Storage accessory with aesthetic cover and removable wall mount - Patents.com

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an adhesive attachment assembly that can be removed from a surface without damage by reducing the contribution of hard goods to the peel force generated by the adhesive article during removal.In some cases, this can be achieved by a mounting plate that includes one or more mounting bodies that are flexible in the peel direction and rigid in the weight hanging direction.The mounting assembly may further include a cover to stabilize the assembly during use and to hide aspects of the mounting plate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to attachable assemblies that can be attached or adhered to a substrate and removed from the substrate without damaging the substrate. The present disclosure also generally relates to methods of making and using such assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Existing peelable adhesive products often do not perform well on various surfaces, such as painted surfaces and rough surfaces (e.g., drywall). In addition, existing peelable products may exhibit low shear strength, and therefore may not be able to hold much weight or may require a relatively thick structure, which may increase the possibility of damage when such products are removed from the substrate. Furthermore, attachment devices typically include a relatively rigid hardgood used to attach the desired object, which may increase the peel force required to remove the attachment device. This removal difficulty often requires the use of multi-component structures, which tend to at least impose multiple removal steps on the user or increase manufacturing complexity and cost. In order to reduce the peel force during removal, attempts have been made to replace existing backings with ones that have a lower stiffness (elastic modulus). For example, soft and elastic backings have been shown to result in lower peel forces, which correlate with a more easily perceptible elongation (strain) of the adhesive during removal. The inventors have realized that even with favorable changes in backing materials, adhesive articles remain difficult to remove in a single step and still suffer visible damage.Therefore, the inventors of the present disclosure have sought to create a peelable attachment product that has at least one of the following characteristics: higher shear strength, can hold higher weight consistently without any damage to the substrate to which it is applied, and / or can be more easily removed by users from the substrate, and can work well on painted or rough surfaces.

[0003] The inventors of the present disclosure have recognized that existing peel adhesive products can be improved or enhanced by reducing or eliminating the contribution of the hardgoods to the peel force generated by the adhesive during removal. In some cases, this can be achieved by increasing the flexibility of the hardgoods in one or more directions that are offset from the direction of gravity exerted by the object to which they are attached. Increasing flexibility tends to reduce the peel force required to remove the product by mitigating the peel force required to separate the hardgoods from the substrate, and thus the adhesive article of the present disclosure can utilize a myriad of adhesive structures without adversely affecting the removability without damage. In some cases, improving the structure of the hardgoods allows the adhesive article to hold a larger weight. In some embodiments, the enhanced performance allows the adhesive article to be used in harsh environments (e.g., baths or showers). In some embodiments, improving removability increases or improves product performance on certain surfaces (e.g., rough or textured surfaces, e.g., wallpaper, drywall, etc.).

[0004] The inventors of the present disclosure have also recognized that providing a hardgood with anisotropic flexibility is a novel and effective way to enhance the performance of adhesive articles while improving the damage-free characteristics of the product.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an adhesive article including a flexible body and an adhesive disposed adjacent a rear major surface of the body. The flexible body includes a plurality of body segments, each including a linear segment and an associated connector element. The body segments are spaced apart at a certain interval and are connected only at distinct locations displaced from the center of the body. The connectors are located adjacent an edge region of the body and can function to connect two adjacent segments. In some implementations, the body segments include linear elements that oscillate about a central axis and are arranged substantially parallel. Such implementations can include arc-shaped connector elements.

[0006] The flexible body may further include a protrusion for attaching an object, the protrusion may include protruding segments spaced apart at a certain interval and connected at an edge region.

[0007] The adhesive may be disposed directly on a major surface of the body segment. In other implementations, the flexible body may include a backplate having at least one of a length dimension and a width dimension that is greater than the corresponding dimension of the body segment. The backplate may be monolithic with the body segment or may be bonded or otherwise coupled to the body segment. The adhesive in such implementations is disposed on a rear major surface of the backplate. Mounting assemblies according to the present disclosure exhibit at least one of damage-free removal, repositionability, and high shear strength, even in wet or humid environments (e.g., bathrooms).

[0008] In one aspect of the disclosure, an attachable apparatus comprises a storage device including at least one wire segment, at least one mounting plate to which at least one of the wire segments is engaged, and optionally a cover attachable to the wire structure, the cover obscuring at least one hanger and at least a portion of at least one of the wire segments.

[0009] In another aspect of the disclosure, a mounting plate includes a solid backplate having a longitudinal length and a transverse width, and a plurality of fins on a first major surface of the backplate, the fins extending across at least a portion of the length and spaced apart from one another along the width, at least some of the fins including hook portions projecting from a front surface of the fin and defining recesses.

[0010] As used herein, "layer" means a single layer that may be continuous or discontinuous on a surface.

[0011] As used herein, the terms "height," "depth," "top," and "bottom" are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily define an orientation or relationship between a surface and a penetrating feature. Thus, the terms "height" and "depth," as well as "top" and "bottom," should be considered interchangeable.

[0012] The terms "comprises" and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the description and claims.

[0013] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, or is intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0014] All numbers recited herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about."

[0015] As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Thus, for example, an adhesive article that includes "a" adhesive layer can be interpreted as a core that includes "one or more" adhesive layers.

[0016] Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (eg, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0017] The term "approximately," when used herein as a modifier to a characteristic or attribute, means that the characteristic or attribute would be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, but does not require absolute precision or perfect agreement (e.g., within ±20% for quantifiable characteristics), unless otherwise specified. The term "substantially," unless otherwise specified, means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within ±10% for quantifiable characteristics), but again, does not require absolute precision or perfect agreement. Terms such as same, equal, uniform, constant, exactly, etc., are understood to be within normal tolerances or measurement errors applicable to a particular situation, but do not require absolute precision or perfect agreement.

[0018] The above "Summary" of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The following description illustrates exemplary embodiments in more detail. In several places throughout the application, guidance is provided by listing examples, which examples can be used in various combinations. In each instance, the listed listings serve only as a representative group and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive listing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an exemplary mounting assembly of the type generally described herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mounting plate used in the mounting assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flexible mounting body of the mounting plate of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an aesthetic cover for use with the mounting assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cover of FIG. 5. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1 without the aesthetic cover. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting plate according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The layers in a particular illustrated embodiment are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to completely define the thickness, related or otherwise, or absolute location of any components. The above-identified figures illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, however, other embodiments are also contemplated as noted herein. In all cases, the present disclosure is presented by way of representation and not limitation. It is to be understood that those skilled in the art can devise numerous other modifications and embodiments which are within the scope and spirit of the principles of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Various embodiments and implementations are described in detail. These embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application in any way, and changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, only some end uses are detailed herein, but end uses not expressly described herein are also included within the scope of this application. Therefore, the scope of this application should be determined by the claims.

