Article for forming a loop with affixation means

Abstract

An article for forming a loop is provided. A strip is provided having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface, at least a portion of the strip being flexible. The strip includes a base portion adjacent the first end of the strip. The base portion has an affixation element on the second surface of the base portion. The strip includes a flexible body portion. The strip further includes an anchor portion at the second end of the strip. The anchor portion includes at least one flange moveable relative to the body portion. A slot is provided for receiving the anchor portion. The slot includes a receiving channel sized to accept the anchor portion when the body portion is formed into a loop.

1 . An article for forming a loop, comprising:
 a strip having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface, at least a portion of the strip being flexible, the strip comprising;
 a base portion on the second surface having an affixation element; 
 a flexible body portion; 
 an anchor portion at the second end of the strip, the anchor portion including at least one flange moveable relative to the body portion; and, 
 a slot extending through the strip defining a receiving channel sized to receive the anchor portion when the body portion is formed into a loop. 
   
   
   
       2 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving channel is a longitudinal channel. 
   
   
       3 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 2 , wherein the anchor portion is adapted to pass through the slot from the first surface to the second surface of the strip. 
   
   
       4 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor portion is adapted to pass through the slot from the first surface to the second surface of the strip. 
   
   
       5 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the slot further comprises a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion, and wherein the longitudinal portion and the transverse portion in combination form the receiving channel. 
   
   
       6 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 5 , wherein the anchor portion further comprises a neck portion having a width, and wherein the width of the neck portion is less than the width of the transverse portion of the slot. 
   
   
       7 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the affixation element comprises an adhesive. 
   
   
       8 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the affixation element comprises a magnet. 
   
   
       9 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor portion has a width greater than the length of the receiving channel. 
   
   
       10 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor portion engages the slot in a snapping engagement. 
   
   
       11 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor portion includes a flexible first flange and a flexible second flange on opposite sides of the anchor portion, the flanges moveable relative to the body portion. 
   
   
       12 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the base portion is positioned adjacent the first end of the strip, and the slot is located between the base portion and the anchor portion of the strip. 
   
   
       13 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the slot is positioned adjacent the first end of the strip, and the base portion is located between the slot and the anchor portion of the strip. 
   
   
       14 . The article for forming a loop of  claim 1 , wherein the slot is positioned adjacent the first end of the strip, and the base portion is positioned adjacent the second end of the strip. 
   
   
       15 . A method for forming a loop, comprising the steps of:
 (a) Providing a strip having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, and a second surface, at least a portion of the strip being flexible, the strip comprising a base portion on the second surface having an affixation element, a flexible body portion, an anchor portion at the second end of the strip, the anchor portion including at least one flange moveable relative to the body portion, and, a slot extending through the strip defining a receiving channel sized to receive the anchor portion;   (b) bending the second end of the strip toward the first end;   (c) twisting the body portion of the strip so that it is flexed;   (d) aligning the anchor portion of the strip with the receiving channel; and,   (e) pushing the anchor portion of the strip through the receiving channel.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of permitting the body portion to untwist after step (e).