Self-adhesive fabric patch

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-adhesive fabric patch (10) for repairing textile damage. The self-adhesive fabric patch (10) comprises: a fabric substrate (20) having a top surface (22) and a bottom surface (24), an adhesive layer (40) provided on the bottom surface (24) of the fabric substrate (10), and a release liner (30) provided on the adhesive layer (40) to protect the adhesive layer (20) prior use of the self-adhesive fabric patch (1), the adhesive layer (40) being arranged between the fabric substrate (20) and the release liner (30), the release liner (30) has a liner flexural stiffness and the fabric substrate (20) has a substrate flexural stiffness, the liner flexural stiffness is greater than the substrate flexural stiffness such that the release liner (30) is arranged to support the fabric substrate (20) and to prevent the fabric substrate (20) from folding.

Description

[0001] SELF-ADHESIVE FABRIC PATCH

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to self-adhesive fabric patch and more particularly to a self-adhesive fabric patch according to preamble of claim 1.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the prior art self-adhesive patches are used to repair clothes, bags or the like textile objects. The self-adhesive patches usually comprise a patch substrate and an adhesive layer provided to bottom surface of the patch substrate. The adhesive substrate is protected with a removable liner prior to use of the patch. When the patch is applied to a desired location on the surface of the object, the liner is first removed and then the patch is placed on the desired location on the object. The adhesive layer bonds with the surface of the object adhering the patch to the desired location.

[0006] Placing and adhering the prior art patch to the desired location is difficult. When the adhesive layer makes contact with the surface of the object, it is difficult to move that patch anymore. Removing the patch from the surface of the object and placing the patch again on the surface to a better location deteriorates the bond between the patch and the surface of the object. This due to the fact that some adhesive remains in the surface of the object when it is removed and that contaminants such as fabric fibres or dust gest stuck on adhesive layer such that the boding properties of the adhesive layer are deteriorated.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a self-adhesive fabric patch so as to solve or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages.

[0009] The objects of the invention are achieved by a self-adhesive fabric patch which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 1.

[0010] The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of providing self-adhesive fabric patch for repairing textile damage. Accordingly, the present invention provides a self-adhesive repair patch. The self-adhesive fabric patch comprises a fabric substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, an adhesive layer provided on the bottom surface of the fabric substrate, and a release liner provided on the adhesive layer to protect the adhesive layer prior use of the self-adhesive fabric patch, the adhesive layer being arranged between the fabric substrate and the release liner. The release liner has a liner flexural stiffness and the fabric substrate has a substrate flexural stiffness, the liner flexural stiffness is greater than the substrate flexural stiffness such that the release liner is arranged to support the fabric substrate. The release liner comprises a first liner surface arranged to face towards the adhesive layer and a second liner surface arranged to face away from the adhesive layer, the release liner being provided with a cut having a depth from the second liner surface towards the fabric substrate.

[0012] The release liner with the greater flexural stiffness prevents or at least decreases folding and bending of the fabric substrate and the self-adhesive fabric patch prior to use when the release liner is adhered to the adhesive layer. The decreased folding bending prevents or decreases relative movement of the release liner and the fabric substrate, or the release liner and the adhesive layer, prior to and when the release liner is adhered to the adhesive layer. The prevented or decreased relative movement prevents detaching of the release liner from the adhesive layer and from the fabric substrate prior use of the self-adhesive patch.

[0013] The cut enables easy removal of the fabric substrate from the release liner as the release liner may be folded along the cut. The cut is especially efficient together with the release liner having the grater flexural stiffness.

[0014] During the placing the self-adhesive patch on the surface of the object the fabric substrate is peeled off gradually from the release liner and pressed against the surface the object at the same time. The release liner with the greater flexural stiffness supports the fabric substrate during the gradual peeling off and placing the self-adhesive patch on the surface of the object. The peeling off is tarted by folding the fabric patch along the cut. At the same time release liner with the greater flexural stiffness continues to support the fabric substrate. This decreases unintentional bending and folding of the fabric substrate during the placing and prevents wrinkles to the fabric substrate and to the patch adhered to the surface of the object.

[0015] As the flexural stiffness of the release liner is greater than the flexural stiffness of the fabric substrate, the fabric substrate is removed from the release liner during use which makes placing and adhering fabric substrate to the surface of the object more precise and easier.

[0016] Flexural stiffness means material’s resistance to an externally-applied bending force. Flexural stiffness is a material's resistance to bending or deformation under a load, and it depends on both the material's intrinsic elastic modulus and the moment of inertia of its cross-sectional geometry. A higher flexural stiffness means a material is more rigid and less likely to bend.

[0017] Flexural stiffness should be distinguished from handling stiffness which material’s ability to support its own weight.

[0018] Determining or measuring flexural stiffness of the fabric substrate, the fabric substrate with the adhesive layer and release liner may be carried out by any commonly known test for determining the flexural stiffness. For example, a standard three-point bending flexural test may be utilized for determining the flexural stiffness.

[0019] Flexural stiffness of the fabric substrate or the fabric substrate with the adhesive layer may also be determined or measured according to ISO Standard 4604:1978.

[0020] Flexural stiffness of the release liner may also be determined or measured according to ISO Standard 5628:2019.

[0021] Alternatively, any other suitable method for determining or measuring flexural stiffness or any known device, such as a flexometer, may be utilized.

[0022] In the present invention, the adhesive layer is permanently bonded to fabric substrate. The release liner is arranged releasably against the adhesive layer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate comprises woven fabric material.

[0024] In some other embodiments, the fabric substrate is made of woven fabric material.

[0025] Woven fabric materials are especially flexible and therefore the release liner with the greater flexural stiffness is especially advantageous. Further, the woven fabric materials are susceptible to wrinkles.

[0026] In some further embodiments, the fabric substrate comprises nonwoven fabric material.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate is made of nonwoven fabric material.

