Articles and sensor systems

Abstract

An article that can be attached to a user's skin is provided. The article includes a base film having a first base principal surface and a second base principal surface opposite to the first base principal surface and facing the user's skin. The base film further includes a through-opening extending between the first base principal surface and the second base principal surface. The base film further includes a base adhesive layer containing a base adhesive configured to removably attach the base film to the user's skin. The through-opening is configured to align with the sensor and to at least partially and removably receive the sensor through it when the article is placed on the sensor. The article further includes a cover film at least partially placed on the base film. The cover film is at least partially attached to the first base principal surface of the base film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an article wearable on a user's skin. The present disclosure further relates to a sensor system including an article wearable on a user's skin.

Background Art

[0002] Articles including an adhesive layer are generally seen in various applications. Such articles can be held against an external surface with the aid of the adhesive layer. For example, a medical diagnostic device is typically held against a user's skin via an adhesive layer. Such a device needs to be attached to an external surface that is not rigid and generally not flat (e.g., a user's skin). Further, such a device tends to get caught on external obstacles and be pulled away from the user's skin, for example, by lifting of an edge. When the device falls from the user, diagnostic data may not be collected, and a replacement device may not always be available. Further, the original device may not be reattached due to sterility issues or loss of functionality. Thus, an article that can last longer on an external surface (e.g., a user's skin) may be desirable. Further, an article with improved wearability on an external surface may be desirable.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first embodiment, the Disclosure provides an article that can be attached to a user's skin. The article includes a base film having a first base principal surface and a second base principal surface opposite to the first base principal surface and facing the user's skin. The base film further includes a through-opening extending between the first base principal surface and the second base principal surface. The base film further includes a base adhesive layer that forms the second base principal surface and includes a base adhesive configured to removably attach the base film to the user's skin. The through-opening is configured to align with the sensor and to at least partially and removably receive the sensor through it when the article is placed on a sensor attached to the user's skin. The article is separate from the sensor. The article further includes a cover film at least partially placed on the base film. The cover film includes a first cover principal surface and a second cover principal surface opposite to the first cover principal surface and at least partially attached to the first base principal surface of the base film. The base film and cover film are configured to detachably and at least partially enclose the sensor, so that the article can be removed from the user's skin while the sensor remains attached to the user's skin.

[0004] In a second aspect, the Disclosure provides a sensor system including a sensor attached to a user's skin. The sensor system further includes an article of the first aspect of the Disclosure. The article is separate from the sensor and is detachably attached to the user's skin. A through-opening in the base film receives the sensor at least partially and detachably through it when the article is placed on the sensor. The article detachably and at least partially surrounds the sensor, so that the article is detachable from the user's skin while the sensor remains attached to the user's skin. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be better understood by considering the following detailed description in relation to the following drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Similar numbers used in the drawings refer to similar components. However, it will be understood that the use of numbers to refer to components in a given drawing is not intended to limit components in another drawing labeled with the same number.

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a sensor system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic top view of the sensor system shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view of the sensor system shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor system shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a schematic top view of a sensor system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the description and illustrate various embodiments. It should be understood that other embodiments may be contemplated and constructed without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be constrained.

[0008] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about.” Where used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are interchangeable.

[0009] When used herein as a modifier for a characteristic or attribute, the term “generally” means that the characteristic or attribute is readily recognizable to a person skilled in the art, but does not require absolute precision or perfect agreement (for example, within + / - 20% for quantifiable characteristics), unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0010] The term "substantially" means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties), unless otherwise specifically defined, but without requiring absolute precision or perfect agreement.

[0011] The term "approximately," unless otherwise specifically defined, means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable characteristics), but does not require absolute precision or perfect agreement.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” are interchangeable throughout the multiple embodiments of the disclosure when used in conjunction with features or elements.

[0013] When used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “A only, B only, or both A and B.”

[0014] As used herein, an enumeration of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers contained within that range, as well as the endpoints themselves (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0015] As used herein, when the first material is referred to as "identical" or "similar" to the second material, at least 90% by weight of the first and second materials are identical, and any variation between the first and second materials is less than about 10% by weight of each of the first and second materials.

