Connection device and a method of forming a panel assembly

Abstract

A connection device 10 is provided which securely attaches to a hard plastic or glass pane 101. The connection device 10 comprises a connection member 11 having a double-sided adhesive tape 35 and having one adhesive side 37 attached to a first surface 50 of the connection device 10, and a second adhesive side 37 attached to an edge 107 of a glass or plastic pane 101. A soft fabric material 102 is further attached to the connection device 10 to create a frame portion 104 which encapsulates the connection device 10. A method 299 is also provided for forming a panel assembly 100.

Description

GENERAL BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally relates to a connection device and to a method for forming a panel assembly, and more particularly to an improved and flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) connection device which is adapted to be selectively attached to a rigid or semi-rigid non-porous material and which may be further selectively attached to and enclosed within a flexible fabric material so as to be used to selectively create protective enclosures for vehicles and / or other tangible structures or entities.[0003]2. Background of the Invention[0004]Connection devices are widely used and are selectively attached to various non-porous panes, such as and without limitation a glass pane, and are adapted to selectively cooperate with other connection devices to selectively create panel assemblies. Particularly, these connection devices are typically flexible entities which are attached to panes and cooperatively secure the panes in a desire...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]It is a third non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a new and improved connection device which has sufficient strength to selectively and securely attach a connection device to a non-porous pane so as to secure the pane to various types of panel assemblies that are strong and resistant to failure.

Problems solved by technology

While these panel assemblies do selectively provide the foregoing benefits and functionality, such connection devices and formed panel assemblies suffer from many drawbacks.

While this approach does allow for the connection of the connection devices to the panes, these connection devices have not been successful since they are easily damaged (“cracked”) or destroyed from “shock” type energy which may be imparted to these connection devices during even “normal operation” of the tangible item / structure to which these connection devices and formed panel assemblies operatively reside (e.g., such shock type energy may be imparted to such panel which are deployed upon a boat as the boat traverses water).

Moreover, the structure of these connection devices does not provide a tight fitting enclosure with which to tightly contain the pane, thereby exacerbating or increasing the likelihood of “shock” type “connection dislodgment”.

However, these too have suffered drawbacks as a result of substantial stresses placed, during normal operation, at the respective connection joints (i.e., the term “joint” means or refers to the “glue formed” connection between a connection device and a pane).

That is, such imparted stresses tend to destroy or damage the connection between the connection device and the pane and causes to created enclosure to become unaesthetically pleasing and to become structurally unstable.

Further, air gaps or “bubbles” are frequently found in the “glue connection” and these bubbles compromise the integrity of the connection.

However, while such as assembly is resistant to “shock” type damage or dislodgment, clear vinyl sheets tend to wrinkle and thus develop “lumps” when used in harsh outdoor environments, which in time make these panel assemblies difficult to clean, reduces visibility through these panel assemblies, and provides for a very unasthetically-pleasing overall appearance

However, these connection devices also have drawbacks since the rubber-based adhesive material frequently separates from the connection device or “crack” after limited use.

Thus, the joint or connection between the connection devices and the pane is frequently destroyed and the respective structural integrity of the formed panel assemblies are frequently and undesirably compromised.

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