Medical tape with high optical transparency when applied in multiple layers.

Abstract

The medical tape comprises an optically clear tape backing and an optically clear adhesive layer, typically a pressure-sensitive adhesive, disposed on the backing. The tape is optically clear and has a tape strength of at least 250 g / m using the inverted cup method. 2 It has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100-10% RH at 37°C for 24 hours. The tape remains optically clear when overtaped, thereby forming a multi-layer tape stack of at least two tape layers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tapes, particularly tapes for medical use that are optically transparent and remain transparent when laminated.

Background Art

[0002] A wide range of adhesive articles are used in medical applications. These adhesive articles include gels used to attach electrodes and other sensing devices to a patient's skin, a wide range of tapes for fixing medical devices to patients, and adhesive dressings used to cover and protect wounds.

[0003] Many of the adhesive articles use pressure-sensitive adhesives. It is well known to those skilled in the art that pressure-sensitive adhesives have certain properties at room temperature, including (1) strong and persistent adhesion, (2) adhesion under pressure below finger pressure, (3) sufficient ability to adhere to the adherend, and (4) cohesive force such that it can be cleanly removed from the adherend. Materials that have been found to function well as pressure-sensitive adhesives are polymers designed and formulated to exhibit the viscoelastic properties necessary to provide a desirable balance of adhesion, peel adhesion, and shear strength. The polymers most commonly used in the preparation of pressure-sensitive adhesives are natural rubber, synthetic rubber (e.g., styrene / butadiene copolymer (SBR) and styrene / isoprene / styrene (SIS) block copolymer), various (meth)acrylate (e.g., acrylate and methacrylate) copolymers, and silicone.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to tapes, particularly tapes for medical use that are optically transparent and remain transparent upon lamination. In some embodiments, the tape includes an optically transparent tape backing having a first major surface and a second major surface, and an optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive layer is adjacent to at least a portion of the first major surface of the optically transparent tape backing. In some embodiments, the tape is optically transparent and has a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 250 g / m 2 / 24 hours / 37 °C / 100 - 10% RH. The tape can form an optically transparent multilayer tape stack including at least two layers of tape layers.

[0005] Also disclosed is a multilayer article including a substrate surface, typically mammalian skin, and a multilayer tape stack disposed on the substrate surface, the multilayer tape stack including at least two layers of the optically transparent tapes described above. The multilayer tape stack is optically transparent.

[0006] Also disclosed is a method of adhering a medical device to mammalian skin. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a substrate surface including mammalian skin, providing a medical device to be adhered to the mammalian skin, disposing the medical device adjacent to the substrate surface, contacting a first portion of the optically transparent tape described above with the medical device and a portion of the substrate surface, and contacting a second portion of the optically transparent tape with the optically transparent first portion to form an optically transparent tape stack, the tape stack being optically transparent.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] This application can be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view of the tape article of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer tape stack article of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a top view of a multilayer tape stack article of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing tape article of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a top view of the reinforced web layer in this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a top view of another reinforced web layer in this disclosure.

[0008] In the following description of the exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments that may be used to implement the Disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the Disclosure, and that structural modifications may be made. These drawings are not necessarily to a constant scale. Similar numbers used in the drawings indicate similar components. However, it should be understood that the use of numbers to indicate components in a given drawing is not intended to limit the components shown by the same number in another drawing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The use of adhesive products in the medical industry has been widespread and increasing for many years. However, while adhesives and adhesive articles have shown to be very useful in medical applications, there are also problems with their use. Many medical adhesive articles are applied directly to the wound area, but a wide range of medical articles, such as tapes and drapes, are not applied to the wound area itself, but rather play a supportive role in procedures such as holding absorbent materials or medical devices in place on the skin. Examples of medical devices held in place with tape include drapes, tubes, catheters, ostomy instruments, and sensors. Additional uses for medical tapes include a wide variety of applications in which the tape is applied to a patient's skin. Examples include covering parts of the patient, such as holding the patient on an operating table or treatment table, keeping the eyes closed during surgery, or fixing the hand during surgery on the hand, or applying it for wound closure, not as a wound dressing, but to hold the wound closed, especially when the wound has been closed with staples or sutures.

[0010] Medical adhesives possess a wide range of desirable properties. Among these properties, typical adhesives must have sufficient peel strength and shear strength, as well as flexibility to bend with the body, high water vapor transmission rate (MVTR), and low medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI).

[0011] MVTR is a measure of how easily water vapor passes through a substance or barrier. Because sweating occurs naturally on the skin, a low MVTR in a material or adhesive system can lead to moisture buildup between the skin and the adhesive, potentially causing the adhesive to "lift" or peel off, or promoting other harmful effects such as bacterial growth and skin irritation. Therefore, much effort has focused on developing adhesive systems with high MVTR.

[0012] Medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) poses a significant risk to patient safety. Skin injuries associated with the use of medical adhesives are a common but often overlooked complication that occurs across all care settings and age groups. Furthermore, treating skin injuries is costly in terms of service delivery, time, and additional treatment and supplies.

[0013] Skin damage occurs when the surface layer of the skin is removed along with the medical adhesive product. This not only affects the integrity of the skin but also causes pain and an increased risk of infection, can increase the size of the wound, and can delay healing, all of which reduce the patient's quality of life.

[0014] Medical adhesive tapes can simply be defined as pressure-sensitive adhesives and backings that function as carriers for the adhesives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration more specifically defines medical adhesive tapes or bandages as "devices intended for medical purposes consisting of a piece of fabric material or plastic, which is coated on one side with adhesive, and which may include non-disinfectant surgical dressing pads. These devices are used to cover and protect wounds, to hold together the skin edges of a wound, to support an injured part of the body, or to fasten an object to the skin."

[0015] The pathophysiology of MARSI is only partially understood. Skin damage occurs when the adhesion of the adhesive to the skin is stronger than the adhesion of skin cells to each other. When the adhesive strength exceeds the strength of skin cell interactions, aggregation breakdown occurs within the skin cell layer.

[0016] In addition to these properties, which remain difficult to achieve, additional requirements are desired, including optical properties such as optical transparency that allows viewing through the adhesive article. Furthermore, the optical properties of medical adhesive tapes become even more important. In U.S. Patent No. 6,461,467, the term “substantially contact transparent” is used to describe such articles, meaning that when adhered to the patient’s skin, the wound or catheter site can be visually monitored through the backing and those portions of the pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive in contact with the patient’s skin without requiring removal of the dressing.

[0017] A problem with unlisted transparent medical tapes is that overlapping can affect the tape's properties. These problems arise because overlapping medical tapes is frequently desired. This means that two or more layers of tape are applied, with the second layer adhering to at least a portion of the back of the first layer of tape. Overlapping may involve the second tape layer directly covering the first tape layer, or it may be in various patterns such as an X shape, where the center of the X is attached to a medical device that is to be fixed to the patient. Even if each tape has some level of transparency, it may lose transparency when overlapped.

[0018] The optical properties are affected because multiple layers of tape are layered on top of each other. One effect is that as multilayer articles become thicker, and therefore when another layer of tape is added to form a multilayer article, the absorption and light scattering caused by a single layer of tape increases.

[0019] The optical properties of multilayer articles are even more complex because each additional layer creates a new interface. Wherever an interface exists, there is a possibility of optical interference. When visible light encounters an interface, a common problem is refraction, which occurs when the materials forming the interface have different refractive indices. This phenomenon is explained by Snell's Law. A commonly observed example of this phenomenon occurs at the air / water interface. When an object such as a canoe paddle is placed in water, the paddle appears to bend as a result of the refraction of visible light. In general, it is preferable to select materials with similar refractive indices so that there is no significant difference in refractive index at the interface between layers.

[0020] Disclosed herein are transparent medical tapes that can be layered and maintain their transparency. Light transmittance in the context of these tapes and layered articles is further defined below. Also disclosed are layered articles comprising a substrate surface such as mammalian skin and a multilayer article disposed on the substrate surface, the multilayer article including a layered layer. Methods for adhering medical devices to a substrate surface by layering are also disclosed.

[0021] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in this specification and the claims to represent feature dimensions, quantities, and physical properties shall be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “approximately.” Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters described in the above specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties to be obtained by a person skilled in the art using the teachings disclosed herein. Numerical ranges described by endpoints include all numbers encompassed within that range (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range.

