US006001.

471A
United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 6,001,471
Bries et al. (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 14, 1999
54 REMOVABLE ADHESIVE TAPE WITH FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
CONTROLLED SEQUENTIAL RELEASE 43 39 604 5/1995 Germany.
75 Inventors: James L. Bries, Cottage Grove, Minn.; WO 92/1133 7/1992 WIPO.
Michael D. Hamerski, Baldwin
Township, Wis. Primary Examiner Daniel Zirker
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-David B. Patchett
73 Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company, 57 ABSTRACT
St. Paul, Minn.
Double-sided stretchable adhesive tapes are described for
21 Appl. No.: 08/940,555 use in conventional applications, particularly including the
mounting or joining of an object to another Surface. An
22 Filed: Sep. 30, 1997 improvement lies within the ability to control the timing of
O O the debonding of both Surfaces So that one adhesive Surface
Related U.S. Application Data releases before the other. The earlier release can be either on
63 Continuation of application No. 08/642.718. Mav 3, 1996 the object Side or the Surface Side, depending on the desired
63 Station of application No. 08/642,718, May 3, 2 effect. The present invention is applicable to all stretchable
60 Provisional application No. 60/002,171, Aug. 11, 1995. tape constructions including the use. of plastic backing
6 materials and/or elastic backing materials and allowS Such
51 Int. Cl. .................................. B32B 7/12: CO9J 7/02 object to be removed without risking Substantial Snap
52 U.S. C. ... ... 428/343; 428/40.1; 428/317.3; back of the adhesive tape or catapulting of the object. The
428/354; 427/208; 248/205.3; 248/467 aforementioned advantages can be achieved by a double
58 Field of Search ................................ 428/40.1, 317.3, sided adhesive tape having a Stretchable backing layer,
428/343, 354; 427/208; 248/205.3, 467 plastic or elastic, and having a lower-adhesion or non
adhesive portion of one adhesive Surface, So that a corre
56) References Cited sponding greater adhesion adhesive portion of the other side
remains more aggressively adhered to a Surface during
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS stretch removal while the portion of the one adhesive surface
4,024.312 5/1977 Korpman ................................ 428/343 is leSS aggressively adhered or completely released from its
4,699,842 10/1987 Jorgensen et al. ... ... 428/343 Surface. A non-adhesive portion may be adhesive-free, or
4,704,315 11/1987 McClintock ......... ... 427/208 X may be an adhesive layer portion which is rendered non
5,348,793 9/1994 Stettner ... ... 428/343 X adhesive. A lower-adhesion portion may comprise a low
5,409,189 4/1995 Lihmann ............................. 248/205.3 adhesion material, i.e., a weaker adhesive, or may be ren
5,507,464 4/1996 Hamerski et al. ... ... 248/683 dered lower in adhesion by a treatment or coating.
5,516,581 5/1996 Krechkel et al. ... 428/317.3
5,626,931 5/1997 Luhmann ............................... 428/40.1
5,725,923 3/1998 Lihmann. 22 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Dec. 14, 1999 Sheet 2 of 4 6,001,471

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U.S. Patent Dec. 14, 1999 Sheet 3 of 4 6,001,471
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118 1 204

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U.S. Patent Dec. 14, 1999 Sheet 4 of 4 6,001,471
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REMOVABLE ADHESIVE TAPE WITH rials. Elastic, as opposed to plastic materials described
CONTROLLED SEQUENTIAL RELEASE above, means materials that are Stretchable without Substan
tial plastic deformation and which have high elastic recovery
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED after Stretching and release. Like the plastic tapes described
APPLICATION above, elastic tapes can be single-sided or double-sided and
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/642,718 the Stretching of the backing causes adhesive Stretching and
filed May 3, 1996, now abandoned. Subsequent debonding of the adhesive Surface or Surfaces
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent from the Stretched end to the distal end as the tape is
Stretched.
Application No. 60/002,171, filed Aug. 11, 1995. Double-sided adhesive tapes are particularly useful in
TECHNICAL FIELD joining and mounting applications. Stretchable release
double-sided tapes provide Secure bonding to both Surfaces
The present invention relates to adhesive tapes which can with clean removal from both Surfaces without Substantial
be adhered to a Surface and thereafter removed without damage or adhesive residue. A problem is that Such double
Substantially damaging the Surface or leaving Substantial 15 sided adhesive tapes simultaneously debond from both
adhesive residue. More particularly, the present invention adhered sides as the tape is stretched for removal. In
includes a controlled Sequential release of adhesive Surfaces applications where these tapes are used to adhere an object
of a double-sided Stretchable adhesive tape product. to a wall or other surface, the release from both the object
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION and the other Surface at the Same time may cause the
adhesive tape to Snap back in the direction of the Stretching,
Adhesive products have been designed which are created Similar to the Snapping effect of a Stretched rubber band, or
specifically to enhance their ability to be removed from a may cause the object to be catapulted, particularly if the
Substrate after being adhered to Such Substrate without object is not held while being removed. This snap-back of
Substantially damaging the Substrate Surface or leaving the tape occurs at the point of adhesive release when the
Substantial adhesive residue thereon. Products include items 25 resisting force of adhesion to the wall Suddenly drops to
Such as paper notes having a layer of easily removable Zero, This effect is exacerbated by the elasticity or recovery
adhesive adhered to one surface, Such as the Post-itTM Note properties of the tape.
products available from Minnesota Mining and Manufac The above described stretchable tapes are known to be
turing Company of Saint Paul, Minn. It is also known to applicable for many applications including the mounting of
provide double-sided adhesive products including Similar objects, Such as hooks or other hanging devices, to walls,
easily-removable adhesive. etc., joining or assembly applications, cushioning or Sound
Another type of product which has been recently devel deadening applications, closure applications, Such as con
oped is a single-sided or double-sided adhesive tape having tainer closures, e.g. closures for boxes, food and beverage
conventional pressure-Sensitive adhesive on one or both 35
containers, and removable labels.
major Surfaces thereof, and which includes a tape backing
comprising a highly extensible material. See for example SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
European Patent Application 92.903259.7. The present invention provides an improvement to
These tapes operate in that when the backing is Stretched double-sided Stretchable adhesive tapes for use in conven
after the tape is adhered on one side or both Sides, the 40 tional applications, particularly including the mounting or
adhesive Stretches and undergoes clean interfacial debond joining of an object to another Surface. The improvement
ing from the Substrate or Substrates to which it is adhered. lies within the ability to control the timing of the debonding
Such removal typically progresses from one end of the tape of both Surfaces So that one adhesive Surface releases before
to the other as the tape backing is stretched at an angle the other. In this way, the aforementioned problems can be
preferably no greater than about 35 from the surface of the 45 minimized.
Substrate. That is, as the tape is stretched from one end, it The earlier release can be either on the object side or the
debonds from the end being stretched toward its distal end. Surface Side, depending on the desired effect. Moreover, the
The adhesive tapes described in the aforementioned Euro present invention is applicable to all Stretchable tape
pean Patent Application 92.903259.7 include plastic back constructions, including the use of plastic backing materials
ings. That means, as the backing is Stretched, it is perma 50 and/or elastic backing materials. In any case, the improve
nently deformed and has relatively low elastic recovery. ment allowS Such an object to be removed without risking
Tapes described include Single-sided tapes, double-sided Substantial Snap-back of the adhesive tape or catapulting of
tapes, and tapes comprising film layers, foam layers, and the object. Tape constructions according to the present
laminates of films and/or foams. In double-sided adhesive invention are those in which side-to-side debonding of the
tape constructions, both adhesive Surfaces debond at the 55 tape is Sequential, i.e., one side of the tape completes
Same time and progreSS Substantially at the same rate from debonding prior to the debonding of the opposite side of the
the Stretched end toward the distal end as the tape backing tape.
is stretched.
The aforementioned advantages can be achieved by a
Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/308,937, double-sided adhesive tape comprising a Solid adhesive, or
which is commonly owned by the ASSignee of the present 60 having a stretchable backing layer, plastic or elastic, and
invention, discloses a number of Stretchable release tapes having a lower-adhesion or non-adhesive portion of one
comprising constructions of films, foams, and laminates of adhesive Surface, So that a corresponding greater adhesion
films and/or foams. Again, Such tapes include conventional adhesive portion of the other Side remains more aggressively
preSSure-Sensitive adhesives. adhered to a Surface during Stretch removal while the portion
Another type of Stretchable release adhesive tape is 65 of the one adhesive Surface is leSS aggressively adhered or
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,189 to Luhmann, wherein completely released from its Surface. A non-adhesive portion
the adhesive tape backings utilized comprise elastic mate may be adhesive-free, or may be an adhesive layer portion
 6,001,471
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which is rendered non-adhesive. A lower-adhesion portion on both major Surfaces of the backing layer can extend to the
may comprise a low adhesion material, i.e., a weaker Same location with respect to the Second end of the tape, and
adhesive, or may be rendered lower in adhesion by a the tape can include a masking layer of material having
treatment or coating. More particularly, a release Strip is either no adhesive properties or adhesive properties that are
preferably used to deaden the adhesive on the one side which Significantly reduced from the layer of pressure Sensitive
is to be positioned adjacent the effective end of the object or adhesive adjacent the Second end of the tape and extending
the end of the surface to which the adhesive tape is to be over a part of one of the layers of aggressive adhesive to
applied. With the use of Such a release Strip, the one side Space the Secondary ends of the adhesively aggressive
completely debonds from its adhered Surface prior to the portions of the outer Surfaces from each other.
complete debonding of the other Side. The non-adhesive Alternatively, ends adjacent the tape's Second end of the
portion of one adhesive Surface can be rendered non layers of aggressive adhesive on both major Surfaces of the
adhesive, as noted above, by providing Such a release Strip, backing layer can define the Secondary ends of the adhe
or Such portion may simply be adhesive-free. Alternatives Sively aggressive portions of the outer Surfaces and can
uSeable for release Strips include films, papers, powders, extend to different locations with respect to the Second end
foams, inkS, other coatings or treatments, and the like, which 15 of the tape to Space the Secondary ends of the adhesively
can be used to render an adhesive layer non-adhesive. aggressive portions of the outer Surfaces from each other.
