Articles including adhesives and methods of using same

Abstract

The invention provides an article comprising at least one substrate and at least one adhesive member. The at least one adhesive member includes an adhesive layer including an adhesive configured to bond the at least one adhesive member to an outer surface. The at least one adhesive member further includes at least one slit extending through the at least one adhesive member. The article also includes at least one tab attached to at least the adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive member and extending from the at least one adhesive member. The at least one tab is configured to receive a pulling force from a user. Upon application of a pulling force on the at least one tab, the at least one adhesive member is at least partially separated adjacent the at least one slit and peeled from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to articles comprising adhesives and methods of using the articles. Background Art

[0002] Articles that include an adhesive layer are commonly found in a variety of applications. Such articles may be held against an external surface with the aid of an adhesive layer. For example, a medical diagnostic device is often held against a user's skin by an adhesive layer. In some cases, when a user wishes to remove the article from the external surface, the adhesive layer may not be directly accessible to the user.

[0003] Some articles are provided with a stretch release adhesive layer that can be removed without any damage or residue by stretching the adhesive layer at an angle of a certain degree. An example of a stretch release adhesive layer is provided in WO patent application 2021 / 137,135 (hereinafter referred to as the '135 reference). The '135 reference discloses a stretch release adhesive article with tunable mechanical properties. The stretch release adhesive article includes a stretchable carrier, wherein one of the major surfaces is a stretchable adhesive surface. The stretchable carrier includes a slit pattern distributed thereon and configured to deform when stretched on the stretchable carrier to elongate the stretchable carrier. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, an article is described. The article includes at least one substrate. The article also includes at least one adhesive member, the at least one adhesive member including a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface. The first major surface is connected to the at least one substrate. The at least one adhesive member also includes an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer forming the second major surface of the at least one adhesive member. The adhesive layer includes an adhesive, the adhesive being configured to bond the at least one adhesive member to an outer surface. The at least one adhesive member also includes at least one slit, the at least one slit extending from the first major surface through the at least one adhesive member to the second major surface. The article also includes at least one tab, the at least one tab being connected to at least the adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive member and extending from the at least one adhesive member. The at least one tab is configured to receive a pulling force from a user. When a pulling force is applied to the at least one tab, the at least one adhesive member is at least partially separated adjacent to the at least one slit and peeled off from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface.

[0005] In another aspect, a method of using an article is described. The article includes at least one substrate, at least one adhesive member connected to the at least one substrate, and at least one tab connected to the at least one adhesive member. The method includes adhesively bonding at least one adhesive layer to an outer surface. The method also includes applying a pulling force to the at least one tab to cause at least partial separation of the at least one adhesive member adjacent to at least one slit, thereby peeling the at least one adhesive member from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface.

[0006] The details of one or more examples of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same numerals used in the drawings represent similar components. However, it should be understood that the use of numbers to refer to components in a given figure is not intended to limit the components marked with the same number in another figure.

[0008] Figure 1A is a schematic top perspective view of an article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 1B is a schematic bottom perspective view of an article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of an article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view of an article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member of an article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5A is a schematic bottom view of a portion of at least one adhesive member and a tab according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5B is a schematic bottom view of the portion of at least one adhesive member and the tab according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a pulling force is applied to the tab;

[0015] Fig. 6A is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member and a tab according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig. 6A a schematic bottom view of a portion of at least one adhesive member and a tab, wherein a pulling force is applied to the tab;

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic bottom view of the portion of at least one adhesive member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig. 8A is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a portion of at least one adhesive member and a tab according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8B is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the portion and tab of at least one adhesive member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig.9A is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the portion of at least one adhesive member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig. 9B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.9A a schematic cross-sectional side view of the portion of at least one adhesive member of;

[0022] Fig. 9C According to another embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.9A a schematic cross-sectional side view of the portion of at least one adhesive member of;

[0023] Fig. 10A is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 10B For at least one adhesive member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Fig. 10A A schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section line AA' shown;

[0025] Fig.11 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig.12 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig.13 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.14Ais a schematic perspective view of an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 14B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.14A A schematic bottom view of an article of

[0030] Fig.15A is a schematic perspective view of an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 15B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.15A A schematic bottom view of an article of

[0032] Fig.16 is a schematic perspective view of an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig.17 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.16 A schematic bottom view of an article of

[0034] Fig.18 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using an article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense.

[0036] In the following disclosure, the following definitions apply.

[0037] As used herein, all numbers should be considered to be modified by the term “about.” As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0038] As used herein as a modifier of a property or attribute, unless otherwise specifically defined, the term "substantially" means that the property or attribute would be readily recognized by a skilled artisan but does not require absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20% for a quantifiable property).

[0039] Unless specifically defined otherwise, the term "substantially" means a high degree of approximation (eg, within + / - 10% for a quantifiable property), but likewise does not require absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0040] Unless specifically defined otherwise, the term "about" means a close approximation (eg, within + / - 5% for a quantifiable property), but again does not require absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. The terms "first" and "second" are interchangeable in embodiments of the present disclosure when used in conjunction with features or elements.

[0042] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0043] As used herein, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (eg, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0044] As used herein, the term "adhesive" generally refers to a polymer composition that can be used to adhere two adherends together. Examples of adhesives may include curable adhesives, heat activated adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0045] As used herein, the term "layer" generally refers to a planar sheet of material, film, fabric, or covering formed using only one formulated composition or single substance.

[0046] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an article includes at least one substrate. The article also includes at least one adhesive member, the at least one adhesive member including a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface. The first major surface is connected to the at least one substrate. The at least one adhesive member also includes an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer forming the second major surface of the at least one adhesive member. The adhesive layer includes an adhesive, the adhesive being configured to bond the at least one adhesive member to an outer surface. The at least one adhesive member also includes at least one slit, the at least one slit extending from the first major surface to the second major surface through the at least one adhesive member. The article also includes at least one tab, the at least one tab being connected to at least the adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive member and extending from the at least one adhesive member. The at least one tab is configured to receive a pulling force from a user. When a pulling force is applied to the at least one tab, the at least one adhesive member is at least partially separated adjacent to the at least one slit and peeled off from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface.

[0047] In the article of the present disclosure, the at least one tab is connected to at least the adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive member. Thus, pulling the at least one tab may result in exerting a force on the at least one adhesive layer. The at least one tab may be accessible to a user of the article. Pulling the at least one tab may effect at least partial separation of the at least one adhesive member adjacent to the at least one slit, thereby peeling the at least one adhesive member from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface. Thus, the user may be able to conveniently remove the article from the outer surface by pulling the at least one tab.

[0048] At least one adhesive member may include a bulk material that allows the at least one adhesive member to be pulled and at least partially separated adjacent to the at least one slit. In addition, the at least one slit may achieve a reduction in the force required to peel the at least one adhesive member (e.g., by necking) compared to conventional adhesive members that include a continuous piece of adhesive.

[0049] In addition, compared to conventional adhesive members including discontinuous slit patterns, at least one slit of the present disclosure may be continuous and may extend from at least one tab along the first major surface or the second major surface until the end of at least one adhesive member. In addition, conventional adhesive members (having perforations or holes) may be pulled as a single continuous body. However, at least one slit of the present disclosure may allow at least one adhesive member to be formed as a single elongated continuous block of material with a narrow cross-sectional area. When a pulling force is applied to at least one tab, this may achieve a smaller necked cross-sectional area for at least one adhesive member, thereby reducing the magnitude of the pulling force required to peel at least one adhesive member. Therefore, the effect of peeling at least one adhesive member on both at least one substrate and the outer surface may be minimized.

