U.S. patent application number 16/431450 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-19 for barrier tape for seaming and repair of barrier sheets.
The applicant listed for this patent is Raven Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gary Kolbasuk, Dan Smith, Tom Stoebner.
Application Number | 20190283384 16/431450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56692888 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190283384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kolbasuk; Gary ; et
al. |
September 19, 2019 |
BARRIER TAPE FOR SEAMING AND REPAIR OF BARRIER SHEETS
Abstract
A barrier tape comprises a barrier section comprising one or
more barrier layers and one or more adhesive layers adhered to a
face of the barrier section. The barrier tape can be used to join
together adjacent barrier sheets or to patch a breach in a barrier
sheet to form a barrier assembly.
Inventors: |
Kolbasuk; Gary; (Sioux
Falls, SD) ; Stoebner; Tom; (Sioux Falls, SD)
; Smith; Dan; (Sioux Falls, SD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Raven Industries, Inc. |
Sioux Falls |
SD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56692888 |
Appl. No.: |
16/431450 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16026907 |
Jul 3, 2018 |
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16431450 |
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15052448 |
Feb 24, 2016 |
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16026907 |
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62119864 |
Feb 24, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 25/08 20130101;
B32B 2307/7246 20130101; C09J 2429/006 20130101; B32B 2405/00
20130101; B32B 27/306 20130101; B32B 27/32 20130101; B32B 2264/0207
20130101; B32B 2307/7244 20130101; E02D 31/008 20130101; C09J 7/29
20180101; C09J 2301/414 20200801; C09J 2423/046 20130101; B32B
2274/00 20130101; B32B 27/20 20130101; B32B 27/08 20130101; B32B
2272/00 20130101; B32B 2307/7242 20130101; B32B 2250/246 20130101;
B32B 2556/00 20130101; C09J 2451/006 20130101; B32B 7/12 20130101;
B32B 2264/104 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B32B 27/32 20060101
B32B027/32; E02D 31/00 20060101 E02D031/00; C09J 7/29 20060101
C09J007/29; B32B 27/08 20060101 B32B027/08; B32B 7/12 20060101
B32B007/12; B32B 25/08 20060101 B32B025/08; B32B 27/20 20060101
B32B027/20; B32B 27/30 20060101 B32B027/30 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: providing or receiving a first barrier
sheet; and affixing one or more pieces of barrier tape to the first
barrier sheet, each piece of the barrier tape comprising: a barrier
section comprising one or more polar barrier layers and one or more
non-polar barrier layers; and one or more adhesive layers adhered
to a face of the barrier section.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing or
receiving a second barrier sheet; and overlapping the second
barrier sheet at least partially over the first barrier sheet along
a seam; wherein the affixing of the one or more pieces of barrier
tape comprises affixing the second barrier sheet to the first
barrier sheet along the seam.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the seam is a lateral seam,
wherein the overlapping of the second barrier sheet over the first
barrier sheet is along the lateral seam, and wherein the affixing
of the one or more pieces of barrier tape joins the first and
second barrier sheets along the lateral seam.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first barrier sheet comprises
a breach therethrough and the second barrier sheet comprises a
barrier sheet patch, wherein the overlapping of the second barrier
sheet over the first barrier sheet comprises covering the breach
such that the seam substantially surrounds the breach, and wherein
the affixing of the one or more pieces of barrier tape joins the
barrier sheet patch to the first barrier sheet around the seam.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the second barrier sheet provides
a barrier to water vapor and at least one of methane, radon, and
volatile organic compounds.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the second barrier sheet
comprises one or more polar sheet layers and one or more non-polar
sheet layers.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the one or more non-polar
sheet layers comprises a polyolefin and each of the one or more
polar sheet layers comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein the second barrier sheet
comprises: one or more inner polar sheet layers each formed
predominantly from ethylene vinyl alcohol; a pair of outer
non-polar sheet layers each formed predominantly from polyethylene,
wherein a first of the pair of outer non-polar sheet layers is
positioned on a first side of the one or more inner polar sheet
layers and a second of the pair of outer non-polar sheet layers is
positioned on a second side of the one or more inner polar sheet
layers; and a pair of film tie layers each formed predominantly
from polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, each of the pair
of film tie layers being positioned between the one or more inner
polar sheet layers and a corresponding one of the pair of outer
non-polar sheet layers.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first barrier sheet comprises
a breach therethrough, and wherein the affixing of the one or more
pieces of barrier tape comprises covering the breach with the one
or more pieces of barrier tape to patch the breach.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the barrier section of each of
the one or more pieces of barrier tape and the first barrier sheet
provides a barrier to water vapor and at least one of methane,
radon, and volatile organic compounds.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more
non-polar barrier layers comprises a polyolefin and each of the one
or more polar barrier layers comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more polar barrier
layers comprise one or more inner polar tape layers each formed
predominantly from ethylene vinyl alcohol; wherein the one or more
non-polar barrier layers comprise a pair of outer non-polar tape
layers each formed predominantly from polyethylene, wherein a first
