U.S. patent application number 15/370496 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-23 for repositionable medium and stack thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is CCL Label, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jay K. Sato, Douglas W. Wilson.
Application Number | 20170080741 15/370496 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45953267 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170080741 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sato; Jay K. ; et
al. |
March 23, 2017 |
REPOSITIONABLE MEDIUM AND STACK THEREOF
Abstract
A repositionable medium includes a base, a paper, and a first
repositionable adhesive. The base has a top surface, a bottom
surface, a first end edge, and a second end edge. The paper is
fixedly coupled to the top surface of the base proximate to the
first end edge. The paper has an inner edge and an outer edge. The
outer edge is closer to the first end edge than the inner edge is
to the first end edge. The inner edge is spaced a first distance
from the first end edge of the base. The first repositionable
adhesive is fixed to the bottom surface of the base and is not
present in a first low adhesion area at a line across a width of
the base and spaced a second distance from the second end edge of
the base. The second distance equals the length of the first
distance.
Inventors: |
Sato; Jay K.; (Mission
Viejo, CA) ; Wilson; Douglas W.; (San Dimas,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CCL Label, Inc. |
Framingham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45953267 |
Appl. No.: |
15/370496 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14329028 |
Jul 11, 2014 |
9527331 |
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15370496 |
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13081488 |
Apr 6, 2011 |
8778474 |
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14329028 |
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12829386 |
Jul 2, 2010 |
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13081488 |
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29355485 |
Feb 8, 2010 |
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12829386 |
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29361471 |
May 11, 2010 |
D679753 |
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29355485 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 27/10 20130101;
B32B 2307/414 20130101; B32B 7/14 20130101; Y10T 428/14 20150115;
Y10T 428/28 20150115; B32B 2307/748 20130101; B42F 9/00 20130101;
Y10T 428/24934 20150115; B42D 5/003 20130101; Y10T 428/23986
20150401; B32B 27/36 20130101; Y10T 428/24008 20150115; Y10T
428/24769 20150115; B32B 2307/402 20130101; B32B 2255/10 20130101;
B42F 21/06 20130101; B42D 9/004 20130101; B42D 5/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B42D 5/00 20060101
B42D005/00; B32B 27/36 20060101 B32B027/36; B32B 7/14 20060101
B32B007/14; B32B 27/10 20060101 B32B027/10; B42D 9/00 20060101
B42D009/00; B42F 21/06 20060101 B42F021/06 |
Claims
1. A repositionable medium comprising: a base, the base having a
top surface and a bottom surface; a paper fixed to the top surface
of the base; a first repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom
surface of the base in a first high adhesion area; and a second
repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom surface of the base in
a first low adhesion area, the first low adhesion area is different
than the first high adhesion area, the second repositionable
adhesive having less adhesive strength than the first
repositionable adhesive.
2. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
base includes a polymeric film.
3. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
polymeric film is translucent.
4. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 3, wherein at
least a portion of the polymeric film is coated with a
marking-receptive coating.
5. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
paper covers a portion of the top surface of the base.
6. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 2, further
comprising a substrate for providing a background to the film.
7. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
substrate is a solid color.
8. A repositionable medium comprising: a base, the base having a
top surface and a bottom surface, the base has a first end edge and
a second end edge; a paper fixed to the top surface of the base,
the paper has a first edge proximate to the first end edge of the
base and a second edge distal to the first end edge of the base,
the second edge of the paper is spaced from the first end edge of
the base by a first distance; and a first repositionable adhesive
fixed to the bottom surface of the base in a first high adhesion
area, the first high adhesion area spaced from the second edge of
the paper.
9. The repositionable medium of claim 8, wherein the first
repositionable adhesive is fixed to the bottom surface of the base
in a second high adhesion area, at least a portion of the first and
second high adhesion areas are spaced apart from one another along
the bottom surface of the base, wherein the first high adhesion
area of the first repositionable adhesive is spaced from the second
end edge of the base by a second distance slightly greater in
length than the first distance.
10. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
base includes a polymeric film.
11. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
polymeric film is translucent.
12. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 10, wherein at
least a portion of the polymeric film is coated with a
marking-receptive coating.
13. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 10, further
comprising a substrate for providing a background to the film.
14. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
substrate is a solid color.
15. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
paper covers a portion of the top surface of the base.
16. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
first high adhesion area of the first repositionable adhesive is
spaced from the second end edge of the base by a second distance
slightly greater in length than the first distance, and wherein the
second high adhesion area of the first repositionable adhesive is
positioned over at least a portion of the bottom surface extending
from the second end edge of the base to a third distance from the
second end edge of the base, the third distance is slightly less in
length than the first distance.
17. A repositionable medium comprising: a polymeric film having a
top surface and a bottom surface; a paper fixed to the top surface
of the film; a first repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom
surface of the film; and a substrate for providing a background to
the film wherein the substrate is a solid color.
18. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 17, wherein the
polymeric film is translucent.
19. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 18, wherein at
least a portion of the polymeric film is coated with a
marking-receptive coating.