[0016] Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “attached,” “connected,” and “joined,” and their variations, are used broadly to encompass both direct and indirect physical connections between two or more components that are joined together by one or more additional components. For example, a first component may be joined to a second component by being directly connected to one another, or by being connected by a third component. In some examples, joining, connecting, and attaching may also include mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical bonds (such as chemical bonds) in certain contexts.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “layer,” “sheet,” and “film,” or variations thereof, are used to describe components having a thickness that is small relative to their length and width.

[0018] As used herein, the term “film” generally refers to a material with a very high ratio of length or width to thickness. A film has two main surfaces defined by its length and width. Films typically have good flexibility and can be used in a wide variety of applications, including displays. Films may also have thicknesses or material compositions such as semi-rigid or rigid. Films described herein may consist of a variety of polymer materials. Films may be monolayers, multilayers, or blends of different polymers.

[0019] The present disclosure relates to an article wearable on a user's skin. The article includes a base film having a first base major surface and a second base major surface opposite the first base major surface and facing the user's skin. The base film further includes a through-opening extending between the first base major surface and the second base major surface. The base film further includes a base adhesive layer including a base adhesive forming the second base major surface and configured to removably attach the base film to the user's skin. The through-opening is configured to align with and at least partially and removably receive a sensor when the article is placed on the sensor attached to the user's skin. The article is separate from the sensor. The article further includes a cover film at least partially disposed on the base film. The cover film includes a first cover major surface and a second cover major surface opposite the first cover major surface and at least partially attached to the first base major surface of the base film. The base film and the cover film are configured to removably and at least partially surround the sensor such that the article is removable from the user's skin while the sensor remains attached to the user's skin.

[0020] Since the cover film is at least partially disposed on the base film, the cover film can protect the base film from environmental factors such as dirt and moisture, which could otherwise negatively affect the function of the sensor. Further, the cover film can also protect the base film from being snagged by external objects such as clothing, thereby preventing the base film from peeling off from the external surface (e.g., the user's skin) to which the article can be attached. The longer the attachment period of the article to the skin, the more the user experience can be improved and the landfill waste can be reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, since the article is removable from the user's skin while the sensor remains attached, the article can be easily replaced with a new one when needed. In this way, the sensor remains attached to the user's skin while the article is removed from the user's skin. In some cases, even if the article is accidentally peeled off, there is no need to attach a new sensor to the user's skin because the sensor remains attached to the user's skin while the article is removed from the user's skin. This provision can improve the overall user experience and assist in the wearability of the article on the user's skin. Thus, the articles of this disclosure can provide a highly fitted attachment with a longer attachment period and a better user experience.

[0022] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a sensor system 50 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a sensor system 50 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a sensor system 50 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sensor system 50 may include a medical diagnostic device. Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the sensor system 50 includes a sensor 102 attached to the skin 52 of a user 54. The sensor 102 may be attached to the skin 52 of the user 54 by adhesive.

[0023] In some embodiments, sensor 102 may collect physiological data from the skin 52 of user 54. In some embodiments, sensor 102 can collect information regarding one or more of the following: calories burned, number of steps, activity level, sleep pattern, and other parameters. In some embodiments, sensor 102 may collect one or more of the following data: skin surface temperature data of user 54, deep body temperature data of user 54, movement or inactivity data of user 54, body angle data of user 54, heart rate and / or ECG data of user 54, and respiratory information of user 54. In some embodiments, sensor 102 can utilize software algorithms to process the collected data and determine or provide one or more indications such as quality and quantity of sleep, activity level, number of steps, calorie consumption, etc.

[0024] In some embodiments, sensor 102 may include a plurality of sensors and / or a plurality of sensor types for collecting data. In some embodiments, sensor 102 may include facilities that enable wireless transfer of the collected data to an external device, such as a computer or a mobile device. In some embodiments, sensor 102 can wirelessly transmit the collected data to an external device continuously or intermittently so that the collected data can be viewed or displayed in real time on the external device. In some embodiments, sensor 102 can also utilize a cloud-based infrastructure for storage and presentation of the collected and / or processed data.

