Patent Description:
The revolutionary Command® Adhesive Strip products are a line of stretch removable adhesive strips that hold strongly on a variety of surfaces (including paint, wood, and tile) and that remove cleanly - no holes, marks, or sticky residue. These products generally have utility in bonding to various surfaces or substrates for numerous applications.

In general, these products include a stretch release adhesive composition disposed on tape or other backings. Stretch releasable adhesives are high performance pressure-sensitive adhesives that combine strong holding power with clean removal and no surface damage. Stretch releasable adhesive products are designed to firmly adhere an article, such as a hook (to hold a picture or an article of clothing) or other decorative or utilitarian element, to a surface (an adherend), yet remove cleanly when pulled away from the architectural surface at a low angle. The clean removal aspect means that a tacky and/or unsightly residue is not left behind on the surface after removal of the stretch release adhesive and that no damage to the surface occurs during the removal process. During the process of stretch release removal, the adhesive layer typically remains adhered to the tape backing as the backing is stretched, but releases from the surface (adherend).

Peelable adhesive technology has also been introduced into products for mounting. Some exemplary commercially available peelable mounting products (e.g., Jimmy Hook™ products, GeckoTech™ products, Elmer's Freestyle™ products, and Hook Um™ products) rely on both suction technology and frictional or dry adhesives to generate the mounting device's holding power. The mounting devices include a semi-rigid plastic backing and a hardgood (e.g., a rigid hook), both of which are integrated as a one-piece article support. The rigid hook is permanently attached to a first major planar surface of the semi-rigid plastic backing. The second major planar surface of the backing can be adhered to a wall surface. The second major planar surface includes one or more of suction technology (e.g., numerous microsuction or nanosuction elements) and/or a frictional adhesive (in which the backing is impregnated with a rubber-based adhesive to increase friction between the substrate and backing) or dry adhesive (which relies on van der Waals forces). The entire construction can, thereafter, be removed by peeling.

Existing peelable adhesive products often do not work well on various surfaces, including, for example, painted surfaces and rough surfaces (e.g., drywall). Additionally, the existing peelable products can exhibit low shear strength and thus can hold little weight or alternatively require a relatively thick construction, which can cause an increase in the potential for damage when such products are removed from an adherend. Moreover, the mounting devices typically include a relatively rigid hardgood used to mount the desired object, which can increase the peel force necessary to remove the mounting device. This difficulty in removal often subjects the user to at least a multiple removal steps or requires the use of multicomponent constructions that tend to increase manufacturing complexity and cost. Attempts have been made to replace existing backings with those having lower stiffness (modulus) to reduce the peel force upon removal. Soft, elastic backings, for example, have been shown to result in lower peel forces, which correlate with appreciable stretch (strain) of the adhesive at release. Even with advantageous modifications to the backing materials, the present inventors recognized that adhesive articles remained difficult to remove in a single step and still experienced visible damage. As such, the inventors of the present disclosure sought to formulate peelable mounting products with at least one of higher shear strength, ability to work well on painted or rough surfaces, that are capable of consistently holding higher weights, and/or that are easier for the user to remove from the substrate, all without damaging the substrate to which they are applied.

<CIT> discloses an adhesive article for mounting an object to a surface, comprising an adhesive layer and a flexible body.

The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that the existing peel release adhesive products could be improved or enhanced by reducing or eliminating the contribution of the hardgood to peel force generated by the adhesive during removal. In some instances, this can be accomplished by increasing the flexibility of the hardgood in one or more directions offset from the direction of gravitational force provided by an object to be mounted. The increased flexibility tends to reduce the peel force necessary to remove the product by easing the peel force required to separate the hardgood from the substrate; the adhesive articles of the present disclosure can accordingly capitalize on myriad adhesive constructions without deleteriously impacting damage free removability. In some instances, the enhanced construction of the hardgood allows the adhesive articles to hold more weight. In some embodiments, the enhanced performance permits the adhesive articles to be used on new surfaces (e.g., delicate paper). In some embodiments, the enhanced removability increases or enhances the product performance on certain surfaces (e.g., rough or textured surfaces such as, for example, wallpaper, drywall, etc.).

The inventors of the present disclosure also recognized that providing a hardgood that has anisotropic flexibility is a novel and effective method to increase performance of the adhesive article while enhancing the damage-free features of the product.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an adhesive article comprising a flexible body and an adhesive disposed adjacent a rear major surface of the body. The flexible body includes a plurality of body segments, each including a linear segment and a related connector element. The body segments are spaced apart at a certain frequency and connected only at discrete locations displaced from the center of the body. The connections can be located adjacent an edge region of the body and serve to connect two adjacent segments. In some implementations, the body segments oscillate about a central axis and include linear elements arranged substantially in parallel. Such implementations may include arcuate connector elements.