[0050] In some examples, at least one adhesive member includes a plurality of slits that are substantially parallel to each other. This can divide the necking region of at least one adhesive member into a plurality of smaller necking regions with reduced cross-sectional areas, whereas conventional adhesive members include a single necking region, and the entire cross-sectional area of ​​at least one adhesive member orthogonal to the direction of the pulling force is activated or stretched at the same time. Therefore, at least one adhesive member of the present disclosure having a plurality of slits can further reduce the magnitude of the pulling force required to peel off at least one adhesive member.

[0051] In addition, when a pulling force is applied to at least one tab, a plurality of smaller necked regions with reduced cross-sectional areas created by the plurality of slits in at least one adhesive member may be activated or stretched individually, sequentially, or in parallel. In addition, at least one tab may include one or more tabs attached to each of the plurality of necked regions to assist in removing the at least one adhesive member. In some embodiments, the plurality of smaller necked regions with reduced cross-sectional areas may require a lower pulling force to remove the at least one adhesive member from each of a substrate and an outer surface.

[0052] It should be noted that the plurality of slits of the at least one adhesive member may not significantly reduce the adhesion of the at least one adhesive member to an external surface (such as the skin of a user), but facilitate the peeling of the at least one adhesive member from each of the at least one substrate and the external surface without any significant damage or residue. In addition, in the case where the external surface is the skin of the user, the at least one slit may allow moisture to be transmitted through the at least one adhesive member, thereby improving the permeability and breathability of the at least one adhesive member.

[0053] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A is a schematic top perspective view of an article 100. The article 100 is attached to an outer surface 102. Figure 1B is a schematic bottom perspective view of article 100 . Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of article 100. Referring now to Figure 1A to Figure 2 , the article 100 includes at least one substrate 104. The article 100 also includes at least one adhesive member 110 (shown in Figure 1B and Figure 2 ). The article 100 is attached to the outer surface 102 via an adhesive member 110. The term "at least one substrate 104" is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as "substrate 104". The term "at least one adhesive member 110" is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as "adhesive member 110".

[0054] In some examples, at least one substrate 104 includes a main portion 108 coupled to at least one adhesive member 110. Figure 1A to Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the main portion 108 is rectangular (ie, polygonal). In some other examples, the main portion 108 may be circular, oval, or elliptical. It should be understood that the main portion 108 may be any shape and geometry, including irregular shapes, based on application requirements.

[0055] In some examples, the base 104 further includes one or more side portions 105 extending from the main portion 108. In some examples, the one or more side portions 105 at least partially surround the at least one adhesive member 110. Figure 1A to Figure 2In the illustrated example, the one or more side portions 105 include a plurality of side portions 105 spaced apart from each other. In some examples, the plurality of side portions 105 may prevent external agents such as dust from reaching the adhesive member 110 .

[0056] In some examples, at least one substrate 104 includes at least one cutout 118. Specifically, at least one cutout 118 includes a plurality of cutouts 118 separating the plurality of side portions 105 from each other. In some examples, each cutout 118 from the plurality of cutouts 118 is disposed between a corresponding adjacent pair of side portions 105 from the plurality of side portions 105.

[0057] In some examples, substrate 104 can be a backing for adhesive member 110. In some examples, substrate 104 can be part of a medical diagnostic device, and outer surface 102 can be the skin of a user. For example, a medical diagnostic device can be attached to the skin of a user via adhesive member 110. In some examples, a medical diagnostic device can include one or more sensors mounted thereon.

[0058] like Figure 1B 1C , at least one adhesive member 110 includes a first major surface 112 and a second major surface 114 opposite to the first major surface 112. The first major surface 112 is connected to at least one substrate 104. At least one adhesive member 110 also includes an adhesive layer 116 that forms the second major surface 114 of at least one adhesive member 110.

[0059] Adhesive layer 116 includes an adhesive configured to bond at least one adhesive member 110 to outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. Figure 1A In some examples, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive or a stretch release adhesive. In some examples, the article 100 also includes a release liner 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ) releasably attached to the adhesive layer 116. Figure 2 In some examples, the release liner 106 is disposed between the adhesive layer 116 and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A The release liner 106 is removed before bonding. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Not shown.

[0060] At least one adhesive member 110 also includes at least one slit 120 extending through at least one adhesive member 110 from first major surface 112 to second major surface 114. Thus, at least one slit 120 is a through slit. In some examples, at least one slit 120 may also extend along first major surface 112 or second major surface 114. In some examples, at least one slit 120 may be arranged in a predetermined pattern along first major surface 112 and second major surface 114. The term "at least one slit 120" is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as "slit 120".

[0061] In some examples, the slits 120 can be produced by cutting through the adhesive member 110 by a variety of known methods. Specifically, the slits 120 can be produced by cutting through a continuous area of ​​the adhesive member 110 in a predetermined pattern, so that the predetermined pattern can impart specific mechanical properties to the adhesive member 110. Such mechanical properties can also be different in different directions. Alternatively, the adhesive member 110 can be directly dispensed from the robotic platform in a predetermined pattern (such as in the form of elongated portions). It should be understood that based on the application requirements, the adhesive member 110 can be formed in different shapes / geometries, and the slits 120 can be formed in different shapes / patterns.

[0062] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the article 100 also includes at least one tab 130 connected to at least the adhesive layer 116 of the at least one adhesive member 110 and extending from the at least one adhesive member 110. In some examples, the at least one cutout 118 is configured to at least partially receive the at least one tab 130 through the at least one cutout. In some examples, the at least one tab 130 may be made of a material different from the material of the adhesive member 110. In some other examples, the at least one tab 130 may be made of the same material as the material of the adhesive member 110. The term "at least one tab 130" is interchangeably referred to as "tab 130" hereinafter.

[0063] In some examples, at least one tab 130 and at least one adhesive member 110 have the same layered construction. In other words, at least one tab 130 and at least one adhesive member 110 include the same layer (i.e., similar composition) having the same corresponding thickness. In some examples, at least one tab 130 includes an adhesive layer 131. In some examples, adhesive layer 131 includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a stretch-release adhesive. In some examples, adhesive layer 131 may include an adhesive similar to the adhesive of adhesive layer 116. Alternatively, in some other examples, at least one tab 130 may be non-adhesive.

[0064] At least one tab 130 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. When the pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 130, at least one adhesive member 110 is at least partially separated adjacent to at least one slit 120 and peeled off from each of at least one substrate 104 and outer surface 102. Thus, the user may be able to peel the substrate 104 from the outer surface 102 by pulling the tab 130.

[0065] In some examples, at least one tab 130 can be adhesive. For example, at least one tab 130 can be an extension of at least one adhesive member 110. In such cases, at least one tab 130 can be grasped and pulled by a user to stretch at least one adhesive member 110 to peel substrate 104 from outer surface 102. In some examples, at least one tab 130 can include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,587,146 (Sherman et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 9,228,117 (Sherman et al.), the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0066] Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view of the article 100. In some examples, the at least one adhesive member 110 further includes a first longitudinal edge 136 extending along the longitudinal axis L, a second longitudinal edge 138 on the opposite side of the first longitudinal edge 136 and extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis L, a first transverse edge 142 extending between the first longitudinal edge 136 and the second longitudinal edge 138 along a transverse axis T orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, and a second transverse edge 144 on the opposite side of the first transverse edge 142 and extending between the first longitudinal edge 136 and the second longitudinal edge 138 along the transverse axis T.