[0028] Nonwoven fabric materials are often thin and therefore difficult to place and adhere to the surface of the object.

[0029] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate has a single-layer structure.

[0030] The single-layer structure provides a smooth surface of the repaired object after the patch is placed and adhered to the surface of the object. At the same time the single-layer structure makes placing and adhering the patch difficult and subjects the patch to wrinkles. Therefore, the release liner with the greater flexural stiffness is especially advantageous. The single-layer structure provides also a durable patch.

[0031] In some other embodiments, the fabric substrate has a uniform thickness.

[0032] The uniform thickness of the fabric substrate provides an even surface for the repaired surface of the object after the patch is applied to the surface. The uniform thickness of the fabric substrate requires utilizing thin fabric substrates which have low flexural stiffness and are thus prone to bending and wrinkling. Therefore, the release liner with the greater flexural stiffness is especially advantageous.

[0033] In some further embodiments, the fabric substrate has a single-layer structure and a uniform thickness.

[0034] The single-layer structure and uniform thickness provides advantageous end result on the repaired surface of the object. However, the layer structure and uniform thickness of the fabric substrate makes it especially difficult to place and adhere the patch on the surface of the object.

[0035] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate has a thickness at least 0,1 mm, at least 0,15 mm, or between 0,1 to 3 mm, or between 0,15 to 2 mm.

[0036] The thickness of the fabric substrate is preferably equal to less than the thickness of the fabric of the object to be repaired. The thickness between 0,1 to 3 mm provides fabric substrates having rather low flexural stiffness and prone to bending and wrinkling during placing and adhering. The low flexural stiffness of the fabric substrate enables the fabric substrate or the patch to conform the movement and bending of the surface of the object after adhering to the surface of the object.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate is provided with a surface coating on the top surface of the fabric substrate.

[0038] The surface coating maybe decorative coating or a functional coating such as a water-repellence or water-proof coating.

[0039] The surface coating may be made of polymer material.

[0040] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is provided as double-sided tape comprising a first adhesive layer bonded to the fabric substrate and a second adhesive layer bonded to the release liner.

[0041] The first adhesive layer provides a firm and lasting bonding with the fabric substrate while the second adhesive layer is protected with release liner for adhering the patch, or fabric substrate, to the surface of the object.

[0042] The double-sided tape comprises a tape substrate arranged between the first and second adhesive layers. The first and second adhesive layers are bonded to the opposite sides of the tape substrate. The tape substrate may be made of comprise paper material, polymer material or the like.

[0043] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is provided as a single-layer adhesive.

[0044] The single-layer adhesive provides a thin adhesive layer and durable bonding. The single-layer adhesive further has also low flexural stiffness.

[0045] In some further embodiments, the adhesive layer is provided as a transfer tape.

[0046] The transfer tape also enables thin adhesive layer and low flexural stiffness.

[0047] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer comprises pressure-sensitive adhesive material.

[0048] The pressure-sensitive adhesive material enables keeping the adhesive layer as nonreactive until the patch is placed on the surface of the object and pressure is applied to the patch. The pressure applied to the patch or the fabric substate causes activation of the pressure-sensitive adhesive material and forming a bond between the fabric substrate and the surface of the object.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second adhesive layer comprises pressuresensitive adhesive material. In this embodiment, the first adhesive layer may comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive material or structural adhesive material.

[0050] Structural adhesive materials harden via processes such as evaporation of solvent, reaction with UV radiation, chemical reaction, or cooling for forming a permanent bond.

[0051] Pressure-sensitive adhesive materials form the bond as the adhesive material is hard enough to resist flow when stress is applied to the bond. Once the adhesive material and the surface of the object are in proximity, there are also molecular interactions such as van der Waals forces involved in the bond, which contribute significantly to the ultimate bond strength. Pressure-sensitive adhesive materials exhibit viscoelastic properties, both of which are used for proper bonding. The viscoelastic properties enable the adhesive layer to deform, bend and stretch without deteriorating or breaking the bond between the fabric substrate and the surface of the object.

[0052] Further, the pressure sensitive adhesive and the release liner with the greater flexural stiffness together alleviate placing the patch and the fabric substrate on a correct location on the surface of the object as the adhesive material bonds to the surface of the object firmly only after pressure is applied.

[0053] In some embodiments, thickness of the adhesive layer is 0,3 mm or less, or preferably 0,2 mm or less, or 0,1 mm or less.

[0054] Thin adhesive layer provides low flexural stiffness. Further, single-layer adhesive layer enables providing thinner adhesive layer.

[0055] In some embodiments, the release liner has a thickness at least 0,06 mm, or at least 0,1 mm.

[0056] The thickness of the release liner enables achieving the necessary flexural stiffness.

[0057] In some embodiments, the release liner comprises a base layer.

[0058] Accordingly, the release liner has single-layer structure having only the base layer. The single-layer structure provides a simple structure.

[0059] In some other embodiments, the release liner comprises the base layer and one or more additional liner layers. The one or more additional layers enable increasing the flexural stiffness of the release liner.

[0060] In some further embodiments, the release liner comprises the base layer and a reinforcement liner layer. Material of the reinforcement liner layer has a greater flexural stiffness than the material of the base layer. Thus, reinforcement liner layer is arranged to increase the flexural stiffness of the release liner.

[0061] In some embodiments, the release liner comprises a base layer and a coating layer, the coating layer being arranged towards the adhesive layer.

[0062] The coating layer is arranged to form a releasable bond between the release liner and the adhesive layer.

[0063] In some embodiments, the base layer comprising paper-based material. Paper-based material provides good flexural stiffness and simple structure.

[0064] In some embodiments, the base layer is made of kraft paper.

[0065] Kraft paper is strong and has high tensile strength as well as high tear resistance. Therefore, the kraft paper provides good protection for the fabric substrate.