[0022] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass embodiments having multiple references unless otherwise specified. For example, a reference to "layer" encompasses embodiments having one, two, or more layers. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "or" generally means "and / or" unless otherwise specified.

[0023] As used herein, the term “adhesive” refers to a polymer composition useful for bonding two adherends together. Examples of adhesives include pressure-sensitive adhesives and gel adhesives.

[0024] It is well known to those skilled in the art that pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions possess the following properties: (1) strong and persistent tackiness, (2) adhesion under pressure less than finger pressure, (3) sufficient ability to bond adherends, and (4) sufficient cohesive force to remove cleanly from adherends. Materials known to function well as pressure-sensitive adhesives are polymers designed and formulated to exhibit the viscoelastic properties necessary to provide a desired balance of tackiness, peel adhesion, and shear retention. Achieving the right balance of properties is not a simple process.

[0025] As used herein, the term "gel adhesive" refers to a viscous, semi-solid, crosslinked matrix containing a liquid or fluid that can adhere to one or more substrates. Gel adhesives may share some properties with pressure-sensitive adhesives, but are not pressure-sensitive adhesives.

[0026] The terms "Tg" and "glass transition temperature" are used interchangeably. When measured, the Tg value is measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a scanning rate of 10°C / min unless otherwise specified. Typically, the Tg value of copolymers is not measured, but is calculated using the well-known Fox formula with monomer Tg values ​​provided by the monomer supplier, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0027] The term "room temperature," unless otherwise specified, refers to the ambient temperature, generally between 20°C and 22°C.

[0028] The term "(meth)acrylate" refers to an alcohol monomer, acrylic acid, or methacrylic acid ester. Acrylates and methacrylate monomers or oligomers are collectively referred to as "(meth)acrylate" in this specification. Polymers described as "(meth)acrylate-based" are polymers or copolymers made primarily from (greater than 50% by weight) (meth)acrylate monomers, and may contain additional ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

[0029] As used herein, the term "siloxane-based" refers to a polymer or polymer unit containing siloxane units. The terms silicone and siloxane are used interchangeably and refer to units having dialkyl or diarylsiloxane (-SiR2O-) repeating units.

[0030] When referring to two layers, as used herein, the term “adjacent” means that the two layers are in close proximity to each other and there is no open space between them. They may be in direct contact with each other (e.g., stacked together), or there may be an intervening layer.

[0031] The terms “polymer” and “macromolecule” are used herein in accordance with their common usage in chemistry. Polymers and macromolecules are composed of many repeating subunits. As used herein, the term “macromolecule” is used to describe a group bonded to a monomer having multiple repeating units. The term “polymer” is used to describe a material obtained by a polymerization reaction.

[0032] The term "alkyl" refers to a monovalent group that is a group of an alkane, which is a saturated hydrocarbon. Alkyls may be linear, branched, cyclic, or a combination thereof, and typically have 1 to 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, alkyls contain 1 to 18, 1 to 12, 1 to 10, 1 to 8, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyls, but not limited to, include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, cyclohexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and ethylhexyl.

[0033] The term "aryl" refers to a monovalent group that is aromatic and carbocyclic. Aryls may have 1 to 5 rings attached to or fused to an aromatic ring. Other ring structures may be aromatic, non-aromatic, or a combination thereof. Examples of aryl groups, but not limited to, include phenyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, anthryl, naphthyl, acenaphthyl, anthraquinonyl, phenanthryl, anthracenyl, pyrenyl, perilenyl, and fluorenyl.

[0034] The term "alkylene" refers to the divalent group that is the group of an alkane. Alkylenes may be linear, branched, cyclic, or a combination thereof. Alkylenes often have 1 to 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, alkylenes contain 1 to 18, 1 to 12, 1 to 10, 1 to 8, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The center of the alkylene group may be on the same carbon atom (i.e., alkylidene) or on different carbon atoms.

[0035] The term "arylene" refers to a divalent group that is both a carbon ring and aromatic. This group has 1 to 5 rings that are linked, fused, or a combination thereof. The other rings may be aromatic, non-aromatic, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the arylene group may have up to 5 rings, up to 4 rings, up to 3 rings, up to 2 rings, or 1 aromatic ring. For example, the arylene group may be phenylene.

[0036] The term "aralkylene" is derived from the formula, -R a -Ar a -[wherein, R a It is alkylene, Ar a It is an arylene (i.e., an alkylene is bonded to an arylene). It refers to the divalent group of ].

[0037] The term "heteroalkylene" refers to a divalent group containing at least two alkylene groups linked by thio, oxy, or -NR- (where R is alkyl). Heteroalkylenes may be linear, branched, cyclic, alkyl-substituted, or a combination thereof. Some heteroalkylenes are polyoxyalkylenes, where the heteroatom is oxygen, e.g., -CH2CH2(OCH2CH2) n Examples include OCH2CH2-, etc.

[0038] Disclosed herein is an optically transparent tape comprising an optically transparent tape backing having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, and an optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, wherein at least a portion of the second principal surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is adjacent to at least a portion of the first principal surface of the optically transparent tape backing. In some embodiments, the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed on the optically transparent tape backing. The tape is flexible and has a range of desirable optically transparent properties and is weighed at least 250 g / m using the inverted cup method. 2An optically transparent multilayer tape stack can be formed having a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100-10%RH at 37°C for 24 hours and including at least two tape layers. The tape stack is formed by overlapping an optically transparent tape with another second piece of optically transparent tape. Overlapping may involve overlapping a portion of the surface of the first tape or overlapping the entire surface of the first tape.

[0039] As used herein, the term "optically transparent" refers to an article, film, or adhesive that allows the object to be seen with the naked eye without distortion or obscuration. The tapes of the present invention are optically transparent, and generally, they mean that they have at least 85% transmittance % (%T), less than 40% haze, and at least 50% transparency over at least a portion of the visible light spectrum (about 400 nm to about 700 nm). It has been found that the tapes of the present disclosure retain their optical properties when stacked. The tapes retain their transparency while a two-layer stack has lower transmittance %, higher haze, and lower transparency than a single layer of tape, and this property is such that the two layers of tape can be seen clearly through each other. In some embodiments, a two-layer stack has at least 80% %T, less than 70% haze, and at least 30% transparency.

[0040] To further clarify optical properties, they can generally be described using the following general terms: • Transmittance percentage, as the term implies, is a measure of the amount of light transmitted, i.e., the ratio of incident light to outgoing light from an optical object. Haze is a measure of wide-angle scattering and can cause loss of contrast or a milky appearance. Clarity is a measure of narrow-angle scattering, which causes details of an object to become obscured when viewed through a substrate. Clarity is also distance-dependent, meaning that the further away an object is viewed through a substrate, the less detail is visible.

[0041] The higher the haze, the lower the transparency and the more diffusion occurs. Haze and transparency do not reduce or affect light transmission, but the resulting diffusion can cause visual anomalies and inconsistencies.

[0042] In some embodiments, the tape stack may include more than two layers of optically transparent tape. In some embodiments, the tape stack includes three layers of optically transparent tape, four layers of optically transparent tape, or more layers.

[0043] Water vapor transmission rate can be measured in various ways. Typically, an optically transparent tape is used with the inverted cup method described in U.S. Patent No. 4,595,001 to allow water vapor to permeate at a rate of at least 250 g / m 2 / 24 hours / 37°C / 100 - 10%RH, more preferably at least 700 g / m 2 / 24 hours / 37°C / 100 - 10%RH, and most preferably at least 2000 g / m 2 / 24 hours / 37°C / 100 - 10%RH.

[0044] The backing is typically a thin film material (single or multi-layer). Typically, the thin film material has high water vapor permeability that provides resistance to incoming water and contaminants and allows water vapor to be released from the underlying skin. An example of a suitable material is a high water vapor permeability film such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,645,835 and 4,595,001, which describe methods for manufacturing such films and methods for testing their permeability.

[0045] The backing is generally flexible, meaning it can conform to the tissue surface. Therefore, when the dressing is applied to a tissue surface, it can conform to the surface and stretch and contract even if the surface moves. In some embodiments, the backing is an elastomer polyolefin, polyurethane, polyester, or polyether block amide film. These films combine desirable properties such as elasticity, high water vapor permeability, and transparency. An example of a suitable material for the backing is 3M Tegaderm IV Dressing, available from 3M Company. Other suitable materials include polyesters such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene). An example of a BOPP film is SBOPP (simultaneously biaxially oriented polypropylene) as described in U.S. Patent Publication 2004 / 0184150. In some embodiments, the backing is partially perforated to enhance the MVTR.