of the pair of outer non-polar tape layers is positioned on a first
side of the one or more inner polar tape layers and a second of the
pair of outer non-polar tape layers is positioned on a second side
of the one or more inner polar tape layers; and wherein each piece
of barrier tape further comprises a pair of tie layers each formed
predominantly from polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, each
of the pair of tape tie layers being positioned between the one or
more inner polar tape layers and a corresponding one of the pair of
outer non-polar tape layers.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first barrier sheet
comprises one or more polar sheet layers and one or more non-polar
sheet layers.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the one or more
non-polar sheet layers comprises a polyolefin and each of the one
or more polar sheet layers comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first barrier sheet
comprises: one or more inner polar sheet layers each formed
predominantly from ethylene vinyl alcohol; a pair of outer
non-polar sheet layers each formed predominantly from polyethylene,
wherein a first of the pair of outer non-polar sheet layers is
positioned on a first side of the one or more inner polar sheet
layers and a second of the pair of outer non-polar sheet layers is
positioned on a second side of the one or more inner polar sheet
layers; and a pair of film tie layers each formed predominantly
from polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, each of the pair
of film tie layers being positioned between the one or more inner
polar sheet layers and a corresponding one of the pair of outer
non-polar sheet layers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 16/026,907, filed Jul. 3, 2018, which is a divisional of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/052,448, filed Feb. 24, 2016
(Now Abandoned), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/119,864, filed
on Feb. 24, 2015, which applications are incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Membranes can be used to provide a barrier to moisture and
other materials, such as radon or methane. For example, a barrier
membrane can be positioned underneath concrete slabs and
foundations or outside of vertical foundations to retard moisture
penetration through those structures. For example, barriers placed
under concrete slabs and foundations, often referred to as
"underslab vapor barriers" or simply "underslab barriers." can
prevent or greatly reduce water vapor and other naturally occurring
gases, such as radon, methane, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
from penetrating into and through the concrete slab or foundation,
which can damage the structure or be harmful to inhabitants in the
building.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure describes a barrier tape that can be
used for seaming between adjacently positioned barrier membranes,
such as underslab vapor barriers, or to repair holes in a barrier
membrane. The barrier tape includes a barrier portion comprising
one or more barrier-forming layers, and an adhesive portion
comprising one or more adhesive layers.
[0004] A barrier tape is described herein comprises a barrier
section comprising one or more barrier layers and one or more
adhesive layers adhered to a face of the barrier section.
[0005] A barrier assembly is also described herein, the barrier
assembly comprising a first barrier sheet, a second barrier sheet
overlapping the first barrier sheet along a seam, and one or more
pieces of barrier tape joining the first and second barrier sheets
along the seam. Each piece of the barrier tape comprises a barrier
section comprising one or more barrier layers; and one or more
adhesive layers adhered to a face of the barrier section.
[0006] Another barrier assembly is described herein comprising a
barrier sheet comprising a breach therethrough and one or more
pieces of barrier tape covering the breach. Each piece of the
barrier tape comprises a barrier section comprising one or more
barrier layers, and one or more adhesive layers adhered to a face
of the barrier section.
[0007] Yet another barrier assembly is described herein comprising
a barrier sheet comprising a breach therethrough, a barrier patch
covering the breach, and one or more pieces of barrier tape joining
the barrier patch to the barrier sheet. Each piece of the barrier
tape comprises a barrier comprising one or more barrier layers, and
one or more adhesive layers adhered to a face of the barrier
section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an example barrier
tape.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a top view of the example barrier tape joining
together two adjacent barrier sheets along a seam.
[0010] FIG. 3 is cross-sectional side view of the barrier tape and
the barrier sheets taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example barrier tape patching a
relatively small hole in a barrier sheet.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the example barrier
tape repairing the small barrier sheet hole taken along line 5-5 in
FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example barrier tape and a
barrier patch repairing a relatively large hole in a barrier
sheet.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the example barrier
tape repairing the large barrier sheet hole taken along line 7-7 in
FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. The drawings
show, by way of illustration, specific examples in which the
barrier tapes described herein can be practiced. These examples are
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice, and it is to be understood that other embodiments can
be utilized and that structural changes can be made without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Terms
indicating direction, such as front, rear, left, right, up, and
down, are generally used only for the purpose of illustration or
clarification and are not intended to be limiting. The following
Detailed Description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and
the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents.
