Patent Description:
There is a major and growing need for adhesive devices that, under normal operating conditions, are capable of achieving a non-destructive removal from the surface or surfaces to which it is attached. Herein, we shall refer to such adhesive devices as Non-Destructive Adhesive Devices (or NDAD's).

For example, the <NUM> Company (St. Paul, Minnesota, USA) produces the "COMMAND" brand of adhesive strips. <NUM> provides instructions for using Command strips to attach a variety of items to interior walls, including hooks and picture frames.

A first type of Command strip is shown in <FIG>, where it is referred to as an NDAD of type <NUM> (or NDAD <NUM>). <FIG> have a set of axes <NUM>. When used to attach an item (or object) to a wall, the Y axis generally represents the vertical (the general direction of gravity), and X the horizontal. Between X and Y the planar surface of a typical interior wall surface can be defined. The Z axis represents a depth dimension, such as the depth of any object or objects attached to the interior wall. For example, the Z axis can represent the depth of a Command strip itself, which is shown in <FIG> with set of axes <NUM>.

In the figures herein, differing materials are often indicated by a fill pattern (e.g., cross-hatching or dots), grayscale shading, or a combination of both. A legend to the patterns and shading types used herein is presented in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, an area filled with pattern <NUM> of <FIG> indicates an exposed surface that is adhesive. In the case of a Command strip, adhesive is applied to a carrier (or substrate). A region where the carrier is not covered by an adhesive (or anything else) is represented by black (i.e., pattern <NUM> of <FIG>). According to published information provided by the <NUM> Company, the carrier material is described as a polyethylene foam, and the adhesive type is described as rubber. According to additional published information provided by the <NUM> Company, for such products as polyethylene foam tape, a suitable polyethylene foam is closed cell and cross-linked. Further, a suitable adhesive can be acrylic-based. Regardless of the particular adhesive used, they will all generally be within the category of pressure-sensitive adhesives.

Not shown in <FIG> are the release liners (or, more simply, the liners) that would typically protect adhesive surfaces prior to use, such that an NDAD, like those of type <NUM>, can be conveniently stored. A release liner can be made of a paper (commonly glassine) or plastic sheet, and may be coated with a release agent.

<FIG> is the same as <FIG>, except NDAD <NUM> is rotated <NUM>° about the Y axis. <FIG> depicts a first major planar surface of NDAD <NUM>, while <FIG> depicts a second major planar surface. <FIG> represents <FIG> after <FIG> is rotated <NUM>° (about the Y axis) according to a first direction of rotation. Conversely, <FIG> represents <FIG> after <FIG> is rotated <NUM>° according to a second and opposite direction of rotation.

As can be seen in <FIG>, for both the first and second major planar surfaces, a bottom region of carrier is left uncovered with adhesive, thereby providing a tab <NUM>. At the top of the second major planar surface, of <FIG>, there is also a region <NUM> left uncovered with adhesive.

<FIG> depicts the continuous nature of carrier material <NUM>, from which NDAD <NUM> is constructed. Adhesive layer <NUM> of <FIG> is depicted in <FIG>, while adhesive layer <NUM> of <FIG> is depicted in <FIG>.

According to <NUM> Company instructions, printed on the release liner for adhesive layer <NUM>, adhesive layer <NUM> is for coupling an NDAD <NUM> to a wall (i.e., the instruction "WALL side" is printed). For this reason, the view of <FIG> is labeled wall side <NUM>. Conversely, adhesive layer <NUM> is for attaching an object to that wall, and is therefore called object side <NUM>.

To remove an NDAD, such as that shown in <FIG>, an end-user grasps tab <NUM> and pulls it in a downward direction. Polyethylene foam <NUM> is stretched, starting first with the carrier material closest to the pull tab, and such stretching causes the carrier to assume different relative dimensions. Specifically, stretched carrier material assumes a greater length along the Y axis, and a smaller width along the X dimension. Such dimensional change (also referred to herein as a flow) causes a breaking of the adhesive bond, between an adhesive plane and the wall or object to which it is attached.

The lack of adhesive, at region <NUM> of object side <NUM>, appears addressed to a long-standing problem during the removal of NDAD's like those of type <NUM>: catapulting of the formerly-attached object towards the hand of the person pulling the tab. Until sufficient adhesive of NDAD <NUM> is detached from its wall side, carrier <NUM> will continue to stretch increasingly longer distances, and therefore store increasingly larger amounts of potential energy. At some point, the force generated by the carrier overcomes the remaining adhesion between adhesive area <NUM> and the wall to which the NDAD <NUM> is attached. At that point, the potential energy of the carrier is suddenly released, causing NDAD <NUM> to be catapulted in the direction of the end-user's hand. In addition to NDAD <NUM> being catapulted, any object still attached to adhesive area <NUM> is also catapulted towards the end-user. The once-attached object can strike an end-user's hand with additional energy, beyond the elasticity of the carrier, due to its falling in the direction of gravity.

The catapulting problem has been known for a long time. For example, there is <CIT> to Hamerski (hereinafter simply "Hamerski"), filed by the <NUM> Company in <NUM>. Hamerski is specifically about adding a "secondary release member" to a "stretch release adhesive strip. " The secondary release member serves to prevent an object, attached to a wall with a stretch release adhesive strip, from "catapulting at the end of the stretch removal sequence and further prevents the object from suddenly falling. " Hamerski at col. <NUM>, lines <NUM>-<NUM>.

With regard to NDAD <NUM>, region <NUM> appears an attempt to lessen the catapulting problem. During a stretch removal process, assume the portion of adhesive layer <NUM>, opposite region <NUM>, is sufficient to keep an NDAD <NUM> attached to its wall. Also assume adhesive layers <NUM> and <NUM> detach at approximately the same rate. At the point where adhesive region <NUM> completely de-bonds from its object (because region <NUM> has been reached), the remaining portion of adhesive layer <NUM> continues to keep NDAD <NUM> attached to its wall. In that case, the object, that had been attached to a wall with the NDAD, is subject only to falling towards the end-user's hand. When NDAD <NUM> releases from its wall sometime later, due to further debonding of adhesive layer <NUM>, the potential energy stored in the carrier serves only to catapult the NDAD itself toward the end-user's hand.

An example use of an NDAD like NDAD <NUM>, shown in <NUM> Company literature, is with respect to the mounting of a single wall hook. Often, the wall hook is composed of two main parts: a base plate (the item directly attached to a wall with an NDAD <NUM>), and a cover that fits over the base plate. The cover is equipped with the hook.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a Command strip is usually considerably longer along a first dimension (the Y dimension in <FIG>) than a second dimension (the X dimension of <FIG>). For example, Command strips appear to be, in general, in a range of 2x to 10x longer, along the first dimension than the second dimension. Further, in general, <NUM> Company literature encourages orientation of a Command strip such that its longer dimension is parallel to the direction of gravity (also known as the longer dimension being along the vertical), as is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are used to depict <NUM> Company dimensions for their large-size Command strip. These dimensions are as follows:.

An important potential application, for an NDAD of type <NUM>, would be the hanging of picture frames. However, due to geometric and aesthetic constraints, it is difficult to utilize an NDAD of type <NUM> for this application without adding some kind of mechanical coupling.

The <NUM> Company has developed another variety of NDAD, shown as NDAD <NUM> in <FIG>. NDAD <NUM> appears to have been developed for the hanging of picture frames. Side <NUM> of NDAD <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, is the same as side <NUM> of <FIG>. Side <NUM> of NDAD <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, corresponds to side <NUM> of <FIG>. Side <NUM> differs mainly from side <NUM> as follows: over its layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive, side <NUM> is covered with a mechanically-coupling tape that is functionally similar to VELCRO. Rather than Velcro, however, Command seems to use a <NUM> Company coupling approach called "Dual Lock. " Mechanically-coupling tape is represented by dot pattern <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts a carrier <NUM> that can be comprised of the same material as carrier <NUM> of <FIG>. Similarly, adhesive layers <NUM> and <NUM>, of <FIG>, can be comprised of the same adhesive utilized for, respectively, layers <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>. However, rather than using layer <NUM> to couple directly to an object, layer <NUM> attaches to a layer <NUM> of mechanically-coupling tape. In addition to side <NUM> differing from side <NUM> because of side <NUM>'s coverage with mechanically-coupling tape, side <NUM> also lacks a region like region <NUM> of side <NUM>. In other words, other than an uncovered portion of carrier <NUM> to create a pull tab <NUM>, side <NUM> is completely covered with adhesive layer <NUM> followed by mechanically-coupling tape <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate how NDADs of type <NUM> can be used, in accordance with <NUM> Company instructions, to attach a picture frame to a wall.

In particular, <FIG> depicts a back view of a picture frame <NUM>. Herein, an area representative of a picture frame (such as a frame <NUM>) is filled with cross-hatching pattern <NUM> of <FIG>. As can be seen in <FIG>, four NDADs, each of type <NUM>, are attached to the back of frame <NUM>. The four NDADs are numbered <NUM>-<NUM>. Each is attached to frame <NUM> with its pressure-sensitive adhesive layer <NUM>, and each has its layer <NUM>, of mechanically-coupling tape, facing towards the viewer (of <FIG>) in the Z dimension.