[0025] Sensor system 50 further includes an article 100 that is wearable on the skin 52 of user 54. Article 100 is separate from sensor 102 and is removably attached to the skin 52 of user 54. As shown in FIG. 4, article 100 includes a base film 104 that includes a first base major surface 106 and a second base major surface 108 that is opposite the first base major surface 106 and faces the skin 52 of user 54.

[0026] The base film 104 further includes a through-opening 110 extending between a first base main surface 106 and a second base main surface 108. The through-opening 110 is configured to align with the sensor 102 and to receive the sensor 102 at least partially and removably when an article 100 is placed on the sensor 102 attached to the skin 52 of a user 54. In other words, the through-opening 110 of the base film 104 receives the sensor 102 at least partially and removably when an article 100 is placed on the sensor 102. In some embodiments, the base film 104 is annular, and as a result, the through-opening 110 is located in the center of the base film 104. In other embodiments, the base film 104 may have a shape such as a rectangle, square, or polygon in which the through-opening 110 is located in the center of the base film 104.

[0027] The base film 104 further includes a base adhesive layer 112 comprising a base adhesive 114 configured to form a second base main surface 108 and to removably attach the base film 104 to the skin 52 of the user 54. The base adhesive layer 112 is breathable and can conform to the skin 52 of the user 54. In some embodiments, the base adhesive 114 is an acrylic adhesive. Specifically, the base adhesive 114 may be an adhesive acrylic adhesive. In some embodiments, the base adhesive 114 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a stretch-release adhesive.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the base film 104 further includes a backing layer 116 attached to the base adhesive layer 112. The backing layer 116 comprises a spunlace polyester nonwoven fabric material. In other embodiments, the backing layer 116 may include a stretchable spunlace fabric. It is understood that various other materials can be acceptablely used for the backing layer 116. For example, the backing layer 116 may include knitted polyester. The backing layer 116 forms the first base main surface 106 of the base film 104. The through-opening 110 extends through the backing layer 116 and the base adhesive layer 112.

[0029] In some embodiments, article 100 further includes a release liner 118 that is removably attached to and covers a base adhesive 114 of a base film 104. The release liner 118 is removed from the base adhesive 114 before the base adhesive 114 is removably attached to the skin 52 of a user 54. The release liner 118 may be a film formed from various foils such as paper, rubber, aluminum foil, copper foil, stainless steel foil, iron foil, duralumin foil, tin foil, titanium foil, gold foil, etc., films made from various resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyamide, etc., foams such as polyurethane foam, vinyl foam, polyethylene foam, styrene foam, etc., nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, felt, etc., or a laminate of these materials and polymer materials may be used as the base material.

[0030] In some embodiments, the release liner 118 may include a microstructured surface. The release liner 118 remains attached to the base film 104 during transport and processing and is removed only when the article 100 is used. In this way, the base film 104 is protected until the article 100 is used. A wide range of microstructured release liners are preferred. Typically, the microstructured release liner 118 is prepared by embossing. This means that the release liner 118 has an embossable surface, which is brought into contact with a structuring tool while applying pressure and / or heat to form an embossed surface.

[0031] Article 100 further includes a cover film 120 at least partially disposed on a base film 104. The cover film 120 includes a first cover main surface 122 and a second cover main surface 124 opposite to the first cover main surface 122. The second cover main surface 124 is at least partially attached to the first base main surface 106 of the base film 104. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4, the first cover main surface 122 of the cover film 120 forms at least partially the outer surface of article 100. The cover film 120 includes a base cover layer 121 that forms the first cover main surface 122 of the cover film 120.