[0016] This disclosure describes barrier tapes that can be used for
joining adjacent barrier sheets together at a seam. e.g., so that
the barrier sheets can cover a larger area, or for patching holes
in a barrier sheet. Examples of barrier sheets that can be used
with the barrier tapes described herein include, but are not
limited to, underslab barrier sheets, such as the barrier sheet
sold under the trademark VAPOR BLOCK PLUS sold by Raven Industries.
Inc., Sioux Falls, S. Dak., USA, such as the VAPOR BLOCK PLUS 20;
barrier geomembranes, row mulch barriers; external wall vapor
barriers, and the like. The barrier tapes described herein can
include one or more barrier layers that can retard migration of
water vapor and other compounds, such as methane or radon, in
substantially the same way that the barrier sheets that the barrier
tape is seaming or repairing.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an example
barrier tape 10. The barrier tape 10 can include a barrier section
12 that provides a barrier to water vapor and at least one of
methane, radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as
benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene (e.g., BETX compounds),
or halogenated hydrocarbons. In an example, the barrier section 12
provides a barrier to water vapor and at least two of methane,
radon, benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, and xylene. In an example,
the barrier section 12 provides a barrier to water vapor and at
least three of methane, radon, benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, and
xylene. In an example, the barrier section 12 provides a barrier to
water vapor and at least four of methane, radon, benzene, ethyl
benzene, toluene, and xylene. In an example, the barrier section 12
provides a barrier to all of water vapor, methane, radon, benzene,
ethyl benzene, toluene, and xylene. The barrier tape 10 also
includes one or more adhesive layers 14 on a first face of the
barrier section 12, with FIG. 1 showing a single adhesive layer 14.
The one or more adhesive layers 14 allow the barrier tape 10 to be
adhered to other structures, such as a barrier sheet (as described
below with respect to FIGS. 2-7).
[0018] The barrier section 12 includes one or more layers
configured to provide a barrier to one or more compounds or
compositions to which the barrier tape 10 is intended to provide a
barrier. In an example, the barrier section 12 includes one or more
generally non-polar layers, such as one or more non-polar layers 18
formed predominantly from a non-polar material, such as a
polyolefin, for example polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). In
an example, each of the one or more non-polar layers 18 can be
formed entirely or substantially entirely with polyethylene and
will, therefore, be referred to herein as a polyethylene layer 18
for the sake of brevity. The use of a generally non-polar material,
such as polyethylene, can allow the barrier tape 10 to provide a
barrier to polar materials, such as water (H.sub.2O) or polar
pollutants, either alone or dissolved in water or another polar
solvent. Non-polar materials, such as polyethylene, are known,
however, to have generally poor barrier properties with respect to
gases, such as oxygen gas (O.sub.2) or to non-polar materials, such
as benzene (C.sub.6H.sub.6), radon (Rn), methane (CH.sub.4). VOCs,
and other non-polar pollutants. Polyolefins, such as polyethylene
can also provide for relatively high impact strength and resistance
to tearing, in particular if a relatively low-density polyolefin is
used. Examples of low-density polyolefins that can be used include,
but are not limited to, one or more of low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene linear
low-density polyethylene (mLLDPE), very-low density polyethylene
(VLDPE), or ultra-low density polyethylene (ULDPE) plastomer
polymers, or polyolefins other than polyethylene with similar
densities.
[0019] In order to also provide a barrier to non-polar materials or
gases, such as non-polar pollutants, the barrier tape 10 also
includes one or more generally polar layers, such as one or more
polar layers 20 formed predominantly from a polar material capable
of providing a barrier to non-polar compounds, such as ethylene
vinyl alcohol (EVOH), nylon, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), poly-vinyl alcohol (PVOH), or polyvinylidene chloride
(PVDC). In an example, each of the one or more polar layers 20 can
be formed entirely or substantially entirely with EVOH and will,
therefore, be referred to herein as an EVOH layer 20 for the sake
of brevity. However, it will be understood that the one or more
polar layers 20 could comprise multiple layers of different
materials, such as one or more nylon layers adjacent to one or more
EVOH layers. In an example, the one or more polar layers 20 can
comprise two outer nylon layers with one or more EVOH layers
sandwiched between the outer nylon layers, or vice versa, two outer
EVOH layers that sandwich one or more nylon layers. The use of a
generally polar material, such as EVOH or nylon, can allow the
barrier tape 10 to provide a barrier to non-polar materials,
including non-polar pollutants such as benzene, radon, and methane.