<FIG> depicts a side view of frame <NUM> of <FIG>, and also depicts a side view of a wall <NUM> to which the frame is to be attached. Herein, an area representative of a wall (such as wall <NUM>) is filled with dot pattern <NUM> of <FIG>. For purposes of simplicity of explanation, and without loss of generality, <FIG> does not include a side view of NDAD <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> depicts NDAD <NUM> as not yet attached to frame <NUM>, but having its adhesive surface <NUM> facing towards the back of frame <NUM> (the front of frame <NUM> indicated as <NUM>). Introduced in <FIG> is an NDAD <NUM> intended for mechanical coupling to NDAD <NUM>. NDAD <NUM> is intended for attachment to wall <NUM> by its adhesive surface <NUM>. NDADs <NUM> and <NUM> are depicted as having their mechanically-coupling tape surfaces (each labeled <NUM>) facing each other. Typically, the sequence for attaching a frame <NUM> to a wall <NUM>, with NDADs <NUM> and <NUM>, may be outlined as follows:
NDAD <NUM> is attached to frame <NUM> with adhesive layer <NUM>.

NDAD <NUM> is attached to NDAD <NUM> by pressing their respective mechanically-coupling tape surfaces <NUM> into contact with each other.

Frame <NUM>, with NDADs <NUM> and <NUM> already attached, is pressed into attachment with wall <NUM> by adhesive layer <NUM> of NDAD <NUM>.

Above are just the three major steps, of picture frame to wall attachment. <NUM> Company instructions for picture frame hanging are complex, and include seven distinct steps.

To remove frame <NUM> from wall <NUM>, the recommended procedure is to grasp the bottom of frame <NUM> (indicated as region <NUM> in <FIG>). The bottom of frame <NUM> is then pulled upwards such that frame <NUM>, as a whole, tends to rotate about its upper part (indicated as region <NUM> in <FIG>). In general, the coupling, between the mechanically-coupling tape layers <NUM> (of NDADs <NUM> and <NUM>), is expected to be weaker than the adhesive coupling of either NDAD <NUM> to frame <NUM> or of NDAD <NUM> to wall <NUM>. Thus, after picture frame <NUM> is removed from wall <NUM>, NDAD <NUM> remains attached to frame <NUM>, and NDAD <NUM> remains attached to wall <NUM>. Either of these NDADs is removed by pulling downwards on its tab <NUM>. The downward stretching of carrier <NUM> causes adhesive layer <NUM> to de-bond from the surface to which it had been attached (for example, in the case of NDAD <NUM>, adhesive layer <NUM> de-bonds from frame <NUM>, while NDAD <NUM> de-bonds from wall <NUM>). Similarly, the downward stretching of carrier <NUM> causes adhesive layer <NUM> to detach from mechanically-coupling tape layer <NUM>.

Another approach to the hanging of picture frames with an NDAD of type <NUM> is described in <CIT> to Jackson (also referred to herein as "the '<NUM> patent").

An overview of the '<NUM> patent approach is shown in <FIG>. The mechanical coupling of the '<NUM> patent is accomplished with a rectangular mounting plate <NUM>, the main body of which has length <NUM> and width <NUM>. In addition, the mounting plate has an upper edge that has been narrowed, along a notch line <NUM>, to provide a rail <NUM>. Rail <NUM> has length <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a front view of how mounting plate <NUM> can be used to hang a picture frame <NUM>. The upper portion of frame <NUM> is equipped with a notch or slot (not shown in <FIG>) into which rail <NUM> can fit.

While not visible in <FIG>, <FIG> depicts a side view of frame <NUM>, in which a slot <NUM> can be seen at its wall-facing side. The front of frame <NUM> is indicated as <NUM>. Mounting plate <NUM> is shown as having a main body thickness <NUM>, with rail <NUM> having a lesser thickness <NUM>. As can be seen, rail <NUM> is oriented towards the leftward side of mounting plate thickness <NUM>. Along the X dimension (as indicated by axes <NUM>), this cross-section creates a channel <NUM>, facing upwards and towards wall <NUM>. It is for this reason that notch line <NUM> is depicted with dashes in <FIG>, to indicate the notch is not visible from the front view. <FIG> also depicts an NDAD <NUM>, of type <NUM>, serving as an adhesive coupler between mounting plate <NUM> and wall <NUM>.

Typical dimensions for mounting plate <NUM> are as follows:.

<FIG> depicts a back (or wall side) view of just mounting plate <NUM>, where two NDAD's, of type <NUM>, are attached. The two NDAD's are labeled <NUM> and <NUM>. Since <FIG> depicts a back view of mounting plate <NUM>, notch line <NUM> is depicted as a solid line, to indicate the notch is visible from this view.

When using a mounting plate <NUM> of the just-above typical dimensions, NDAD's <NUM> and <NUM> can each be a large-size <NUM> Company Command strip, with dimensions listed above.

<FIG> depicts, from a front view, another potential variety of mounting plate <NUM>. Specifically, mounting plate <NUM> of <FIG> includes a slot <NUM>. Slot <NUM> provides a location where modular accessories, helpful to the picture-frame-hanging process, can be temporarily attached to the mounting plate. For example, a level-measuring device can be packaged as a module (not shown) that can be slid into slot <NUM>. An example dimension of slot <NUM>, along the Y axis, can be <NUM>. The walls of slot <NUM> can be grooved, and a module for the slot can be shaped to fit into the grooves.

<FIG> depicts an additional front view, of a mounting plate <NUM> and a frame <NUM>. Specifically, <FIG> depicts a front view of mounting plate <NUM> with NDAD's <NUM> and <NUM> attached. Since the NDAD's are attached to the wall-facing side of the mounting plate, only their pull tabs are visible. Further, <FIG> depicts rail <NUM> as inserted into slot (or channel) <NUM> of frame <NUM>. The portion of the rail <NUM> inserted into slot <NUM> is depicted with dashes, to indicate its lack of visibility from the front view.

<FIG> is the same side view shown in <FIG>, except frame <NUM> differs from frame <NUM> by its inclusion of a front-side "lip" <NUM>. In general, actual frames can be expected to include a front-lip <NUM>, but frame type <NUM> of <FIG> is included for purposes of clarity of explanation. For example, frame <NUM> permits the insertion of rail <NUM>, into channel <NUM>, to be viewed more clearly in <FIG>.

<FIG> re-depicts the frame type <NUM>, first introduced above in connection with <FIG>, that lacks a channel <NUM>. <FIG> depicts how the lack of a channel, as an integral part of the frame itself, can be addressed by attaching an adapter <NUM> to the back (or wall-facing) side of frame <NUM>. Specifically, adapter <NUM> can be an aluminum extrusion, with a cross-section as shown. Along the length of the extrusion (along the X dimension as indicated by axes <NUM> of <FIG>) the cross-section causes adapter <NUM> to have a surface <NUM>. Along surface <NUM> an adhesive can be applied (such as through double-sided tape) for attachment of adapter <NUM> to the back of a frame <NUM>. <FIG> is the same as <FIG>, except adapter <NUM> is shown as attached to frame <NUM>. As can be seen, once the adapter has been attached to the frame, it provides a channel <NUM> with which rail <NUM> can engage.

As can be appreciated, the approach of the '<NUM> patent has advantages over other picture-hanging systems, such as the use of NDAD's of type <NUM>. However, the '<NUM> patent approach still has the above-discussed catapulting problem.

For an NDAD of type <NUM>, the danger to the end-user from catapulting is reduced, but the complexity of picture frame attachment and detachment is high.

It would therefore be desirable to develop new types of NDADs, that have at least one or both of the following advantages: pose less risk of injury, and require simpler procedures for attachment or detachment.

<CIT> discloses an elongated length of a single or double-sided stretch releasing adhesive tape that can be cut to a selected length with integral pull tabs for stretch removing the tape from a substrate. <CIT> discloses another type of a non-destructive adhesive device with an end-user graspable tab on each extremity.

The accompanying drawings, that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Please refer to the section titled "Glossary of Selected Terms," for the definition of selected terms used below.

<FIG> introduce a new type of NDAD, labeled NDAD <NUM>, that is superior to previous NDAD's for many applications. For example, a mounting plate <NUM> is discussed above in the Background section, in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>. NDAD <NUM> provides superior performance in this type of situation, when compared with the above-discussed use of Command-type strips (e.g., Command-type strips as illustrated in <FIG>).

<FIG> (a wall side view) can be corresponded with <FIG>, and <FIG> (an object-side view) can be corresponded with <FIG>. As can be seen, <FIG> share a same set of axes <NUM> with <FIG>. Therefore, in contrast to <NUM> Company literature, that encourages orientation of a Command strip such that its longer dimension is parallel to gravity, inventive NDAD <NUM> is generally best utilized when its longer dimension is perpendicular to gravity (i.e., along the X axis horizontal).

When proceeding along the X axis, from left to right, the wall side components of NDAD <NUM> (i.e., the components visible in <FIG>) are as follows:.

<FIG> depicts the side of NDAD <NUM> that is typically used for adhesive coupling to an object, such as the previously-discussed mounting plate <NUM> (of <FIG> and <FIG>). <FIG> depicts a view where the NDAD of <FIG> is rotated <NUM>° about the Y axis. As can be seen, the main difference between <FIG> (also known as wall side <NUM>) and <FIG> (also known as object or mounting plate side <NUM>) is the lack of visibly-present inelastic region <NUM>, on the object side. Therefore, the object side of an NDAD <NUM> (between tabs <NUM> and <NUM>) has a continuous adhesive area <NUM>. The portion of adhesive area <NUM>, in line with inelastic region <NUM> of wall side <NUM>, is indicated as region <NUM> in <FIG>. While region <NUM> differs from region <NUM> by its being covered with adhesive, it is important to note that region <NUM> still has the same inelastic (along the X and Y) and deformable (in the Z dimension) properties of region <NUM>.