[0032] Furthermore, the cover film 120 is a printable aesthetic film. Specifically, the cover film 120 is a printable aesthetic film having a matte finish. Specifically, the base cover layer 121 is a printable aesthetic film. The first cover main surface 122 may include at least one of a logo, serial number, text, graphic design, and graphic image. In some embodiments, the cover film 120 includes polyurethane. In other embodiments, the cover film 120 may include polyurethane foam to provide cushioning, moldability, and support to the article 100. In some embodiments, the cover film 120 further includes a raised central portion 126 aligned with the through-opening 110 and a peripheral portion 128 surrounding the raised central portion 126 and attached to the base film 104. The raised central portion 126 and the peripheral portion 128 together enclose and surround the sensor 102. In some embodiments, the raised central portion 126 may include perforations (not shown). The perforations may extend from the first cover main surface 122 to the second cover main surface 124 to create a pathway that allows for the release of any moisture or sweat near the sensor 102. In some embodiments, the base adhesive layer 114 may include a microstructured surface (not shown) having at least one channel extending to at least one boundary of the base adhesive layer 114. Such a microstructured surface is also provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2022 / 0257424. At least one channel may allow for the movement of fluid (such as moisture or sweat) from the sensor 102 to the first cover main surface 122. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the cover film 120 may lack the through-openings. Furthermore, removing the release liner 118 before applying the article 100 to the user 54's skin 52 imparts the base adhesive layer 114 to the corresponding opposite microstructure features.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the cover film 120 further includes a lower adhesive layer 130 that forms a second cover main surface 124. The lower adhesive layer 130 is attached to the base cover layer 121. The lower adhesive layer 130 includes a lower adhesive 132 that adhesively bonds the cover film 120 to the base film 104. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the lower adhesive 132 adhesively bonds the second cover main surface 124 of the cover film 120 to the first base main surface 106 of the base film 104. The base film 104 and the cover film 120 are configured to detachably and at least partially surround the sensor 102, so that the article 100 is removable from the user 54's skin 52 while the sensor 102 remains attached to the user 54's skin 52. In other words, article 100 detachably and at least partially surrounds the sensor 102, so that article 100 is detachable from the user 54's skin 52 while the sensor 102 remains attached to the user 54's skin 52.

[0034] When the cover film 120 is at least partially placed on the base film 104, the cover film 120 can protect the base film 104 from environmental factors such as dirt and moisture that could adversely affect the function of the sensor 102. Furthermore, the cover film 120 can also protect the base film 104 from getting caught on external objects such as clothing, thereby preventing the base film 104 from peeling off the external surface to which the article 100 may be attached (e.g., the skin 52 of the user 54). The longer the article 100 is attached to the skin 52, the better the user experience can be and the less landfill waste can be generated.

[0035] Furthermore, since the article 100 is removable from the user 54's skin 52 while the sensor 102 remains attached, the article 100 can be easily replaced with a new one when needed. In this way, the sensor 102 remains attached to the user 54's skin 52 while the article 100 is removed from the user 54's skin 52. In some cases, even if the article 100 is accidentally peeled off, there is no need to attach a new sensor to the user 54's skin 52 because the sensor 102 remains attached to the user 54's skin 52 while the article 100 is removed from the user 54's skin 52. This provision can improve the overall user experience and assist in the wearability of the article 100 on the user 54's skin 52. Thus, the article 100 can provide a highly fitted attachment with a longer attachment period and a better user experience.

[0036] Continuing to refer to Figure 4, article 100 further includes an intermediate film 134 positioned between the cover film 120 and the base film 104. The intermediate film 134 includes a first intermediate main surface 136 that is adhesively bonded to a second cover main surface 124 of the cover film 120. Specifically, a lower adhesive 132 adhesively bonds the cover film 120 to the intermediate film 134. Thus, the lower adhesive 132 adhesively bonds the cover film 120 to the intermediate film 134 and the base film 104, respectively. The intermediate film 134 further includes a second intermediate main surface 138 that is opposite to the first intermediate main surface 136 and aligned with a through-opening 110 in the base film 104. The second intermediate main surface 138 does not contain adhesive and is configured to removably engage with the sensor 102, so that the intermediate film 134 is removable from the sensor 102 while the sensor 102 remains attached to the user 54's skin 52. The adhesive-free second intermediate main surface 138 ensures that when the article 100 is removed from the user 54's skin 52, none of the film on the article 100 remains attached to the sensor 102. Therefore, when necessary, the article 100 can be easily replaced with a new one without moving the sensor 102 attached to the user 54's skin 52. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the intermediate film 134 includes a substrate intermediate layer 135 that forms a first intermediate main surface 136 and a second intermediate main surface 138 opposite to the first intermediate main surface 136. In some embodiments, the intermediate film 134 may include perforations (not shown) extending from the first intermediate main surface 136 to the second intermediate main surface 138.