[0046] The pressure-sensitive adhesives used in the optically transparent tapes of this disclosure also have a variety of desirable properties. Typically, the pressure-sensitive adhesives include adhesives that are (meth)acrylate-based or silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, or a combination of (meth)acrylate-based and silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesives. In some embodiments, it may include a silicone-based gel adhesive. For example, a combination of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a backing to form a tape allows water vapor to pass through at a rate greater than that of human skin.

[0047] Particularly preferred (meth)acrylate-based pressure-sensitive adhesives include copolymers derived from (A) at least one monoethylene unsaturated alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer (i.e., alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate monomer), and (B) at least one monoethylene unsaturated free radical copolymerizable reinforcing monomer. The reinforcing monomer has a higher homopolymer glass transition temperature (Tg) than the alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, thereby improving the glass transition temperature and cohesive strength of the resulting copolymer. In this specification, "copolymer" refers to polymers containing two or more different monomers, including terpolymers, tetrapolymers, etc.

[0048] Monomer A, which is a monoethylene unsaturated alkyl acrylate or methacrylate (i.e., (meth)acrylic acid ester), contributes to the flexibility and tackiness of the copolymer. Generally, monomer A has a homopolymer Tg of about 0°C or less. Typically, the alkyl group of the (meth)acrylate has an average of about 4 to about 20 carbon atoms, or an average of about 4 to about 14 carbon atoms. The alkyl group may optionally contain an oxygen atom in the chain, thereby forming, for example, an ether or alkoxy ether. Examples of monomer A include, but are not limited to, 2-methylbutyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, 4-methyl-2-pentyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, sec-butyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, and isononyl acrylate. Other examples include, but are not limited to, polyethoxylated or polypropoxylated methoxy(meth)acrylates such as CARBOWAX (commercially available from Union Carbide) and NK ester AM90G (commercially available from Shin Nakamura Chemical Industry). Suitable monoethylenically unsaturated (meth)acrylates that can be used as monomer A include isooctyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and n-butyl acrylate. Various combinations of monomers classified as monomer A can be used to produce copolymers.

[0049] Monomer B, a monoethylene unsaturated free radical copolymerizable reinforcing monomer, improves the glass transition temperature and cohesive strength of the copolymer. Generally, monomer B has a homopolymer Tg of at least about 10°C. Typically, monomer B is a reinforcing (meth)acrylic monomer containing acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, or (meth)acrylate. Examples of monomer B, but not limited to these, include acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, N-ethylacrylamide, N-hydroxyethylacrylamide, diacetoneacrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-diethylacrylamide, N-ethyl-N-aminoethylacrylamide, N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylacrylamide, N,N-dihydroxyethylacrylamide, t-butylacrylamide, N,N-dimethylaminoethylacrylamide, and N-octylacrylamide. Other examples of monomer B include itaconic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, 2,2-(diethoxy)ethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate or methacrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl acrylate or methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, 2-(phenoxy)ethyl acrylate or methacrylate, biphenylyl acrylate, t-butylphenyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, dimethyladamantyl acrylate, 2-naphthyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, N-vinylformamide, N-vinylacetamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, and N-vinylcaprolactam. Particularly suitable reinforcing acrylic monomers that can be used as monomer B include acrylic acid and acrylamide. Various combinations of reinforcing monoethylenically unsaturated monomers classified as monomer B can be used to produce copolymers.

[0050] Generally, (meth)acrylate copolymers are formulated to have a Tg of less than about 0°C, more typically less than about -10°C. Such (meth)acrylate copolymers generally contain about 60 to about 98 parts by percentage of at least one monomer A and about 2 to about 40 parts by percentage of at least one monomer B. In some embodiments, the (meth)acrylate copolymer has about 85 to about 98 parts by percentage of at least one monomer A and about 2 to about 15 parts by percentage of at least one monomer B.

[0051] Examples of suitable (meth)acrylate-based pressure-sensitive adhesives that can be applied to the skin are described in U.S. Patent No. RE 24,906. In some embodiments, a 97:3 isooctyl acrylate:acrylamide copolymer adhesive or a 70:15:15 isooctyl acrylate:ethylene oxide acrylate:acrylic acid terpolymer can be used, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,737,410. Other useful adhesives are described in U.S. Patents No. 3,389,827, No. 4,112,213, No. 4,310,509, and No. 4,323,557.

[0052] Another suitable category of pressure-sensitive adhesives is siloxane-based adhesives. The terms “silicone” and “siloxane” are used interchangeably herein. Examples of siloxane-based pressure-sensitive adhesives are described in U.S. Patents No. 5,527,578 and 5,858,545, and PCT Publication No. WO00 / 02966. Specific examples include polydiorganosiloxane-polyurea copolymers and their blends, as well as polysiloxane-polyalkylene block copolymers, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,007,914. Other examples of siloxane pressure-sensitive adhesives include those formed from silanols, hydrogenated silicones, siloxanes, epoxides, and (meth)acrylates. When a siloxane pressure-sensitive adhesive is prepared from a (meth)acrylate-functionalized siloxane, the adhesive may be referred to as siloxane (meth)acrylate.

[0053] Siloxane-based adhesive compositions include at least one siloxane elastomer polymer and may also contain other components such as tackifying resins. Examples of elastomer polymers include urea-based siloxane copolymers, oxyamide-based siloxane copolymers, amide-based siloxane copolymers, urethane-based siloxane copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0054] Examples of useful siloxane elastomer polymers include urea-based silicone polymers such as silicone polyurea block copolymers. Silicone polyurea block copolymers contain reaction products of polydiorganosiloxanediamine (also called silicone diamine), diisocyanate, and optionally an organic polyamine. Suitable silicone polyurea block copolymers have the following repeating units: [ka] [In the formula, Each R independently has about 1 to 12 carbon atoms and is, for example, a trifluoroalkyl group or vinyl group, a vinyl radical, or formula R d (CH2) a CH=CH2 (wherein, R d The base is -(CH2) b - or - (CH2) cA portion of the R moiety that may be substituted with a higher alkenyl group represented by CH=CH-, where a is 1, 2, or 3, b is 0, 3, or 6, and c is 3, 4, or 5; a cycloalkyl moiety having about 6 to 12 carbon atoms and which may be substituted with alkyl, fluoroalkyl, and vinyl groups; or an aryl moiety having about 6 to 20 carbon atoms and which may be substituted with alkyl, cycloalkyl, fluoroalkyl, and vinyl groups, or R being a perfluoroalkyl group as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,028,679, or a fluorine-containing group as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,236,997, or a perfluoroether-containing group as described in U.S. Patents No. 4,900,474 and No. 5,118,775; typically, at least 50% of the R moiety is a methyl group, and the remainder is a monovalent alkyl or substituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, phenyl group, or substituted phenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Each Z is a polyvalent group, which is an arylene or aralkylene group having about 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or an alkylene or cycloalkylene group having about 6 to 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, Z is 2,6-trylene, 4,4'-methylenediphenylene, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenylene, tetramethyl-m-xylylene, 4,4'-methylenedicyclohexylene, 3,5,5-trimethyl-3-methylenecyclohexylene, 1,6-hexamethylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 2,2,4-trimethylhexylene, and mixtures thereof. Each Y is independently a polyvalent group, which is an alkylene group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aralkylene group with 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or an arylene group. Each D is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, phenyl, and a group that completes a ring structure containing B or Y to form a heterocycle. B is a polyvalent group selected from the group consisting of alkylenes, aralkylenes, cycloalkylenes, phenylenes, heteroalkylenes, such as polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polytetramethylene oxide, and copolymers and mixtures thereof. m is a number between 0 and approximately 1000. n is a number that is at least 1. p is a number that is at least 10, and in some embodiments is 15 to about 2000 or 30 to 1500. It is represented by [this].

[0055] Useful silicone polyurea block copolymers are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,512,650, 5,214,119, 5,461,134, and 7,153,924, as well as in PCT Publications WO96 / 35458, WO98 / 17726, WO96 / 34028, WO96 / 34030, and WO97 / 40103.