[0066] In some embodiments, the coating layer is made of polymeric material. Polymeric material prevents the adhesive layer from permanently bonding to the release liner and facilitates removing the fabric substrate from the release liner. In some embodiments, the coating layer is a continuous film comprising polymeric material.

[0067] Accordingly, the coating layer enables covering the entire adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer will not bond to the release liner permanently at any point.

[0068] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer has an adhesive flexural stiffness, and that the liner flexural stiffness of the release liner is greater than combined flexural stiffness of the substrate flexural stiffness of the fabric substrate and the adhesive flexural stiffness of the adhesive layer.

[0069] Accordingly, the release liner in arranged to support both the fabric substrate and the adhesive layer, which are removed from the release liner together.

[0070] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is arranged to cover entire area of the bottom surface of the fabric substrate and the release liner is arranged to cover entire area of the adhesive layer.

[0071] Accordingly, the patch and the fabric substrate are arranged to bond to the surface of the object along the entire area of the bottom surface of the fabric substrate. The release liner is further arranged to protect and support the entire bottom surface of the fabric substrate and the entire adhesive layer.

[0072] The adhesive layer, or the top adhesive surface thereof, is permanently bonded to the bottom surface of the fabric substrate. The release liner, or the first liner surface thereof, is arranged releasably against the adhesive layer, or the bottom adhesive layer thereof. The adhesive layer is arranged between the fabric substrate 20 and the release liner.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the release liner and the fabric substrate are arranged to have identical shape and identical size. Accordingly, the fabric substrate is arranged to have a patch shape defined by peripheral substrate edges of the fabric substrate and the release liner is arranged to have the patch shape defined by peripheral liner edges of the release liner. The peripheral substrate edges of the fabric substrate and the peripheral liner edges of the release liner are arranged flush with each other such that the peripheral liner edges of the release liner follow each other the fabric substrate and the release liner are superposed. The adhesive layer is arranged to cover entire area of the bottom surface of the fabric substrate.

[0074] This makes applying and adhering the fabric substrate and patch gradually from the release liner precise and easy. In some embodiments, the release liner is larger and has a larger surface area than the fabric substrate. The fabric substrate comprises peripheral substrate edges defining the size and shape of the fabric substrate and the release liner comprises peripheral liner edges defining the size and shape of the release liner. The release liner and the fabric substrate are arranged such that the peripheral liner edges extend outwards from the peripheral substrate edges. The release liner and the fabric substrate are arranged to have identical shape or different shapes.

[0075] This provides additional protection for the fabric substrate and the adhesive layer as especially for the peripheral edges of the fabric substrate.

[0076] In some embodiments, the cut is arranged to have depth from the second liner surface to the first liner surface.

[0077] Thus, the cut extends through the release liner. Accordingly, the cut is arranged to break the release liner into two separate liner parts. The fabric substrate may be removed from the two separate liner parts individually and / or successively. This further makes placing the adhering the fabric substrate and the patch to the surface of the object easier.

[0078] The cut extends through the release liner further enables staring the release of the fabric substrate from the release liner along the cut.

[0079] In some other embodiments, the cut is arranged to have depth from the second liner surface to between the second liner surface and the first liner surface.

[0080] Thus, the cut does not extend through the release liner. Accordingly, the adhesive layer is not exposed along the cut. The cut enables folding the release liner along the cut during placing and adhering the fabric substrate to the surface the object.

[0081] In some embodiments, the cut is arranged to divide the release liner into to a first liner part and a second liner part.

[0082] The fabric substrate may be removed from the first and second liner part separately and / or successively and the release liner may be folded along the cut during placing and adhering the fabric substrate to the surface the object.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second liner part is greater than the first liner part. Accordingly, surface area of the second liner part is greater than surface area of the first liner part.

[0084] This enables starting the removing of the fabric substrate from the release liner and the placing and adhering of the fabric substrate from the first liner part such that the patch and fabric substrate may be located to precisely and easily to the surface of the object. In some other embodiments, the second liner part is at least two times greater than the first liner part.

[0085] This provides even more precise and easy placing and adhering of the fabric substrate to the surface of the object.

[0086] The cut is arranged to have longitudinal direction along the release liner, or in the direction of the release liner or direction of the second liner surface. In some embodiments, the cut is provided as a linear cut.

[0087] Accordingly, the cut is arranged to extend linearly along the release liner. The cut has a liner shape in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] Linear cut is simple and efficient to manufacture and linear separation of the fabric substrate from the release liner which makes placing and adhering the fabric substrate to the surface of the object smooth along the direction of the liner cut.

[0089] In some other embodiments, the cut is provided as curved cut.

[0090] Accordingly, the cut is arranged to extend in curved manner along the release liner. The cut has a curved shape in the longitudinal direction.

[0091] Curved cut provides efficient and easy separation of the fabric substrate from the release liner.

[0092] In some further embodiments, the cut comprises a linear cut section and a curved cut section.

[0093] Accordingly, the cut has a curved shape with at least one liner section and at least one curved section in the longitudinal direction or along the release liner.

[0094] The cut having both the linear cut section and the curved cut section provides efficient and easy separation of the fabric substrate from the release liner as well as precise placing and adhering of the fabric substrate to the surface of the object along the direction of the liner cut.

[0095] In some other embodiments, the cut comprises a first linear cut section, a second linear cut section and a curved cut section between the first and second linear cut sections.

[0096] This enables easy separation of the fabric substrate from the release liner precise and smooth placing and adhering of the fabric substrate to the surface of the object along the direction of the liner cut.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate, and / or the release liner, and / or the self-adhesive fabric patch comprises a central axis dividing the fabric substrate to a first substrate half and a second substrate half, the cut is provided to the first substrate half.

[0098] This enables dividing the release liner into to the first liner part and the second liner part in an advantageous such that the second liner part is greater than the first liner part. Accordingly, the cut is provided to the first substrate half and the first liner part is provided to the first half of the release liner.