[0037] In some embodiments, the shape and dimensions of the second intermediate main surface 138 of the intermediate film 134 are substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the sensor 102. Specifically, the length and width of the intermediate film 134 are substantially the same as the respective lengths and widths of the sensor 102. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shape and dimensions of the second intermediate main surface 138 of the intermediate film 134 are substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the through-opening 110. Thus, the second intermediate main surface 138 of the intermediate film 134 can be easily aligned with the sensor 102 and the through-opening 110. In some embodiments, the intermediate film 134 contains polyethylene. In some embodiments, the intermediate film 134 is a low-density polyethylene film. The intermediate film 134 may have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm. The intermediate film 134 may have a translucent matte finish. The intermediate film 134 may be made of a water-resistant and heat-sealable material.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system 60 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Sensor system 60 is substantially similar to sensor system 50 in Figure 4, with common components referred to by the same reference numerals. However, sensor system 60 includes article 200 (instead of article 100 shown in Figure 4). Article 200 is substantially similar to article 100 in Figure 4, with common components referred to by the same reference numerals. The functional advantages of article 200 are substantially the same as those of article 100 in Figure 4.

[0039] In article 200, the base film 104 does not include a backing layer (i.e., the backing layer 116 shown in Figure 4). In article 200, the base film 104 is a double-sided adhesive film, and as a result, the base adhesive layer 112 further forms the first base main surface 106 of the base film 104. Thus, in article 200, the base adhesive layer 112 forms the first base main surface 106 and the second base main surface 108, respectively.

[0040] Furthermore, article 200 includes an intermediate film 134' substantially similar to the intermediate film 134 of article 100 shown in Figure 4. However, the intermediate film 134' further includes an intermediate adhesive layer 140 that forms a first intermediate main surface 136. The intermediate adhesive layer 140 is attached to the substrate intermediate layer 135. The substrate intermediate layer 135 forms a second intermediate main surface 138. In some embodiments, the intermediate adhesive layer 140 may include a microstructured surface (not shown) having at least one channel extending to at least one boundary of the intermediate adhesive layer 140.

[0041] Furthermore, article 200 includes a cover film 120' substantially similar to the cover film 120 shown in the article of Figure 4. However, the cover film 120' does not include a lower adhesive layer (i.e., the lower adhesive layer 130 shown in Figure 4). In article 200, the cover film 120' includes an upper adhesive layer 150 that forms a first cover main surface 122. The intermediate adhesive layer 140 includes an intermediate adhesive 142 that adhesively bonds the intermediate film 134' to the second cover main surface 124 of the cover film 120'. Thus, the intermediate adhesive 142 adhesively bonds the intermediate film 134' to the cover film 120'.

[0042] Article 200 further includes an upper film 144. The upper film 144 includes a first upper main surface 146 that at least partially forms the outer surface of Article 200. The upper film 144 further includes a second upper main surface 148 that is opposite to the first upper main surface 146 and attached to the first cover main surface 122 of the cover film 120'. Thus, the first cover main surface 122 of the cover film 120' does not form the outer surface of Article 200. In some embodiments, the upper film 144 is a printable aesthetic film. Specifically, the upper film 144 is a printable aesthetic film having a matte finish. The first upper main surface 146 may include at least one of a logo, serial number, text, graphic design, and graphic image. In some embodiments, the upper film 144 includes polyurethane. In other embodiments, the upper film 144 may include polyurethane foam to provide cushioning, moldability, and support to Article 200. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the upper film 144 includes a substrate upper layer 145 that forms a first upper main surface 146 and a second upper main surface 148 opposite to the first upper main surface 146. In some embodiments, the substrate upper layer 145 includes polyurethane.

