, more comfortable, more durable, more aesthetic and leakproof.

Abstract: A brassiere pad is formed by providing two cones, each consisting of batting and having a seam extending from the cone apex to its periphery; nesting the cones to orient the seams in selected non-superposed position; and applying heat and pressure to the cones to effect their compression to final pad shape and interconnection through curing of a bonding agent.

Abstract: A method of sealing an underwater diving suit constructed of foam core material having a cover material on both sides, including steps of removing a portion of the cover material on the inside of the suit along the seam to expose the foam core and adhering the foam portion of a sealing strip to the foam core.

Abstract: A foldable structure (2) and a method of manufacturing a foldable structure which, when folded produces a curved edge or corner. The structure comprises two panel members (32,34) having a respective edge region (18,20) which are adjacent and are spaced apart. Each edge region has a shoulder (8,10) and a curved portion (12,14). A flexible elongated bridging piece (22) is located between the shoulders (8,10) and defines a foldable region. A flexible lamina (24) covers a respective face of the panel members (32,34) and the flexible bridging piece (22).

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for aligning, cutting, wrapping and securing a flat sheet of film material to form a precision conical wrapping that will fit over a conical surface to a precise location and orientation. The film carries color separated portions of a design which may be registerably etched into the conical surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for making V-belts comprising a base member, a cover for the base member, a channel-like guide means carried by the base member for receiving a length of belting from a supply, first slot means cooperating with said guide means for receiving and guiding a cutting means to cut a predetermined length of said belting required to form a closed loop of said belting, second slot means cooperating with said guide means for receiving and guiding a cutting means in making a slot in each free end of said belting for receiving a web-like splice element adapted to bridge the free ends of said predetermined length of belting to form said loop, and heating means carried by said apparatus for vulcanizing the free ends of the predetermined length of belting to form a splice between the free ends of the belting.

Abstract: A thermal insulator for pipe elbows and the like, comprises two pairs of split, sleeve-shaped insulative legs having interior channels in which those pipe sections joined by the elbow are received. The insulator legs include dihedral faces which are oriented toward each other at a medial portion of the elbow, and are formed by inner and outer surfaces which intersect at the central axis of the associated leg. These leg surfaces are inclined at an angle equal to a predetermined fraction of the included angle between the joined pipe sections. The inner faces of the insulator legs abut, and a wedge-shaped collar or gore is disposed between the outer leg surfaces, and includes inclined faces which mate therewith, thereby forming a closed, insulative sleeve about the pipe elbow.

Abstract: A soundboard for a piano comprises three plies of wood bonded together, the front and back plies being of substantially equal thickness and the center ply being of a thickness greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the front and back plies. The center ply comprises a plurality of elongate boards each having a preselected curvature from side-to-side, these boards are bonded together edge-to-edge with the curvature of each board in the same direction to form a composite board having a substantially continuous curvature, concave on one side and convex on the other side. Consequently, the assembled, three-ply soundboard has a curvature imparted thereto by the center ply.

Abstract: A complete production line of a wood I-joist manufacturing apparatus, the method of manufacture, and the I-joist products having lumber chords and a plywood web are available, wherein both the chord lumber and the web plywood are initially made into essentially endless lengths for subsequent cutting to lengths of the then pre-specified sizes of I-joists being prepared. Smaller lengths of chord lumber are finger jointed and glue cured together into longer lengths, which are then cut to specified overall lengths. Thereafter they are grooved to receive the opposing cut side edges of the web. Then these cut interfitting surfaces of both the chord lengths and the web first receive an application of glue before their subsequent convenient conveyed, converging, assembly. Once assembled, their overall glued joints enter a radio frequency heating glue curer which insures an excellent attachment between the chords and the web. The web is then cut to match the length of the chords.

Abstract: A multiplanar device has at least one component that consists of two rigid plastic wall members that have major areas of substantially uniform thickness, strips of considerably greater thickness along the side portions of said wall members, and a miter joint between the two wall members. A continuous thin film of flexible plastic is bonded to the two wall members and around the outside of the miter joint.The method of making the component is to mold it as a flat intermediate piece with a V-notch between the strips of greater thickness and to simultaneously bond the film to the surface at the apex of the V; and to thereafter apply adhesive to the sides of the V and bend the piece to bring the sides of the notch together and bond them together.Several such components may be connected with other similar or dissimilar components at miter joints to form a complete multiplanar device.