The flexible body may further include a projection for mounting an object. The projection may include projection segments, spaced apart at a certain frequency and connected at an edge region.

The adhesive may be disposed directly on a major surface of the body segments. In the embodiment of the present invention, the flexible body includes a backplate which in some implementations may have at least one of length and width dimensions greater than the corresponding dimensions of the body segments. The backplate may be made monolithic with the body segments or may be adhered or otherwise coupled to the body segments. The adhesive in such implementations will be disposed on a rear major surface of the backplate.

As used herein, "layer" means a single stratum that may be continuous or discontinuous over a surface.

As used herein, the terms, "height", "depth", "top" and "bottom" are for illustrative purposes only, and do not necessarily define the orientation or the relationship between the surface and the intrusive feature. Accordingly, the terms "height" and "depth", as well as "top" and "bottom" should be considered interchangeable.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As recited herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term "about".

As used herein, "a", "an", "the", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Thus, for example, an adhesive article comprising "an" adhesive layer can be interpreted as a core comprising "one or more" adhesive layers.

Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> includes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.).

As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term "generally", unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within +/- <NUM> % for quantifiable properties). The term "substantially", unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within +/- <NUM>% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match. Terms such as same, equal, uniform, constant, strictly, and the like, are understood to be within the usual tolerances or measuring error applicable to the particular circumstance rather than requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. In each instance, the recited list serves only as a representative group and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list.

Layers in certain depicted embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to absolutely define the thickness, relative or otherwise, or the absolute location of any component. While the above-identified figures set forth several embodiments of the disclosure other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the description. In all cases, this disclosure is presented by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the disclosure.

Various examples will be described in detail. These embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application in any manner, and changes and modifications may be made without departing from scope of the invention, which is limited by the appended claims. Further, only some end uses have been discussed herein.

The present disclosure generally relates to adhesive articles that can be removed from a substrate, wall, or surface (generally, an adherend) without damage to the adherend or at least some components of the article (e.g., the flexible body as described below). As used herein, the terms "without damage" and "damage-free" or the like means the adhesive article can be separated from the substrate without causing visible damage to paints, coatings, resins, coverings, or the underlying substrate and/or leaving behind residue. Visible damage to the substrates can be in the form of, for example, scratching, tearing, delaminating, breaking, crumbling, straining, and the like to any layers of the substrate. Visible damage can also be discoloration, weakening, changes in gloss, changes in haze, or other changes in appearance of the substrate.

The adhesive article includes (<NUM>) one or more peelable adhesive layers adjacent to (<NUM>) a flexible mounting body. As used herein, the term "peelable" means that the adhesive article can be removed from a substrate or surface by peeling at angle of between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the adhesive article can be removed from a substrate or surface by peeling at angle of between <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the adhesive article can be removed from a substrate or surface by peeling at angle of at least about <NUM>°.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict an exemplary embodiment of an adhesive article <NUM> as generally described herein.

The adhesive article <NUM> includes a flexible mounting body <NUM> having first and second opposed major surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the adhesive article <NUM> in top plan view, with an adhesive layer <NUM> disposed beneath the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adhesive <NUM> can be generally optically clear such that is not particularly visible on the surface of the body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the adhesive layer <NUM> can be generally opaque. As seen in <FIG>, the flexible body <NUM> has a generally rectangular shape defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, and side edges. The shape of the flexible body <NUM> is not particularly limited and can include any suitable shape or combination of shapes.

The flexible mounting body <NUM> includes a plurality of body segments <NUM> that cooperate to define the shape and perimeter of the body <NUM>. The body segments <NUM> each include a linear segment <NUM> and a shared connector segment <NUM>. The flexible body is accordingly comprised of a plurality of linear segments 122a - <NUM>, and a corresponding plurality of connector segments 130a-<NUM>. The plurality of linear segments 122a-<NUM> are each spaced from one another by a certain pitch (e.g., edge to edge distance) "D" and are directly connected to any adjacent linear segments only at connector segments 130a -<NUM>. The connector segments <NUM> couple adjacent linear segments at their respective distal ends <NUM> (e.g., connector 130a coupling segments 122a and 122b) or at their respective proximal ends <NUM> (e.g., connector <NUM> coupling segment 122b and 122c). Accordingly, the linear segments <NUM> are free to flex in at least the horizontal direction during attempted peel removal of the adhesive article <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the linear segments 122a-<NUM> are arranged in an oscillating or serpentine manner about a central, horizontal axis <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The linear segments 122a-<NUM> extend perpendicular to the central axis <NUM> and are continuous in the y-direction. In other implementations, the linear segments 122a-<NUM> need not be arranged in substantial parallel and instead may take on a sinusoidal configuration. Alternatively, the linear segments 122a-<NUM> may be arranged as a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, or in a radial pattern, to identify a few non-limiting examples.