[0067] In some examples, the at least one slit 120 includes a plurality of slits 120 that are spaced apart from each other relative to the transverse axis T and extend at least partially along the longitudinal axis L. In some examples, the plurality of slits 120 includes a set of first slits 122 and a set of second slits 124 that alternate with the set of first slits 122. In some examples, each first slit 122 from the set of first slits 122 extends partially from the first transverse edge 142 toward the second transverse edge 144, such that each first slit 122 is spaced apart from the second transverse edge 144. In some examples, each second slit 124 from the set of second slits 124 extends partially from the second transverse edge 144 toward the first transverse edge 142, such that each second slit 124 is spaced apart from the first transverse edge 142. It should be understood that the set of first slits 122 and the set of second slits 124 may include any number of first slits 122 and second slits 124, respectively.

[0068] In some examples, at least one adhesive member 110 includes a plurality of elongated portions 146 extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis L between the first lateral edge 142 and the second lateral edge 144. In some examples, adjacent elongated portions 146 from the plurality of elongated portions 146 are at least partially separated from each other by a corresponding first slit 122 from the set of first slits 122 or a corresponding second slit 124 from the set of second slits 124. In some examples, adjacent elongated portions 146 are connected to each other at the first lateral edge 142 or the second lateral edge 144, such that the plurality of elongated portions 146 together form a serpentine pattern 140. Thus, the set of first slits 122 and the set of second slits 124 can allow the at least one adhesive member 110 to be formed as a single elongated, continuous block of material having a narrow cross-sectional area.

[0069] In some examples, the plurality of elongated portions 146 include an end elongated portion 148 disposed at the second longitudinal edge 138. In some examples, the set of first slits 122 includes an end first slit 126 disposed proximate the second longitudinal edge 138 and at least partially separating the end elongated portion 148 from adjacent elongated portions 146.

[0070] In some examples, the end elongated portion 148 includes a first elongated portion 150 connected to the adjacent elongated portion 146 and extending along the longitudinal axis L, a second elongated portion 152 extending from the first elongated portion 150 and inclined obliquely relative to the first elongated portion, and a third elongated portion 154 extending from the second elongated portion 152 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0071] In some examples, the end first slit 126 includes a first slit portion 156 extending from the first lateral edge 142 along the longitudinal axis L, a second slit portion 158 extending from the first slit portion 156 and inclined obliquely relative to the first slit portion, and a third slit portion 160 extending from the second slit portion 158 partially along the longitudinal axis L toward the second lateral edge 144.

[0072] In some examples, at least one tab 130 is connected to the end elongated portion 148 and is disposed adjacent to the end first slit 126. Specifically, at least one tab 130 extends from the third elongated portion 154. In some examples, at least one tab 130 includes a curved portion 132 extending from at least one adhesive member 110, and a disc-shaped portion 134 connected to the curved portion 132 at a distal side of the at least one adhesive member 110.

[0073] The tab 130 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. When the pulling force F is applied on the tab 130 by the user, the adhesive member 110 is at least partially separated adjacent to the plurality of slits 120 and peeled from each of the substrate 104 and the outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. 1 ), for example, by necking. In other words, when the pulling force F is applied, the serpentine pattern 140 of the at least one adhesive member 110 spreads along the plurality of slits 120 (e.g., like a ribbon) and peels from each of the substrate 104 and the outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Since the at least one adhesive member 110 of the present disclosure is formed as a single elongated continuous block of material having a narrow cross-sectional area orthogonal to the direction of the pulling force F, the magnitude of the pulling force F required to peel the at least one adhesive member 110 can be reduced compared to conventional adhesive members (having perforations or holes) that are pulled as a single continuous body.

[0074] In some examples, when a pulling force F is applied by a user to tab 130, adhesive member 110 may slide out of at least one cutout 118, thereby peeling substrate 104 from outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Alternatively, when a pulling force F is applied by a user to tab 130, adhesive member 110 may slide out under one or more side portions 105, thereby peeling substrate 104 from outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. 1 ).

[0075] In some examples, adhesive member 110 may include a bulk material that allows adhesive member 110 and adhesive layer 116 to receive a pulling force through tab 130 without breaking. In other words, adhesive member 110 is strong enough to withstand the pulling force applied to adhesive member 110. For example, a suitable material that provides structural strength to adhesive member 110 may be selected for adhesive member 110 based on chemical properties or inherent material properties. It should be understood that any suitable material that provides sufficient strength to adhesive member 110 may be used for adhesive member 110.

[0076] Figure 4 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member 110. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, each of the end first slit 126 and the end elongated portion 148 extends along the longitudinal axis L. In some examples, at least one tab 130 includes a linear portion 128 extending from at least one adhesive member 110, and a disc-shaped portion 134 connected to the linear portion 128 at a distal side of the at least one adhesive member 110.

[0077] Figure 5A FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of a portion of adhesive member 110 and tab 130. Figure 5A In the illustrated example, a single slit 120 is shown for illustration purposes. Figure 5B 1 is a schematic bottom view of the portion of adhesive member 110 and tab 130, wherein a pulling force F is applied to tab 130. In some examples, slit 120 extends along a slit axis S, and the pulling force F is applied along a pulling direction P. Figure 5B In the illustrated example, the pulling direction P is substantially parallel to the slit axis S of the slit 120 .

[0078] Reference now Figure 5A and Figure 5B In some examples, adhesive member 110 is removed from substrate 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ) by necking in response to application of a pulling force F on tab 130. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A Specifically, the adhesive member 110 is necked down in response to the pulling force F applied on the tab 130 before being completely peeled off to form a necked area N, as indicated by the peeled area R. Therefore, the adhesive member 110 may be first stretched to be narrowed before the adhesive member 110 is completely peeled off.

[0079] The adhesive member 110 of the present disclosure includes at least one slit 120 extending from at least one tab 130 to or near an end 111 of the at least one adhesive member 110. In addition, compared to conventional adhesive members that include a single necked region and in which the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the adhesive member orthogonal to the direction of the pulling force is activated or stretched at the same time, the at least one slit 120 enables the at least one adhesive member 110 to be peeled off by forming a plurality of smaller necked regions N. Therefore, the magnitude of the pulling force F required to peel off the adhesive member 110 can be significantly lower than in the case where the adhesive member includes a block material that is continuous or has discontinuous slits, thereby causing less damage to the bonded surface.

[0080] In some examples, the amount of pulling force F required to peel adhesive member 110 may depend on the width of adhesive member 110. Therefore, reducing the width of adhesive member 110 may reduce the pulling force F required to peel adhesive member 110. In addition, the amount of pulling force F required to peel adhesive member 110 may increase as the width of adhesive member 110 increases. Therefore, if a wider adhesive member 110 can be provided, multiple slits 120 can be used to allow multiple necked areas to be created, thereby reducing the amount of pulling force F required to peel adhesive member 110.

[0081] Fig. 6A is a schematic bottom view of an adhesive member 110 and a tab 130 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B1 is a schematic bottom view of a portion of the adhesive member 110 and the tab 130, wherein a pulling force F is applied to the tab 130. Specifically, a pulling direction P of the pulling force F is inclined toward the slit axis S of the slit 120.