[0099] The fabric substrate may be removed from the first liner part first and then fabric substrate may be first adhered to surface of the object from the area which was covered by the first liner part. This enables focusing the fabric substrate to a desired location precisely before adhering the entire fabric substrate.

[0100] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate is a 2 -way stretch fabric configured to stretch in a first stretch direction, the cut comprises a first cut end and a second cut end, the cut having a cut direction extending linearly between the first and second cut ends, and the cut direction is arranged to extend in a cut angle of less than 45 degrees in relation to the first stretch direction, the cut angle being an angle between the cut direction and the first stretch direction.

[0101] The cut angle of less than 45 degrees decreases stretching of the fabric substrate during placing and adhering of the fabric substrate to the surface of the object when fabric substrate is removed from the release liner along the cut.

[0102] In some other embodiments, the fabric substrate is a 2-way stretch fabric configured to stretch in a first stretch direction, the cut comprises a first cut end and a second cut end, the cut having a cut direction extending linearly between the first and second cut ends, and the cut direction is arranged to extend parallel to the first stretch direction.

[0103] As the cut direction is arranged to extend parallel to the first stretch direction stretching of the fabric substrate is prevented during placing and adhering of the fabric substrate to the surface of the object when fabric substrate is removed from the release liner along the cut.

[0104] The cut direction in relation to the stretch direction is especially advantageous when the release liner has greater flexural stiffness than the fabric substrate and pressure sensitive adhesive is used. These features together enables precise placing of the fabric substrate to the surface of the object such that durable and long-lasting bonding is achieved.

[0105] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate is a 4-way stretch fabric configured to stretch in a first and second stretch directions.

[0106] In some embodiments, the base layer or the base layer and the coating layer, or the base layer the additional liner layer are made of material which is less stretchable than the fabric substrate.

[0107] This prevents the patch or the fabric substrate from stretching when the release liner is in place.

[0108] An advantage of the invention is that the present invention provides easy, precise and durable adhering of the patch or the fabric substrate to the surface of the object. For repair purposes it is essential that patch can be easily applied to the surface to be repaired such that a durable bonding is achieved.

[0109] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

[0111] Figure 1A shows schematically a self-adhesive fabric patch from upper side thereof;

[0112] Figure IB shows schematically a self-adhesive fabric patch from bottom side thereof;

[0113] Figures 2A and 2B show schematically cross-sectional structure of one embodiment of a self-adhesive fabric patch;

[0114] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show schematically cross-sectional structure of another embodiment of a self-adhesive fabric patch; and

[0115] Figures 4 to 11 show schematically different embodiments of a self- adhesive fabric patch.

[0116] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0117] Figure 1A shows schematically a self-adhesive fabric patch 10 for above. The self-adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises a fabric substrate 20 made of woven fabric material. The fabric substrate 20 has a top surface 22 arranged to provide outer surface of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 when it is adhered to a surface of an object. The fabric substrate 20 comprises peripheral substrate edges 60 arranged to define size and shape of the fabric substrate 20.

[0118] The shape of the fabric substrate 20 and may rectangular, elliptical, circular, square, heart-shape, clover-shape, or any other suitable shape.

[0119] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate 20 has first symmetry axis and the shape of the fabric substrate 20 is symmetrical in relation to the first symmetry axis.

[0120] In some embodiments, the fabric substrate 20 has first symmetry axis and a second symmetry axis, and the shape of the fabric substrate 20 is symmetrical in relation to the first symmetry axis and the second symmetry axis. The first and second symmetry axis extend perpendicular to each other.

[0121] The fabric substrate may be manufactured from any woven material such as cotton, polyester, wool or the like material or a mixture thereof.

[0122] Figure IB shows the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 from below. The self- adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises a release liner 30. The release liner 30 forms the bottom of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 before it is applied to the object. The release liner has a liner bottom surface or a second liner surface 33 forming the bottom surface of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10. The release liner 30 comprises peripheral liner edges 62 arranged to define size and shape of the fabric substrate 20.

[0123] In the embodiments of figures 1A to 10, the shape of the release liner 30 defined by the peripheral liner edges 62 is arranged to correspond the shape of the fabric substrate 20 defined by the peripheral substrate edges 60.

[0124] Further, the size of the release liner 30 defined by the peripheral liner edges 62 is arranged to correspond the size of the fabric substrate 20 defined by the peripheral substrate edges 60. The peripheral liner edges 62 are arranged flush with the peripheral substrate edges 60 such that the release liner 30 covers the entire fabric substrate 20.

[0125] In some embodiments, the size of the release liner 30 defined by the peripheral liner edges 62 is greater than the size of the fabric substrate 20 defined by the peripheral substrate edges 60. The shape of the release liner 30 corresponds the shape of the fabric substrate 20 or is different than the shape of the fabric substrate 20. The peripheral liner edges 62 are arranged outward from the peripheral substrate edges 60. Accordingly, the peripheral substrate edges 60 are arranged inside the peripheral liner edges 62.

[0126] As shown in figure IB, the release liner 30 is provided with a cut 50 extending in the release liner 30. The cut 50 is arranged to divide the release liner 30 into a first liner part 36 and a second liner part 38. The cut 50 is arranged to extend from edge-to-edge in the release liner 30. Accordingly, the cut 50 is arranged to begin at a first point of the peripheral liner edge 62 and end at a second point of the peripheral liner edge 62.

[0127] Figure 2A shows schematically an exploded cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 of figures 1A and IB.

[0128] The self-adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises the fabric substrate 20 having the top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24. The fabric substate 20 further comprises the peripheral substrate edge(s) 60 between the top surface 22 and the bottom surface 24.

[0129] The fabric substrate 20 is formed as a single-layer substrate having a uniform thickness over the entire area of the fabric substrate 20.