Abstract: A counter top structure and method of making same, the structure having a base assembly which consists of a counter top base, upright backsplash bases and filler members joining the several bases, cumulatively to provide an essentially continuous or uninterrupted surface to which a sheet of synthetic thermoplastic material is bonded, and where an inside corner between backsplashes is permitted to be formed by the provision of a single arcuate cut in the sheet such that the sheet portion on one backsplash base abuts the convex edge, provided by the cut, of the sheet portion carried by the other backsplash base.

Abstract: A method of making wood shingle sidewall panels by assembling a layup including a face layer of high-grade tapered wood shingles with their longitudinal edges in abutment, each such shingle having a rabbeted longitudinal edge, an intermediate layer of veneer and a backing layer of wood shingles tapered opposite to the taper of the face wood shingles, and bonding the shingle layers to the opposite sides of the veneer, respectively. The face layer of sidewall panel shingles having rabbeted edges simulates the appearance of shingles individually applied to a wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for making a composite sheet of indefinite length and very large predetermined width from indefinite length sheet stock of relatively small width. Included is a supply roll of relatively narrow indefinite length synthetic rubber sheet material, and a conveyor which feeds out in a horizontal direction past a cutter a sheet of the narrow stock equal in length to the relatively large width of the desired composite sheet stock. After feeding out and cutting the desired length of narrow stock, the cut sheet is transferred laterally by a reciprocating vacuum pick-head to overlap the leading edge thereof with the trailing edge of the preceding laterally shifted cut sheet, effectively augmenting the composite sheet. A conveyor advances the composite sheet in the transverse direction to successively locate the lap joints therein at a lap joint pressing station whereat the lap joints are successively pressed to enhance the permanency of the joints.

Abstract: For the purpose of producing a packing container a web of laminated material is used, which material includes a base layer of foamed polystyrene, and two outer layers of homogeneous polystyrene.In order to seal the edge zones of the material web into a tube a part of the base layer of one of the edge zones is removed and the other edge zone is inserted into this cut off part between the remaining end parts of the outer layers and is heat-sealed to the outer layers. The so achieved sealing is tight and durable and superior to the known overlap sealing. The seal is also more pleasing from the aesthetic point of view.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for joining strip material, such as magnetic recording tape, comprising two pivotally mounted cutting plates carried by a support, having cooperating cutting edges, said plates having aligned grooves formed at 45.degree. to the cutting edges for reception of the strip material to be joined. In use the strip to be cut is placed in the groove of one plate, relative movement is effected between the two plates to cut the strip at a first position to produce two cut ends, a first cut end is retained in the groove of said one plate and moved relative to the other plate, the second cut end is placed in the groove of the other plate, relative movement between the two plates is again effected to cut the strip material at a second position and to bring the ends of the strip material remaining in the grooves into abutting disposition for application of an adhesive joining strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and apparatus for laminating timber to form beams for use in structural and other uses. The beam is formed from timber strips forced through a set of pressure means comprising preferably pressure rollers in a side by side relationship with bonding medium applied to the vertical sides of the strips. These sides preferably have interengaging castellations formed thereon for improved connection between the strips. The strips are formed from timber lengths which are connected together preferably by finger jointing. The bonding medium is applied to the side faces of the timber lengths and to the ends at the same time. A braking system ensures that the ends of timber lengths are spaced well apart to enable adequate bonding medium to be applied to the timber length ends.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a fabric material, such as woven cane, in a channel which surrounds an opening in an article of furniture, and which eliminates the usual manual edge trimming operation. The method includes the steps of cutting the fabric material into a component having a predetermined outline which conforms in an oversized relationship to the outline of the channel in the article of furniture, applying indicia to the component at at least two predetermined locations which are specifically located with respect to the outline of the associated channel of the article of furniture, placing the fabric component to overlie the opening in the article of furniture while utilizing the indicia to accurately orient the component with respect to the opening, and then forcing the peripheral edge of the component into the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for making corner joints of sealing plastic profiles, or moldings, for windows, doors or the like, including a base plate on which two profile holding means, each having a bottom formed with a groove for accommodating the continuous profile to be held and a pivotable lid for covering or opening the accommodating groove are mounted, one fixedly and one pivotally. A welding means pivotable relative to the holding means, is provided which cuts the miter with the holding means in line and heats the cut edges. The pivotal holding means is moved toward the fixed one and the cut and heated edges of the profile are welded together.

