Importance

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Abstract

The present invention includes a method for sealing a discontinuity in the surface of a substrate comprises the steps of: (a) placing over the 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 cup across its width, the width of the cap, or both the width and thickness of the cap vary; (b) heating the article to cause the melt-flowable composition to flow and seal the discontinuity, where the cap controls the melt-flow behavior of the melt-flowable composition to substantially confine the melt-flowable composition to the area underneath the cap; and (c) allowing the article to cool while substantially retaining the pre-selected cross-sectional profile of the cap. The present invention also includes various articles for use in the method. The article and the method are particularly useful for sealing the joint in a motor vehicle roof ditch.

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First Claim