[0022] The present disclosure generally relates to an adhesive article that can be removed from a substrate, wall, or surface (generally, an adherend) without damage to the adherend or to at least some components of the article (e.g., the flexible body described below). As used herein, terms such as "without damage" and "without damage" mean that the adhesive article can be separated from the substrate without causing visible damage and / or leaving residue on the paint, coating, resin, covering, or underlying substrate. Visible damage to the substrate can be, for example, in the form of scratches, tears, delamination, breakage, crumbling, distortion, etc. of any layer of the substrate. Visible damage can also be discoloration, weakening, gloss change, haze change, or other changes in the appearance of the substrate.

[0023] The assembly of the present disclosure includes a flexible attachment body, a wire frame containment device or accessory including one or more wire segments, and one or more aesthetic covers. The flexible attachment body can include multiple load-bearing segments and can be peelable or stretch-releasable from the adherend. As used herein, the term "peelable" means that the adhesive article can be removed from a substrate or surface by peeling at an angle of about 1° to about 180°. In some embodiments, the adhesive article can be removed from a substrate or surface by peeling at an angle of 30° to 120°. In some embodiments, the adhesive article can be removed from a substrate or surface by peeling at an angle of at least about 35°.

[0024] 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of a mounting assembly 100 as generally described herein. The mounting assembly 100 includes a storage device 200 and an aesthetic cover 300. The cover 300 is disposed adjacent the rear region 202 of the storage device 200 and provides a continuous major surface 310 that extends substantially the length 204 of the storage device 200. The cover 300 may include a single cover body 301 as shown, or may include several separate bodies each covering a separate portion of the storage device 200. As described in more detail below, the cover 300 may be removably connectable to parallel or substantially parallel components (e.g., wires) 220, 230 on the storage device 200. The cover 300 functions to at least partially obscure from view a mounting plate 400 that includes one or more flexible mounting bodies 410.

[0025] With further reference to FIG. 2, the storage device 200 includes a body 210 configured to provide desired storage or organization attributes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body 210 is a caddy or basket sized and shaped to receive and house various items of interest (e.g., shampoo bottles, soap, body wash, etc.). Alternatively, the body 210 can consist of or include shelves, rails, or similar structures and / or provide other storage features of interest (e.g., holders configured to hold specific objects such as handheld razors). Additionally, the body 210 can provide multiple shelves, multiple caddies, a single caddy with one or more dividers, etc. Alternatively, the storage device body 210 can include or carry a mirror. Exemplary storage devices useful in the mounting assemblies of the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 9-16.

[0026] In any event, the body 210 has an elongated length defined, for example, by a main shelf or base 240 (e.g., in the configuration of Figs. 1 and 2 where the body 210 is a caddy, the shelf 240 constitutes the bottom of the caddy). It will be understood that the configuration of the main shelf 240 is not particularly important to the principles of the present disclosure, but rather, reference is made to the main shelf 240 to designate the intended orientation of the body 210 during use. The longitudinal (or length) direction defined or generated by the shape of the elongated body 200 (e.g., by the shelf 240) is indicated by arrow X in Fig. 2, and the transverse (or height) direction perpendicular to the length is indicated by arrow Y. The depth direction (Z) is into the plane of the page in Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the storage device body 210 is sized and shaped such that the shelf 240 is intended to be placed in a horizontal orientation when the storage device 200 is ultimately mounted on a wall. This orientation is reflected in Fig. 2, where the horizontal direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction X. In this same spatial orientation, the vertical direction corresponds to the lateral direction Y. As will be made clear below, various other features of the mounting assembly 100 can be described in terms of horizontal and vertical (or longitudinal and lateral) directions X, Y established by the intended orientation of the storage device 200. However, it will be understood that the storage device 200, and specifically the body 210, can be configured for other spatial orientations in which the main shelf 240 is not necessarily horizontal. The terms "longitudinal" and "horizontal" are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure, as are the terms "lateral" and "vertical". It should be understood that these terms are used in a relative sense for ease of description only, and are not limiting. For example, a reference to a "horizontal" orientation of a feature of a particular object is not limited to that object or feature being oriented only in a horizontal direction.

[0027] The body 210 can be made of any desired material or combination of materials. For example, as shown, the body 210 may comprise a wire rod structure or a wire frame structure (e.g., a wire basket). The wire frame structure includes at least two wire segments 220, 230 arranged substantially parallel to each other and defining a rear surface of the body. The wire segments may be continuous across the Y direction or may include separate portions (see, for example, FIG. 10). Furthermore, the wire segments 220, 230 are arranged in a plane A that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main shelf 240. The horizontal wire segments 220, 230 may include the same cross-sectional geometry (i.e., shape and size) or, alternatively, may include different cross-sectional geometries. For example, the lower wire segment 230 may have a larger cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) than the upper wire segment 220.

[0028] In some embodiments, storage device 200 may be positioned, during use, such that the plane of main shelf 240 is substantially horizontal (i.e., disposed in horizontal direction X). When so positioned, the extensions of wire segments 220, 230 are also substantially perpendicular to main shelf 240. Alternatively, wire segment plane A may have other relationships relative to shelf 240 and / or to the environment in which storage device 200 is mounted. However, wire segment plane A is substantially aligned with lateral direction Y in some embodiments.

[0029] The body 210 includes additional vertical wire segments 250, 260 that extend substantially perpendicular to the generally horizontal wire segments 220, 230. The vertical wire segments 250, 260 may extend between the lower wire segment 230 and the main shelf 240 and are generally coplanar with a plane A that encompasses the rear surface of the body 210. In other embodiments, the vertical wire segments 250, 260 may extend further between the upper wire segment 220 and the lower wire segment 230. As with the horizontal wire segments 220, 230, the vertical wire segments 250, 260 may include the same cross-sectional geometry or may include different cross-sectional geometries. As can be appreciated, the body 210, as well as other storage devices described herein, include several other wire segments, arranged individually or in concert, that help define the shape and function of a given storage device, and further description of these segments is not pertinent to the remainder of this disclosure.

[0030] In other embodiments, the body can include a generally solid structure (e.g., a molded plastic article) that may have one or more holes (e.g., for drainage if the assembly 100 is used as a shower caddy.) The body can encompass any conceivable shape and configuration, so long as it can be attached to a surface (e.g., a wall) as described herein.