Abstract: An improved method of splicing multi-ply belting material to form an endless belt. The upstream portion of the splice on each side of the belt has at least two plies of the material which have not been split, while each side of the belt on the downstream portion of the splice presents an overlying flap to a roller.

Abstract: Method and means, including a trim saw structure, for assembling finger jointing lumber by an impression finger joining process wherein the ends of two pieces of lumber are placed in spaced apart position and held securely by clamps. A movable section of the machine trims and shapes the ends of the lumber into fingers which are then engaged by a hot die for further impression forming and heating of the fingers. The die moves out of position and a movable applicator applies glue to the outer half of the matching ends of the lumber. The ends are then pressed together and the joined pieces of lumber are advanced away from the work station. The process is a continuous such that incoming random lengths of lumber are joined to form a continuous outgoing length of lumber for cutting into desired lengths. One or more lines of lumber may be advanced through the finger jointing work station during a machine cycle.

Abstract: An improved weld is formed between plastic sheets, by performing the steps that include:(a) deforming two joint defining work sheets into a volumetric position substantially defined by two undeformed sample sheets positioned in edge-to-edge position, the work sheets and sample sheets having the same thickness, and(b) heating the deformed work sheets under pressurization at said joint to soften them to form an improved weld therebetween characterized in that the sheet thickness remains the same at and proximate the weld.

Abstract: A high yield technique for converting normally-unusable round logs of balsa or other species of wood whose diameter is less than about 4 inches into large rectangular panels. The raw logs are first peeled to expose the wood and are then cut into round pieces of a desired length. The pieces, after being kiln dried, are assembled into a block, the pieces being coated with a curable adhesive and being subjected to compression in orthogonal directions until the adhesive is cured and the pieces interlaminated to provide an integrated stock block. The stock block is then divided into panels of the desired thickness and grain direction.

Abstract: A method of jointing textile belting or webbing using a polyurethane compound, the method comprising coating two ends of the belting or webbing to be joined with a castable liquid mixture that is heat curable to give the polyurethane compound and comprising at least one component that is chemically blocked to substantially eliminate the curing reaction at ambient temperature, and heat curing the mixture on the ends when the ends are in face-to-face relationship. The liquid castable mixture preferably comprises a polyurethane prepolymer and a methylene dianiline sodium chloride complex.

Abstract: Process and mold for joining two lengths of elongated composite sealing strips, for use on a vehicle body, in end-to-end relationship at a predetermined angle, each composite sealing strip being made up of a gripping portion to be mounted on the body and extrudedly made of compact plastics material, and of a sealing portion extrudedly made of cellular plastics material, the portions extending lengthwise of one another to form the sealing strips. The strip lengths are first cut crosswise at equal angles suitable to produce the aforesaid predetermined angle when the ends are in the aforesaid end-to-end relationship and the strip lengths are placed end-to-end with like portions in alignment. Welding plastics material is then injected over at least two of the aligned and like portions at the abutted ends and between the ends thereof whereby to weld the strip lengths together in one single operation. Thereafter, the injected plastics material is allowed to set.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel method of forming a flexible, tapered end on a thermoplastic molding strip. The strip is of the type having a top surface shaped to provide desired protective and/or decorative functions. The bottom surface is generally flat for bonding to a desired article such as a side panel or door of an automotive vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises removing a V-shaped notch from the end of the strip, with the opening of the V at the end, to form adjacent triangular shaped legs. The notched end is then bent to stretch the bottom surface and the legs are drawn together to form the taper. The edges of the legs adjacent the taper are bonded together only at the pointed end. Multiple cuts are then made into the bottom surface of the strip, perpendicular to the line formed by closing the notch, between the tip and the original apex of the notch.