(under subclass 381.1) Subject matter having at least one joint element formed from one of several materials commonly referred to as a plastic which demonstrates the capability to change from one configuration to another that is far in excess of mere thermal expansion or contraction due to the applied temperature modification.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
423, for joint elements formed from non-metallic material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
86, for methods of shrinking a lamina around a cylindrical object.
174, Electricity, Conductors and Insulators, Digest 8 for heat shrinkable tubes. 264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating Processes,
230, for methods of shaping by release of elastic memory and subclass 342 for treating articles to have a retained memory configuration.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
34.9, and 913 for memory materials which are responsive to heat or light.