[0082] Reference now Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , when the pulling direction P of the pulling force F is inclined toward the slit axis S of the slit 120, the magnitude of the pulling force F required to peel off the adhesive member 110 is still lower than when the adhesive member 110 includes a continuous piece of adhesive. In some examples, the adhesive member 110 is removed from the substrate 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ) by necking in response to the application of the pulling force F on the tab 130. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A Specifically, adhesive member 110 necks downward in response to application of pulling force F on tab 130 before being completely peeled off to form necked region N, as indicated by peeled region R. The reduction in the magnitude of pulling force F can also be attributed to the presence of slit 120, resulting in less damage to the bonded surfaces.

[0083] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of a portion of an adhesive member 110 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 In the illustrated example, a single slit 120 is shown for illustrative purposes. In addition, the pulling direction P of the pulling force F is inclined toward the slit axis S of the slit 120 .

[0084] In some examples, adhesive member 110 is rolled from substrate 104 (shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A In some examples, when the pulling direction P of the pulling force F is not aligned with the slit axis S of the slit 120, it is possible that the adhesive member 110 is rolled on itself and peeled off from the substrate 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ) before the adhesive member 110 is subjected to sufficient force to cause necking. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A This peeling mechanism may depend on the bond strength to the bonded surface and the function of the elastic modulus of the adhesive member 110. The magnitude of the pulling force F required to peel the adhesive member 110 having the slits 120 is still lower than the case where the adhesive member 110 includes a continuous piece of adhesive.

[0085] Fig. 8A FIG. 1 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a portion of adhesive member 110 and tab 130. Fig. 8AIn the illustrated embodiment, at least one adhesive member 110 further includes a core layer 162, which includes a core layer facing at least one substrate 104 (shown in Figures 1A to 3 The first core main surface 164 and the second core main surface 166 opposite to the first core main surface 164 are provided.

[0086] In some examples, adhesive layer 116 is disposed on second core major surface 166. Fig. 8A In the illustrated example of , tab 130 is connected to adhesive layer 116 and core layer 162 of adhesive member 110 and extends from adhesive member 110. In some examples, at least one adhesive member 110 also includes another adhesive layer 168 disposed on first core major surface 164 and bonding at least one adhesive member 110 to at least one substrate 104 (shown in Figures 1A to 3 Specifically, another adhesive layer 168 forms the first major surface 112 of the adhesive member 110 .

[0087] In some examples, core layer 162 includes foam. However, it should be understood that any other suitable material may be selected for core layer 162. In some examples, core layer 162 may include a film layer. In such cases, the film layer may match the necking behavior of adhesive member 110, or may withstand the force in pulling direction P (shown in FIG. FIG. 5A to FIG. 7 ), while not restricting the necking behavior of the adhesive member 110.

[0088] In some examples, core layer 162 can increase the structural strength of adhesive member 110, allowing adhesive member 110 to withstand the pulling force applied to adhesive member 110 so as to separate adhesive member 110 from substrate 104 (shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A Each of the above is peeled off.

[0089] Figure 8B FIG8 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a portion of adhesive member 110 and tab 130. In the illustrated example of FIG8C , at least one tab 130 is also connected to core layer 162 and another adhesive layer 168. Thus, tab 130 can transfer the pulling force F to core layer 162 and another adhesive layer 168 to pull adhesive member 110 from substrate 104 (shown in FIG8C ). Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A Each of the above is peeled off.

[0090] Fig.9A FIG. 1 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a portion of an adhesive member 110 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.9AIn the illustrated example, the tab 130 is not shown for illustration purposes. In addition, the adhesive layer 116 also forms the first major surface 112 of at least one adhesive member 110 and is bonded to at least one substrate 104 (shown in Figures 1A to 3 middle).

[0091] In some examples, adhesive layer 116 further includes a plurality of reinforcing elements 170 embedded within the adhesive. The plurality of reinforcing elements 170 may increase the structural strength of adhesive member 110, allowing adhesive member 110 to withstand the tensile forces applied to adhesive member 110. The plurality of reinforcing elements 170 may enable adhesive member 110 to withstand the tensile forces applied to adhesive member 110 without restricting the necking behavior of adhesive member 110.

[0092] Fig. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the portion of adhesive member 110. Fig. 9B In the illustrated example, plurality of strengthening elements 170 include cylindrical members 172 . Fig. 9C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the portion of the adhesive member 110 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9C In the illustrated example, plurality of reinforcing elements 170 include planar members 174 .

[0093] Fig. 10A FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member 210. In some examples, the adhesive member 210 may be functionally equivalent to Figures 1A to 9C In some examples, at least one adhesive member 210 further includes a first longitudinal edge 236 extending along the longitudinal axis L, a second longitudinal edge 238 extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis L on the opposite side of the first longitudinal edge 236, a first transverse edge 242 extending between the first longitudinal edge 236 and the second longitudinal edge 238 along a transverse axis T orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, and a second transverse edge 244 extending between the first longitudinal edge 236 and the second longitudinal edge 238 on the opposite side of the first transverse edge 242 and along the transverse axis T.

[0094] In some examples, at least one adhesive member 210 includes at least one slit 220 extending through at least one adhesive member 210. The at least one slit 220 includes a plurality of slits 220 spaced apart from each other relative to the transverse axis T and extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis L. Fig. 10AIn the illustrated example of , each slit 220 from the plurality of slits 220 extends partially from the first lateral edge 242 toward the second lateral edge 244, such that each slit 220 is spaced apart from the second lateral edge 244. Compared to conventional adhesive members that include discontinuous slit patterns, the plurality of slits 220 of the present disclosure may be continuous and may extend substantially from the first lateral edge 242 toward the second lateral edge 244.

[0095] exist Fig. 10A In the illustrated example, the plurality of slits 220 are spaced apart from the second lateral edge 244 to form a non-slit portion, i.e., a bridge portion 211. The bridge portion 211 can be a portion of the at least one adhesive member 210 that is small enough not to affect the necking behavior of the at least one adhesive member 210. In addition, in some examples, the bridge portion 211 can improve the handling of the at least one adhesive member 210 during preparation.

[0096] In some examples, at least one tab 230 is connected to at least the adhesive layer 216 of at least one adhesive member 210 and extends from at least one adhesive member 210. In some examples, at least one tab 230 extends from the first lateral edge 242 and is disposed adjacent to the plurality of slits 220. In some examples, at least one tab 230 tapers away from at least one adhesive member 210 and is D-shaped. Specifically, at least one tab 230 tapers away from the first lateral edge 242 of the adhesive member 210. Alternatively, at least one tab 230 may be connected to the second lateral edge 244 of the adhesive member 210 and may taper away from the second lateral edge 244.

[0097] At least one tab 230 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. When the pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 230, at least one adhesive member 210 is displaced from at least one substrate 104 (shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A In some examples, the plurality of slits 220 are parallel to each other. This can divide the necking region of the at least one adhesive member 210 into a plurality of smaller necking regions with reduced cross-sectional areas. Therefore, the at least one adhesive member 210 can reduce the magnitude of the pulling force F required to peel the at least one adhesive member 210.

[0098] Fig. 10B The at least one adhesive member 210 is provided along Fig. 10A The schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section line AA' is shown. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BIn some examples, at least one adhesive member 210 includes a plurality of adhesive regions 256 disposed adjacent to at least one slit 220. Specifically, the plurality of adhesive regions 256 are separated by the plurality of slits 220. In other words, the plurality of slits 220 divide the at least one adhesive member 210 into separate adhesive regions 256. In some examples, each of the plurality of adhesive regions 256 has a cross-sectional area A1 that is less than a total cross-sectional area A2 of the at least one adhesive member 210. In some examples, the total cross-sectional area A2 of the at least one adhesive member 210 is equal to the sum of the cross-sectional area A1 of the separate adhesive regions 256 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of slits 220.