As pictured in <FIG>, NDAD <NUM> is of a generally (or approximately) linear structure, between its two tabs <NUM> and <NUM>. However, as will be discussed later, this linearity need not always be the case. Also, as pictured in <FIG>, NDAD <NUM> is of a generally (or approximately) symmetric structure, about its inelastic region. The inelastic region is placed at an approximate midpoint, between tabs <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the above Background section, an example set of dimensions for a mounting plate <NUM> are discussed, in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>. An example set of dimensions for an NDAD <NUM>, that could be suitable for use with the Background mounting plate <NUM>, are as follows (following are presented in conjunction with <FIG>):.

<FIG> shows the same dimensions of <FIG> apply on the object side of NDAD <NUM>. The only difference being that length <NUM> in <FIG> is entirely adhesive, but region <NUM> of the adhesive plane is inelastic (because it corresponds to <NUM>).

More detailed structures for implementing an NDAD <NUM> are discussed herein, which are believed to reflect manufacturing capabilities that are currently cost-effective. However, an NDAD of type <NUM> is meant to embrace any manufacturing approach which results in a sequence of regions (linear or otherwise) with the functionality illustrated in <FIG>. Further, example materials are also discussed herein, which are believed to reflect: currently-available options for materials, material choices that are cost-effective, or combination of both. However, an NDAD of type <NUM> is meant to embrace any choice of materials which results in a sequence of regions (linear or otherwise) with the functionality illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> also includes supplemental rotation axes <NUM> and <NUM>. Rotation axis <NUM> is paired with rotation direction <NUM>, while rotation axis <NUM> is paired with rotation direction <NUM>. A rotation of NDAD <NUM> by <NUM>°, around axis <NUM> and in direction <NUM>, produces the side view of NDAD <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A side view of the type shown in <FIG> is believed to be particularly effective for illustrating more detailed structures for implementing an NDAD <NUM>. A rotation of NDAD <NUM> by <NUM>°, around axis <NUM> and in direction <NUM>, produces the end view (a tab-end view) of NDAD <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. (In <FIG>, the Z axis depth of tab <NUM> is visible.

More detailed discussion of example Z axis depths for an NDAD of type <NUM>, are discussed below (e.g., Section <NUM>, "Further Structure"). However, in general, one can expect the Z axis thickness of an NDAD <NUM> to range from approximately <NUM> up to approximately <NUM>. Within this range, a particular thickness is decided by such issues as the materials to be attached, their texture (e.g., a painted wall, to which an object is to be attached, may be textured), and the weight of the object (e.g., of a picture frame or shelf) attached.

An example attachment, of an NDAD of type <NUM> to a mounting plate <NUM>, is depicted in <FIG>. As can be seen, side <NUM> of NDAD <NUM> is in adhesive contact with a mounting plate, while side <NUM> of NDAD <NUM> faces the viewer. Because <FIG> depicts the wall-facing side of a mounting plate, its notch line <NUM> is depicted as a solid line, to indicate the notch is visible from this view. Rotating the NDAD-and-mounting-plate combination of <FIG> by <NUM>° about the Y axis, and pressing side <NUM> of NDAD <NUM> into contact with a wall <NUM>, results in an attachment as shown (in front view form) in <FIG>. A side view, of a mounting plate <NUM>, NDAD <NUM>, and wall <NUM> assembly, is shown in <FIG> depicts the three components before they are pressed into adhesive contact with each other as a result of NDAD <NUM>, while <FIG> shows the three components after adhesive contact has been achieved.

A picture frame <NUM> can be hung by placing it over rail <NUM>, resulting in the configuration of <FIG> can be compared with the use of prior art NDAD's of type <NUM>, as discussed above in the Background section and shown in <FIG>.

It will be observed from <FIG> that NDAD <NUM> is placed as close as possible to the topmost edge of mounting plate <NUM>. Specifically, it can be seen that the topmost edge of NDAD <NUM> is placed as close as possible to notch line <NUM>. This is in accordance with the analysis of forces, and experimental data, presented below in Section <NUM> ("Forces Analysis"). In general, the strength with which an NDAD can hold an object against a wall is optimized by locating as much as possible, of the NDAD's adhesive area, as close as possible to the object's topmost edge. As can be seen, at least for the case of the object being a rectangular mounting plate, an NDAD of type <NUM> satisfies the optimization.

When initially placing the mounting-plate-and-NDAD combination into contact with wall <NUM>, resulting in <FIG>, it will be observed that tabs <NUM> and <NUM> can provide an end-user with convenient handles. Their advantages as handles include the following (where the following advantages apply after an NDAD <NUM> is attached to a mounting plate, but before such NDAD-and-mounting-plate combination is attached to a wall):.

The net effect is that the end-user is able to easily slide the mounting plate around the surface of a wall, have an accurate view of the final result if the plate is attached at a particular location, but avoid an accidental attachment until a location is reached that satisfies the end-user's goals. The end-user's goals can be functional (e.g., attaching an object at an accessible height), aesthetics, or combination of both.

To detach a mounting plate <NUM>, the end-user can grasp tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, and pull these tabs away from each other. In general, each tab needs to be pulled in a direction that is essentially parallel to the main adhesive planes of the NDAD. This type of pulling, in a linear manner, reduces the risk of an inadvertent tearing of the carrier material prior to completion of the debonding process.

With respect to the wall-facing adhesive regions <NUM> and <NUM>, they will begin to stretch (or flow), first at the regions closest to the tabs. Specifically, with respect to tab <NUM>, the region of <NUM> closest to it stretches first, and, at approximately the same time, with respect to tab <NUM>, the region of <NUM> closest to it stretches first. As successive segments of <NUM> and <NUM> stretch, <NUM> and <NUM> will successively de-bond from wall <NUM>.

With respect to object side <NUM> of NDAD <NUM>, we can expect a similar successive debonding from the mounting plate <NUM>. Specifically, with respect to tab <NUM>, the region of <NUM> closest to it stretches first, and, at approximately the same time, with respect to tab <NUM>, the region of <NUM> closest to it stretches first.

The debonding can be expected to occur at approximately the same rate, and at approximately the same time, on both wall side <NUM> and object side <NUM>. The debonding process starting from tab <NUM> stops when it reaches inelastic region <NUM>. Similarly, and at approximately the same time, the debonding process starting from tab <NUM> stops when it reaches inelastic region <NUM>. At this point, it can be appreciated that there is no further adhesive bonding NDAD <NUM> to wall <NUM>. However, with respect to mounting plate <NUM>, it is still attached to NDAD <NUM> by portion <NUM> of adhesive region <NUM>. Therefore, the end-user experiences mounting plate <NUM> as gently detaching from wall <NUM>, while at the same time still remaining stably held between tabs <NUM> and <NUM>.

Even though NDAD <NUM> still remains attached to mounting plate <NUM>, mounting plate <NUM> can be designed such that its surface is much more resistant to damage than that of wall <NUM>. For example, mounting plate <NUM> can be constructed of a metal (such as aluminum), a hard plastic (e.g., a polyvinyl chloride or PVC that can be extruded), or a ceramic. (The prior listed materials are not meant to be limiting, and the mounting plate can be constructed from any suitable material. ) Therefore, the end-user need not detach region <NUM> through a gentle flow-type debonding process. Wall <NUM>, in contrast, can be expected to have a delicate and easily damaged surface, such as a painted surface.

<FIG> depicts a potential structure <NUM>, for an NDAD of type <NUM>, based upon a single continuous length of carrier <NUM> (the black region, classified as fill pattern <NUM> in <FIG>). Wall side <NUM> and object side <NUM>, of carrier material <NUM>, can be entirely coated with a layer of adhesive (i.e., see the use of diagonal pattern <NUM> in <FIG>). At either end of carrier <NUM>, a tab can be created by attaching segments of relatively inelastic material on both the <NUM> and <NUM> sides. For example, tab <NUM> of <FIG> is shown as comprised of relatively inelastic segments <NUM> and <NUM>. Similarly, tab <NUM> of <FIG> is shown as comprised of relatively inelastic segments <NUM> and <NUM>. A segment <NUM> of inelastic material is attached to side <NUM>, at an approximate midpoint between segments <NUM> and <NUM>.

All of segments <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>, are attached to carrier <NUM> because of the adhesive generally applied to side <NUM> and <NUM>. The adhesive of side <NUM>, not covered by segments <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, leaves the adhesive regions <NUM> and <NUM>, as previously discussed with respect to <FIG>. Similarly, the adhesive of side <NUM>, not covered by segments <NUM> or <NUM>, leaves the adhesive region <NUM>, as previously discussed with respect to <FIG>.

Under some embodiments, segments <NUM>-<NUM> can be comprised of the same inelastic material used for inelastic region <NUM>.

Under other embodiments, segments <NUM>-<NUM> can be omitted entirely. Further, at the portions of carrier <NUM> where segments <NUM>-<NUM> would be attached, the application of adhesive can also be omitted. In this case, the uncovered carrier material itself becomes the tab at either end of the NDAD <NUM>. This can be a particularly suitable construction approach, if carrier <NUM> is made of a polyethylene foam (particularly one that is closed cell and cross-linked).