Thus, according to the present invention there is provided Alternatively, an assembly that causes one adhesive Sur
a tape adapted for attaching first and Second Structures to face to release before the other can comprise a tape attaching
each other. The tape has first and Second opposite ends first and second structures to each other in which the first
Spaced in a first direction, opposite first and Second primary Structure has a rear Surface portion adapted to be adhered to
outer Surfaces extending between those ends, a manually that extends to an edge at which the rear Surface ends or past
engageable tab portion adjacent its first end, and an attach which the rear Surface can not be adhered to (i.e., because of
ment portion between its manually engageable portion and Surface treatments Such as release material or Surface
its Second end. The attachment portion comprises a layer of texture). The tape has first and Second opposite ends spaced
aggressive pressure Sensitive adhesive providing an adhe 25 in a first direction, opposite first and Second primary outer
Sively aggressive portion of each of the outer Surfaces. Each Surfaces extending between its ends, a manually engageable
adhesively aggressive portion has a primary end adjacent the tab portion adjacent its first end, and an attachment portion
first end of the tape, a Secondary end adjacent the Second end between its manually engageable portion and its Second end.
of the tape and is adapted to be firmly adhered to a different The attachment portion comprises a layer of aggressive
one of the Structures between its primary and Secondary preSSure Sensitive adhesive providing an adhesively aggres
ends. The attachment portion is stretchable So that the Sive portion of each of the outer Surfaces, each adhesively
attachment portion when between and adhered to the Struc aggressive portion having a primary end adjacent the first
tures can be progressively stretched along its length by the end of the tape, a secondary end adjacent the Second end of
manual application of force to the manually engageable the tape and being firmly adhered to a different one of the
portion to cause Separation of the adhesively aggressive 35 Structures. The adhesively aggressive portion adhered to the
Surface portions from the Structures progressively from their first Structure is adhered to its rear Surface with the edge
primary ends towards their Secondary ends. The Secondary Spaced in the first direction from the primary end of the
ends of the adhesively aggressive Surface portions are adhesively aggressive portion adhered to the Second struc
Spaced from each other in the first direction to cause ture and with the adhesively aggressive portion adhered to
Separation of one of the adhesively aggressive Surface 40 the Second structure at its Secondary end. The attachment
portions from one of the Structures prior to Separation of the portion is stretchable So that the attachment portion between
other of the adhesively aggressive Surface portions from the and adhered to the Structures can be progressively Stretched
other of the structures. along its length by the manual application of force to the
The tape can comprise a Single layer of pressure Sensitive manually engageable portion to cause Separation of the
adhesive providing both of the adhesively aggressive por 45 adhesively aggressive Surface portions from the Structures
tions of the outer Surfaces and including a masking layer of progressively from their primary ends towards their Second
material having either no adhesive properties or adhesive ary ends. The Spacing between the edge and the Secondary
properties that are significantly reduced from the layer of end of the adhesively aggressive Surface portion adhered to
preSSure Sensitive adhesive adjacent the Second end of the the Second structure cause Separation of the adhesively
tape and extending over a part of the layer of pressure 50 aggressive Surface portion from the first Structure prior to
Sensitive adhesive defining one of the adhesively aggressive Separation of the other of the adhesively aggressive Surface
portions of the Outer Surfaces to Space the Secondary ends of portions from the Second structure.
the adhesively aggressive portions of the outer Surfaces from BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
each other. That material in the masking layer can, for
example, be release liner material, repositionable pressure 55 FIG. 1 is an enlarged Side view in cross-section of a first
Sensitive adhesive, polymeric film, or low adhesion backsize embodiment of an adhesive tape construction in accordance
material. with the present invention;
Preferably, the tape includes a stretchable polymeric FIG. 2 is an enlarged Side view in cross-section of an
backing layer having a layer of aggressive pressure Sensitive alternate construction of the adhesive tape of FIG. 1;
adhesive along each of its opposite major Surfaces defining 60 FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view in cross-section of yet
one of its adhesively aggressive portions of its outer Sur another alternative construction of the adhesive tape of FIG.
faces. That polymeric backing layer can, for example, be of 1;
polymeric film, polymeric foam, polymeric film laminated FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view in cross-section of the
to polymeric foam, or two layers of polymeric film lami adhesive tape construction of FIG. 2 shown adhered
nated on opposite sides of a layer of polymeric foam. 65 between a Substrate and a mounted object;
With Such a backing, the ends adjacent the tape's Second FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view in cross-section of the
end of the layers of aggressive pressure Sensitive adhesive adhesive tape construction of FIG. 2 shown between a
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substrate and a mounted object like FIG. 4, but with a release or foam with two adhesive layers. Known stretchable solid
Strip included in the tape construction positioned against the adhesives which are generally elastic in nature and usable
mounted object rather than against the Substrate; include rubber-based and acrylate-based Solid adhesives.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view in cross-section of the A feature of the present invention which permits a con
adhesive tape construction, Substrate, and mounted object as trolled Sequential release, described below, is accomplished
shown in FIG. 5, but with a backing layer in the tape by the provision of a release strip 22, which is preferably
construction partially Stretched and just prior to any deb positioned at a distal or Second end 24 of the tape 1 away
onding of adhesive layers included in the tape construction; from a tab portion 26 adjacent an opposite first end of the
FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view in cross-section similar to tape 1. The tab 26 provides a means by which the backing
FIG. 6, but with the backing layer further stretched and with layer 12 can be gripped by a user for effecting the Stretch
both adhesive layers partially debonded from the substrate release of the tape 1.
and mounted object; The purpose of the release Strip 22 is to provide a
FIG. 8 is an enlarged Side view in cross-section showing non-adhesive Zone of one of the adhesive layers 14 or 16 at
a further release step after that shown in FIG. 7, wherein the 15
the effective or functional end (distal or second end 24 as
adhesive layer that was adhered to the mounting object is shown in FIG. 1) of the tape 1. According to the FIG. 1
entirely debonded while a corresponding portion of the embodiment, the release Strip 22 can comprise a portion of
adhesive layer adhering to the Substrate Surface is still the liner 18 which is simply cut from the liner 18 as shown
adhered; at 28. In other words, release Strip 22 may comprise the same
FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view in cross-section of a material as the liner 18. Also, the release strip 22 preferably
Second embodiment of an adhesive tape construction in covers the entire transverse width of the tape 1, the purpose
accordance with the present invention comprising a film/ of which is to provide a non-adhesive Zone So that when the
foam laminate, tape 1 is applied after liners 18 and 20 are removed, release
strip 22 prevents the covered portion of adhesive 14 or 16
FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view in cross-section of a third from adhering to any Surface.
embodiment of an adhesive tape construction in accordance 25
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, a tape 10 can comprise
with the present invention comprising a foam/film/film a release Strip 30 Separately provided to cover a portion of
laminate;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged side View in croSS-Section of a adhesive layer 14 or 16. As shown, the release strip 30
covers a portion of adhesive layer 14 and is provided
fourth embodiment of an adhesive tape construction in separately from a liner 32. The liner 32 is illustrated cov
accordance with the present invention comprising a foam/ ering the release strip 30; however, the liner 32 need not
film/foam laminate; necessarily cover release strip 30. The release strip 30 can
FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view in cross-section of a fifth comprise a Silicone release paper which may be the same or
embodiment of an adhesive tape construction in accordance different from the material of the liner 32, or may comprise
with the present invention comprising a film/foam/film 35 any conventional material for rendering a portion of the
laminate; and adhesive 14 or 16 non-adhesive. It is conventionally known
FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view in cross-section of the to use materials Such as films, papers, powders, foams, inks,
Sequential release tape construction in accordance with the other coatings and treatments, and the like as a layer or
present invention showing an alternative mounting applica coating over the relevant portion of the adhesive for ren
tion. 40 dering that portion of the adhesive non-adhesive. Films that
adhere strongly to the adhesive layer 14 or 16 are preferred
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE So as not to release during application, and include polyester
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals are AS an alternative to rendering a portion of an adhesive
used to designate like components throughout, and initially 45 layer non-adhesive, as shown in tape construction 10' of
to FIGS. 1-3, a first adhesive tape construction will be FIG. 3, a non-adhesive portion 34 can be provided by simply
described. The first adhesive tape construction 1 is particu not coating the adhesive layer 36 all the way to the distal end
larly designed for Stretching the entire tape 1 to effect 38 of the adhesive tape. As shown, a liner 40 may also
debonding, as will be more fully described below. The tape preferably be provided which ends at the end of adhesive
1 comprises a backing layer 12 and adhesive layerS 14 and 50 layer 36, although it may extend further to cover the
16 of the same or different pressure-sensitive adhesive non-adhesive portion 34.