[0031] The storage device 200 can be coupled to a desired surface via a mounting plate 400 comprised of one or more flexible mounting bodies 410 and an optional backplate 450. The flexible mounting bodies 410 may be made integral with the backplate 450 or may be attached to the backplate. The flexible mounting bodies 410 each include a load-bearing protrusion 440 sized and shaped to receive the lower wire segment 230, preferably in a snap-fit ​​or pressure-fit relationship. The storage assembly 100 includes three flexible mounting bodies 410, although the number of flexible mounting bodies 410 can be reduced or increased depending on the size of the storage device. For example, in other embodiments featuring storage devices having a shorter length along the X-direction, the mounting plate 400 may include one or two flexible mounting bodies 410. For heavier or longer storage devices, the mounting plate may include four or more mounting bodies 410.

[0032] Each flexible attachment body 410 includes a plurality of body segments 420 that cooperate to define the shape and perimeter of the attachment body 410. The body segments 420 each include a hook segment 441 that cooperates to define a load-bearing protrusion. Adjacent body segments 420 are connected by a shared connector segment 430. Thus, the flexible body 410 is comprised of a plurality (n) of body segments 420 and a corresponding number (n-1) of connector segments 430. Each of the plurality of body segments 420 is spaced apart from one another by a certain pitch (e.g., center-to-center distance) "D" and is directly connected to any adjacent body segment only at the connector segments 430. The body segments 420 are wider in the horizontal X-direction and thicker in the Z-direction than the connector segments 430, as shown. Thus, the body segments 420 are free to flex at least in the horizontal direction.

[0033] As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the body segments 420 are arranged about a central horizontal axis of the mounting body 410. The body segments 420 extend perpendicular to the central axis and are continuous in the Y direction. In other implementations, the body segments 420 need not be arranged substantially parallel, but may instead assume a sinusoidal shape. Alternatively, the body segments 420 may be arranged in a triangular wave, sawtooth wave, or radial pattern, to identify some non-limiting examples. Other suitable flexible mounting bodies can be found in International Publication No. WO 2020 / 128911 (Khodaparast et al.).

[0034] Each body segment 420 and connector segment 430 includes a cross-sectional thickness "T" in the z-direction. In the illustrated article, the cross-sectional thickness is continuous throughout the entire dimension of each body segment 420 and connector segment 430. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional thickness T may be thicker near the center of the flexible attachment body 410 than at the edge(s), or vice versa. In some such embodiments, the cross-sectional thickness may include a thickness that tapers as it approaches either the center or an edge of the body 410. In some embodiments, the body segment 420 has a maximum thickness at its thickest point in the Z-direction that is between about 20 mils and about 200 mils. In the same or other embodiments, the connector segment 430 has a maximum thickness between about 5 mils and 20 mils. The horizontal flexibility may be influenced by adjusting the relative thicknesses of the connector segment 430 and the body segment 420, with relatively thinner connector segments exhibiting greater flexibility.

[0035] The connector segments 430 act as connecting webs between the body segments and may extend the entire vertical (Y-direction) length of adjacent body segments 420 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In other embodiments, the connector segments 430 may be discontinuous or may extend less than the entire vertical length of the body segments. Reducing the amount of connector segment material between the body segments tends to increase the flexibility of the flexible attachment body 410 in the X-direction. However, care should be taken to avoid small concentrations of shear stress when connecting to the primary storage device 200 using load-bearing protrusions.

[0036] The arrangement of the body segments 420 in the flexible mounting body 410 results in a pitch "D" that is substantially the same along the length of the mounting body. Increasing or decreasing the pitch "D" (i.e., spacing) between or along the length of adjacent segments can affect flexibility, which also tends to vary the center-to-center size and pitch "C" of adjacent connector segments 430. Exemplary ranges for both pitch D and pitch C are approximately 0.05 inches to 0.5 inches, with pitch D and pitch C typically (but not necessarily) being substantially the same distance.

[0037] Flexibility can also be affected by varying the arrangement of the body segments or increasing or decreasing the number of body segments 420 (and corresponding connectors 430), meaning that the absolute number of body segments 420 is not critical; four or more, or six or more, can provide sufficient performance depending on the intended end use. The body segments 420 resist peeling in a direction substantially parallel to the Y direction. This designed resistance allows the flexible body to hold the attached weight and exhibit the necessary shear strength, while still allowing manipulation of the segments to facilitate removal.

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the body segments 420 are generally rectangular in shape, however, the body segments 420 may reflect a variety of shapes. For example, the shape of one or more of the body segments 420 may be a polygon (e.g., a square, tetrahedron, rhombus, trapezoid) that may or may not be a regular polygon, or the cross-sectional shape of the body segments may be curved (e.g., circular or elliptical). Each body segment 420 has a length 425 and a width 426, where the length 425 is typically greater than the width. The relatively larger length 425 aids in the shear retention of the flexible body when weight is applied in the Y direction (typically on the load bearing protrusions 460). In one exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the length to the width is at least 15:1. An exemplary range for the length 425 of each linear segment is between about 0.8 inches and 6 inches, while an exemplary range for the width 426 is between about 0.05 inches and about 0.3 inches.

[0039] The first major surfaces 421, 431 of the body segments 420 and connectors 430 define a front major surface 411 of the flexible mounting body 410, while their second major surfaces (not shown) define a rear major surface of the flexible body 410. The major surfaces also cooperate to define a first body plane, and the second major surfaces cooperate to define a second body plane. The illustrated body planes are parallel, but in other embodiments may intersect to form an oblique angle.

[0040] The side edges of the flexible mounting body 410 may be provided with flaps or other protruding structures to aid in removal of the body from the mounting surface. The flaps extend generally along the X-axis and can be used to initiate peeling of the front surface or to provide a better grip for the user.

[0041] A load bearing protrusion 440 projects outwardly from the front major surface 411 of each flexible attachment body 410. The protrusion 440 includes a plurality of curved hook segments 441 coupled to corresponding body segments 420. The hook segments 441 are separate and distinct from one another. The distal hook fingers 443 of each hook segment 441 extend about a plane substantially parallel to its corresponding body segment 420. A recess 447 formed between a surface of each body segment 420 and the hook segment 441 can receive a lower wire segment 230 or similar structure on the article to be attached. The recess 447 can have a generally circular cross-sectional common as shown, but typically shares the cross-sectional shape of the corresponding wire segment. The distance to the hook finger 443 may be less than the cross-sectional dimension of the recess 447 or the wire segment 230, and the finger 443 must flex away from the body 410 to accommodate the wire segment 230 and return to its initial state to prevent the storage device 200 from accidentally disconnecting.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all elements of the flexible mounting body are one-piece or monolithic in that they are made from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the components may be manufactured separately and joined together to form the flexible body. Exemplary materials and constructions of the flexible mounting body are discussed in more detail below.

[0043] The backplate 450 extends beyond the outer edges of each flexible mounting body 410 and includes a length and width that each exceed the corresponding dimensions of each flexible mounting body 410, and also exceed the sum of the corresponding dimensions. The thickness of the backplate 450 is typically less than the corresponding thickness of the body 410, allowing for greater flexibility despite the typically monolithic nature of the backplate 450. An adhesive layer (not shown) may be affixed to a rear major surface 452 of the backplate 450.