The adhesive applied to sides <NUM> and <NUM> can be based on a rubber, an acrylic, or any other suitable pressure sensitive adhesive.

In general, carrier <NUM> can be any type of elastomeric material, including elastomers, so long as the material has suitable elastomechanical properties.

It is important to note that the relative thicknesses, of the layers shown in <FIG>, have been chosen for purposes of clearly identifying components, and are not necessarily realistic. In particular, the following segments can be expected to be, relative to carrier <NUM>, much thinner than as shown: <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>.

For example, if polyethylene foam is used as the carrier, a typical thickness for carrier <NUM> is approximately <NUM>. The inelastic material attached to the carrier can be, for example, a biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) with a thickness of approximately <NUM>. A suitable BOPP, for example, is manufactured by AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION (Glendale, California, USA) under the FASSON trade name. The adhesive layer applied to carrier <NUM>, on each of sides <NUM> and <NUM>, can be even thinner than the BOPP.

<FIG> depicts another potential structure <NUM>, for an NDAD of type <NUM>, based upon a single continuous length of a hybrid carrier of type <NUM> (also see pattern <NUM> of <FIG>). A definition of "hybrid carrier" is provided in the below Glossary. Because a hybrid carrier has adhesive properties, it generally has far greater elasticity than foam-based (and, in particular, polyethylene foam) carriers. For example, when being stretched during a non-destructive debonding process, a foam-based carrier may stretch to about twice its bonded length (without breaking or tearing). In contrast, a hybrid carrier can frequently stretch up to about five times its bonded length, during a non-destructive debonding process.

Due to its great plasticity and inherent stickiness, a region of just hybrid carrier cannot usually serve as a pull-tab on its own, as can be done, for example, with such carriers as polyethylene foam. It is for this reason that NDAD structure <NUM> includes relatively inelastic segments <NUM>-<NUM>, with segments <NUM>-<NUM> forming tab <NUM>, and segments <NUM>-<NUM> forming tab <NUM>.

During the debonding of a hybrid carrier based NDAD, because of hybrid carrier's far greater elasticity than foam-based carrier, the requirement for a linear pulling of tabs <NUM> and <NUM> is greatly relaxed.

Once again, it is important to note that the relative thicknesses, of the layers shown in <FIG>, have been chosen for purposes of clearly identifying components, and are not necessarily realistic. In particular, the following segments can be expected to be, relative to carrier <NUM>, much thinner than as shown: <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>.

For example, as discussed in the below Glossary for the term "hybrid carrier," a specific suitable hybrid carrier product is manufactured by TESA SE, a German company. Tesa refers to its hybrid carrier product as a double-sided "Bond & Detach" tape. Thicknesses of "Bond & Detach" tape currently sold include the following: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The <NUM> thickness is suitable when attaching to smooth surfaces, while <NUM> and <NUM> are better for textured surfaces. The <NUM> is a good general-purpose thickness, suitable for smooth surfaces as well as many textured surfaces. In general, one can expect hybrid carrier thickness to range from approximately <NUM> up to approximately <NUM>.

As with <FIG>, the inelastic regions of <FIG> (i.e., <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>) can also be constructed with the same types of inelastic material, such as the above-mentioned BOPP sold under the FASSON trade name.

During debonding, hybrid carrier has introduced far greater elasticity, and resistance to tearing, compared with carriers such as polyethylene foam. As mentioned above, hybrid carrier can frequently stretch up to about five times its bonded length, compared with twice its bonded length for foam-based carriers. Such elasticity and resistance to tearing opens the possibility for longer NDAD's. For example, as discussed in the above Background section, even large-size <NUM> Company Command strips have a maximum adhesive dimension (on the wall side) of <NUM>. In comparison, an example set of dimensions for NDAD <NUM>, introduced above in Section <NUM> ("Introduction"), has a maximum adhesive dimension (length <NUM>) of <NUM>. The <NUM> length is intended to accommodate a mounting plate <NUM> as discussed in the above Background section.

In fact, with hybrid carrier, an NDAD of type <NUM> can be created to accommodate a mounting plate <NUM> with a length (i.e., a length <NUM>) of <NUM>, or more.

Thus, the greater elasticity of hybrid carrier, the greater lengths of NDAD's constructed with hybrid carrier, or combination of both, can lead to a lengthier debonding process. The debonding process is lengthier in two ways:.

It can therefore be helpful to provide the end-user with visual feedback, regarding the state (or level of completion) of his or her debonding process.

For example, hybrid carrier <NUM> can be color-coded. For example, a portion of the carrier material closest to inelastic region <NUM> can be color-coded red, while the carrier material farther from the inelastic region <NUM> can be color-coded white. During an earlier stage of the debonding process, when the end-user is pulling tabs <NUM> and <NUM> away from each other, the stretched carrier material that becomes visible to the end-user (because it is not occluded, for example, by a mounting plate <NUM>) can appear white. However, once the end-user has accomplished a certain amount of progress, towards the point where plate <NUM> will detach from the wall surface, the end-user is able to see the stretched carrier material changes to a reddish color. This color change can act as a signal to the end-user, that he or she has reached a certain stage, in the process of detaching the mounting plate (or other attached object).

The visual signal can, for example, indicate to the end-user that he or she is halfway towards the detachment point. Rather than a single color change (e.g., from white to red), multiple (e.g., two or more) color changes can be used. For example, if three color changes (using four colors) are used, each color change can indicate completion of an additional <NUM>% of the debonding process.

Alternatively, or additionally, a color change can be arranged to occur when the end-user is very close (e.g., <NUM>% or <NUM>%) towards completion of the debonding process. In that case, the color change can serve as a kind of warning to the end-user, such that he or she is not surprised when the mounting plate detaches. Alternatively, or in addition, such close-to-completion visual feedback can cause the end-user to slow down the rate at which he or she stretches the remaining carrier (i.e., the carrier remaining in adhesive contact with the wall and attached object), and thereby reduce, for example, the likelihood of tearing the carrier once the inelastic region (e.g., <NUM>) is reached.

As an alternative to changing color, as the end-user progresses towards the inelastic region, a change in grayscale can be used.

As an addition, or alternative, to changing color or grayscale, a gradient (of a color or grayscale) can be used.

Rather than, or perhaps as an addition to, the use of color or grayscale coding, distinct visual patterns can be printed on a region or regions of the carrier. As with color or grayscale coding, a visual pattern can indicate to the end-user the state (or level of completion) of his or her debonding process. For example, during the earlier stages of the debonding process, when the end-user is pulling tabs <NUM> and <NUM> away from each other, the stretched carrier material that becomes visible to the end-user (because it is not occluded, for example, by a mounting plate <NUM>) can have no pattern printed upon its surface. However, once the end-user has accomplished a certain amount of progress, towards the point where plate <NUM> will detach from the wall surface, the end-user is able to see that the stretched carrier material changes to a graphical pattern. An example suitable pattern can be a series of stripes across the shorter dimension of the carrier (i.e., across the Y dimension of the carrier, as shown in such figures as <FIG>). The use of stripes is presented only by way of example, and any other distinctive graphical pattern (such as a pattern of dots) can be used.

As discussed above with respect to color or grayscale, rather than a single pattern change (e.g., from no pattern to stripes), multiple (e.g., two or more) pattern changes can be used.

While the above-described visual feedback is particularly useful with NDAD's constructed from hybrid carrier, such visual coding can also useful when debonding an NDAD based on polyethylene foam.

In fact, the use visual coding is a useful and inventive addition, when applied to otherwise prior art NDAD's, such as those depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> (i.e., when applied to NDAD's of types <NUM> and <NUM>).

<FIG> each depicts the same NDAD structure <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, except release liners have been added. In <FIG>, it can be seen that the following three segments of release liner are used: <NUM>-<NUM> (also see pattern <NUM> of <FIG>). Liner segments <NUM>-<NUM> cover, respectively, adhesive regions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>. In <FIG>, it can be seen that the same release-liner segment <NUM>, included in <FIG>, is again used. However, release liner segments <NUM>-<NUM> are replaced with a single release-liner segment <NUM>.

It should be noted that release liner materials (e.g., such as glassine) are often inelastic. It is for this reason that any or all of segments <NUM>-<NUM> can be made of release liner material (rather than, for example, using the inelastic material used for debonding-blocking region <NUM>). For example, since segments <NUM> and <NUM> are on the same side (i.e., <NUM>) of the carrier <NUM> as debonding-blocking region <NUM>, it may be efficient, from a manufacturing perspective, to construct segments <NUM> and <NUM> from the same inelastic material used for inelastic region <NUM>. On side <NUM> of an NDAD <NUM>, however, it may be more efficient, from a manufacturing perspective, to construct segments <NUM> and <NUM> from the same material used for release liner <NUM>.

Constructing segments <NUM> and <NUM> from release liner material is an additional inventive technique for at least the following reasons. With respect to <FIG>, it can represent a configuration where release liners <NUM>-<NUM>, of an NDAD of type <NUM>, have already been removed, thereby permitting the attachment of mounting plate <NUM> to wall <NUM> via NDAD <NUM>. Regarding the portions of the tabs facing the viewer in <FIG>, it can be appreciated that left tab <NUM> can be constructed with release liner for its segment <NUM>, while right-side tab <NUM> can be constructed with release liner segment for its <NUM>. We can refer to tabs that incorporate release liner material (such as just-described tabs <NUM> and <NUM>) as "peelable tabs. " Segment <NUM> of tab <NUM>, and segment <NUM> of tab <NUM>, can still be constructed of the same inelastic, and non-peelable, material (e.g., BOPP) used for segment <NUM>.