compositions on opposite major Surfaces thereof Adhesive A Specific mounting or joining application for the tape 10,
layers 14 and 16 are preferably protected by liners 18 and 20, of FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention is shown
respectively, before the adhesive tape 1 is put into use. AS in FIG. 4. Tape 10 is shown positioned between and adhered
illustrated, the backing layer 12 comprises a polymeric foam 55 to a mounting object, Specifically a hook 42, and a Substrate,
layer. The backing layer 12 can alternatively comprise a such as a wall, shown partially at 44. With reference to the
polymeric film layer. The choice of polymeric foam or tape construction of tape 10 shown in FIG. 2, adhesive layer
polymeric film depends on the Specific application for the 16 is adhered to the hook 42 while adhesive layer 14 is
tape 1. Polymeric foams can be chosen to optimize con adhered to the wall 44. Adhesive layer 16 preferably corre
formability and resiliency properties which are helpful when 60 sponds with the surface of the hook 42 to which it is adhered
the tape 10 is to be adhered to Surfaces having Surface Such that tab 26 extends from the hook 42 to facilitate stretch
irregularities. Such is the case with a typical wall Surface. removal of the tape 10. Likewise, adhesive layer 14 is
Polymeric films may be used instead to increase load preferably similarly configured. In this application, the
bearing Strength and rupture Strength of the tape; however, release strip 30 is positioned against a portion of the wall 44
films are more Suitable when the application is to adhere two 65 corresponding to an end portion of hook 42 away from tab
very Smooth Surfaces together. As an alternative, Solid 26. As will be more fully understood with the description
adhesives can be used instead of the combination of a film below, the mounting configuration of FIG. 4 will permit a
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Sequential release of the double-sided adhesive tape Struc would hold onto the hook 42 with one hand while the
ture 10 first from the wall 44 and then from the hook 42 adhesive tape 10 is stretched to remove the hook from the
during stretch release. The release strip 30 effectively pre wall Surface. Stretching of the tape 10 eventually progresses
vents bonding in that area and therefore releases the tape 10 to the point of the inner leading edge 46 of release strip 30
from the wall 44 when the Stretch release progresses up to where complete debonding of the adhesive layer 14 from the
the inner leading edge 46 of the release strip 30. The release surface of wall 44 will occur resulting in the removal of the
of adhesive layer 16 progresses substantially evenly with the hook 42. At this point, however, the area 50 of adhesive
release of adhesive layer 14 So that a portion 50 of adhesive layer 16 of the tape 10 corresponding to the release strip 30
layer 16 is still adhered to the hook 42 when the stretch of adhesive layer 14 still remains adhered to the back of
release progresses to the inner leading edge 46 of release hook 42. In this way, the risk of Snap-back of the tape 10 is
strip 30 at which instance the adhesive layer 14 is entirely Substantially eliminated, which is particularly problematic
released then from wall 44. when the backing layer or Solid adhesive layer is elastic.
FIG. 5 shows the same tape 10 of FIG. 2, in a similar Once the hook 42 is removed from the wall 44, the remain
application as in FIG. 4, but with the adhesive tape 10 ing adhesive tape 10 can be stretched and cleanly removed
reversed between hook 42 and the wall 44. Specifically, 15 from the hook 42. Alternatively, the remaining portion 50 of
adhesive layer 14 is adhered to the back surface of hook 42 tape 10 can be peeled from the hook 42, although it is
and adhesive layer 16 is adhered to the wall 44. Tab 26 preferred to complete the Stretch removal So that no residue
extends from under the hook 42 to facilitate stretch removal, is left on the Surface of hook 42 and the hook 42 can be
and the release Strip 30 is positioned against the effective end reused.
of the back surface of hook 42 and at the end of tape 10 away In either application shown in FIGS. 4 or 5, it can be seen
from tab 26. More preferably, release strip 30 lies against the that the release strip 30 provides the controlled early release
back Surface of hook 42 away from tab 26 completely to the of one of the adhesive layerS relative to the other as caused
edge of the back Surface of hook 42. Again, as will be by the Simultaneous progressive debonding of both adhesive
detailed below, a progressive Stretch release will cause layers 14 and 16 from the tab end 26 up until the debonding
adhesive layers 14 and 16 to simultaneously debond from 25 reaches the inner leading edge 46 of the release strip 30. The
the tab end 26 toward the release strip 30. In the FIG. 5 case, length of the release strip 30 (the longitudinal dimension in
when the Stretch release of adhesive layer 14 progresses to the direction of the cross-section of the Figures) thus deter
the inner leading edge 46 of the release strip 30, the adhesive mines how early the first adhesive layer 14 releases before
layer 14 will be completely debonded from hook 42. At the release of the second adhesive layer 16. Moreover, the area
point where Stretch release progresses to the inner leading of release strip 30 substantially defines the size of the
edge 46 of release strip 30, a portion 48 of adhesive layer 16 corresponding adhesive portions 48 and 50 which remain
will still be attached to the wall 44. adhered after complete debonding of the first adhesive layer
Such progressive stretch release and removal of an object 14 during Stretch release.
Such as hook 42 from a wall 44, is illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, On the one hand, it is desirable to minimize the length of
and 8. Starting with FIG. 6, after a force F is applied to tab 35 release strip 30 in order to ensure sufficient adhesive con
26, the backing layer 12 making up tab 26 is stretched. FIG. nection between the adhesive layer 14 of the tape 10 and
6 shows the tape 10 with the tab 26 stretched but just before either the hook 42 or wall 44; however, it is preferable that
any debonding of adhesive layers 14 or 16. As continued the length of release strip 30 be sufficient such that a total
force F is applied to the tab 26, and as shown in FIG. 7, a debonding of the one adhesive surface with release strip 30
progressive debonding of adhesive layers 14 and 16 from the 40 occurs prior to any potential sheer failure of the adhesive
Surfaces of hook 42 and wall 44 occurs. FIG. 7 shows Such making up the area of the remaining portion 48 or 50. This
a progressive debonding at about the point of the half-way of course depends on the properties of the backing with
debonding of both adhesive layers 14 and 16. As can be respect to its Young's modulus and elongation characteris
Seen, as the backing 12 is stretched, the adhesive layerS 14 tics and the Specific preSSure-Sensitive adhesive making up
and 16 Stretch and pull away from their respective Surfaces 45 the adhesive layer 16. With a low modulus material, the tape
and debond. FIG. 8 shows the point of progressive debond backing is more easily Stretchable and less length of the
ing where the debonding of adhesive layer 14 reaches the release Strip is required to provide the Sequential debonding.
inner leading edge 46 of release strip 30. At this point, the With a higher modulus material, the tape backing is harder
release Strip 30, together with the progressive adhesive to Stretch and a greater length of the release Strip might be
Stretching up to inner leading edge 46, entirely releases the 50 required. An additional advantage of the tape constructions
surface of hook 42 from the tape 10. Meanwhile, a portion described above is the reusability of mounting objects or
48 of adhesive layer 16 is still adhered to the wall 44. hookS.
In the situation just described, where release strip 30 is When utilizing a tape construction as shown in FIG. 3 at
positioned to lie against the back Surface Such as hook 42, 10' having a non-adhesive portion 34 instead of a release
the stretch release of tape 10 permits the hook 42 to simply 55 layer, the adhesive layer 36 will completely debond from the
fall or be easily removed from its mounted position on the surface to which it is attached when the adhesive layer 36 is
wall 44 while the tape 10 is still adhered to the wall 44. This Stretched up to its trailing edge 37 defining the non-adhesive
way, no additional force which otherwise might tend to portion 34. At that instance, a corresponding portion of
catapult the hook 42 is exerted onto the hook 42 by the adhesive layer 16 will still be adhered.
stretched tape 10 at the point of complete debonding of the 60 A second embodiment of a sequential release tape 100 is
hook 42 from tape 10. After hook 42 is released, continued illustrated in FIG. 9. Tape 100 comprises a polymeric foam
Stretching will Simply cleanly release the remainder portion layer 102 and a polymeric film layer 104 adhered to one
48 of adhesive layer 16 from wall 44. Alternatively, the another by a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive 106.
remaining portion 48 could simply be peeled from the wall Alternatively, foam layer 102 and film layer 104 could be
44. 65 otherwise laminated by heat or by co-extrusion, or the like.