Polar materials, such as EVOH or nylon, are known, however, to have
poor barrier properties with respect to polar materials, such as
water vapor. The combination of the one or more non-polar layer 18,
such as the polyethylene layers 18, and the one or more polar
layers 20, such as one or more EVOH layers 20, can allow the
barrier tape 10 to provide a barrier to both polar materials,
including water vapor and polar pollutants, and non-polar
materials, including non-polar pollutants such as benzene, radon,
methane, and other VOCs.
[0020] Because the one or more non-polar layers 12 are formed from
a non-polar compound, e.g., a polyolefin, such as polyethylene, and
the one or more polar layers 20 are formed from a polar compound,
e.g., EVOH, a non-polar layer 18 typically will not bond or be
joined directly with a polar layer 20. Therefore, the barrier
section 12 of the barrier tape 10 can also include one or more tie
layers 22 that can bond to both the non-polar layers 18 and the
polar layers 20. The composition of each tie layer 22 can depend on
the corresponding composition of the non-polar layer 18 and the
polar layer 20 that the tie layer 22 is bonding together. The
composition of a particular tie layer 22 can be chosen so that it
can form a mechanical bond or chemical bond, or both, with both the
non-polar layer 18 and the polar layer 20. For example, wherein the
one or more non-polar layers 18 comprise polyethylene and the one
or more polar layers 20 comprise EVOH, the one or more tie layers
22 can comprise polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (MA).
The polyethylene of the tie layer 22 can directly bond to the
polyethylene so that the tie layer 22 will be bonded to the
polyethylene layer 18. The maleic anhydride grafts can form an
ester bond with the EVOH in the EVOH layer 20 so that the tie layer
22 will be bonded to the polar layer 20, e.g., so that the barrier
section 12 forms a single structure with all layers 18, 20, 22
bonded together.
[0021] In an example, shown in FIG. 1, the barrier section 12 can
comprise a five-layer structure comprising outer polyethylene
layers 18 and an inner EVOH layer 20 with a tie layer 22 between
the EVOH layer 20 and each polyethylene layer 18. Each layer 18,
20, 22 of the barrier section 12 depicted in FIG. 1 can comprise
one or more separate layers of the material forming the layer 18,
20, 22. For example, one or both of the outer polyethylene layers
18 can comprise two co-extruded polyethylene layers that combine to
form the polyethylene layer 18 in the barrier section 12. In an
example, the non-polar material of the non-polar layers 18 (e.g., a
polyolefin such as polyethylene), the polar material of the polar
layer 20 (e.g., EVOH), and the material of the tie layers 22 (e.g.,
maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene) can be co-extruded into the
film that forms the barrier section 12 in a co-extrusion die. After
forming the barrier section 12, such as via co-extrusion, the
adhesive layer 14 can be applied to a face of the barrier section
12.
[0022] In an example, the barrier section 12 can have an overall
thickness of from about 2 mils (about 0.05 millimeters (mm)) to
about 40 mils (about 1 mm), such as from about 5 mils (about 0.13
mm) to about 20 mils (about 0.5 mm), such as from about 7 mils
(0.18 mm) to about 10 mils (about 0.25 mm). In an example, the
total thickness of the one or more polar layers 20 (e.g., the
thickness of the single polar layer 20 shown in FIG. 1, or the sum
of the thicknesses of all the polar layers 20 if there are a
plurality of polar layers 20) is from about 2% to about 20% of the
total thickness of the barrier section 12, such as from about 3% to
about 10%, such as about 4% or about 5% of the thickness of the
barrier section 12. In an example, the tie layers 22 can have a
total thickness of from about 2% to about 10% of the total
thickness of the barrier section 12, such as from about 4% to about
5% of the thickness of the barrier section 12. The balance of the
thickness of the barrier section 12 can be the non-polar layers 18,
e.g., the polyethylene layers 18, which can be, for example, from
about 60% to about 96% of the thickness of the barrier section 12,
such as from about 80% to about 90%, for example about 88% of the
thickness of the barrier section 12.