A Cartesian x-y-z coordinate system is included with <FIG> for reference purposes. The first and second major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> extend generally parallel to the x-y plane, and the thickness "T" of the body <NUM> corresponds to the z-axis. The body <NUM> includes a transverse direction, generally along the x-axis and a longitudinal direction, generally along the y-axis. The arrangement of linear segments 122a-<NUM> include a defined pitch "D" between nearest-neighboring, adjacent linear segments in the transverse direction. The serpentine arrangement of body segments <NUM> in flexible body <NUM> results in the pitch "D" being substantially the same along the length of each relevant linear segment. Flexibility can be affected by increasing or decreasing the pitch "D" (i.e., frequency) between adjacent segments or along the length of adjacent segments, which tends to also change the size of and pitch "C" between the center of adjacent connector segments <NUM>). Linear segments <NUM> may be separated by a pitch D in an exemplary range of between about <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), while exemplary connectors may be separated by a pitch C in an exemplary range of about <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> inches).

Flexibility may also be affected changing the arrangement of the body segments or by increasing or decreasing the number of linear segments <NUM> (and corresponding connectors <NUM>), meaning that the absolute number of linear segments is not critical; more than three or more than five can provide sufficient performance, depending on the intended end use.

The connectors <NUM> can be arcuate as depicted and can have a resultant radius or combinations of radii "R". In some embodiments and as shown in <FIG>, each connector segment <NUM> of the plurality of connectors 130a-<NUM> has the same radius or combination of radii R. In other embodiments, the radius R of any number of connectors 130a-<NUM> of the plurality of connector segments may be smaller or larger than other connectors 130a-<NUM>. Such a configuration would result in a different pitch between certain linear segments <NUM>. One or more connectors 130a-<NUM> may take on other suitable shapes, such as squared, rectangular, and triangular. Having a curved and arcuate shape, however, can reduces the amount of material residing perpendicular to the linear segments 122a-<NUM>, which can result in improved flexibility in certain implementations of the present disclosure. Exemplary connectors <NUM> can have an exemplary range of radii R between about <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches).

The connectors 130a-<NUM> are disposed adjacent the perimeter of the flexible body <NUM> and spaced from the aligned parallel to a desired peel front. In <FIG>, the desired peel front is the transverse direction across the center of flexible body <NUM>. The flexible body <NUM> may be removed (i.e., peeled) at other angles that are oblique to the transverse axis, though the body segments <NUM> resist peel in directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. This designed resistance allows the flexible body to hold mounting weight and demonstrate requisite shear strength while still permitting manipulation of the segments to ease removal.

As depicted in of <FIG> and <FIG>, the linear segments 122a-<NUM> are generally square in cross-section, however linear segments of the flexible body may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of one or more linear segments 122a-<NUM> may be a polygon (e.g., square, tetrahedron, rhombus, trapezoid), which may be a regular polygon or not, or the cross-sectional shape of a linear segment can be curved (e.g., round or elliptical). Each linear segment <NUM> possesses a length <NUM> and a width126, with the length typically being substantially greater than the width. The comparatively greater length aids in the shear holding power of the flexible body when weight is applied in the y-direction. In one exemplary embodiment, a ratio of the length to the width is at least <NUM>:<NUM>. An exemplary range of lengths <NUM> for each linear segment is between about <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> inches), while an exemplary range of widths <NUM> is between about <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches).

Each body segment <NUM> includes a cross-sectional thickness "T" in the z-direction. In the depicted mounting article <NUM>, the cross-sectional thickness is continuous throughout the length of the flexible body <NUM>. In other embodiment, the cross-sectional thickness T may be thicker at the connectors than the linear segments or vice versa. In some such embodiments, the cross-sectional thickness may include a tapering thickness as either the center or the edge of the body <NUM> is approached. In some embodiments, the body segments <NUM> have a maximum thickness, that is at the thickest point in the z-direction, of between about <NUM> mils and about <NUM> mils.