[0099] In some examples, the plurality of slits 220 divides the at least one adhesive member 210 into a plurality of small necked regions (corresponding to the plurality of adhesive regions 256) having a reduced cross-sectional area. In some examples, the plurality of smaller necked regions having a reduced cross-sectional area can enable the adhesive member 210 to be activated or stretched from the at least one substrate 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ). Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A A lower pulling force F is required to remove at least one adhesive member 210 from each of the above-described embodiments.

[0100] In some examples, multiple adhesive regions 256 may be activated or stretched individually, sequentially, or in parallel when a pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 230. In some examples, at least one tab 230 may include one or more tabs (not shown) attached to each of multiple adhesive regions 256 to facilitate removal of at least one adhesive member 210.

[0101] Fig.11 FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member 210 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 In the illustrated embodiment of, each slit 220 from the plurality of slits 220 extends from a first lateral edge 242 to a second lateral edge 244. In some examples, at least one tab 230 extends from the first lateral edge 242 and is disposed adjacent to the plurality of slits 220. In some examples, at least one tab 230 tapers away from at least one adhesive member 210 and is D-shaped. Specifically, at least one tab 230 tapers away from the first lateral edge 242 of the adhesive member 210. Alternatively, at least one tab 230 may be connected to a second lateral edge 244 of the adhesive member 210 and may taper away from the second lateral edge 244.

[0102] At least one tab 230 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. When the pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 230, at least one adhesive member 210 is displaced from at least one substrate 104 (shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A Each of the above is peeled off.

[0103] Fig.12 FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member 210 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each slit 220 from the plurality of slits 220 extends from a first lateral edge 242 to a second lateral edge 244. In some examples, the at least one tab 230 includes a first tab 232 extending from the first lateral edge 242 and disposed adjacent to the plurality of slits 220. In some examples, the at least one tab also includes a second tab 234 extending from the second lateral edge 244 and disposed adjacent to the plurality of slits 220. In some examples, each of the first tab 232 and the second tab 234 tapers away from the respective first lateral edge 242 and the second lateral edge 244 and is D-shaped.

[0104] In some examples, both the first tab 232 and the second tab 234 are configured to receive a pulling force F in opposite directions from a user. When the pulling force F is applied to the first tab 232 and the second tab 234 in opposite directions, at least one adhesive member 210 is pulled away from at least one substrate 104 (shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A Each of the above is peeled off.

[0105] Fig.13 FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of at least one adhesive member 310. The at least one adhesive member 310 is functionally equivalent to Figures 1A to 9C At least one adhesive member 110. In some examples, the at least one adhesive member 310 also includes a first longitudinal edge 336 extending along the longitudinal axis L, a second longitudinal edge 338 on the opposite side of the first longitudinal edge 336 and extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis L, a first transverse edge 342 extending between the first longitudinal edge 336 and the second longitudinal edge 338 along a transverse axis T orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L, and a second transverse edge 344 on the opposite side of the first transverse edge 342 and extending between the first longitudinal edge 336 and the second longitudinal edge 338 along the transverse axis T.

[0106] In some examples, at least one adhesive member 310 includes at least one slit 320 extending through at least one adhesive member 310. In some examples, at least one slit 320 includes a plurality of slits 320 spaced apart from one another. In some examples, the plurality of slits 320 includes a central slit 322 extending along a diagonal axis D of at least one adhesive member 310. In some examples, the diagonal axis D extends from a first intersection 302 between a first longitudinal edge 336 and a first transverse edge 342 and a second intersection 304 between a second longitudinal edge 338 and a second transverse edge 344.

[0107] In some examples, the plurality of slits 320 further includes a set of upper slits 324 disposed between the central slit 322 and the first longitudinal edge 336. In some examples, each upper slit 324 from the set of upper slits 324 includes a first linear portion 326 and a second linear portion 328 inclined relative to the first linear portion 326 at an upper inclination angle UA.

[0108] In some examples, the upper inclination angle UA of each upper slit 324 is smaller than the upper inclination angle UA of the adjacent upper slit 324 positioned closer to the center slit 322, such that the upper inclination angle UA of the upper slit 324 disposed near the center slit 322 has a maximum value, and the upper inclination angle UA of the upper slit 324 disposed near the first longitudinal edge 336 has a minimum value.

[0109] In some examples, the plurality of slits 320 further includes a set of lower slits 354 disposed between the central slit 322 and the second longitudinal edge 338. In some examples, each lower slit 354 from the set of lower slits 354 includes a first linear portion 356 and a second linear portion 358 inclined relative to the first linear portion 356 at a lower inclination angle LA.

[0110] In some examples, the lower inclination angle LA of each lower slit 354 is smaller than the lower inclination angle LA of the adjacent lower slit 354 positioned closer to the center slit 322, such that the lower inclination angle LA of the lower slit 354 disposed near the center slit 322 has a maximum value, and the lower inclination angle LA of the lower slit 354 disposed near the second longitudinal edge 338 has a minimum value.

[0111] In some examples, at least one tab 330 is connected to at least adhesive layer 316 of at least one adhesive member 310 and extends from at least one adhesive member 310. In some examples, at least one tab 330 includes a first tab 332 extending from first intersection 302 along diagonal axis D, and a second tab 334 extending from second intersection 304 along diagonal axis D.

[0112] In some examples, both the first tab 332 and the second tab 334 are configured to receive a pulling force F in opposite directions from a user. When the pulling force F is applied to the first tab 332 and the second tab 334 in opposite directions, at least one adhesive member 310 is pulled away from at least one substrate 104 (shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 3 ) and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A Each of the above is peeled off.

[0113] Fig.14A is a schematic perspective view of article 400 . Fig. 14B is a schematic bottom view of article 400. In some examples, article 400 may be functionally equivalent to Figures 1A to 3 Now refer to the product 100. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B , the article 400 includes at least one substrate 404. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B In the illustrated embodiment, at least one substrate 404 is substantially circular in shape.

[0114] The article 400 also includes at least one adhesive member 410 (shown in Fig. 14B At least one adhesive member 410 includes an adhesive layer 416 (shown in Fig. 14B ) and at least one slit 420 extending through at least one adhesive member 410 (shown in Fig. 14B ). Article 400 also includes at least one tab 430 connected to at least adhesive layer 416 of at least one adhesive member 416 and extending from at least one adhesive member 410. In some examples, at least one substrate 404 includes at least one cutout 418 configured to at least partially receive at least one tab 430 therethrough.

[0115] like Fig. 14B As shown, in some examples, at least one slit 420 has a spiral shape, such that at least one adhesive member 410 includes a spiral coil 406 corresponding to the spiral shape of at least one slit 420. In some examples, spiral coil 406 of at least one adhesive member 410 includes an outer end 408. In some examples, at least one tab 430 extends from outer end 408 of spiral coil 406.

[0116] At least one tab 430 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. When the pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 430, at least one adhesive member 410 is at least partially separated adjacent to at least one slit 420 and is separated from at least one substrate 404 and the outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. Figure 1A Specifically, when the pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 430, the spiral coil 406 is unwound along the spiral shape of the at least one slit 420 and passes through the at least one cutout 418 of the at least one substrate 404, so that the at least one adhesive member 410 is separated from the at least one substrate 404 and the outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. Figure 1A Each of the above is peeled off.