[0056] Another useful class of silicone elastomer polymers are oxamide-based polymers, such as polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymers. An example of a polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymer is presented, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007-0148475. A polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymer contains at least two repeating units of formula II. [ka]

[0057] In this equation, each R 1 R is independently an alkyl, haloalkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or an aryl substituted with an alkyl, alkoxy or halo, 1At least 50 percent of the group is methyl. Each Y is independently alkylene, aralkylene, or a combination thereof. The subscript n is independently an integer between 40 and 1500, and the subscript p is an integer between 1 and 10. The group G is of formula R 3 HN-G-NHR 3 Two -NHR diamines 3 It is a divalent group, which is a residue unit equivalent to the one with the group removed. Group R 3 is hydrogen or alkyl (for example, an alkyl having 1 to 10, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms), or R 3 G and the nitrogen to which both are bonded form a heterocyclic group (for example, R 3 HN-G-NHR 3 (These are piperazines, etc.) which form a repeating unit. Each asterisk (*) indicates a site where the repeating unit binds to another group in the copolymer, for example, another repeating unit of formula II.

[0058] R in Equation II 1 Suitable alkyl groups typically have 1 to 10, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkyl groups, but not limited to, include methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, and isobutyl. 1 Suitable haloalkyl groups often consist of halogens that replace only a portion of the hydrogen atoms of the corresponding alkyl group. Exemplary haloalkyl groups include chloroalkyl groups and fluoroalkyl groups having 1 to 3 halo atoms and 3 to 10 carbon atoms. 1 Suitable alkenyl groups often have 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkenyl groups such as ethenyl, n-propenyl, and n-butenyl often have 2 to 8, 2 to 6, or 2 to 4 carbon atoms. 1Suitable aryl groups often have 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Phenyl is an example of an aryl group. The aryl group may be unsubstituted or substituted with alkyl (e.g., alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms), alkoxy (e.g., alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms), or halo (e.g., chloro, bromo, or fluoro). 1 Suitable aralkyl groups typically have an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms and an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. In some exemplary aralkyl groups, the aryl group is phenyl, and the alkylene group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms (i.e., the aralkyl structure is alkylene-phenyl, with the alkylene bonded to the phenyl group).

[0059] R 1 At least 50 percent of the group is methyl. For example, R 1 At least 60 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 90 percent, at least 95 percent, at least 98 percent, or at least 99 percent of the group may be methyl. The remaining R 1 The group can be selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or aryl substituted with alkyl, alkoxy, or halo, each having at least two carbon atoms.

[0060] In Formula II, each Y is independently an alkylene, an aralkylene, or a combination thereof. Preferred alkylene groups typically have up to 10 carbon atoms, up to 8 carbon atoms, up to 6 carbon atoms, or up to 4 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkylene groups include methylene, ethylene, propylene, and butylene. Preferred aralkylene groups usually have an arylene group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms bonded to an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. In some exemplary aralkylene groups, the arylene portion is phenylene. That is, a divalent aralkylene group is phenylene-alkylene, where the phenylene is bonded to an alkylene having 1 to 10, 1 to 8, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. As used herein, with respect to the Y group, “these combinations” refers to a combination of two or more groups selected from alkylene and aralkylene groups. For example, the combination could be a single aralkylene bonded to a single alkylene (e.g., alkylene-arylene-alkylene). In one exemplary alkylene-arylene-alkylene combination, the arylene is phenylene, and each alkylene has 1 to 10, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0061] Each subscript n in Equation II is an independent integer between 40 and 1500. For example, the subscript n could be an integer at most 1000, at most 500, at most 400, at most 300, at most 200, at most 100, at most 80, or at most 60. The value of n is often at least 40, at least 45, at least 50, or at least 55. For example, the subscript n could be in the range of 40-1000, 40-500, 50-500, 50-400, 50-300, 50-200, 50-100, 50-80, or 50-60.

[0062] The subscript p is an integer between 1 and 10. For example, the value of p is often an integer at most 9, at most 8, at most 7, at most 6, at most 5, at most 4, at most 3, or at most 2. The value of p can be in the range of 1 to 8, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4.

[0063] The G group in formula II is the R group in formula R 3 HN-G-NHR 3 From the diamine compound, two amino groups (i.e., -NHR) 3 This is a residue unit equivalent to the one obtained by subtracting the base R. 3 is hydrogen or alkyl (for example, an alkyl having 1 to 10, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms), or R 3 G and the nitrogen to which both are bonded form a heterocyclic group (for example, R 3 HN-G-NHR 3 (is piperazine). The diamine may have a primary or secondary amino group. In most embodiments, R 3 is hydrogen or alkyl. In many embodiments, both amino groups of the diamine are primary amino groups (i.e., R 3 Diamines are diamines with the formula H2N-G-NH2 (both groups are hydrogen).

[0064] In some embodiments, G is an alkylene, heteroalkylene, polydiorganosiloxane, arylene, aralkylene, or a combination thereof. Preferred alkylenes often have 2 to 10, 2 to 6, or 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkylene groups include ethylene, propylene, and butylene. Preferred heteroalkylenes often include polyoxyalkylenes such as polyoxyethylene having at least two ethylene units, polyoxypropylene having at least two propylene units, or copolymers thereof. A preferred polydiorganosiloxane is obtained by removing two amino groups from the polydiorganosiloxanediamine of formula II described above. Exemplary polydiorganosiloxanes include, but are not limited to, polydimethylsiloxane having an alkylene Y group. Preferred aralkylene groups usually contain an arylene group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms bonded to an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Some exemplary aralkylene groups are phenylene-alkylenes, where the phenylene is bonded to an alkylene having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, 1 to 8 carbon atoms, 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. As used herein, “these combinations” with respect to group G refers to a combination of two or more groups selected from alkylenes, heteroalkylenes, polydiorganosiloxanes, arylenes, and aralkylenes. The combination may be, for example, an aralkylene bonded to an alkylene (e.g., alkylene-arylene-alkylene). In one exemplary alkylene-arylene-alkylene combination, the arylene is phenylene, and each alkylene has 1 to 10, 1 to 6, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0065] Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide is a polyoxamide of formula -R a -(CO)-NH-(wherein, R aThey tend not to contain groups that have alkylene. All carbonylamino groups along the main chain of the copolymer material are part of an oxalylamino group (i.e., a -(CO)-(CO)-NH- group). That is, every carbonyl group along the main chain of the copolymer material is bonded to another carbonyl group and is part of an oxalyl group. More specifically, polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamides have multiple aminooxalylamino groups.

[0066] Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamides are linear block copolymers and elastomer materials. Unlike many known polydiorganosiloxane polyamides, which are generally formulated as brittle solids or rigid plastics, polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamides can be formulated to contain more than 50 weight percent of polydiorganosiloxane segments based on the weight of the copolymer. The weight percentage of diorganosiloxane in polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamides can be increased by using higher molecular weight polydiorganosiloxane segments, providing polydiorganosiloxane segments of more than 60 weight percent, more than 70 weight percent, more than 80 weight percent, more than 90 weight percent, more than 95 weight percent, or more than 98 weight percent in polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamides. By using a larger amount of polydiorganosiloxane, it is possible to prepare elastomer materials with a lower modulus of elasticity while maintaining appropriate strength.

[0067] Some polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamides can be heated to temperatures of up to 200°C, 225°C, 250°C, 275°C, or even 300°C without significant material degradation. For example, when heated in a thermogravimetric analyzer in the presence of air, scanning at a rate of 50°C per minute within the range of 20°C to approximately 350°C, copolymers often exhibit a weight loss of less than 10 percent. In addition, copolymers can often be heated to temperatures such as 250°C per hour in air without apparent degradation. This is determined by the absence of detectable loss of mechanical strength upon cooling.

[0068] Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymers possess many of the desirable properties of polysiloxanes, including a low glass transition temperature, thermal and oxidative stability, UV resistance, low surface energy and hydrophobicity, and high permeability to many gases. In addition, the copolymers exhibit good to excellent mechanical strength.