[0130] The self-adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises an adhesive layer 40 having a top adhesive surface 44 and a bottom adhesive surface 42. The adhesive layer 40, or the top adhesive surface 44, is arranged to be bonded to the bottom surface 24 of the fabric substrate 20.

[0131] The adhesive layer 40 is arranged to cover the entire surface area of the bottom surface 24 of the fabric substrate 20.

[0132] The adhesive layer 40 has single-layer structure.

[0133] One example of single-layer adhesive is tesa® 88225 low surface energy transfer tape.

[0134] Alternatively, the adhesive layer 40 has a multilayer structure. The adhesive layer may be for example a double-sided tape having a first adhesive layer at the top adhesive surface 44 and a second adhesive layer at the bottom adhesive surface 42. The first adhesive layer is bonded to the fabric substrate 20 and the second adhesive layer is arranged against the release liner 30. The double-sided tape comprises a tape substrate arranged between the first and second adhesive layers.

[0135] One example of double-sided tape is tesa® 4961.

[0136] The adhesive layer 40, or at least the second adhesive layer 42, comprises pressure sensitive adhesive material.

[0137] The self-adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises a release liner 30 having a first liner surface 33 and a second liner surface 31. The first adhesive surface 31 is arranged towards the adhesive layer 40. The second liner surface 31 is arranged to from the bottom and bottom surface of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10.

[0138] The release liner 30 has single-layer structure.

[0139] The release liner 30 has a liner flexural stiffness. The fabric substrate 20 has a substrate flexural stiffness. According to the present invention the liner flexural stiffness is greater than the substrate flexural stiffness such that the release liner 30 is arranged to support the fabric substrate 20.

[0140] The adhesive layer 40 has an adhesive flexural stiffness.

[0141] Preferably, the liner flexural stiffness is greater than combined flexural stiffness of the fabric substrate 40 and the adhesive layer 40 bonded together.

[0142] The liner flexural stiffness is greater than the sum of the substrate flexural stiffness and the fabric flexural stiffness. The release liner 30 may be manufacture from any suitable material enabling providing the necessary flexural stiffness.

[0143] The release liner 30 may comprise or may be manufactured from paperbased material.

[0144] The release liner 30 may comprise or may be manufactured from kraft paper.

[0145] Alternatively, release liner 30 may comprise or may be manufactured from polymer material, such as polyethylene.

[0146] The release liner 30 is a continuous layer arrange to over the entire bottom surface 24 of the fabric substrate 20 and the adhesive layer 40.

[0147] It should be noted that the greater flexural stiffness of the release liner 30 may be achieved with numerous different manners. For example, the thickness of the release liner 30 and / or the material of the release liner 30 is selected in relation to the fabric substrate 20 or in relation to the fabric substrate 20 and the adhesive layer 40 such that the greater flexural stiffness of the release linear achieved. Therefore, the numerical value of the liner flexural stiffness is dependent on the properties of the fabric substrate 20 or the fabric substrate 20 and the adhesive layer 40.

[0148] Figure 2B shows schematically the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 of figure 2A in assembled state.

[0149] The adhesive layer 40 is provide between the fabric substrate 20 and the release liner 30.

[0150] The adhesive layer 40, or the top adhesive surface 44 thereof, is bonded to the bottom surface 24 of the fabric substrate 20. The release liner 30, or the first liner surface 33 thereof, is arranged against the adhesive layer 40, or the bottom adhesive surface 42.

[0151] The adhesive layer 40, or the top adhesive surface 44 thereof, is permanently bonded to the bottom surface 24 of the fabric substrate 20.

[0152] The release liner 30, or the first liner surface thereof, is arranged releasably against the adhesive layer 40, or the bottom adhesive layer 42 thereof.

[0153] The adhesive layer 40 is arranged between the fabric substrate 20 and the release liner 30.

[0154] The self-adhesive fabric patch 10 further comprises the cut 50. The cut 50 is arranged to have depth from the second liner surface 31 to the first liner surface 33 along the length of the cut 50. Accordingly, the cut 50 extends through the release liner 30 and cuts the release liner 30 into the separate first and second liner parts 36, 38.

[0155] In alternative embodiment, the cut 50 is arranged to have depth from the second liner surface 31 into the adhesive layer 40 along the length of the cut 50.

[0156] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show another embodiment self-adhesive fabric patch 10 in which the release liner 30 has a multilayer structure. Otherwise, the structure of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 of figures 3A, 3B and 3C correspond the structure of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 of figures 2A and 2B.

[0157] The release liner 30 comprises a base layer 32 and a coating layer 34, the coating layer 32 being arranged towards the adhesive layer 40. According, the base layer 32 comprises a first base surface 33 and a second base surface 31. The second base surface 31 is arranged form the bottom or bottom surface of the self- adhesive fabric patch 10.

[0158] The second base surface 31 arranged to face away from the adhesive layer 40. The first base surface 33 is arranged to face towards the adhesive layer 40.

[0159] The coating layer 34 is provided on the first base surface 33. The coating layer 34 comprises a first coating surface 37 and a second coating surface 35. The second base surface 35 is arranged towards and against the first base surface 33 of the base layer 32. The first coating surface 37 is arranged against the adhesive layer 40, or the bottom adhesive surface 42.

[0160] The first coating surface 37 of the release liner 30 is arranged releasably against the adhesive layer 40, or the bottom adhesive layer 42 thereof.

[0161] The coating layer 34 is provided as an integral coating on the base layer 32.

[0162] The coating layer 34, or the first coating surface 37 thereof, is arranged to form a releasable bond between the release liner 30 and the adhesive layer 40.

[0163] The base layer 32 is manufactured or comprises paper-based material.

[0164] In some embodiments, the base layer 32 is manufactured or comprises kraft paper.

[0165] Alternatively, the base layer 32 is manufactured or comprises polymer material.

[0166] The coating layer 34 is manufactured or comprises polymer material.