Because segments <NUM> and <NUM> are constructed from release liner, an end-user can decide to remove them (i.e., segments <NUM> and <NUM>), thereby revealing the sticky surface of carrier material <NUM>. At that point, an end-user can bend each of tabs <NUM> and <NUM> forward (i.e., towards the viewer, along the Z dimension of <FIG>), and, through a bending of tabs <NUM> and <NUM> by approximately <NUM>°, adhere the sticky side of the tabs to the viewer-facing side of mounting plate <NUM>. At that point, segment <NUM> of tab <NUM>, and segment <NUM> of tab <NUM>, are facing the viewer of <FIG>. How much (if any) of segments <NUM> and <NUM> face the viewer depends upon lengths <NUM> and <NUM> (defined above, for tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, with respect to <FIG>) relative to the Z dimension of mounting plate <NUM>.

At the current point in this discussion, it is assumed the Z dimension of <NUM> is substantially smaller than lengths <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, in the above Background section, an example main body thickness (<NUM>) of <NUM> (or <NUM>) is presented, while <NUM> (or <NUM>) is presented in the above Introduction (Section <NUM>) as an example dimension for lengths <NUM> and <NUM>.

When it is desired to remove mounting plate <NUM> from wall <NUM>, each of tabs <NUM> and <NUM> can be peeled away from the surface of the mounting plate. Because tab <NUM> still has inelastic segment <NUM>, and tab <NUM> still has inelastic segment <NUM>, tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are still usable for the debonding process described above. In a similar manner to that described above, the surface of mounting plate <NUM> can be constructed such that an end-user need not detach the tabs through a gentle flow-type debonding process.

As mentioned above, an NDAD of type <NUM> need not have the linear structure introduced in <FIG>. <FIG> depicts an NDAD of type <NUM>, with an example nonlinear structure. Specifically, between its tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, NDAD <NUM> curves <NUM>°. This permits, for example, for both tabs <NUM> and <NUM> to project below the lower horizontal edge of mounting plate <NUM>. Further examples of nonlinear structures are presented below (see Section <NUM>, "Further Nonlinear Structures").

As has already been discussed above (e.g., Section <NUM>, "Visual Feedback During Debonding"), hybrid carrier has far greater elasticity, and resistance to tearing, when compared with other types of carriers, such as polyethylene foam. Such elasticity and resistance to tearing encourages the use of nonlinear NDAD's.

It can be appreciated that the above-described inventive peelable tabs can be particularly useful in conjunction with a non-linear NDAD (e.g., NDAD <NUM>) if the object attached by the NDAD has sufficient depth (e.g., sufficient Z dimension). For example, with respect to above-discussed <FIG>, example dimensions of <NUM>, for each of the tab-lengths <NUM> and <NUM>, are presented. Further, consider the case where the Z dimension of the object being attached (e.g., perhaps a picture frame or a shelf, attached without a mounting plate) is at least as long as tab-lengths <NUM> and <NUM>. For the <NUM> dimensions of tab-lengths <NUM> and <NUM>, discussed in connection with <FIG>, this would be a Z dimension of at least <NUM> for the object attached by an NDAD (such as NDAD <NUM> OF <FIG>).

In that case, the sticky sides of tab <NUM> and <NUM> (i.e., the sides where release liner segments <NUM> and <NUM> are removed) can be adhered to the underside of the object attached by NDAD <NUM>. Depending upon the extent to which the Z dimension of the attached object exceeds tab-lengths <NUM> and <NUM>, and depending upon the height at which the attached object is placed, the underside of the attached object may not be visible to the normal viewer or end-user.

While it may not be as likely as for a picture frame or shelf, the Z dimension of a mounting plate can also exceed tab-lengths <NUM> and <NUM>.

For some types of objects, mounting configurations, or both, the top of the attached object (as an addition, or alternative, to the underside) may not be visible to the normal viewer. In that case, one can rotate an NDAD with peelable tabs, such as NDAD <NUM> of <FIG>, such that the tabs project from the top edge of the attached object.

A particularly important application of the inventive NDAD presented herein is the hanging of picture frames (please see below Glossary for definition of picture frame). <FIG> is an example forces analysis of this application, when using a mounting plate, such as the previously discussed mounting plate of type <NUM>.

<FIG> is the same as <FIG>, except the use of prior art NDAD's of type <NUM> in <FIG> (e.g., NDAD <NUM>) is replaced in <FIG> with the use of an inventive NDAD of type <NUM>. In <FIG>, NDAD <NUM> is shown from the tab-end view introduced in <FIG>. In particular, based on the configuration of <FIG> (showing a particular placement of an NDAD <NUM>, in between a mounting plate <NUM> and wall <NUM>), we can expect the end of tab <NUM> is facing the viewer of <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts frame <NUM> as already hung flush against wall <NUM>. Frame <NUM> is held up, against the force of gravity, by contact between top edge <NUM> of rail <NUM> and the slot (labeled <NUM> in <FIG>) in frame <NUM>'s upper portion <NUM>. As shown by set of axes <NUM>, top edge <NUM> extends into the page along the X axis.

The force of gravity on frame <NUM> produces a shear force <NUM> on mounting plate <NUM>. As defined herein, a shear force is a force parallel to an adhesive plane. In the case of <FIG>, there are two adhesive planes (proceeding left to right along the Z axis): a first between mounting plate <NUM> and NDAD <NUM>, and a second between NDAD <NUM> and wall <NUM>.

Frame <NUM> is static because of the presence of wall <NUM>. However, top edge <NUM> engages with frame <NUM> such that frame <NUM>, but for wall <NUM>, would have a lower center-of-mass. Thus, while static, frame <NUM> can be expected to produce rotational forces <NUM> and <NUM>. The fact that frame <NUM> would rotate, but for the presence of wall <NUM>, can be appreciated by imagining wall <NUM> as removed below cutline <NUM> (and the remainder of <FIG> remaining the same). Therefore, top portion <NUM> of frame <NUM> exerts a counterclockwise force <NUM>. Conversely, bottom portion <NUM> of frame <NUM> exerts an equal and opposite force <NUM> against wall <NUM>.

As with the purely downward force <NUM>, counterclockwise force <NUM> is also transmitted to mounting plate <NUM> through top edge <NUM> of rail <NUM>. To the extent force <NUM> is purely perpendicular to the adhesive planes of NDAD <NUM>, it is referred to herein as an adhesive force. In <FIG>, the adhesive force is represented as force <NUM>.

To the extent counterclockwise force <NUM> has a greater effect at the upper edge of NDAD <NUM> than at its lower edge, it is referred to herein as a modified peel force. In <FIG>, the peel force is represented as force <NUM>, and is applied along a direction perpendicular to the plane of mounting plate <NUM>. For definitions of peel force and modified peel source see Glossary of Selected Terms.

Force <NUM> of <FIG> is referred to herein as a flow force. The flow force is the force required to start the debonding process of an NDAD. In the case of <FIG>, flow force <NUM> is applied parallel to the X axis, to tabs <NUM> (towards the viewer) and <NUM> (away from the viewer). In general, the amount of flow force required depends upon the length of the edge, of an adhesive plane, along which the flow force is applied. In the case of <FIG>, it is the dimension of NDAD <NUM> along the Y axis.

In addition to the definitions provided above, the shear and adhesive forces can be characterized by the fact that they are not influenced by the particular geometry of the adhesive plane. For example, NDAD <NUM>, as presented in <FIG> and utilized in <FIG>, is much longer along its X dimension than its Y dimension (a ratio of approximately <NUM>:<NUM>). However, the amount of shear force required, to separate mounting plate <NUM> from wall <NUM>, is independent of whether the shear force is applied parallel to the Y axis (depicted as force <NUM> in <FIG>), or parallel to the X axis. The shear force required is simply a function of the total amount of surface area, of the first and second adhesive planes between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Unless specifically state otherwise, we will generally assume first and second adhesive planes of a same area, or of areas sufficiently close they can be approximated as the same. Under such conditions, we may refer to an NDAD as having "an adhesive area. " If the surface area of the first and second adhesive planes differ sufficiently, the shear force of the NDAD is limited to the force required by the plane with lesser adhesive area.

Similarly, with respect to the amount of adhesive force <NUM> required, to separate mounting plate <NUM> from wall <NUM>, it does not matter whether the longer dimension of NDAD <NUM> is along the X axis (as is shown in <FIG>) or the Y axis. Like the shear force, the adhesive force required is simply a function of the NDAD's adhesive area. As with shear force, if the surface area of the first and second adhesive planes sufficiently differ, the adhesive force of the NDAD is limited to the force required by the plane with less adhesive area.

Unlike shear and adhesive forces, however, modified peel force, as well as peel force, do depend on the geometry of the adhesive planes. In this discussion we will focus on modified peel force, since we are primarily concerned with the force required to detach an object (e.g., a plate or mounting plate) with a rigid planner surface from another rigid planar surface (e.g., a wall). For example, modified peel force <NUM>, which is applied along NDAD <NUM>'s longer X dimension, is greater than the modified peel force necessary, if applied at either end of NDAD <NUM> along the Y dimension. Peel force is also dependent on the angle at which it is applied, which angle is assumed herein to be approximately perpendicular, to the mounting plate and adhesive planes by which it is attached to another planner surface (e.g., a wall).