[0069] Another useful class of silicone elastomers is amide-based silicone polymers. Such polymers are similar to urea-based polymers that contain amide bonds (-N(D)-C(O)-) instead of urea bonds (-N(D)-C(O)-N(D)-) (wherein C(O) represents a carbonyl group and D is hydrogen or an alkyl group).

[0070] Such polymers can be prepared by a variety of different methods. Starting with the polydiorganosiloxanediamine described above in Formula II, amide polymers can be prepared by reaction with polycarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acid derivatives, such as diesters. In some embodiments, amide silicone elastomers are prepared by the reaction of polydiorganosiloxanediamine with dimethyl salicylate of adipic acid.

[0071] Alternative reaction pathways to amide-based silicone elastomers utilize silicone dicarboxylic acid derivatives such as carboxylic acid esters. Silicone carboxylic acid esters can be prepared by hydrosilylation reactions of silicone hydrides (i.e., silicones terminated by silicon-hydride (Si-H) bonds) with ethylenically unsaturated esters. For example, silicone dihydrides can be converted to, for example, CH2=CH-(CH2) n -Si-(CH2) is formed by reacting with an ethylenically unsaturated ester such as -C(O)-OR [wherein C(O) represents a carbonyl group, n is an integer less than or equal to 15, and R is an alkyl, aryl, or substituted aryl group]. n+2 -C(O)-OR capped silicone chains can be produced. The -C(O)-OR group is a carboxylic acid derivative which can be reacted with a silicone diamine, polyamine, or a combination thereof. Suitable silicone diamines and polyamines have been discussed above and include aliphatic, aromatic, or oligomeric diamines (e.g., ethylenediamine, phenylenediamine, xylylenediamine, polyoxyalkylenediamine, etc.).

[0072] Another useful category of silicone elastomeric polymers are urethane-based silicone polymers, such as silicone polyurea-urethane block copolymers. Silicone polyurea-urethane block copolymers contain reaction products of polydiorganosiloxanediamine (also called silicone diamine), diisocyanate, and organic polyol. Structurally, such materials are very similar to the structure of formula I, except that the -N(D)-BN(D)- bond is replaced by an -OBO- bond. Examples of such polymers are presented, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,214,119.

[0073] These urethane-based silicone polymers are prepared in the same manner as urea-based silicone polymers, except that the organic polyol is replaced with an organic polyamine. Typically, the reaction between the alcohol group and the isocyanate group is slower than the reaction between the amine group and the isocyanate group, so catalysts such as tin catalysts commonly used in polyurethane chemistry are used.

[0074] Particularly preferred siloxane-based pressure-sensitive adhesive layers include those containing polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymers prepared by the method described in U.S. Patent No. 8,765,881 (Hays et al.). This method involves providing an oxalylamino-containing compound and then reacting the oxalylamino-containing compound with a silicone-based amine. The oxalylamino-containing compound is represented by formula III. [ka]

[0075] In this equation, each R 1 The group can be independently alkyl, haloalkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, alkenyl, aryl, substituted aryl, or formula -N=CR 4 R 5 It is the imino of.

[0076] Each R 4 R is hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, aryl, or substituted aryl. 5 is alkyl, aralkyl, substituted aralkyl, aryl, or substituted aryl. Each R 2 These are independently hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, or Q and R 2 It is part of a heterocyclic group containing nitrogen to which it is bonded. Group Q is (a) alkylene, (b) arylene, (c) a carbonylamino group bonding the first and second groups (the first and second groups are each independently alkylene, arylene, or a combination thereof), (d) R 2 and R 2(e) is a part of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group to which is bonded, or a combination thereof. The variable symbol p is an integer equal to at least 1. The silicone amine reacted with the oxalylamino-containing compound has a polydiorganosiloxane segment and at least two primary amino groups, at least two secondary amino groups, or at least one primary amino group plus at least one secondary amino group. The resulting polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer has the same general formula as formula II above, where the G group in formula II corresponds to the Q group in formula III.

[0077] Another category of siloxane adhesives has been developed to be skin-friendly. Various skin-friendly articles and dressings using skin-friendly adhesives have been described. A skin-friendly adhesive is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2011 / 0212325 (Determan et al.), which describes an electron beam and gamma-ray crosslinked silicone gel adhesive that may use either a non-functional polydiorganosiloxane or a functional polydiorganosiloxane. These adhesives are gel adhesives containing a crosslinking matrix and a siloxane fluid.

[0078] In some embodiments, the siloxane-based pressure-sensitive adhesive further comprises a siloxane tackifier. While the siloxane tackifier was previously referred to as a "silicate" tackifier, this term has been replaced by the term "siloxane tackifier." The siloxane tackifier is added in an amount sufficient to achieve the desired tackiness and adhesion level. In some embodiments, multiple siloxane tackifiers can be used to achieve the desired performance.

[0079] Suitable siloxane tackifying resins include the following structural unit M (i.e., monovalent R'3SiO 1 / 2 Units), 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 / 2Examples include resins composed of units, as well as combinations thereof. A typical exemplary siloxane resin is MQ siloxane tackifying resin, which is a copolymer resin in which each M unit is bonded to a Q unit, and each Q unit is bonded to at least one other Q unit. Some Q units are bonded only to other Q units. However, some Q units are bonded to a hydroxyl group, such as HOSiO 3 / 2 Unit (i.e., "T OH This results in a unit of silicon-bonded hydroxyl content in part of the siloxane tackifying resin.

[0080] Suitable siloxane tackifying resins are commercially available from suppliers such as Dow Corning (e.g., DC 2-7066), Momentive Performance Materials (e.g., SR545 and SR1000), and Wacker Chemie AG (e.g., BELSIL TMS-803).

[0081] Typically, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is a continuous layer, but in some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is discontinuous. In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer exists in a pattern. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can have a variety of thicknesses, typically the layer is 25 micrometers to 100 micrometers (1 mil to 4 mil) thick.

[0082] Another preferred category of pressure-sensitive adhesives bridges the two categories in that it includes both (meth)acrylate and siloxane-based adhesives. These adhesives are siloxane-(meth)acrylate copolymers. A wide range of siloxane-(meth)acrylate copolymers are preferred. Typically, a siloxane-(meth)acrylate copolymer is a reaction product of a reaction mixture comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated siloxane-containing macromer, at least one alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, and any additional monomers. A particularly preferred method for preparing siloxane-(meth)acrylate copolymers is described in U.S. Patent Publication 2011 / 0300296, which describes preparing copolymers under essentially adiabatic polymerization conditions. Such polymerization can be carried out without solvent or with minimal amounts of solvent.

[0083] In this polymerization method, a wide variety of ethylenically unsaturated siloxane-containing monomers can be used. For example, many vinyl-functionalized siloxanes are commercially available. Siloxane-containing macromers, particularly those having the general formula of formula IV, are especially preferred. W-(A) n -Si(R 4 ) 3-m Q m Formula IV (In the formula, W is a vinyl group, A is a divalent bond group, n is 0 or 1, m is an integer from 1 to 3, R 4 Q is hydrogen, a lower alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, or propyl), an aryl (e.g., phenyl or substituted phenyl), or an alkoxy, and Q is a monovalent siloxane polymer moiety having a number-average molecular weight greater than about 500 and being essentially unreactive under copolymerization conditions.

[0084] Such macromers are known and may be prepared by methods disclosed by Milkovich et al., as described in U.S. Patents 3,786,116 and 3,842,059. The preparation of polydimethylsiloxane macromers and subsequent copolymerization with vinyl monomers are described in several publications, Y. Yamashita et al., Polymer J. 14, 913 (1982), ACS Polymer Preprints 25(1), 245 (1984), Makromol. Chem. 185, 9 (1984), and U.S. Patent 4,693,935 (Mazurek). This macromer preparation method involves the anionic polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane monomers to form living polymers of controlled molecular weight, with termination reactions carried out via chlorosilane compounds containing polymerizable vinyl groups.

[0085] Ethylene-unsaturated siloxane-containing monomers can react with a wide range of (meth)acrylate monomers. (Meth)acrylate monomers are listed above. Examples of suitable (meth)acrylate monomers include benzyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, decyl acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-hexadecyl acrylate, n-hexadecyl methacrylate, hexyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, isononyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, isooctyl methacrylate. Examples include, but are not limited to, isotridecyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, 2-methylbutyl acrylate, 4-methyl-2-pentyl acrylate, 1-methylcyclohexyl methacrylate, 2-methylcyclohexyl methacrylate, 3-methylcyclohexyl methacrylate, 4-methylcyclohexyl methacrylate, octadecyl acrylate, octadecyl methacrylate, n-octyl acrylate, n-octyl methacrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl methacrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, propyl methacrylate, n-tetradecyl acrylate, n-tetradecyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof.