[0167] In some embodiments, coating layer 34 is manufactured or comprises polyethylene.

[0168] The coating layer is a continuous film provided on the base layer 32 and arranged to cover the entire base layer 32 on the first base surface 33.

[0169] Figure 3B shows schematically the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 of figure 3A in assembled state.

[0170] The adhesive layer 40 is provide between the fabric substrate 20 and the release liner 30.

[0171] The adhesive layer 40, or the top adhesive surface 44 thereof, is bonded to the bottom surface 24 of the fabric substrate 20. The coating layer 34 of the release liner 30, or the first coating surface 37 thereof, is arranged against the adhesive layer 40, or the bottom adhesive surface 42.

[0172] The adhesive layer 40, or the top adhesive surface 44 thereof, is permanently bonded to the bottom surface 24 of the fabric substrate 20.

[0173] The coating layer 34 of the release liner 30, or the first coating surface 37 thereof, is arranged releasably against the adhesive layer 40, or the bottom adhesive layer 42 thereof.

[0174] The adhesive layer 40 is arranged between the fabric substrate 20 and the release liner 30, or between the fabric substrate 20 and the coating layer 34 of the release liner 30.

[0175] The self-adhesive fabric patch 10 further comprises the cut 50. The cut 50 is arranged to have depth from the second base surface 31 to the first coating surface 37 along the length of the cut 50. Accordingly, the cut 50 extends through the base layer 32 and through the coating layer 37 of the release liner 30 and cuts the release liner 30 into the separate first and second liner parts 36, 38.

[0176] Figure 3C shows an alternative embodiment, in which the structure of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 corresponds the embodiment of figure 3A in assembled state.

[0177] In the embodiment of figure 3C, the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises the cut 50. The cut 50 is arranged to have depth from the second base surface 31 into the adhesive layer 40. Accordingly, the cut 50 extends through the base layer 32 and through the coating layer 37 of the release liner 30 and further into the adhesive layer 40. The cut 50 cuts the release liner 30 into the separate first and second liner parts 36, 38.

[0178] Figures 4 to 10 show schematically bottom views of different embodiments of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 provided with the cut 50.

[0179] The cut 50 comprises a first cut end 52 and a second cut end 54. The cut 50 extends along the release liner 30 between the first cut end 52 end and the second cut end 54. The cut 50 has a cut direction C which is defined as linear direction between the first cut end 52 and the second cut end 54. The above concerns all embodiments of the present invention.

[0180] The release liner 30 comprises the peripheral line edges 62 defining the surface area of release liner 30. The peripheral edges 62 are different in shape depending on the shape of the release liner 30 and / or the self-adhesive fabric patch 10.

[0181] The release liner 30 of the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 of figure 4 has substantially rectangular shape and the release liner 30 comprise the peripheral liner edges 62 having the liner side edges 12, 13 and liner end edges 14, 15.

[0182] The cut 50 is provided as a linear cut extending between linearly between the first cut end 52 and the second cut end 54. The first cut end 52 is provided to a first liner side edge 12 and the second liner end 54 is provided to the second liner side edge 13.

[0183] The cut 50 is arranged to divide the release liner 30 into the first liner part 36 and to the second liner part 38.

[0184] The fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self- adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises a first central axis, or a first symmetry axis, Y dividing the fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self- adhesive fabric patch 10 to a first half and a second half.

[0185] The cut 50 is provided to the first substrate half. Accordingly, the first liner part 36 is smaller than the second liner part 38. Thus, the cut 50 is not provided to the first central line Y.

[0186] In the embodiment of figure 4, the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the first central axis Y.

[0187] However, the cut 50 may also be arranged to extend in an angle or transversely in relation to the first central axis Y, as shown in dotted line cut 50’ and another first cut end 52’.

[0188] The fabric substrate 20 is made of 2-way stretch fabric configured to stretch in a first stretch direction S, as shown in figure 4.

[0189] The cut direction C of the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the first stretch direction S.

[0190] In some other embodiments, the cut direction C is arranged to extend in a cut angle of less than 45 degrees in relation to the first stretch direction S, as shown with the dotted line of cut 50’. The cut angle being an angle, or the smaller angle, between the cut direction C and the first stretch direction S.

[0191] Figure 5 shows another embodiment, in which the release liner 30 and the fabric substrate 20 correspond the embodiment of figure 4.

[0192] The cut 50 is provided as a linear cut extending between linearly between the first cut end 52 and the second cut end 54. The first cut end 52 is provided to a first liner end edge 14 and the second liner end 54 is provided to the second liner end edge 13.

[0193] The cut 50 is arranged to divide the release liner 30 into the first liner part 36 and to the second liner part 38.

[0194] The fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self- adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises a second central axis, or a second symmetry axis, X dividing the fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self- adhesive fabric patch 10 to a first half and a second half.

[0195] The cut 50 is provided to the first substrate half. Accordingly, the first liner part 36 is smaller than the second liner part 38. Thus, the cut 50 is not provided to the second central line X.

[0196] In the embodiment of figure 4, the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the second central axis X.

[0197] However, the cut 50 may also be arranged to extend in an angle or transversely in relation to the second central axis X.

[0198] The fabric substrate 20 is made of 2-way stretch fabric configured to stretch in the first stretch direction S, as shown in figure 5.

[0199] The cut direction C of the cut 50 is arranged to extend perpendicularly to the first stretch direction S.

[0200] In some other embodiments, the cut direction C is arranged to extend in a cut angle of more than 45 degrees in relation to the first stretch direction S. The cut angle being the angle between the cut direction C and the first stretch direction S.

[0201] Figure 6 shows another embodiment, in which the release liner 30 and the fabric substrate 20 correspond the embodiment of figure 4.

[0202] The cut 50 comprises linear cut sections 55, 56 and a curved cut section 58.