Furthermore, it is instructive to compare peel force <NUM> of <FIG> under two scenarios:.

It will be further assumed that the adhesive area of inventive NDAD <NUM> is equal to the sum of the adhesive areas of NDAD <NUM> and <NUM>. In order to easily achieve equality, the following conditions are assumed:.

Despite the equality of adhesive area, because of the difference in the geometry, by which those adhesive areas are placed, one can expect to observe a greater modified peel force <NUM> under Scenario <NUM> compared with Scenario <NUM>.

The difference in peel force is due to two main factors:.

Increased resistance to modified peel force is produced by maximizing Factor <NUM>, and minimizing Factor <NUM>.

For a picture-frame-hanging type situation, such as that shown in <FIG>, it can be expected most of the weight of frame <NUM> is applied to mounting plate <NUM> as a shear force <NUM>. However, as a result of empirical observation and experimentation, it has been determined that modified peel force is frequently the limiting factor, regarding the amount of weight that can be supported by a particular use of one or more NDADs. In general, because they involve a uniform engagement of force across the full adhesive plane, the shear and adhesive forces are greater than an NDAD's modified peel force. The nondestructive characteristic of an NDAD relies upon the flow force being less than any of the modified peel, shear, or adhesive forces.

An inventive NDAD (such as NDAD <NUM> with inelastic region <NUM>) also relies upon the flow force being less than any of the modified peel, shear, or adhesive forces. Until the inelastic region is reached, the debonding process relies upon supplying sufficient flow force. When the inelastic region is reached, however, further detachment of an NDAD <NUM> (from its object side) relies upon application of any of the peel, shear, or adhesive forces. Since these peel, shear, and adhesive forces are substantially greater than the flow force, the end-user experiences the reaching of the inelastic region as a definite discontinuity, where further detachment stops. The strength of the peel, shear, and adhesive forces means that, in general, in comparison to the total adhesive area of an NDAD <NUM>, only a minor portion is necessary to hold the object (e.g., mounting plate <NUM>) once such object is detached from its wall (or other surface). Thus, in exchange for the advantages of an NDAD in accordance with the present invention, only a minor portion of the peel, shear, and adhesive forces, between the inventive NDAD and the surface to which it is attached (e.g., a wall), is lost. Constructing the inelastic region from a material (such as a BOPP) that is easily deformable along its Z axis (while remaining rigid along the X and Y axes of the object to which it is attached) permits a more focused application of peel force, than would be possible if the inelastic region is also rigid along its Z axis. The greater focusing, of the peel force applied, thus decreases the amount of peel force necessary, to achieve a complete detachment of an object from its NDAD.

While NDAD <NUM> is still attached to both its object and surface (i.e., before debonding has begun), however, and assuming all other factors held constant, it is advantageous to optimize (i.e., increase) resistance to modified peel force by maximizing Factor <NUM>, minimizing Factor <NUM>, or a combination of both.

Furthermore, since shear force (and adhesive force) is independent of an adhesive plane's geometric distribution, optimization of modified peel force, essentially, results in no reduction in an NDAD's ability to resist shear force (or resist adhesive force).

More quantitatively, modified-peel-force optimization can be described as follows.

First, the problem to be optimized can be generalized as follows. There is a rectangular object (such as a mounting plate) for attachment to a surface (such as a wall) via one or more adhesive planes (such as the two adhesive planes provided by an NDAD <NUM>). The upper and lower edges of the rectangular object are normal (i.e., perpendicular) to the direction of a shear force (e.g., gravity), and the modified peel force is applied to the upper edge. For purposes of simplicity of explanation, the following discussion refers to the attachment of a "mounting plate" to a "wall," but it will be understood the same optimization can be applied to the attachment of any rectangular object to any planar surface. Furthermore, where the term NDAD is used, it will be understood the same optimization can be applied to any adhesive plane (or stack of adhesive planes).

Next, suppose an adhesive plane of total area "A" has been determined the minimum required, for an NDAD to provide the necessary resistance to shear force between a mounting plate and wall. (Or that area "A" has otherwise been determined to satisfy an end-user's need for shear-force resistance. ) Further, suppose "L" is the maximum length available, normal to gravity, for the NDAD's adhesive plane.

To maximize the amount of modified peel force required, area "A" should be shaped into a rectangle of length "L" (e.g., the dimension of NDAD <NUM> along the X axis, excepting its tabs, as used in <FIG>) and width A/L (e.g., the dimension along the Y axis). The mounting plate (i.e., the object the adhesive plane attaches to a wall) should be of at least the same dimensions: "L" along the X axis, and A/L along the Y axis. If the mounting plate is longer along the Y axis, than what is needed by A/L, then the top-most edge of adhesive area "A" should be in line with the top-most edge of the mounting plate. This placement (of the top-most edge of the adhesive area at the top-most edge of the mounting plate) is used in <FIG>, where the Y axis dimension of NDAD <NUM> is less than the Y axis dimension of mounting plate <NUM>.

In general, maximizing the modified peel force resistance of an adhesive area "A" tends to reduce the size, and therefore the cost, of the mounting plate needed.

It should be noted that the placement of an L-by-A/L rectangle of adhesive, at the top-most edge of the mounting plate, is an aspirational goal, for maximization of peel-force resistance, assuming other design factors are not countervailing. For example, in the case of <FIG>, because a rail <NUM> is needed (having a Y axis length <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>), the top-most edge of the adhesive must end at no higher than notch line <NUM> (notch line <NUM> also introduced in <FIG>), rather than at top <NUM> of rail <NUM>.

Further, NDAD <NUM>, as used in <FIG>, includes a centrally located inelastic region (labeled <NUM> in <FIG>) lacking adhesive on the wall-facing side. The inclusion of region <NUM> works against maximization of Factor <NUM> and minimization of Factor <NUM>. However, the advantages from including <NUM>, for addressing the catapulting problem and otherwise enhancing end-user safety, can often be sufficiently countervailing. As another example, the nonlinear carrier of <FIG> (i.e., see Section <NUM>, "Nonlinear Structures") works against maximization of Factor <NUM> and minimization of Factor <NUM>. However, the advantage provided, of having both tabs <NUM> and <NUM> below the mounting plate, can be sufficiently countervailing.

To summarize, the use of the above-described L-by-A/L configuration maximizes resistance to peel force for two main reasons:.

Maximizing the length of the uppermost edge of an adhesive plane is important because any amount of force sufficient to peel away an NDAD's top-most edge is sufficient to peel away the "new" top edge thereby formed, which is lower than the initial top edge. This is because the mounting plate acts as a kind of lever, along its Y-axis, against the X-axis length of the adhesive plane. Any amount of peel, along the topmost edge of the mounting plate, increases that leverage.

Further, the peeling causes a rotation of the mounting plate. Referring back to <FIG>, such peeling causes a counterclockwise rotation of mounting plate <NUM>. The rotation causes more of the shear force (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) to be transformed into modified peel force (e.g., <NUM>).

The net result, of increased leverage and transformation from shear to peel, is a kind of "avalanche" effect: with each lowering, of the topmost edge, such new topmost edge peels faster than the preceding topmost edge.

While the above-described forces analysis focuses on the example of picture frame hanging, it is readily appreciated that this analysis is applicable to the attachment, to a wall, of many other types of objects. For example, the same type of mounting plate as <NUM>, and its engagement with a slot in the attached object, can be applied to the attachment of a shelf to a wall.

Further potential dimensions of an inventive NDAD are presented in connection with <FIG>. In particular, <FIG> depicts a generic NDAD structure <NUM>, from a wall side <NUM>.

<FIG> presents a relatively central region <NUM> that is inelastic, in the ways discussed above for region <NUM> in such figures as <FIG>. In connection with region <NUM> are two stretchable adhesive regions <NUM> and <NUM>. A key characteristic of regions <NUM> and <NUM> is that they can de-bond due to a sufficient flow force applied to, respectively, tabs <NUM> and <NUM>. Generically, we can refer to a region like <NUM> as a Non-Flowable Area (NFA), and to each of regions <NUM> and <NUM> as a Flowable Area (FA).

As has already been discussed, with respect to <FIG>, the FA's, attaching to an NFA, need not be linear, but, rather, can present any of a variety of nonlinear paths for de-bonding, including: curved, zigzag, or stepped. Further, as indicated in <FIG>, an FA need not be of uniform width. For example, FA's <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG> are shown as having a nonlinear width, along each of their respective lengths <NUM> and <NUM>.

The NDAD of the present invention is regarded as being, essentially, a hand-powered device (i.e., a device powered by the hands and arms of a typical person). Therefore, regarding tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, they can be of any size and shape suitable for grasping by an end-user, and through which an end-user can apply sufficient force. Regarding the lengths <NUM> and <NUM>, of the FA's, they can depend upon the size of the particular object to be attached. In general, each FA can be expected to range in length from approximately <NUM> to <NUM>.

Regarding the width of the FA's, this can be expected to range from a minimum width necessary to avoid unintentional tearing, and up to a maximum width based upon a typical end-user's physical strength. For example, unintentional tearing can result from an end-user applying unbalanced force between his or her two hands, or as a result of misjudgment of the amount of force necessary. Therefore, one can expect the width of an FA to range from a minimum of approximately <NUM> up to approximately <NUM>.