The first major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the linear segments 122a-<NUM> and connectors 130a-<NUM> define the front major surface <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>, the second major surfaces <NUM>,<NUM> of the same while a second body plane <NUM> define the rear major surface <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. The major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> also cooperate to define a first body plane and the second major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to define a second body plane. The body planes as depicted are in parallel but may intersect and form an oblique angle in other embodiments.

A mounting projection <NUM> extends outwardly from the front major surface <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. The projection <NUM> includes a plurality of mounting segments 151a-151f coupled to a corresponding linear segment <NUM>. The mounting segments 151a-151f, like linear segments <NUM>, are coupled to one another only at a single location, here the distal (i.e., top) edge <NUM> of the projection <NUM>. The single point of connection allows the article <NUM> to flex at the mounting projection <NUM> as well as the remainder body <NUM>. A recess <NUM>, formed between an upper portion of the linear segments 122d-122i and the mounting segments 151a-<NUM>1f, can accept a thread or structure attached to an object to be mounted. The mounting segment <NUM> and corresponding linear segment <NUM> form an integral structure, wall <NUM>, from the proximal end <NUM> of projection <NUM> to the bottom <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. An edge of the wall <NUM> for each linear segment-mounting segment combination thus provides the bottom surface <NUM> for the recess <NUM>.

The distal end <NUM> of each mounting segment <NUM> extends in a plane substantially parallel to its corresponding linear segment <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the mounting segments 151a-151f are fixed to another through mounting bar 156a-156e disposed at the distal edge <NUM>. As depicted, the bars 156a-156e feature an inverse scalloped configuration, in that each bar <NUM> is thinner than the corresponding mounting segment <NUM> and, when viewed from the distal edge down, produces a lens-shaped well having an apex <NUM> located below the outermost face of the mounting projection <NUM>. In other embodiments (not shown), one or more of the bars 156a-156e possess the same thickness as the mounting segments 151a-151f. It is presently preferred, however, to include a bar having a reduced thickness, which tends to increase the flexibility of the mounting projection and leads to easier removal of the adhesive article <NUM> from a substrate.

In presently preferred embodiments, all elements of the flexible body are unitary or monolithic, in that they are made of a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the constituent elements may be made separately and joined together to form the flexible body.

A peelable adhesive layers <NUM> can be disposed on the rear major surface <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>, as clearly depicted in <FIG> & <FIG>. The adhesive layers <NUM> can be a single layer or can be multilayer. The adhesive layer <NUM> can each be continuous or discontinuous (e.g., patterned) across the major surface of the body <NUM>. An available bond area for the article <NUM> includes the total area defined by the outer surface <NUM> of the adhesive layer. In embodiments lacking a backplate as detailed below, the available bond area may or may not include the gap between linear segments <NUM>. The available bond area of the major surfaces <NUM> is used to couple the adhesive mounting article <NUM> to, for example, a wall surface. In other exemplary embodiments, an article <NUM> may lack an adhesive layer on the second major surface <NUM>. For instance, the second major surface may include one component (e.g., a hook or loop structure) of a separable connector. Suitable separable connectors may be found in <CIT>) and <CIT>).

The adhesive layer <NUM>, as depicted, is no more than coextensive with the major surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the flexible body. In other embodiments not pictured, the adhesive layer can extend beyond the perimeter of the body <NUM>. The thickness of the adhesive layer(s) is not particularly limited but is typically substantially continuous across the second major surface <NUM>. In presently preferred implementations, the thickness of the adhesive layer is no greater than <NUM>% of the body thickness "T", no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than <NUM>%, no greater than <NUM>%, and in some embodiments no greater than <NUM>% of the body thickness "T". In typical embodiments, the adhesive layer <NUM> has a thickness of between about <NUM> mil and about <NUM> mils.

The adhesive layer <NUM> may include a backing or may be backing free. Backing free adhesive constructions are described, for example, in <CIT>). The adhesive construction <NUM> may include one or more adhesive layers disposed on a core, as described in International Application No. <CIT>), assigned to the present assignee. Other suitable backing materials can be found in <CIT>) and <CIT>). The adhesive layer <NUM> may be single layer or multilayer. The backings and/or core layers may likewise be single layer or multilayer.

Despite lacking continuous material throughout, the flexible body <NUM> can still provide sufficient strength so that, depending on the specific application, the structural integrity will not fail during use of the adhesive article <NUM> for mounting an object on a mounting surface. The body <NUM> can advantageously provide a static shear strength and rigidity in the y-direction sufficient for supporting an object and providing a suitable level of resiliency to the article <NUM>.