In removing the hook 42 from the surface of wall 44 with Polymeric film layer 104 may be used to increase the load
the tape 10 applied in the manner shown in FIG. 4, one bearing Strength and rupture Strength of the tape 100,
 6,001,471
9 10
particularly where polymeric foam layer 102 lackS proper polymeric film layer 206. Preferably, polymeric foam layer
ties otherwise required in a backing to permit removal by 204 and polymeric film layer 206 are heat laminated to one
stretching. Inclusion of the film layer 104 therefore permits another, although other conventional lamination methods or
greater latitude in the selection of foam layer 102 to co-extrusion methods can be utilized, including the use of
optimize, for example, the conformability and resiliency any number of adhesives. A polymeric film layer 208 is
properties. In a similar Sense as the tape 10, described above, further adhered to the film/foam layer 202 by a layer of
the entire tape laminate of the Sequential release tape 100 is preSSure-Sensitive adhesive composition 210. In this
designed to be stretched for removal. The foam layer 102, construction, film/foam layer 202, polymeric film layer 208,
film layer 104, and pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 106 and preSSure-Sensitive adhesive layer 210 constitute the tape
constitute the backing of the tape 100. Foam layer 102 and backing. Foam layer 204 and film layer 208 bear on their
film layer 104 also have adhesive layers 108 and 110, major Surfaces adhesive layerS 212 and 214 of the same or
respectively, of the same or different pressure-Sensitive different adhesive compositions for adhering the tape 200 to
adhesive compositions coated thereon for adhering tape 100 an object Such as hook 216 and another Surface Such as wall
to an object Such as hook 112 and the Surface of a Substrate 218.
Such as a wall 114. Again, this tape construction is particu 15 A tab 220 is provided comprising a portion of the film/
larly Suited for Stretching the entire tape to effect debonding foam layer 202, film layer 208, and pressure-sensitive adhe
from both hook 112 and wall 114, which permits easy sive layer 210 by not providing adhesive layers 212 and 214
reusability of the hook 112. Alternatives to the employment on one end of tape construction 200. It is an aspect of the
of polymeric film layer 104 to provide the same increase in tape construction 200 that only the polymeric film layer 208
load bearing Strength and rupture Strength would be con and adhesive layers 210 and 214 need comprise a stretchable
ventional reinforcement Scrims Such as non-woven Scrims, tape material. To facilitate this, the film/foam layer 202 is slit
plastic meshes, or the like, which should also exhibit the at 222 to define tab 220 for grasping and tape Stretching. By
relevant Stretch characteristics needed for the above Virtue of slit 222, grasping tab 220 and Stretching of release
described embodiment. tape 200 only stretches film layer 208 and adhesive layers
At one end of the foam layer 102 and film layer 104, a tab 25 210 and 214. Stretch release debonding thus occurs between
116 is formed to facilitate the stretch removal of tape 100. adhesive layer 210 and film layer 206 and adhesive layer 214
Tab 116 is preferably made by simply not providing adhe and the surface of wall 218. In other words, adhesive layers
sive layers 108 and 110 at an end region of the backing. 210 and 214 become debonded from the Surfaces of film
Otherwise, a coating, film, or the like, could be applied over layer 206 and the wall 218. By this construction, only film
adhesive layers 108 and 110, if extended over the entire layer 208 and adhesive layers 210 and 214 need have the
backing, to form the tab 116. Opposite to the end of tape 100 Stretch characteristics necessary for Stretch release. Film
where tab 116 is provided, a release strip 118 is also layer 206 and foam layer 204 can be chosen based on other
provided covering at least an effective end portion of adhe desired characteristics. Specifically, the foam can be
sive layer 108 or 110. The effective or functional end of tape optimized, for example, for conformability and resiliency
100 opposite from the formation of tab 116 means the 35 properties. Likewise, the film layer 206 can be chosen based
portion of adhesive layer 108 or 110 which is to be covered on loadbearing Strength, rupture Strength, Surface finish, and
by release Strip 118 in order to cause Sequential release. That composition for release characteristics.
is, that one surface will completely debond before the other. Similarly as with tape constructions 10 and 100, a release
Sequential stretch release occurs with tape 100 substan strip 224 is provided at the effective or functional end of
tially the same as that described above with regard to tape 40 release tape 200 away from tab 220. Again, the release strip
10. Specifically, as tab 116 is grasped and a force applied to 224 facilitates the earlier removal of one of the adhesive
Stretch the release tape 100, a progressive debonding of layers 212 or 214 prior to the other. An inner edge 226 of
adhesive layers 108 and 110 occurs at Substantially the same release Strip 224 defines the point at which complete release
time. Again, the debonding occurs Substantially Simulta of one adhesive layer occurs while a remaining portion 228
neously by stretching adhesive layers 108 and 110 as a result 45 of adhesive remains adhered to the other Surface. In the
of the stretching of release tape 100. When the debonding of Specifically illustrated embodiment, release of adhesive
adhesive layer 108 reaches an inner edge 120 of release strip layer 210 from film layer 206 occurs prior to the release of
118, adhesive layer 108 becomes entirely debonded from the adhesive layer 214 from the surface of wall 218.
Surface to which it is applied, Such as the back of a hook 112 Suitable materials for the foam layer 204 and film layer
as shown in FIG. 9. At this point, an adhesive portion 122 50 206 can be any materials that are generally Suitable for tape
Substantially corresponding to the dimensions of release backings and can be chosen to optimize the characteristics
strip 118 will still remain adhered to the other surface to noted above. Preferably, layer 204 comprises a polymeric
which the release tape 100 is applied, such as wall 114 as foam material. Likewise, film layer 206 preferably com
shown in FIG. 9. Once the adhesive layer 108 is entirely prises a polymeric film. Other Suitable materials may
debonded from its Surface, the hook 112 is removed from 55 include paper layerS or paper products, non-woven webs,
wall 114. Thereafter, the remaining adhesive portion 122 can foils, and the like. Suitable materials for the release Strip are
be removed by continued stretching or peeling of tape 100. any of those described above with reference to tape 10 of the
Stretch removal is preferred since this will not leave adhe first embodiment, specifically including a non-adhesive por
Sive residue on the remaining Surface of adherence. Like tion provided instead.
wise with tape 10, described above, the release strip side of 60 A fourth embodiment of another construction for a
the tape can be applied to the wall Surface instead and would sequential release tape 300 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Release
be removed in the same manner as described above with first tape 300 comprises a Stretchable backing made up of a
release from the wall 114. foam/film/foam laminate including polymeric foam layer
A third embodiment of another construction for a Sequen 302, polymeric foam layer 304 and polymeric film layer
tial release tape 200 is illustrated in FIG. 10. Release tape 65 306. Film layer 306 can be conventionally laminated to,
200 comprises a laminated film/foam layer 202 which is co-extruded with, or adhered to foam layers 302 and 304,
itself comprised of a polymeric foam layer 204 and a similarly or differently from one another. Foam layers 302
 6,001,471
11 12
and 304 bear on their major surfaces adhesive layers 314 and to different locations with respect to the second end 504 of
312 of the same or different adhesive compositions for the tape 500 to space the secondary ends 522 and 523 of the
adhering the tape 300 to an object such as hook 316 and adhesively aggressive portions 512 and 513 of the outer
another Surface Such as wall 318. Surfaces 505 and 506 from each other.
A tab 320 is provided comprising an extended portion of 5 The tape 500 thus provides controlled early debonding of
the foam/film/foam backing, preferably by not providing the adhesive layer 510 prior to the adhesive layer 511. The
adhesive layers 312 and 314 on one end of tape construction secondary end 522 of the layer 510 of adhesive 510 defines
300. A release strip 324 is provided at the effective or the point at which complete debonding of the adhesive layer
functional end of release tape 300 away from tab 320. The 510 occurs while a remaining portion 528 of the adhesive
release strip 324 provides the controlled early debonding of layer 511 remains adhered to the wall 502. The foam layer
one of adhesive layers 312 and 314 prior to the other. Inner 516 can be optimized for conformability and resiliency to
leading edge 326 of release strip 324 defines the point at facilitate adhesion of the adhesive layers 510 and 511 to
Surfaces such as those of the hook 501 and the wall 502. The
which complete debonding of one adhesive layer occurs
(adhesive layer 312, as illustrated) while a remaining portion film layers 515 and 517 can be selected to enhance
328 of adhesive remains (of adhesive layer 314, as 15
elongation, load bearing Strength, and rupture Strength.
illustrated) adhered to its surface (wall 318). Tape construc In View of the foregoing embodiments, it is evident that
tion 300 permits the foam layers, which can be the same or many modifications for other embodiments are possible
different, to be collectively or individually optimized for combining various layers which are together optimized for
conformability and resiliency to their respective Surfaces for a particular application. In general, foams are preferred to
adherence. AS above, the film layer can be Selected to add resiliency and conformability, while films improve load
enhance elongation, load bearing Strength, and rupture bearing and rupture Strength. For components of Stretchable
Strength. backing layers, the combined backing must be Sufficiently
A fifth embodiment of a sequential release tape 500 extensible for debonding to occur but of Sufficient tensile
according to the present invention for attaching Structures Strength So as not to rupture during debonding. For compo
Such as a hook 501 and a wall 502 to each other is illustrated 25 nent layers that need not be stretched, as in FIG. 10, many
in FIG. 12. The release tape 500 has first and second other options exist as defined by the application and com
opposite ends 503 and 504 spaced in a first direction, patibility of the layers.