[0203] The cut 50 comprises a first linear cut section 55 extending from the first cut end 52, second linear cut section 56 extending from the second cut end 54 and a curved cut section 58 provided between the first and second linear cut sections 55, 56.

[0204] The curved cut section 58 is formed in waveform. The waveform comprises at least one crest and at least one trough between the first and second linear cut sections 55, 56.

[0205] The cut direction C of the cut 50 of figure 6 corresponds the cut direction C of figure 4 as the cut direction is defined between the first and second cut ends 52, 54.

[0206] Figure 7 shows another embodiment, in which the release liner 30 and the fabric substrate 20 correspond the embodiment of figure 4.

[0207] The cut 50 comprises the linear cut sections 55, 56 and a curved cut section 58.

[0208] The cut 50 comprises the first linear cut section 55 extending from the first cut end 52, the second linear cut section 56 extending from the second cut end 54 and the curved cut section 58 provided between the first and second linear cut sections 55, 56.

[0209] The curved cut section 58 is formed as single curve. The curve of the curved section 58 extends between the first and second linear cut sections 55, 56. The curve of the curved section 58 is provided convex towards the first liner end edge 14. The curve of the curved section 58 is provided concave towards the first central axis Y.

[0210] The cut direction C of the cut 50 of figure 7 corresponds the cut direction C of figure 4 as the cut direction C is defined between the first and second cut ends 52, 54.

[0211] The cut direction C of the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the first stretch direction S.

[0212] In some other embodiments, the cut direction C is arranged to extend in a cut angle of less than 45 degrees in relation to the first stretch direction S.

[0213] Figure 8 shows another embodiment, in which the release liner 30 and the fabric substrate 20 correspond the embodiment of figure 4.

[0214] The cut 50 comprises only a curved cut section or the cut 50 is formed as a curved cut.

[0215] The curved cut 50 extends curved between the first cut end 52 and the second cut end 54.

[0216] The curved cut 50 is provided convex towards the first liner end edge 14. The curved cut 50 is provided concave towards the first central axis Y.

[0217] The cut direction C of the cut 50 of figure 8 corresponds the cut direction C of figure 4 as the cut direction C is defined between the first and second cut ends 52, 54.

[0218] The cut direction C of the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the first stretch direction S.

[0219] In some other embodiments, the cut direction C is arranged to extend in a cut angle of less than 45 degrees in relation to the first stretch direction S.

[0220] Figure 9 shows schematically an embodiment, in which the release liner 30, or fabric substrate 20 and the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 has substantially circular shape and the release liner 30 comprise the peripheral liner edges 62 having circular shape.

[0221] The cut 50 comprises linear cut sections 55, 56 and a curved cut section 58.

[0222] The cut 50 corresponds the cut of figure 6.

[0223] The cut 50 comprises the first linear cut section 55 extending from the first cut end 52, the second linear cut section 56 extending from the second cut end 54 and the curved cut section 58 provided between the first and second linear cut sections 55, 56.

[0224] The curved cut section 58 is formed in waveform. The waveform comprises at least one crest and at least one trough between the first and second linear cut sections 55, 56.

[0225] The first cut end 52 is provided to a first location in the circular peripheral edge 62 of the release liner 30 and the second cut end 54 is provided to a second location in the circular peripheral edge 62 of the release liner 30. The cut direction C is defined as the direction between the first and second cut ends 52, 54.

[0226] The cut 50 is arranged to divide the release liner 30 into the first liner part 36 and to the second liner part 38.

[0227] The fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self- adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises a first central axis, or a first symmetry axis, Y dividing the fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self- adhesive fabric patch 10 to a first half and a second half.

[0228] Alternatively, it may be defined that the fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises a second central axis, or a second symmetry axis, X dividing the fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self-adhesive fabric patch 10 to a first half and a second half.

[0229] The cut 50 is provided to the first substrate half. Accordingly, the first liner part 36 is smaller than the second liner part 38.

[0230] In the embodiment of figure 9, the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the first central axis Y. However, the cut 50 may also be arranged to extend in an angle or transversely in relation to the first central axis Y, or the second central line X.

[0231] The fabric substrate 20 is made of 2-way stretch fabric configured to stretch in a first stretch direction S, as shown in figure 9.

[0232] The cut direction C of the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the first stretch direction S.

[0233] In some other embodiments, the cut direction C is arranged to extend in a cut angle of less than 45 degrees in relation to the first stretch direction S. The cut angle being an angle, or the smaller angle, between the cut direction C and the first stretch direction S.

[0234] Figure 10 shows another embodiment, in which the release liner 30 and the fabric substrate 20 correspond the embodiment of figure 9.

[0235] The cut 50 comprises only a curved cut section or the cut 50 is formed as a curved cut.

[0236] The curved cut 50 extends curved between the first cut end 52 and the second cut end 54.

[0237] The first cut end 52 is provided to a first location in the circular peripheral edge 62 of the release liner 30 and the second cut end 54 is provided to a second location in the circular peripheral edge 62 of the release liner 30. The cut direction C is defined as the direction between the first and second cut ends 52, 54.

[0238] The cut 50 is arranged to divide the release liner 30 into the first liner part 36 and to the second liner part 38.

[0239] The fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self- adhesive fabric patch 10 comprises a first central axis, or a first symmetry axis, Y dividing the fabric substrate 20, and / or the release liner 30, and / or the self- adhesive fabric patch 10 to a first half and a second half.

[0240] The cut 50 is provided to the first substrate half. Accordingly, the first liner part 36 is smaller than the second liner part 38.

[0241] In the embodiment of figure 10, the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the first central axis Y.

[0242] The curved cut 50 is provided convex towards the first central axis Y. The curved cut 50 is provided concave towards the closest part of the circular peripheral edge 62.

[0243] The cut direction C of the cut 50 is arranged to extend parallel to the first stretch direction S.