[0086] Pressure-sensitive adhesives may further contain one or more optional additives, provided that the additives do not interfere with the optical or other desirable properties of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Suitable additives include antimicrobial agents. U.S. Patent Application Publications 2018 / 0280591 and 2015 / 0238444 disclose antimicrobial agents dispersed throughout the adhesive composition. For example, chlorohexidine gluconate can be included in a pressure-sensitive acrylate adhesive to provide continuous antimicrobial activity.

[0087] In some embodiments, the optically transparent tape further includes a transparent reinforcing material layer having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, the transparent reinforcing material layer being located between a transparent tape backing and an optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Typically, at least a portion of the second principal surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is in contact with the first principal surface of the transparent material layer, and the second principal surface of the transparent material layer is in contact with at least a portion of the first principal surface of the transparent tape backing.

[0088] The reinforcing tape is optically transparent, as is the case with the tape described above. As with the tape described above, the reinforcing transparent tape can form an optically transparent multilayer tape stack containing at least two tape layers.

[0089] A wide range of reinforcing material layers are suitable. Typically, optically transparent reinforcing material layers have lower extensibility than optically transparent backings. For example, a reinforcing material layer can have a tensile strength of 100 Newtons / 5cm to 300 Newtons / 5cm in the mechanical direction and 100N / 5cm to 300N / 5cm in the cross-web direction. For example, a reinforcing material layer can have an elongation of 20% to 30% in the mechanical direction and 15% to 30% in the cross-web direction.

[0090] To enable the entire reinforcing tape to be flexible and conformable, the reinforcing material layer is typically flexible and conformable in the xy plane, in other words, drapeable. In some embodiments, the reinforcing material layer is a polymer material that is thermoformable or thermoplastic. Examples of suitable materials for the reinforcing material layer include polyurethane, polyester, and polyolefin.

[0091] In some embodiments, the reinforcing material layer comprises a web or discontinuous layer of polymer material, including polyester or polyolefin. In some embodiments, the reinforcing material layer is lattice-like, with up to 70% of the reinforcing material being open regions. Examples of suitable materials for use as a reinforcing material layer include cross-laminated polyolefin open mesh nonwoven webs. For example, CLAF fabric is suitable as a reinforcing material.

[0092] The reinforcing material layer is typically quite thin compared to the thickness of the tape backing. Generally, the reinforcing material layer has a thickness of 100 to 300 micrometers.

[0093] Transparent tapes, whether or not they are reinforcing tapes, may have an optional LAB coating on the back of the optically transparent tape backing. In tape applications, the release material is often called a “low-adhesion backsizing,” or LAB. In this form, the adhesive surface is in contact with the back surface of the article. The LAB prevents the adhesive from permanently adhering to the back surface of the article, allowing the article to be unwound. A wide range of LAB coatings are suitable, depending on the composition of the pressure-sensitive adhesive and as long as the coating does not adversely affect the optical properties of the tape article. Various examples of low-adhesion backsizing can be found in U.S. Patents 4,421,904, 4,313,988, and 4,279,717.

[0094] Also disclosed herein are multilayer articles comprising a substrate surface and a multilayer tape stack disposed on the substrate surface. The multilayer tape stack comprises at least two layers of optically transparent tape, a first layer and a second layer. The optically transparent tape is described above. Typically, the first layer of the optically transparent tape comprises an optically transparent tape backing having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, and an optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, wherein at least a portion of the second principal surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is adjacent to at least a portion of the first principal surface of the optically transparent tape backing. The tape is optically transparent and weighs at least 250 g / m² using the inverted cup method. 2 It has a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100-10%RH at 37°C for 24 hours. The first main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is in contact with the substrate surface. The second layer of the optically transparent tape is bonded to the first layer of the optically transparent tape, so that the first main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the second layer of the optically transparent tape is positioned on the second main surface of the optically transparent tape backing of the first optically transparent tape. The multilayer tape stack is optically transparent.

[0095] Typically, the substrate surface includes mammalian skin. Mammalian skin is commonly understood in the art as the skin of a mammal, often human, to which the adhesive tape is attached. In some embodiments, the mammalian skin is treated before attachment by shaving, trimming, washing, etc., but in other embodiments, the article is attached without any preparation.

[0096] In some embodiments, the multilayer tape stack further includes a third layer of optically transparent tape, the third layer of optically transparent tape being bonded to a second layer of optically transparent tape, so that the first principal surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the third layer of optically transparent tape lies on the second principal surface of the optically transparent tape backing of the second optically transparent tape, and the multilayer tape stack is optically transparent. Additional layers of optically transparent tape can be added to form multilayer tape stacks having 4, 5, or even more layers.

[0097] In some embodiments, the optically transparent tape may be the reinforced optically transparent tape described above.

[0098] Multilayer tape stacks can hold medical devices in place on a substrate surface. In these embodiments, the multilayer tape stack is in contact with at least a portion of the medical device, as well as the substrate surface. Examples of medical devices held in place using tape include drapes, tubes, catheters, ostomy instruments, and sensors. Additional uses for medical tape include a wide variety of applications where the tape is applied to a patient's skin. Examples include covering a portion of the patient, such as holding the patient on an operating table or treatment table, keeping the eyes closed during surgery, or fixing the hand during surgery on the hand, or applying it for wound closure, not as a wound dressing, but to keep the wound closed, especially when the wound has been closed with staples or sutures.

[0099] Also disclosed herein are methods for adhering medical devices to mammalian skin. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a substrate surface including mammalian skin, providing a medical device to be adhered to the mammalian skin, positioning the medical device adjacent to the substrate surface, providing an optically transparent tape, bringing a first portion of the optically transparent tape into contact with the medical device and a portion of the substrate surface, and overlapping the first portion of the optically transparent tape. Overlapping includes bringing a second portion of the optically transparent tape into contact with the first portion of the optically transparent tape to form a tape stack of optically transparent tape, the tape stack being optically transparent. In some embodiments, the method further includes overlapping additional portions of the optically transparent tape. As described above, a wide range of medical devices are suitable. Examples of medical devices held in place using tape include drapes, tubes, catheters, ostomy devices, and sensors. Additional uses for medical tape include a wide variety of applications where the tape is applied to a patient's skin. Examples include holding a patient on an operating table or treatment table, keeping the patient's eyes closed during surgery, covering a part of the patient such as fixing their hands during surgery, or applying it to a wound to close it, not as a wound dressing, but to keep the wound closed, especially when the wound has been closed with staples or sutures.

[0100] The optically transparent tape used in the methods of this disclosure includes the optically transparent tape described above. In some embodiments, the optically transparent tape includes the reinforced optically transparent tape described above.

[0101] This disclosure can be understood by referring to the figures. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an optically transparent tape 100. The tape 100 includes an optically transparent backing layer 110 and an optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 120.

[0102] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the multilayer tape stack 200. The tape stack 200 includes two portions of optically transparent tape 100, as shown in Figure 1, in contact with each other. Optically transparent tape 100 includes a transparent backing layer 110 and an optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 120. Optically transparent tape 100' includes a transparent backing layer 110' and an optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 120'.

[0103] Figure 3 shows a top view of a multilayer article 300. Article 300 includes a medical device 340 (shown as a tube) and optically transparent tapes 100 and 100', each having a visible backing surface 110 and 110', respectively. The overlapping area 350 is where the optically transparent tape 100' is in contact with the optically transparent tape 100. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the medical device 340 can be a broad medical device, and the overlapping area 350 does not have to be the result of a cross-shaped taping pattern, but can encompass a broad overlapping area.

[0104] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a reinforced optically transparent tape article 400. The reinforced tape 400 includes an optically transparent tape backing 410, an optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 420, and a reinforcing material layer 430 located between the optically transparent tape backing 410 and the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 420. The optically transparent reinforcing layer includes fibers 434 and open spaces 406.

[0105] Figure 5 shows a top view of the optically transparent reinforcing web 500. The reinforcing web 500 includes woven optically transparent fibers 532 and 534 and open spaces 506.