opposite first and second outer Surfaces 505 and 506 extend It is also contemplated that more layers (films, foams,
ing between those ends 503 and 504, a manually engageable etc.) can be provided in any number of ways depending on
tab portion 507 adjacent its first end 503, and an attachment the application.
portion 508 between its tab portion 507 and its second end AS an alternative to each of the aforementioned embodi
504. The attachment portion 508 comprises two layers 510 ments expressly disclosed and/or Suggested, it is also con
and 511 of aggressive pressure Sensitive adhesive of the templated that the non-adhesive portion of one of the
Same or different adhesive compositions providing an adhe adhesive layers of a double-sided tape construction (whether
sively aggressive portion (512 and 513 respectively) of each 35 non-adhesive as in FIG. 3 or rendered non-adhesive by a
of the outer surfaces 505 and 506. The layers 510 and 511 release Strip or the like) can instead comprise a low-adhesion
of adhesive are adhered along opposite major Surfaces of a portion. Such a construction provides a differential debond
Stretchable backing that is a film/foam/film laminate includ ing and release. By low-adhesion, it is meant that there is a
ing a polymeric film layer 515, a polymeric foam layer 516 weaker or leSS aggressive adherence between the adhesive of
and a polymeric film layer 517. The film layers 515 and 517 40 that portion and the Surface to which it adheres as compared
can be conventionally laminated to, co-extruded with, or to the adherence of the adjoining adhesive layer to its
adhered to the opposite sides of the foam layer 516. Each Substrate. In one case, the release Strip or non-adhesive
adhesively aggressive surface portion 512 or 513 has a portion of the above embodiments could be substituted with
primary end (520 and 521 respectively) adjacent the first end a composition of leSS aggressive adhesion material. Such
503 of the tape 500 and a secondary end (522 and 523 45 low-adhesion material can be applied directly to the relevant
respectively) adjacent the second end 504 of the tape 500 backing layer or may be coated to the Surface of the
and is adapted to be firmly adhered to a different one of the adjoining adhesive layer.
structures between its primary and secondary ends 520, 522; Any adhesive composition exhibiting a lower adhesion
521; 523. The attachment portion 505 is stretchable so that than the adjoining adhesive layer is contemplated, including
when the attachment portion 508 is between and adhered to 50 the other compositions of the adhesive materials listed
the structures 501 and 502 as illustrated in FIG. 12 it can be below. Moreover, adhesive detackification or coating tech
progressively Stretched along its length by the manual niques can be utilized. One Specific example of a low-tack
application of force to the tab portion 507 to cause separa adhesive deemed Suitable for many applications is the
tion of the adhesively aggressive Surface portions 512 and adhesive used in making Post-itTM repositionable notes
513 from the structures progressively from their primary 55 which are commercially available from Minnesota Mining
ends 520 and 521 towards their secondary ends 522 and 523. and Manufacturing Company of Saint Paul, Minn. Although
The secondary ends 522 and 523 of the adhesively aggres the use of a low-adhesion portion will not provide complete
sive surface portions 512 and 513 are spaced from each other debonding of one adhesive Surface prior to the other of a
in Said first direction to cause essentially complete Separa double-sided Stretchable tape construction, it can essentially
tion of the adhesively aggressive Surface portion 512 from 60 accomplish that task. The one side will substantially debond
the structure or hook 501 prior to separation of the other and in any case will be easier to remove than the remaining
adhesively aggressive surface portion 513 from the other adhesive portion corresponding on the other Side of the
structure or wall 502. That spacing is caused in that the ends double-sided Stretchable tape construction. At least to Some
adjacent the tape's second end 504 of the layers 510 and 511 degree, the effects of Snap-back and catapulting, discussed
of aggressive adhesive on both major Surfaces of the backing 65 above, will be lessened.
layer that define the secondary ends 522 and 523 of the Instead of using a leSS aggressive adhesive composition to
adhesively aggressive surface portions 512 and 513 extend define a low-adhesion portion, the Surface to which the
 6,001,471
13 14
relevant portion (for early release) of the object or wall, etc. copolymers, Such as polyvinyl chlorides, both plasticized
can be modified to reduce its affinity for the adhesive of one and unplasticized, and polyvinyl acetates, olefinic
of the adhesion layers of a double-sided stretchable tape. For copolymers, Such as ethylene/methacrylate copolymers,
example, the end Section of the Surface of a hook or object ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene
to be bonded can be coated with a release material Such as Styrene copolymers, and ethylene/propylene copolymers,
a Silicone release coating. Alternatively, a differential adhe acrylic polymers and copolymers, polyurethanes, and com
Sive area on the hook or object may be produced through binations of the foregoing. Mixtures or blends of any plastic
molding or profiling of a textured area which significantly or plastic and elastomeric materials. Such as polypropylene/
reduces adhesive contact. An advantage of this is that the polyethylene, polyurethane/polyolefin, polyurethane/
adhesive layers of the double-sided stretchable tape need not 1O
polycarbonate, polyurethane/polyester, can also be used.
be themselves modified. Polymeric foam layers for use in the plastic backing of the
Yet another way of accomplishing Sequential release can tapes of the invention generally will have a density of about
be controlled by positioning of the hook or object relative to 2 to about 30 pounds per cubic foot (about 32 to about 481
kg/m), particularly in tape constructions where the foam is
a stretchable double-sided adhesive tape without a differen to be stretched to effect debonding.
tial low-adhesive portion, or a non-adhesive portion 15
Preferred for plastic polymeric foam layers in the backing
(rendered or not). In this regard, reference is made to FIG. of the tapes of the invention are polyolefin foams. Polymeric
13. A tape 400 is illustrated, which is similar to the tape of foam layers are most preferably polyolefin foams available
FIG. 1 but with no provision for making a non-adhesive or under the trade designations VolextraTM and Volara TM from
low-adhesion portion. Tape 400 comprises a stretchable Voltek, Division of Sekisui America Corporation, Lawrence,
backing 402 and adhesive layers 404 and 406 of the same or Mass.
different pressure-Sensitive adhesive. Stretchable backing Elastomeric materials Suitable as backings for tapes in
402 can comprise a foam, film or the like, as Set out above, accordance with the present invention include Styrene
or any of the possibilities for laminates and alternate con butadiene copolymer, polychloroprene (neoprene), nitrile
Structions Suggested above. rubber, butyl rubber, polysulfide rubber, cis-i,4-
25
Tape 400 is shown with adhesive layer 404 adhered to the polyisoprene, ethylene-propylene terpolymers (EPDM
surface of an object, hook 408, and adhesive layer 406 rubber), silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber,
adhered to another Substrate, Such as wall 410. A tab for polyisobutylene, natural rubber, acrylate rubber, thermoplas
Stretching is shown as 412, tic rubberS Such as Styrene butadiene block copolymer and
In order to provide a sequential release, the Surface of styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer and TPO rubber
hook 408 is adhered to adhesive layer 404 but offset inward materials.
from a distal end 414 of tape 400. In this way, the surface of Solid polymeric film backings are preferably Selected
hook 408 will completely debond while leaving a portion from polyethylene and polypropylene films, with the most
416 of the adhesive layer 406 adhered to the surface of wall preferred materials being unoriented linear low density and
410. Again, Stretch removal occurs by applying a force to tab 35 ultra low density polyethylene films. A preferred polyethyl
412 away from the object and Subsequent Stretching of the ene film is that available under the trade designation Max
backing 404 and adhesive layers 404 and 406 with Substan ilene TM 200 from Consolidated Thermoplastics Company,
tially simultaneous progressive debonding. When debond Schaumburg, Ill.
ing of adhesive layer 404 reaches the upper edge of the The backing may vary in Overall thickness So long as it
surface of hook 408, the hook 408 is completely debonded, 40 possesses Sufficient integrity to be processable and handle
while portion 416 remains adhered. able and provides the desired performance in respect to
It is also contemplated that the manner of application Stretching properties for debonding the backing or tape from
illustrated in FIG. 13 and described above can be done in a Surface. The Specific Overall thickneSS Selected for a
combination with non-adhesive portions, release Strips, or backing will depend upon the physical properties of the
low-adhesion portions as described above. 45 polymeric foam layer or layers and any Solid polymeric film
Suitable materials for any of the stretchable layers layer forming the backing. Where only one polymeric film
described in any of the embodiments above include any or foam layer of a multi-layer backing is intended to be
materials which are stretchable without rupture by at least 50 stretched to effect debonding, that layer should exhibit
percent elongation at break and which have Sufficient tensile Sufficient physical properties and be of a Sufficient thickness
Strength So as not to rupture before debonding. Again, Such 50 to achieve that objective.
stretchable materials may be either elastically deformable or A plastic polymeric film layer Such as is contained in the
plastically deformable provided Sufficient Stretching is poS constructions of FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 preferably will be about
Sible to cause adhesive debonding of both adhesive Surfaces 0.4 to 10 mils in thickness, and will most preferably be about
for stretch removal. 0.4 to 6 mils in thickness.