[0044] The backplate can be advantageous in concealing an aesthetically undesirable adhesive layer and can provide additional rigidity to the adhesive article to help support the weight of the attached object. The backplate may be made integral with the flexible mounting body or may be made separately and then affixed.

[0045] Materials forming the backplate may include natural or synthetic polymer films, fabric-reinforced polymer films, films or nonwovens of fiber or spun yarn-reinforced polymers, fabrics such as woven fabrics formed from threads of synthetic or natural materials such as cotton, nylon, rayon, glass, ceramic materials, and the like, or any combination of these materials. The backplate may also be formed from metal, metallized polymer films, or ceramic sheet materials in combination with at least one of the above. In some embodiments, the backplate is a multi-layer film having two or more layers, and in some such embodiments, the layers are laminated. For example, the backplate may be formed from foam, polymer film, or combinations thereof, having any suitable thickness, composition, and opacity or transparency. Exemplary materials and constructions of the backplate are discussed in more detail below.

[0046] An attachment adhesive layer (not shown in FIG. 1 ) can be disposed on the rear major surface 452 of the backplate 450. The attachment adhesive layer can be a single layer or can be multiple layers. The adhesive layer can be continuous or discontinuous (e.g., patterned) across the rear major surface 452. The available bonding area of ​​the assembly 100 includes the total area defined by the outer surface of the adhesive layer. In embodiments without a backplate, the available bonding area can include or not include the connector segments 430. The available bonding area is used to couple the adhesive attachment body 410 to, for example, a wall surface. In other exemplary embodiments, the assembly 100 can be free of an adhesive layer on the second major surface of the backplate. For example, the second major surface can include one component of a separable connector (e.g., a hook or loop structure). Suitable separable connectors can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,692,807 (Bries et al.) and 9,920,786 (Runge et al.).

[0047] The attachment adhesive layer is typically coextensive with the major surfaces 451, 452 of the backplate. In other embodiments not shown, the adhesive layer may extend beyond the perimeter of the backplate. The thickness of the adhesive layer(s) is not particularly limited, but is typically substantially continuous across the rear major surface 452. In preferred implementations of the invention, the adhesive layer thickness is 95% or less, 90% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, and in some implementations, 10% or less of the body thickness "T". In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 140 has a thickness of about 1 mil to about 8 mils.

[0048] 5, the aesthetic cover 300 has a length 302 and a width 304, each equal to or greater than the corresponding dimension of the mounting plate 400. The cover 300 also includes a shape configured to substantially match the shape of the mounting plate 400, and thus is rectangular in the illustrated embodiment. In this manner, the cover 300, when fully assembled, obscures the mounting plate 400 from view. The front surface 303 of the cover 300 may include indicia, branding information, or instructions regarding the use of the containment assembly 100. The edges 305, 306, 307, 308 of the cover may include chamfers or other curvatures.

[0049] The cover 300 may include a rear cavity 310 for receiving the flexible mounting body 410 and the wire segments 220, 230. The cavity 310 may be defined by side walls 320, 330, a top wall 318, and a bottom wall 316 that protrude from a rear surface 312 of the cover 300. The top wall 318 may be provided by a curved top edge 307 or may be a separate structure like the bottom wall 316. The side walls 320, 330 are set a certain distance away from the horizontal edges 305 and 306 to form awnings 370, 372 and further conceal the connection points between the storage device 200 and the cover 300.

[0050] The side walls 320, 330 may extend over the entire vertical (Y-direction) height of the cavity 310 or may extend only along its central portion. The side wall 320 includes recesses that function as retention notches 322, 324, while the side wall 330 includes retention notches 332, 334. The retention notches 322 and 332 are disposed along a first horizontal axis R1, while the retention notches 324 and 334 are similarly disposed about a second horizontal axis R2 that is at least substantially parallel to the first axis. Each retention notch 322, 324, 332, 334 is sized and shaped to retain a portion of the wire segment 220 or 230, with the upper segment 220 intended to be received in the retention notches 322 and 332 and the lower segment 230 intended to be received in the retention notches 324 and 334.

[0051] Each retention notch 322, 324, 332, 334 may terminate in a well 323, 325, 333, 335 having dimensions commensurate with the cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the corresponding wire segment 220 or 230. Each retention notch 322, 324, 332, and 334 may include an opening 338 that includes tapered edges to create a funnel into the respective well. The side walls 320, 330 may be made from a sufficiently resilient material to allow the opening 338 to expand when the cover 300 is pressed onto the wire segments 220, 230.

[0052] The cavity 310 may include clips 350, 360 disposed along a first horizontal axis R1. Each clip 350, 360 may include opposing ridges 352, 362 spaced apart along the Y direction, the distance between the ridges corresponding generally to a cross-sectional dimension of the upper wire segment 220. The ridges 352, 362 further restrict movement of the storage device 200, particularly rotation away from the wall, when the cover 300 is assembled to the wire segments 220, 230.

[0053] The vertical wire segments 250, 260 can also hook into retention notches 370, 380 in the bottom wall 218. The retention notches 370, 380 share many of the same features as the retention notches 322, 324, 332, and 324, and these features need not be repeated again. The retention notches 370, 380 can help prevent horizontal movement of the storage device 200 relative to the mounting plate 400, reducing the chance of accidentally removing the adhesive or damaging the flexible mounting body 410.

[0054] To install the storage assembly 100, the mounting plate 400 is first secured to a surface (e.g., a wall) at a user's desired location using an adhesive layer. The upper wire segment 220 can then be clipped or otherwise coupled to the hook segments 441 on the multiple flexible mounting bodies 420. The body 210 may be optionally rotated toward the mounting surface so that the lower wire segment 230 abuts or is otherwise adjacent (as shown in FIG. 7 ) to the mounting surface. The upper wire segment 220 and the lower wire segment 230 are preferably, but not necessarily, coplanar in a plane parallel to the front surface of the mounting plate 400 (front surface 451 of the back plate 450 as shown). The cover 300 can then be pressed against the wall so that the upper wire segment 220 is received in the retention notches 322, 332 and between the clips 350, 360. The cover can also be pressed against the mounting surface so that the lower wire segment 230 is received within the retention notches 324 , 334 and the vertical wire segments 250 , 260 are received within the retention notches 370 , 380 in the bottom wall 318 .

[0055] Alternatively, the elements of the storage assembly 100 may be coupled together prior to mounting plate 400 being attached to the desired mounting surface.

