Wallboard Tape And Method Of Using Same

Abstract

The present invention is a wallboard tape that simplifies the covering of elongated wallboard joints formed by the abutting of adjacent wallboards. The wallboard tape includes a fibrous paper tape having a resin-impregnated body and a water-soluble, water-activated adhesive layer applied to a surface of the body. The resin impregnated body remains relatively non-moisture absorbent during wetting of the adhesive layer thereby allowing the adhesive layer to dry several minutes after installation of the tape over a wall joint.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . A wallboard tape for covering elongated joints in gypsum and other type wallboards comprising:
 a fibrous paper tape having a resin-impregnated body defining first and second planar surfaces; and   a water-soluble, water-activated adhesive layer applied to one of said first and second surfaces,   whereby the resin impregnated body remains relatively non-moisture absorbent during wetting of the adhesive layer thereby allowing the adhesive layer to dry several minutes after installation of the tape over a wall joint.   
   
   
       8 . The wallboard tape of  claim 7  wherein the wallboard tape is elongated. 
   
   
       9 . The wallboard tape of  claim 8  wherein the elongated wallboard tape is packaged in roll form. 
   
   
       10 . The wallboard tape of  claim 9  wherein the elongated wallboard tape has a width of approximately ⅛-6 inches and a length of approximately 20-600 feet. 
   
   
       11 . The wallboard tape of  claim 7  wherein the tape is in the form of rectangles, squares, circles, and/or frames of rectangles, squares or circles. 
   
   
       12 . The wallboard tape of  claim 7  wherein the wallboard tape is used in conjunction with a wetted sponge. 
   
   
       13 . The wallboard tape of  claim 7  wherein the wallboard tape is used in conjunction with a vessel of water. 
   
   
       14 . The wallboard tape of  claim 7  wherein the wallboard tape is used in conjunction with a dispensing device. 
   
   
       15 . The wallboard tape of  claim 7  further comprising:
 a mold and mildew inhibitor.   
   
   
       16 . The wallboard tape of  claim 15  wherein the mold and mildew inhibitor is a liquid polysiloxane. 
   
   
       17 . The wallboard tape of  claim 16  wherein the mold and mildew inhibitor is incorporated into the water-soluble, water-activated adhesive layer by mixing in a proportion of less than five percent by volume.