[0023] In an example, the one or more non-polar layers 18 can
comprise a polyolefin having a base density of from about 0.85
grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm.sup.3) to about 0.97 g/cm.sup.3,
such as from about 0.875 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.932 g/cm.sup.3, for
example from about 0.91 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.92 g/cm.sup.3, such
as from about 0.912 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.920 g/cm.sup.3. However,
the overall density of the non-polar layers 18 can be varied
outside of these ranges, for example with the addition of
additives, such as stabilizers, colorants, or fillers, which can
increase the overall density of the layer 18. In an example, the
one or more polar layers 20 can comprise a polar material, such as
EVOH or nylon, having a base density from about 1 g/cm.sup.3 to
about 1.5 g/cm.sup.3, such as from about 1.1 g/cm.sup.3 to about
1.25 g/cm.sup.3, such as about 1.17 g/cm.sup.3. However, like the
one or more non-polar layers 18, the overall density of the one or
more polar layers 20 can be altered by the addition of stabilizers,
colorants, or fillers. In an example, the tie layers 22 can
comprise a material having a base density of from about 0.85
g/cm.sup.3 to about 1 g/cm.sup.3, such as from about 0.875
g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.95 g/cm.sup.3, for example about 0.91
g/cm.sup.3. As mentioned above, additives can be added to each
layer 18, 20, 22, if desired. Additives can include stabilizers,
such as phosphate stabilizers or phenolic stabilizers. In some
examples, a UV or other light stabilizer can be added to one or
more layers 18, 20, 22 of the barrier section 12 to protect the
barrier section 12 in the event that the barrier tape 10 is to be
left out in the sun for an extended period of time.
[0024] Fillers can be added to any of the layers 18, 20, 22, for
example to modify the density of the layer 18, 20, 22, e.g., to
increase or decrease the overall density, to reduce the overall
cost of a layer 18, 20, 22, or to improve a material property such
as toughness. Examples of fillers include, but are not limited to,
calcium carbonate or ground-up recycled materials, such as recycled
rubber or other plastics.
[0025] The barrier properties of the barrier section 12 can be
similar to those of the barrier sheets that the barrier tape 10 is
intended to seam or repair. For example, the barrier tape 10 can be
specified for use with underslab barrier sheets, which are often
specified based on barrier properties with respect to the
transmission of water vapor, radon, methane, VOCs, and oxygen.
[0026] The transmission of water vapor through the barrier section
12 can be defined as a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), for
example as defined by ASTM standard test method E96 or ASTM
standard test method F1249. In an example, the barrier section 12
has a WVTR of about 0.004 grams per hour per square meter
(g/hr-m.sup.2) or less, such as about 0.003 g/hr-m.sup.2 or less,
for example about 0.0028 g/hr-m.sup.2 or less.
[0027] The transmission of radon (Rn) through the barrier section
12 can be defined as a diffusion coefficient for radon, for example
as defined by the K124/02/95 test method accredited by the Czech
Accreditation Institute. In an example, the barrier section 12 can
have a diffusion coefficient for radon of no more than
1.5.times.10.sup.-13 square meters per second (m.sup.2/s) (e.g.,
1.5.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less, such as
1.3.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less, for example
1.1.times.10.sup.13 m.sup.2/s or less.
[0028] The transmission of methane (CH.sub.4) through the barrier
section 12 can be defined as the permeability coefficient of the
material to methane, also referred to as methane permeance, for
example as defined by ASTM standard test method D1434. In an
example, the barrier section 12 has a methane permeance of
2.times.10.sup.-10 square meters per day per atmosphere
(m.sup.2/day-atm) or less, such as 1.7.times.10.sup.-10
m.sup.2/dayatm or less. Barrier properties of the barrier section
12 with respect to methane can also be defined as the gas
transmission rate (GTR). In an example, the gas transmission rate
is 0.4 milliliters per square meter per day per atmosphere
(ml/m.sup.2dayatm) or less, such as 0.32 ml/m.sup.2dayatm or
less.
[0029] The transmission of volatile organic compounds, such as
benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, or xylene, through the barrier
section 12 can be defined as a permeability coefficient for each
compound. In an example, the barrier section 12 has a permeability
coefficient for benzene of 10.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less,
such as about 7.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less, for example
about 6.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s, such as about
5.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less, for example about
4.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less. In an example, the barrier
section 12 has a permeability coefficient for toluene of about
15.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less, such as about
10.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less, for example about
8.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less. In an example, the barrier
section 12 has a permeability coefficient for ethyl benzene of
about 35.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less, such as about
30.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less, for example about
27.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less. In an example, the barrier
section 12 has a permeability coefficient for xylene (e.g., a mix
of ortho-, meta-, and para-xylenes) of about 30.times.10.sup.-13
m.sup.2/s or less, such as about 25.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or
less, for example about 21.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s or less.