[0056] An alternative embodiment of a mounting plate 500 is shown in FIG. 8. The mounting plate 500 is particularly well suited for use with stretch releasable adhesive strips, although this is not required. The mounting plate 500 includes a backplate 510 having a first major surface 511 and an oppositely facing second major surface 512. A plurality of stiffening fins (i.e., body segments) 550a-550f project outwardly from the first major surface 511 and extend the vertical length of the first major surface 511. Similar to the mounting plate 400, the fins 550a-550f are centered about a central horizontal axis 518 of the backplate 1010. The plurality of fins 550a-550f extend perpendicular to the central axis 518 and are continuous in the Y direction along the surface 511 of the backplate 510. Each of the multiple fins 550a-550f are horizontally spaced apart from one another by a particular pitch "D" and are not directly connected to one another except through a shared connection to the backplate 510.

[0057] Each fin has a length along the perpendicular Y direction and a width in the X direction, where the length is typically much greater than the width, which is relatively thin by design. The relatively greater length aids in the shear retention of the flexible body when weight is applied in the Y direction. In one exemplary embodiment, the ratio of length to width is at least 15:1. An exemplary range for the length of each linear segment is about 0.8 inches to 6 inches, while an exemplary range for the width is about 0.03 inches to about 0.3 inches.

[0058] Each of the multiple fins protrudes in the Z direction to a certain height "H", measured from the front surface 511 to the outermost surface 552 of each fin 550a-550f. As shown, the height H of each fin is higher near the center of the flexible mounting body 510 than the edge(s) 515. This tapered height provides greater strength at the load bearing protrusion 560. In other embodiments, the height "H" is continuous in the entire vertical direction or has an increasing taper toward the edge 515. An exemplary preferred height H of the fins is 80-100 thousandths, tapering to 60 thousandths.

[0059] The stiffening fins 550a-550f can be arranged in three groups that share a common pitch "D". Fin group 551 includes stiffening fins 550a-550c, and group 553 includes stiffening fins 550d-550f. The fins in groups 551, 553 are spaced apart by the same pitch D, but group edge fins 550c and 550d are spaced apart by a greater distance. This arrangement tends to maximize the stiffness of the mounting body 500 above (in the Z direction) the stretch releasing adhesive strip (e.g., COMMAND adhesive strip). Thus, the mounting plate 500 is relatively stiff when compared to the flexible mounting body 410.

[0060] A load bearing surface 560 extends outwardly from the front major surface 552 of each fin 550b-550e. The load bearing surface 560 includes a plurality of hook segments 561b-561e coupled to corresponding fins 550b-550e. The hook segments 561b-561e are separate and distinct from one another. The outer fins 550a and 550f in other embodiments not shown may not have corresponding hook segments, allowing an attached storage device or other hardgood to pivot against the fins 550a, 550f to aid in stability. The distal hook fingers 563 of each hook segment 561 extend in a plane substantially parallel to its corresponding fin 550. A recess 567 formed between the surface of each fin 550b-550fd and the hook segments 561d-561e may receive a wire segment 220, bracket, or other crossbar structure attached to the attached storage device or hardgood. A protrusion 564 may be formed on the surface 552 within the recess 567 of each fin 550 to prevent a wire, bracket, or crossbar from being accidentally removed from the recess 567 once seated. The hook segment 561 further includes a support wall 568 integral with the corresponding fin 550 below the bottom surface of the recess 567 to provide additional structural support to the storage device 200 when coupled to the mounting plate 500 and installed on a selected vertical surface.

[0061] The components of the adhesive attachment articles of the present disclosure are discussed in more detail below.

[0062] Flexible mounting body and cover In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from a thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from a thermosetting polymer. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made using a polyolefin material. In some embodiments, the flexible body is manufactured using a polycarbonate material. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made using high impact polystyrene (HIP). In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made using an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) terpolymer. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from nylon. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from two or more polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from metal. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from stainless steel. In some embodiments, the metal is painted, polished, stained, brushed, or coated to modify its appearance. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from ceramic. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from polished ceramic. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made from non-polished ceramic. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are composed of natural-based materials such as wood, bamboo, particle board, cloth, canvas, or materials derived from biological sources. In some embodiments, the natural-based materials may be painted, polished, stained, or coated to modify their appearance. In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made using two or more materials from the list above.In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body and cover are made of two pieces that are reversibly or irreversibly attached, joined, or welded.

[0063] The flexible mounting body and cover can be made of rigid materials such as thermoplastic materials including, for example, polycarbonate, polyester, and ABS. In some embodiments, rigid polyvinyl chloride, HIP, PEEK, or nylon can be used depending on the exact application. It should be understood that the flexible mounting body and cover can be made of any suitable material that provides adequate load strength in the y-direction.

[0064] The flexible mounting body and cover can be fabricated using any method known in the art, in a preferred implementation of the present invention, the flexible mounting body and cover are fabricated as an integral unit by injection molding, additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, rapid prototyping, etc.), resin transfer molding, compression molding, etc.

[0065] In some embodiments, the flexible mounting body comprises two parts, a first part serves as a mounting surface for mounting the storage assembly to a substrate or backplate, and a second part serves as a hanging member that can be used to suspend or attach an object (e.g., a storage device) to the substrate. The two parts may be reversibly attached using mechanical fasteners, hook-and-loop materials, or an additional adhesive layer.

[0066] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer(s) may be attached to the flexible mounting body using a lamination process. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer(s) and body may be attached to the flexible mounting body using a multiple lamination process. In some other embodiments, the adhesive layer(s) may be manually attached by the end user or manufacturer.

[0067] In some embodiments, the attachment protrusions may be attached to the flexible body using two or more injection molding processes using one or more molds.

[0068] Backplate The backplate can be a single layer or a multi-layer structure. There may be two or more layers of material in the backplate. The layers can be separated by layers of film that may further contain one or more layers. In some embodiments, two or more sub-layers can be co-extruded or laminated to form the carrier backing. In some embodiments, the backplate is flexible. Some embodiments include a dye or pigment in the carrier layer(s).

[0069] In some embodiments, the backplate is or includes a foam composite including a flexible polymer foam layer and a film laminated to a first major surface of the foam layer. The adhesive(s) can be attached to the film to form an adhesive-foam-film structure. The flexible polymer foam layer can be selected to optimize conformability and resilience properties that are useful when adhering the adhesive assembly to a surface having surface irregularities, such as a typical wall surface. An exemplary flexible polymer foam layer is commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., under the trade name "Command." In some embodiments, the core flexible polymer foam layer can include polyolefin foams available under the trade names "Volextra" and "Volara" from Voltek, Division of Sekisui America Corporation, Lawrence, Mass. In some embodiments, the backplate is metallic, includes metallic, or is metallic-like.

