Adhesive-backed articles

Abstract

Methods of preparing adhesive-backed articles and methods of applying adhesives backed articles are described. The adhesive-backed articles include a compliant film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a microstructured surface opposite the compliant film.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 357,151 filed Feb. 3, 2003, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 311,101, filed May 13, 1999, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,675 on Feb. 25, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an adhesive-backed article, more particularly to such an adhesive-backed article having an adhesive with a microstructured surface bonded to a compliant film, and even more particularly to channels, with a specific volume per unit area, formed by the microstructured surface in the adhesive which permit the desirable properties of positionability and fluid egress to a periphery of the article without adversely affecting the surface appearance of the film after application onto a substrate. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Films are often bonded to substrates utilizing pressure-sensitive adhesives. The films a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In general, the adhesive-backed article of the present invention is positionable over a substrate prior to forceful application of the article onto the substrate. The microstructured surface of the adhesive permits the article to either slide over the surface of a substrate, or be easily removed from the surface of the substrate, until enough pressure is applied to enable a bond between the adhesive and the surface of the substrate. The article of the present invention also enhances the egress of fluid from the interface between the adhesive and the substrate as a bonding force is applied to the article. The microstructured features are particularly suited for applications utilizing thin films, ie less than 300 μm.

[0012] It is an advantage to provide an adhesive-backed article that has pathways in the adhesive for fluid egress and permits positioning of the article without adversely affecting the appearance of the article. The channels define pathways to the periphery of the article that permit the flow of fluid trapped between the adhesive and the surface of the substrate. Additionally, the microstructured surface of the present invention enable the positioning of the article onto a substrate. Further, the microstructured adhesive does not result in observable periodic patterns on the exposed surface of the film after application of the article onto a substrate.

[0019]“release liner”, used interchangeably with the term “liner”, refers to a flexible sheet which after being placed in intimate contact with pressure-sensitive adhesive surface may be subsequently removed without damaging the adhesive coating;

Problems solved by technology

The placement of a film into a specific position prior to the formation of a bond between the adhesive and the substrate is often difficult, but important for aesthetic reasons.

Such articles can often be particularly difficult to reapply if they inadvertently adhere to the substrate.

The inability to slide the adhesive-backed article in place can adversely affect the positioning of the article or cause damage to the article upon attempted repositioning after adhesion.

Additionally, bubbles under a film can adversely affect the adhesive performance of the article.

However, the utilization of thin films can create an appearance problem.

The thinner films have a tendency to show all surface abnormalities or uneven portions of either the adhesive or the substrate upon which the adhesive-backed article is applied.

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