Another example of an adhesive article <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>. Except as otherwise noted, all other considerations regarding the adhesive article <NUM> apply equally to adhesive article <NUM>. Like the adhesive article of <FIG> and <FIG>, the adhesive article <NUM> includes a flexible body <NUM> and a first peelable adhesive layer (not shown) on a second major surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The flexible body <NUM> includes a plurality of body segments <NUM>, each including a linear segment <NUM> and a shared connector <NUM>.

The linear segments 222a-<NUM> (and corresponding mounting segments 252a-252i) extend at a generally <NUM>-degree angle relative to the transverse, central axis <NUM>. As the overall shape of the flexible body <NUM> is still rectangular, the length <NUM> of any given linear segment <NUM> is either larger or smaller than it nearest-neighboring segments; only adjacent segments 222f - <NUM> have the same length. The length <NUM> of the segments 222a-<NUM> generally increases from the segment 222a as the center segment <NUM> is approached from an upper corner <NUM> and decreases again as segment <NUM> is approached from segment <NUM> towards the lower right corner <NUM>. This particular arrangement of body segments 222a-<NUM> promotes the peeling of the flexible body <NUM> from either the upper left corner <NUM> or lower right corner <NUM>.

Another example of an adhesive article <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>. Except as otherwise noted, all other considerations regarding the adhesive articles <NUM> and <NUM> apply equally to adhesive article <NUM>. The adhesive article <NUM> includes a flexible body <NUM> and a first peelable adhesive layer (not shown) on a second major surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The flexible body <NUM> includes a plurality of body segments <NUM>, each including a linear segment <NUM> and a shared connector <NUM>.

Unlike the adhesive articles <NUM> and <NUM>, the mounting segments 351a-<NUM> extending outward from the front major surface <NUM> converge to form a hook <NUM>. The hook <NUM> includes an outer end <NUM> having a solid construction, in that all mounting segments <NUM> are made integral. The outer end <NUM> has a width <NUM> less than the distance "M" between mounting segments 351a and <NUM>. The consolidation of mounting segments 351a-<NUM> at the outer end permits additional rigidity in the y-direction to the mounting projection, without deleteriously sacrificing the overall flexibility of the article <NUM>.

The embodiment of the present invention of an adhesive article <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>. Except as otherwise noted, all other considerations regarding the adhesive articles <NUM> and <NUM> apply equally to adhesive article <NUM>. The adhesive article <NUM> includes a flexible body <NUM> including a plurality of body segments <NUM>, each including a linear segment <NUM> and a shared connector <NUM>. The adhesive article further includes a backplate <NUM> coupled to the rear major surface <NUM> of the flexible body.

The backplate <NUM> extends beyond the periphery of the flexible body <NUM> and includes a length and width each exceeding the corresponding dimensions of the flexible body <NUM>. The thickness of the backplate <NUM> is typically less than the corresponding thickness of the body <NUM>, allowing for greater flexibility despite the typically monolithic nature of the backplate <NUM>. An adhesive layer (not shown) is affixed to a rear major surface <NUM> of the backplate <NUM>.

The backplate may be advantageous in obscuring an aesthetically undesirable adhesive layer and may provide additional rigidity to the adhesive article to aid in bearing the weight of a mounted object. The backplate may be integrally made with the flexible body or may be made separately and affixed thereafter; an integral backplate is presently preferred.

Constituent elements of the adhesive mounting articles of the present disclosure will be explored in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the flexible body is made from of thermoplastic polymers. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made from thermoset polymers. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made using polyolefin materials. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made using polycarbonate materials. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made using high-impact polystyrene (HIP). In some embodiments, the flexible body is made using acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) terpolymers. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In some embodiments, the flexible body is made from nylon. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made using two or more polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made from metal. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made from stainless steel. In some embodiments, the metal is painted, glazed, stained, brushed, or coated to alter its appearance. In some embodiments the flexible body is made from ceramic. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made from glazed ceramic. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made from unglazed ceramic. In some embodiments, the flexible body is comprised of naturally-based materials such as wood, bamboo, particle board, cloth, canvas, or derived from biological sources, and the like. In some embodiments, the naturally-based materials may be painted, glazed, stained, or coated to change their appearance. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made using two or more materials from the list above. In some embodiments, the flexible body is made from two pieces that are reversibly or irreversibly attached, joined, or welded together.