Suitable plastic backing materials are disclosed in U.S. 55 The adhesive of the adhesive layers, excluding adhesives
Pat. No. 5,516,581 (Kreckel et al) and co-pending applica usable for the low-adhesion portion of a differential release
tion U.S. Ser. No. 08/308,937 (Bries et al.) which are tape, can comprise any preSSure-Sensitive adhesive, with the
commonly owned by the ASSignee of the present particular adhesion properties being dependent on the use of
application, and the complete disclosures of which are the tape, with the preferred adhesion properties generally
hereby incorporated by reference. 60 ranging from about 4 N/dm to about 200 N/dm, preferably
Representative examples of materials Suitable for either a from about 25 N/dm to about 100 N/dm, at a peel angle of
polymeric foam or Solid polymeric film layer in the backing 180°, measured according to PSTC-1 and PSTC-3 and
of the tape of this invention of the type utilizing a plastic ASTM D903-83 at a peel rate of 12.7 cm/min. Adhesives
backing include polyolefins, Such as polyethylene, including having higher peel adhesion levels usually require backings
high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear 65 having higher tensile Strength.
low density polyethylene, and linear ultra low density PreSSure-Sensitive adhesives Suitable for application to
polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylenes, Vinyl one side of the backing and/or the other in the tapes of the
 6,001,471
15 16
invention include tackified rubber adhesives, Such as natural the adhesive. Such failure typically occurs with low force
rubber, olefins, Silicones, Synthetic rubber adhesives Such as (because of the low amount of energy dissipated in the
polyisoprene, polybutadiene, and Styrene-isoprene-styrene, adhesive material) and is cleanly interfacial.
Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene and Styrene-butadiene In contrast, for higher peeling angles, i.e., angles gener
Styrene block copolymers, and other Synthetic elastomers, ally greater than 35, the backing tends not to stretch and the
and tackified or untackified acrylic adhesives Such as adhesive tends to undergo filamentation and rupture cohe
copolymers of isooctylacrylate and acrylic acid, which can Sively. Like fracture of glassy materials, propagation of a
be polymerized by radiation, Solution, Suspension, or emul “blunt' crack is preceded by crazing. In this model, the
sion techniques. Preferred are synthetic rubber adhesives or observed filamentation of the adhesive at higher angles
acrylics. Serves principally as an energy dissipation mechanism,
The thickness of each adhesive layer can range from analogous to craze fibrils found in glassy materials. The
about 0.6 mils to about 40 mils (about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 greater the energy dissipation, the greater the resistance to
mm), preferably from about 1 mils to about 16 mils (about peeling and the higher the force required to peel the tape. A
0.025 mm to about 0.41 mm). In this preferred range of 15
larger Volume of material is involved in energy dissipation,
thicknesses, the thicker layers tend to cause the tapes to be and, as Stated previously, StreSS is less concentrated. The
more easily removable than do thinner layers. This is in adhesive filaments rupture cohesively to leave residue of
contrast to conventional methods of removal, Such as adhesive on the Surface or to cause damage to the Surface.
removal by peeling at peel angles of 90 or higher. In
general, thicker layers of adhesive tend to cause the tapes to The tape of this invention can be used in Several areas,
exhibit higher peel strength at a peel angle of 180 than do including the following categories:
thinner layers. When the tapes of the present invention are (1) mounting applications on Surfaces Such as painted
released by stretching at a low angle, i.e., under 35, the wallboard, plaster, concrete, glass, metal or plastic, Such as
adhesive tends to be constrained by the backing and Sub wall hangings, dispensers, wire clips, body Side molding on
Strate for a single-coated adhesive tape and by the backing Vehicles, carrying handles, Signing application, e.g., road
and two Substrates for a double-coated adhesive tape, and is 25
Signs, vehicle markings, transportation markings, and reflec
forced to undergo significant elongation. Under these tive sheetings, etc.;
conditions, the adhesive layer (or each adhesive layer)
contracts, which reduces its cross-sectional area. Since the (2) joining or assembly applications;
croSS-Sectional area, i.e., thickness times width, of a thinner (3) cushioning or Sound deadening applications, Such as
layer of adhesive is already less than that of a thicker layer cushioning materials for placement beneath objects or Sound
of adhesive, StreSS, i.e., force per unit area, is greater in the insulative sheet materials,
thinner layer of adhesive than in the thicker layer of adhe
sive. This leads, in effect, to a stiffening of the adhesive. (4) closure applications, Such as container closures, e.g.,
Because Stiffer layers offer more resistance to deformation, box closures, closures for food and beverage containers, and
the force required for debonding is greater. The exposed 35 the like; diaper closures, Surgical drape closures, and the
adhesive layer or layerS may be laminated to a conventional like; and
release liner prior to use. (5) removable labels, Such as price tags or identification
Adhesives for adhering one polymeric foam layer to labels on containers.
either another polymeric foam layer or a Solid polymeric 40 The particular construction of the tape, e.g., the type of
film layer include those pressure-Sensitive adhesive compo backing, the type of adhesive compositions, and relative
sitions described above. Preferably the adhesive layer for position of backing and adhesive layers, are often required
adjoining one polymeric layer of the backing to another will
be about 1 to 10 mils (about 0.025 to 0.25 mm) in thickness. to be different for each category of use.
Other methods of adhering the polymeric layers of the 45 Preferred hook configurations for use in combination with
backing to one another include Such conventional methods a tape of this invention for mounting applications are
as co-extrusion or heat welding. described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,464 (Hammerski et al)
The tape of this invention can be produced by any which is incorporated herein by reference. A particularly
conventional method for preparing pressure-Sensitive adhe preferred hook configuration is that illustrated in FIG. 7 and
Sive tapes. For example, the adhesive can either be directly 50
FIG. 8 of that patent. Other preferred picture hanger and
coated onto the backing, or it can be formed as a Separate wire clip configurations are disclosed in U.S. Ser. No.
layer and then later laminated to the backing. D-29/027,822 (abandoned); U.S. Ser. No. D-29/029.272
Removing the tape from the Surface of a Substrate can be (abandoned); and U.S. Ser. No. D-29/029.273 (abandoned)
carried out by Simply Stretching the tape in a direction up to which were filed on Aug. 30, 1994, are commonly assigned,
an angle of about 35 from the surface. Preferably, the tape 55
and are incorporated herein by reference. Other preferred
can be removed from the Surface of a Substrate by Stretching hook configurations are disclosed in co-pending application
the tape at an angle of no greater than about 10. Removal U.S. Ser. No. D-29/039,674 filed on Jun. 1, 1995, which is
at the appropriate angle will result in leaving no Substantial commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference.
or appreciable adhesive residue and in preventing the Sur Test Methods for Testing Tapes of the Invention
face of the Substrate from being damaged. 60
Painted Wallboard Test Panels
Debonding of a highly elongated adhesive tape of this
invention at low angles is characterized by a “sharp' type of U.S. Gypsum ys" (9.5 mm) sheetrock was painted first
crack propagation. Like fracture of glassy materials, a Sharp with Sherwin Williams ProMarTM 200 interior latex primer,
crack leads to high StreSS concentration at the crack front, then with a single top coat of Sherwin Williams ClassicTM 99
where there is a low volume of adhesive material (in which 65 interior flat latex wall paint. The painted wallboard was aged
stress may be dissipated). High Stress concentration at the under ambient conditions at about 22 C. for a minimum of
crack front leads to what is called brittle cleavage failure of 48 hours prior to use for testing.
 6,001,471
17 18
Adhesive Residue -continued

The amount of adhesive residue remaining on the painted Adhesive Compositions Used for Preparing Tapes of the Invention
wallboard was determined by visual inspection.
5 D. Composition:
Surface Damage Finaprene TM 1205 7.095
Finaprene TM 411 13.176
Piccolyte TMA-135 20.270
The occurrence of any damage to the Surface of the ShelflexTM 371 2.027
painted wallboard was determined by Visual inspection. 1O Ethanox TM 330 O.405
Toluene 57.027
Finaprene TM 1205 is a styrene-butadiene tapered di-block copolymer
Adhesive Compositions Used for Preparing Tapes of the Invention available
from Fina Oil and Chemical Co.
A. Composition: Finaprene TM 411 is a radial styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer
available from Fina Oil and Chemical Co.
15
Kraton TM 1118 75 pts Ethanox TM 330 is a phenolic based antioxidant available from Ethyl Corp.
Finaprene TM 1205 25
Piccolyte TMA-135 101 E. Composition:
ShelflexTM 371 2O
Kraton TM 1118 is a styrene-butadiene block copolymer available from Kraton TM 1107 100.0 pts
Shell Chemical Co. Wingtack TM Extra 1OO.O
Piccolyte TM A135 is an alpha pinene resin available from Hercules Irganox TM 1076 1.5
Chemical Co. Cyanox TM LTPD 1.5
Shellflex TM 371 is a naphthenic oil available from Shell Chemical Co. Kraton TM 1107 is a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer available
from Shell Chemical Co.
B. Composition of Example 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,842, incorporated Wingtack TM Extra is a hydrocarbon resin tackifier available from The
herein by reference, as follows: Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.
