Quote:
Originally Posted by Tristan Lall
It's not clear whether they're ruling against it because it's called/sold as tape, or because it has the properties of tape.
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Tristan,
Thank you for your detailed and insightful reply. It was most helpful. I think this is the crux of my question. I cannot imagine FIRST has an issue with "tape" just because it is long and narrow and comes on a roll and the package says "tape" so I must conclude that for some reason they do not like us using adhesives. While I don't find any other rule prohibiting "adhesives" I have to wonder why they specifically prohibit it if it is long and narrow and comes on a roll. I am not complaining nor trying to figure out how to legally break the rules, I am simply trying to figure out the intent. As we both stated, I think it is to prevent duct tape robots but with the rule written as it is it always seems to be a sticky area as to what they intend and what is and isn't allowed in the "spirit" of the rule. If it is wide and flat (i.e. sheet) it is OK but long and narrow (i.e. roll) it is not??? What is wide and what is narrow??? So if we just got a sheet of grip material and cut our "donuts" out then that is OK but if we cut them out of a roll of the same stuff but too narrow then it is not? Seems like a real sticky area there to me. If all inspectors viewed the rule with the same common sense as you do then I don't see a problem. I am just worried that some inspectors may "lawyer" the rule and take it word for word rather than view it with the intent of the rule and not pass duct tape robots. We have all used stick on sponsor logos and team numbers in the past.
There are, of course, many solutions to the specific problem I presented as an example. The traction paint and star washers are both great examples. Thanks to all for those ideas. BTW: We are using Delrin-AF but you can be assure we will not be using anything that can even remotely be considered "tape".
My intent was more to discuss the limits and intent of <R35>. I still am unclear why "grip tape" is bad but glued on sandpaper is good. I understand that is the rule, but why? It just seems, well, pointless.