[0070] The polymer foam may include open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the foam may be surface modified by thermal, chemical (e.g., acid etching, corona treatment, plasma etching, glow discharge, or flame treatment), and / or photochemical (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) processes. In certain embodiments, the polymer foam has a void volume of at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, and at least 55% by volume. In certain embodiments, the polymer foam has a void volume of at most 70%, preferably at most 65%, and more preferably at most 60% by volume. For polymer foams where the bulk density of the polymer is typically close to 1, the foam density may be closely correlated to the void volume. Thus, higher density foams are preferred because they typically provide a desired increase in relative stiffness compared to the external adhesive structure.

[0071] In many embodiments of the present disclosure, the backplate may include or consist of a polymer film. The polymer film layer may be in a variety of forms, including, for example, single or multi-layer films, porous films, and combinations thereof. The polymer film may contain one or more fillers (e.g., calcium carbonate). The polymer film may be a continuous layer or a discontinuous layer. The multi-layer polymer film is preferably integrally bonded to one another in the form of a composite film, a laminate film, and combinations thereof. The multi-layer polymer film may be prepared using any suitable method, such as, for example, co-molding, co-extrusion, extrusion coating, adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, heat bonding, and combinations thereof.

[0072] The film may comprise a single polymeric material or may be prepared from a mixture of polymeric materials. Examples of suitable materials include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, copolyesters, or polyester blends based on naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; polycarbonates; polystyrene; styrene-acrylonitrile; cellulose acetate; polyethersulfone; poly(meth)acrylates such as polymethyl methacrylate; polyurethanes; polyvinyl chlorides; polycycloolefins; polyimides; or combinations or blends thereof.

[0073] Particularly suitable polymeric materials are the rigid materials used for the flexible mounting body, e.g., thermoplastic materials including polycarbonate, polyester, and ABS. In some embodiments, rigid polyvinyl chloride, HIP, PEEK, or nylon may be used in the polymeric film layer, depending on the exact application. In the presently preferred circumstances, the polymeric film layer is the same or similar polymeric material as the flexible body.

[0074] An additional thin layer of polymer (adhesion layer) may be present to improve adhesion of layers in the backplate that do not naturally adhere to each other. For example, a layer of silicone may be used to increase adhesion between a polycarbonate film layer and a polyolefin foam. Other suitable adhesion layers may include rubber-based and acrylate-based adhesion layers. In this implementation, the silicone adhesion layer is particularly well suited for high humidity or high temperature environments.

[0075] Mounting adhesive layer(s) The mounting adhesive used in the adhesive article described herein can include any adhesive having desired properties. In some embodiments, the adhesive is removable. In some embodiments, the removable adhesive is removed from the surface of the substrate such that substantially no adhesive residue remains on the surface of the substrate when the article is removed from the surface of the substrate at an angle of about 35° or more.

[0076] In other embodiments, the adhesive may be stretch releasable. Suitable stretch releasing adhesives may include an elastic backing or a highly extensible, substantially inelastic backing onto which the pressure sensitive adhesive is applied (e.g., coated). In some embodiments, the adhesive is released from the surface of the substrate such that substantially no adhesive mark remains on the surface of the substrate when the article is peeled from the substrate at an angle of about 35° or less.

[0077] In some embodiments, the mounting adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Any suitable composition, material, or ingredient can be used in the pressure-sensitive adhesive. A general description of useful pressure-sensitive adhesives can be found in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 13, Wiley-Interscience Publishers (New York, 1988). Further description of useful pressure-sensitive adhesives can be found in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Vol. 1, Interscience Publishers (New York, 1964). Pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions are well known to those skilled in the art to possess properties such as: (1) tackiness, (2) adhesion with pressures of no more than finger pressure, (3) sufficient ability to stay on the substrate, and (4) sufficient cohesive strength to be removed cleanly from the substrate. Materials that have been found to function well as pressure-sensitive adhesives are polymers that are designed and formulated to exhibit the necessary viscoelasticity to provide the desired balance of adhesion, peel adhesion, and shear retention. Suitable PSAs may be based on crosslinked or non-crosslinked (meth)acrylics, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, silicones, polyurethanes, etc., and may include tackifiers to provide the desired tack, as well as other additives. In some embodiments, the PSA is based on a (meth)acrylic PSA or at least one poly(meth)acrylate, where (meth)acrylate refers to both acrylate and methacrylate groups. In some embodiments, the PSA is an olefin block copolymer-based adhesive. Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,726,982 (Traynor et al.) and 5,965,256 (Barrera). Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,730,397 (Melancon et al.) and 5,082,706 (Tangney), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0238463 (Khodaparast et al.). Polyurethane-based pressure sensitive adhesives are described, for example, in US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0137375 (Hansen et al.).Olefin block copolymer-based pressure sensitive adhesives are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0335299 (Wang et al.).

[0078] Exemplary pressure sensitive adhesives employ, for example, one or more thermoplastic elastomers in combination with one or more tackifying resins. In some embodiments, the adhesive is not a pressure sensitive adhesive.

[0079] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer may include at least one of a rubber, silicone, or acrylic adhesive. In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive layer may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In some embodiments, the peelable adhesive may include a tackified rubber adhesive such as natural rubber; an olefin; a silicone such as a silicone polyurea or a silicone block copolymer; a synthetic rubber adhesive such as polyisoprene, polybutadiene, and styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer, and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, and other synthetic elastomers; and a tackified acrylic adhesive or a non-tackified acrylic adhesive such as a copolymer of isooctyl acrylate and acrylic acid that can be polymerized by radiation, solution, suspension, or emulsion methods; a polyurethane; a silicone block copolymer; and combinations of the above.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting adhesive comprises at least one of silicone polyurea and other silicone block copolymers. Such adhesives may comprise at least one of: (1) a polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer, a silicate tackifying resin in an amount of about 10% to about 70% by weight, and an inorganic particulate filler in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight; (2) a silicone polyurea block copolymer, a silicate tackifying resin in an amount of about 10% to about 70% by weight, and an inorganic particulate filler in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight; and (3) an addition cure silicone, a silicate tackifying resin in an amount of about 10% to about 70% by weight, and an inorganic particulate filler in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight. The inorganic filler is typically fumed silica. In some embodiments, the polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide contains at least two repeating units of formula I. [ka] In this formula, each R 1 is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or aryl substituted with alkyl, alkoxy, or halo; R 1 At least 50 percent of the groups are methyl. Each Y is independently an alkylene, an aralkylene, or a combination thereof. The subscript n is independently an integer from 40 to 1500, and the subscript p is an integer from 1 to 10. The group G is a group of formula R 3 HN-G-NHR 3 From diamine, two -NHR 3 The group R is a divalent group that is a residue unit equal to the unit R minus the group (i.e., the amino group). 3 is hydrogen or alkyl, or R 3together with G and the nitrogen to which they are both attached form a heterocyclic group. Each asterisk (*) indicates the site at which the repeat unit attaches to another group within the copolymer, such as another repeat unit of Formula I. In some embodiments, the silicone-containing polymer is formed by an addition cure reaction between vinyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and hydrogen-terminated PDMS in the presence of a hydrosilylation catalyst (e.g., a platinum complex).