25
Kraton TM 1657 5.00 pts F. Composition:
Regalrez TM 1078 S.OO
Regalrez TM 1018 1.50 2-mil and 5-mil adhesive transfer tapes available under
Triton TM X-1OO O16 the trade designations Scotch TM VHB F-946OPC and
Triton TMX-2OO O.30 F-9469PC, respectively, from Minnesota Mining and
Toluene 17.8O Manufacturing Company of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Irganox TM 1076 O.12
Cyanox TM LTPD O.12
Water 5.90 G. Composition: 2-mil and 5-mil adhesive transfer tapes
Isooctyl acrylate? 64.10 available under the trade designations ScotchTM F-9752PC
octylacrylamide? and F-9755PC, respectively, from Minnesota Mining and
sodium styrene sulfonate 35
terpolymer (87:12:1) Manufacturing Company of Saint Paul, Minn.
Kraton TM 1657 is styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene elastomer from Shell EXAMPLES
Chemical Company.
Regalrez TM 1078 is a tackifier resin available from Hercules Incorporated. Example 1
Regalrez TM 1018 is a tackifier resin available from Hercules Incorporated.
Triton TX-100 is non-ionic surfactant available from Rohm and Haas
Co.
40 A tape construction of the type described above with
Triton TX-200 is an anionic surfactant available from Rohm and Haas reference to FIG. 2 was prepared as follows:
Co. A 1 inch (2.54 cm) by 1 inch (2.54 cm) piece of double
Irganox TM 1076 is a phenolic based anti-oxidant available from coated pressure-Sensitive adhesive foam tape was prepared
Ciba-Geigy.
Cyanox TM LTPD is a phenolic based anti-oxidant available from from 3M brand VHBTM 4945 double-coated pressure
American Cyanamide Co. 45 Sensitive adhesive foam tape, available from Minnesota
Mining and Manufacturing Company of Saint Paul, Minn.
C. Composition of Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,972, The double-coated adhesive foam tape piece 10 was adhered
incorporated herein by reference, prepared by combining Part A and
Part B as follows: to the back of a plastic hook 42 (as in FIG. 4) in such a
manner as to provide an extended foam tab 26. The Standard
Part A 50 Silicone release paper provided on the 4945 tape was
Kraton TM 1657 11.150 pts removed from the adhesive layer 14 and piece of that release
Regalrez TM 1018 8.360 paper was cut to a dimension of 4 inch (0.635 cm) by I inch
REZ-DTM 2084 13.940 (2.54 cm) and reapplied as a release Strip 30 to the top
Irganox TM 1076 O112 portion the adhesive layer 14 opposite from the tab 26. Next,
Cyanox TM LTPD O112 55 the adhesive layer 14 was adhered to a painted wallboard test
Tnuvin TM 328 O.O33
Uvno TM 4OO O.O33 panel, as described above. While holding onto the hook 42
Toluene 41.260 with one hand, the adhesive foam tape 10 was stretched to
Part B Reaction product of: remove the hook 42 from the Surface of wall 44. Continued
Isooctylacrylate 8.800 pts
Stretching of the tape 10 progressed to the point where
Acrylamide O.250 60 complete debonding of the adhesive 14 from the wall
Acrylic Acid O.250 Surface occurred resulting in the removal of the hook 42.
2-Polystyrylethyl methacrylate 1.350 However, the area of the foam tape 50 directly opposite the
Ethyl Acetate 7.650 Side to which the release paper was applied Still remained
Methyl Ketone 1.7OO
Toluene S.OOO adhered to the back of the plastic hook. Once the hook 42
REZ-DTM is a tackifier resin available from Hercules Incorporated. 65 was removed from the wall 44, the remaining adhered foam
Tinuvin TM 328 is an ultraviolet inhibitor available from Ciba-Geigy Corp. tape, 4 inch by 1 inch area (0.635 cmx2.54 cm) was
stretched and removed from the hook 42. The sequential
 6,001,471
19 20
release of the tape 10 when stretched removed cleanly from layer 306 by a pressure-sensitive adhesive which, along with
the painted drywall Surface with no Snap-back of the tape at preSSure-Sensitive adhesive layer 312 and 314, comprised a
debond. rubber resin pressure-Sensitive adhesive in accordance with
the adhesive compositions detailed above. Release strip 324
Example 2 comprised a one mil polyester film and was provided and the
A tape was made according to FIG. 9 using a Volara TM end of tape 300 opposite to a tab 320 formed by an extension
12E, /32 inch thick polyethylene Vinyl acetate copolymer of layers 302,304, and 306. The adhesive layer 312 with the
foam available from Voltek Division of Sekisui America release strip 324 was adhered to a hook 316, and the
Corporation of Lawrence, Mass. as layer 102, a 2 mil adhesive layer 314 was adhered to a wallboard test panel.
Maxilene TM 200 linear low density polyethylene film avail The sequential release of the tape 300 resulted in clean
able from Consolidated Thermoplastics, Inc. of removal with no catapulting of the hook 316 upon removal.
Schaumburg, Ill. as layer 104. The adhesive layers 106, 108, Example 6
and 110 were a 3M brand VHBTM 94.73 acrylic transfer
adhesive, 10 mill thickness. The release strip 118 comprised 15
A tape 500 of the type illustrated in FIG. 12 was prepared.
a 3/16 inch length piece of Standard Silicone release paper. The foam used in layer 516 was VolaraTM brand 6EO, /32
The release strip 118 was adhered to the adhesive layer 108 inch thick polyethylene vinyl acetate copolymer foam to
at the end of tape 100 opposite from a tab 116 formed from which was heat laminated on both sides the layers 515 and
the foam layer 102, film layer 104, and adhesive layer 106. 517 of a 1.75 mill XMAXTM 161.1 linear low density
The release strip 118 provided an area of non-adhesion of the polyethylene film available from Consolidated
tape 100 to the hook 112 Surface. Stretching of this release Thermoplastics, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. Adhesive layers
tape resulted in clean removal of the adhesive layers 108 and 510 and 511 comprised a rubber resin pressure-sensitive
110 with no catapulting of the hook 112 upon removal. adhesive in accordance with the adhesive compositions
detailed above. The secondary end 523 of the adhesive layer
Example 3 25
511 was spaced from the adjacent end of the adhesive layer
A tape construction was prepared identical to that of 510 by about 0.18 inch or 0.46 centimeter. The adhesive
Example 2, except that adhesive layer 106 and foam layer layer 510 was adhered to a hook 501, and the adhesive layer
102 were omitted to provide a film-backed adhesive tape 511 was adhered to a wallboard test panel 502. The sequen
construction. This film-backed tape cleanly removed with no tial release of the tape 500 by pulling on the tab portion 507
catapulting of the hook upon removal. resulted in clean removal with no catapulting of the hook
501 upon removal.
Example 4 Example 7
A tape construction was prepared according to FIG. 10 A tape construction was prepared using an elastic Solid
using Volara TM brand 4EO, /16 inch thick polyethylene vinyl 35 adhesive product available from Beiersdorf AG of Hamburg,
acetate copolymer foam 204 heat laminated to a two mil Germany commercially available as Tesa brand Power
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer film 206, which composite Strips. A release Strip of 74 inch length and tape width was
is available from Voltek Division of Sekisui America Cor
poration of Lawrence, Mass. as the film/foam laminate 202. prepared from a portion of the release liner provided on the
Film layer 208 comprised a 2.5 mil Maxilene TM 200 linear tape product and was applied to one end of the tape product
low density polyethylene film available from Consolidated
40 away from a tab provided on the tape product. The modified
Thermoplastics, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. The release Strip tape product was applied to a hook and wall Surface once
224 comprised a one mil polyester film 3/16 inch in length by with the release Strip against the hook Surface and a different
the tape width. Adhesive layers 210, 212, and 214 comprised time with the release Strip against the wall Surface. In both
a rubber resin preSSure-Sensitive adhesive in accordance cases, Sequential release resulted without Snap-back or cata
with the adhesive compositions detailed above. The poly
45 pulting of the hook.
What is claimed is:
ester film release Strip was used to provide an area of 1. A tape adapted for attaching first and Second structures
non-adhesion of the adhesive layer 210 to the surface of film to each other, Said tape having first and Second opposite ends
206 of the film/foam laminate 202 at the end of the tape 200 Spaced in a first direction, opposite first and Second primary
away from an extended tab 220. Film/foam laminate 202 50 outer Surfaces extending between Said ends, a manually
was slit at the beginning of the extended portion making the engageable tab portion adjacent Said first end, and an attach
tab to form a thick tab 220, and so that only the film layer ment portion between Said manually engageable portion and
208 and adhesive layers 210 and 214 are stretched during Said Second end comprising a layer of aggressive preSSure
tape Stretching. Stretch release resulted in complete debond Sensitive adhesive providing an adhesively aggressive por
ing of adhesive layer 210 from film layer 206 with Subse 55 tion of each of Said outer Surfaces, each adhesively aggres
quent complete debonding of adhesive layer 214 from the Sive portion having a primary end adjacent the first end of
Surface of wall 218.