[0043] The upper adhesive layer 150 includes an upper adhesive 152 that adhesively bonds the cover film 120' to the second upper main surface 148 of the upper film 144. Thus, the second upper main surface 148 is attached to the first cover main surface 122 of the cover film 120' by the upper adhesive 152 of the upper adhesive layer 150. Furthermore, in article 200, the second cover main surface 124 does not contain adhesive. In some embodiments, the cover film 120' includes closed-cell foam. Specifically, the base cover layer 121 of the cover film 120' includes closed-cell foam. In article 200, the cover film 120' may have a thickness of 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system 62 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Sensor system 62 is substantially similar to sensor system 60 in Figure 5, with common components referred to by the same reference numerals. However, sensor system 62 includes article 300 (instead of article 200 shown in Figure 5). Article 300 is substantially similar to article 200 in Figure 5, with common components referred to by the same reference numerals. The functional advantages of article 300 are substantially the same as those of article 200 in Figure 5.

[0045] Article 300 does not have an intermediate film (i.e., the intermediate film 134' shown in Figure 5). Furthermore, in article 300, the second cover main surface 124 is configured to engage the sensor 102 detachably without adhesive, so that the cover film 120' can be removed from the sensor 102 while the sensor 102 remains attached to the user's skin 52.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system 64 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Sensor system 64 is substantially similar to sensor system 60 in Figure 5, with common components referred to by the same reference numerals. However, sensor system 64 includes article 400 (instead of article 200 shown in Figure 5). Article 400 is substantially similar to article 200 in Figure 5, with common components referred to by the same reference numerals. The functional advantages of article 400 are substantially the same as those of article 200 in Figure 5.

[0047] In article 400, the base film 104 is not a double-sided adhesive film as shown in Figure 5. Therefore, in article 400, the base adhesive layer 112 does not form the first base main surface 106 of the base film 104. The base film 104 of article 400 is similar to that shown in article 100 in Figure 4. Therefore, in article 400, the base film 104 includes a backing layer 116 attached to the base adhesive layer 112, and the backing layer 116 forms the first base main surface 106 of the base film 104. Furthermore, article 400 includes a cover film 120 (instead of the cover film 120' shown in Figure 5), which is also shown in Figure 4.

[0048] Article 400 includes an upper film 144' substantially similar to the upper film 144 shown in Figure 5. However, the upper film 144' further includes an upper adhesive layer 154 that forms a second upper main surface 148. The upper adhesive layer 154 is attached to the substrate upper layer 145. The substrate upper layer 145 forms a first upper main surface 146 of the upper film 144'. The upper adhesive layer 154 includes an upper adhesive 156 that adhesively bonds the upper film 144' to the first cover main surface 122 of the cover film 120.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor system 66 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Sensor system 66 is substantially similar to sensor system 64 in Figure 7, with common components referred to by the same reference numerals. However, sensor system 66 includes article 500 (instead of article 400 shown in Figure 7). Article 500 is substantially similar to article 400 in Figure 7, with common components referred to by the same reference numerals. The functional advantages of article 500 are substantially the same as those of article 400 in Figure 7. However, article 500 includes an intermediate film 134 (instead of the intermediate film 134' shown in Figure 7), which is also shown in article 100 in Figure 4.

[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic top view of a sensor system 68 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The sensor system 68 is substantially similar to the sensor system 50 in Figure 2, and common components are referenced by the same reference numerals. However, the sensor system 68 includes article 600 (instead of article 100 shown in Figure 2). Article 600 is substantially similar to article 100 in Figure 2, and common components are referenced by the same reference numerals. However, in article 600, the cover film 120 includes a plurality of slits 158 located near the periphery of the peripheral portion 128. In some examples, the plurality of slits 158 may be through cuts. The plurality of slits 158 can improve the movement of fluids and moisture within article 600. Furthermore, the plurality of slits 158 can improve the fit of article 600 when worn by user 54. Such a plurality of slits 158 is also provided in U.S. Patent No. 10,940,049.

[0051] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in this specification and the claims to represent feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties should be understood as being modified by the term "approximately." Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters described in the foregoing specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties that a person skilled in the art would seek to obtain using the teachings of this disclosure.