[0106] Figure 6 shows a top view of the optically transparent reinforcing layer 600. The reinforcing layer 600 includes an optically transparent film 630 and contains a plurality of voids 606. The present invention encompasses the following aspects. (1) Tape, An optically transparent tape backing having a first main surface and a second main surface, An optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, Includes, At least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent adhesive layer is adjacent to at least a portion of the first main surface of the optically transparent tape backing. The tape is optically transparent and weighs at least 250 g / m² using the inverted cup method. 2 It has a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100%~10%RH at 37°C for 24 hours. The tape is capable of forming an optically transparent multilayer tape stack comprising at least two tape layers. (2) The tape according to item 1, wherein the tape has a visible light transmittance of 85%, a haze of less than 40%, and a transparency of at least 50%. (3) The tape according to item 1, wherein the multilayer tape stack comprising at least two tape layers has a visible light transmittance of 80%, a haze of less than 70%, and a transparency of at least 30%. (4) The tape according to item 1, wherein the transparent tape backing comprises polyester, polyolefin, or polyurethane. (5) The tape according to item 1, wherein the optically transparent adhesive layer comprises a (meth)acrylate-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive, a (meth)acrylate-silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive, or a silicone gel adhesive. (6) The tape according to item 1, further comprising a transparent reinforcing material layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, wherein the transparent reinforcing material layer is located between the transparent tape backing and the optically transparent adhesive layer, so that at least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent adhesive layer is in contact with the first main surface of the transparent material layer, and the second main surface of the transparent material layer is in contact with at least a portion of the first main surface of the transparent tape backing. (7) The tape according to item 6, wherein the reinforcing material layer comprises a web or discontinuous layer of polymer material, which includes polyester or polyolefin. (8) The tape according to item 6, wherein the reinforcing material layer is in a grid pattern and up to 70% of the reinforcing material is an open area. (9) The tape according to item 6, wherein the reinforcing material layer has a thickness of 100 micrometers to 300 micrometers. (10) Multilayer articles, The substrate surface and A multilayer tape stack disposed on the surface of the substrate, The multilayer tape stack includes at least two layers of optically transparent tape, and the optically transparent tape layers are The first layer of the optically transparent tape, An optically transparent tape backing having a first main surface and a second main surface, An optically transparent adhesive layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, The optically transparent adhesive layer comprises, wherein at least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent adhesive layer is adjacent to at least a portion of the first main surface of the optically transparent tape backing. The tape is optically transparent and weighs at least 250 g / m² using the inverted cup method. 2 It has a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100-10%RH at 37°C for 24 hours. The first main surface of the optically transparent adhesive layer is in contact with the substrate surface, and is the first layer of the optically transparent tape. The second layer of the optically transparent tape, The first layer of the optically transparent tape is bonded to the first layer of the optically transparent tape, and thereby the first main surface of the optically transparent adhesive layer of the second layer of the optically transparent tape is positioned on the second main surface of the optically transparent tape backing of the first layer of the optically transparent tape. A multilayer article comprising a multilayer tape stack that is optically transparent. (11) The multilayer article according to item 10, wherein the surface of the substrate includes mammalian skin. (12) The multilayer article according to item 10, wherein the multilayer tape stack further comprises a third layer of optically transparent tape, the third layer of optically transparent tape being bonded to a second layer of optically transparent tape, so that the first main surface of the optically transparent adhesive layer of the third layer of optically transparent tape is positioned on the second main surface of the optically transparent tape backing of the second optically transparent tape, and the multilayer tape stack is optically transparent. (13) The multilayer article according to item 10, wherein the multilayer tape stack comprising at least two tape layers has a visible light transmittance of 80%, a haze of less than 70%, and a transparency of at least 30%. (14) The multilayer article according to item 10, further comprising a medical device in contact with a portion of the surface of the substrate and in contact with at least a portion of the multilayer tape stack. (15) A multilayer article as described in item 14, wherein the medical device includes drapes, tubes, catheters, ostomy instruments, and sensors. (16) A method for adhering a medical device to the skin of a mammal, the method being To provide a substrate surface including mammalian skin, To provide a medical device that adheres to the skin of the aforementioned mammal, The medical device is placed adjacent to the surface of the substrate, To provide optically transparent tape, The first portion of the optically transparent tape is brought into contact with the medical device and a portion of the substrate surface, A method comprising bringing a second portion of the optically transparent tape into contact with the first portion of the optically transparent tape to form a tape stack of optically transparent tape, wherein the tape stack is optically transparent. (17) The method according to item 16, wherein the medical device includes drapes, tubes, catheters, ostomy devices, and sensors. (18) The method according to item 16, wherein the multilayer tape stack comprising the at least two tape layers has a visible light transmittance of 80%, a haze of less than 70%, and a transparency of at least 30%. (19) The optically transparent tape, An optically transparent tape backing having a first main surface and a second main surface, An optically transparent adhesive layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, The optically transparent adhesive layer comprises, wherein at least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent adhesive layer is adjacent to at least a portion of the first main surface of the optically transparent tape backing. The tape is optically transparent and weighs at least 250 g / m² using the inverted cup method. 2 It has a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100%~10%RH at 37°C for 24 hours. The method according to item 16, wherein the tape can form an optically transparent multilayer tape stack comprising at least two tape layers. (20) The method of item 19, wherein the tape further comprises a transparent reinforcing material layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, the transparent reinforcing material layer being located between the transparent tape backing and the optically transparent adhesive layer, so that at least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent adhesive layer is in contact with the first main surface of the transparent material layer, and the second main surface of the transparent material layer is in contact with at least a portion of the first main surface of the transparent tape backing. [Examples]

[0107] These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. All parts, percentages, ratios, etc., in the examples and elsewhere in this specification are by weight unless otherwise indicated. The solvents and other reagents used were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) unless otherwise noted. The following abbreviations are used: cm = centimeter; in = inch; kg = kilogram; lb = pound; Nm = newton meter; ml = milliliter; oz = ounce; mJ = millijoule.

[0108] [Table 1]

[0109] Test method optical properties Luminous transmission, clarity, and haze were measured according to ASTM D1003-00 using a Gardner Haze-Guard Plus model 4725 (available from BYK-Gardner, Columbia, MD). Reported values ​​are the average of three replicates unless otherwise specified. Swiss glass microscope slides were used as blanks during testing. One, two, and four layers of tape were tested. Each layer (on a glass slide or between tapes) was tested using two passes of a 4-pound roller.

[0110] Mechanical properties The tensile strength at fracture and the ultimate elongation at fracture were measured according to modified methods from PSTC-31, ASTM D882, and D3759, using a Z005 tensile testing machine (Zwick Roell Group, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA) equipped with clamp-type jaws, at a constant speed of 25.4 cm / min.

[0111] The sample was cut into a 2.54 cm x 2.54 cm square. One end of the square sample was aligned with the upper jaw contact line and clamped so that the length of the sample was perpendicular to the upper jaw. Then, without applying tension to the sample, the other end of the sample was gently aligned with the lower jaw and clamped. The crosshead was then started and the test continued until the sample ruptured or fractured. The tensile strength at fracture and the ultimate elongation at fracture were automatically recorded by the instrument. Unless otherwise specified, the reported values ​​are the average of 5 repetitions.

[0112] Peel adhesive strength The sample was cut to dimensions of 2.54 cm × 12.7 cm. The liner was removed from the sample, and the sample was placed on a #320 stainless steel or polyethylene test panel with the adhesive side down. The sample was secured to the test panel using two passes of a 2.0 kg steel roller. A peel test was performed at room temperature at a separation rate of 30.5 cm / min using a Z005 tensile testing machine (Zwick Roell Group, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA) equipped with a 50 kg load cell. The average peel force was recorded and used to calculate the average peel adhesive strength in ounces / inch. Unless otherwise specified, the reported values ​​are the average of 5 repetitions. The adhesive strength in ounces / inch was converted to Newtons / decimeter (N / dm).

[0113] Water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) Test specimens were prepared by cutting discs with a diameter of 3.8 cm from the bulk film. Each disc was placed between two foil rings having an elliptical opening, thus 5.1 cm 2 The sample surface area was exposed to form a foil / dressing / foil assembly ("assembly"). Reported values ​​are the average of 5 repetitions unless otherwise specified.