The flexible body can be made of a rigid material such as, for example, thermoplastic materials including polycarbonate, polyesters, and ABS. In some embodiments, depending on the exact application, rigid polyvinyl chloride, HIP, PEEK, or nylon may be used. It is to be understood that the flexible body can be made of any suitable material providing appropriate loading strength in the y-direction.

The flexible body can be made using any method known in the art. In presently preferred implementations, the flexible body is made as an integrate unit by injection molding, additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, rapid prototyping, etc.) resin transfer molding, compression molding, and the like.

In some embodiments, the flexible body comprises two pieces wherein the first piece acts as a mounting surface for attaching the adhesive article to a substrate, and the second piece acts as a hanging member which may be used for hanging or mounting objects to the substrate. The two pieces may be reversibly attached using mechanical fasteners, hook and loop materials, or an additional adhesive layer.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive layer(s) may be attached to the flexible body using a lamination process. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive layer(s) and body may be attached to the flexible body using multiple lamination processes.

In some embodiments, the mounting projection may be attached to the flexible body using two or more injection molding steps in using one or more molds.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive layer(s) may be attached manually by the end user.

The adhesives used in the adhesive articles described herein can include any adhesive having the desired properties. In some embodiments, the adhesive is peelable. In some embodiments, the adhesive releases cleanly from the surface of an adherend when the adhesive article is peeled at an angle of about <NUM>° or less from a surface of the adherend. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive releases from a surface of an adherend when an article is peeled at an angle of about <NUM>° or greater from the adherend surface such that there are substantially no traces of the adhesive left behind on the surface of the adherend.

The adhesive can be, for example, any of the adhesives described in any of the following patent applications, all of which are incorporated by reference herein: International Publication Nos. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive. Any suitable composition, material or ingredient can be used in the pressure sensitive adhesive. A general description of useful pressure sensitive adhesives may be found in the <NPL>). Additional description of useful pressure-sensitive adhesives may be found in the <NPL>). Pressure sensitive adhesive compositions are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art to possess properties including the following: (<NUM>) tack, (<NUM>) adherence with no more than finger pressure, (<NUM>) sufficient ability to hold onto an adherend, and (<NUM>) sufficient cohesive strength to be cleanly removable from the adherend. Materials that have been found to function well as pressure sensitive adhesives are polymers designed and formulated to exhibit the requisite viscoelastic properties resulting in a desired balance of tack, peel adhesion, and shear holding power. Suitable PSAs may be based on crosslinked or non-crosslinked (meth)acrylics, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, silicones, polyurethanes, and the like, and may include tackifiers in order to provide the desired tac, as well as other additives. In some embodiments, the PSA is based on a (meth)acrylic PSA or at least one poly(meth)acrylate, where (meth)acrylate refers to both acrylate and methacrylate groups. In some embodiments, the PSA is an olefin block copolymer based adhesive. Acrylic based pressure sensitive adhesives are described in <CIT>) and in <CIT>), for example. Silicone based pressure sensitive adhesives are described in <CIT>) and <CIT>), and <CIT> and assigned to the present assignee, for example. Polyurethane based pressure sensitive adhesives are described in <CIT>), for example. Olefin block copolymer based pressure sensitive adhesives are described in <CIT>), for example.

Exemplary pressure sensitive adhesives utilize one or more thermoplastic elastomers, e.g., in combination with one or more tackifying resins. In some embodiments, the adhesive is not a pressure sensitive adhesive.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive layer can include at least one of rubber, silicone, or acrylic based adhesives. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive layer can include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive can include tackified rubber adhesives, such as natural rubber; olefins; silicones, such as silicone polyureas or silicone block copolymers; synthetic rubber adhesives such as polyisoprene, polybutadiene, and styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene- styrene and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, and other synthetic elastomers; and tackified or untackified acrylic adhesives such as copolymers of isooctylacrylate and acrylic acid, which can be polymerized by radiation, solution, suspension, or emulsion techniques; polyurethanes; silicone block copolymers; and combinations of the above.

Generally, any known additives useful in the formulation of adhesives may also be included. Additives include plasticizers, anti- aging agents, ultraviolet stabilizers, colorants, thermal stabilizers, anti-infective agents, fillers, crosslinkers, as well as mixtures and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the adhesive can be reinforced with fibers or a fiber scrim which may include inorganic and/or organic fibers. Suitable fiber scrims may include woven-, non-woven or knit webs or scrims. For example, the fibers in the scrim may include wire, ceramic fiber, glass fiber (for example, fiberglass), and organic fibers (for example, natural and/or synthetic organic fibers).