20. The repositionable medium as claimed in claim 15, further
comprising a non-adhesive layer applied to the top of the paper
along at least one edge of the paper for adhering the paper to the
film wherein the paper has an outer edge proximate to a first end
edge of the film and an inner edge distal to the first end edge of
the film and wherein the non-adhesive layer is applied over the
inner edge of the paper.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/329,028, filed Jul. 11, 2014, entitled "Repositionable
Medium And Stack Thereof", by Jay K. Sato and Douglas W. Wilson,
which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/081,488, filed Apr. 6, 2011, entitled "Repositionable Medium And
Stack Thereof", by Jay K. Sato and Douglas W. Wilson, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/829,386, filed Jul. 2, 2010, entitled "Note Sheet and Pads
Thereof and Related Method" by Jay K. Sato, Eric Kim, Susan L.
Broyles, Darren S. Ferris, Cheng-Chung Chang, and Tsun-Rung Hsu,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/355,485, filed Feb. 8, 2010, entitled "Note Sheets and Related
Pads of Note Sheets" by Jay K. Sato, Eric Kim, Susan L. Broyles,
Darren S. Ferris, Cheng-Chung Chang, and Tsun-Rung Hsu, and a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/361,471, filed May 11, 2010, entitled "Note Sheets and Related
Pads of Note Sheets" by Jay K. Sato, Eric Kim, Susan L. Broyles,
Darren S. Ferris, Cheng-Chung Chang, and Tsun-Rung Hsu. Each of
these patent documents are all incorporated by reference herein in
their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to media of the type
including a repositionable adhesive and relates more particularly
to a novel medium of the aforementioned type, to a plurality of
such media arranged in a stack, the method of manufacturing such
media, and the method of using such media.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Media of the type including a repositionable adhesive are
commonly used in a variety of venues including, but not limited to,
homes, workplaces, and schools, and for a variety of applications,
such as note-taking. One common type of medium having a
repositionable adhesive is often referred to in the art as a
repositionable note paper and includes a small sheet of paper
having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface is
receptive to markings, the bottom surface having a repositionable
adhesive applied to a portion thereof, typically as a band of
adhesive applied alongside one edge of the sheet.
[0004] In use, a handwritten or machine-printed marking is made on
the top surface of the sheet, and the sheet is adhered to a desired
object by pressing the adhesive band directly against the object.
Often, prior to use, a plurality of identical such media are
stacked on top of each other and held together using the adhesive
bands to form a pad. The media can be stacked with their respective
adhesive bands aligned with one another. For such stacks, markings
can be made on the top sheet prior to separating the top sheet from
the remainder of the pad, or the top sheet can be separated from
the pad prior to applying a marking to the separated sheet.
[0005] In another type of stack, the media can be arranged in an
alternating pattern in which each sheet is rotated 180 degrees
relative to its adjacent neighbors with respect to their respective
adhesive bands. The aforementioned type of stack is often referred
to as an "accordion stack" or as a "Z-stack," due to the appearance
of the stack from its side when the top and bottom sheets of the
stack are gently pulled in a direction away from one another. Such
stacks can be used in conjunction with a slotted dispenser so that
individual sheets can be separated from the stack by pulling the
free end of the top sheet up through a narrow slot in the
dispenser. Once the sheet has been removed from the dispenser, it
can be marked and adhered to a desired substrate. Such stacks can
also be used without a dispenser, in which case the marking can be
applied to the sheet either before or after separating the sheet
from the remainder of the stack.
[0006] Another common type of repositionable medium is often
referred to in the art as a repositionable flag and includes a
rectangular strip of polymeric film divided laterally into a first
portion and a second portion, the first portion is usually longer
than the second portion. The first portion, which can be
translucent, has a repositionable adhesive applied to the bottom
surface thereof and has a coating applied to the top surface
thereof that is receptive to handwritten or machine-printed
markings. The second portion can be devoid of adhesive on its
bottom surface and can have a coating over its top surface that is
receptive to handwritten or machine-printed markings. In addition,
the top surface of the second portion can be coated with a colored
ink and can additionally include pre-printed information.
[0007] The above-described repositionable flags are often arranged
in "Z-stacks," with individual flags being dispensed from the
"Z-stack" using a slotted dispenser. In use, a flag is dispensed
from the "Z-stack," and the flag is adhered to a desired object,
such as a sheet of paper. If desired, markings can be made on the
first portion and/or the second portion of the tape, either before
or after the tape is adhered to a desired object. When the desired
object is paper, the tape is can be positioned relative to the
sheet of paper so that the second portion of the tape extends
outside the boundaries of the sheet of paper, with the first
portion of the tape positioned within the boundaries of the sheet.
In this manner, the second portion can serve as a flag to identify
a portion of the paper of interest, with the first portion of the
tape being translucent so as not to obscure any printed matter
located therebeneath.
[0008] Still another common type of repositionable medium includes
a sheet of polymeric film divided into a first portion and a second
portion, the second portion extending laterally from the first
portion as a tab. The first portion, which can be translucent, can
have a repositionable adhesive applied to the bottom surface
thereof and has a coating applied to the top surface thereof that
is receptive to handwritten or machine-printed markings. The second
portion can be devoid of adhesive on its bottom surface and can
have a small sheet of paper, which can be colored, adhered to its
top surface, the sheet of paper is receptive to handwritten or
machine-printed markings. Analogously to the repositionable note
flags discussed above, markings can be made on the paper sheet
and/or on top of the coated first portion, and the first portion
can be adhered to a desired object.