[0114] To test the upright MVTR, 50 ml of deionized water was placed inside a 4 ounce wide-mouth bottle. One or two drops of methylene blue mixture (0.17 wt / wt% methylene blue aqueous solution) were added to the wide-mouth bottle as a visual aid to detect sample leakage. The assembly was placed on a rubber washer ring above the bottle neck with the adhesive surface of the assembly facing downwards towards the inside of the wide-mouth bottle. The wide-mouth bottle was placed in a chamber at a temperature of 40°C ± 1°C and a relative humidity of 20% for 4 hours. The assembly was secured to the wide-mouth bottle by tightening a sealing ring with a circular opening in the center and an opening with a diameter of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) over the neck of the wide-mouth bottle while it was inside the chamber. The wide-mouth bottle was removed from the chamber and immediately weighed, and the mass was recorded as W1. The wide-mouthed bottle was returned to the chamber and left for a minimum of 18 hours ("test period"), then removed from the chamber and immediately reweighed, and the mass measurement was recorded as W2. The time the wide-mouthed bottle was in the chamber after W1 was measured, i.e., the test period, was recorded as T. The upright MVTR was calculated using the following formula I.

number

[0115] Sample preparation Two commercially available medical tapes were used as controls. Reference tape 1 (BLENDERM) and reference tape 2 (TRANSPORE) are both available from 3M Company (St. Paul, MN). The tape samples for the two embodiments of the present invention were designed to be optically transparent. The optical measurements for these comparative tapes are shown in Table 2.

[0116] Example 1 Film 2 (CLAF SS 1601) is a cross-laminated polyolefin open mesh nonwoven fabric material available from JX Nippon ANCI, Inc. (Kennesaw, GA). The adhesive used was a hot-melt processable (meth)acrylate PSA (approximately 96 / 4 monomer ratio) of isooctyl acrylate and acrylic acid, prepared as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,294,249 (Hamer et al.). The adhesive was extruded onto a release liner, and then the nonwoven fabric material of Film 2 was applied to the adhesive. The adhesive was applied at a rate that provided a coating weight of 5.6 grams / 24 inch². Then, the polyurethane film used in TEGADERM was applied to the adhesive / film. 2 The tape was laminated onto the structure. The optical measurements for this tape are shown in Table 2.

[0117] Example 2 Medical-grade acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, approximately 6 grams / 24 inches 2 The coating was applied to the release liner at a rate that provided the coating weight. The adhesive was a crosslinkable (meth)acrylate PSA of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, acrylic acid, and ABP, prepared as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,637,646 (Ellis). ABP refers to a copolymerizable photoinitiator of 4-acrylooxybenzophenone, prepared according to U.S. Patent No. 4,737,559 (Kellen et al.). The adhesive layer was then coated at 52 mJ / cm². 2 ~55 mJ / cm² 2 It was cured using UV radiation at this dose.

[0118] Next, transparent film 1 (SBOPP) was laminated to the adhesive, and the laminate was flame-perforated to provide improved MVTR and easy manual tearing. The laminate was perforated using a flame perforation process as described in PCT Publication WO 2009 / 014881 (Strobel et al.), WO 2015 / 100319 (Strobel et al.), and WO 2016 / 105501 (Hager et al.). In this process, a flame was used to apply heat to the web surface while the laminate was passed over a cooling roller having an array of cavities. The laminate was oriented with the SBOPP film layer of the laminate in contact with the cooling roller. The release liner was removed before use. Optical measurements for this tape are shown in Table 2. Furthermore, peel and MVTR measurements are shown in Tables 3 and 4, respectively.

[0119] [Table 2]

[0120] [Table 3]

[0121] [Table 4]

Claims

1. It's a tape, An optically transparent tape backing having a first main surface and a second main surface, An optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, Includes, At least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is adjacent to at least a portion of the first main surface of the optically transparent tape backing. The tape is optically transparent, has a visible light transmittance of 85% or more, a haze of less than 40%, and a transparency of at least 50%. The tape is measured using the inverted cup method, weighing at least 250 g / m². ２ It has a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100-10% RH at 37°C for 24 hours. The tape forms an optically transparent multilayer tape stack comprising at least two layers of tape, and the multilayer tape stack has a visible light transmittance of 80% or more, a haze of less than 70%, and a transparency of at least 30%, and The tape further comprises a transparent reinforcing material layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, wherein the transparent reinforcing material layer is located between the transparent tape backing and the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and at least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is in contact with the first main surface of the transparent reinforcing material layer, and the second main surface of the transparent reinforcing material layer is in contact with at least a portion of the first main surface of the transparent tape backing.

2. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises a (meth)acrylate-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive, a (meth)acrylate-silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive, or a silicone gel adhesive.

3. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the transparent reinforcing material layer is lattice-shaped, and up to 70% of the transparent reinforcing material layer is an open region.

4. Multilayer articles, The substrate surface and A multilayer tape stack disposed on the surface of the substrate, The multilayer tape stack includes at least two layers of optically transparent tape, and the optically transparent tape is The first layer of the optically transparent tape, An optically transparent tape backing having a first main surface and a second main surface, An optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, The optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises at least a portion of the second main surface adjacent to at least a portion of the first main surface of the optically transparent tape backing. The tape is optically transparent, has a visible light transmittance of 85% or more, a haze of less than 40%, and a transparency of at least 50%. The tape is weighed at least 250 g / m using the inverted cup method. ２ It has a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100-10% RH at 37°C for 24 hours. The first main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is in contact with the first layer of the optically transparent tape, which is in contact with the substrate surface. The second layer of the optically transparent tape, The first main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the second layer of the optically transparent tape is bonded to the first layer of the optically transparent tape, and the second layer of the optically transparent tape is positioned on the second main surface of the optically transparent tape backing of the first layer of the optically transparent tape, The multilayer tape stack includes, and the multilayer tape stack is optically transparent, and the multilayer tape stack has a visible light transmittance of 80% or more, a haze of less than 70%, and a transparency of at least 30%, and A multilayer article wherein the tape further comprises a transparent reinforcing material layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, the transparent reinforcing material layer being located between the transparent tape backing and the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, at least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer being in contact with the first main surface of the transparent reinforcing material layer, and the second main surface of the transparent reinforcing material layer being in contact with at least a portion of the first main surface of the transparent tape backing.

5. The multilayer article according to claim 4, wherein the multilayer tape stack further comprises a third layer of optically transparent tape, the third layer of optically transparent tape being bonded to a second layer of optically transparent tape, the first main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the third layer of optically transparent tape being positioned on the second main surface of the optically transparent tape backing of the second optically transparent tape, and the multilayer tape stack is optically transparent.

6. A method for adhering a medical device to the skin of a mammal, wherein the method is To provide a substrate surface including mammalian skin, To provide a medical device that adheres to the skin of the aforementioned mammal, The medical device is placed adjacent to the surface of the substrate, To provide optically transparent tape, The first portion of the optically transparent tape is brought into contact with the medical device and a portion of the substrate surface, The process includes bringing a second portion of the optically transparent tape into contact with the first portion of the optically transparent tape to form a tape stack of optically transparent tape, wherein the tape stack is optically transparent. The optically transparent tape, An optically transparent tape backing having a first main surface and a second main surface, An optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, The optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises at least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent tape backing adjacent to at least a portion of the first main surface of the optically transparent tape backing. The tape is optically transparent and has a visible light transmittance of 85% or more, a haze of less than 40%, and a transparency of at least 50%. The tape is measured using the inverted cup method, weighing at least 250 g / m². ２ It has a water vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 100-10% RH at 37°C for 24 hours. The tape forms an optically transparent multilayer tape stack comprising at least two layers of tape, and the multilayer tape stack has a visible light transmittance of 80% or more, a haze of less than 70%, and a transparency of at least 30%, and The method (excluding medical procedures) wherein the tape further comprises a transparent reinforcing material layer having a first main surface and a second main surface, the transparent reinforcing material layer being located between the transparent tape backing and the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, at least a portion of the second main surface of the optically transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer being in contact with the first main surface of the transparent reinforcing material layer, and the second main surface of the transparent reinforcing material layer being in contact with at least a portion of the first main surface of the transparent tape backing.

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