The NFA of an inventive NDAD is generally depicted herein as a rectangular area, but this need not be the case. Other example shapes can include the circular or oval shape of <FIG>. Also, the use of a rectangular area can be generalized to the use of an n-sided polygon, where n happens to be <NUM> for the examples focused upon herein. <FIG>, however, depicts the use of a <NUM>-sided polygon. Other suitable polygonal shapes can include <NUM>-sided (i.e., triangular), <NUM>-sided, <NUM>-sided, or more. In general, a suitable NFA needs at least two characteristics:.

In terms of a suitable area, this depends mostly upon the width of the FA's at the point where each attaches to its NFA. In <FIG>, this width, also referred to herein as the "interface" width "w," is labeled <NUM>. In general, NFA ranges from approximately <NUM>. 25w up to about <NUM>. 0w, provided that both of the following minimums are (at least approximately) satisfied:.

An inventive NDAD with minimum values, for w and NFA, can only be expected to hold a minimum-sized object, both in terms of dimensions (e.g., a few centimeters) and weight (e.g., a few grams). Larger objects require commensurately larger values of w and NFA.

The advantage of maximizing Factor <NUM> and minimizing Factor <NUM>, has been verified through experimental data. <FIG> is an experimental test bench, shown in side view like <FIG>.

For purposes of testing, a complete NDAD is not needed. <FIG> depicts an adhesive area <NUM>, that can be of the same type as used for an NDAD. <FIG> also depicts a mounting plate <NUM> which can be the same as, for example, mounting plate <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> also depicts a modified peel force <NUM> applied to rail <NUM>, where rail <NUM> can be the same as, for example, rail <NUM> of <FIG>. As can be seen, force <NUM> is applied downwards at an approximately <NUM>° angle, relative to the vertical (e.g., a wall <NUM>). Therefore, at least a portion of force <NUM> can be expected to act like modified peel force <NUM> of <FIG>.

Through a pulley wheel <NUM>, and the use of a suitable cable, force <NUM> can be converted into downward force <NUM>. Various magnitudes of force <NUM> can be achieved by attaching to it, for example, a cylindrical container <NUM>. Incremental weight can be added to (e.g. put inside of) container <NUM>. By this means, the modified peel force applied to plate <NUM> can be incrementally increased until detachment of plate <NUM> from wall <NUM> is achieved.

Using the test setup of <FIG>, four specific adhesive area geometries, as depicted in <FIG>, were tested. In each of <FIG>, the hybrid carrier <NUM> is used.

As can be seen, in each of <FIG>, mounting plate <NUM> has the same basic dimensions:.

The rail <NUM> adds another <NUM> (dimension <NUM>).

For each of these figures, the adhesive area is a constant total of <NUM><NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the adhesive area is composed of two regions <NUM> and <NUM>. Each of regions <NUM> and <NUM> has the following dimensions:.

Among the adhesive geometries tested, <FIG>, relative to <FIG>, has the greatest maximization of Factor <NUM> (i.e., greatest length of adhesive along the topmost edge of mounting plate), and the greatest minimization of Factor <NUM> (i.e., lease leverage of mounting plate against the adhesive area). Because of this, relative to <FIG>, we would expect <FIG> to require the maximum modified peel force for removal of plate <NUM> from the wall.

Among <FIG>, <FIG> is designed to have the second-highest maximization of Factor <NUM>, and minimization of Factor <NUM>. As can be seen, the adhesive area of <FIG> consists of two regions with differing locations along the Y axis:.

Relative to the area of regions <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, region <NUM> of <FIG> is <NUM>% less: X axis dimensions of regions <NUM> and <NUM> total to <NUM>, while the same X axis dimension of region <NUM> is <NUM>. The Y axis dimensions of <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are all the same <NUM>. The <NUM>% reduction, embodied by region <NUM>, is, in effect, shifted to region <NUM>. Thus, we have kept the same total adhesive area of <FIG>, but <NUM>% of the area is shifted to father away from the mounting plate's top edge.

Similarly, <FIG> can be regarded, relative to <FIG>, as the shifting of another <NUM>% of the adhesive area closest to the mounting plate's top edge. Therefore, <FIG> represents a shifting of half of the original area (i.e., of <NUM> or <NUM>) closest to the top edge. Therefore, in <FIG> it is convenient to represent the adhesive area as comprised of the same two areas <NUM> and <NUM> (as in <FIG>), but with region <NUM> shifted farther down along the Y axis.

<FIG> represents a fourth example, in the progression of decreasing adhesive area closest to the mounting plate's top edge, and shifting the decreased area to lower down on the Y axis. Relative to <FIG> depicts a <NUM>° rotation of adhesive regions <NUM> and <NUM>. The result is the dimension of the adhesive area, along the topmost edge of the mounting plate (along the X axis), as <NUM> for <FIG>, while it is <NUM> for <FIG>.

Thus, from <FIG>, one would expect the modified peel force to decrease, and, in fact, the prediction is supported by the following data:.

As discussed above (e.g., Section <NUM> "Visual Feedback During Debonding"), with a hybrid carrier, an NDAD of type <NUM> can be created to accommodate a mounting plate <NUM> with a length (i.e., a length <NUM>) of <NUM>, or more. This is in contrast to even large-size <NUM> Company Command strips, which have a maximum adhesive dimension (on the wall side) of <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> depicts a hybrid-carrier based NDAD <NUM>, assumed to be capable of attaching an object with a maximum dimension of <NUM>, or more. Comparing NDAD <NUM> to NDAD <NUM> of <FIG>, it can be seen that NDAD <NUM> has the same structure, except it includes the following additional inelastic areas:.

Each pair of inelastic areas reduces the length of carrier that needs to stretch, in order that NDAD <NUM> de-bonds. It is assumed that the length of carrier, covered by the first and second inelastic pairs, are not necessary for secure bonding of the relevant object to the relevant surface (e.g., a wall). For example, the length of carrier between tab <NUM> and inelastic area <NUM>, for stretching, is reduced to the following two segments:.

Similarly, the carrier for stretching, between tab <NUM> and inelastic region <NUM>, is reduced to the segment with sides <NUM> and <NUM> (also referred to simply as segment <NUM>), and the segment with sides <NUM> and <NUM> (also referred to simply as segment <NUM>).

<FIG> depicts an example object <NUM> attached to NDAD <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a wall-side view of NDAD <NUM>, where the view can be produced by a <NUM>° rotation, about the X axis, of NDAD <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Object <NUM> can be, for example, a mounting plate with a dimension, along the X axis, of <NUM>, or more. As other example possibilities, object <NUM> can be a picture frame (attached without a mounting plate), shelf, or the base for a row of hooks.

To de-bond NDAD <NUM>, an end-user can grasp tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, pulling tab <NUM> leftward along the X axis, and pulling tab <NUM> rightward along the X axis. Initially, in addition to pulling tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, leftward and rightward, it may also be desirable to pull tabs <NUM> and <NUM> in a downwards direction. In response, carrier segment <NUM> can sequentially stretch and de-bond, and carrier segment <NUM> can likewise sequentially stretch and de-bond. The sequential debonding can be further detailed as follows:.

As was described above, the usage of release liners can be incorporated using strategies such as those already discussed for NDAD <NUM> (of <FIG>), and <FIG>. For example, the previously-discussed strategy of <FIG> is illustrated, relative to NDAD <NUM>, in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, three segments of release liner can be used: <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Release liner segment <NUM> both covers the first pair of inelastic areas (a strategy similar to that <FIG>), while not covering inelastic region <NUM> (the strategy of <FIG>). Similarly, release liner segment <NUM> covers the second pair of inelastic areas, while also not covering inelastic region <NUM>. Release liner segment <NUM> is shown as covering, on the object side of NDAD <NUM>, the area in-between tabs <NUM> and <NUM>.

Other possible combinations, for covering or not covering an inelastic region with release liner, can be used. Considerations for choosing a particular combination, can include the following:.

As discussed above in Section <NUM> ("Release Liners, and Peelable Tabs"), the object side of tabs <NUM> and <NUM> can be constructed of release liner, allowing each tab to be made sticky on its object side.

While the above-described technique, of pairs of inelastic areas lacking adhesive on both sides, has been described with respect to NDAD's constructed of hybrid carrier, the technique is also useful with NDAD's based on other types of carrier material, such as a polyethylene foam (to which a pressure sensitive adhesive is added).

As has already been discussed above (e.g., Section <NUM>, "Nonlinear Structure"), the greater elasticity, and resistance to tearing, of hybrid carrier encourages the use of nonlinear NDAD's. This section presents further nonlinear configurations.

As defined herein, a nonlinear NDAD is one where the debonding process, from pull-tabs to approximately central inelastic region, follows a path that is something other than purely linear.

<FIG> presents an NDAD configuration <NUM> intended mainly for those situations where the object to be attached (e.g., a mounting plate) is significantly longer along its vertical (or Y axis) dimension, than along its horizontal (e.g., the X axis in <FIG>). For example, <FIG> depicts an NDAD <NUM> attached to a mounting plate <NUM>, where <NUM> is significantly longer along its dimension <NUM>, than along its dimension <NUM>. A mounting plate with dimensions like those of <NUM> can be used, for example, when the objective is to attach a single hook to a wall. As discussed above, the wall hook can be composed of two main parts: a base plate (the item most directly attached to a wall through an NDAD), and a cover that fits over the base plate. The cover is equipped with the hook. If an item other than a hook is to be attached, the same base plate can be used, but its covering can change.