[0244] Figure 11 shows another embodiment, in which the release liner 30 and the fabric substrate 20 correspond the embodiment of figure 4 and the cut 50 corresponds the embodiment of figure 8.

[0245] In this embodiment the release liner 30 comprise two cuts 50, 51. A first cut 50 corresponds the cut of the embodiment of figure 8.

[0246] The first cut 50 is arranged to divide the release liner 30 into the first liner part 36 and the second liner part such that the first liner part 36 is smaller than the second liner part.

[0247] The second cut 51 is further arranged to divide the second liner part to a middle liner part 38 and to a third liner part 39.

[0248] The first cut 50 and the second cut 51 are arranged not to cross each other.

[0249] The third liner part 39 is arranged to correspond the first liner part 36. Accordingly, the shape of the second cut 51 is a mirror shape of the fist cut 50. This means, the second cut 51 is arranged to have a opposite shape in relation to the first cut 50.

[0250] The first and second cut 50, 51 comprise only a curved cut section or the first and second cut 50, 51 are formed as a curved cut.

[0251] The curved cuts 50, 51 extend curved between the first cut end and the second cut end.

[0252] The curved first cut 50 is provided convex towards the first liner end edge 14. The curved first cut 50 is provided concave towards the first central axis Y.

[0253] The curved second cut 51 is provided convex towards the second liner end edge 15. The curved second cut 51 is provided concave towards the first central axis Y.

[0254] The cut direction C of the first and second cuts 50, 51 of figure 11 corresponds the cut direction C of figure 4 as the cut direction C is defined between the first and second cut ends 52, 54.

[0255] The cut direction C of the first and second cuts 50, 51 is arranged to extend parallel to the first stretch direction S.

[0256] In some other embodiments, the cut direction C is arranged to extend in a cut angle of less than 45 degrees in relation to the first stretch direction S.

[0257] In some other embodiments, the first and second cuts 50, 51 may be linear cuts, cuts with both linear and curved sections. Further, the first and second cuts may also be identical or they may have different shape. For example, the first cut 50 may be curved and the second cut linear. The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A self-adhesive fabric patch (10) for repairing textile damage, characterized in that the self-adhesive fabric patch (10) comprises: a fabric substrate (20) having a top surface (22) and a bottom surface [24), an adhesive layer (40) provided on the bottom surface (24) of the fabric substrate (10), a release liner (30) provided on the adhesive layer (40) to protect the adhesive layer (20) prior use of the self-adhesive fabric patch (1), the adhesive layer (40) being arranged between the fabric substrate (20) and the release liner [30), the release liner (30) has a liner flexural stiffness and the fabric substrate (20) has a substrate flexural stiffness, the liner flexural stiffness is greater than the substrate flexural stiffness such that the release liner (30) is arranged to support the fabric substrate (20), and the release liner (30) comprises a first liner surface (33, 37) arranged to face towards the adhesive layer (40) and a second liner surface (31) arranged to face away from the adhesive layer (40), the release liner (30) being provided with a cut (50) having a depth from the second liner surface (31) towards the fabric substrate (20).

2. A fabric patch (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fabric substrate (20) has a single-layer structure or a uniform thickness or the fabric substrate (20) has a single-layer structure and a uniform thickness.

3. A fabric patch (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fabric substrate (20) has a thickness:- at least 0,1 mm; or- at least 0,15 mm; or- between 0,1 to 3 mm; or- between 0,15 to 2 mm.

4. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:- the adhesive layer (40) is provided as double-sided tape comprising a first adhesive layer (44) bonded to the fabric substrate (20) and a second adhesivelayer (42) bonded to the release liner (30); or- the adhesive layer (40) is provided as a single-layer adhesive; or- the adhesive layer (40) is provided as a transfer tape.

5. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:- the adhesive layer (40) comprises pressure-sensitive adhesive material; or- the second adhesive layer (44) comprises pressure-sensitive adhesive material.

6. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the release liner (30) has a thickness:- at least 0,06 mm; or- at least 0,1 mm.

7. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the release liner (30) comprises:- a base layer (32); or- a base layer (32) and a coating layer (34), the coating layer (34) being arranged towards the adhesive layer (40).

8. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the adhesive layer (40) has an adhesive flexural stiffness, and that the liner flexural stiffness of the release liner (30) is greater than combined flexural stiffness of the substrate flexural stiffness of the fabric substrate (20) and the adhesive flexural stiffness of the adhesive layer (40).

9. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the adhesive layer (40) is arranged to cover the bottom surface (24) of the fabric substrate (20) and the release liner (30) is arranged to cover the adhesive layer (40).

10. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to claim 9, characterized in that the cut (50) is arranged to have depth:- from the second liner surface (31) to the first liner surface (33, 37); or- from the second liner surface (31) to between the second liner surface (31) and the first liner surface (33, 37).

11. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cut (50) is arranged to divide the release liner (30) into to a first liner part (36) and a second liner part (38).

12. A fabric patch (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that:- the second liner part (38) is greater than the first liner part (36); or- the second liner part (38) is at least two times greater than the first liner part (36).

13. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the self-adhesive fabric patch comprises a central axis (X, Y) dividing the fabric substrate to a first substrate half and a second substrate half, and the cut (50) is provided to the first substrate half.

14. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that:- the cut (50) is provided as a linear cut (50); or- the cut is provided as a curved cut (50); or- the cut comprises a linear cut section and a curved cut section.

15. A fabric patch (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the fabric substrate (20) is a 2 -way stretch fabric configured to stretch in a first stretch direction (S), the cut (50) comprises a first cut end (52) and a second cut end (54), the cut (50) having a cut direction (C) extending linearly between the first and second cut ends (52, 54), and the cut direction (C) is arranged to extend:- in a cut angle of less than 45 degrees in relation to the first stretch direction (S), the cut angle being an angle between the cut direction (C) and the first stretch direction (S); or- parallel to the first stretch direction (S).

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