[0081] Tackifying resins, such as silicate tackifying resins, are added to polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymers to provide or enhance the adhesive properties of the copolymer. The silicate tackifying resin can affect the physical properties of the resulting adhesive composition. For example, increasing the silicate tackifying resin content causes the adhesive composition to transition from a glassy to a rubbery state as the temperature increases. In some exemplary adhesive compositions, multiple silicate tackifying resins can be used to obtain the desired performance. Suitable silicate tackifying resins include those having the following structural unit M (i.e., monovalent R'SiO 1 / 2 unit), D (i.e., divalent R'2SiO 2 / 2 units), T (i.e., trivalent R'SiO 3 / 2 units) and Q (i.e., tetravalent SiO 4 / 2 units), and combinations thereof. Typical exemplary silicate resins include MQ silicate tackifying resins, MQD silicate tackifying resins, and MQT silicate tackifying resins. These silicate tackifying resins usually have a number average molecular weight in the range of 100 to 50,000, or 500 to 15,000, and generally have methyl R' groups.

[0082] Further discussion of these tackified filled silicone adhesives can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0238463 (Khodaparast et al.).

[0083] Generally, any known additives useful in adhesive formulations may also be included. Additives include plasticizers, tackifiers, anti-degradants, UV stabilizers, colorants, heat stabilizers, anti-infective agents, fillers, crosslinkers, and mixtures and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the adhesive may be reinforced with a fiber or fibrous scrim that may include inorganic and / or organic fibers. Suitable fibrous scrims may include woven, nonwoven, or knit webs or scrims. For example, fibers in the scrim may include wire, ceramic fibers, glass fibers (e.g., fiberglass), and organic fibers (e.g., natural and / or synthetic organic fibers).

[0084] In some embodiments, the thickness of the releasable adhesive on at least one of the first major surface or the second major surface of the core is from about 1 μm to about 1 mm.

[0085] In some embodiments, the adhesive's adhesion properties may range from 0.1 N / dm to 25 N / dm. In some embodiments, the adhesive's adhesion properties may range from 0.5 N / dm to 10 N / dm. In some embodiments, the adhesive's adhesion properties may range from 1 N / dm to 5 N / dm.

[0086] In some embodiments, the releasable adhesive can provide a shear strength of, for example, 1 to 20 pounds per square inch as measured by ASTM test method D3654M-06.

[0087] Alternatively, the backplate may include a stretch release adhesive layer. Suitable stretch release adhesives may include an elastic backing or a highly extensible, substantially inelastic backing onto which a pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed (e.g., coated).

[0088] Alternatively, the stretch releasing adhesive can be formed from a solid, resilient, pressure sensitive adhesive.

[0089] Thus, in this context, the term "stretch releasing adhesive" includes products that include a unitary, monolithic, or solid structure of adhesive (in addition to products with a backing and a separate adhesive layer thereon).

[0090] Suitable exemplary stretch releasing adhesives are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,024,312 to Korpman, German Patent No. 3331016, U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,581 to Kreckel et al., and WO 95 / 06691 to Bries et al., the teachings of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] Such stretch release adhesives can, for example, range from about 0.2 mm thick to about 2 mm thick.

[0092] If the containment assembly 200 is to be installed in a humid environment, the composition of the stretch release adhesive can be selected to maintain adequate adhesion in the presence of moisture.

[0093] A suitable stretch releasing adhesive is a double-sided stretch removable adhesive strip available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota, under the trade name COMMAND.

[0094] Commercially available COMMAND adhesive strips are currently manufactured as individual strips, one end of which includes a non-adhesive pull tab to facilitate stretching the strip for removal.

[0095] Adhesive article(s) In some embodiments, the adhesive assembly further comprises one or more release liners adjacent to the adhesive layer(s) and the mounting plate(s). The release liner can be, for example, on either or both major surfaces of the adhesive layer. The release liner protects the adhesive during manufacturing, shipping, and before use. When a user desires to use the adhesive article, the release liner can be peeled off or removed to expose the adhesive. Examples of suitable liners include paper, such as kraft paper, or polymeric films, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester. At least one surface of the liner can be treated with a release agent, such as silicone, fluorochemical, or other low surface energy based release material, to provide the release liner. Suitable release liners and methods of treating liners are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,472,480, 4,980,443, and 4,736,048, which are incorporated herein. A preferred release liner is a fluoroalkyl silicone polycoated paper. The release liner can be printed with lines, branding, or other information.

[0096] In some embodiments, the mounting plate of the present disclosure can be removed from a substrate or surface without damage. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the adhesive article can be removed from at least one of painted drywall and wallpaper without damage.

[0097] Some containment assemblies of the present disclosure have excellent shear strength. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a shear strength of greater than 1600 minutes when measured according to ASTM D3654-82. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a shear strength of greater than 10,000 minutes when measured according to ASTM D3654-82. Some other embodiments of the present disclosure have a shear strength of greater than 100,000 minutes when measured according to ASTM D3654-82.

[0098] Some attachment assemblies of the present disclosure exhibit lower peel adhesion, making the adhesive article easier to remove. Others exhibit higher peel adhesion, but still provide damage-free removal. Some assemblies of the present disclosure can have higher peel adhesion to allow the user to handle the adhesive article without accidental separation. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a peel adhesion of about 5 oz / in to about 50 oz / in. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a peel adhesion of about 10 oz / in to about 40 oz / in. Some embodiments of the present disclosure have a peel adhesion of about 15 oz / in to about 30 oz / in.

[0099] Some mounting assemblies of the present disclosure exhibit improved weight bearing capacity, holding a weight of 10 lbs for at least 72 hours. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting assemblies of the present disclosure exhibit improved weight bearing capacity, holding a weight of 10 lbs for at least one week. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive articles of the present disclosure exhibit improved weight bearing capacity, holding a weight of 10 lbs for at least two weeks. Improved weight bearing capacity tends to allow for more versatile storage devices and greater storage capacity during use.

[0100] Some assemblies of the present disclosure include an adhesive layer that has a tensile break strength high enough that the adhesive does not tear before being removed from the adherend at an angle of 35° or more. In some embodiments, the assemblies of the present disclosure include an adhesive that exhibits improved conformability to a substrate or surface over prior art adhesive attachment articles. In some embodiments, the assemblies of the present disclosure hold more weight when adhered or attached to a substrate or surface than prior art adhesive attachment articles. In some embodiments, the assemblies of the present disclosure hold more weight for a longer period of time when adhered or attached to a substrate or surface than prior art adhesive attachment articles. In some embodiments, the assemblies of the present disclosure remain adhered to textured, rough, or irregular surfaces for a longer period of time than prior art adhesive attachment articles. In some embodiments, the assemblies of the present disclosure hold more weight when adhered to textured, rough, or irregular surfaces than prior art adhesive attachment articles.