In such cases, a simple linear path, between tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, of length <NUM>, may provide insufficient adhesive area, with respect to resistance to shear, resistance to modified peel, or both. Providing as much adhesive area as possible, while keeping a horizontal pulling of tabs for debonding, can be addressed by having the debonding process initially start along an essentially horizontal direction, but shortly thereafter perform a <NUM>° change of direction. For example, the major dimension of adhesive area <NUM> is placed at an essentially <NUM>° change of direction with respect to the essentially horizontal pulling force expected for tab <NUM>. The same configuration, between tab <NUM> and adhesive area <NUM>, exists between tab <NUM> and the major dimension of adhesive area <NUM>. It should be noted that adhesive areas <NUM> and <NUM> are kept separate as a result of a slit <NUM> (which is generally quite narrow, when compared with the X axis dimensions of the adhesive areas it divides). As can be seen, a slit <NUM> can begin at the top-most edge of the NDAD (e.g., NDAD <NUM>), proceed downwards along a generally vertical direction, and end at inelastic area <NUM>.

To maximize resistance to peel force, inelastic area <NUM> can be placed as low as possible, along vertical dimension <NUM>, in accordance with the discussion of Section <NUM> ("Forces Analysis"). Specifically, if there is a choice along the Y axis, regarding where the L-by-A/L rectangle of adhesive (of total adhesive area "A") should be placed, then the top-most edge of adhesive area "A" should be in line with the top-most edge of the mounting plate. (For <FIG>, total adhesive area "A" is the sum of areas <NUM> and <NUM>. ) Among other things, top-most placement tends to minimize above-described Factor <NUM> (the amount of Y axis dimension of the mounting plate that can act as leverage against the adhesive areas).

While not shown in <FIG> (or in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>), a curved relief radius can be included, between a tab (e.g., tab <NUM> of <FIG>) and its generally vertically-oriented adhesive area (e.g., adhesive area <NUM> with respect to tab <NUM>). The relief radius can reduce the risk of tearing during the debonding process.

<FIG> depicts the fact that the inelastic area need not be:.

As can be seen, for an NDAD <NUM>, its first-half can be comprised of tab <NUM>, adhesive area <NUM>, and inelastic area <NUM>, while its second half can be comprised of tab <NUM>, adhesive area <NUM>, and inelastic area <NUM>. These first and second halves can have no direct mechanical connection with each other (being separated by a slit <NUM>). The first and second halves couple only through mounting plate <NUM>, shown in <FIG> as having vertical dimension <NUM> and horizontal dimension <NUM>. Slit <NUM> can extend along the full vertical dimension <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first-half of NDAD <NUM> is rotated <NUM>° about the Z axis with respect to the second half of NDAD <NUM>. However, this need not be the case. The first and second halves can have both their tabs located at either the top edge or bottom edge of mounting plate <NUM>. The result is that the inelastic area (composed of areas <NUM> and <NUM>) is located at an approximate mid-point between the tabs, but is still not composed of a single continuous area.

<FIG> depicts an NDAD <NUM> where the debonding process proceeds in a "zigzag" manner. In particular, the debonding can proceed as follows. The following description focuses on debonding from the perspective of tab <NUM>, but a symmetric debonding process is simultaneously occurring with respect to tab <NUM>:.

As mentioned above, with respect to tab <NUM>, a symmetric debonding process occurs in the following sequence: upwards along carrier region <NUM>, laterally along carrier region <NUM> (acting as a bridge, between carrier regions <NUM> and <NUM>), and downwards along carrier region <NUM> until inelastic region <NUM> is reached.

While <FIG> depicts just one "cycle" of debonding (i.e., one cycle of proceeding in a first direction along the Y axis, and then in a second opposite direction along the Y axis) before the inelastic region is reached, it should be understood that, depending upon the application and object-geometries involved, an indefinite number of zigzag cycles can be used in connection with each pull-tab.

A zigzag debonding pattern can have the following advantages:.

In general, the two above-listed decoupling's permit high efficiency use of the area available for application of adhesive (e.g., see the discussion of Section <NUM>, "Forces Analysis") across a wide range of object geometries.

For example, in comparison to <FIG>, <FIG> permits use of a smaller inelastic area (e.g., compare <NUM> to <NUM>), while still permitting essentially all elastic areas to use flow-debondable adhesive.

In fact, <FIG> may be viewed as a half-cycle version of <FIG>. Therefore, <FIG> may be highly efficient under some circumstances, but the ability to add more cycles (and to end on either a whole number of cycles, or on a whole number plus a half-cycle) permits the zigzag approach to be optimized for more circumstances.

In comparison to <FIG>, <FIG> permits the adhesive areas to be placed as close as possible to the top-most edge of the mounting plate (i.e., at the top-most edge of mounting plate <NUM> of <FIG>), and thereby minimize above-described Factor <NUM> (i.e., the amount of Y axis dimension of the mounting plate that can act as leverage against the adhesive areas).

<FIG> may be viewed as very similar to <FIG>, except the inelastic area of <FIG> is much thinner along the X axis and much wider along the Y axis.

<FIG> depicts an NDAD of type <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the same NDAD <NUM>, except it is attached to a mounting plate <NUM>. As with NDAD <NUM> of <FIG>, it can be seen that NDAD <NUM> of <FIG> is attached to a mounting plate <NUM>, where <NUM> has a longer vertical dimension <NUM> than horizontal dimension <NUM>. <FIG> shows an elastic adhesive area <NUM>, coupled to an elastic adhesive area <NUM> through an inelastic area <NUM>. As can be seen, inelastic area <NUM> differs from inelastic area <NUM> primarily by inelastic area <NUM> utilizing only a minority of horizontal dimension <NUM>.

<FIG> can be compared with <FIG>. A major difference of <FIG> is that they show a tab (e.g., <NUM>), an elastic area (e.g., <NUM>), and an inelastic area (e.g., <NUM>) approximately in-line with each other. <FIG> emphasize in-line along the horizontal (or X) axis, but, depending upon the application, a different axis (e.g., Y) can be used.

One can consider an inventive NDAD, such as NDAD <NUM> of <FIG>, as comprised of five main regions: two tabs (e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>), two adhesive regions (e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>), and an inelastic region (e.g., <NUM>). With respect to <FIG>, this <NUM>-part arrangement can be regarded as divided into a <NUM>-part building block: tab <NUM>, adhesive region <NUM>, and inelastic region <NUM>.

<FIG> is intended to show how a long object <NUM> can be attached, while decoupling the long dimension from the amount of elastic debonding required for removal. As can be seen, two <NUM>-part building blocks are used (i.e., <NUM> and <NUM>) with a considerable gap (relative to the dimensions of the <NUM>-part building blocks, as shown in <FIG>) between their inelastic regions. While <FIG> depicts <NUM>-part building blocks <NUM> and <NUM> as essentially co-linear with each other (i.e., at approximately the same location along the Y axis), this need not be the case.

<FIG> is intended to emphasize the amount by which two <NUM>-part building blocks (i.e., <NUM> and <NUM>) need not be collinear. As can be seen, the Y axis dimensions, of each of <NUM> and <NUM>, if projected onto the Y axis, would not overlap. Stated another way, the top edge of <NUM> is below the bottom edge of <NUM>. Further, the X axis dimensions, of each of <NUM> and <NUM>, if projected onto the X axis, would overlap.

With regard to all the above-described nonlinear configurations, while they may perform better with hybrid carrier, it should be understood that such configurations can also be useful with NDAD's based on other types of carrier material, such as polyethylene foam.

Claim 1:
An elastomechanical fastening system, comprising:
a first end-user graspable tab (<NUM>) coupled to a first end of a first area (<NUM>, <NUM>) of elastomeric material (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first and a second side, of the first area of elastomeric material (<NUM>, <NUM>), that are adhesive;
a first inelastic area (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled, at a first end, to a second end of the first area of elastomeric material (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first side, of the first inelastic area (<NUM>), that is not adhesive;
a second side, of the first inelastic area (<NUM>), that is adhesive;
a second area of elastomeric material (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled, at a first end, to a second end-user graspable tab (<NUM>), and, at a second end, to a second end of the first inelastic area (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first and a second side, of the second area of elastomeric material (<NUM>, <NUM>), that are adhesive;
a wall side (<NUM>) of a fastening device (NDAD <NUM>,NDAD640,NDAD700) consisting of a first side of the first end-user graspable tab (<NUM>), the first side of the first area of elastomeric material (<NUM>), the first side of the first inelastic area (<NUM>), the first side of the second area of elastomeric material (<NUM>), and a first side of the second end-user graspable tab (<NUM>);
a first sub-side of the fastening device, consisting of the wall side (<NUM>) of the fastening device (NDAD <NUM>,NDAD640,NDAD700), except the first sides, of the first and second end-user graspable tabs (<NUM>,<NUM>), are excluded;
an object side (<NUM>) of the fastening device (NDAD <NUM>,NDAD640,NDAD700), consisting of a second side of the first end-user graspable tab (<NUM>), the second side of the first area of elastomeric material (<NUM>), the second side of the first inelastic area (<NUM>), the second side of the second area of elastomeric material (<NUM>), and a second side of the second end-user graspable tab (<NUM>); and
a second sub-side of the fastening device, consisting of the object side (<NUM>) of the fastening device (NDAD <NUM>,NDAD640,NDAD700), except the second sides, of the first and second end-user graspable tabs (<NUM>,<NUM>), are excluded.