[0030] The transmission of oxygen gas (O.sub.2) through the barrier
section 12 can be defined as the O.sub.2 transmission rate, for
example as described by ASTM standard test D3985. In an example,
the barrier section 12 can have an O.sub.2 transmission rate of
about 2 cubic centimeters per square meter per day
(cm.sup.3/m.sup.2day) or less, such as about 1.5
cm.sup.3/m.sup.2day or less, for example about 1
cm.sup.3/m.sup.2day or less, such as 0.9 cm.sup.3/m.sup.2day or
less. The transmission of O.sub.2 through the barrier section 12
can also be defined as the O.sub.2 permeation, for example as
described by ASTM standard test D3985. In an example, the O.sub.2
permeation can be about 25 cubic centimeter mils per square meter
per day (cm.sup.3mil/m.sup.2day) or less, such as about 20
cm.sup.3mil/m.sup.2day or less, for example about 15
cm.sup.3mil/m.sup.2day or less, such as about 10
cm.sup.3mil/m.sup.2-day or less, for example about 9
cm.sup.3mil/m.sup.2day or less.
[0031] In an example, these permeability coefficients for the
barrier section 12 can be compared to a barrier sheet made just
from polyethylene (e.g., a LLDPE barrier), which can have a
permeability coefficient as high as 600.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s
for benzene, as high as 800.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s for toluene,
as high as 1100.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s for ethyl benzene, and
as high as 900.times.10.sup.-13 m.sup.2/s for xylene (e.g., a mix
of ortho-, meta-, and para-xylenes), and an O.sub.2 transmission
rate of greater than 200 cm.sup.3/m.sup.2day.
[0032] In an example, the barrier tape 10 can be relatively
resistant to tearing. In an example, the barrier tape 10 has a tear
resistance, such as is measured by tongue tear testing under ASTM
standard test D751, of at least about 15 Newtons (about 3.4 pounds
force (lb.sub.f)), such as at least about 20 Newtons (about 4.5
lb.sub.f), for example at least about 25 Newtons (about 5.6
lb.sub.f), such as at least about 25.8 Newtons (about 5.8
lb.sub.f), for example about 26.2 Newtons (about 5.88
lb.sub.f).
[0033] The one or more adhesive layers 14 can comprise any adhesive
material that will adhere to the barrier section 12, e.g., to an
outer layer of the barrier section 12 such as one of the non-polar
layers 18 or one of the polar layers 20. In an example, the
adhesive material of the one or more adhesive layers 14 can
comprise an adhesive that relatively strongly adheres to
polyolefins of the non-polar layers 18, such as polyethylene. In an
example, the one or more adhesive layers 14 can comprise a pressure
sensitive adhesive, such as an acrylic-based pressure sensitive
adhesive, a synthetic elastomeric pressure sensitive adhesive, or a
rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive. However, other adhesives
can be used without varying from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0034] The adhesive layer 14 can have an adhesive strength, e.g.,
an adhesion value as measured by the peel adhesion testing under
the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) standard test PSTC 101,
of at least about 30 ounces-force per inch (oz.sub.f/in.) to steel,
such as at least about 35 oz.sub.f/in., for example at least about
40 oz.sub.f/in., such as at least about 50 oz.sub.f/in, for example
at least about 55 oz.sub.f/in., such as at least about 60
oz.sub.f/in., for example at least about 64 oz.sub.f/in., such as
at least about 65 oz.sub.f/in., for example at least about 70
oz.sub.f/in., such as at least about 80 oz.sub.f/in., for example
at least about 90 oz.sub.f/in., such as at least about 100
oz.sub.f/in., for example at least about 125 oz.sub.f/in., such as
at least about 140 oz.sub.f/in., for example at least about 144
oz.sub.f/in., such as at least 150 oz.sub.f/in. (with all adhesion
values being measured for the adhesive to steel).
[0035] The thickness of the one or more adhesive layers 14 can be
selected to be large enough so that the one or more adhesive layers
14 provide adequate adhesion to the barrier section 12 and to the
surface to which the barrier tape 10 is being adhered, including
the ability to properly adhere to more irregular surfaces (such as
those that can be present on a rough surface such as concrete).