[0101] The assembly of the present disclosure can advantageously provide improved weight bearing capacity with reduced or eliminated damage to the substrate upon removal. Thus, the inventively preferred embodiment of the present disclosure exhibits effective weight bearing capacity, stronger adhesion per square inch of available adhesive area, and peel removal from painted drywall substrates without damage. Furthermore, at least one of the flexible body and adhesive layer is typically reusable after removing the article from the substrate. Typically, the flexible body can be reconfigured for use with a new adhesive layer, especially when using stretch-releasable adhesive strips. In other embodiments, the entire adhesive article is repositionable or reusable.

[0102] Methods for Making the Adhesive Articles Described Herein The adhesive articles described herein can be manufactured in a variety of ways. One embodiment involves placing an adhesive on or adjacent a major surface of a flexible body.

[0103] The adhesive can be disposed on the flexible body by any known method, for example, the pressure sensitive adhesive composition can be coated onto a release liner, coated directly onto the body, or formed as a separate layer (e.g., coated onto a release liner) and then laminated to the body. The adhesive can be deposited on the flexible body by known deposition methods, including, for example, solvent, aqueous, or hot melt coating methods, such as knife coating, roll coating, reverse roll coating, gravure coating, wire wound rod coating, slot orifice coating, slot die coating, extrusion coating, and the like.

[0104] Methods of using the adhesive articles described herein The mounting assembly of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of ways. If a release liner is present, it is removed before the adhesive article is applied, attached, or pressed onto the substrate (e.g., a tile wall surface). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the substrate is wiped with alcohol before the adhesive article is applied, attached, or pressed onto the substrate.

[0105] To remove the adhesive article from the substrate, at least a portion of the adhesive layer(s) is peeled or stretched away from the substrate. In some embodiments, the mounting plate and adhesive are removed together. In other embodiments, the mounting plate is removed first to access the adhesive layer. In such embodiments, the cover and containment device are typically disassembled before the adhesive layer is removed.

[0106] use The mounting assembly can be used in wet or humid environments, such as those found in bathrooms. For example, the adhesive article can be adhered to toilets (e.g., toilet tanks), bathtubs, sinks, and walls. The adhesive article may be used in showers, locker rooms, steam rooms, pools, hot tubs, and kitchens (e.g., kitchen sinks, dishwashers, and backsplash areas, refrigerators and coolers). The adhesive article may also be used in outdoor applications and low temperature applications such as refrigerators. Useful outdoor applications include bonding articles such as signs to outdoor surfaces such as windows, doors, and vehicles.

[0107] The mounting assemblies may be used to attach a variety of articles and objects to surfaces such as painted drywall, plaster, concrete, glass, ceramic, fiberglass, metal or plastic, etc. Articles that can be attached include, but are not limited to, the storage devices described herein, other wall hangers, organizers, holders, baskets, containers, decorations (e.g., holiday decorations), calendars, posters, dispensers, wire clips, body side moldings on vehicles, handles, road signs, vehicle markings, transportation markings, and signage applications such as reflective sheeting.

[0108] The patents, patent documents, and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the inventive concept described above. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to only the structures described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes can be made to the details of the above-described embodiments and implementations without departing from the principles underlying them. Furthermore, various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of this application should be determined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. a containment device including at least one wire segment; at least one mounting plate to which at least one of the wire segments is engaged; Optionally, a cover attachable to the wire structure, the cover obscuring at least one hanger and at least a portion of at least one of said wire segments; 1. An attachable device comprising:

2. The attachable apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the storage device comprises at least two substantially parallel wire segments.

3. The attachable apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the storage device comprises at least two pairs of substantially parallel wire segments.

4. 4. The attachable device of claim 3, wherein the at least two pairs of substantially parallel wire segments include a first pair of horizontal wire segments and a second pair of vertical wire segments.

5. The attachable device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible body is stiffer in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction.

6. The mountable device of claim 3 , wherein the flexible mounting body comprises a plurality of separate body segments arranged at a predetermined pitch.

7. The mountable device of claim 2 , wherein the mounting plate includes at least two flexible mounting bodies arranged in parallel.

8. The mountable device of claim 1 , wherein at least two flexible mounting bodies are spaced apart on a surface of the backplate.

9. The mountable device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible mounting body includes recesses sized to receive wire segments of the wire structure.

10. The mountable device of claim 9 , wherein each flexible mounting body includes a recess having a bottom surface, the bottom surface of each recess being substantially coplanar.

11. 2. The attachable device of claim 1, wherein the cover includes at least one tenon for snapping onto the wire structure, and the cover includes retention notches on the left and right sides of the cover for engaging and retaining the wire segments.

12. The mountable device of claim 1 , wherein the hanger is attached to a backplate, the backplate being capable of being adhered to a surface.

13. The mounting apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the backplate comprises at least one polymeric film layer.

14. The mountable device of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the backplate comprises a foam layer.

15. 15. The mountable device of claim 14, wherein the foam layer is adhered to the polymeric film layer directly or using an adhesion layer.

16. The mountable device of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the backplate comprises a releasable silicone adhesive on a second major surface of the backplate facing away from the hanger.

17. 17. The mountable device of claim 16, wherein the releasable silicone adhesive is disposed on a surface of the foam layer opposite the polymeric film layer.

18. 18. The mountable device of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the cover comprises an awning, the awning obscuring at least a portion of the at least one hanger and each of the wire segments.

19. 1. A mounting plate for use in suspending an item, comprising: a solid backplate having a longitudinal length and a transverse width; a plurality of fins on the first major surface of the backplate, the fins extending across at least a portion of the length and spaced apart from one another along the width, at least some of the fins including a hook portion projecting from a front surface of the fin and defining a recess; A mounting plate comprising:

20. The mounting plate of claim 19 further comprising at least two adhesive strips on a second major surface of the backplate.

21. The mounting plate of claim 20, wherein each strip is stretch releasable.

22. The mounting plate of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the fins include a height from the backplate that tapers adjacent a top edge of the backplate.

23. A mounting plate according to any one of claims 19 to 22, comprising at least six fins.

24. 24. The mounting plate of claim 23, wherein the at least six fins include a first group of three fins and a second group of three fins, the first group and the second group being separated by a first pitch, and each fin in the first group or the second group being separated by a second pitch, the first pitch being greater than the second pitch.

Images