[0117] Fig.15A is a schematic perspective view of article 500 . Fig. 15B is a schematic bottom view of article 500. In some examples, article 500 may be functionally equivalent to Figures 1A to 3 Now refer to the product 100. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B , the article 500 includes at least one substrate 504. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B In the illustrated embodiment, at least one substrate 404 is substantially circular in shape.

[0118] like Fig. 15B As shown, the article 500 further includes at least one adhesive member 510 connected to at least one substrate 504. The at least one adhesive member 510 includes an adhesive layer 516 and at least one slit 520 extending through the at least one adhesive member 510. The article 500 further includes at least one tab 530 connected to at least the adhesive layer 516 of the at least one adhesive member 516 and extending from the at least one adhesive member 510.

[0119] In some examples, at least one slit 520 has a spiral shape, such that at least one adhesive member 510 includes a spiral coil 506 corresponding to the spiral shape of the at least one slit 520. In some examples, the spiral coil 506 of the at least one adhesive member 510 includes a central portion 508. In some examples, at least one substrate 504 includes an aperture 505 (shown in FIG. 1 ) extending through the at least one substrate and aligned with the central portion 508 of the spiral coil 506. Fig.15A In some examples, at least one tab 530 extends from the central portion 508 of the helical coil 506 through the aperture 505 of the at least one base 504 .

[0120] At least one tab 530 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. When the pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 530, at least one adhesive member 510 is at least partially separated adjacent to at least one slit 520 and is separated from at least one substrate 504 and the outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. Figure 1ASpecifically, when the pulling force F is applied to the at least one tab 530, the spiral coil 506 is unwound along the spiral shape of the at least one slit 520 and passes through the orifice 505 of the at least one substrate 504, so that the at least one adhesive member 510 is peeled off from the at least one substrate 504 and the outer surface 102 (shown in Figure 1A Each of the above is peeled off.

[0121] Fig.16 is a schematic perspective view of an article 600. In some examples, the article 600 may be functionally equivalent to Figures 1A to 3 100 products. Fig.17 is a schematic bottom view of article 600. Referring now to Fig.16 and Fig.17 , the article 600 includes at least one substrate 604. In some examples, the at least one substrate 604 includes a plurality of substrates 604 connected to each other. In some examples, the plurality of substrates 604 are arranged in a rectangular array including three or more rows 606 and one or more columns 608.

[0122] like Fig.17 As shown, in some examples, the plurality of substrates 604 includes a plurality of first end substrates 640 arranged in a first end row 646 from the plurality of rows 606, a plurality of second end substrates 642 arranged in a second end row 648 from the plurality of rows 606, and one or more intermediate substrates 644 arranged in one or more intermediate rows 650 from the plurality of rows 606. In some examples, the one or more intermediate rows 650 are disposed between the first end row 646 and the second end row 648.

[0123] Article 600 also includes at least one adhesive member 610 connected to at least one substrate 604. In some examples, at least one adhesive member 610 includes a plurality of adhesive members 610 corresponding to the plurality of substrates 604. In some examples, each adhesive member 610 from the plurality of adhesive members 610 is connected to a corresponding substrate 604 from the plurality of substrates 604. In some examples, each adhesive member 610 from the plurality of adhesive members 610 is connected to an adjacent adhesive member 610 from the plurality of adhesive members 610. Each adhesive member of the plurality of adhesive members 610 includes an adhesive layer 616.

[0124] Article 600 also includes at least one tab 630 connected to at least adhesive layer 616 of at least one adhesive member 616 and extending from at least one adhesive member 610. In some examples, at least one tab 630 includes a pair of tabs 630-1, 630-2 extending from a corresponding adhesive member 610 from a plurality of adhesive members 610 and spaced apart from each other. In some examples, at least one tab 630-1, 630-2 from a pair of tabs 630-1, 630-2 is connected to an adjacent tab 630-1, 630-2 from a pair of tabs 630-1, 630-2 extending from an adjacent adhesive member 610, thereby connecting the corresponding adhesive member 610 to the adjacent adhesive member 610.

[0125] In some examples, for each of the first end substrate 640 and the second end substrate 642 arranged in a corresponding column 608 from the one or more columns 608, one tab 630-1 from the pair of tabs 630-1, 630-2 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. In some examples, for each of the first end substrate 640 and the second end substrate 642 arranged in a corresponding column 608 from the one or more columns 608, the other tab 630-2 from the pair of tabs 630-1, 630-2 is connected to an adjacent tab 630-1, 630-2 extending from a corresponding adhesive member 610 of an adjacent intermediate substrate 604 arranged in the corresponding column 608. In some examples, for each intermediate substrate 650 arranged in a corresponding column 608 from one or more columns 608, a pair of tabs 630-1, 630-2 is attached to corresponding adjacent tabs 630-1, 630-2 extending from corresponding adhesive members 610 of the relative substrate 604 arranged in the corresponding column 608.

[0126] Specifically, for each first end substrate 640 arranged in the corresponding column 608, the tab 630-2 is connected to an adjacent tab 630-1 extending from a corresponding adhesive member 610 of an adjacent intermediate substrate 604 arranged in the corresponding column 608. In addition, for each second end substrate 642 arranged in the corresponding column 608, the tab 630-2 is connected to an adjacent tab 630-2 extending from a corresponding adhesive member 610 of an adjacent intermediate substrate 604 arranged in the corresponding column 608.

[0127] In addition, for each first end substrate 640 arranged in the corresponding column 608, the tab 630-1 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. Similarly, for each second end substrate 642 arranged in the corresponding column 608, the tab 630-1 is configured to receive a pulling force F from a user. In some examples, when the pulling force F is applied to one tab 630-1 from a pair of tabs 630-1, 630-2, the plurality of adhesive members 610 arranged in the corresponding column 608 from one or more columns 608 are pulled from the outer surface 102 (shown in FIG. Figure 1A ) and the corresponding substrate 604 are peeled off successively.

[0128] Fig.18 A flow chart is provided to illustrate a method 700 of using an article 100, 400, 500, 600 having at least one substrate 104, 404, 504, 604, at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 connected to the at least one substrate 104, 404, 504, 604, and at least one tab 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 connected to the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610. Reference will be made to Figures 1A to 17 The method 700 is described with reference to the articles 100 , 400 , 500 , 600 .

[0129] Reference now Figures 1A to 18 At step 702, method 700 includes adhesively bonding at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 to outer surface 102. Referring now to Figures 1A to 18 At step 704, method 700 also includes applying a pulling force F to at least one tab 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 to cause at least a partial separation of at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 adjacent to at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, thereby peeling at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 from each of at least one substrate 104, 404, 504, 604 and the outer surface 102.

[0130] In some examples, at least one adhesive member 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 is peeled from each of at least one substrate 104 , 404 , 504 , 604 and outer surface 102 by at least one of necking and rolling.

[0131] In some examples, at least one adhesive member 610 includes a plurality of adhesive members 610 connected to each other. In some examples, applying a pulling force F to at least one tab 630 connected to one of the plurality of adhesive members 610 causes the plurality of adhesive members 610 to be successively peeled off from each of the at least one substrate 604 and the outer surface 102.

[0132] In some examples, at least one slit 420, 520 has a spiral shape, such that at least one adhesive member 410, 510 includes a spiral coil 406, 506 corresponding to the spiral shape of at least one slit 420, 520. In some examples, when the pulling force F is applied, the spiral coil 406, 506 of the at least one adhesive member 410, 510 unwinds along the spiral shape of the at least one slit 420, 520.

[0133] In some examples, at least one slit 120 has a plurality of slits 120 spaced apart from each other and forming a serpentine pattern 140 of at least one adhesive member 110. In some examples, when a pulling force F is applied, serpentine pattern 140 of at least one adhesive member 110 expands along the plurality of slits 120.