[0052] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these specific embodiments can be replaced by various alternative and / or equivalent implementations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This application is intended to encompass any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An article that can be attached to the user's skin, A base film comprising: a first base principal surface; a second base principal surface located opposite to the first base principal surface and facing the user's skin; a through-opening extending between the first base principal surface and the second base principal surface; and a base adhesive layer comprising a base adhesive forming the second base principal surface and configured to removably attach the base film to the user's skin, wherein the through-opening is configured to align with the sensor and to at least partially and removably receive the sensor through it when the article is placed on the sensor attached to the user's skin, and the article is separate from the sensor; A cover film, at least partially disposed on the base film, comprising a first cover main surface and a second cover main surface opposite to the first cover main surface, and a cover film at least partially attached to the first base main surface of the base film, The base film and the cover film are configured to be removable and at least partially enclose the sensor, so that the article is removable from the user's skin while the sensor remains attached to the user's skin.

2. The article according to claim 1, further comprising an upper film including a first upper main surface that at least partially forms the outer surface of the article, and a second upper main surface that is opposite to the first upper main surface and is attached to the first cover main surface of the cover film.

3. The article according to claim 2, wherein the cover film includes an upper adhesive layer that forms the first cover main surface and bonds the cover film to the second upper main surface of the upper film, the second cover main surface does not contain adhesive and is configured to removably engage the sensor, so that the cover film can be removed from the sensor while the sensor remains attached to the user's skin.

4. The article according to claim 3, wherein the base film is a double-sided adhesive film, and as a result, the base adhesive layer further forms the first base main surface of the base film.

5. The article according to claim 2, wherein the upper film is a printable aesthetic film.

6. The article according to claim 2, wherein the upper film comprises polyurethane.

7. The article according to claim 2, wherein the upper film includes an upper adhesive layer that forms the second upper main surface and bonded the upper film to the first cover main surface of the cover film.

8. The article according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate film disposed between the cover film and the base film, the intermediate film comprising a first intermediate main surface bonded to the second cover main surface of the cover film, and a second intermediate main surface located opposite to the first intermediate main surface and aligned with the through opening of the base film, wherein the second intermediate main surface is adhesive-free and configured to removably engage with the sensor, so that the intermediate film is removable from the sensor while the sensor remains attached to the user's skin.

9. The article according to claim 8, wherein the cover film includes a lower adhesive layer that forms the second main cover surface and bonds the cover film to the intermediate film and the base film, respectively.

10. The article according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate film includes an intermediate adhesive layer that forms the first intermediate main surface and bonds the intermediate film to the second cover main surface of the cover film.

11. The article according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate film comprises polyethylene.

12. The article according to claim 1, wherein the first main cover surface of the cover film forms at least partially the outer surface of the article.

13. The article according to claim 12, wherein the cover film is a printable aesthetic film.

14. The article according to claim 12, wherein the cover film comprises polyurethane.

15. The article according to claim 1, wherein the base adhesive is an acrylic adhesive.

16. The article according to claim 1, wherein the cover film comprises a closed-cell foam.

17. The article according to claim 1, wherein the base film is attached to the base adhesive layer and includes a backing layer comprising a spunlace polyester nonwoven fabric material, the backing layer forming the first base main surface of the base film.

18. The article according to claim 1, further comprising a release liner that is removably attached to the base adhesive of the base film and covers the base adhesive, wherein the release liner is removed from the base adhesive before the base adhesive is removably attached to the user's skin.

19. The article according to claim 1, wherein the base film is annular, and as a result, the through-opening is located in the center of the base film.

20. The article according to claim 1, wherein the cover film further comprises a raised central portion aligned with the through-opening and a peripheral portion surrounding the raised central portion and attached to the base film.

21. It is a sensor system, A sensor attached to the user's skin, A sensor system comprising: an article according to claim 1, which is separate from the sensor and is detachably attached to the user's skin, wherein the through-opening of the base film receives the sensor at least partially and detachably through it when the article is placed on the sensor, the article detachably and at least partially surrounds the sensor, so that the article is detachable from the user's skin while the sensor remains attached to the user's skin.

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