However, in some examples, the thickness of the one or more
adhesive layers 14 can be selected to not be so large as to overly
adversely affect the overall barrier properties of the barrier tape
10, e.g., because the adhesive layer 14 can provide a pathway
through the adhesive through which materials can diffuse or
permeate. In an example, the thickness of the one or more adhesive
layers 14 can be from about 2 mils (about 0.05 mm) to about 20 mils
(about 0.5 mm), such as from about 5 mils (about 0.13 mm) to about
17 mils (about 0.43 mm).
[0036] The barrier tape 10 can have a width that is large enough to
provide for seaming between adjacent barrier sheets (as described
below with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3) and to provide for direct
taping over of at relatively small defects in a barrier sheet (as
described below with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5). In an example, the
barrier tape has a width of at least about 5 centimeters (cm)
(about 2 inches), such as at least about 10 cm (about 4 inches),
for example at least about 15 cm (at least about 6 inches). In an
example, the barrier tape 10 can have a width that is no more than
about 45 cm (about 18 inches), such as no more than about 30 cm
(about 12 inches), such as no more than about 15 cm (less than or
equal to about 6 inches).
[0037] As mentioned above, the one or more adhesive layers 14 allow
the barrier tape 10 to be adhered to another structure. For
example, FIG. 2 shows a top view of an example barrier tape 30
being used to join together adjacent first and second barrier
sheets 32A and 32B (collectively referred to herein as "barrier
sheets 32") along a seam 34, also referred to as "seaming" the
barrier sheets 32A, 32B. The barrier tape 30 can have a
configuration as described above with respect to barrier tape 10 in
FIG. 1. Seaming the barrier sheets 32A, 32B with the barrier tape
30 forms a barrier assembly 36 that can provide a barrier to water
vapor and at least one non-polar compound, such as methane, radon,
or VOCs over a surface area that is larger than either of the
individual barrier sheets 32A. 32B. The barrier assembly 36 can be
formed by overlapping a lateral edge 38 of the first barrier sheet
32A over a lateral edge 40 of the second barrier sheet 32B so that
a lateral portion of the first barrier sheet 32A overlaps a
corresponding lateral portion of the second barrier sheet 32B. The
barrier tape 30 can then be used to join the first barrier sheet
32A to second lateral film 32B along the seam. The overlapping
lateral portions of the first and second barrier sheets 32A and 32B
and the barrier tape 30 provide a continuous or substantially
continuous barrier to water vapor and at least one of methane,
radon, and VOCs throughout the entire barrier assembly 36.
[0038] The barrier tape 30 can be used for seaming between either
barrier sheet 32A, 32B shown in FIG. 2 and a third barrier sheet 32
to provide an even larger barrier assembly 36. Additional barrier
sheets 32 can be joined with the barrier tape 30, 40 until a
desired overall size of the barrier assembly 36 has been
achieved.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the two barrier
sheets 32A, 32B and the barrier tape 30 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG.
3, the barrier tape 30 includes a barrier section 42 and one or
more adhesive layers 44. The barrier section 42 and the adhesive
layer 44 can be similar or identical to the barrier section 12 and
the adhesive layer 14, respectively, for the barrier tape 10
described with respect to FIG. 1. As shown in the example of FIG.
3, the barrier tape 30 can be placed over the overlapping lateral
portion of the first barrier sheet 32A located proximate to the
lateral edge 38. The barrier tape 30 can be applied so that the
adhesive layer 44 is in contact with a top surface of the first
barrier sheet 32A at a first joining interface 46 and with a top
surface of the second barrier sheet 32B at a second joining
interface 48. The barrier tape 30 spans between the first joining
interface 46 and the second joining interface 48 to anchor the
first barrier sheet 32A to the second barrier sheet 32B. In
addition to the barrier tape 30, the barrier sheets 32A. 32B can be
joined by a double-sided tape 50 positioned between the first
barrier sheet 32A and the second barrier sheet 32B. The overlapping
and spanning barrier tape 30 seals or substantially seals any gap
between the first and second barrier sheets 32A, 32B. The barrier
properties of the barrier section 42 will act to maintain the
barrier to water vapor and at least one of methane, radon, and VOCs
that is provided by the barrier sheets 32A, 32B across the entire
barrier assembly 34.