[0134] In some examples, method 700 also includes removing release liner 106 from at least one adhesive member 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 prior to bonding at least one adhesive member 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 to outer surface 102 .

[0135] In the articles 100, 400, 500, 600 of the present disclosure, at least one tab 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 is connected to at least the adhesive layer 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616 of at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610. The at least one tab 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 may be accessible to a user of the article 100, 400, 500, 600. Pulling the at least one tab 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 may cause at least a portion of the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 adjacent to the at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 to separate, thereby peeling the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 from each of the at least one substrate 104, 404, 504, 604 and the outer surface 102. Thus, the user may be able to easily remove the article 100, 400, 500, 600 from the outer surface 102.

[0136] At least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 may include a bulk material that allows at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 to at least partially separate adjacent at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 when at least one tab 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 is pulled. In addition, at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 may achieve a reduction in the force required to peel off at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 (e.g., by necking) compared to conventional adhesive members that include a continuous piece of adhesive.

[0137] The at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 of the present disclosure may be continuous and may extend from the at least one tab 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 along the first major surface 112 or the second major surface 114 to the end of the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610. Thus, the at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 may allow the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 to be formed as a single elongated continuous block of material having a narrow cross-sectional area. This can achieve a smaller necked cross-sectional area for at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 when a pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, thereby reducing the magnitude of the pulling force F required to peel off at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610. Thus, the effect of peeling off at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 on both at least one substrate 104, 404, 504, 604 and outer surface 102 can be minimized.

[0138] In some examples, at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 includes a plurality of slits 220, 320 that are substantially parallel to each other. This can divide the necking region of at least one adhesive member 210, 310 into a plurality of smaller necking regions with reduced cross-sectional areas. Therefore, at least one adhesive member 210, 310 of the present disclosure can further reduce the magnitude of the pulling force F required to peel at least one adhesive member 210, 310.

[0139] In some examples, when a pulling force F is applied to at least one tab 230, 330, a plurality of smaller necked regions with reduced cross-sectional areas created in at least one adhesive member 210, 310 by the plurality of slits 220, 320 may be activated or stretched individually, sequentially, or in parallel. Additionally, in some examples, at least one tab 230, 330 may include one or more tabs attached to each of the plurality of adhesive regions 256 to assist in removing at least one adhesive member 210, 310. In some examples, the plurality of smaller necked regions with reduced cross-sectional areas may require a lower pulling force F to remove at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 from each of at least one substrate 104, 404, 504, 604 and the outer surface 102.

[0140] It should be noted that the at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 of at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 may not significantly reduce the adhesion of the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 to the external surface 102 (such as the skin of a user), but facilitates the peeling of the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 from each of the at least one substrate 104, 404, 504, 604 and the external surface 102 without any significant damage or residue. In addition, when the outer surface 102 is the user's skin, the at least one slit 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 can allow moisture to be transmitted through the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, thereby improving the permeability and breathability of the at least one adhesive member 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610.

[0141] In this detailed description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the present invention. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting, and the scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims.

[0142] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0143] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include embodiments with plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0144] Spatially relative terms including, but not limited to, "proximal," "distal," "lower," "upper," "below," "under," "above," and "on top" when used herein are used to facilitate description of an element's spatial relationship to another element. Such spatially relative terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the specific orientation depicted in the drawings and described herein. For example, if an object depicted in a drawing is flipped or inverted, portions previously described as being below or under other elements would be above or on top of these other elements.

[0145] As used herein, when an element, component, or layer is, for example, described as forming a "coincident interface" with another element, component, or layer, or is "on another element, component, or layer," "connected to another element, component, or layer," "coupled to another element, component, or layer," "stacked on another element, component, or layer," or "in contact with another element, component, or layer," the element, component, or layer may, for example, be directly on a particular element, component, or layer, directly connected to a particular element, component, or layer, directly coupled to a particular element, component, or layer, directly stacked on a particular element, component, or layer, directly in contact with a particular element, component, or layer, or an intervening element, component, or layer may be on a particular element, component, or layer, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with a particular element, component, or layer. When an element, component, or layer is, for example, referred to as being "directly on another element," "directly connected to another element," "directly coupled to another element," or "in direct contact with another element," there are no intervening elements, components, or layers, for example.

[0146] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A product, comprising: at least one substrate; at least one adhesive member, the at least one adhesive member comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, wherein the first major surface is attached to the at least one substrate, the at least one adhesive member further comprising: an adhesive layer forming the second major surface of the at least one adhesive member, the adhesive layer comprising an adhesive configured to bond the at least one adhesive member to an exterior surface; and at least one slit extending through the at least one adhesive member from the first major surface to the second major surface; and At least one tab is connected to at least the adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive member and extends from the at least one adhesive member, wherein the at least one tab is configured to receive a pulling force from a user, and wherein when the pulling force is applied to the at least one tab, the at least one adhesive member is at least partially separated adjacent to the at least one slit and peeled away from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adhesive member further includes a first longitudinal edge extending along the longitudinal axis, a second longitudinal edge on the opposite side of the first longitudinal edge and extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis, a first transverse edge extending between the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse edge on the opposite side of the first transverse edge and extending between the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge along the transverse axis.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the at least one slit comprises a plurality of slits spaced apart from one another relative to the transverse axis and extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein the plurality of slits comprises a set of first slits and a set of second slits alternating with the set of first slits, wherein each first slit from the set of first slits extends partially from the first transverse edge toward the second transverse edge such that each first slit is spaced apart from the second transverse edge, and wherein each second slit from the set of second slits extends partially from the second transverse edge toward the first transverse edge such that each second slit is spaced apart from the first transverse edge.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein the at least one adhesive member further comprises a plurality of elongated portions extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, wherein adjacent elongated portions from the plurality of elongated portions are at least partially separated from each other by corresponding first slits from the set of first slits or corresponding second slits from the set of second slits, and wherein the adjacent elongated portions are connected to each other at the first lateral edge or the second lateral edge such that the plurality of elongated portions together form a serpentine pattern.

6. An article according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of slender portions include an end slender portion disposed at the second longitudinal edge, wherein the set of first slits includes an end first slit, the end first slit is disposed near the second longitudinal edge and at least partially separates the end slender portion from an adjacent slender portion, and wherein the at least one tab is connected to the end slender portion and is disposed adjacent to the end first slit.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein each of the end first slit and the end elongated portion extends along the longitudinal axis.

8. The article of claim 6, wherein the end first slit comprises a first slit portion extending from the first lateral edge along the longitudinal axis, a second slit portion extending from the first slit portion and obliquely inclined relative to the first slit portion, and a third slit portion extending from the second slit portion partially along the longitudinal axis toward the second lateral edge.

9. The article according to claim 6, wherein the end elongated portion comprises a first elongated portion connected to an adjacent elongated portion and extending along the longitudinal axis, a second elongated portion extending from the first elongated portion and obliquely inclined relative to the first elongated portion, and a third elongated portion extending from the second elongated portion along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the at least one tab extends from the third elongated portion.

10. The article of claim 3, wherein each slit from the plurality of slits extends from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge.

11. The article of claim 3, wherein each slit from the plurality of slits extends partially from the first lateral edge toward the second lateral edge such that each slit is spaced apart from the second lateral edge.

12. The article of claim 3, wherein the at least one tab extends from the first transverse edge and is disposed adjacent the plurality of slits.