In some embodiments, the adhesive includes a tackifier. Some exemplary tackifiers include at least one of polyterpene, terpene phenol, rosin esters, and/or rosin acids.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive is a flowable adhesive that can be coated onto the backing. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive is a more solid adhesive as is generally described in, for example, <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive has a Tg of between about -<NUM> degrees Celsius and about <NUM> degrees Celsius, as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis of the tan δ peak value. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive has a Tg of between about -<NUM> degrees Celsius and about <NUM> degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive has a Tg of between about -<NUM> degrees Celsius and about -<NUM> degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive has a Tg of greater than -<NUM> degrees Celsius, greater than -<NUM> degrees Celsius, greater than -<NUM> degrees Celsius, greater than -<NUM> degrees Celsius, greater than -<NUM> degrees Celsius, or great than -<NUM> degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive has a Tg of less than <NUM> degrees Celsius, <NUM> degrees Celsius, <NUM> degrees Celsius, -<NUM> degrees Celsius, -<NUM> degrees Celsius, or -<NUM> degrees Celsius.

Some peelable adhesives that can be used in the adhesive articles of the present disclosure have a storage modulus of about <NUM>,<NUM> Pa or greater, about <NUM>,<NUM> Pa or greater, about <NUM>,<NUM> Pa or greater, about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> Pa or greater at <NUM>, as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis. In other embodiments, the adhesive has a storage modulus of <NUM>,<NUM> Pa or less, <NUM>,<NUM> Pa or less, <NUM>,<NUM> Pa or less, <NUM>,<NUM> Pa or less, or <NUM>,<NUM> Pa or less at <NUM>, as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the peelable adhesive on at least one of the first or second major surfaces of the core is about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In some embodiments, adhesion properties of the adhesive can range from <NUM> N/dm to <NUM> N/dm. In some embodiments, adhesion properties of the adhesive can range from <NUM> N/dm to <NUM> N/dm. In some embodiments, adhesion properties of the adhesive can range from <NUM> N/dm to <NUM> N/dm.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive can provide a shear strength of, for <NUM> to <NUM> kilograms per square centimeter (<NUM>-<NUM> pounds per square inch) as measured by ASTM Test Method D3654M-<NUM>.

In some embodiments, the peelable adhesives are tailored to achieve peel with no or minimal damage.

Exemplary methods and articles for doing so are described in, for example, <CIT>, International Publication Nos. <CIT> and <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the adhesive article further includes one or more release liners. The release liner can be, for example, on either or both of the major surfaces of the adhesive layers. The release liner protects the adhesive during manufacturing, transit, and before use. When the user desires to use the adhesive article, the user can peel or remove the release liner to expose the adhesive. Examples of suitable liners include paper, e.g., kraft paper, or polymeric films, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester. At least one surface of the liner can be treated with a release agent such as silicone, a fluorochemical, or other low surface energy based release material to provide a release liner. Suitable release liners and methods for treating liners are described in, e.g., <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>, and incorporated herein. Preferred release liners are fluoroalkyl silicone polycoated paper. The release liners can be printed with lines, brand indicia, or other information.

In some embodiments, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure can be removed from a substrate or surface without damage. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the adhesive articles can be removed from at least one of painted drywall and wallpaper without damage.

Some adhesive articles of the present disclosure have excellent shear strength. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a shear strength of greater than <NUM> minutes as measured according to ASTM D3654-<NUM>. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have shear strength of greater than <NUM>,<NUM> minutes as measured according to ASTM D3654-<NUM>. Some other embodiments of the present disclosure have shear strength of greater than <NUM>,<NUM> minutes as measured according to ASTM D3654-<NUM>.

Some adhesive articles of the present disclosure demonstrate a lower peel adhesion to make the adhesive article easier to remove. Others demonstrate a higher peel adhesion, yet still provide for damage free removal. Some adhesive articles of the present disclosure can have a higher peel adhesion as to permit handling of the adhesive article by the user without accidental separation. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a peel adhesion between about <NUM> oz/into <NUM> oz/in. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a peel adhesion between about <NUM> oz/into <NUM> oz/in. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a peel adhesion between about <NUM> oz/into <NUM> oz/in.

Some adhesive articles of the present disclosure demonstrate improved weight bearing capacity, holding a 100bs weight for at least <NUM> hours. In presently preferred embodiments, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure demonstrate improved weight bearing capacity, holding a <NUM> lbs weight for at least one week. In presently preferred embodiments, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure demonstrate improved weight bearing capacity, holding a <NUM> lbs weight for at least two weeks.

Some adhesive articles of the present disclosure have a tensile strength at break sufficiently high so that the adhesive article will not rupture prior to being removed from an adherend at an angle of <NUM>° or greater. In some embodiments, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure exhibit enhanced conformability to a substrate or surface than prior art adhesive mounting articles. In some embodiments, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure hold more weight when adhered or attached to a substrate or surface than prior art adhesive mounting articles. In some embodiments, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure hold more weight for a longer period of time when adhered or attached to a substrate or surface than prior art adhesive mounting articles. In some embodiments, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure remain adhered to a textured, rough, or irregular surface for a longer period of time than prior art adhesive mounting articles. In some embodiments, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure hold a higher amount of weight when adhered to a textured, rough, or irregular surface than prior art adhesive mounting articles.

Adhesive articles of the present disclosure can advantageously provide enhanced weight bearing capability with a reduction or elimination of substrate damage on removal. Accordingly, presently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure demonstrate effective weight bearing capacity, a stronger adhesion per square centimeter of available adhesive area, and peel-removability from a painted drywall substrate without damage. Moreover, at least one of the flexible body and adhesive layer can typically be reused after removal of the article from an adherend. Typically, the flexible body can be repurposed for use with a new adhesive layer. In other embodiments, the entire adhesive article is repositionable or reusable.

The adhesive articles described herein can be made in various ways. One embodiment involves disposing an adhesive onto or adjacent to a major surface of a flexible body.

The adhesive can be disposed on the flexible body in any known way, including, for example, the pressure sensitive adhesive composition can be coated onto a release liner, coated directly onto a body, or formed as a separate layer (e.g., coated onto a release liner) and then laminated to a body. An adhesive can be deposited onto the flexible body with a known deposition method, including, e.g., solvent coating methods, water-borne coating methods, or hot melt coating methods, e.g., knife coating, roll coating, reverse roll coating, gravure coating, wire wound rod coating, slot orifice coating, slot die coating, extrusion coating, or the like.

The peelable articles of the present disclosure can be used in various ways. In some embodiments, the adhesive article is applied, attached to, or pressed into an adherend. In this way, the adhesive article contacts the adherend. Where a release liner is present, the release liner is removed before the adhesive article is applied, attached to, or pressed into an adherend. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the adherend is wiped with alcohol before the adhesive article is applied, attached to, or pressed into an adherend.

To remove the adhesive article from the adherend, at least a portion of the adhesive article is peeled or stretched away from the adherend. In some embodiments, the flexible body and adhesive are removed together. In other embodiments, the flexible is removed first in order to access the adhesive layer.

The adhesive articles can be used in isolation, as one of many articles attached to a surface, or as part of a stack of adhesive articles. In the latter implementation, the resulting construction would include a plurality of adhesive articles disposed in vertical relation to one another.

The adhesive articles may be used in wet or high humidity environments such as those found in bathrooms. For example, they can be adhered to toilets (e.g., toilet tanks), bathtubs, sinks, and walls. The adhesive article may be used in showers, locker rooms, steam rooms, pools, hot tubs, and kitchens (e.g., kitchen sinks, dishwashers and back splash areas, refrigerators and coolers). The adhesive article may also be used in low temperatures applications including outdoor applications and refrigerators. Useful outdoor applications include bonding articles such as signage to outdoor surfaces such as windows, doors and vehicles.

The adhesive articles may be used to mount various items and objects to surfaces such as painted drywall, plaster, concrete, glass, ceramic, fiberglass, metal or plastic. Items that can be mounted include, but are not limited to, wall hangings, organizers, holders, baskets, containers, decorations (e.g., holiday decorations), calendars, posters, dispensers, wire clips, body side molding on vehicles, carrying handles, signage applications such as road signs, vehicle markings, transportation markings, and reflective sheeting.

Adhesive articles can also be initially repositionable and may even be reusable in some iterations until one of the adhesive layers loses tack. As used herein, "repositionable" means an adhesive article that can be applied to a substrate and then removed and reapplied without distorting, defacing, or destroying the adhesive article, or substrate.

Claim 1:
An adhesive article (<NUM>) for mounting an object to a surface, the article comprising
an adhesive layer;
a flexible molded body (<NUM>) having a plurality of discrete body segments (<NUM>), the body segments arranged at a defined pitch, characterized in that the flexible molded body is more rigid in a longitudinal direction than a transverse direction,
and,
that the article comprises a backplate (<NUM>) that is integral with the flexible molded body, the adhesive layer being secured to a rear major surface (<NUM>) of the backplate.