Said tape, a Secondary end adjacent the Second end of Said
Example 5 tape and being adapted to be firmly adhered to a different
one of Said Structures between Said primary and Secondary
A tape construction was prepared according to FIG. 11 60 ends, Said attachment portion being Stretchable So that Said
using Volara TM brand 6EO, /32 inch thick polyethylene vinyl attachment portion when between and adhered to Said struc
acetate copolymer foam heat laminated to a two mill ethylene tures can be progressively stretched along its length by the
Vinyl acetate copolymer film, which composite is available manual application of force to Said manually engageable
from Voltek Division of Sekisui America Corporation of portion to cause Separation of Said adhesively aggressive
Lawrence, Mass. to provide layers 304 and 306, respec 65 Surface portions from Said structures progressively from Said
tively. Layer 302 comprised a VolaraTM brand 6EO, /32 inch primary ends towards Said Secondary ends, Said Secondary
thick polyethylene Vinyl acetate copolymer foam adhered to ends of Said adhesively aggressive Surface portions being
 6,001,471
21 22
Spaced from each other in Said first direction to cause Second end of Said tape and being firmly adhered to a
complete Separation of one of Said adhesively aggressive different one of Said Structures between Said primary and
Surface portions from one of the Structures Substantially Secondary ends, Said attachment portion being Stretchable So
prior to Separation of the other of Said adhesively aggressive that Said attachment portion between and adhered to Said
Surface portions from the other of the Structures. Structures can be progressively stretched along its length by
2. A tape according to claim 1 comprising a single layer the manual application of force to Said manually engageable
of pressure Sensitive adhesive providing each of Said adhe portion to cause Separation of Said adhesively aggressive
Sively aggressive portions of Said outer Surfaces and includ Surface portions from Said structures progressively from Said
ing a masking layer of material having no adhesive proper primary ends towards Said Secondary ends, Said Secondary
ties or adhesive properties that are significantly reduced ends of Said adhesively aggressive Surface portions being
from Said layer of pressure Sensitive adhesive adjacent Said Spaced from each other in Said first direction to cause
Second end of the tape and extending over a part of the layer complete Separation of one of Said adhesively aggressive
of preSSure Sensitive adhesive defining one of Said adhe Surface portions from one of the Structures Substantially
Sively aggressive portions of Said outer Surfaces to Space the prior to Separation of the other of Said adhesively aggressive
Secondary ends of Said adhesively aggressive portions of 15 Surface portions from the other of the Structures.
Said outer Surfaces from each other. 10. An assembly according to claim 9 wherein said tape
3. A tape according to claim 2 wherein Said material in comprises a Single layer of pressure Sensitive adhesive
Said masking layer is Selected from the group consisting of providing each of Said adhesively aggressive portions of Said
release liner material, repositionable pressure Sensitive outer Surfaces and includes a masking layer of material
adhesive, polymeric film, paper, powder, ink, and low adhe having no adhesive properties or adhesive properties that are
Sion backsize material. Significantly reduced from Said layer of pressure Sensitive
4. A tape according to claim 1 including a stretchable adhesive adjacent Said Second end of the tape and extending
polymeric backing layer having opposite major Surfaces and over a part of the layer of pressure Sensitive adhesive
a layer of aggressive preSSure Sensitive adhesive along each defining one of Said adhesively aggressive portions of Said
of Said opposite major Surfaces defining one of Said adhe 25 outer Surfaces to Space the Secondary ends of Said adhesively
Sively aggressive portions of Said outer Surfaces. aggressive portions of Said outer Surfaces from each other.
5. A tape according to claim 4 wherein Said Stretchable 11. An assembly according to claim 10 wherein said
polymeric backing layer is of a material Selected from the material in Said masking layer is Selected from the group
group consisting of polymeric film, polymeric foam, poly consisting of release liner material, repositionable preSSure
meric film laminated to polymeric foam, and two polymeric Sensitive adhesive, polymeric film, paper, powder, ink, and
films laminated to opposite Sides of a layer of polymeric low adhesion backsize material.
foam. 12. An assembly according to claim 9 wherein Said tape
6. A tape according to claim 4 wherein the ends adjacent includes a stretchable polymeric backing layer having oppo
Said Second end of the layers of aggressive pressure Sensitive Site major Surfaces and a layer of aggressive preSSure
adhesive on both major Surfaces of the backing layer extend 35 Sensitive adhesive along each of Said opposite major Sur
to the same location with respect to the Second end of the faces defining one of Said adhesively aggressive portions of
tape, and the tape includes a masking layer of material Said outer Surfaces.
having no adhesive properties or adhesive properties that are 13. A tape according to claim 12 wherein Said Stretchable
Significantly reduced from Said layer of preSSure Sensitive polymeric backing layer is of a material Selected from the
adhesive adjacent Said Second end of the tape and extending 40 group consisting of polymeric film, polymeric foam, poly
over a part of one of the layers of aggressive adhesive to meric film laminated to polymeric foam and two polymeric
Space the Secondary ends of Said adhesively aggressive films laminated to opposite Sides of a layer of polymeric
portions of Said outer Surfaces from each other. foam.
7. A tape according to claim 6 wherein Said material in 14. An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the ends
Said masking layer is Selected from the group consisting of 45 adjacent Said Second end of the layers of aggressive pressure
release liner material, repositionable pressure Sensitive Sensitive adhesive on both major Surfaces of the backing
adhesive, polymeric film, paper, powder, ink, and low adhe layer extend to the same location with respect to the Second
Sion backsize material. end of the tape, and the tape includes a masking layer of
8. A tape according to claim 4 wherein ends adjacent Said material having no adhesive properties or adhesive proper
Second end of the layers of aggressive adhesive on both 50 ties that are significantly reduced from Said layer of preSSure
major Surfaces of the backing layer define the Secondary Sensitive adhesive adjacent Said Second end of the tape and
ends of Said adhesively aggressive portions of Said outer extending over a part of one of the layers of aggressive
Surfaces and extend to different locations with respect to the adhesive to Space the Secondary ends of Said adhesively
Second end of the tape to Space the Secondary ends of Said aggressive portions of Said outer Surfaces from each other.
adhesively aggressive portions of Said outer Surfaces from 55 15. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said
each other. material in Said masking layer is Selected from the group
9. An assembly comprising a tape attaching first and consisting of release liner material, repositionable preSSure
Second structures to each other, Said tape having first and Sensitive adhesive, polymeric film, paper, powder, ink, and
Second opposite ends Spaced in a first direction, opposite low adhesion backsize material.
first and Second primary outer Surfaces extending between 60 16. An assembly according to claim 12 wherein ends
Said ends, a manually engageable portion adjacent Said first adjacent Said Second end of the layers of aggressive adhesive
end, and an attachment portion between Said manually on both major Surfaces of the backing layer define the
engageable portion and Said Second end comprising a layer Secondary ends of Said adhesively aggressive portions of
of aggressive pressure Sensitive adhesive providing an adhe Said outer Surfaces and extend to different locations with
Sively aggressive portion of each of Said outer Surfaces, each 65 respect to the Second end of the tape to Space the Secondary
adhesively aggressive portion having a primary end adjacent ends of Said adhesively aggressive portions of Said outer
the first end of Said tape, a Secondary end adjacent the Surfaces from each other.
 6,001,471
23 24
17. An assembly according to claim 9 wherein said first Secondary end, Said attachment portion being Stretchable So
Structure is a hook and Said Second structure is a wall. that Said attachment portion between and adhered to Said
18. An assembly according to claim 17 wherein said Structures can be progressively stretched along its length by
adhesively aggressive Surface portions are spaced from each the manual application of force to Said manually engageable
other in Said first direction to cause complete Separation of 5 tab portion to cause Separation of Said adhesively aggressive
one of Said adhesively aggressive Surface portions from Said Surface portions from Said structures progressively from Said
hook prior to Separation of the other of Said adhesively primary ends towards Said Secondary ends, with the Spacing
aggressive Surface portions from Said wall.
19. An assembly comprising a tape attaching first and between the edge and the Secondary end of Said adhesively
aggressive Surface portion adhered to Said Second structure
Second Structures to each other, Said first Structure having a causing Separation of the adhesively aggressive Surface
rear Surface including a rear Surface portion adapted to be portion from the first structure Substantially prior to Sepa
adhered to extending to an edge, Said tape having first and
Second opposite ends Spaced in a first direction, opposite ration of the other of Said adhesively aggressive Surface
first and Second primary outer Surfaces extending between portions from the Second structure.
Said ends, a manually engageable tab portion adjacent Said 15 20. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein said rear
first end, and an attachment portion between Said manually Surface ends at Said edge.
engageable portion and Said Second end comprising a layer 21. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein Said rear
of aggressive pressure Sensitive adhesive providing an adhe Surface includes a release portion extending past Said edge
Sively aggressive portion of each of Said outer Surfaces, each and including means along Said release portion for restrict
adhesively aggressive portion having a primary end adjacent ing adhesion of Said adhesively aggressive portion to Said
the first end of Said tape, a Secondary end adjacent the release portion.
Second end of Said tape and being firmly adhered to a 22. An assembly according to claim 21 wherein Said
different one of Said structures with the adhesively aggres means along Said release portion for restricting adhesion of
Sive portion adhered to Said first Structure being adhered to Said adhesively aggressive portion to Said release portion is
Said rear Surface with Said edge Spaced in Said first direction 25 Selected from the group consisting of a coating of release
from the primary end of the adhesively aggressive portion material, and rough Surface texture.
adhered to Said Second structure and with the adhesively
aggressive portion adhered to Said Second structure at Said