13. The article of claim 3, wherein at least one tab comprises: a first tab extending from the first lateral edge and disposed adjacent the plurality of slits; as well as A second tab extends from the second lateral edge and is disposed adjacent the plurality of slits.

14. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab tapers away from the at least one adhesive member and is D-shaped.

15. The article of claim 2, wherein the at least one slit comprises a plurality of slits spaced apart from one another, the plurality of slits comprising: a central slit extending along a diagonal axis of the at least one adhesive member, the diagonal axis extending from a first intersection between the first longitudinal edge and the first transverse edge and a second intersection between the second longitudinal edge and the second transverse edge; a set of upper slits disposed between the central slit and the first longitudinal edge, wherein each upper slit from the set of upper slits comprises a first linear portion and a second linear portion inclined relative to the first linear portion at an upper inclination angle; as well as A set of lower slits is disposed between the central slit and the second longitudinal edge, wherein each lower slit from the set of lower slits includes a first linear portion and a second linear portion inclined relative to the first linear portion at a lower inclination angle.

16. The article according to claim 15, wherein the upper inclination angle of each upper slit is smaller than the upper inclination angle of the adjacent upper slit positioned closer to the central slit, so that the upper inclination angle of the upper slit arranged near the central slit has a maximum value, and the upper inclination angle of the upper slit arranged near the first longitudinal edge has a minimum value.

17. The article according to claim 15, wherein the lower inclination angle of each lower slit is smaller than the lower inclination angle of the adjacent lower slit positioned closer to the central slit, so that the lower inclination angle of the lower slit arranged near the central slit has a maximum value, and the lower inclination angle of the lower slit arranged near the second longitudinal edge has a minimum value.

18. The article of claim 15, wherein the at least one tab comprises a first tab extending from the first intersection along the diagonal axis, and a second tab extending from the second intersection along the diagonal axis.

19. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab comprises a curved portion extending from the at least one adhesive member, and a disc-shaped portion connected to the curved portion distal to the at least one adhesive member.

20. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab comprises a linear portion extending from the at least one adhesive member, and a disc-shaped portion connected to the linear portion distal to the at least one adhesive member.

21. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one slit has a helical shape such that the at least one adhesive member comprises a helical coil corresponding to the helical shape of the at least one slit.

22. The article of claim 21, wherein the helical coil of the at least one adhesive member includes an outer end, and wherein the at least one tab extends from the outer end of the helical coil.

23. An article according to claim 21, wherein the spiral coil of the at least one adhesive member includes a central portion, wherein the at least one substrate includes an orifice extending through the central portion of the spiral coil and aligned with the central portion of the spiral coil, and wherein the at least one tab extends from the central portion of the spiral coil through the orifice of the at least one substrate.

24. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one substrate comprises at least one cutout configured to at least partially receive the at least one tab therethrough.

25. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one adhesive member further comprises: a core layer comprising a first core major surface facing the at least one substrate and a second core major surface opposite the first core major surface, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed on the second core major surface; as well as Another adhesive layer is disposed on the first core major surface and bonds the at least one adhesive member to the at least one substrate.

26. The article of claim 25, wherein the core layer comprises foam.

27. The article of claim 25, wherein the at least one tab is further connected to the core layer and the further adhesive layer.

28. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab and the at least one adhesive member have the same layered construction.

29. The article of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer also forms a first major surface of the at least one adhesive member and is bonded to the at least one substrate, and wherein the adhesive layer further comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements embedded within the adhesive.

30. The article of claim 29, wherein the plurality of reinforcing elements comprises at least one of cylindrical members and planar members.

31. The article of claim 1 further comprising a release liner releasably attached to the adhesive layer, wherein the release liner is removed prior to bonding the adhesive layer to the outer surface.

32. The article of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive or a stretch release adhesive.

33. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one substrate comprises a main portion connected to the at least one adhesive member, and wherein the main portion is one of a polygonal, circular, oval, and elliptical shape.

34. An article according to claim 1, wherein the at least one substrate comprises a plurality of substrates connected to each other, wherein the at least one adhesive member comprises a plurality of adhesive members corresponding to the plurality of substrates, wherein each adhesive member from the plurality of adhesive members is connected to a corresponding substrate from the plurality of substrates, and wherein each adhesive member from the plurality of adhesive members is connected to an adjacent adhesive member from the plurality of adhesive members so that when a pulling force is applied to the at least one tab connected to one of the adhesive members, the plurality of adhesive members are successively peeled off from the outer surface and the corresponding substrate.

35. An article according to claim 34, wherein for each adhesive member, the at least one tab includes a pair of tabs, the pair of tabs extending from a corresponding adhesive member from the multiple adhesive members and spaced apart from each other, and wherein at least one tab from the pair of tabs is connected to an adjacent tab from the pair of tabs extending from an adjacent adhesive member, thereby connecting the corresponding adhesive member to the adjacent adhesive member.

36. The article of claim 35, wherein the plurality of substrates are arranged in a rectangular array comprising three or more rows and one or more columns, wherein the plurality of substrates comprises a plurality of first end substrates arranged in a first end row from the plurality of rows, a plurality of second end substrates arranged in a second end row from the plurality of rows, and one or more intermediate substrates arranged in one or more intermediate rows from the plurality of rows, wherein the one or more intermediate rows are disposed between the first end row and the second end row, and wherein for each of the first end substrate and the second end substrate arranged in a corresponding column from the one or more columns: One tab from the pair of tabs is configured to receive a pulling force from a user; and Another tab from the pair of tabs is connected to an adjacent tab extending from a corresponding adhesive member of an adjacent intermediate substrate arranged in the corresponding column.

37. An article according to claim 36, wherein for each of the intermediate substrates arranged in a corresponding column from the one or more columns, the pair of tabs are attached to corresponding adjacent tabs extending from corresponding adhesive members of the relative substrate arranged in the corresponding column.

38. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab is adhesive-free.

39. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab comprises an adhesive layer.

40. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one adhesive member comprises a plurality of adhesive regions disposed adjacent the at least one slit, and wherein each of the plurality of adhesive regions has a cross-sectional area that is less than a total cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one adhesive member.

41. A method of using an article having at least one substrate, at least one adhesive member attached to the at least one substrate, and at least one tab attached to the at least one adhesive member, the method comprising: adhesively bonding the at least one adhesive member to the outer surface; as well as A pulling force is applied to the at least one tab to cause at least partial separation of the at least one adhesive member adjacent to the at least one slit, thereby peeling the at least one adhesive member from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one adhesive member is peeled from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface by at least one of necking and rolling.

43. A method according to claim 41, wherein the at least one adhesive member includes a plurality of adhesive members connected to each other, and wherein a pulling force is applied to the at least one tab connected to one of the plurality of adhesive members so that the plurality of adhesive members are successively peeled off from each of the at least one substrate and the outer surface.

44. A method according to claim 41, wherein the at least one slit has a spiral shape, so that the at least one adhesive member includes a spiral coil corresponding to the spiral shape of the at least one slit, and wherein when a pulling force is applied, the spiral coil of the at least one adhesive member unwinds along the spiral shape of the at least one slit.

45. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one slit comprises a plurality of slits spaced apart from one another and forming a serpentine pattern of the at least one adhesive member, and wherein upon application of a pulling force, the serpentine pattern of the at least one adhesive member expands along the plurality of slits.

46. ​​The method of claim 41, further comprising removing a release liner from the at least one adhesive member prior to bonding the at least one adhesive member to the outer surface.

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