[0009] However, in contrast with the aforementioned repositionable
note flags, these tabbed media are not arranged in a "Z-stack"
prior to use, but rather, are stacked so that all of the first
portions of the polymeric film are aligned with one another and so
that all of the second portions of the polymeric film are aligned
with one another. The reason why a "Z-stack" has not been used for
this type of medium is that, if a "Z-stack" arrangement were to be
used, the adhesive area on the bottom of a first medium would come
into direct contact with the paper portion of a second medium
located directly beneath the first medium. Such contact between the
adhesive area of the first medium and the paper of the second
medium would undesirably result in the delamination or splitting of
the paper from the second medium as the first medium is pulled away
from the second medium.
[0010] It should, therefore, be appreciated that there is a need
for a repositionable medium that can resist delamination when
removed from a "Z-stack" arrangement. The present invention
satisfies this need.
SUMMARY
[0011] The present invention includes a repositionable medium. The
repositionable medium includes a base having a top surface, a
bottom surface, a first end edge, and a second end edge. The
repositionable medium also includes a paper fixedly coupled to the
top surface of the base proximate to the first end edge. The paper
has an inner edge and an outer edge, with the outer edge being
closer to the first end edge than the inner edge is to the first
end edge. The inner edge is spaced from the first end edge of the
base by a first distance. The repositionable medium also includes a
first repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom surface of the
base. The first repositionable adhesive not being present in a
first low adhesion area at a line across a width of the base and
spaced from the second end edge of the base by a second distance.
The second distance is equal in length to the first distance.
[0012] In other, more detailed features of the invention, the first
low adhesion area extends entirely across the width of the base.
Also, the first low adhesion area can be devoid of adhesive. Also,
the repositionable medium can further include a second
repositionable adhesive. The second repositionable adhesive
occupies at least a portion of the first low adhesion area. The
second repositionable adhesive is less tacky than the first
repositionable adhesive.
[0013] In other, more detailed features of the invention, the
second repositionable adhesive is the same as the first
repositionable adhesive and the second repositionable adhesive has
a lower coat weight than the first repositionable adhesive. Also,
the first low adhesion area can extend entirely across the width of
the base and can extend from the second end edge of the base to
slightly beyond the line spaced from the second end edge by the
second distance. Also, the first low adhesion area can extend
entirely across the width of the base from a third distance
slightly less than the second distance to a fourth distance
slightly greater than the second distance. Also, the first
repositionable adhesive can be applied to the bottom surface of the
base from the second end edge of the base to the third distance.
The first repositionable adhesive can also be applied to the bottom
surface of the base from the fourth distance to a fifth distance,
with the fifth distance spaced from the first end edge and can be
greater than the first distance.
[0014] In other, more detailed features of the invention, the first
repositionable adhesive is not present in a second low adhesion
area positioned along the second end edge of the base. The first
repositionable adhesive can occupy at least some of the space
between the first low adhesion area and the second low adhesion
area. Also, the second repositionable adhesive can occupy the first
low adhesion area and the second low adhesion area. Also, at least
one of the first low adhesion area and the second low adhesion area
can be devoid of adhesive. Also, both the first low adhesion area
and the second low adhesion area can be devoid of adhesive.
[0015] In other, more detailed features of the invention, the base
can include a polymeric film. Also, the polymeric film can be
translucent. Also, at least a portion of the polymeric film can be
coated with a marking-receptive coating. Also, at least a portion
of the polymeric can be coated with a marking-receptive coating and
a writable release coating.
[0016] In other, more detailed features of the invention, the paper
can be coated with a writable release coating. Also, the paper can
be fixedly coupled to the base using an adhesive.
[0017] The present invention also includes a stack of
repositionable media including a plurality of repositionable media.
Each of the plurality of repositionable media includes a base. The
base has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end edge, and a
second end edge. Each of the plurality of repositionable media also
includes a paper fixedly coupled to the top surface of the base
proximate to the first end edge. The paper has an inner edge and an
outer edge. The outer edge is closer to the first end edge than the
inner edge is to the first end edge and the inner edge is spaced
from the first end edge of the base by a first distance. Each of
the plurality of repositionable media also includes a first
repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom surface of the base.
The first repositionable adhesive is not present in a first low
adhesion area at a line across a width of the base and spaced from
the second end edge of the base by a second distance. The second
distance is equal in length to the first distance. The plurality of
repositionable media is arranged in a Z-stack. The inner edge of
the paper of a first repositionable medium is aligned with the
first low adhesion area on a second repositionable medium
positioned directly thereover.
[0018] The present invention also includes a repositionable medium.
The repositionable medium including a base. The base has a top
surface and a bottom surface. The repositionable medium also
includes a paper fixed to the top surface of the base, a first
repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom surface of the base in
a first high adhesion area, and a second repositionable adhesive
fixed to the bottom surface of the base in a first low adhesion
area. The first low adhesive is different than the first high
adhesion area and the second repositionable adhesive having less
adhesive strength than the first repositionable adhesive. Also, the
paper can cover a portion of the top surface of the base.
[0019] The present invention also includes a stack of
repositionable media including a plurality of repositionable media.
Each of the plurality of repositionable media includes a base, and
the base has a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the
plurality of repositionable media also includes a paper fixed to
the top surface of the base, a first repositionable adhesive fixed
to the bottom surface of the base in a first high adhesion area,
and a second repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom surface of
the base in a first low adhesion area. The first low adhesion area
is different than the first high adhesion area, and the second
repositionable adhesive has less adhesive strength than the first
repositionable adhesive. The base has a first end edge and a second
end edge. The paper has a first edge proximate to the first end
edge of the base and a second edge distal to the first end edge of
the base. The second edge of the paper is spaced from the first end
edge of the base by a first distance. The plurality of
repositionable media is arranged in a Z-stack, with the second edge
of the paper of a first repositionable medium aligned with the
first low adhesion area of the second repositionable adhesive of a
second repositionable medium positioned directly thereover.
[0020] The present invention also includes a repositionable medium.
The repositionable medium includes a base. The base having a top
surface and a bottom surface. The repositionable medium also
includes a paper fixed to the top surface of the base, and a first
repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom surface of the base in
a first high adhesion area and in a second high adhesion area. At
least a portion of the first and second high adhesion areas are
spaced apart from one another.
[0021] In other, more detailed features of the invention, the paper
can have a first edge proximate to the first end edge of the base
and a second edge distal to the first end edge of the base. The
second edge of the paper can be spaced from the first end edge of
the base by a first distance and the first high adhesion area of
the first repositionable adhesive can be spaced from the second end
edge of the base by a second distance that can be slightly greater
in length than the first distance. The second high adhesion area of
the first repositionable adhesive can be positioned over at least a
portion of the bottom surface and can extend from the second end
edge of the base to a third distance from the second end edge of
the base. The third distance can be slightly less in length than
the first distance.
[0022] In other, more detailed features of the invention, the
repositionable medium can further include a second repositionable
adhesive applied to the bottom surface of the base in a first low
adhesion area. Also, the first low adhesion area can be located
between the first high adhesion area and the second high adhesion
area.
[0023] The present invention also includes a stack of
repositionable media including a plurality of repositionable media.
Each of the plurality of repositionable media includes a base. The
base has a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the plurality
of repositionable media also includes a paper fixed to the top
surface of the base, and a first repositionable adhesive fixed to
the bottom surface of the base in a first high adhesion area and in
a second high adhesion area. At least a portion of the first and
second high adhesion areas are spaced apart from one another. Each
of the plurality of repositionable media also includes a second
repositionable adhesive applied to the bottom surface of the base
in a first low adhesion area. The second repositionable adhesive
has less adhesive strength than the first repositionable adhesive.
The base has a first end edge and a second end edge. The paper has
a first edge proximate to the first end edge of the base and a
second edge distal to the first end edge of the base. The second
edge of the paper is spaced from the first end edge of the base by
a first distance. The second edge of the paper of a first
repositionable medium is aligned with the first low adhesion area
of the second repositionable adhesive of a second repositionable
medium positioned directly thereover.
[0024] The present invention also includes a repositionable medium.
The repositionable medium including a base that has a top surface
and a bottom surface, a paper fixed to the top surface of the base,
a first repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom surface of the
base, and a release coating applied to a top surface of the
paper.
[0025] In other, more detailed features of the invention, the
release coating can be applied to only a portion of the top surface
of the paper. Also, the release coating can be applied to the top
surface of the paper only along at least one of the inner edge and
the outer edge of the paper. Also, the base can have a first end
edge and a second end edge and the paper is located closer to the
first end edge of the base than to the second end edge of the
base.
[0026] The present invention also includes a stack of
repositionable media including a plurality of repositionable media.
Each of the plurality of repositionable media includes a base
having a top surface and a bottom surface, a paper fixed to the top
surface of the base, a first repositionable adhesive fixed to the
bottom surface of the base, and a release coating applied to a top
surface of the paper. The plurality of repositionable media is
arranged in a Z-stack.
[0027] The present invention also includes a repositionable medium.
The repositionable medium includes a base that includes a top
surface and a bottom surface, a paper fixed to the top surface of
the base, a first repositionable adhesive fixed to the bottom
surface of the base, and a non-adhesive layer applied to the top of
the paper along at least one edge for adhering the paper to the
base.
[0028] Other features of the invention should become apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following description of the
preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of
the invention, the invention not being limited to any particular
preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated
into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate
various embodiments of the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It
should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale. In the
drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:
[0030] FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c) are top plan, side elevational,
and bottom plan views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a
repositionable medium;
[0031] FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c) are top plan, side elevational,
and bottom plan views, respectively, of the base shown in FIG.
1(a);
[0032] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are top plan and side elevational views,
respectively, of the overlay shown in FIG. 1(a);
[0033] FIG. 4 is a simplified side elevational view, partly in
section, of a plurality of the repositionable media of FIG. 1(a) in
a "Z-stack," the "Z-stack" being disposed in a slotted
dispenser;
[0034] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are bottom plan and side elevational
views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a repositionable
medium;
[0035] FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are bottom plan and side elevational
views, respectively, of a third embodiment of a repositionable
medium;
[0036] FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are bottom plan and side elevational
views, respectively, of a fourth embodiment of a repositionable
medium;
[0037] FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are bottom plan and side elevational
views, respectively, of a fifth embodiment of a repositionable
medium;
[0038] FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are top and bottom plan views,
respectively, of a sixth embodiment of a repositionable medium;
[0039] FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) are top and bottom plan views,
respectively, of a seventh embodiment of a repositionable
medium;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for a method of manufacturing a
repositionable medium; and
[0041] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for a method of using a
repositionable medium.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0042] The present invention is embodied in a repositionable
medium, a stack of repositionable media, and related methods. The
repositionable media come in a multitude of configurations. A few
non-limiting examples of repositionable media, stacks thereof, and
related methods are discussed below.
[0043] As noted above, the present invention is directed at the
above-described problem of delamination occurring within a
"Z-stack" of repositionable media of the type including a paper
sheet fixed to a base having a repositionable adhesive. According
to one approach of the present invention, this problem can be
ameliorated by providing a lower strength repositionable adhesive
in one or more low adhesion areas that can be aligned with one or
more of the edges of the paper for the medium positioned
thereunder, with a higher strength repositionable adhesive provided
in one or more high adhesion areas. As used herein, adhesive
strength means peel adhesion or tack adhesion as determined by
Pressure Sensitive Tape Council test methods PSTC-101 and PSTC-16.
According to another approach, this problem can be ameliorated by
not providing any adhesive in one or more of the low adhesion areas
that can be aligned with one or more of the edges of the paper for
the medium positioned thereunder. According to yet another
approach, this problem can be ameliorated by providing a release on
top of the edges of the paper sheet to inhibit adhesion with the
repositionable adhesive of the medium positioned thereover.
According to still yet another approach, this problem can be
ameliorated by gluing or taping the edges of the paper down to its
respective base.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c), there are shown
top plan, side elevational, and bottom plan views, respectively, of
a first embodiment of a repositionable medium, the repositionable
medium being represented generally by reference numeral 11. (For
illustrative purposes, certain features of medium 11 are not shown
in all views.)
[0045] Medium 11 can include a base 13, which is also shown
separately in FIGS. 2(a) through 2(c). Base 13, which can be a
one-piece structure having a top surface 13-1 and a bottom surface
13-2, can be made of a translucent polymeric film, for example, a
translucent (clear or tinted) polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
film. Such a PET film can have a thickness, for example, of about
125 Base 13 can be shaped to include a first end portion 15, a
second end portion 17, and an intermediate portion 19, first end
portion 15 and second end portion 17 are spaced apart from one
another, with intermediate portion 19 extending between and
interconnecting first end portion 15 and second end portion 17.
[0046] The first end portion 15 can have a generally trapezoidal
shape when viewed from above and can be shaped to include a first
side edge 15-1, a second side edge 15-2, and an end edge 15-3. The
corner where end edge 15-3 meets first side edge 15-1 and the
corner where end edge 15-3 meets second side edge 15-2 can be
rounded. In addition, first side edge 15-1 can have a slight
concavity 16-1 just before meeting intermediate portion 19, and
second side edge 15-2 can have a corresponding concavity 16-2 just
before meeting intermediate section 19. Second end portion 17 can
have a generally trapezoidal shape when viewed from above and can
be shaped to include a first side edge 17-1, a second side edge
17-2, and an end edge 17-3. The corner where end edge 17-3 meets
first side edge 17-1 and the corner where end edge 17-3 meets
second side edge 17-2 can be rounded.
[0047] In addition, first side edge 17-1 can have a slight
concavity 18-1 just before meeting intermediate portion 19, and
second side edge 17-2 can have a corresponding concavity 18-2 just
before meeting intermediate portion 19. Intermediate portion 19 can
have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above and can
include a first side edge 19-1 and a second side edge 19-2. Base 13
can be symmetric about both its longitudinal centerline and its
lateral centerline, and first end portion 15 and second end portion
17 can be mirror-images of one another.
[0048] Exemplary dimensions for base 13 can include a length
l.sub.1 measured from end edge 15-3 to end edge 17-3 of
approximately 38.1 mm and a width w.sub.1 measured from side edge
19-1 to side edge 19-2 of approximately 25.4 mm. In addition, each
of portions 15 and 17 can have a length l.sub.2 of 14.3 mm, and
portion 19 can have a length l.sub.3 of approximately 10.3 mm. In
other embodiments, length l.sub.1 can range from approximately 28.5
mm to approximately 47.7 mm, lengths l.sub.2 and l.sub.3 can range
from approximately 9.5 mm to approximately 15.9 mm, and width
w.sub.1 can range from approximately 25.4 mm to approximately 76.2
mm.
[0049] Referring back to FIG. 1(b), medium 11 can further include a
topcoat 23, which can be applied directly over top surface 13-1 of
base 13 in at least the areas corresponding to end portion 17 and
intermediate portion 19. Topcoat 23 can be a conventional
writing-receptive coating and can be used to render base 13
receptive to handwritten markings, such as those made, for example,
by pen, marker and/or pencil, and/or to machine-printed markings,
such as those made, for example, by typewriter and/or printer.
Writable release coat 25, which can be applied directly over the
entirety of topcoat 23 or a portion of topcoat 23, can be a
conventional writable release coating and can be used to minimize
adhesion of base 13 to a repositionable adhesive brought into
contact therewith.
[0050] Medium 11 can also include an overlay 31, which is also
shown separately in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). Overlay 31 can be securely
fixed to top surface 13-1 of base 13 in first end portion 15 using
a suitable adhesive 33, which adhesive can be, for example, an
adhesive coating or a strip of double-sided tape. Overlay 31 can
have a generally trapezoidal shape and can include a first side
edge 31-1, a second side edge 31-2, an outer edge 31-3, and an
inner edge 31-4. Overlay 31 can be dimensioned so that first side
edge 31-1, second side edge 31-2 and outer edge 31-3 lie
substantially flush with first side edge 15-1, second side edge
15-2, and end edge 15-3, respectively, of first end portion 15,
with inner edge 31-4 of overlay 31 lying inwardly from end edge
15-3 a short distance from intermediate portion 19. Where, for
example, base 13 has the dimensions specified above, overlay 31 can
have a length l.sub.4, a first distance, from outer edge 31-3 to
inner edge 31-4 of approximately 12.7 mm. In other embodiments,
length l.sub.4 can range from approximately 9.5 mm to approximately
15.9 mm. A phantom line 20 on the medium can be defined extending
from first side edge 17-1 to second side edge 17-2 spaced at a
distance equal to length l.sub.4, a second distance, measured from
end edge 17-3. See FIG. 2(a).
[0051] Overlay 31 can be a non-translucent material and can
include, for example, a sheet of paper 35 that is receptive to
handwritten markings, such as those made, for example, by pen,
marker and/or pencil, and/or to machine-printed markings, such as
those made, for example, by typewriter and/or printer. Paper 35 can
include colored paper or white paper and can be either coated or
uncoated. A writable release coating 37 can be applied to at least
a portion of the top surface of paper 35 to minimize adhesion of
overlay 31 to a repositionable adhesive of another medium 11
brought into contact therewith.
[0052] Referring back to FIG. 1(c), medium 11 can further include a
plurality of adhesive patches 41, 43 and 45 located on bottom
surface 13-2 of base 13. As used herein, the term "plurality" means
two or more. Adhesive patch 41, which can include, for example, a
coating of a relatively low-tack repositionable, ultraremovable
adhesive, a low coat weight adhesive, a pattern-coated adhesive, or
a detackified adhesive, can have boundaries including a first side
edge 41-1, a second side edge 41-2, an outer edge 41-3, and an
inner edge 41-4. First side edge 41-1 can lie substantially flush
with a portion of first side edge 17-1 of base 13, and second side
edge 41-2 can lie substantially flush with a portion of second side
edge 17-2 of base 13. Outer edge 41-3 can be located at a distance,
a third distance, from end edge 17-3 that is slightly less than the
length l.sub.4 of overlay 31 as measured from outer edge 31-3 to
inner edge 31-4, and inner edge 41-4 can be located at a distance,
a fourth distance, from end edge 17-3 that slightly exceeds the
length l.sub.4 of overlay 31 as measured from outer edge 31-3 to
inner edge 31-4. The locations of first side edge 41-1, second side
edge 41-2, outer edge 41-3, and inner edge 41-4 define a first low
adhesion area.
[0053] In this manner, as will be seen below, in a "Z-stack" of two
or more media 11, adjacent media 11 will be arranged so that the
inner edge 31-4 of overlay 31 of the lower medium 11 is aligned
between outer edge 41-3 and inner edge 41-4 of the upper medium 11.
Where medium 11 has the dimensions discussed above, outer edge 41-3
and inner edge 41-4 can be spaced apart from one another by a
distance of, for example, approximately 3.0 mm. In other
embodiments, outer edge 41-3 and inner edge 41-4 can be spaced
apart from one another by a distance ranging from approximately 2.0
mm to approximately 5.0 mm.
[0054] Adhesive patch 43, which can include a coating of a
relatively high-tack repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive, can
have boundaries including a first side edge 43-1, a second side
edge 43-2, an outer edge 43-3, and an inner edge 43-4. First side
edge 43-1 can lie substantially flush with a portion of first side
edge 17-1 of base 13, second side edge 43-2 can lie substantially
flush with a portion of second side edge 17-2 of base 13, outer
edge 43-3 can lie substantially flush with end edge 17-3 of base,
and inner edge 43-4 can lie substantially flush with outer edge
41-3 of patch 41. The first side edge 43-1, second side edge 43-2,
outer edge 43-3, and inner edge 43-4 also define a first high
adhesion area.
[0055] Adhesive patch 45, which can be identical in composition to
adhesive patch 43 and which can include a coating of a relatively
high-tack repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive, can cover a
second high adhesion area on the bottom surface of base 13
extending laterally substantially the full width of base 13 and
extending longitudinally from inner edge 41-4 to a boundary 45-1
substantially aligned with inner edge 31-4 of overlay 31. Boundary
45-1 is located a distance, a fifth distance, from the first end
edge 15-3, and the distance is greater than length l.sub.4.
[0056] As discussed above, adhesive patch 43 and adhesive patch 45
can include relatively high-tack repositionable or ultraremovable
adhesives, and adhesive patch 41 can include a relatively low-tack
repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive. It should be understood
that adhesive patches 41, 43, and 45 can include the same
repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive that is detackified or
pattern-coated to provide the necessary relative tack required for
each patch. Alternatively, adhesive patch 41 can be a lower coat
weight of the same adhesive used for adhesive patch 43 or adhesive
patch 45. In one embodiment, the coat weight of adhesive patches 43
and 45 can range between approximately 5.5 grams/square meter (gsm)
to approximately 6.5 gsm, and the coat weight of adhesive patch 41
can range between approximately 5.5 gsm to approximately 6.5 gsm.
In other embodiments, the coat weight of adhesive patches 43 and 45
can range between approximately 3 gsm to approximately 12 gsm, and
the coat weight of adhesive patch 41 can range between
approximately 3 gsm to approximately 12 gsm.
[0057] Ultraremovable adhesives are discussed in the following
patents and patent publications, all of which are incorporated
herein by reference herein in their entireties: U.S. Pat. No.
6,328,518 to Wong, issued Dec. 11, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,851 to
Mazurek et al., issued Nov. 13, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,705 to
Mallya et al., issued Aug. 12, 1997; and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2002/0047263 A1 to McCarthy et al., published
Apr. 25, 2002. Additionally, a primer can be used with removable or
ultraremovable adhesives to increase the anchorage of the adhesive
to the base.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a simplified side
elevational view of three identical media 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3
arranged in a "Z-stack," the "Z-stack" being represented generally
by reference numeral 51. (For ease of illustration and
understanding, certain features of "Z-stack" are not shown.) As can
be appreciated, although "Z-stack" 51 is shown including three
stacked media, "Z-stack" 51 is not limited to a stack of three
stacked media and could include, for example, a greater or lesser
number of media. In FIG. 4, the uppermost medium 11-1 is shown
being dispensed from a slotted dispenser 61, shown partly in
section. Dispenser 61 can be similar to conventional dispensers but
dimensioned appropriately for "Z-stack" 51.
[0059] As can be seen, to dispense the uppermost medium 11-1 from
dispenser 61, a user can pull the exposed end of medium 11-1 away
from the remainder of "Z-stack" 51, for example, by pulling the
combination of end portion 15 of base 13 and overlay 31 of medium
11-1 through slot 61-1 in the direction indicated by arrow A.
Although overlay 31 of middle medium 11-2 is in contact with
adhesive on the bottom of uppermost medium 11-1, the separation of
uppermost medium 11-1 from the remainder of "Z-stack" 51 is less
likely to result in the delamination of overlay 31 from middle
medium 11-2 than would otherwise be the case. This is because inner
edge 31-4 of overlay 31 of middle medium 11-2 is in contact with
adhesive patch 41 of uppermost medium 11, adhesive patch 41 is
relatively low-tack, as compared to adhesive patches 43 or 45.
Since the initiation of delamination is most likely to occur along
inner edge 31-4 of overlay 31 when pulling medium 11-1 in the
direction indicated by arrow A, the reduction in adhesion between
31 and medium 11-1 due to the use of adhesive patch 41, instead of
the use of an adhesive similar to that of patches 43 and 45, is
likely to result in a reduction in the occurrence of
delamination.
[0060] Medium 11 can be marked and/or applied to objects in the
conventional fashion.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), there are shown bottom
plan and side elevational views, respectively, of a second
embodiment of a repositionable medium, the repositionable medium
being represented generally by reference numeral 111.
[0062] Medium 111 can be similar in most respects to medium 11, the
principal difference between the two media being that, in medium
111, the area occupied by patch 43 of medium 11 can be occupied
with the combination of an adhesive patch 112, occupying the first
high adhesion area, and an adhesive patch 113, adhesive patch 113
extending along edge 17-3 of base 13 and occupying a second low
adhesion area. Adhesive patch 112 can be identical in composition
to adhesive patch 43 and can include a relatively high-tack
repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive. Adhesive patch 113 can
be identical in composition to adhesive patch 41 and can include a
relatively low-tack repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive.
Patch 113 can serve to inhibit the initiation of delamination along
outer edge 31-3 of overlay 31.
[0063] Medium 111 can be stacked, dispensed, marked, and/or adhered
to an object analogously to medium 11.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), there are shown bottom
plan and side elevational views, respectively, of a third
embodiment of a repositionable medium, the repositionable medium
being represented generally by reference numeral 211.
[0065] Medium 211 can be similar in most respects to medium 111,
the principal difference between the two media being that, in
medium 211, no adhesive is positioned in the corresponding areas
occupied by patches 41 and 113 of medium 111. Instead, medium 211
can include a first non-adhesive area 213 provided in the area
corresponding to patch 41 of medium 11, and a second non-adhesive
area 215 can be provided in the area corresponding to patch 113 of
medium 11. In another embodiment (not shown), second non-adhesive
area 215 can be occupied with an adhesive similar to that of patch
41 or similar to that of patches 43 and 45, with first non-adhesive
area 213 remaining unoccupied by adhesive.
[0066] Medium 211 can be stacked, dispensed, marked, and/or adhered
to an object analogously to medium 11.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), there are shown bottom
plan and side elevational views, respectively, of a fourth
embodiment of a repositionable medium, the repositionable medium
being represented generally by reference numeral 311.
[0068] Medium 311 can be similar in most respects to medium 11, the
principal difference between the two media being that adhesive
patches 41 and 43 of medium 11 can be replaced in medium 311 with
an adhesive patch 313. Adhesive patch 313 can be identical in
composition to adhesive patch 41 and can include a relatively
low-tack repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive.
[0069] Medium 311 can be stacked, dispensed, marked, and/or adhered
to an object analogously to medium 11.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), there are shown bottom
plan and side elevational views, respectively, of a fifth
embodiment of a repositionable medium, the repositionable medium
being represented generally by reference numeral 411.
[0071] Medium 411 can be similar in most respects to medium 211,
the principal difference between the two media being that patches
45, 213 and 112 of medium 211 can be replaced in medium 411 with an
adhesive patch 413. Patch 413 can include an adhesive similar to
that of patch 45 of medium 211.
[0072] Medium 411 can be stacked, dispensed, marked, and/or adhered
to an object analogously to medium 11.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), there are shown top
and bottom plan views, respectively, of a sixth embodiment of a
repositionable medium, the repositionable medium being represented
generally reference numeral 511.
[0074] Medium 511 can be similar in many respects to medium 11. One
difference between the two media can be that medium 511 can include
a single adhesive patch 513 covering the areas corresponding to the
areas covered by patches 41, 43 and 45 of medium 11. Patch 513 can
include a repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive similar to that
of patches 43 and 45 of medium 11. Another difference between
medium 511 and medium 11 can be that medium 511 can further include
a strip of non-adhesive coating 517, for example, a lacquer
coating, positioned over inner edge 31-4 (shown in phantom) of
overlay 31, with a first edge 517-1 of non-adhesive coating 517
adhered to overlay 31 and with a second edge 517-2 of non-adhesive
coating 517 adhered to base 13. Non-adhesive coating 517 can serve
to inhibit the initiation of delamination of overlay 31 along inner
edge 517-1. As can be appreciated, non-adhesive coating 517 could
be replaced with other non-adhesive means, such as, for example, a
single-sided adhesive tape.
[0075] Medium 511 can be stacked, dispensed, marked, and/or adhered
to an object analogously to medium 11.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), there are shown top
and bottom plan views, respectively, of a seventh embodiment of a
repositionable medium, the repositionable medium being represented
generally reference numeral 611.
[0077] Medium 611 can be similar in many respects to medium 11. One
difference between the two media can be that medium 611 can include
a single adhesive patch 613 covering the areas corresponding to the
areas covered by patches 41, 43 and 45 of medium 11. Patch 613 can
include a repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive similar to that
of patches 43 and 45 of medium 11. Another difference between
medium 611 and medium 11 can be that medium 611 can include an
overlay 615, instead of overlay 31 of medium 11. Overlay 615 can
differ from overlay 31 in that, whereas overlay 31 can include a
writable release coating 37 applied over the entire top surface of
paper sheet 35, overlay 615 does not include a writable release
coating applied over the entire top surface of its paper sheet 617,
but rather, can include a first band 619-1 of a writable release
coating applied to the top surface of paper sheet 617 along an
inner edge 617-1 of sheet 617 and a second band 619-2 of a writable
release coating applied to the top surface of paper sheet 617 along
an outer edge 617-2 of sheet 617. Bands 619-1 and 619-2 of the
release coating can reduce adhesion between the overlay 615 of a
first medium 611 and adhesive patch 613 on the bottom of a second
medium 611 positioned directly thereover and, in so doing, can
serve to inhibit the initiation of delamination of overlay 615
along inner edge 617-1 and/or along outer edge 617-2.
[0078] As can be appreciated, additional bands of the release
coating can also be applied to the top surface of paper sheet 617
along each of its two side edges, thereby forming a frame around
the perimeter of sheet 617, to inhibit the initiation of
delamination of overlay 615 along either of its side edges.
[0079] Medium 611 can be stacked, dispensed, marked, and/or adhered
to an object analogously to medium 11.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 11, a flowchart for a method of
manufacturing a repositionable medium in a "Z-stack" is shown
generally at 700. At step 702, a base and an overlay are provided.
A first adhesive is coated onto the base at step 704. In step 706,
the overlay is laminated to the base. After steps 702-706, the
material is sheeted into sheets at step 708. At step 710, the
sheets are stacked in a "Z-stack" manner. The number of sheets in
the stack is dependent on the number of tabs in the final stack of
repositionable media. After stacking, the tabs are die cut at step
712. After being die cut, the "Z-stack" is placed into a dispenser
at step 714.
[0081] In other embodiments of the method of manufacturing, a step
of coating the base with a primer before the step of coating the
first adhesive can be included. In yet another embodiment, a
further step of coating a second adhesive can be included.
Additionally, in yet another embodiment, the step of applying a
topcoat can be included. In other embodiments, the step of applying
a release coating or writable release coating to the overlay, the
top surface of the base, or both the overlay and the top surface of
the base can be included. In yet another embodiment, before the
sheeting step, the unsheeted material can be rolled into roll form.
The steps of sheeting, stacking, die cutting, and placing the
"Z-stacks" into dispensers can be performed at different location
than the coating steps.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 12, a flowchart for a method of using
a repositionable medium is shown generally at 750. In step 752, a
first medium is removed from the dispenser, whereupon the second
medium becomes accessible. In another step 754, the first medium is
adhered to a substrate, and in another step 756, the first medium
is written upon.
[0083] In any event, it is to be appreciated that in connection
with the particular exemplary embodiment(s) presented herein
certain structural and/or functional features are described as
being incorporated in defined elements and/or components. However,
it is contemplated that these features can, to the same or similar
benefit, also likewise be incorporated in other elements and/or
components where appropriate. It is also to be appreciated that
different aspects of the exemplary embodiments can be selectively
employed as appropriate to achieve other alternative embodiments
suited for desired applications, the other alternative embodiments
thereby realizing the respective advantages of the aspects
incorporated therein.
[0084] Additionally, it is to be appreciated that certain elements
described herein as incorporated together can under suitable
circumstances be stand-alone elements or otherwise divided.
Similarly, a plurality of particular functions described as being
carried out by one particular element can be carried out by a
plurality of distinct elements acting independently to carry out
individual functions, or certain individual functions can be
split-up and carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting
in concert. Alternatively, some elements or components otherwise
described and/or shown herein as distinct from one another can be
physically or functionally combined where appropriate.
[0085] In short, the present specification has been set forth with
reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and
alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the
present specification. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *