U.S. patent application number 09/819041 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for article support using stretch releasing adhesives.
Invention is credited to Bries, James L., Carlson, Bruce W., Hamerski, Micheal D., Rodriguez, Alex JR..
Application Number | 20020020790 09/819041 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24534737 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020020790 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamerski, Micheal D. ; et
al. |
February 21, 2002 |
Article support using stretch releasing adhesives
Abstract
An article support adapted for adhering to a substrate is
described. The article support preferably includes a base member, a
stretch release adhesive tape adhered to that base member, and some
mechanism for gripping the stretch release adhesive tape. These
items are arranged so that when the base member is adhered to the
substrate by the stretch release adhesive tape, the base member can
be removed by pulling on the gripping means at an acute angle from
the surface of the substrate. Gripping means which resist
disassociation from the stretch release adhesive tape during the
removal of the base from the substrate are disclosed, including
handle types. The base member can be generic, suitable for
attaching various types of support members via, for example,
complimentary dovetail slides. In such cases, provision such as a
latch can be made to temporarily lock the support member to the
base member. The article support can be provided so that when the
support member is removed from the base member, the gripping
mechanism engages the support member to automatically stretch the
tape and remove the base member from the substrate.
Inventors: |
Hamerski, Micheal D.;
(Baldwin, WI) ; Bries, James L.; (Cottage Grove,
MN) ; Rodriguez, Alex JR.; (Stillwater, MN) ;
Carlson, Bruce W.; (Minneapolis, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Office of Intellectual Property Counsel
3M Innovative Properties Company
PO BOX 33427
St. Paul
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Family ID: |
24534737 |
Appl. No.: |
09/819041 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09819041 |
Apr 2, 2001 |
|
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08632248 |
Apr 15, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/205.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/249983
20150401; C09J 7/20 20180101; Y10T 428/2848 20150115; A47G 1/175
20130101; C09J 2301/308 20200801; Y10T 428/28 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/205.3 |
International
Class: |
A47G 001/17 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An article support adapted for adhering to a substrate,
comprising: a base member; a stretch release adhesive tape adhered
to the base member; and means for gripping said stretch release
adhesive tape, wherein when said base member is adhered to the
substrate by said stretch release adhesive tape, said base member
is capable of being removed from the substrate by gripping the
gripping means and stretching the stretch release adhesive tape at
an angle no greater than about 35 degrees from the surface of the
substrate, said gripping means resisting disassociation from said
stretch release adhesive tape during the removal.
2. An article support according to claim 1 wherein said gripping
means comprises a handle, wherein said stretch release adhesive
tape is adhered to the handle around a surface conformed so as to
compress at least a portion of the tape during the removal.
3. An article support according to claim 2 wherein said stretch
release adhesive tape is wrapped around a portion of said handle in
such a manner that said stretch release adhesive tape makes a
substantially 180 degree bend.
4. An article support according to claim 2 wherein said handle is
generally D-shaped.
5. An article support according to claim 1 further comprising a
support member, and wherein said base member comprises a means for
attaching said support member.
6. An article support according to claim 5 wherein said attaching
means comprises a pair of complimentary dovetail slides on each of
said base member and said support member.
7. An article support according to claim 5 wherein said attaching
means comprises a means for locking said support member to said
base member.
8. An article support according to claim 7 wherein said locking
means is a releasable latch.
9. An article support according to claim 5 wherein when said
support member is removed from said base member, said gripping
means engages said support member so that said stretch release
adhesive tape is stretched so as to remove said base member from
the substrate.
10. An article support according to claim 1 wherein said base
member has indicia explaining the action involved in removing said
base member from the substrate.
11. An article support according to claim 10 wherein said base
member comprises a means for attaching a support member, and
wherein said indicia are hidden from view when said support member
is attached to said base member.
12. An article support according to claim 5 wherein said support
member is adapted to engage a plurality of base members
simultaneously.
13. An article support according to claim 12 wherein said support
member is adapted to engage said plurality of base members so that
said stretch release adhesive tape on each of said base members are
oriented in a single plane.
14. An article support according to claim 12 wherein said support
member is adapted to engage said plurality of base members so that
said stretch release adhesive tape on said base members are
oriented in more than one plane.
15. An article support according to claim 1 wherein said stretch
release adhesive tape comprises a backing and at least one layer of
adhesive adhered thereto.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to article supports, and more
particularly to article supports adapted to be rapidly adhered and
removed from a surface.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hooks and other article supports are commonly used in both
households, institutions, and industry for a variety of purposes
such as hanging pictures, towels, garments, tools, calendars,
posters and other articles. Conventional hooks often require
forming holes in cabinets, walls, or the like as fasteners such as
screws or nails are used for attaching them. Alternatively, hooks
may be adhered by adhesive tapes, but tapes that have strong
holding power are typically difficult to remove cleanly from the
wall without scraping or otherwise damaging the surface of the
wall.
[0003] Coassigned and copending U.S. patent application U.S. Ser.
No. 07/802,061 entitled, "Removable Adhesive Tape", and PCT
Internation Application No. PCT/US91/09472, to Kreckel et al.,
disclose a stretch releasing adhesive tape. Those documents are
herein expressly incorporated by reference.
[0004] Those documents disclose an easily removable,
pressure-sensitive adhesive tape comprising a highly extensible,
substantially non-recovering backing. The tape is capable of being
firmly bonded to a substrate and removed therefrom by being
stretched at an angle of no greater than about 35 degrees from the
surface of the substrate. A problem associated with this type of
tape is that some persons find it difficult to grasp for removal.
An uncomfortable amount of finger pressure may be required to grip
the tape firmly enough to allow removal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention advances the field by providing a very
convenient way to adhere, and later cleanly remove, article
supports to substrates such as walls, windows and cabinetry. Stated
generally, the invention can be described as an article support
adapted to adhere to a substrate. The article support includes a
base member, a stretch release adhesive tape adhered to that base
member, and some means for gripping the stretch release adhesive
tape. These items are arranged so that when the base member is
adhered to the substrate by the stretch release adhesive tape, the
base member is capable of being removed from the substrate by
gripping the gripping means and stretching the stretch release
adhesive tape at an angle no greater than about 35 degrees from the
surface of the substrate. The gripping means preferably resists
disassociation from the stretch release adhesive tape during the
act of removal. In many practical embodiments, the stretch release
adhesive tape will be provided with a layer of release liner to
protect the adhesive (e.g. from dirt, dust and other matter which
will deliteriously affect the adhesive) until the article support
is to be used.
[0006] The stretch release adhesive tape will have a backing, and
at least one layer of adhesive; most commonly it will have two
layers of adhesive. The backing may be a singular layer, or it may
be two or more layers laminated together as long as the base member
is capable of being removed from the substrate by gripping the
gripping means and stretching the stretch release adhesive tape at
an angle no greater than about 35 degrees from the surface of the
substrate.
[0007] In one group of embodiments, the above discussed gripping
means is a handle, and the stretch release adhesive tape is adhered
to the handle around a surface conformed so as to compress at least
a portion of the tape during the removal. While many physical
arrangements which achieve this are possible, good results are
achieved when the stretch release adhesive tape is wrapped around a
portion of said handle in such a manner that the stretch release
adhesive tape makes a substantially 180 degree bend. A suitable
handle may also have features which make it comfortable to grasp
with the fingers; for example, a "D-shaped" ring with the stretch
release adhesive tape wrapped around the flat of the "D" shape.
[0008] In many of the most convenient embodiments, the base member
will be rather generic, suitable for attaching various classes of
support member such as hooks, towel racks, picture frame supports,
or the like. In these embodiments, the base member will comprise a
means for attaching such a support member. Conveniently, such an
attaching means may be a pair of complimentary dovetail slides on
each of the base member and the support member. Other expedients
will suggest themselves to the skilled artisan.
[0009] In embodiments which have a means for attaching a support
member, it may be convenient to have a means for locking the
support member to the base member, either releasably or
permanently. Conveniently, a releasable latch may serve as the
locking means.
[0010] Sometimes it will be convenient to provide an article
support such that when the support member is removed from the base
member, the gripping means need not be pulled by the fingers, but
instead engages the support member as it, for example, slides along
a dovetail slide. Then the stretch release adhesive tape is
automatically stretched as the support member is pulled so as to
remove the base member from the substrate.
[0011] As an aid in removal of the stretch release adhesive tape
from the substrate, the base member may conveniently have indicia
explaining the action involved in removing said base member from
the substrate. In those embodiments where the base member has a
means for attaching a support member, it may be particularly
preferred that such indicia are placed where they are hidden from
view when the support member is attached to the base member, but
visible when the support member is removed.
[0012] In some embodiments of the invention, it may be desirable to
have the support member support a substantial amount of
weight--more than can be supported by the holding strength of a
single base member. This can be accommodated within the definition
of the invention by providing a support member that is adapted to
engage a plurality of base members that are generally oriented in a
single plane simultaneously.
[0013] In other embodiments a specialized support member can be
provided that is adapted to engage a plurality of base members
simultaneously in a way that has the stretch release adhesive tape
on the base members oriented in more than one plane. In particular,
such a support member can hold two inexpensive, generic base
members back-to-back so that e.g. a clock can be adhered to a wall.
When desired the stretch release adhesive tape makes it possible to
remove the base members cleanly from each substrate, and the object
adhered can be taken down temporarily for use or maintenance.
[0014] Although for many of the applications which are contemplated
for the present invention the base member will be rigid, article
supports where the base member is a bendable, but not significantly
stretchable film, are also considered within the definition of the
invention. Such a construction will be useful for e.g. removable
labels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A more complete understanding of the invention and its
advantages will be apparent from the Detailed Description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a length of stretch release
adhesive tape adhered to a handle, the handle being one way the
gripping means can be embodied;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is the view of FIG. 2, except that the stretch
release adhesive tape is shown under a tensile load, so that the
compression of a portion of the tape can be depicted;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base member provided with
a double stick stretch release adhesive tape adhered to a D-shaped
handle member used as a means for gripping the tape;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an article support according
to the present invention showing a support member being attached to
a base member;
[0022] FIG. 6a is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 6;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention with the support member partially disengaged
from its in use position engaging the base member, in which the
stretch release adhesive tape is automatically stretched as the
support member is pulled so as to remove the base member from the
substrate.;
[0024] FIG. 8 is the embodiment of FIG. 7 illustrating the support
member completely disengaged from the base member, and being used
to pull the stretch release adhesive tape;
[0025] FIG. 9 is the scene of FIG. 8 with the reverse angle shown
so as to emphasize the way the stretch release adhesive tape
debonds from the base member;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the invention in which the support member is adapted to engage a
two base members oriented in a single plane simultaneously; and
[0027] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the invention in which the support member is adapted
to engage two base members so that the stretch release adhesive
tape on the two base members are oriented back-to-back.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a plan view of a length of stretch
release adhesive tape 20 adhered by a layer of pressure sensitive
adhesive 21 to a handle 22 is illustrated. The handle 22 serves as
a gripping means capable of resisting disassociation from stretch
release adhesive tape 20 when the handle is pulled to put the
stretch release adhesive tape under a tensile load. Depending on
the exact function for which the stretch release adhesive tape 20
is to be used, a second layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 23
will often be present. It will be seen that a portion 24 of the
stretch release adhesive tape 20 is adhered to the handle 22 around
a surface 26 conformed so as to compress at least a portion of the
stretch release adhesive tape during such tensile loading.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the stretch
release adhesive tape 20 is wrapped around the surface 26 of said
handle 22 in such a manner that the stretch release adhesive tape
makes an angle with respect to itself, so long as the tape 20 does
not disassociate from the handle 22. Preferably the angle is
substantially 180 degrees. Referring to FIG. 3 the stretch release
adhesive tape 20 is shown under a tensile load, so that the
compression of portion 24 can be readily visualized.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a perspective view of a base
member 30 is illustrated. This base member 30 is provided with a
double stick stretch release adhesive tape (adhered to the back and
not readily seen in this view). This double stick stretch release
adhesive tape also is inserted through and wrapped around an
opening of a generally "D-shaped" handle also designated as
reference character 22. It will be observed that the tape 20 makes
a 180 degree bend back along itself.
[0031] The base member 30 depicted here is deliberately intended to
be highly generic, suitable for attaching various classes of
support member. For this purpose the base member 30 has the male
half of a dovetail slide, the two portions of which are designated
32 and 34, so that these slides can serve as a means for attaching
such a support member.
[0032] A direction arrow 36 shows the direction of pulling on the
gripping means 22 which will serve to remove the base member 30
from a substrate. The depicted base member 30 has indicia 38
printed on it to conveniently explain the action involved in
removing the base member from the substrate. For example, the
indicia may comprise pictographs or icons for indicating that the
handle should be pulled approximately directly down to remove the
tape 20 (and thus the base 30) from the substrate. In FIG. 5, the
dovetail 32 can more readily be seen, and direction arrow 36 is
able to more clearly indicate that the stretch release adhesive
tape 20 is to be pulled at an angle of no greater than 35 degrees
to remove the base member 30 from the substrate.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, the base member 30 depicted in FIG. 5
is again shown in perspective view, this time with an article
support 40 being attached to the base member using a sliding
engagement between the male dovetail slides 32 and 34 on the base
member and female dovetail slides 42 and 44 on the support member.
The support member 40 is depicted with a rounded hook 46, intending
that the representation be considered illustrative of many
functionalities which could alternatively be used. Other examples
of support members include catches, hook and loop fasteners,
eyelets, magnets, corkboard, suction cups, ribs and other such
structures. In FIG. 6a, the interaction between the male dovetail
slides 32 and 34 on the base member and female dovetail slides 42
and 44 on the support member can more readily be seen.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention in which the stretch release
adhesive tape 20 is automatically stretched as the support member
40 is removed from the base member 30, so as to at the same time
remove the base member from the substrate. The support member 40 is
shown partly slid down the base member 30; in this embodiment, a
releasable latch 48 serves as a means for locking the support
member to the base member, acting on a recess 49. The base member
30 and the support member 40 are free to slide past each other via
the dovetail slides 32, 34, 42, and 44 when the releasable latch is
depressed away from recess 49. The handle 22 has just engaged a
ledge 50 in this figure, so that the stretch release adhesive tape
20 will be pulled as the support member 40 is disengaged from the
base member 30.
[0035] In FIG. 8, the action depicted in FIG. 7 has proceeded, with
the support member 40 completely disengaged from the base member
30, and being used to pull the stretch release adhesive tape 20. In
FIG. 9, this same scene is shown from the reverse angle,
emphasizing the way the stretch release adhesive tape 20 debonds
from the base member 30, and similarly from any substrate to which
the base member is adhered. Along the debond line 52, the backing
of the stretch release adhesive tape 20 is yielding, and this
physical action arranges that only a tiny amount of the adhesive
layers 21 and 23 are asked to debond at any one time, reducing the
chances that the substrate will be damaged by the removal. It will
be particularly observed that stretch release adhesive tape 20 is
bent around handle 22 forming a substantially 180 degree bend.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 10 a perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the invention in which the support member 40 is
adapted to engage a plurality of base members simultaneously is
illustrated. A second base member 30a is depicted, with parts
analogous to those of base member 30 showing an "a" suffix. Base
members 30 and 30a in this embodiment have simply been adhered side
by side, and a wider support member 46 engaged to both of them
simultaneously, dovetail slides 32 and 34a becoming superfluous in
this arrangement. Other arrangements will readily suggest
themselves in the light of this teaching, where two or more base
members which are identical for ease of manufacturing and
inventorying are set up in a prearranged pattern on the substrate,
and a single support member engages all of them simultaneously.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 11, an exploded perspective view of an
alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In this view,
a support member 54 is seen which is adapted to engage two similar
base members 30 and 30a so that the stretch release adhesive tape
20 and 20a with their gripping means 22 and 22a on the two base
members are oriented back-to-back. With the depicted device, an
appliance such as a clock can be mounted on a wall, with one base
member adhered to the clock and the other base member adhered to
the wall. Gravity and physical interference suffice to hold both
base members in the specialized support member. However, the clock
is easily dismounted for winding or the like by lifting its adhered
base member out of the support member. When such mounting is no
longer desired the stretch release adhesive tape makes it possible
to remove the base members cleanly from both the clock and the
wall.
[0038] It will be noted that one of the advantages of the present
invention is that when a separate base member and support member or
used, each can be optimized for its purpose, with different
materials and manufacturing methods used. For example, a highly
generic base element which will be visually concealed by a
decorative support element may be made of materials which balance
the properties of low cost and good adhesion to the stretch release
adhesive tape. Polyethylene or polypropylene or polystyrene,
extruded with a shape possessing an appropriate dovetail
cross-section is considered particularly preferred for these
applications.
[0039] In contrast, the support member need not be optimized for
adhesion, and depending on the contemplated use other desirable
properties may be selected for such as cost, surface appearance,
suitability for accepting decorative plating, bending strength,
ability to be readily injection molded, etc. Depending on the exact
application, rigid polyvinyl chloride, high impact polystyrene, or
nylon could be advantageously used.
[0040] In the interest of a complete presentation, illustrative
examples of suitable stretch release adhesive tapes will presented.
U.S. Ser. No. 07/802,061 Removable Adhesive Tape to Kreckel, and
PCT Application No. PCT/US91/09472 previously incorporated by
reference, provide a more complete discussion of alternatives.
Additional background on styrene-butadiene block copolymer
adhesives which are useful in the context of the present invention
can be found in coassigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,699,842 and 4,835,217,
both to Jorgensen et al, both pressure sensitive adhesives having a
broad useful temperature range, both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference. Preferred adhesive tapes are disclosed
in copending application U.S. Ser. No. 08/114,500, which was filed
on Aug. 31, 1993, and is commonly assigned, incorporated herein by
reference.
EXAMPLE 1
[0041] An adhesive was made by partially polymerizing 100 g of a
blend containing 90% by weight isooctylacrylate monomer and 10% by
weight acrylic acid monomer and 0.04 part per hundred
2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl acetophenone ("Irgacure 651") to yield a
coatable syrup having a viscosity of about 5,000 cps. To this syrup
was then added an additional 0.25 g of a blend containing 90% by
weight isooctylabrylate monomer and 10% by weight acrylic acid
monomer and 0.04 part per hundred 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl
acetophenone ("Irgacure 651"), plus 0.125 g of 1,6-hexanediol
diacrylate crosslinking agent. The composition was thoroughly mixed
and coated onto a silicone-coated polyester film by means of a
knife coater adjusted to produce an adhesive thickness of 0.125 mm.
After the coated syrup was purged thoroughly with nitrogen gas, it
was covered with a second silicone-coated polyester film and
polymerized by means of ultraviolet radiation using a total energy
of 450 mJ/cm.sup.2. One layer of the adhesive was then laminated to
each side of a 0.05 mm corona treated linear low density
polyethylene film, forming a double-coated adhesive tape. The
linear low density polyethylene film, commercially available from
Consolidated Thermoplastics Co., had an elastic modulus of 28,968
psi, a 50% modulus of 4,000 psi, a yield stress of 1743 psi, a
yield strain of 17.3%, a tensile strength of 7,931 psi, an
elongation of 748%, and a recovery of 5.4%.
EXAMPLES 2-6
[0042] Adhesive tapes were made generally according to Example 1,
but the level of cross-linking agent was varied. Examples were made
having crosslinker levels of 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.18
percent. The adhesives so made were discovered to evidence a range
of stretch release adhesion properties.
EXAMPLE 7
[0043] A styrene-butadiene block copolymer adhesive was knife
coated onto a silicone release liner, then dried at 175 degrees F
for 15 minutes in a forced air drying oven. Adhesive films of 2.8
mil (0.07 mm) and 4.6 mil (0.14 mm) in thickness were thus
made.
[0044] While certain embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail herein and as shown in the accompanying
Drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are
possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *