U.S. patent application number 17/579836 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-12 for removable covering and interactive packaging.
The applicant listed for this patent is EMRGE, LLC. Invention is credited to Felmont F. Eaves, III.
Application Number | 20220142823 17/579836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220142823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eaves, III; Felmont F. |
May 12, 2022 |
REMOVABLE COVERING AND INTERACTIVE PACKAGING
Abstract
A removable covering for an object includes an adhered section
that is adhered to the object (e.g., adhered to a receiving surface
of the object via an adhesive layer) and a free section that is not
adhered to the object. The removable covering is sufficiently
flexible to allow at least partial removal of the adhered section
from the object by application of a force to the removable
covering. Typically, the removable covering is adhered to the
object such that resistance to removal of the covering from the
object varies at different zones of attachment between the
removable covering and the object. The resistance variation may be
achieved, for example, by employing tabs, loops, folds,
varying-strength adhesive strips, textures and/or release coatings.
Exemplary packaging systems (e.g., containing removable coverings
and/or objects) include features such that resistance to removal of
the packaging system from an object varies at different phases of
removal.
Inventors: |
Eaves, III; Felmont F.;
(Atlanta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EMRGE, LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/579836 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16153340 |
Oct 5, 2018 |
11229555 |
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17579836 |
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14255279 |
Apr 17, 2014 |
10092455 |
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16153340 |
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PCT/US12/61033 |
Oct 19, 2012 |
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14255279 |
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61654748 |
Jun 1, 2012 |
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61549317 |
Oct 20, 2011 |
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61561522 |
Nov 18, 2011 |
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International
Class: |
A61F 13/02 20060101
A61F013/02; A61F 13/00 20060101 A61F013/00 |
Claims
1. A substantially planar removable covering for facilitating
placement of an elastic object onto a patient, the removable
covering comprising: an adhered section releasably attached to the
object via an adhesive layer covering a right-side portion of the
object; and a free section connected to the adhered section at a
right-side end of the object; wherein the free section is
configured for applying a tensioning force; wherein the removable
covering is (i) more elastic or (ii) less elastic relative to
elasticity of the object; wherein the removable covering is
configured to release from the object by application of the
tensioning force.
2. The removable covering according to claim 1, wherein the
removable covering is configured so that shear pull strength
resistance from the adhesive layer is overcome by application the
tensioning force.
3. The removable covering according to claim 1, wherein the
removable covering is configured so that the release across
different zones of attachment between the adhered section and the
object varies.
4. The removable covering according to claim 1, wherein the
removable covering is less elastic relative to the elasticity of
the object.
5. The removable covering according to claim 4, wherein the
removable covering is configured so that the release begins at a
first zone of attachment between the adhered section and the object
and progresses laterally to the right-side end of the object.
6. The removable covering according to claim 1, wherein the
removable covering is more elastic relative to the elasticity of
the object.
7. The removable covering according to claim 6, wherein the
removable covering is configured so that the release begins at a
last zone of attachment at the right-side end of the object and
progresses centrally to a first zone of attachment between the
adhered section and the object.
8. The removable covering according to claim 1, wherein: the object
comprises a receiving surface; and the removable covering comprises
(i) a left side that covers a portion of the object's receiving
surface and (ii) a right side that covers another portion of the
object's receiving surface; wherein the removable covering's left
side comprises the same components as the removable covering's
right side.
9. The removable covering according to claim 1, wherein relative
elastic quality of the removable covering relative to the
elasticity of the object varies across different zones of
attachment between the adhered section and the object.
10. A substantially planar removable covering for facilitating
placement of an elastic object onto a patient, the removable
covering comprising: a first adhered section covering a left-side
portion of the object; a first free section connected to the first
adhered section at a left-side end of the object, a second adhered
section covering a right-side portion of the object; and a second
free section connected to the second adhered section at a
right-side end of the object; wherein the first and second free
sections are configured for applying tensioning force; wherein the
removable covering is sufficiently elastic relative to elasticity
of the object to allow the first and second adhered sections to
release from the object by application of the tensioning force.
11. The removable covering according to claim 10, wherein relative
elastic quality of the removable covering relative to the
elasticity of the object varies across different zones of
attachment between the first and second adhered sections and the
object.
12. The removable covering according to claim 10, wherein the
removable covering is configured so that: the release begins (i) at
a last zone of attachment at the right-side end of the object and
(ii) at a last zone of attachment at the left-side end of the
object; and the release progresses centrally to (i) a first zone of
attachment between the first adhered section and the object and
(ii) a first zone of attachment between the second adhered section
and the object.
13. The removable covering according to claim 12, wherein the
removable covering is more elastic relative to the elasticity of
the object.
14. The removable covering according to claim 10, wherein the
removable covering is less elastic relative to the elasticity of
the object.
15. A system, comprising: an elastic object having a receiving
surface for placement onto a patient; and a removable covering for
facilitating placement of the elastic object, the removable
covering comprising: an adhered section covering a right-side
portion of the object; and a free section connected to the adhered
section at a right-side end of the object; wherein the free section
is configured for applying a tensioning force; wherein the
removable covering is sufficiently elastic relative to elasticity
of the object to allow the adhered section to release from the
object by application of the tensioning force.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein relative elastic
quality of the removable covering relative to the elasticity of the
object varies across different zones of attachment between the
adhered section and the object.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the object is more
elastic than the removable covering.
18. The system according to claim 15, wherein the object is less
elastic than the removable covering.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the system is
configured so that the release begins at a first zone of attachment
between the adhered section and the object and progresses laterally
to the right-side end of the object.
20. The system according to claim 15, wherein the system is
configured so that the release across different zones of attachment
between the adhered section and the object varies.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/153,340 for Removable Covering and
Interactive Packaging filed Oct. 5, 2018 (and published Feb. 7,
2019, as Patent Application Publication No. US 2019/0038474), which
itself is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/255,279 for Removable Covering and Interactive Packaging filed
Apr. 17, 2014 (and published Aug. 14, 2014, as Patent Application
Publication No. US 2014/0227483), which claims the benefit of
International Application No. PCT/US12/61033 for a Removable
Covering and Interactive Packaging filed Oct. 19, 2012 (and
published Apr. 25, 2013 as WIPO Publication No. WO 2013/059600),
which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/549,317
for a Protective Covering for Adhesive Backed Articles and Methods
of Applying the Same (filed Oct. 20, 2011), U.S. Patent Application
No. 61/561,522 for a Protective Packaging for Adhesive Backed
Articles (filed Nov. 18, 2011), and U.S. Patent Application No.
61/654,748 for a Removable Covering and Interactive Packaging
(filed Jun. 1, 2012). Each of the foregoing patent applications and
patent publications is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the field of protective layers
(e.g., bandages, thin films, sheets, tapes) that are placed over
another object, including the human body, and adhered thereto, at
least temporarily, via an adhesive.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In manufacturing, construction, medicine and other fields
there is a frequent requirement to provide a protective barrier on
the surface of an object in order to prevent damage or trauma,
exposure (e.g., to air to prevent oxidation), contamination (e.g.,
by infectious agents or hand-borne contaminants), or premature
interaction (e.g., adhesion to an unintended object or with
undesired alignment). In addition protective barriers can help to
align, fix, adhere, or otherwise control an interface between two
surfaces. Examples would include the application of laminates or
veneers to cover a base structure, tiles or insulation layers to a
building feature, a protective layer over sensitive electronic
components, or in the application of elastic bandages. A removable
covering may itself bear an adhesive layer as a means of temporary
fixation to a non-adhesive bearing device. In applications where
the protected object itself exhibits an adhesive layer that is
intended to adhere the object to another surface, the removable
covering is placed over the adhesive layer and is removed as part
of the application process. Generally the adherent object must be
turned and rotated out of its intended application orientation in
order for the covering to be removed. The subsequent need to align
the unprotected adhesive surface may lead to mal-position or
misapplication. The process of covering exposure for removal can
impede effective placement and/or alignment of the surfaces to be
adhered. Several examples can illustrate the potential problems
with such a maneuver.
[0004] In the application of adhesive bandages, the undersurface
(adhesive surface) of the bandage must be turned upwards so that
the grasping tabs of the backing, typically near the center (pad)
of the bandage, can be accessed or visualized. As the covering is
removed, the bandage must then be again rotated 180 degrees so that
the undersurface can be applied to the skin, and during this
reorientation an inadvertent adhesion of one portion of the bandage
to another can occur, thus potentially making the bandage unusable.
If, during the course of application, the covering is initially
only partially removed, the bandage must be rotated without
inadvertently removing the remaining attachments, thereby again
potentially allowing elements of the bandage to adhere to other
parts of the bandage and making the bandage unusable, or by
potentially contaminating the bandage. If the covering is totally
removed prior to application, this requires that the adhesive
surfaces be grasped by the fingers and risks contamination of the
central pad of the bandage or poor adherence of the adhesive zone
that has been previously grasped prior to attachment to the wound
site. Grasping and releasing the bandage at the adhesive surface is
particularly difficult when the user is wearing gloves. If the user
wishes to apply the bandage under tension so as to create an
elastic force within the bandage prior to application, this
requires the entire bandage covering to be removed and the adhesive
surfaces to be grasped with the users hands, again potentially
affecting sterility or adherence of the device. In addition,
removal of the covering can be a challenge for patients with
limited dexterity, for example in the case in the case of severe
arthritis or where one hand may have poor function due to injury.
In such instances, removal of the bandage packaging represents an
additional step in preparing and positioning the bandage.
[0005] Another example representing the potential issues involved
when removing a covering can be illustrated in the adherence of
decorative coverings or devices to a flat surface, whether these
coverings be stiff (e.g., veneers) or flexible (e.g., elastic or
woven sheets). When the decorative coverings or devices are stiff,
the adhesive layer on the decorative covering or device must be
exposed without adherent surfaces being already in alignment, as
the devices to be adhered to each other (e.g., a decorative
covering and a surface) are brought into proximity it is very easy
to have the surfaces inadvertently adhere in a malaligned
orientation. In this instance, removal and repositioning of the
decorative covering or device is necessitated, and in instances
where the strength of the adhesion is great due to either large
adhesed surface areas or to the inherent strength of the adhesive,
this may lead to damage to either or both of the adhesed surfaces.
If the decorative covering is flexible this same issue of alignment
after covering removal is encountered, and in addition folds can be
created during the course of application that may not be
correctable, an damage to either of the adhesed surfaces can
occur.
[0006] While many other examples exist, it is seen that a covering
or covering device (e.g., a protective covering) that can assist in
the alignment and placement of one device to be adhered to another
surface is desirable. Similarly, combining such a covering device
and integrated packaging can help control the position,
orientation, application, and use of devices without direct
manipulation of the device itself and can assist in removal of the
backing. In both these types of uses, if packaging devices are
configured to function as either an integral part of a covering
device or to facilitate application of said covering device, this
may lead to reduced materials and waste and improved ease of
use.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention embraces a
substantially planar removable covering for an object. The
removable covering typically includes a first free section that is
not adhered to the object, a first adhered section that is adhered
to the object, and a second adhered section that is adhered to the
object. The first adhered section and the second adhered section
may be connected to opposite ends of the first free section. The
removable covering is typically sufficiently flexible to allow at
least partial removal of the first adhered section from the object
by application of a force to the removable covering.
[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the force required to remove the
removable covering from the object varies at different zones of
attachment between the removable covering and the object.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, the removable covering is
adhered to the object such that resistance to removal of the
removable covering from the object varies at different zones of
attachment between the removable covering and the object.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention embraces a
substantially planar removable cover for an object that includes a
first adhered section that is adhered to the object, a tab section
that is not adhered to the object, a first free section that is not
adhered to the object, and a second free section that is not
adhered to the object. Typically, the first free section and the
second free section are connected to opposite ends of the first
adhered section and the same end of the tab section. The removable
covering is typically sufficiently flexible to allow at least
partial removal of the first adhered section from the object by
application of a force to the removable covering.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the force required to remove the
removable covering from the object varies at different zones of
attachment between the removable covering and the object.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the removable covering is
adhered to the object such that resistance to removal of the
removable covering from the object varies at different zones of
attachment between the removable covering and the object.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces a
packaging system for an object and a removable covering that
interacts with the removable covering (e.g., via adhesive layers or
a constriction mechanism) to facilitate the application of the
object. Typically, the packaging system may be removed from the
object by applying forces in opposite directions to opposite ends
of the packaging system.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the packaging system interacts
with the removable covering such that the removable covering is
removed from the object at the same time the packaging system is
removed from the object.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the packaging system
includes visible design elements that are related in such a way as
to convey a story as the packaging system is removed from the
object.
[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the packaging system
includes visible design elements that present a message or
information as the packaging system is removed from the object.
[0017] The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other
exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the
manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained
within the following detailed description and its accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a phase of removal.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a phase of removal.
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a phase of removal.
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a phase of removal.
[0024] FIG. 7 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of
FIGS. 1 and 2 from the object as a function of time.
[0025] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0026] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the same phase of removal
as shown in FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering and object of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the same phase of
removal as shown in FIG. 6.
[0028] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0029] FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 11 in a phase of removal.
[0030] FIG. 13 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 11 in a phase of removal.
[0031] FIG. 14 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 11 in a phase of removal.
[0032] FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 11 in a phase of removal.
[0033] FIG. 16 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of
FIG. 11 from the object as a function of time.
[0034] FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering and object of FIG. 11.
[0035] FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering and object of FIG. 11 in the same phase of
removal as shown in FIG. 14.
[0036] FIG. 19 depicts a side view of two exemplary removable
coverings and object.
[0037] FIG. 20 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
coverings and object of FIG. 19 in a phase of removal.
[0038] FIG. 21 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
coverings and object of FIG. 19 in a phase of removal.
[0039] FIG. 22 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
coverings and object of FIG. 19 in a phase of removal.
[0040] FIG. 23 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0041] FIG. 24 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 23 and an exemplary packaging
system.
[0042] FIG. 25 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering, object, and packaging system of FIG. 24 in a phase of
removal.
[0043] FIG. 26 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering, object, and packaging system of FIG. 24 in a phase of
removal.
[0044] FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object.
[0045] FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object in a phase of removal.
[0046] FIG. 29 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object.
[0047] FIG. 30 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering, object, and packaging system of FIG. 29 in a phase of
removal.
[0048] FIG. 31 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering, object, and packaging system of FIG. 29 in a phase of
removal.
[0049] FIG. 32 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object.
[0050] FIG. 33 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object.
[0051] FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary object,
adhesive layer, and removable covering.
[0052] FIG. 35 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0053] FIG. 36 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 35 in a phase of removal.
[0054] FIG. 37 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 35 in a phase of removal.
[0055] FIG. 38 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 35 in a phase of removal.
[0056] FIG. 39 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of
FIG. 35 from the object as a function of time.
[0057] FIG. 40 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0058] FIG. 41 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 40 positioned on the object.
[0059] FIG. 42 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0060] FIG. 43 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 42 in a phase of application.
[0061] FIG. 44 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 42 in a phase of application.
[0062] FIG. 45 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 42 as applied to a surface.
[0063] FIG. 46 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0064] FIG. 47 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 46 in a phase of folding.
[0065] FIG. 48 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 46 in a phase of folding.
[0066] FIG. 49 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 46 as folded and within an exemplary
packaging system.
[0067] FIG. 50 depicts a side view of two exemplary removable
coverings and an object.
[0068] FIG. 51 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object depicted on the left side of FIG. 50.
[0069] FIG. 52 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object depicted on the left side of FIG. 50 in a phase
of removal.
[0070] FIG. 53 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object depicted on the right side of FIG. 50.
[0071] FIG. 54 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object depicted on the right side of FIG. 50 in a
phase of removal.
[0072] FIG. 55 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object.
[0073] FIG. 56 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 55 in a phase of
removal.
[0074] FIG. 57 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 55 in a phase of
removal.
[0075] FIG. 58 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 55 in a phase of
removal.
[0076] FIG. 59 a perspective view of an exemplary object, adhesive
layer, and two exemplary removable coverings.
[0077] FIG. 60 graphically depicts the force required to remove the
left-side removable coverings of FIGS. 59 and 61 and the right-side
removable covering of FIG. 61 as a function of distance from the
midpoint of the adhesive layer.
[0078] FIG. 61 depicts a side view of a two exemplary removable
coverings and an object.
[0079] FIG. 62 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary packaging
system.
[0080] FIG. 63 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering and/or object.
[0081] FIG. 64 graphically depicts the force required to remove the
packaging system of FIG. 62 from the removable covering of FIG. 63
for the left and ride sides of the removable covering of FIG. 63 as
a function of distance from the midpoint of the packaging
system.
[0082] FIG. 65 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering and/or object within an exemplary packaging system.
[0083] FIG. 66 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering.
[0084] FIG. 67 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 66.
[0085] FIG. 68 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 66 in a phase of manufacturing.
[0086] FIG. 69 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 66 in a phase of manufacturing.
[0087] FIG. 70A depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 66 as manufactured in the phases
depicted in FIGS. 67-69 and an object.
[0088] FIG. 70B depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering and object of FIG. 70A in another phase of
manufacturing.
[0089] FIG. 71 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering.
[0090] FIG. 72 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 71.
[0091] FIG. 73 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 71 in a phase of manufacturing.
[0092] FIG. 74 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 71 in a phase of manufacturing.
[0093] FIG. 75 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 71 in a phase of manufacturing.
[0094] FIG. 76 depicts a perspective view of a portion of an
exemplary removable covering.
[0095] FIG. 77 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 76 in a phase of manufacturing.
[0096] FIG. 78 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 76 in a phase of manufacturing.
[0097] FIG. 79 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 76 and an object in a phase of
manufacturing.
[0098] FIG. 80 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering and object of FIG. 79.
[0099] FIG. 81 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering and object.
[0100] FIG. 82 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 81 in a phase of removal.
[0101] FIG. 83 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 81 in a phase of removal.
[0102] FIG. 84 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 81 in a phase of removal.
[0103] FIG. 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging
system, removable coverings, and object.
[0104] FIG. 86 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object in a phase of removal.
[0105] FIG. 87 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in a phase of
removal.
[0106] FIG. 88 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in a phase of
removal.
[0107] FIG. 89 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in a phase of
removal.
[0108] FIG. 90 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in the same phase
of removal as shown in FIG. 86.
[0109] FIG. 91 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in the same phase
of removal as shown in FIG. 87.
[0110] FIG. 92 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system, removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in the same phase
of removal as shown in FIG. 88.
[0111] FIG. 93 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary extension
section.
[0112] FIG. 94 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
extension section.
[0113] FIG. 95 depicts a perspective view of two exemplary
extension sections adhered to an object and an exemplary removable
covering.
[0114] FIG. 96 depicts an exemplary two-piece extension section in
a phase of manufacture.
[0115] FIG. 97 depicts the exemplary two-piece extension section of
FIG. 96 as manufactured.
[0116] FIG. 98 depicts another exemplary two-piece extension
section in a phase of manufacture.
[0117] FIG. 99 depicts the exemplary two-piece extension section of
FIG. 98 as manufactured.
[0118] FIG. 100 depicts another exemplary two-piece extension
section in a phase of manufacture.
[0119] FIG. 101 depicts the exemplary two-piece extension section
of FIG. 100 as manufactured.
[0120] FIG. 102 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering, exemplary extension sections, and an object.
[0121] FIG. 103 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering, exemplary extension sections, and object of FIG. 102 in
an exemplary packaging system.
[0122] FIG. 104 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering, exemplary extension sections, object, and exemplary
packaging system of FIG. 103 in a phase of removal.
[0123] FIG. 105 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering, exemplary extension sections, object, and exemplary
packaging system of FIG. 103 in a phase of removal.
[0124] FIG. 106 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering, exemplary extension sections, object, and exemplary
packaging system of FIG. 103 in a phase of removal.
[0125] FIG. 107 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the packaging system and exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 103 from the object as a function of
time.
[0126] FIG. 108 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary removable
covering, exemplary extension sections, and object of FIG. 102.
[0127] FIG. 109 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary extension
section.
[0128] FIG. 110 depicts an overhead view of another exemplary
extension section.
[0129] FIG. 111 depicts an overhead view of yet another exemplary
extension section.
[0130] FIG. 112 depicts an overhead view of yet another exemplary
extension section.
[0131] FIG. 113 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering that includes extension sections and an object within an
exemplary packaging system.
[0132] FIG. 114 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary removable
covering, object, and an exemplary packaging system of FIG.
113.
[0133] FIG. 115 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the packaging system and exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 113 from the object as a function of
time.
[0134] FIG. 116 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary
packaging system in a phase of manufacture.
[0135] FIG. 117 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
packaging system.
[0136] FIG. 118 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary
packaging system.
[0137] FIG. 119 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary
packaging system.
[0138] FIG. 120 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary packaging
system.
[0139] FIG. 121 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system of FIG. 120 in a phase of removal.
[0140] FIG. 122 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system of FIG. 120 in another phase of removal.
[0141] FIG. 123 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system of FIG. 120 in yet another phase of removal.
[0142] FIG. 124 depicts an overhead view of another exemplary
packaging system.
[0143] FIG. 125 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system of FIG. 120 in a phase of removal.
[0144] FIG. 126 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system of FIG. 120 in another phase of removal.
[0145] FIG. 127 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary
packaging system, removable covering, and object in a phase of
manufacture.
[0146] FIG. 128 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary
removable covering.
[0147] FIG. 129 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 128 and an adhesive strip in a phase of
manufacture.
[0148] FIG. 130 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering and adhesive strip of FIG. 129 as configured
after manufacturing.
[0149] FIG. 131 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary
removable covering and an adhesive strip in a phase of
manufacture.
[0150] FIG. 132 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering and adhesive strip of FIG. 131 as configured
after manufacturing.
[0151] FIG. 133 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering including a varied adhesion zone.
[0152] FIG. 134 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of
FIG. 133 from an object as a function of time.
[0153] FIG. 135 depicts an overhead view of another exemplary
removable covering including a varied adhesion zone.
[0154] FIG. 136 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of
FIG. 135 from an object as a function of time.
[0155] FIG. 137 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary
removable covering including a varied adhesion zone.
[0156] FIG. 138 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 137 in a phase of removal.
[0157] FIG. 139 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 137 in another phase of removal.
[0158] FIG. 140 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 137 in yet another phase of removal.
[0159] FIG. 141 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary
removable covering before application to an object that includes a
varied adhesion zone.
[0160] FIG. 142 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 141 as applied to the object.
[0161] FIG. 143 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 141 in a phase of removal from the
object.
[0162] FIG. 144 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering of FIG. 141 in another phase of removal from the
object.
[0163] FIG. 145 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering and an object.
[0164] FIG. 146 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 145.
[0165] FIG. 147 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 145 in a phase of removal from an object.
[0166] FIG. 148 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 145 in a phase of removal from an object and a
phase of applying the object to a surface.
[0167] FIG. 149 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 145 in a phase of removal from an object and a
phase of applying the object to a surface.
[0168] FIG. 150 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering and an object.
[0169] FIG. 151 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 150.
[0170] FIG. 152 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 150 in a phase of preparing the removable covering
and object for application to a surface.
[0171] FIG. 153 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 150 in a phase of preparing the removable covering
and object for application to a surface and applying the removable
covering and object to a surface.
[0172] FIG. 154 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIG. 150 in a phase of applying the removable covering
and object to a surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0173] In one aspect, the present invention embraces a removable
covering (e.g., a backing or backing device) for a receiving
surface (e.g., an object having an adhesive layer). The removable
covering facilitates the positioning, orientation, application, and
use of the receiving surface as well as the removal of the
removable covering.
[0174] In particular, the invention relates to removable coverings
that peel away from objects (e.g., protected devices) to expose an
adhesive that may then be applied to a receiving surface that is
covered by the object upon application. In a particular embodiment,
the invention relates to the construction of the removable covering
and the level of resistance to peeling that the construction of the
removable covering brings to the object. The resistance to peeling
may vary along the peeling path to allow for proper placement of
the removable covering onto the receiving surface before final
application of the entire covering. Typically, the removable
covering comprises a material of sufficient flexibility to allow at
least partial removal from a protected device or object by
application of a peel force vector applied to a section or
structural feature of the removable covering (e.g., backing).
[0175] As described herein, the protected devices and/or objects
are typically substantially planar, rectangular-shaped, and
symmetrical. That said, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention may include objects, removable coverings, and packaging
systems that are not planar, rectangular, or symmetrical. For
example, a circular-shaped object, removable covering, and/or
packaging system is within the scope of the present invention.
Furthermore, for particularly long objects (e.g., having
significantly greater lengths than widths), the removable coverings
and/or packaging systems may be removed in a direction parallel to
the width of the object, rather than the length as disclosed
herein.
[0176] The disclosure of this invention includes use of numerous
mechanisms for changing the resistance of the peel strength of the
removable covering attached to a protective layer to be applied to
a receiving surface. Each of these mechanisms is conducive to
mixing and interchanging on any given device. The construction of
the removable covering is disclosed with certain portions shown as
a continuous layer, but such disclosure is not limiting of the
invention. The invention encompasses embodiments in which any layer
comprises multiple portions. This disclosure often refers to an
adhesive layer from which the removable covering is peeled. The
adhesive layer may peel away while remaining on the removable layer
(i.e., leaving the receiving surface free of adhesive) or the
removable covering may peel away and leave the adhesive layer on
the receiving surface.
[0177] Aspects of exemplary removable coverings and packaging
systems are described herein with reference to numerous figures. In
the description, a single side of a removable covering or packaging
system may be described (e.g., only the left or right side). The
removable covering or packaging system typically includes left and
right sides that are mirror images of each other (i.e., the left
and right sides have the same components), unless otherwise noted.
Thus, the description of a single side of a removable covering or
packaging system may be equally applied to the other side. That
said, it is within the scope of the present invention to employ
single-sided removable coverings and/or packaging systems.
[0178] Furthermore, aspects of exemplary removable coverings and
packaging systems are described herein with reference to phases of
removal. As will be recognized, these phases of removal generally
correspond to zones of attachment between the removable covering
and the object.
[0179] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1001 and an object 1003 having a receiving surface 1002.
Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplary
removable covering 1001 includes a primary tab 1004 (e.g., a
central terminus or free section), a lateral free section 1008, and
a secondary tab 1007 (e.g., a lateral terminus or free section)
that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1002 of the object
1003. The removable covering 1001 also includes a central section
1005 (e.g., an adhered section) and a lateral section 1006 (e.g.,
an adhered section) that are adhered to the receiving surface
1002.
[0180] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of another exemplary removable
covering wherein the receiving surface 1002 is an adhesive layer.
In this regard, the adhesive layer 1002, which may be on the object
1003 or the removable covering 1001, is positioned between the
removable covering 1001 and the object 1003. FIGS. 3-6 depict side
views of the exemplary removable covering 1001 and object 1003 in
different phases of removal, while FIG. 7 graphically depicts the
application force or resistance necessary to remove the exemplary
removable covering 1001 from the object 1003 as a function of time.
In FIG. 7, "Phase 0" corresponds to FIGS. 1 and 2; "Phase 1"
corresponds to FIG. 3; "Phase 1B" corresponds to FIG. 4; "Phase 2"
corresponds to FIG. 5; and "Phase 3" corresponds to FIG. 6.
[0181] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable
covering 1001, receiving surface 1002, object 1003 of FIGS. 1 and 2
(i.e., Phase 0). FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering 1001, receiving surface 1002, and object 1003 of
FIGS. 1 and 2 in the same phase of removal as shown in FIG. 4
(i.e., Phase 1B). FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the
exemplary removable covering 1001, receiving surface 1002, and
object 1003 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the same phase of removal as shown
in FIG. 6 (i.e., Phase 3).
[0182] In this exemplary embodiment, Phase 0 is followed by the
grasping of a primary tab 1004 which requires the application of a
midline separation force. Phase 1 requires a force to overcome a
180 degree peel strength resistance. Phase 1B may require a force
to overcome a 180 degree peel strength resistance (e.g., if the
lateral free section 1008 is adhered to the secondary tab 1007) or
no force (e.g., if the lateral free section 1008 is not adhered to
the secondary tab 1007). During Phase 2, there is a shear
resistance to removal, but the secondary tab 1007 is exposed. See
e.g., FIG. 5. Thus, the secondary tab 1007 may be pulled during
Phase 3 to overcome a second 180 degree peel strength
resistance.
[0183] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering so constructed and oriented
that when applied to a receiving surface said removable covering
exhibits a fold such that portions of both flat surfaces of the
removable covering are adhered to different sections of the
receiving surface. A central terminus does not adhere to the
receiving surface and functions as a primary tab for peeling a
central section of the removable covering from the receiving
surface at a peel angle that is between 90 and 180 degrees. Upon
completion of the 90 to 180 degree peel with the same force vector,
the peel angle transitions to a 0 degree peel angle (shear) with a
higher peel resistance within a lateral section that is continuous
with the central section. A second embodiment incorporates a
secondary tab continuous with the lateral section and not adhered
to the receiving surface to allow a secondary peel angle between 90
and 180 degrees to be applied to the lateral section.
[0184] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1011 and an object 1013 having a receiving surface 1012.
Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplary
removable covering 1011 includes a primary tab 1014 (e.g., a
central terminus or free section), a first free section 1017, a tab
section 1018, and a second free section 1019 that are not adhered
to the receiving surface 1012 of the object 1013. The removable
covering 1011 also includes a central section 1015 (e.g., an
adhered section) and a lateral section 1016 (e.g., a first adhered
section) that are adhered to the receiving surface 1012.
[0185] As shown, the first free section 1017 and second free
section 1019 are connected to opposite ends of the lateral section
1016. Additionally, the first free section 1017 and second free
section 1019 are connected to the same end of the tab section 1018.
In this regard, the first free section 1017, second free section
1019, and the later section 1016 form a loop connected to tab
section 1018.
[0186] FIGS. 12-15 depict side views of the exemplary removable
covering 1011 and object 1013 in different phases of removal, while
FIG. 16 graphically depicts the application force or resistance
necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering 1011 from the
object 1013 as a function of time. In FIG. 16, "Phase 0"
corresponds to FIG. 11; "Phase 1" corresponds to FIGS. 12 and 13;
"Phase 2" corresponds to FIG. 14; and "Phase 3" corresponds to FIG.
15. FIG. 16 illustrates, for example, that the force required to
remove the removable covering 1011 from the object 1013 is greatest
at the second to last zone of attachment.
[0187] FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering 1011, receiving surface 1012, and object 1013 of
FIG. 11 (i.e., Phase 0). FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the
exemplary removable covering 1011, receiving surface 1012, and
object 1013 of FIG. 1 in the same phase of removal as shown in FIG.
14 (i.e., Phase 2).
[0188] In this exemplary embodiment, Phase 0 is followed by the
grasping of a primary tab 1014 which requires the application of a
midline separation force. Phase 1 requires a force to overcome a
180 degree peel strength resistance. The early portion of Phase 2
(i.e., the shift from a 180 degree peel strength resistance to a
shear peel strength resistance) occurs after reaching the
orientation shown in FIG. 14. The later portion of Phase 2 (i.e.,
the shear plateau) occurs when the pulling force is primarily
lateral. During Phase 3, the loop releases from the receiving
surface 1012.
[0189] In such exemplary removable coverings including a loop, the
degree of transfer between 180 degree peel strength resistance and
shear peel strength resistance may be adjusted by varying the
junction point of the tab section 1018 and the loop. For example,
if the first free section 1017 is closer to the outer edge of the
receiving surface 1012 (i.e., the tab section 1018 connects to the
loop further from the center of the receiving surface), the
resistance to removal will shift from a 180 degree peel strength
resistance to a shear peel strength resistance more quickly. In
other words, the slope of the force/resistance curve in the early
portion of Phase 2 in FIG. 16 will be greater (i.e., a steeper
slope).
[0190] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering so constructed and oriented
that when applied to a receiving surface said removable covering
exhibits a lateral section defining a loop such that portions of
both flat surfaces of the removable covering are adhered to
different sections of the receiving surface. The lateral section is
continuous with a central section along the non-adhered surface of
the lateral section. The connection between the lateral and central
sections can be in any position along the length of the lateral
section. A central terminus does not adhere to the receiving
surface and functions as a primary tab for peeling a central
section of the removable covering from the receiving surface at a
peel angle that is between 90 and 180 degrees. Upon completion of
the 90 to 180 degree peel with the same force vector, the peel
angle transitions to at least a partial 0 degree peel angle (shear)
with a higher peel resistance within a lateral section that is
continuous with the central section. With an increasing force
vector and no change in direction, the peel resistance is overcome,
and the covering is removed from the receiving surface.
[0191] FIG. 19 depicts a side view of two exemplary removable
coverings 1021A and 1021B and an object 1023 having a receiving
surface 1022 and a central feature 1025 (e.g., an absorbent pad or
non-adhesive surface). The removable covering on the left 1021A
includes a tab section 1028A, a first free section 1027A, and a
second free section 1029A that are not adhered to the receiving
surface 1022 of the object 1023. The removable covering on the left
1021A also includes a lateral section 1026A that is adhered to the
receiving surface 1022 and covers at least a portion of the central
feature 1025.
[0192] The removable covering on the right 1021B includes a tab
section 1028B, a first free section 1027B, and a second free
section 1029B that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1022 of
the object 1023. The removable covering on the right 1021B also
includes a lateral section 1026B that is adhered to the receiving
surface 1022. Additionally, the removable covering on the right
1021B includes a central tab 1024B that may be adhered to the
receiving surface 1022 and covers at least a portion of the central
feature 1025.
[0193] As shown with respect to the removable covering on the left
1021A, the first free section 1027A, the second free section 1029A,
and the lateral section 1026A are connected to form a loop that is
further connected to the tab section 1028A.
[0194] As shown with respect to the removable covering on the right
1021B, the first free section 1027B, the second free section 1029B,
and the lateral section 1026B are connected to form a loop that is
further connected to the tab section 1028B. The loop is also
connected to central tab 1024B.
[0195] The tab sections 1028A and 1028B of the removable coverings
1021A and 1021B are connected to their respective loops at
different locations.
[0196] FIGS. 20-22 depict perspective views of the two exemplary
removable coverings 1021A and 102B in different phases of removal.
As shown, the connection point of the tab sections 1028A and 1028B
of the removable coverings 1021A and 1021B alters the removal
process and changes the resistance at each of the phases of
removal.
[0197] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering wherein the length of the
loop may be varied to change the point on the lateral section at
which the peel resistance approaches a shearing force at which
point a non-adhered central section (e.g., central tab 1024B)
becomes a tab for a secondary force vector to provide a peel angle
that is between 90 and 180 degrees.
[0198] FIG. 23 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1031 and an object 1033 that includes a receiving surface
1032. Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplary
removable covering 1031 has the same components. The exemplary
removable covering 1031 includes a lateral backing section 1034 and
a central backing section 1035. The central backing section 1035
includes a central tab 1035A that is not adhered to the receiving
surface 1032 and a first adhered section 1035B that is adhered to
the receiving surface 1032.
[0199] The lateral backing section 1034 includes a first free
section 1036, a second free section 1038, and an attachment section
1039 that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1032. The
lateral backing section 1034 also includes a first adhered section
1037 that is adhered to the receiving surface 1032. As shown, the
lateral backing section 1034 wraps around the outer edge of the
object 1033.
[0200] FIG. 24 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering 1031 and object 1033 of FIG. 23 within an exemplary
packaging system 2000. The packaging system 2000 includes two
pieces, a left-side sleeve 2000A and a right-side sleeve 2000B,
that may or may not be joined by an adhesive layer 2001. The
sleeves 2000A and 2000B each include a top side 2003A and 2003B and
a bottom side 2002A and 2002B, respectively.
[0201] The exemplary removable covering 1031 and packaging system
2000 function together to facilitate placement of the object 1033
and its receiving surface 1032. In this regard, each lateral
backing section's attachment section 1039 (i.e., on the left and
right portions of the removable covering 1031) is typically adhered
to each respective top side 2003A or 2003B of the packaging system
2000. Additionally, each central backing section's central tab
1035A (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removable
covering 1031) is typically adhered to each respective bottom side
2002A or 2002B of the packaging system 2000.
[0202] FIGS. 25 and 26 depict side views of the exemplary removable
covering 1031, object 1033, and packaging system 2000 of FIG. 24 in
different phases of removal. As shown in FIG. 25, when a user pulls
the left and right side sleeves 2000A and 2000B away from each
other the removable covering 1031 is removed as well. Initially,
there is a 180 degree peel strength resistance as the central
backing section's first adhered section 1035B is removed from the
receiving surface 1032. At some point during the removal process,
the lateral backing section 1034 will become fully extended (See
FIG. 26) and there will be a shear peel strength resistance. To
complete the removal process, the lateral backing section's first
free section 1036 may be engaged by a force that overcomes a 180
degree peel strength resistance.
[0203] FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering 1031, object 1033, and packaging system 2000 of
FIG. 24. FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering 1031, object 1033, and packaging system 2000 in
the same phase of removal as shown in FIG. 26.
[0204] FIG. 29 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1031 and object 1033 within an exemplary packaging system
2000. The primary differences between the exemplary removable
covering 1031 of FIG. 29 and that of FIGS. 23-26 are the locations
of attachment of the exemplary removable covering 1031 to (i) the
object 1033 and (ii) the packaging system 2000. In FIG. 29, the
lateral backing section's first adhered section 1037 is adhered to
the top surface of the object 1033 (e.g., via an adhesive layer)
rather than the receiving surface 1032 as in FIGS. 23-26.
Additionally, each lateral backing section's attachment section
1039 (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removable
covering 1031) is adhered to each respective top side 2003A or
2003B at a location that is closer to the central portion of the
packaging system 2000 than in FIGS. 23-26.
[0205] FIGS. 30-31 depict side views of the exemplary removable
covering 1031, object 1033, and exemplary packaging system 2000 of
FIG. 29 in different phases of removal. As shown in FIG. 30, when a
user pulls the left and right side sleeves 2000A and 2000B away
from each other the removable covering 1031 is removed as well.
Initially, there is a 180 degree peel strength resistance as the
central backing section's first adhered section 1035B is removed
from the receiving surface 1032. At some point during the removal
process, the lateral backing section 1034 will become fully
extended (See FIG. 31) and there will be a shear peel strength
resistance. To complete the removal process, the lateral backing
section's first free section 1036 may be engaged by a force that
overcomes a 180 degree peel strength resistance. As compared to
FIGS. 23-26, however, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-31
includes a first free section 1036 that may be engaged while the
receiving surface 1032 has been placed because the first free
section 1036 is on top of the object 1033.
[0206] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of
separate, noncontiguous sections of the removable covering applied
to different zones of a primary or secondary receiving surface. By
separating the packaging, the user peels a central section at a
peel angle that is between 90 and 180 degrees. A lateral section
applied to either a primary or secondary receiving surface is
subject to a shear force that creates an increased peel resistance
compared to the central section. The lateral section may be removed
via a secondary tab (e.g., a first free section) which is
non-adhered to the primary or secondary receiving surface.
[0207] The exemplary removable coverings depicted in and described
with respect to FIGS. 23-31 employ free sections, adhered sections,
and tabs but may also include loops as depicted in and described
with respect to FIGS. 11-22.
[0208] Furthermore, all of the exemplary removable coverings may
include zones of altered adhesive strength. For example, FIG. 32
depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1031 and
object 1033 within an exemplary packaging system 2000. The
exemplary removable covering 1031 and packaging system 2000 of FIG.
32 are similar to those of FIGS. 29-31, but the removable covering
1031 does not include a lateral backing section. Additionally, the
exemplary removable covering a includes a central tab 1035A that is
not adhered to the receiving surface 1032 and a first adhered
section 1035B that is adhered to the receiving surface 1032, but
also includes a second adhered section 1035C and a third adhered
section 1035D. The second adhered section 1035C is adhered to an
extra adhesive layer 1040 that is adhered to the receiving surface
1032. The third adhered section 1035D is adhered to the receiving
surface 1032. The second adhered section 1035C and extra adhesive
layer 1040 increase the peel strength resistance during removal.
The third adhered section 1035D provides a reduction in peel
strength resistance at the last phase of removal.
[0209] The extra adhesive layer 1040 may be part of the removable
covering 1031 or the receiving surface 1032. Alternatively, rather
than having an extra adhesive layer 1040 at the shown position, a
different strength adhesive could be used at the shown position to
increase or decrease peel strength resistance.
[0210] As shown in FIG. 32, a central adhesive layer 2005 may
adhere the left and right sides of the removable covering 1031 to
each other. The central adhesive layer 2005 may provide increased
protection against contamination of or damage to the receiving
surface 1032 (e.g., an adhesive layer).
[0211] FIG. 33 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1031 and object 1033 within an exemplary packaging system
2000. The exemplary removable covering 1031 of FIG. 33 is similar
to that of FIG. 32, but the removable covering 1031 does not
include a third adhered section 1035D at the outer edge of the
receiving surface. In this regard, the second adhered section 1035C
and extra adhesive layer 1040 increase the peel strength resistance
during removal during the last phase of removal.
[0212] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of a
change in adhesive strength between the removable covering and the
receiving surface to which it is attached. The adhesive strength
may be adjusted in zones of varied adhesive strength.
[0213] FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary object
1003, adhesive layer 1002, and two exemplary removable coverings
1001A and 1001B. The exemplary removable coverings 1001A and 1001B
each include a primary tab 1004 (e.g., a central terminus or free
section) and a central section 1005.
[0214] Legend 3001 shows a pattern identifying an area of low peel
strength resistance. Legend 3002 shows a pattern identifying an
area of medium peel strength resistance. Legend 3003 shows a
pattern identifying an area of high peel strength resistance. These
peel strength resistances may be achieved by varying the texture or
surface of the central section's side that faces the adhesive layer
1002.
[0215] Accordingly, as the removable covering 1001A is removed by
pulling the primary tab 1004, initially there is a low peel
strength resistance, followed by a medium peel strength resistance,
and finally a high peel strength resistance. In other words, it
requires an increasingly greater force to remove the removable
covering 1001A during the removal process.
[0216] As the removable covering 1001B is removed by pulling the
primary tab 1004, initially there is a high peel strength
resistance, followed by a low peel strength resistance, then a
medium peel strength resistance, then a high peel strength
resistance, and finally a low peel strength resistance.
[0217] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a covering that provides a change in resistance
to covering removal along a force vector by means of a change the
surface texture characteristics of the removable covering along
zones at which it is attached to the receiving surface. Typically,
zones of more coarse texture are less adherent, and smoother zones
are more adherent.
[0218] FIG. 35 depicts an exemplary removable covering 1041 and
object 1043 that includes a receiving surface 1042 (e.g., an
adhesive layer). The removable covering 1041 includes a primary tab
1044 (e.g., a central terminus or free section), a first free
section 1046, and a second free section 1048 (e.g., a secondary
tab) that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1042 or the
object 1043. The removable covering 1041 also includes a first
adhered section 1045 (e.g., a lateral section) that is adhered to
the receiving surface 1042 and a second adhered section 1047 that
is adhered to the top surface of the object 1043 (e.g., via an
adhesive layer 1050.
[0219] FIGS. 36-38 depict side views of the exemplary removable
covering 1041 and object 1043 in different phases of removal, while
FIG. 39 graphically depicts the application force or resistance
necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering 1041 from the
object 1043 as a function of time. In FIG. 39, "Phase 0"
corresponds to FIG. 35; "Phase 1" corresponds to FIG. 36; "Phase 2"
corresponds to FIG. 37; and "Phase 3" corresponds to FIG. 38.
[0220] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of an
extension that interfaces with more than one surface of the
attached receiving surface. A central section includes a tab that
is non-adhered and is available for peeling the central section at
a peel angle between 90 and 180 degrees. A lateral section is
contiguous with the central section and is adhered to a secondary
receiving surface exhibiting a shear resistance to the same force
vector that peeled the central section. The lateral section may
exhibit a secondary tab that is non-adhered to the secondary
receiving surface such that the lateral section peels at an angle
between 90 and 180 degrees.
[0221] FIG. 40 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1051 and object 1053, and FIG. 41 depicts a side view of
the exemplary removable covering 1051 of FIG. 40 positioned on the
object 1053. The object 1053 includes a receiving surface 1052
(e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side (i.e., the left and right
sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1051 has the same
components. The removable covering 1051 includes a lateral backing
section 1054 and a central backing section 1055. The central
backing section 1055 includes a central tab 1055A that is not
adhered to the receiving surface 1052 and a first adhered section
1055B that is adhered to the receiving surface 1052.
[0222] The lateral backing section 1054 includes a first free
section 1056 (e.g., a secondary tab) and a second free section 1058
that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1052. The lateral
backing section 1054 also includes a first adhered section 1057
that is adhered to the central backing section's first adhered
section 1055B (e.g., via an adhesive layer 1050) and a second
adhered section 1059 that is adhered to the top surface of the
object 1053 (e.g., via an adhesive layer 1050). As shown, the
lateral backing section 1054 wraps around the outer edge of the
object 1053.
[0223] FIG. 42 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1061 and object 1063. Each side (i.e., the left and right
sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1061 has the same
components. The exemplary removable covering 1061 includes an
adhesive layer 1060. The exemplary removable covering 1061 also
includes a first adhered section 1066, a second adhered section
1067, and a third adhered section 1068 that adhere to the object
1063 via adhesive layer 1060. See FIG. 44. Additionally, the
exemplary removable covering 1061 includes a first free section
1065 and a second free section 1069. As shown in FIG. 43, the first
free section 1065 and second free section 1069 may be folded or
wrapped onto adhesive layer 1060 to create tabs. By folding the
first free section 1065 and second free section 1069 onto adhesive
layer 1060, when the exemplary removable covering 1061 is applied
to the object 1063, the first free section 1065 and second free
section 1069 are not adhered to the object 1063. See FIG. 44. As
shown in FIG. 44 the removable covering 1061 may protect the object
1063 until it needs to be placed on a surface.
[0224] For example, FIG. 45 depicts a side view of the exemplary
removable covering 1061 and object 1063 of FIGS. 42-44 as applied
to a surface 1062. Starting with the configuration shown in FIG.
44, the first free section 1065 of the left and right sides of the
removable covering 1061 may be grasped and pulled to remove the
first adhered section 1066 from the bottom surface of the object
1063. The bottom surface of the object 1063 may then be placed on
the surface 1062. To hold down or secure the object 1063 to the
surface 1062 (e.g., to allow an adhesive, such as glue or cement,
to dry or harden), the first adhered section 1066 may be adhered to
the portion of the surface 1062 adjacent to the object 1063 (e.g.,
via adhesive layer 1060).
[0225] In exemplary embodiments, the removable covering 1061 may
include markings (e.g., grid lines, guidelines, and/or alignment
markings) that facilitate application or placement of the object
1603 on the surface 1062. The markings may be printed on the outer
surface of the removable covering 1061 (i.e., the surface that does
not face the object 1063). Although described with respect to the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 45, such markings may be included on
any of the exemplary removable coverings and/or objects disclosed
herein. Typically, the markings are printed on a surface of the
removable covering that is visible from above the removable
covering during the removal process. In this regard, the markings
may facilitate a user's alignment of the removable covering and/or
object on a surface during the removal process by providing visual
guidance.
[0226] Thus, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace
a removable covering that includes a lateral section and a central
section that may be made of one or more than one components. As
shown, when the central section of the removable covering (over the
primary receiving surface) includes a respective adhesive layer,
that same adhesive layer (removed with a 90 to 180 degree peel) may
be re-adhered to a third receiving surface.
[0227] FIG. 46 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1071 and object 1073 that includes a receiving surface
1072 (e.g., an adhesive layer) and a central pad 1070. Each side
(i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplary removable
covering 1071 has the same components. The removable covering 1071
includes a lateral backing section 1074 and a central backing
section 1075. The central backing section 1075 includes a central
tab 1075A that is not adhered to the receiving surface 1072 and a
first adhered section 1075B that is adhered to the receiving
surface 1072. The lateral backing section 1074 includes a first
free section 1076 (e.g., a secondary tab) and a second free section
1078 that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1072. The
depicted first free section 1076 is formed of a section folded on
itself and joined by an adhesive layer. The lateral backing section
1074 also includes a first adhered section 1077 that is adhered to
the central backing section's first adhered section 1075B (e.g.,
via an adhesive layer) and a second adhered section 1079 that is
adhered to the top surface of the object 1073 (e.g., via an
adhesive layer). As shown, the lateral backing section 1074 wraps
around the outer edge of the object 1073.
[0228] FIG. 47 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering 1071 and object 1073 of FIG. 46 in a phase of folding. In
particular, the first free section 1076 (e.g., a secondary tab) has
been folded onto the top surface of the second adhered section
1079. Additionally, the left and right central tab 1075A has been
folded onto the bottom or outer surface of the first adhered
section 1075B.
[0229] FIG. 48 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering 1071 and object 1073 of FIG. 46 in a further phase of
folding. In particular, the right side of the removable covering
1071 and object 1073 have been folded upward around a folding axis
located approximately at the right edge of the pad 1070 such that
the first free section 1076 is over the central portion of the
object 1073.
[0230] FIG. 49 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering 1071 and object 1073 of FIG. 46 in a further phase of
folding and within an exemplary packaging system 2000. In
particular, the left side of the removable covering 1071 and object
1073 have been folded upward around a folding axis located
approximately at the left edge of the pad 1070 such that the first
free section 1076 is over (i) the right side of the removable
covering 1071 and (ii) the central portion of the object 1073. In
other exemplary embodiments, the left side of the removable
covering 1071 and object 1073 may be folded before the right side
of the removable covering 1071 and object 1073. The folded
removable covering 1071 and object 1073 are within the packaging
system 2000.
[0231] The packaging system 2000 includes two pieces, a left-side
sleeve 2000A and a right-side sleeve 2000B, that may or may not be
joined by an adhesive layer 2001. The sleeves 2000A and 2000B each
include a top side 2003A and 2003B and a bottom side 2002A and
2002B, respectively.
[0232] The exemplary removable covering 1071 and packaging system
2000 function together to facilitate placement of the object 1073
and its receiving surface 1072. In this regard, each central
backing section's central tab 1075A (i.e., on the left and right
portions of the removable covering 1071) is typically adhered to
each respective bottom side 2002A or 2002B of the packaging system
2000. When a user pulls the left and right side sleeves 2000A and
2000B away from each other the removable covering's central backing
section 1075 is at least partially removed as well. Additionally,
natural spring tension unfolds the left and right sides of the
removable covering 1071 and object 1073 as the top sides 2003A and
2003B move apart. After the object 1073 and is receiving surface
1072 are placed, the first free section 1076 of each side may be
engaged to remove the lateral backing section 1074 and the
removable covering 1071.
[0233] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to removal along a force vector by a variety of
mechanisms may be attached to a receiving surface along a flexible
object and surrounded by a connected packaging. The flexible object
and the removable covering may be folded for smaller package
dimensions and materials. Removal of the integrated packaging
simultaneously unfolds the flexible object and removes the covering
by peeling as noted above. Any mechanism that increases the peel
resistance is available for integration into this embodiment.
[0234] FIG. 50 depicts a side view of two exemplary removable
coverings 1101A and 1101B and an object 1103 having a receiving
surface 1102 (e.g., an adhesive layer). As shown, exemplary
removable coverings in accordance with the present invention may
adhere to the top of an object 1103 (e.g., via an adhesive layer
1000) as does the exemplary removable covering 1101A on the left or
to the bottom of an object 1103 (e.g., when the receiving surface
1102 is an adhesive layer or via an adhesive layer) as does the
exemplary removable covering 1101B on the right. As shown, the
exemplary removable coverings 1101A and 1101B each include a first
free section 1104A and 1104B, respectively, that are not adhered to
the object 1103 or receiving surface 1102. The exemplary removable
coverings 1101A and 1101B also each include a first adhered section
1105A and 1105B, respectively, which are adhered to the object 1103
and the receiving surface 1102, respectively. By altering the
adhesion location (i.e., top or bottom of the object) in relation
to the relative elastic quality of the removable covering or the
relative elasticity of the object, the release mechanism of the
removable covering may be controlled.
[0235] For example, FIGS. 51 and 52 depict an exemplary removable
covering 1081 that is less elastic (i.e., less flexible, less
expandable, and/or more rigid) than the object 1083 and its
adhesive layer 1082. The exemplary removable covering 1081 includes
a first free section 1084 that is not adhered to the object 1083
and a first adhered section 1085 that is adhered to the bottom
surface (i.e., receiving surface 1102) of the object 1083.
[0236] In FIG. 52, a tension is applied to the first free section
1084. Because the object 1083 and its adhesive layer 1082 are more
elastic (i.e., more flexible, more expandable, and/or less rigid)
than the removable covering 1081, they deform. The combination of
this deformation and the difference in elasticity causes the free
end of the first adhered section 1085 (i.e., the end opposite the
connection to the first free section 1084 or the left end as
depicted) to release from the adhesive layer 1082 before the rest
of the first adhered section 1085. In other words, the shear pull
strength resistance from the adhesive layer 1082 is first overcome
at the portion of the removable covering 1081 that is furthest from
the location at which the removal force is applied (i.e., at the
free end of the first free section 1084). Typically, the adhesive
layer 1082 remains on the object 1083 after removal in this
exemplary embodiment.
[0237] As another example, FIGS. 53 and 54 depict an exemplary
removable covering that is more elastic (i.e., more flexible, more
expandable, and/or less rigid) than the object 1093 and the
adhesive layer 1090. The exemplary removable covering includes a
first free section 1094 that is not adhered to the object 1093 and
a first adhered section 1095 that is adhered to the top surface of
the object 1083 by adhesive layer 1090.
[0238] In FIG. 54, a tension is applied to the first free section
1094. Because the removable covering 1091 is more elastic (i.e.,
more flexible, more expandable, and/or less rigid) than the object
1093, the removable covering 1091 deforms (e.g., stretches). The
combination of this deformation and the difference in elasticity
causes the end of the first adhered section 1095 that is connected
to the first free section 1094 (i.e., the left end as depicted or
the end opposite the free end) to release from the object 1093
before the rest of the first adhered section 1095. In other words,
the shear pull strength resistance from the adhesive layer 1090 is
first overcome at the portion of the removable covering 1091 that
is closest to the location at which the removal force is applied
(i.e., at the free end of the first free section 1094). Typically,
the adhesive layer 1090 remains on the removable covering 1091
after removal and deforms similarly to the removable covering 1091
in this exemplary embodiment.
[0239] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of
different expandability characteristics between the removable
covering and the attached receiving surface. Any mechanism that
increases the peel resistance is available for integration into
this embodiment and may incorporate the expansion feature on the
covering or on the object having a receiving surface. If the
lateral section of the removable covering (subject to shear force)
is more elastic than the receiving surface, then the force vector
will cause a progressive shear failure beginning at the lateral
terminus of the receiving surface and advancing centrally. If the
lateral section of the removable covering (subject to shear force)
is less elastic than the receiving surface, then the force vector
will cause a progressive shear failure beginning at the central
terminus of the receiving surface and advancing laterally.
[0240] A removable covering's resistance to removal from an object
may be altered by varying the stiffness or flexibility of the
removable covering at different locations along an adhered section.
For example, FIG. 55 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging
system 2000, removable covering 1111, and object 1113 having a
receiving surface 1112 (e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side (i.e.,
the left and right sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1111
includes a primary tab 1114 (e.g., a central terminus or free
section), a lateral stiffening section 1117, and an adhesive layer
1116 that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1112 of the
object 1113. The removable covering 1111 also includes a central
section 1115 (e.g., an adhered section) that is adhered to the
receiving surface 1112. The lateral stiffening section 1117 is
adhered to the bottom surface of the central section 1115 via the
adhesive layer 1116.
[0241] The packaging system 2000 includes two pieces, a left-side
sleeve 2000A and a right-side sleeve 2000B, that may or may not be
joined by an adhesive layer 2001. The sleeves 2000A and 2000B each
include a top side 2003A and 2003B and a bottom side 2002A and
2002B, respectively.
[0242] The exemplary removable covering 1111 and packaging system
2000 function together to facilitate placement of the object 1113
and its receiving surface 1112. In this regard, each primary tab
1114 (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removable
covering 1111) is typically adhered to each respective bottom side
2002A or 2002B of the packaging system 2000 (e.g., via the adhesive
layer 1118 as shown).
[0243] FIGS. 56-58 depict side views of the exemplary removable
covering 1111, object 1113, and packaging system 2000 of FIG. 55 in
different phases of removal. As shown in FIG. 56, when a user pulls
the left and right side sleeves 2000A and 2000B away from each
other the removable covering 1111 is removed as well. Initially,
there is a 180 degree peel strength resistance as the central
section 1115 is removed from the receiving surface 1112. After the
first portion of the central section 1115 has been removed as shown
in FIG. 57, the peel strength resistance increases because of the
lateral stiffening section 1117 and adhesive layer 1116. The
thicker section (i.e., the lateral stiffening section 1117 and
adhesive layer 1116) may increase the peel strength resistance by
(i) requiring a peel angle that is closer to a 90 degree peel than
to the 180 degree peel in the thinner section and/or (ii)
increasing the area of the lateral portion of the central section
1115 that must be peeled away from the receiving surface 1112 at
the same time.
[0244] A varied peel strength resistance such as this can be
achieved using a variety of techniques. For example, rather than
stacking sections of removable covering (e.g., as shown on the left
half of FIG. 61), the thickness of a portion of the removable
covering may be increased or decreased. The variation in thickness
may be gradual, stepped, or abrupt to provide a range of smooth to
sharp changes in resistance. Furthermore, the location along the
receiving surface at which the resistance change occurs may vary.
For example, the resistance change may occur due to a thickness
change in the middle of the portion of the removable covering that
is adhered to the receiving surface (e.g., as shown on the right
half of FIG. 61).
[0245] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of a
change in flexibility of the removable covering. In phase 1 (e.g.,
FIG. 56), the central section of the removable covering is peeled
away at a 90 to 180 degree peel angle as the package is separated
if the lateral edge of the removable covering is more rigid, the
peeling angle is momentarily lower and more resistance to peeling
is present.
[0246] As previously noted with respect to FIG. 34, a varied peel
strength resistance can be achieved by varying the texture of the
removable covering. Exemplary removable coverings may also achieved
varied peel strength resistance by including a varied release
coating (e.g., to provide a varied resistance to adhesion). For
example, FIG. 59 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary object
1123, adhesive layer 1122, and two exemplary removable coverings
1121A and 1121B. The exemplary removable coverings 1121A and 1121B
each include a primary tab 1124 (e.g., a central terminus or free
section) and a central section 1125. The shading identifies areas
of more or less release coating: darker areas indicate more release
coating and lighter areas indicate less release coating.
[0247] Accordingly, as the removable covering 1121A is removed by
pulling the primary tab 1124, initially there is a low peel
strength resistance, followed by a medium peel strength resistance,
and finally a high peel strength resistance. In other words, it
requires an increasingly greater force to remove the removable
covering 1121A during the removal process.
[0248] As the removable covering 1121B is removed by pulling the
primary tab 1124, initially there is a high peel strength
resistance, followed by a low peel strength resistance, then a
medium peel strength resistance, then a high peel strength
resistance, and finally a low peel strength resistance.
[0249] As previously noted, FIG. 61 depicts a side view of a two
exemplary removable coverings and an object illustrating
configurations capable of achieving varied resistance by stacking
layers of backing and changing the location of increased
resistance.
[0250] The left-side graph of FIG. 60 graphically depicts the force
required to remove the left-side removable coverings of FIGS. 59
and 61 as a function of distance from the midpoint of the adhesive
layer. The right-side graph of FIG. 60 graphically depicts the
force required to remove the right-side removable covering of FIG.
61 as a function of distance from the midpoint of the adhesive
layer. The units on the x-axis of both graphs are arbitrary.
[0251] Yet another technique for varying a removable covering's
resistance to removal employs loops such as those described with
respect to FIGS. 11-22. In particular, increasing the length of a
given loop will increase resistance to removal by increasing the
percentage of the resistance that is a shear peel strength
resistance. Conversely, decreasing the length of a given loop will
decrease resistance to removal by decreasing the percentage of the
resistance that is a shear peel strength resistance.
[0252] Still another technique for varying a removable covering's
resistance to removal employs folds such as those described with
respect to, for example, FIGS. 1-10. In particular, increasing the
length of a given fold will increase resistance to removal by
increasing the percentage of the resistance that is a shear peel
strength resistance. Conversely, decreasing the length of a given
fold will decrease resistance to removal by decreasing the
percentage of the resistance that is a shear peel strength
resistance.
[0253] The interaction between a removable covering and a packaging
system may also achieve a varied resistance to removal. For
example, FIG. 62 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary packaging
system. The packaging system has a top surface and a bottom surface
that are adhesed to each other at the outer edges as indicated by
the textured area. The white space and dotted lines indicate the
free inner space between the top and bottom surfaces. As shown, the
free space tapers from a width W near the left and right edges to a
width t near the midline. The left and right portions (i.e., as
separated by the midline) may or may not be adhesed to each other
at the midline.
[0254] FIG. 63 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering and/or object. The left and right halves of the removable
covering and/or object are different to illustrate the varied
resistance that may be achieved.
[0255] FIG. 64 graphically depicts the force required to remove the
packaging system of FIG. 62 from the removable covering of FIG. 63
for the left and ride sides of the removable covering of FIG. 63 as
a function of distance from the midpoint of the packaging system.
As shown, the shape of the removable covering and/or object as it
interacts with the tapered width of the free space within the
packaging system varies the resistance to removal.
[0256] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of
varying the texture of the removable covering or the receiving
object in gradual or stepped changes. Zones of more coarse texture
are less adherent due to reduced adhesive surface area, and, in
contrast, smoother zones are more adherent.
[0257] FIG. 65 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering and/or object within an exemplary packaging system. As in
FIG. 62, the packaging system has a top surface and a bottom
surface that are adhesed to each other at the outer edges as
indicated by the textured area. The removable covering and/or
object is shown in the free inner space between the top and bottom
surfaces. In this depicted embodiment, there is less variation in
resistance and the variation is less abrupt than in FIGS. 62-64
because the packaging system and the removable covering and/or
object have (i) a reduced width variation and (ii) matched contours
(i.e., of the adhesed edges of the packaging system and the width
of the removable covering and/or object).
[0258] FIG. 66 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering 3001 that includes a body section 3002, a secondary pull
tab 3003, and an opening 3004 in the body section 3002. FIGS. 67
depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering 3001
of FIG. 66 with an initial fold axis.
[0259] FIG. 68 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering 3001 after the secondary pull tab 3003 has been
folded over the initial fold axis shown in FIG. 67. The end of the
secondary pull tab 3003 is passed through the opening 3004 in the
body section 3002. FIG. 68 also shows the second fold axis.
[0260] FIG. 69 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering 3001 after the left portion of the body section
3002, the opening 3004, and the secondary pull tab 3003 have been
folded over the second fold axis. As depicted, the secondary pull
tab 3003 extends outward to the left of the removable covering
3001.
[0261] FIG. 70A depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering 3001 as manufactured in the phases depicted in
FIGS. 67-69 and an object 3008. The object 3008 may be adhesed to
the removable covering 3001 (e.g., via an adhesive layer). The
right portion of the body section 3002 has been folded downward to
form a primary pull tab 3005.
[0262] FIG. 70B depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
removable covering 3001 and object 3008 of FIG. 70A after the
secondary pull tab 3003 has been folded around the outer edge of
the object 3008. The secondary pull tab 3003 may be adhesed to the
object 3008 (e.g., via an adhesive layer) and may include another
tab (not shown) that is not adhesed to the object 3008.
[0263] FIG. 71 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering 3011 that includes a body section 3012, a secondary pull
tab 3013, and a flap section 3014 formed in the body section 3002
by three linear openings. FIGS. 72 depicts a perspective view of
the exemplary removable covering 3011 of FIG. 71 with two initial
fold movements.
[0264] FIG. 73 depicts a perspective view of the removable covering
3011 after the secondary pull tab 3013 has been folded under the
flap section 3014. As shown in FIG. 74, the secondary pull tab 3013
is pulled further and the left portion of the body section 3012 is
folded under the flap section 3014.
[0265] FIG. 75 depicts a perspective view of the removable covering
3011 after the secondary pull tab 3013 has been folded back on
itself around the left portion of the body section 3012. As
depicted, the secondary pull tab 3003 extends outward to the left
of the removable covering 3001. An object may be placed on top of
the body section 3012 and flap section 3014, the secondary pull tab
may be folded around the outer edge of the object, and/or the right
portion of the body section 3012 may be folded downward to form a
primary pull tab (not shown).
[0266] FIG. 76 depicts a perspective view of the central section
3021 of an exemplary removable covering. The central section 3021
includes an attachment section 3023, a body section 3022, and an
opening 3024 in the body section 3022. As shown, the attachment
section 3023 is folded over an initial fold axis.
[0267] FIG. 77 depicts a perspective view of the central section
3021 after the attachment section 3023 has been folded over the
initial fold axis shown in FIG. 76. FIG. 77 also shows the second
fold axis.
[0268] FIG. 78 depicts a perspective view of the central section
3021 after the attachment section 3023 has been folded over the
second fold axis shown in FIG. 77. As shown, a portion of the
attachment section 3023 is positioned in the opening 3024.
[0269] FIG. 79 depicts a perspective view of the central section
3021 and an object 3028 with a receiving surface 3029 (e.g., an
adhesive layer).
[0270] FIG. 80 depicts a perspective view of the central section
3021, the object 3028, and an extension section 3027. As shown, the
object 3028 and receiving surface 3029 are positioned on the
central section's attachment section 3023 and body section 3022.
The object 3028 may be adhesed to the central section 302 (e.g.,
via an adhesive layer). The right portion of the body section 3022
has been folded downward to form a primary pull tab 3025.
[0271] The extension section 3027 includes an extension body 3027B
and an extension attachment 3027A. The extension attachment 3027A
is typically adhesed to the portion of the attachment section 3023
positioned in the opening 3024. The extension section 3027 may be
folded around the edge of the object 3028 and may also be adhesed
to the top surface of the object 3028 (e.g., via an adhesive
layer).
[0272] In FIGS. 76-80, the central section 3021 and extension
section 3027 can function together as an exemplary removable
covering. As shown, the exemplary removable covering can be applied
to an object. That said, two removable coverings in accordance with
FIGS. 76-80 can be used together, one in the orientation shown in
FIGS. 76-80 and one rotated 180 degrees in the same plane around
the right edge of the body section 3022. In this regard, a single,
larger removable covering having the same left and right sides can
be used on a larger object.
[0273] For example, FIG. 81 depicts a side view of such a removable
covering and an object 3028 having a receiving surface 3029 (e.g.,
an adhesive layer). In other words, the left and right sides of the
removable covering each include a central section 3021 and an
extension section 3027. The central section 3021 includes an
attachment section (not shown), a body section 3022, an opening
(not shown) in the body section 3022, and a primary pull tab 3025.
The extension section 3027 includes an extension body 3027B and an
extension attachment 3027A. As shown in FIG. 81, the extension
section 3027 is folded around the edge of the object 3028.
[0274] FIG. 82 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object 3028 of FIG. 81 in a phase of removal. In
particular, the central section's primary pull tab 3025 has been
pulled with a force to overcome a 180 degree peel strength
resistance and the central section's body section 3022 has been
removed from the receiving surface 3029.
[0275] FIG. 83 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object 3028 of FIG. 81 in a further phase of removal.
In particular, the central section's primary pull tab 3025 has been
pulled to its full extension leaving the portion of the attachment
section 3023 that was folded over the second fold axis (See FIGS.
77 and 78) adhesed to the receiving surface 3029. In this position,
there is a shear peel strength resistance to a force pulling on the
ends of the central section 3021.
[0276] FIG. 84 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering and object of FIG. 81 in a further phase of removal. In
particular, the extension section 3027 has been engaged by pulling
the portion of the extension body 3027B that has been folder over
the object 3028. Because of the folded configuration around the
attachment of the central section 3021 and the extension section
3027, the force required to remove the removable covering must
overcome a 180 degree peel strength resistance.
[0277] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of a
pass-through construction that varies the peel resistance on
difference surfaces of the object to which the covering
attaches.
[0278] FIG. 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system
2010, removable covering 1131, and object 1133 having a receiving
surface 1132 (e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side (i.e., the left
and right sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1131 includes
a primary tab 1134 (e.g., a central terminus or free section) and
an extension section 1136 that are not adhered to the receiving
surface 1132 of the object 1133. The removable covering 1131 also
includes a central section 1135 (e.g., an adhered section) that is
adhered to the receiving surface 1132.
[0279] As shown, the extension section 1136 extends beyond the
outer edge of the object 1133. The extension section 1136 interacts
with the packaging system 2010 to provide additional resistance to
complete removal and may have a variety of shapes (as viewed from
overhead).
[0280] The packaging system 2010 includes two pieces, a left-side
sleeve 2010A and a right-side sleeve 2010B, that may or may not be
joined by an adhesive layer 2011. The sleeves 2010A and 2010B each
include a top side 2013A and 2013B and a bottom side 2012A and
2012B, respectively.
[0281] The exemplary removable covering 1131 and packaging system
2010 function together to facilitate placement of the object 1133
and its receiving surface 1132. In this regard, each primary tab
1134 (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removable
covering 1131) is typically adhered to each respective bottom side
2012A or 2012B of the packaging system 2010 (e.g., via the adhesive
layer 1138 as shown).
[0282] FIGS. 86-88 depict side views of the exemplary removable
covering 1131, object 1133, and packaging system 2010 of FIG. 85 in
different phases of removal. As shown in FIG. 86, when a user pulls
the left and right side sleeves 2010A and 2010B away from each
other the removable covering 1131 is removed as well. Initially,
there is a 180 degree peel strength resistance as the central
section 1135 is removed from the receiving surface 1132. As
discussed, the extension section 1136 interacts with the packaging
system 2010 to provide additional resistance to complete removal.
FIG. 87 depicts the moment at which the extension section 1136
begins to interact with the packaging system 2010 in this exemplary
embodiment. In particular, the extension section 1136 gets caught
in the packaging system 2010, thereby increasing the resistance to
removal, before the central section 1135 is removed from the
receiving surface 1132. By increasing the resistance to removal at
this phase of removal, a user may more easily apply the object to a
surface before completely removing the removable covering 1131 and
packaging system 2010.
[0283] FIGS. 89-92 depict overhead views of the exemplary packaging
system 2010, removable covering 1131, and object 1133 in the
different phases of removal depicted in FIGS. 85-88, respectively.
In this regard, the packaging system 2010 including the left-side
sleeve 2010A and the right-side sleeve 2010B with their respective
top sides 2013A and 2013B is shown. The outermost dotted lines
indicate the free space 2014A and 2014B within the adhered portion
of the packaging system 2010 between a given sleeve's top side and
bottom side (See also FIGS. 85-88). Beyond the dotted lines, the
top and bottom sides of the sleeves are adhered to each other. The
interior dotted lines indicate the location of the extension
section 1136 and the object 1133. The other components of the
removable covering 1131 (e.g., the central section 1135 and the
primary tab 1134) are below the object 1133 and, therefore, are not
shown in FIG. 89 or 90.
[0284] As shown, the extension sections 1136 have a tapered shape
and the free space 2014A and 2014B tapers in width near the central
edge of each sleeve 2010A and 2010B. As shown in FIG. 91, when a
user pulls the left and right side sleeves 2010A and 2010B away
from each other, the extension section 1136 meets the tapered
portion of the free space 2014A and 2014B within the packaging
system 2010. In FIG. 91, a portion of the central section 1135 is
shown extending outside of the extension section 1136. As
discussed, this interaction of the extension section 1136 and the
packaging system 2010 increases the resistance to removal and
facilitates the user's placement and application of the object
1133. The resistance to removal between the extension section 1136
at this point is equivalent to a shear peel strength resistance,
whereas the resistance to removal between the central section 1135
and the receiving surface 1132 is a weaker 180 degree peel strength
resistance.
[0285] As shown in FIG. 92, the extension section 1136 may force
open the tapered portion of the free space 2014A and 2014B within
the packaging system 2010 or the extension section 1136 may deform
to pass through the central edge of the packaging system 2010.
[0286] Extension sections that interact with a packaging system can
have a variety of shapes to provide varying removal resistances and
may be adhered to the top of an object. For example, FIGS. 93 and
94 depict perspective views of exemplary extension sections 4001.
As shown, the extension sections 4001 include body section 4002, a
resistance feature 4003, and a pull tab 4004. The extension
section's resistance feature 4003 in FIG. 93 is shaped to
accommodate grasping (i.e., within the circle) of the packaging
with which it interacts. The extension section's resistance feature
4003 in FIG. 94 is located in the middle of the body section 4002
to provide resistance earlier in the removal process as compared to
the extension section's resistance feature 4003 in FIG. 93.
Alternatively, the length of the body section 4002 may be increased
or decreased or the placement of the extension section 4001 on the
object or removable covering may be varied to achieve increased
resistance at a given phase of the removal process.
[0287] FIG. 95 depicts a perspective view of two exemplary
extension sections 4001A and 4001B adhered to the top surface of an
object 1143 having a receiving surface 1142 adhered to an exemplary
removable covering 1141. As shown, the extension sections 4001A and
4001B each include a body section 4002A and 4002B, a resistance
feature 4003A and 4003B, and a pull tab 4004A and 4004B. The pull
tabs 4004A and 4004B may be engaged to remove the extension
sections 4001A and 4001B from the object 1143. Alternatively, the
pull tabs 4004A and 4004B may be adhered to packaging in such a way
that the extension sections 4001A and 4001B are removed as the
packaging is pulled by the user.
[0288] FIGS. 96-97 depict an exemplary two-piece extension section
4011 that includes a body section 4012 and a resistance feature
4013. As shown, the resistance feature 4013 may be adhered to the
body section 4012 creating a two-layer zone shown in FIG. 97.
[0289] FIGS. 98-99 depict another exemplary two-piece extension
section 4011 that includes a body section 4012 and a different
resistance feature 4013. As shown, the resistance feature 4013 may
be adhered to the body section 4012 creating a two-layer zone shown
in FIG. 99. As compared to the two-layer zone in FIG. 97, the
two-layer zone in FIG. 99 is smaller, which may provide
manufacturing advantages or improved functionality.
[0290] FIGS. 100-101 depict another exemplary two-piece extension
section 4021 that includes a body section 4022 and a resistance
feature 4023 that further includes an opening 4025. The opening
4025 provides a smaller two-layer zone, which may provide
manufacturing advantages or improved functionality.
[0291] FIG. 102 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable
covering 1151, exemplary extension sections 4031, and an object
1153 having a receiving surface 1152 (e.g., an adhesive layer).
Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplary
removable covering 1151 has the same components. The removable
covering 1151 includes a primary tab 1154 that is not adhered to
the receiving surface 1152 and a first adhered section 1155 that is
adhered to the receiving surface (e.g., via an adhesive layer). As
shown, the primary tab 1154 is adhered to a stiffening section 1159
via an adhesive layer 1158. The stiffening section 1159 may not be
included in some exemplary embodiments.
[0292] The exemplary extension sections 4031 are adhered to the
lateral portion of each side of the removable covering 1151 (i.e.,
the removable covering's first adhered section 1155) via an
adhesive layer 1156. In this regard, the overlapped and adhered
portions of the removable covering's first adhered section 1155 and
the extension section 4031 form a two-layer backing, which affects
the removable covering's resistance to removal.
[0293] FIG. 103 depicts the exemplary removable covering 1151,
exemplary extension sections 4031, and object 1153 of FIG. 102
within a packaging system 2020. The packaging system 2020 includes
two pieces, a left-side sleeve 2020A and a right-side sleeve 2020B,
that may or may not be joined by an adhesive layer 2021. The
sleeves 2020A and 2020B each include a top side 2023A and 2023B and
a bottom side 2022A and 2022B, respectively.
[0294] The exemplary removable covering 1151, exemplary extension
sections 4031, and packaging system 2020 function together to
facilitate placement of the object 1153 and its receiving surface
1152. In this regard, each stiffening section 1159 (i.e., on the
left and right portions of the removable covering 1151) is
typically adhered to each respective bottom side 2022A or 2022B of
the packaging system 2020. In alternative embodiments, each primary
tab 1154 is adhered to each respective bottom side 2022A or 2022B
of the packaging system 2020.
[0295] FIGS. 104-106 depict side views of the exemplary removable
covering 1151, object 1153, exemplary extension sections 4031, and
packaging system 2020 of FIG. 102 in different phases of removal,
while FIG. 107 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering
1151 from the object 1153 as a function of time. In FIG. 107,
"Phase 0" corresponds to FIGS. 102 and 103; "Phase 1" corresponds
to FIG. 104; and "Phase 2" corresponds to FIG. 105.
[0296] As shown in FIG. 104, when a user pulls the left and right
side sleeves 2020A and 2020B away from each other the removable
covering 1151 is removed as well. Phase 0 is followed by the
pulling apart of the left and right side sleeves 2020A and 2020B
which requires the application of a middle opening force. Phase 1
requires a force to overcome a 180 degree peel strength
resistance.
[0297] In Phase 2, the required force transitions from the force
required to overcome the 180 degree peel strength resistance to a
force capable of overcoming (i) a constriction resistance and (ii)
an increased 180 degree peel strength resistance. The constriction
resistance is a result of the interaction between the extension
sections 4031 and the packaging system 2020 described with respect
to FIGS. 62-65 and 85-101. In this regard, the constriction
resistance depends on the shape of the extension sections 4031 and
the free space within and construction of the left and right side
sleeves 2020A. Accordingly, the extension sections 4031 and the
left and right side sleeves 2020A may be designed to achieve a
particular constriction force.
[0298] As noted, Phase 2 requires a force capable of overcoming (i)
the constriction resistance and (ii) an increased 180 degree peel
strength resistance. The increased 180 peel strength resistance is
a result of the two-layer backing formed by the overlapped and
adhered portions of the removable covering's first adhered section
1155 and the extension section 4031. See e.g., FIG. 105. After
Phase 2, the constriction resistance and increased 180 degree peel
strength resistance are overcome.
[0299] FIGS. 108-112 depict overhead views of exemplary extension
sections 4041 and exemplary removable coverings 1161. The depicted
extension sections 4041 include a body section 4042 and a
resistance feature 4043. As shown in FIG. 108, when an extension
section 4041 is applied to a removable covering 1161, at least a
portion of the body section 4042 overlaps with the removable
covering 1161 to form an overlap zone 4046. Because the overlap
zone is thicker, it is stiffer or less deformable than the
removable covering 1161 or resistance feature 4043. Varying the
shape of the overlap zone 4046, therefore, can also vary the
resistance to removal as the removable covering 1161 and/or
extension sections 4041 interact with a packaging to create a
constriction resistance.
[0300] For example, the overlap zone 4046 in FIG. 109 is wider than
the overlap zone in FIG. 110. Accordingly, for a given width at a
packaging constriction point, the extension section 4041 and
removable covering 1161 of FIG. 109 would provide more constriction
resistance than the extension section 4041 and removable covering
1161 of FIG. 109.
[0301] Furthermore, the rate at which the constriction resistance
increases can also be varied using the shape of the overlap zone
4046. For example, the overlap zone 4046 of FIG. 109 will cause an
abrupt increase in constriction resistance as the overlap zone 4046
reaches the constriction point. In contrast, the overlap zone 4046
of FIG. 111 will provide a gradual increase in constriction
resistance as more of the overlap zone 4046 passes through the
constriction point (i.e., from top to bottom). Finally, the overlap
zone 4046 of FIG. 110 will provide a gentle gradual increase in
constriction resistance (i.e., less increase in constriction
resistance per distance pulled as compared to FIG. 111).
[0302] As shown in FIG. 112, the variation in constriction
resistance created by the shape of the extension section 4041 and
its resistance feature 4043 can be assessed by comparing the width
W.sub.1 of the removable covering 1161 and the maximum width
W.sub.2 of the extension section's resistance feature 4043.
Typically, a greater difference between the resistance feature's
width W.sub.2 and the removable covering's width W.sub.1 will
results in a greater constriction resistance.
[0303] FIG. 113 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging
system 2030, removable covering 1171, and object 1173 having a
receiving surface 1172 (e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side (i.e.,
the left and right sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1171
includes a primary tab 1174 (e.g., a central terminus or free
section) and an extension section 1176 that are not adhered to the
receiving surface 1172 of the object 1173. The removable covering
1171 also includes a central section 1175 (e.g., an adhered
section) that is adhered to the receiving surface 1172.
[0304] As shown, the extension section 1176 extends beyond the
outer edge of the object 1173. The extension section 1176 interacts
with the packaging system 2030 to provide additional resistance to
complete removal and may have a variety of shapes (as viewed from
overhead).
[0305] The packaging system 2030 includes two pieces, a left-side
sleeve 2030A and a right-side sleeve 2030B, that may or may not be
joined by an adhesive layer 2031. The sleeves 2030A and 2030B each
include a top side 2033A and 2033B and a bottom side 2032A and
2032B, respectively. The sleeves 2030A and 2030B also each include
a free space 2034A and 2034B between the respective top and bottom
sides.
[0306] The exemplary removable covering 1171 and packaging system
2030 function together to facilitate placement of the object 1173
and its receiving surface 1172. In this regard, each primary tab
1174 (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removable
covering 1171) is typically adhered to each respective bottom side
2032A or 2032B of the packaging system 2030 (e.g., via the adhesive
layer 1178 as shown).
[0307] FIG. 114 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging
system 2030, removable covering 1171, and object 1173. As shown,
the sleeves 2030A and 2030B also each include a grasping section
2035A and 2035B and a constriction point 2036A and 2036B. Each
constriction point is created by adhering the top and bottom side
of a given sleeve such that the fee space is narrower near the
center or midline of the packaging system 2030.
[0308] FIG. 115 graphically depicts the application force or
resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering
1171 from the object 1173 as a function of time. In FIG. 115,
"Phase 0" corresponds to FIGS. 113 and 1114.
[0309] When a user pulls (e.g., via the grasping sections 2035A and
2035B) the left and right side sleeves 2030A and 2030B away from
each other the removable covering 1171 is removed as well. Phase 0
is followed by the pulling apart of the left and right side sleeves
2030A and 2030B which requires the application of a midline
separation force. Phase 1 requires a force to overcome a 180 degree
peel strength resistance as the central section 1175 is peeled away
from the receiving surface 1172.
[0310] In Phase 2, the required force increases from the force
required to overcome the 180 degree peel strength resistance to a
force capable of overcoming a constriction resistance. The
constriction resistance is a result of the interaction between the
extension sections 1176 and the packaging system 2030 described
with respect to FIGS. 62-65 and 85-112. In this regard, the
constriction resistance depends on the shape of the extension
sections 1176, the free spaces 2034A and 2034B, and the
constriction points 2036A and 2036B. For example, as shown in FIG.
114, the maximum width of the extension sections 1176 is greater
than the width of the constriction points 2036A and 2036B. Thus,
when the sleeves 2030A and 2030B have been pulled far enough away
from each other that the extension sections 1176 meet the
constriction points 2036A and 2036B, a constriction resistance will
impede further pulling of the sleeves. During Phase 2, most, if not
all, of the object 1173 and its receiving surface 1172 will be out
of the packaging system 2030, and the user may hold the packaging
system 2030 and place the object 1173 and its receiving surface
1172 in a desired location (e.g., on another surface).
[0311] During Phase 3, the user pulls the sleeves 2030A and 2030B
with sufficient force to overcome the constriction resistance. The
constriction resistance may be overcome by distortion of the
extension sections 1176 or failure of the adhesive between the top
and bottom sides of the sleeves at the constriction points 2036A
and 2036B.
[0312] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of a
constriction mechanism that varies the amount of resistance
exhibited by the packaging and therefore the peel resistance of the
backing. In embodiments in which removing the packaging also peels
the removable covering, the peel resistance can be adjusted by
incorporating a plugging feature that restricts the ability of the
removable covering to slide through a passageway in the
packaging.
[0313] FIG. 116 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary
packaging system 5000 that includes left and right sleeves having
the same components. In particular, each sleeve includes a top side
5001, a handle element 5002, a top tab 5003, a bottom side 5004,
and a bottom tab 5005. The handle element 5002 is a strip having
ends adhered to the top side 5001. In use, a user can place two
fingers from the same hand in each handle element 5002 and expose
an object within the sleeves by spreading the two fingers
apart.
[0314] FIG. 117 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
packaging system 5010 that includes left and right sleeves having
the same components. In particular, each sleeve includes a top side
5011, a handle element 5012, a top tab 5013, a bottom side 5014,
and a bottom tab 5015. The handle element 5012 is a D-shaped ring
having a flat portion adhered to the outer edge of each sleeve.
Again, in use, a user can place two fingers from the same hand in
each handle element 5012 and expose an object within the sleeves by
spreading the two fingers apart.
[0315] FIG. 118 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary
packaging system 5020 that includes left and right sleeves having
the same components. In particular, each sleeve includes a top side
5021, a handle element 5022, a top tab 5023, a bottom side 5024,
and a bottom tab 5025. The handle element 5022 is created by an
arc-shaped perforation at the outer edge of each sleeve. As shown,
the arc-shaped perforation does not overlap the object 5026 within
the sleeves. The arc-shaped perforations may or may not extend to
the outer edges of the sleeves. In use, a user can break the
perforation on each sleeve, place two fingers from the same hand in
each handle element 5022, and expose an object within the sleeves
by spreading the two fingers apart.
[0316] FIG. 119 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary
packaging system 5030 that includes left and right sleeves having
the same components. In particular, each sleeve includes a top side
5031, a handle element 5032, a top tab 5033, a bottom side 5034,
and a bottom tab 5035. The handle element 5032 is a circular
opening formed by an arc of packaging material extending from the
outer edge of each sleeve and a cutout from the outer edge of each
sleeve. Again, in use, a user can place two fingers from the same
hand in each circular opening and expose an object within the
sleeves by spreading the two fingers apart.
[0317] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides a change in
resistance to covering removal along a force vector by means of a
change in direction of the removable covering resulting from
manually extending the packaging via attached or integral handles
(e.g., handle elements). The user separates the packaging via the
handles or tabs, and the packaging provides a first peeling force
vector at a first peel resistance and peeling angle. The user can
then complete the peeling by accessing secondary tabs (e.g., top
tabs and/or bottom tabs) that are peeled at a peeling angle between
90 and 180 degrees.
[0318] FIGS. 120-123 depict overhead views of an exemplary
packaging system 6000 and object 6002. The packaging system 6000
includes a left sleeve 6000A and a right sleeve 6000B each
including a visible design element 6001A and 6001B (e.g., an image
of a hand). As shown in FIG. 123, the object 6002 bears a
centrally-positioned visible design element 6003 (e.g., an image of
a face), a left-side visible design element 6004A (e.g., an image
of a hand) and a right-side visible design element 6004B (e.g., an
image of a hand). In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the visible
design elements 6001A and 6001B are the same as the left-side
visible design element 6004A and right-side visible design element
6004B, although the size of the elements may be different.
Furthermore, the depicted exemplary design elements are related in
such a way as to convey a story as the sleeves 6000A and 6000B of
the packaging system 6000 is removed from the object 6002.
[0319] As shown in FIG. 121, during a first phase of removal, the
centrally-positioned design element 6003 becomes visible as the
sleeves 6000A and 6000B are separated. As depicted, the story
conveyed shows a face, originally hidden behind two hands, being
revealed as the two hands move outward to the left and right.
[0320] During a second phase of removal depicted in FIG. 122, the
left-side visible design element 6004A and right-side visible
design element 6004B on the object 6002 become partially visible as
the sleeves 6000A and 6000B are separated even further. As
depicted, the story conveyed shows that the face is still visible
and the two hands appear to be ceasing movement further from either
side of the face.
[0321] During the final phase of removal depicted in FIG. 123, the
left-side visible design element 6004A and right-side visible
design element 6004B on the object 6002 are fully visible and the
sleeves 6000A and 6000B have been completely removed from the
object 6002. As depicted, the story conveyed shows that face is
still visible and the two hands have stopped movement and are
positioned on either side of the face.
[0322] FIGS. 124-126 depict overhead views of another exemplary
packaging system 6010 and object 6012. The packaging system 6010
includes a left sleeve 6010A and a right sleeve 6010B each
including a visible design element 6011A and 6011B (e.g., text, a
slogan, a logo, a trademark, a part of a trademark, a name, a part
of name, and/or abbreviation). The visible design elements 6011A
and 6011B may be related, as shown in FIG. 124, to convey a message
or present an image. As shown in FIGS. 125-126, the object 6002
bears a centrally-positioned visible design element 6013 (e.g.,
text, a slogan, a logo, a trademark, a part of a trademark, a name,
a part of name, and/or abbreviation), a left-side visible design
element 6014A (e.g., text, a slogan, a logo, a trademark, a part of
a trademark, a name, a part of name, and/or abbreviation) and a
right-side visible design element 6014B (e.g., text, a slogan, a
logo, a trademark, a part of a trademark, a name, a part of name,
and/or abbreviation). The depicted exemplary design elements are
related in such a way as to convey a message as the sleeves 6010A
and 6010B of the packaging system 6010 is removed from the object
6012. As shown, the visible design elements 6011A and 6011B on the
packaging system's sleeves 6010A and 6010B present a message or
information about the visible design elements 6013, 6014A,
6014B.
[0323] During a first phase of removal, the centrally-positioned
design element 6013 becomes visible as the sleeves 6010A and 6010B
are separated. During a second phase of removal depicted in FIG.
125, the left-side visible design element 6014A and right-side
visible design element 6014B on the object 6012 become partially
visible as the sleeves 6010A and 6010B are separated even further.
During the final phase of removal depicted in FIG. 126, the
left-side visible design element 6014A and right-side visible
design element 6014B on the object 6012 are fully visible and the
sleeves 6010A and 6010B have been completely removed from the
object 6012. In this regard, the packaging system and object and
the visible design element's they bear convey a message or
information that can be used as a marketing tool.
[0324] FIG. 127 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary
packaging system 6000 and object 6002 of FIGS. 120-123 as well as
an exemplary removable covering in a phase of manufacturing. The
packaging system 6000 includes two pieces, a left-side sleeve 6000A
and a right-side sleeve 6000B, that may or may not be joined by an
adhesive layer 6021. The sleeves 6000A and 6000B each include a top
side 6023A and 6023B and a bottom side 6022A and 6022B,
respectively. The top sides 6023A and 6023B each include a visible
design element 6001A and 6001B (e.g., an image of a hand).
[0325] The object 6002 bears a centrally-positioned visible design
element 6003 (e.g., an image of a face), a left-side visible design
element 6004A (e.g., an image of a hand) and a right-side visible
design element 6004B (e.g., an image of a hand). In the depicted
exemplary embodiment, the visible design elements 6001A and 6001B
are the same as the left-side visible design element 6004A and
right-side visible design element 6004B, although the size of the
elements may be different.
[0326] Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplary
removable covering 1181 includes a primary tab 1184 (e.g., a
central terminus or free section) and a lateral free section 1185
that are not adhered to the bottom surface of the object 6002. The
removable covering 1181 also includes a central section 1185 (e.g.,
an adhered section) and a lateral adhered section 1186 that is
adhered to the bottom surface of the object 6002.
[0327] The exemplary removable covering 1181 and packaging system
6000 may function together to facilitate placement of the object
6002 and its receiving surface (e.g., bottom surface). In this
regard, each primary tab 1184 (i.e., on the left and right portions
of the removable covering 1181) may be adhered to each respective
bottom side 6022A or 6022B of the packaging system 6000 (e.g., via
an adhesive layer).
[0328] In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention embrace a removable covering that provides at least two
step changes in resistance to covering removal along a force vector
directed to associated packaging, wherein the first step change
reveals a first portion of an image on the receiving surface, and
the second step change reveals the remainder of the image on the
receiving surface.
[0329] FIGS. 128-130 depict perspective views of another exemplary
removable covering 1201 that achieves a varied resistance to
removal. The removable covering 1201 includes a primary tab 1204
(e.g., a central terminus or free section) and a body section 1205
(e.g., a central section or adhered section) having an opening
1206. An adhesive layer 1301 is applied to the bottom surface of
the body section 1205 and is exposed to objects on the top surface
of the removable covering 1201 through the opening 1206.
[0330] During removal, as a user grasps the primary tab 1204 and
pulls the removable covering 1201 away from an object, initially
the resistance to removal is determined by the interaction between
the body section 1205 and the surface of the object, which may be
an adhesive layer. At a later phase of removal, the right-side of
the opening 1206 and adhesive layer 1301 and their interaction with
the surface of the object will affect the resistance to removal.
Typically, the resistance to removal will increase because the
adhesive layer 1301 will provide greater resistance. As more of the
removable covering 1201 is pulled away from the object (i.e., from
right to left as depicted), the progressively larger width-wise
section of the opening 1206 and exposed adhesive layer 1301 will
increase the resistance to removal.
[0331] In this exemplary embodiment, the shape of the opening 1206
will affect the manner in which the resistance to removal varies
during the removal process. In particular, the percentage of the
removable covering's width that the opening 1206 encompasses at a
given cross-section taken at an angle that is 90 degrees to the
axis along which the removable covering is removed (e.g., the
width-wise cross-section as depicted) will affect the resistance to
removal at a given phase of removal. Thus, the depicted
tear-drop-shaped opening 1206 will provide a resistance to removal
that gradually increases during the removal process and then,
towards the end, decreases somewhat quickly. It is within the scope
of the present invention to employ other shapes of openings to
achieve a desired variation in resistance to removal.
[0332] FIG. 131 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary
removable covering 1211 that achieves a varied resistance to
removal. The removable covering 1211 includes a primary tab 1214
and a body section 1215. As shown, a shaped-adhesive strip 1311 may
be applied to the body section 1215. The upper surface of the body
section 1215 and the shaped-adhesive strip 1311 are typically
placed on a receiving surface (e.g., an adhesive layer) of an
object.
[0333] During removal, as a user grasps the primary tab 1214 and
pulls the removable covering 1211 away from an object, initially
the resistance to removal is determined by the interaction between
the body section 1215 and the surface of the object, which may be
an adhesive layer. At a later phase of removal, the shaped-adhesive
strip 1311 and its interaction with the surface of the object will
affect the resistance to removal. Typically, the resistance to
removal will increase because the shaped-adhesive strip 1311 will
provide greater resistance. As more of the removable covering 1211
is pulled away from the object (i.e., from right to left as
depicted), the progressively larger width-wise section of the
shaped-adhesive strip 1311 will increase the resistance to
removal.
[0334] In this exemplary embodiment, the shape of the adhesive
strip 1311 will affect the manner in which the resistance to
removal varies during the removal process. In particular, the
percentage of the removable covering's width that the
shaped-adhesive strip 1311 encompasses at a given cross-section
taken at an angle that is 90 degrees to the axis along which the
removable covering is removed (e.g., the width-wise cross-section
as depicted) will affect the resistance to removal at a given phase
of removal. Thus, the depicted tear-drop-shaped adhesive strip 1311
will provide a resistance to removal that gradually increases
during the removal process and then, towards the end, decreases
somewhat quickly. It is within the scope of the present invention
to employ other shapes of adhesive strips to achieve a desired
variation in resistance to removal.
[0335] FIG. 132 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary
removable covering 1221 that achieves a varied resistance to
removal. The removable covering 1221 includes a primary tab 1224
and a body section 1225. As shown, the body section 1225 may
include a shaped-coating zone 1226. The upper surface of the body
section 1225 and the shaped-coating zone 1226 are typically placed
on a receiving surface (e.g., an adhesive layer) of an object. As
depicted, the body section 1225 may have a different coating than
the shaped-coating zone 1226. The coatings may be release coatings
(e.g., a siliconized coating), but, in this exemplary embodiment,
the coatings are different and provide two different resistances to
removal when combined with an adhesive layer on an object.
[0336] During removal, as a user grasps the primary tab 1224 and
pulls the removable covering 1221 away from an object, initially
the resistance to removal is determined by the interaction between
the body section 1225 and the surface of the object, which may be
an adhesive layer. At a later phase of removal, the shaped-coating
zone 1226 and its interaction with the surface of the object will
affect the resistance to removal. Typically, the resistance to
removal will increase because the shaped-coating zone 1226 will
provide greater resistance. As more of the removable covering 1211
is pulled away from the object (i.e., from right to left as
depicted), the progressively larger width-wise section of the
shaped-coating zone 1226 will increase the resistance to
removal.
[0337] In this exemplary embodiment, the shape of the coating zone
1226 will affect the manner in which the resistance to removal
varies during the removal process. In particular, the percentage of
the removable covering's width that the shaped-coating zone 1226
encompasses at a given cross-section taken at an angle that is 90
degrees to the axis along which the removable covering is removed
(e.g., the width-wise cross-section as depicted) will affect the
resistance to removal at a given phase of removal. Thus, the
depicted tear-drop-shaped-coating zone 1226 will provide a
resistance to removal that gradually increases during the removal
process and then, towards the end, decreases somewhat quickly. It
is within the scope of the present invention to employ other shapes
of coating zones to achieve a desired variation in resistance to
removal.
[0338] FIG. 133 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering 1231 that achieves a varied resistance to removal. The
removable covering 1231 includes a body section 1235 and a
shaped-coating zone 1236 having a higher resistance to removal than
the body section 1235 (e.g., via adhesive differences and/or
coating release agent differences). During removal, the top end of
the removable covering 1231 is initially removed from an
object.
[0339] The application force necessary to remove the exemplary
removable covering 1231 from an object at a given cross-section
taken at an angle that is 90 degrees to the axis along which the
removable covering is removed (e.g., the width-wise cross-section
as depicted) may be determined by (i) measuring the widths A, B,
and C of the cross-sectional segments of body section and
shaped-coating zone, (ii) multiplying the measured widths by a
relative resistance factor, and (iii) adding them. For example,
assuming the shaped-coating zone 1236 has a resistance to removal
that is twice the resistance to removal provided by the body
section 1235, the application force necessary to remove the
exemplary removable covering 1231 from an object at a given
cross-section is given by: F=1A+2B+1C.
[0340] In this regard, FIG. 134 graphically depicts the application
force or resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable
covering 1231 from an object as a function of distance along the
peel-axis (i.e., the axis along which the removable covering is
removed). As shown, initially the resistance increases gradually,
and then decreases briefly at the lower, narrow section of the
shaped-coating zone 1236. The brief decrease in resistance warns or
signals to a user that the removable covering 1231 is near complete
removal. The resistance then increases at the end of the removal
process to facilitate placement of the object.
[0341] FIG. 135 depicts an overhead view of another exemplary
removable covering 1241 that achieves a varied resistance to
removal. The removable covering 1241 includes a body section 1245
and a shaped-coating zone 1246 having a lower resistance to removal
than the body section 1245 (e.g., via adhesive differences and/or
coating release agent differences). During removal, the top end of
the removable covering 1241 is initially removed from an
object.
[0342] The application force necessary to remove the exemplary
removable covering 1241 from an object at a given cross-section
taken at an angle that is 90 degrees to the axis along which the
removable covering is removed (e.g., the width-wise cross-section
as depicted) may be determined by (i) measuring the widths A, B,
and C of the cross-sectional segments of body section and
shaped-coating zone, (ii) multiplying the measured widths by a
relative resistance factor, and (iii) adding them. For example,
assuming the shaped-coating zone 1246 has a resistance to removal
that is one third of the resistance to removal provided by the body
section 1245, the application force necessary to remove the
exemplary removable covering 1241 from an object at a given
cross-section is given by: F=3A+1B+3C.
[0343] In this regard, FIG. 136 graphically depicts the application
force or resistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable
covering 1241 from an object as a function of distance along the
peel-axis (i.e., the axis along which the removable covering is
removed). As shown, the resistance increases gradually, and then
sharply decreases at the rapidly widening section of the
shaped-coating zone 1246 at the end of the removable covering 1241.
The decrease in resistance at the end of removal may facilitate
placement of the object.
[0344] FIGS. 137-140 depict perspective views of an exemplary
removable covering 1251 during different phases of removal. The
exemplary removable covering 1251 includes a primary tab 1254, a
body section 1255, and a varied-adhesion zone 1256. The
varied-adhesion zone has a different resistance to removal than the
body section 1255, which may be achieved via an increase or
decrease in adhesive strength, different release coatings, or a
change in texture. FIG. 137 depicts the removable covering 1251 as
it would be applied to an object.
[0345] FIG. 138 depicts the removable covering 1251 in an early
phase of removal. As shown, a first portion of the varied-adhesion
zone 1256 has been pulled away and extends downward from the
adhesion edge 1259 with the portion of the removable covering 1251
that has been removed. The adhesion edge 1259 effectively defines
the boundary between the section of the removable covering 1251
that has been removed and the section of the removable covering
1251 that is still adhered to an object. The adhesion edge 1259 is
typically a cross-section taken at an angle that is 90 degrees to
the axis along which the removable covering is removed. The
adhesion edge 1259 may not be exactly perpendicular to the axis
along which the removable covering is removed because of non-exact
removal by a user.
[0346] FIG. 139 depicts the removable covering 1251 in a further
phase of removal. As shown, a greater portion of the
varied-adhesion zone 1256 has been pulled away and extends downward
from the adhesion edge 1259 with the portion of the removable
covering 1251 that has been removed. Because the adhesion edge 1259
in FIG. 139 includes a greater percentage of the varied-adhesion
zone 1256 than the adhesion edge 1259 in FIG. 138, the phase of
removal shown in FIG. 139 has a different resistance to removal
than the phase of removal shown in FIG. 138 (i.e., increased or
decreased resistance to removal depending on the relative
resistances to removal between the body section 1255 and the
varied-adhesion zone 1256).
[0347] FIG. 140 depicts the removable covering 1251 in yet another
phase of removal. As shown, an even greater portion of the
varied-adhesion zone 1256 has been pulled away and extends downward
from the adhesion edge 1259 with the portion of the removable
covering 1251 that has been removed. Because the adhesion edge 1259
in FIG. 140 includes a different percentage of the varied-adhesion
zone 1256 than the adhesion edge 1259 in FIG. 139, the phase of
removal shown in FIG. 140 has a different resistance to removal
than the phase of removal shown in FIG. 139 (i.e., increased or
decreased resistance to removal depending on the relative
resistances to removal between the body section 1255 and the
varied-adhesion zone 1256).
[0348] FIGS. 141-144 depict perspective views of an exemplary
removable covering 1261 during different phases of removal from an
exemplary object 1263. The exemplary removable covering 1261
includes a primary tab 1264 and a body section 1265. The exemplary
removable object 1263 includes a receiving surface 1262 (e.g., an
adhesive layer) bearing a varied-adhesion zone 1266. The
varied-adhesion zone 1266 has a different resistance to removal
than the receiving surface 1262, which may be achieved via an
increase or decrease in adhesive strength, different release
coatings, or a change in texture.
[0349] FIG. 141 depicts the exemplary removable covering 1261 and
exemplary object before the two are adhered as shown in FIG. 142.
FIG. 143 depicts the removable covering 1261 in a phase of removal.
As shown, a first portion of the body section 1265 has been pulled
away from the object's receiving surface 1262 and extends downward
from the adhesion edge 1269. The adhesion edge 1269 effectively
defines the boundary between the section of the removable covering
1261 that has been removed and the section of the removable
covering 1261 that is still adhered to the object 1263. The
adhesion edge 1269 is typically a cross-section taken at an angle
that is 90 degrees to the axis along which the removable covering
is removed. The adhesion edge 1269 may not be exactly perpendicular
to the axis along which the removable covering is removed because
of non-exact removal by a user.
[0350] FIG. 144 depicts the removable covering 1261 in a further
phase of removal. As shown, a smaller portion of the body section
1265 is in contact with the varied-adhesion zone 1266 and most of
the body section 1265 extends downward from the adhesion edge 1269.
Because the adhesion edge 1269 in FIG. 143 includes a greater
percentage of the varied-adhesion zone 1266 than the adhesion edge
1269 in FIG. 144, the phase of removal shown in FIG. 143 has a
different resistance to removal than the phase of removal shown in
FIG. 144 (i.e., increased or decreased resistance to removal
depending on the relative resistances to removal between the body
section 1265 and the varied-adhesion zone 1256).
[0351] A comparison of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 137-140
and FIGS. 141-144 shows that the variation in resistance to removal
can be achieved using a varied-adhesion zone on a removable
covering (i.e., as in FIGS. 137-140) or on an object (i.e., as in
FIGS. 141-144). Furthermore, combinations of these two exemplary
embodiments (i.e., varied-adhesion zones on both the removable
covering and the object) may also be employed to achieve a desired
variation in resistance to removal.
[0352] FIG. 145 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering and an object 110, and FIG. 146 depicts a side view of the
exemplary removable covering and object 110. The object includes a
body portion 111, a central zone 112 (e.g., a central pad), and two
end portions 114 and 116 on either side of the central zone 112.
Portions of the removable covering are below the object 110 and,
therefore, are shown by dotted lines in the overhead view of FIG.
145. The removable covering includes a first adhered section 120
and a second adhered section 122 that are adhered to the object 110
(e.g., via adhesive layers 117 and 118 as shown in FIG. 146). The
removable covering also includes two handles 140 and 141 that are
respectively connected to the first adhered section 120 and second
adhered section 122 at their central ends (i.e., central with
respect to the object 110). The two handles 140 and 141 extend
upward from the underside of the object 110 and around the object
110. As depicted, the handles 140 and 141 are positioned around the
central zone 112 of the object. That said, the handles 140 and 141
may be positioned anywhere along the length of the removable
covering and/or object 110. The handles 140 and 141 facilitate
removal of the removable covering from the object 110. For example,
the handles 140 and 141 may be pulled in the direction of the
arrows shown in FIG. 146. Furthermore, the handles 140 and 141
permit a user to remove the removable covering from the object 110
and apply the object 110 to a surface without accessing or
manipulating the side of the object 110 that will be adhered to the
surface. To facilitate the description, some of the components of
the exemplary removable covering and object 110 are not shown in
FIGS. 147-149.
[0353] In this regard, FIG. 147 depicts a side view of the
exemplary removable covering of FIGS. 145 and 146 in a phase of
removal from the object 110. As depicted, the handles 140 and 141
may be pulled outwardly. Initially, the resistance to removal is
relatively low as the handles 140 and 141 pull the first adhered
section 120 and second adhered section 121 away from the central
zone 112, which typically does not include an adhesive layer. The
resistance to removal then increases as the handles 140 and 141
pull the first adhered section 120 and second adhered section 121
away from the adhesive layers 117 and 118 (shown in FIG. 146 but
not FIG. 147). Thus, the central zone 112 is exposed and may be
applied to a surface (e.g., the skin of a patient) as shown in FIG.
148.
[0354] FIG. 148 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIGS. 145 and 146 in a phase of removal from an object
110 and a phase of applying the object to a surface 129. As
depicted, the handles 140 and 141 pull the first adhered section
120 and second adhered section 121 further away from the adhesive
layers 117 and 118 (shown in FIG. 146 but not FIG. 148) and the
object 110 is applied to a surface 129.
[0355] As depicted in FIG. 149 the handles 140 and 141 may be
pulled further to remove the removable covering from the object
110, and the adhesive layers 117 and 118 (shown in FIG. 146 but not
FIG. 149) may adhere to the surface 129 holding the object 110 in
position. Any of the previously described mechanisms from creating
a change or variation in resistance may be employed in conjunction
with this exemplary embodiment.
[0356] FIG. 150 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable
covering and an object 210, and FIG. 151 depicts a side view of the
exemplary removable covering and the object 210. The object 201
includes a body section 211, a central zone 212, two end sections
214 and 216, and a central bridge 205. The removable covering
includes a first adhered section 220 and a section adhered section
222 that are adhered to the object 210 (e.g., via an adhesive
layer). The first adhered section 220 and the section adhered
section 222 each include a tab on their respective ends nearest the
center of the object 210 that facilitates removal from the object
210. Other exemplary embodiments, however, may not include these
tabs. Alternatively, other interlocking tab mechanisms (e.g.,
adhesive layers, pin and hole mechanism, slot and tab mechanism)
may be utilized. Typically, the ends of the first adhered section
220 and the section adhered section 222 that are nearest the center
of the object 210 are not adhered to the object 210.
[0357] The removable covering also includes interlocking extension
sections 242 and 243. As shown, the interlocking extension sections
242 and 243 include complimentary notches that interlock. The
interlocking nature of the interlocking extension sections 242 and
243 may be achieved using other features or designs that provide
different or varying degrees of pre-tensioning of the object 210
consistently before application to a surface (e.g., a wound). To
facilitate the description, some of the components of the exemplary
removable covering and object 210 are not shown in FIGS.
152-154.
[0358] FIG. 152 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable
covering of FIGS. 150 and 151 in a phase of preparing the removable
covering and object 210 for application to a surface. As shown, the
ends of the removable covering and object 210 have been bent upward
(i.e., away from the side of the object to be applied to a
surface). The first adhered section 220 and the section adhered
section 222 have been pulled away from the central bridge 205. In
FIG. 153, the ends of the removable covering and object 210 have
been bent further upward and the interlocking extension sections
242 and 243 have been interlocked. After interlocking the
interlocking extension sections 242 and 243, the user may position
the object 210 including the central bridge 205 over the surface
(e.g., including a wound as shown). The first adhered section 220
and the section adhered section 222 have been pulled away from the
object 210 even more so than in FIG. 152 contemporaneously exposing
a larger section of an adhesive layer.
[0359] FIG. 154 depicts the object 210 including the central bridge
205 as applied to the surface. The interlocking extension sections
242 and 243 have been released from each other, and the bridge 205
provides tension across the surface. Typically, an adhesive on the
object 210 and/or bridge 205 adheres the object 201 to the surface.
The first adhered section 220 and the section adhered section 222
may be removed from the object 210, and the two end sections 214
and 216 may be adhered to the surface (e.g., via an adhesive
layer). The sections of the first adhered section 220 and the
section adhered section 222 that have been pulled away from the
object 210 as a result of application process as depicted in FIGS.
152-154 may function as a tab for subsequent complete removal of
first adhered section 220 and the section adhered section 222 from
the object 210.
[0360] In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of
the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not
limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term "and/or"
includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated
listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are
not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific
terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for
purposes of limitation.
Exemplary Claim Embodiments
[0361] For the Backing
[0362] B1. A removable covering that is temporarily adhered to an
object (adhesive on backing, object, or both) that has different
zones of resistance to removal when subjected to a constant speed
(or force) or direction of removal.
[0363] B2. A removable covering having different zones of
resistance to removal from an object that can stabilize, orient,
help apply, etc. an object because the different zones of
resistance allow the object to be held by means of the backing.
[0364] B3. A removable covering according to B1 and/or B2 wherein
mechanisms of varied resistance comprise:
[0365] a fold within the backing;
[0366] a loop within the backing;
[0367] different textures in covering or object (alters adhesive
strength);
[0368] different amounts or strengths of the adhesives in different
zones (covering or object);
[0369] two interactive layers to the covering(like pivot or
hinge);
[0370] two separate layers to the backing;
[0371] adhering the covering to more than one surface of the
object;
[0372] a tear away portion of the object itself;
[0373] temporary folds within the object itself;
[0374] a shift in direction of the backing; and/or
[0375] expandability (different between object and backing).
[0376] B4. A removable covering as in B1-B3 wherein accessory tabs,
loops, folds, and/or other shapes help with final removal of the
covering after an initial removal phase. (two steps)
[0377] B5. A removable covering as in B1-B3 which can be removed in
a single step.
[0378] For the Envelope (Packaging System)
[0379] E1. An envelope which is removed coaxially by a force
applied to opposite ends where the envelope has surfaces (e.g.
folds) to accommodate the backing.
[0380] E2. An envelope which functions to assist in removal of a
backing.
[0381] For the System (Envelope Plus Covering)
[0382] S1. A system where opposite coaxial force vectors applied to
the envelope are transmitted to a section or sections of the
backing.
[0383] S2. A system where such forces on the envelope lead to a
partial removal of the covering which is followed by an increase in
resistance to removal.
[0384] S3. A system where the increase in resistance can be
overcome by continued increase in force going in the same
direction.
[0385] S4. A system where the increase in resistance can be
overcome by releasing a secondary force point (e.g. second tab or
pull loop).
[0386] S5. A system where the increase in resistance stabilizes,
orients, and/or prepares the object for placement.
[0387] S6. A system that allows the object to be partially exposed
(activated) prior to complete covering removal. (without touching
the device itself)
[0388] S7. A system that allows the object to be fully exposed
(activated) prior to complete package removal. (without touching
the device itself)
[0389] S8. A system that aligns the two halves to an equal degree
of release from the envelope/covering by virtue of the increase in
resistance.
[0390] S9. A system where the increase in resistance is created by
inner lumen constriction between the protected device and the
envelope.
[0391] S10. A system where the appearance of designs on the
wrapping changes as the device is opened.
[0392] S11. A system that looks like hands moving away from a face
(Peek-A-Boo-Boo).
[0393] D1. A device comprising:
[0394] a removable protective planar covering that can be adhered
to portions of an object (protected object);
[0395] said removable protective covering having at least one
section or structural feature not in direct contact with said
object;
[0396] said device being of sufficient flexibility to allow at
least partial removal from said protected device by application of
a peel force vector applied to a section or structural feature of
the backing;
[0397] so configured, applied to, and interacting with said object
that the force required to remove the covering from said protected
object varies at different zones of attachment between the
removable covering and the object to which it is attached when a
removal force vector is applied.
[0398] D2. A device comprising:
[0399] a removable protective planar covering that can be adhered
to portions of an object (protected object);
[0400] said removable protective covering having at least one
section or structural feature not in direct contact with said
object;
[0401] said device being of sufficient flexibility to allow at
least partial removal from said protected device by application of
a peel force vector applied to a section or structural feature of
the backing;
[0402] so configured, applied to, and interacting with said object
that resistance to be overcome to remove the covering from said
protected object varies at different zones of attachment between
the removable covering and the object to which it is attached when
a removal force vector is applied.
[0403] D3. A device comprising:
[0404] a packaging envelope constructed of two or more
sections;
[0405] wherein said sections are adhesed to each other with an
adhesive of such strength that they can be separated by the
application of oppositely directed force vectors applied to
opposing sides of packaging device itself;
[0406] wherein said packaging envelope has an attachment to a
section of a protective covering.
[0407] A device as in D3 wherein the adhesive connection zones
between opposing sides is oriented at 180 degrees to the axis of
force applied to the opposing sides of the packaging device
itself.
[0408] A device as in D3 wherein the adhesive connection zones
between opposing sides is oriented at an angle between zero and 180
degrees.
[0409] A device as in D3 wherein the adhesive connection zones
between opposing sides has a non-rectangular shape so as to
facilitate separation of the opposing sections upon application of
a force to the packaging device.
[0410] A device as in D3 where the adhesed sections are mirror
images of each other.
[0411] A device as in D3 where the adhesed sections are not mirror
images of each other.
[0412] A device as in D3 where the internal pocket dimensions of
the packaging device exceed the dimensions of the contained object
for which it is designed such that application of a compressing
force to a section of the packaging device does not transmit
pressure to the protected device.
[0413] A device as in D3 where the opposing sections to be
separated may demonstrate loops, tabs, linear elements, strings, or
other features to facilitate the application of a separating
force.
[0414] A device as in D3 where the opposing sections can be fully
separated by a single hand.
[0415] A device as in D3 where design elements such as a figure,
character, logo, words or other features are visible on the surface
of the device to aid in alignment or to create a change in
appearance as the segments are separated.
[0416] D4. A system comprising:
[0417] a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can
be separated by the application of opposing forces to opposite
sides of the opposing sections; and
[0418] a removable protective covering as in D1 and/or D2 which has
been affixed to an object wherein the affixed object and removable
covering are contained within the packaging device;
[0419] wherein a zone of the removable covering device is affixed
to a zone of the packaging device such that the separation of the
opposing sections of the packaging device transmits a separating
force to the removable covering device which subsequently separates
the removable covering device from the exposed object.
[0420] D5. A system comprising:
[0421] a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can
be separated by the application of opposing forces to opposite
sides of the opposing sections; and
[0422] a removable protective covering as in D1 and D2 which has
been affixed to an object wherein the affixed object and removable
covering are contained within the packaging device;
[0423] wherein a zone of the removable covering device is affixed
to a zone of the packaging device such that the separation of the
opposing sections of the packaging device transmits a separating
force to the removable covering device which subsequently separates
the removable covering device from the exposed object at which
point the interacting packaging system and removable covering
exhibit an increase in resistance to an opening force.
[0424] D6. A system comprising:
[0425] a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can
be separated by the application of opposing forces to opposite
sides of the opposing sections; and
[0426] a removable protective covering as in D1 and D2 which has
been affixed to an object wherein the affixed object and removable
covering are contained within the packaging device;
[0427] wherein the removable covering exhibits areas of varied
width such that an increase in resistance to an opening force as
applied to the packaging device occurs during removal of the
packaging device and contained protective covering from the
protected device.
[0428] D7. A system comprising:
[0429] a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can
be separated by the application of opposing forces to opposite
sides of the opposing sections; and
[0430] a removable protective covering as in D1 and D2 which has
been affixed to an object wherein the affixed object and removable
covering are contained within the packaging device;
[0431] wherein the internal space width within a section of the
packaging device exhibits areas of varied magnitude such that an
increase in resistance to an opening force as applied to the
packaging device occurs during removal of the packaging device and
contained protective covering from the protected device.
[0432] D8. A system comprising:
[0433] a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can
be separated by the application of opposing forces to opposite
sides of the opposing sections and where the width between the
inside margins of the packing device is non-uniform;
[0434] an object enclosed within the packaging device which is of a
non-uniform width or cross-sectional area;
[0435] so constructed such that as the opposing sections of said
packaging device are separated by an opening force that an increase
in resistance of packaging removal is created by the compression of
a wider section of said enclosed object and a narrower inside
within of the packaging system.
[0436] A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a change in
the resistance of removal of the protective packaging device
assists in configuring the system such that the amount of the
removable covering that is removed is limited at the point of
increased resistance.
[0437] A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a change in
the resistance of removal of the protective packaging device
assists in stabilizing, activating, preparing and orienting the
contained object for application, deployment, activation or
utilization.
[0438] A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a change in
the resistance during removal of the protective packaging device
allows transmission of a distracting or distorting force to the
contained object.
[0439] A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein after
partial removal of the packaging device that an increase in applied
opening force overcomes the increase in resistance to an opening
force and removes the remainder of the packaging device from the
protected device.
[0440] A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein after
partial removal of the packaging device that an increase in applied
opening force overcomes the increase in resistance to an opening
force and removes the remainder of the packaging device and the
removable covering from the protected device.
[0441] A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein after
partial removal of the packaging device and attached removable
covering that the remainder of the packaging device and removable
covering are removed from the protected device by the application
of an opening force to a secondary point on the packaging device or
removable covering.
[0442] A system as in D7 and/or D8 wherein after partial removal of
the packaging device up to the point of increased opening
resistance that the remainder of the packaging device can be
removed from the protected device by the application of an opening
force to a secondary point on the packaging device.
[0443] A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a design
element such as a figure, character, logo, words or other features
are visible on the surface of the packaging device such that the
application of opening forces separates said design elements on the
segments of the packaging system creating a change in appearance of
the system.
[0444] A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a design
element such as a figure, character, logo, words or other features
are visible on the surface of the packaging device and
[0445] where a design element such as a figure, character, logo,
words or other features are present on the surface of the contained
protected device;
[0446] where said design element present on the surface of the
contained protected device is not visible while said protected
device remains within an unopened packaging device; and
[0447] where the application of opening forces separates said
design elements on the segments of the packaging device and
simultaneously exposes the design element on said protected
device.
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