[0040] The barrier tapes described above can also be used to repair
damaged barrier sheets, for example by patching tears or holes in a
barrier sheet. FIG. 4 shows a top view of a barrier sheet 60 with a
breach in the barrier sheet 60, such as a slit, a cut, a tear, or a
hole 62, a slit, cut, where the existence of the breach compromises
the integrity of the barrier to water vapor and at least one of
methane, radon, and VOCs. A barrier tape 70 can be applied over the
hole or other breach 62 to repair the integrity of the barrier. In
an example, the hole or other breach 62 is relatively small such
that the barrier tape 70 is large enough to completely cover the
hole or other breach 62.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrier sheet
60 and the barrier tape 70 repairing the relatively small hole or
other breach 62 to form a barrier assembly 76. The barrier tape 70
includes a barrier section 72 and one or more adhesive layers 74.
The barrier section 72 and the adhesive layer 74 can be similar or
identical to the barrier section 12 and the adhesive layer 14,
respectively, for the barrier tape 10 described with respect to
FIG. 1. The barrier properties of the barrier section 72 will act
to maintain the barrier to water vapor and at least one of methane,
radon, and VOCs that is provided by the barrier sheet 60 across the
entire barrier assembly 76.
[0042] As noted above, the hole or other breach 62 shown in FIGS. 4
and 5 is relative small, e.g., is smaller than the width of the
barrier tape 70. However, in some examples, a breach can be larger
than the barrier tape that is on hand for a user. FIG. 6 shows a
top view of a barrier sheet 80 with just such a breach, such as a
slit, a cut, a tear, or a hole 82. Rather than laying a barrier
tape directly over the hole or other breach 82, a barrier patch 84
can be used in conjunction with one or more barrier tape pieces 90.
The barrier patch 84 can be a piece of barrier sheet, such as a
barrier sheet that is substantially identical to the barrier sheet
80 being patched. The barrier tape pieces 90 can be applied around
the barrier patch 84 to join and seal the barrier patch 84 to the
barrier sheet 80.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrier sheet
80 and the barrier patch 84 and the barrier tape pieces 90
repairing the relatively large hole or other breach 82 to form a
barrier assembly 96. Each barrier tape piece 90 includes a barrier
section 92 and an adhesive layer 94. The barrier section 92 and the
adhesive layer 94 can be similar or identical to the barrier
section 12 and the adhesive layer 14, respectively, for the barrier
tape 10 described with respect to FIG. 1. In addition to the
barrier tape 90, the barrier patch 84 and the barrier sheet 80 can
be joined by double-sided tape 102 positioned between the barrier
sheet 80 and the barrier patch 84.
[0044] The barrier properties of the barrier section 92 will act to
maintain the barrier to water vapor and at least one of methane,
radon, and VOCs that is provided by the barrier sheet 80 across the
entire barrier assembly 96. Each barrier tape piece 90 can be
applied so that the adhesive layer 94 is in contact with a top
surface of the barrier patch 84 at a first joining interface 98 and
with a top surface of the barrier sheet 80 at a second joining
interface 100. The barrier tape pieces 90 span between the first
joining interface 98 and the second joining interface 100 to anchor
the barrier patch 84 to the barrier sheet 80. The overlapping and
spanning barrier tape pieces 90 seal or substantially seal any gap
between the barrier sheet 80 and the barrier patch 84. The barrier
properties of the barrier section 92 of the barrier tape pieces 90
will act to maintain the barrier to water vapor and at least one of
methane, radon, and VOCs that is provided by the barrier sheet 80
and the barrier patch 84 across the entire barrier assembly 76.
[0045] The barrier tape 10 described herein can be used with other
applications or procedures. For example, the barrier tape 10 can be
used to join or couple barrier sheets, such as the barrier sheets
32, 60, or 80, to fixtures such as pipes or pipe boots or building
structures.
[0046] The above Detailed Description is intended to be
illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described
examples (or one or more elements thereof) can be used in
combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as
by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. Also, various features or elements can be grouped
together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be
interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is
essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter can lie in
less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus,
the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate
embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[0047] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document
and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this
document controls.
[0048] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a molding system, device,
article, composition, formulation, or process that includes
elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim
are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover,
in the following claims, the terms "first," "second." and "third."
etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose
numerical requirements on their objects.
[0049] Values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in
a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values
explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include
all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed
within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is
explicitly recited. For example, a range of "about 0.1% to about
5%" or "about 0.1% to 5%" should be interpreted to include not just
about 0.1% to about 5%, but also the individual values (e.g., 1%,
2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to
2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. The statement
"about X to Y" has the same meaning as "about X to about Y," unless
indicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement "about X, Y, or about
Z" has the same meaning as "about X, about Y, or about Z." unless
indicated otherwise.
[0050] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.
1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the
technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that
it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of
the claims.
[0051] Although the invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize
that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *