Pressure sensitive adhesive tape including a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive

Abstract

A pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape may include a substrate (e.g., a non-woven polyester or a nylon-reinforced urethane (NNRU) substrate) and a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the substrate. In one aspect, such a PSA tape may exhibit minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from a subject's skin after a long-wear application (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the subject's skin. In another aspect, such a PSA tape may exhibit enhanced long-term wear characteristics on a subject's skin after a long-wear application.

Description

DESCRIPTIONPRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE TAPE INCLUDING A RUBBER-ACRYLIC HYBRID POLYMER ADHESIVECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 707,007, filed October 14, 2024. The contents of the referenced patent application are incorporated into the present application by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention generally concerns pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes and more specifically to PSA tapes for long- wear applications. In one aspect, the PSA tapes can include a substrate and a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the substrate. The PSA tapes can provide various advantages when compared with other PSA tapes, such as improved / enhanced adhesion and / or low-trauma removability characteristics, among other examples. Non-limiting examples of such advantages may include the PSA tapes exhibiting at least satisfactory (or improved / enhanced) adhesion characteristics for a given long-wear application, exhibiting at least satisfactory (or improved / enhanced) low-trauma removability characteristics (e.g., limited skin damage propensity upon removal from the subject’s skin after such a long-wear application), or exhibiting a combination of improved / enhanced adhesion and low-trauma removability characteristics thereof (among other possible advantages).B. Description of Related Art

[0003] The healthcare market requires a variety of adhesion options for tapes and devices that are designed to be secured to a patient’s body for an extended period of wear time (e.g., multiple weeks, in some cases) and that have satisfactory edge lift and breathability characteristics. Additionally, it is desirable for such adhesives to be removable from the patient’s body without causing the patient to experience pain (also referred to as “low trauma removability”) and without leaving adhesive residue on the patient’s body after removal.

[0004] From the perspective of many patients, some products designed for such an extended wear time (e.g., various “30-day” or “21- to 30-day” adhesive products) may be considered deficient in terms of their low-trauma removability characteristics. Additionally, some of these products may be deficient in terms of their adhesion characteristics, such as a299905308.1 - 1 -lack of “true adhesion” over such an extended wear time. Non-limiting examples of such deficient adhesion characteristics include a product’s adhesive being unable to withstand exposure to water (e.g., when a patient showers) and / or exposure to a patient’s sweat. Thus, there is an existing need for alternative extended-wear adhesion options that provide improved low-trauma removability characteristics for an improved patient experience (upon removal), improved adhesion characteristics for more expansive extended-wear capabilities (before removal), or any combination thereof.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A discovery has been made that provides a solution to at least one or more of the problems associated with the aforementioned deficient low-trauma removability characteristics and deficient adhesion characteristics of existing adhesion options (e.g., tapes) that are designed to be secured to a patient’s body for an extended period of wear time (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days).

[0006] In one aspect, the solution can include the use of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape that includes a non-woven polyester substrate and a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the non-woven polyester substrate. A discovery has been made that such a PSA tape may advantageously have low-trauma removability characteristics, exhibiting minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from skin of a subject (e.g., a patient) after a long-wear application of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days), on the skin of the subject (e.g., the patient). In another aspect, the solution can include the use of a PSA tape that includes a nylon-reinforced urethane (NNRU) substrate and a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the NNRU substrate. Such a PSA tape may also have advantageous low-trauma removability characteristics and may exhibit minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from a subject’s skin after a long-wear application (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the subject’s skin).

[0007] In yet another aspect, the solution can include the use of a PSA tape that includes a non-woven polyester substrate and a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the non-woven polyester substrate, where the medical grade rubberacrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. A discovery has been made that such a PSA tape may advantageously provide improved long-wear adhesion characteristics (e.g., when secured to a subject’s skin for a long-wear application). Another discovery has been made that such a PSA tape may also advantageously have low-trauma299905308.1 - 2 -removability characteristics, exhibiting minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from the subject’s skin after such a long-wear application (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the skin.

[0008] In another aspect, the solution can include the use of a PSA tape that includes a NNRU substrate and a medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the NNRU substrate, where the medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. Such a PSA tape may also provide advantageous enhanced long-term wear characteristics (e.g., when secured to a subject’s skin for a long-wear application).

[0009] Also disclosed in the context of the present invention are aspects 1 to 52. Aspect 1 is a pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising: a non-woven polyester substrate; and a rubberacrylic hybrid polymer adhesive on a surface of the non-woven polyester substrate, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive tape exhibits minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from skin of a subject after a long-wear application of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the skin of the subject. Aspect 2 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 1, wherein the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. Aspect 3 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 2, wherein the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 4.0 mils. Aspect 4 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising a silicone-coated release liner overlying the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive. Aspect 5 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 4, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 50 to 60 lb single or double face bleached poly coated liner. Aspect 6 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 4, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 1.0 to 4.0 mil polyester silicone coated release liner. Aspect 7 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 4, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 40 to 60 lb kraft silicone coated liner. Aspect 8 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the non-woven polyester substrate is a non-woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Aspect 9 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 8, wherein the nonwoven PET substrate has a density of 0.4 oz / yd2to 4.2 oz / yd2, preferably 2.4 oz / yd2. Aspect 10 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 8 to 9, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a thickness that is greater than 11 mils. Aspect 11 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 8 to 10, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a thickness of 15 mils to 21 mils. Aspect 12 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 11, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a thickness of 18 mils. Aspect 13 is the pressure sensitive299905308.1 - 3 -adhesive tape of any of aspects 8 to 12, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a white color. Aspect 14 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 8 to 12, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a flesh color.

[0010] Aspect 15 is a pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising: a non-woven polyester substrate; and a medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive on a surface of the nonwoven polyester substrate, wherein the medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. Aspect 16 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 15, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive tape exhibits minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from skin of a subject after a long-wear application of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days), on the skin of the subject. Aspect 17 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspects 15 or 16, wherein the medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 4.0 mils. Aspect 18 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 15 to17, further comprising a silicone-coated release liner overlying the medical grade rubberacrylic hybrid polymer adhesive. Aspect 19 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect18, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 50 to 60 lb single or double face bleached poly coated liner. Aspect 20 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 18, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 1.0 to 4.0 mil polyester silicone coated release liner. Aspect21 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 18, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 40 to 60 lb kraft silicone coated liner. Aspect 22 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 15 to 21, wherein the non-woven polyester substrate is a non-woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Aspect 23 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 22, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a density of 0.4 oz / yd2to 4.2 oz / yd2, preferably 2.4 oz / yd2. Aspect 24 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspects 22 or 23, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a thickness that is greater than 11 mils. Aspect 25 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspects 22 or 23, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a thickness of 15 mils to 21 mils. Aspect 26 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 25, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a thickness of 18 mils. Aspect 27 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 20 to 26, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a white color. Aspect 28 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects22 to 26, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a flesh color.

[0011] Aspect 29 is a pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising: a nylon-reinforced urethane (NNRU) substrate; and a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive on a surface of the NNRU substrate, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive tape exhibits enhanced long-term299905308.1 - 4 -wear characteristics on skin of a subject after a long-wear application. Aspect 30 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 29, wherein the enhanced long-term wear characteristics include: improved adhesion characteristics; reduced flagging characteristics; longer wear-time characteristics on the skin associated with exercise by the subject; longer wear-time characteristics on the skin associated with heavy water exposure by the subject; or any combination thereof. Aspect 31 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 29 to 30, wherein the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. Aspect 32 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 31, wherein the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 4.0 mils. Aspect 33 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 29 to 32, further comprising a silicone-coated release liner overlying the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive. Aspect 34 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 33, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 50 to 60 lb single or double face bleached poly coated liner. Aspect 35 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 33, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 1.0 to 4.0 mil polyester silicone coated release liner. Aspect 36 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 33, wherein the silicone- coated release liner is a 40 to 60 lb kraft silicone coated liner. Aspect 37 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 29 to 36, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness that is greater than 3 mils. Aspect 38 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 37, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness of 3 mils to 21 mils. Aspect 39 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 37, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness of 3 mils to 12 mils. Aspect 40 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 37, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness of 6 mils.

[0012] Aspect 41 is a pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising: a nylon-reinforced urethane (NNRU) substrate; and a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive on a surface of the NNRU substrate, wherein the medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. Aspect 42 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 41, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive tape exhibits enhanced long-term wear characteristics on skin of a subject after a long-wear application. Aspect 43 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 42, wherein the enhanced long-term wear characteristics include: improved adhesion characteristics; reduced flagging characteristics; longer wear-time characteristics on the skin associated with exercise by the subject; longer wear-time characteristics on the skin associated with heavy water exposure by the subject; or any combination thereof. Aspect 44 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 41 to 43, wherein the medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 4.0299905308.1 - 5 -mils. Aspect 45 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 41 to 44, further comprising a silicone-coated release liner overlying the medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive. Aspect 46 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 45, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 50 to 60 lb single or double face bleached poly silicone coated liner. Aspect 47 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 45, wherein the silicone- coated release liner is a 1.0 to 4.0 mil polyester silicone coated release liner. Aspect 48 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 45, wherein the silicone-coated release liner is a 40 to 60 lb kraft silicone coated liner. Aspect 49 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of aspects 41 to 48, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness that is greater than 3 mils. Aspect 50 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 49, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness of 3 mils to 21 mils. Aspect 51 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 49, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness of 3 mils to 12 mils. Aspect 52 is the pressure sensitive adhesive tape of aspect 49, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness of 6 mils.

[0013] Other embodiments of the invention are discussed throughout this application. Any embodiment discussed with respect to one aspect of the invention applies to other aspects of the invention as well and vice versa. Each embodiment described herein is understood to be embodiments of the invention that are applicable to other aspects of the invention. It is contemplated that any embodiment or aspect discussed herein can be combined with other embodiments or aspects discussed herein and / or implemented with respect to any method or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

[0014] The following includes definitions of various terms and phrases used throughout this specification.

[0015] The terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

[0016] The terms “wt.%”, “vol.%”, or “mol.%” refers to a weight percentage of a component, a volume percentage of a component, or molar percentage of a component, respectively, based on the total weight, the total volume of material, or total moles, which includes the component. In a non-limiting example, 10 grams of component in 100 grams of the material is 10 wt.% of component.299905308.1 - 6 -

[0017] The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or “preventing” or “avoiding” or any variation of these terms, when used in the claims and / or the specification includes any measurable decrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

[0018] The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and / or claims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

[0019] The use of the words “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with any of the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” or “having” in the claims, or the specification, may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”

[0020] The words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0021] The term “medical grade” when used in conjunction with the term “adhesive” may refer to a type of adhesive specifically formulated for use in various medical applications, ensuring it meets safety and biocompatibility standards. Such adhesives may be designed to adhere to medical devices, equipment, or even skin and tissue. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of characteristics that may be associated with such adhesives include: biocompatibility; sterility; durability; flexibility / comfort; and application-specific properties (among other possibilities); or any combination thereof. In certain aspects, the pressure sensitive adhesive tapes of the present invention can meet ISO 10933-5 and / or ISO 10993-10 biocompatibility standards. ISO 10933-5 is a cytotoxicity testing method for evaluating the cytotoxic potential of materials used in medical devices. ISO 10933-10 is a testing method for evaluating skin irritation and sensitization of materials used in medical devices.

[0022] The pressure sensitive adhesive tapes of the present invention can “comprise,” “consist essentially of,” or “consist of’ particular ingredients, components, compositions, etc. disclosed throughout the specification. With respect to the transitional phrase “consisting essentially of,” in one non-limiting aspect, a basic and novel characteristic of the pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes of the present invention is that such PSA tapes, which include a particular substrate (e.g., a non-woven polyester substrate, a NNRU substrate, etc.) and a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the particular substrate, exhibit at least satisfactory adhesion characteristics for a given long-wear application (e.g., of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably299905308.1 - 7 -21 to 30 days) on a subject’s skin, exhibit at least satisfactory low-trauma removability characteristics (e.g., limited skin damage propensity upon removal from the subject’s skin after such a long-wear application), and may exhibit improved / enhanced adhesion and / or low- trauma removability characteristics (in some cases).

[0023] Pressure sensitive adhesive tapes of the present invention can provide various advantages when compared with other adhesive tapes (e.g., other medical grade adhesive tapes) that are designed to be secured to a patient’s body for an extended period of wear time. Nonlimiting examples of such advantages may include improved low-trauma removability characteristics (e.g., minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal), improved adhesion characteristics (e.g., “true adhesion” to withstand showering, to provide sweat resistance, etc.), or a combination thereof (among other possible advantages).

[0024] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following figures, detailed description, and examples. It should be understood, however, that the figures, detailed description, and examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and are not meant to be limiting. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. In further embodiments, features from specific embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments. For example, features from one embodiment may be combined with features from any of the other embodiments. In further embodiments, additional features may be added to the specific embodiments described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram depicting an example of a method of making and utilizing a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape, according to some aspects of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a first example of a PSA tape having a substrate with a flesh color, according to some aspects of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a second example of a PSA tape having a substrate with a white color, according to some aspects of the present invention.299905308.1 - 8 -

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting an illustrative, non-limiting example of a general chemical structure of a representative rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive, according to some aspects of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows long-wear adhesion data associated with a first tested example of one construction of a PSA tape, as described further herein.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows comparative long-wear adhesion data associated with a comparative commercially available adhesive article and other tested examples of alternative constructions of PSA tapes, as described further herein.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a second comparative example of a PSA tape as well as a third example of a PSA tape having a substrate with a flesh color and a fourth example of a PSA tape having a substrate with a yellow color, according to some aspects of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting a first set of comparative results for the additional examples of PSA tapes depicted in FIG. 7.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting a second set of comparative results for the additional examples of PSA tapes depicted in FIG. 7.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a third set of comparative results for the additional examples of PSA tapes depicted in FIG. 7.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a diagram depicting irritation level results for the additional examples of PSA tapes depicted in FIG. 7.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting wear time with high water exposure and exercise to show comparative results for the additional examples of PSA tapes depicted in FIG. 7.

[0038] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings. The drawings may not be to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] A discovery has been made that provides a solution to at least one or more of the problems that may be associated with various adhesion options (e.g., tapes) that are designed to be secured to a patient’ s body for an extended period of wear time.

[0040] In one aspect, the solution can include the use of a PSA tape that includes a nonwoven polyester substrate and a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the non-woven polyester substrate. A discovery has been made that such a PSA tape may advantageously have low-trauma removability characteristics, exhibiting minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from skin of a subject (e.g., a patient) after a long-wear application of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or299905308.1 - 9 -range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the skin of the subject (e.g., the patient). In another aspect, the solution can include the use of a PSA tape that includes a NNRU substrate and a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the NNRU substrate. In some aspects, such a PSA tape may also have advantageous low-trauma removability characteristics and may exhibit minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from a subject’s skin after a long-wear application (e.g., of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the subject’s skin). In some aspects, such a PSA tape may also have advantageous enhanced long-term wear characteristics on a subject’s skin after a long- wear application. In some aspects, such enhanced long-term wear characteristics may include: improved adhesion characteristics; reduced flagging characteristics; longer wear-time characteristics on the skin associated with exercise by the subject; longer wear-time characteristics on the skin associated with heavy water exposure by the subject; or any combination thereof.

[0041] In yet another aspect, the solution can include the use of a PSA tape that includes a non-woven polyester substrate and a medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the non-woven polyester substrate, where the medical grade rubberacrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. A discovery has been made that such a PSA tape may advantageously provide improved long-wear adhesion characteristics (e.g., when secured to a subject’s skin for a long-wear application).

[0042] In another aspect, the solution can include the use of a PSA tape that includes a NNRU substrate and a medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the NNRU substrate, where the medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. Another discovery has been made that such a PSA tape may also advantageously have low-trauma removability characteristics, exhibiting minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from the subject’s skin after such a long-wear application (e.g., of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the skin).

[0043] These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention are discussed in further detail in the following sections.A. Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes

[0044] The pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes of the present invention can include at least a substrate and a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the substrate. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the substrate of such a PSA299905308.1 - 10 -tape may correspond to either a non-woven polyester substrate, such as a non-woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate (e.g., having a white color or a flesh color), or a nylon-reinforced urethane (NNRU) substrate, as explained below. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive of such a PSA tape may correspond to a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive having a particular thickness. The PSA tapes of the present invention may optionally include a silicone-coated release liner overlying the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive, which may be removed from the PSA tape such that the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive of the PSA tape may be applied to skin of a subject / patient for a long-wear application (e.g., of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the skin). As explained below, according to some aspects, the PSA tapes of the present invention may advantageously exhibit minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from the skin of the subject / patient after such a long-wear application.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram 100 illustrating an example of a method of making and utilizing a PSA tape, according to some aspects of the present invention. The left side of FIG. 1 depicts various stages of such a process of making and utilizing the PSA tape of the present disclosure, and the right side of FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a representative article corresponding to the particular stage of the process.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates that the method may include providing a substrate (for a PSA tape), at 110. Referring to the right side of FIG. 1, an example of a substrate 112 having a characteristic thickness value 114 is also depicted for reference purposes.

[0047] According to some aspects, the substrate 112 (for a PSA tape) may correspond to a non-woven polyester substrate, such as a non-woven PET substrate. In some aspects, for such a non-woven PET substrate, the characteristic thickness value 114 for the substrate 112 depicted on the right side of FIG. 1 may correspond to a thickness that is greater than 11 mils (e.g., a thickness of 15 mils to 21 mils, such as 18 mils).

[0048] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, in cases where the substrate 112 corresponds to a non-woven PET substrate, the substrate 112 may have a flesh color. While not shown in the flow diagram 100 depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 illustrates a first example of a PSA tape 200 that includes a substrate (e.g., a non-woven PET substrate 212 in FIG. 3) having a flesh color. In some aspects, the non-woven PET substrate 212 of FIG. 2 (having the flesh color) may correspond to the substrate 112 depicted on the right side of FIG. 1.

[0049] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, in cases where the substrate 112 corresponds to a non-woven PET substrate, the substrate 112 may have a white color.299905308.1 - 11 -While not shown in the flow diagram 100 depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 illustrates a second example of a PSA tape 300 that includes a substrate (e.g., a non-woven PET substrate 312 in FIG. 3) having a white color. In some aspects, the non-woven PET substrate 312 of FIG. 3 (having the white color) may correspond to the substrate 112 depicted on the right side of FIG. 1.

[0050] According to other aspects, the substrate 112 (for a PSA tape) may correspond to a NNRU substrate. In some aspects, for such a NNRU substrate, the characteristic thickness value 114 for the substrate 112 depicted on the right side of FIG. 1 may correspond to a thickness that is greater than 3 mils (e.g., a thickness of 3 mils to 21 mils or a thickness of 3 mils to 12 mils, such as 6 mils).

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates that the method may include applying a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (e.g., a “medical grade” rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive, in some cases) to a surface of the substrate of the PSA tape, at 120. Referring to the right side of FIG. 1, an example of a PSA tape 126 with a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 having a characteristic thickness value 124 disposed on a surface of the substrate 112 is also depicted for reference purposes. As an example, in some aspects of the present invention, the substrate 112 depicted on the right side of FIG. 1 may correspond to a non-woven PET substrate having a flesh color, and the PSA tape 200 of FIG. 2 illustrates that a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 222 may be disposed on a surface of the non-woven PET substrate 212 (having such a flesh color). In some aspects, the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 222 of FIG. 2 may correspond to the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 disposed on the surface of the substrate 112, as depicted on the right side of FIG. 1. As another example, in some aspects of the present invention, the substrate 112 depicted on the right side of FIG. 1 may correspond to a non-woven PET substrate having a white color, and the PSA tape 300 of FIG. 3 illustrates that a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 322 may be disposed on a surface of the nonwoven PET substrate 312 (having such a white color). In some aspects, the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 322 of FIG. 3 may correspond to the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 disposed on the surface of the substrate 112, as depicted on the right side of FIG. 1.

[0052] As described further herein, FIG. 4 is a diagram 400 depicting an illustrative, nonlimiting example of general chemical structure of a representative rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 422. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the general chemical structure of the representative rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 422 depicted in FIG. 4 may be the same as or substantially similar to a chemical structure of the rubber-299905308.1 - 12 -acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 for utilization as a component of the PSA tape 126 as depicted in FIG. 1.

[0053] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, in cases where the substrate 112 corresponds to either a non-woven polyester substrate or a NNRU substrate, the characteristic thickness value 124 for the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 depicted on the right side of FIG. 1 (e.g., a “medical grade” rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive, in some cases) may correspond to a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils, such as 4.0 mils.

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates that the method may include applying a silicone-coated release liner overlying the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive of the PSA tape, at 130. Referring to the right side of FIG. 1, an example of a silicone-coated release liner 132 having a characteristic thickness value 134 overlying the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 (of the PSA tape 126) is also depicted for reference purposes. According to some aspects, the silicone-coated release liner 132 may correspond to a 50 to 60 lb single or double face bleached poly coated liner, a 40 to 60 lb kraft silicone coated liner, or a polyester silicone coated release liner. In some aspects, the characteristic thickness value 134 for the silicone-coated release liner 132 depicted on the right side of FIG. 1 may be representative of a 1.0 to 4.0 mil polyester silicone coated release liner. To illustrate, FIG. 2 depicts a release liner 232 overlying the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 222 of the first example of the PSA tape 200, and FIG. 3 depicts a release liner 332 overlying the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 322 of the second example of the PSA tape 300. In the non-limiting, illustrative examples depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the respective release liners 232, 332 corresponds to a 60 lb double face bleached poly coated liner. In some aspects, the release liner 232 of FIG. 2 and / or the release liner 332 of FIG. 3 may correspond to the release liner 232 overlying the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122, as depicted on the right side of FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 1 further illustrates that the method may include removing the silicone-coated release liner to expose the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive of the PSA tape for application to skin of a subject for a long-wear application (e.g., of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the skin), at 140. Referring to the right side of FIG. 1, an example of the PSA tape 126 (inverted to show removal of the silicone-coated release liner 132 such that its rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 is positioned for application to skin 142 of a subject / patient, with such application identified by a dashed line and reference character 144 in FIG. 1).

[0056] FIG. 1 further illustrates that the method may include removing the PSA tape from the skin of the subject after the long- wear application (e.g., with the PSA tape exhibiting299905308.1 - 13 -minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal), at 150. The right side of FIG. 1 is designed to show removal of the rubber- aery lie hybrid polymer adhesive 122 of the PSA tape 126 (inverted) from the skin 142 of the subject / patient after the long-wear application, with such removal identified by a dashed line and reference character 154 in FIG.1.

[0057] As further described herein, according to some aspects of the present invention, the substrate 112 of the PSA tape 126 may correspond to a non-woven polyester substrate (having the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 disposed on a surface of the substrate 112, as depicted on the right side of FIG. 1), and the PSA tape 126 may exhibit minimal to no skin irritation or skin damage propensity upon removal from skin of a subject / patient after a long- wear application of up to 30 days (e.g., at least 14, 21, 28, or 30 days or any number or range therein, preferably 21 to 30 days) on the skin of the subject / patient.

[0058] As further described herein, according to some aspects of the present invention, the substrate 112 of the PSA tape 126 may correspond to a non-woven polyester substrate, and the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 disposed on a surface of the substrate 112 may correspond to a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive having a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. That is, the characteristic thickness value 124 of the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 that is disposed on the surface of the substrate 112 (as depicted on the right side of FIG. 1) may be representative of a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive having a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils.

[0059] As further described herein, according to some aspects of the present invention, the substrate 112 of the PSA tape 126 may correspond to a NNRU substrate (having the rubberacrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 disposed on a surface of the substrate 112, as depicted on the right side of FIG. 1), and the PSA tape 126 may exhibit enhanced long-term wear characteristics on skin of a subject after a long-wear application. In some aspects, the enhanced long-term wear characteristics may include: improved adhesion characteristics; reduced flagging characteristics; longer wear-time characteristics on the skin associated with exercise by the subject; longer wear-time characteristics on the skin associated with heavy water exposure by the subject; or any combination thereof.

[0060] As further described herein, according to some aspects of the present invention, the substrate 112 of the PSA tape 126 may correspond to a NNRU substrate, and the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 122 disposed on a surface of the substrate 112 may correspond to a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive having a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils. That is, the characteristic thickness value 124 of the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer299905308.1 - 14 -adhesive 122 that is disposed on the surface of the substrate 112 (as depicted on the right side of FIG. 1) may be representative of a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive having a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils.1. Substrate

[0061] According to some aspects of the present invention, a substrate of a PSA tape of the present invention may correspond to a non-woven polyester substrate. According to some aspects, such a non-woven polyester substrate may correspond to a non-woven PET substrate. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of such non-woven PET substrates are described herein.

[0062] According to some aspects, the non-woven PET substrate may have a density of 0.4 oz / yd2to 4.2 oz / yd2, or 0.4 oz / yd2, 0.5 oz / yd2, 0.6 oz / yd2, 0.7 oz / yd2, 0.8 oz / yd2, 0.9 oz / yd2, 1.0 oz / yd2, 1.1 oz / yd2, 1.2 oz / yd2, 1.3 oz / yd2, 1.4 oz / yd2, 1.5 oz / yd2, 1.6 oz / yd2, 1.7 oz / yd2, 1.8 oz / yd2, 1.9 oz / yd2, 2.0 oz / yd2, 2.1 oz / yd2, 2.2 oz / yd2, 2.3 oz / yd2, 2.4 oz / yd2, 2.5 oz / yd2, 2.6 oz / yd2, 2.7 oz / yd2, 2.8 oz / yd2, 2.9 oz / yd2, 3.0 oz / yd2, 3.1 oz / yd2, 3.2 oz / yd2, 3.3 oz / yd2, 3.4 oz / yd2, 3.5 oz / yd2, 3.6 oz / yd2, 3.7 oz / yd2, 3.8 oz / yd2, 3.9 oz / yd2, 4.0 oz / yd2, 4.1 oz / yd2, or 4.2 oz / yd2, or any range or value therebetween.

[0063] According to various aspects, the non-woven PET substrate may have a thickness that is greater than 11 mils, preferably a thickness of 15 mils to 21 mils, or 12 mils, 13 mils, 14 mils, 15 mils, 16 mils, 17 mils, 18 mils, 19 mils, 20 mils, or 21 mils, or any range or value therebetween.

[0064] According to some aspects, the non-woven PET substrate may have a flesh color. According to other aspects, the non-woven PET substrate may have a white color.

[0065] According to other aspects of the present invention, a substrate of a PSA tape of the present invention may correspond to a NNRU substrate. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of such NNRU substrates are described herein.

[0066] According to some aspects, the NNRU substrate may have a thickness that is greater than 3 mils, preferably a thickness of 3 mils to 21 mils, more preferably a thickness of 3 mils to 12 mils, or 3 mils, 4 mils, 5 mils, 6 mils, 7 mils, 8 mils, 9 mils, 10 mils, 11 mils, 12 mils, 13 mils, 14 mils, 15 mils, 16 mils, 17 mils, 18 mils, 19 mils, 20 mils, or 21 mils, or any range or value therebetween.2. Adhesive

[0067] In some aspects, an adhesive of a PSA tape of the present invention may correspond to a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (e.g., a medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid299905308.1 - 15 -polymer adhesive, in some cases). The rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive may be disposed on a surface of a substrate of the PSA tape of the present invention.

[0068] According to some aspects, in cases where the substrate of the PSA tape corresponds to a non-woven polyester substrate, the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive may have a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils, preferably 4.0 mils, or 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 mils, 3.1 mils, 3.2 mils, 3.3 mils, 3.4 mils, 3.5 mils, 3.6 mils, 3.7 mils, 3.8 mils, 3.9 mils, 4.0 mils, 4.1 mils, 4.2 mils, 4.3 mils, 4.4 mils, 4.5 mils, 4.6 mils, 4.7 mils, 4.8 mils, 4.9 mils, or 5.0 mils, or any range or value therebetween.

[0069] According to some aspects, in cases where the substrate of the PSA tape corresponds to a non-woven PET substrate, the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive may correspond to a medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the non-woven PET substrate. Such a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive may have a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils, preferably 4.0 mils, or 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 mils, 3.1 mils, 3.2 mils, 3.3 mils, 3.4 mils, 3.5 mils, 3.6 mils, 3.7 mils, 3.8 mils, 3.9 mils, 4.0 mils, 4.1 mils, 4.2 mils, 4.3 mils, 4.4 mils, 4.5 mils, 4.6 mils, 4.7 mils, 4.8 mils, 4.9 mils, or 5.0 mils, or any range or value therebetween.

[0070] In some aspects, in cases where the substrate of the PSA tape corresponds to a NNRU substrate, the adhesive may correspond to a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive that is disposed on a surface of the NNRU substrate.

[0071] According to some aspects, in cases where the substrate of the PSA tape corresponds to a NNRU substrate, the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive may have a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils, preferably 4.0 mils, or 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 mils, 3.1 mils, 3.2 mils, 3.3 mils, 3.4 mils, 3.5 mils, 3.6 mils, 3.7 mils, 3.8 mils, 3.9 mils, 4.0 mils, 4.1 mils, 4.2 mils, 4.3 mils, 4.4 mils, 4.5 mils, 4.6 mils, 4.7 mils, 4.8 mils, 4.9 mils, or 5.0 mils, or any range or value therebetween.

[0072] In some aspects, the substrate of the PSA tape may correspond to a NNRU substrate, and the adhesive may correspond to a medical grade rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive disposed on a surface of the NNRU substrate. Such a medical grade rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive may have a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils, preferably 4.0 mils, or 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 mils, 3.1 mils, 3.2 mils, 3.3 mils, 3.4 mils, 3.5 mils, 3.6 mils, 3.7 mils, 3.8 mils, 3.9 mils, 4.0 mils, 4.1 mils, 4.2 mils, 4.3 mils, 4.4 mils, 4.5 mils, 4.6 mils, 4.7 mils, 4.8 mils, 4.9 mils, or 5.0 mils, or any range or value therebetween.299905308.1 - 16 -

[0073] FIG. 4 is a diagram 400 depicting an illustrative, non-limiting example of a general chemical structure of a representative rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (identified by reference character 422), according to some aspects of the present invention.

[0074] In some aspects, examples of precursor chemicals that may be utilized in a particular chemical reaction scheme to form the representative rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive 422 may include a first precursor chemical (not shown in FIG. 4) that includes a rubber macromer 402 and terminal reactive moieties (omitted in FIG. 4) and a second precursor chemical (not shown in FIG. 4) with reactive acrylic moieties (omitted in FIG. 4), with “R” group(s) in the second precursor chemical corresponding to at least one of the two examples of such “R” group identified by reference character 416 in FIG. 4)

[0075] In the example of a general chemical structure of the representative rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (identified by reference character 422 in FIG. 4), the rubber macromer 402 (associated with the first precursor chemical, not shown) and acrylate groups 414 associated with the particular chemical reaction scheme using the first and second precursor chemicals. It will be appreciated that the general chemical structure of the rubber macromonomer 402 may correspond to a “rubber” portion of a hybrid rubber- acrylic polymer adhesive and that the general chemical structure of the acrylate groups 414 may correspond to an “acrylic” portion of such a hybrid rubber-acrylic polymer adhesive.3. Release Liner

[0076] In various aspects, an (optional) release liner may overly the adhesive of a PSA tape of the present invention. In some aspects, the (optional) release liner may correspond to a silicone-coated release liner overlying the adhesive of the PSA tape. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of such silicone-coated release liners are described herein.

[0077] According to some aspects, the silicone-coated release liner may correspond to a 50 to 60 lb single or double face bleached poly coated liner, such as a 50 lb, a 55 lb, or a 60 lb (or any range or value therebetween) single or double face bleached poly coated liner.

[0078] According to some aspects, the silicone-coated release liner may correspond to a 1.0 to 4.0 mil polyester silicone coated release liner, or a 1.0 mil, a 1.5 mil, a 2.0 mil, a 2.5 mil, a 3.0 mil, a 3.5 mil, or a 5.0 mil (or any range or value therebetween) polyester silicone coated release liner.

[0079] According to some aspects, the silicone-coated release liner may correspond to a 40 to 60 lb kraft silicone coated liner, such as a 40 lb, a 45 lb, a 50 lb, a 55 lb, or a 60 lb (or any range or value therebetween) kraft silicone coated liner.299905308.1 - 17 -4. Additive(s)

[0080] In some cases, the adhesive of a PSA tape of the present invention can (optionally) include an additive or multiple additives. The adhesive can include an amount of additives, based on the total weight of the composition, of 0 and 1 wt. %, preferably 0.01 wt.% and less than 1 wt. % or between 0.5 wt. % and less than 1 wt. %, or 0 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, 0.3 wt.%, 0.4 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 0.6 wt.%, 0.7 wt.%, 0.8 wt.%, 0.9 wt.%, or 1 wt.% or any range or value therebetween.

[0081] Non-limiting examples of additives include, but are not limited to, fillers, solvents, moisture absorbers, plasticizers, antioxidants, pigments, colorants, adhesion promoters, UV stabilizers, flame-retardant additives, rheological additives, waxes, or combinations thereof.

[0082] Non-limiting examples of fillers include organic fillers, inorganic fillers and mixtures thereof. As organic filler(s), one can use any organic filler(s) and in particular polymeric filler(s) typically used in the field of adhesives. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin(s), rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), aramid fibers such as for example KEVLAR®, expandable or non-expandable thermoplastic polymer hollow microspheres (such as, for example hollow microspheres made of vinylidene chloride / acrylonitrile), one or more thermoplastic polymer(s) chosen from those used in the preparation of HMPSA, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or styrenic block copolymers (such as SIS, SBS, SIBS, SEBS, SEPS, and their derivatives grafted with for example maleic anhydride).

[0083] Non-limiting examples of solvents include hydrophilic solvents (e.g., water) or hydrophobic solvents (e.g., organic liquids such as dimethyl sulfoxide).

[0084] Non-limiting examples of moisture absorbers (or desiccant) include non-polymeric hydrolyzable alkoxysilane derivatives, with a molecular mass of less than 500 g / mol, preferably chosen from trimethoxysilane and triethoxysilane derivatives. Such an agent can typically extend the storage life of the composition during storage and transportation before it is used. Mention may be made, for example, of y-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (for example available, under the trade name Silquest® A- 174, from Momentive), methacryloxymethyltrimethoxysilane (for example available, under the name Geniosil® XL33, from Wacker), vinyltrimethoxysilane, isooctyltrimethoxysilane or phenyltrimethoxysilane.

[0085] Non-limiting examples of plasticizers include phthalates, benzoates, trimethylolpropane esters, trimethylolethane esters, trimethylolmethane esters, glycerol esters, pentaerythritol esters, naphthenic mineral oils, adipates, cyclohexyldicarboxylates, liquid paraffins, natural oils (optionally epoxidized), polypropylenes, polybutylenes, hydrogenated299905308.1 - 18 -polyisoprenes, and mixtures thereof. Examples of the phthalates include diisononyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, diisooctyl phthalate, diisododecyl phthalate, dibenzyl phthalate or butylbenzyl phthalate. Examples of benzoates include neopentyl glycol dibenzoate (available, for example, under the name Uniplex® 512 from Lanxess), dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (available, for example, under the name Benzoflex® 9-88SG from Eastman), a mixture of diethylene glycol dibenzoate and of dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (available, for example, under the name K-Flex® 850 S from Kalama Chemical), or a mixture of diethylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate and triethylene glycol dibenzoate (available, for example, under the name Benzoflex® 2088 from Eastman). Examples of pentaerythritol esters include pentaerythrityl tetravalerate (available, for example, under the name Pevalen™ from the company Perstorp). Examples of cyclohexanedicarboxylates include diisononyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (available, for example, under the name Hexamoll Dinch® from BASF).

[0086] Antioxidants can include compounds that may be introduced to protect the composition from degradation resulting from a reaction with oxygen which is liable to be formed by the action of heat or light. These compounds may include primary antioxidants which trap free radicals. The primary antioxidants may be used alone or in combination with other secondary antioxidants or UV stabilizers. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include Irganox® 1010, Irganox® B561, Irganox® 245, Irganox® 1076 and Irgafos® 168 sold by BASF.

[0087] Non-limiting examples of pigments include organic or inorganic pigments (e.g., titanium dioxide), such as Kronos® 2059 sold by Kronos.

[0088] Non-limiting examples of rheological additives include thixotropic agents, PVC plastisols (corresponding to a suspension of PVC in a plasticizer miscible with PVC, obtained in situ by heating at temperatures ranging from 600C to 800C). These plastisols can be those described in particular in the book "Polyurethane Sealants", Robert M. Evans, ISBN 087762- 998-6), fumed silica, and / or urea derivatives resulting from the reaction of an aromatic diisocyanate monomer such as 4,4'-MDI with an aliphatic amine such as butylamine (the preparation of such urea derivatives is described in particular in application FR 1 591 172).

[0089] Non-limiting examples of micronized amide waxes include CRAYVALLAC ® SL, CRAYVALLAC ® SLX, CRAYVALLAC ® SLT marketed by ARKEMA.

[0090] In some aspects, various potential additive(s) may allow the adhesive composition to characterized as a medical grade adhesive.299905308.1 - 19 -EXAMPLES

[0091] The present invention will be described in greater detail by way of specific examples. The following examples are offered for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize a variety of noncritical parameters which can be changed or modified to yield essentially the same results.

[0092] The substrates identified in the examples below are shown in Table 1. The adhesives identified in the examples below are shown in Table 2.TABLE 1'The properties of Substrate(l) in Table 1 correspond to a PET Non-woven substrate “Solara 8021”.2The properties of Substrate(2) in Table 1 correspond to a Backing for a Sample obtained from commercially available medical tape. Note that the properties included in Table 1 above represent both the substrate and the adhesive (due to an inability to non-destructively separate the substrate from the associated adhesive.3The properties of Substrate(3) in Table 1 correspond to a Backing for commercially available medical tape. Note that the properties included in Table 1 above represent both the substrate and the adhesive due to an inability to non-destructively separate the commercially available medical tape substrate from the associated adhesive.4The properties of Substrate(4) in Table 1 correspond to an example of a 2.4 oz / yd2 non-woven PET substrate “NWP 240 Flesh”.299905308.1 - 20 -5The properties of Substrate(5) in Table 1 correspond to a Backing for a clear nylon reinforced polyurethane film having a thickness of 1.0 mils. Note that the properties included in Table 1 above represent both the substrate and the adhesive (due to an inability to non-destructively separate the substrate from the associated adhesive).TABLE 2'The properties of Adhesive(l) in Table 2 correspond to an example of a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive, “H-30” (Flexcon).2The properties of Adhesive(2) in Table 2 correspond to a commercially available Medical Extended Wear Acrylic Adhesive.3The properties of Adhesive (3) in Table 2 correspond to an example of a solvent- acrylic type adhesive (commercially available).4The properties of Adhesive(4) in Table 3 correspond to an example of a commercially available acrylic type adhesive.1. Example 1

[0093] A first example of a PSA tape that was tested included an example of a PET nonwoven substrate with film density of 2.4 oz / yd2(corresponding to substrate “SI” in Table 1) and a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (corresponding to adhesive “Al” in Table 2) disposed on the substrate, where a thickness of the adhesive was 2.0 mils. A sample size / shape of individual PSA tapes for testing suitability for a long-wear application corresponded to a PSA tape with size / shape of “l”x3” Rounded Comers”. Testing involved 15-20 participants (women only) with the sample PSA tapes placed on the skin of each individual subject’s volar forearm. Test results indicated that first example of the PSA tape corresponding to the299905308.1 - 21 -particular combination of the example of a PET non-woven substrate (at a thickness of 19 mils) and the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (at a thickness of 2.0 mils) did not demonstrate satisfactory long-wear adhesion characteristics. Specifically, referring to test results illustrated in FIG. 5, the first example of the PSA tape resulted in one-half to three-quarters of the PSA tapes (having the aforementioned size / shape and the aforementioned positioning on the skin of the participants) removing from the skin of the participants at 21 days.2. Example 2 (Comparative example)

[0094] A second (comparative) example of a commercially available adhesive article was tested corresponding to substrate “S2” in Table 1 and adhesive “A2” in Table 2. A sample size / shape for testing suitability for a long-wear application was prepared from the sample article with a size / shape of “Round, 2 inch diameter”. Testing involved four participants (two males and two females, identified herein as “Ml”; “M2”; “Fl”; and “F2”) with the sample placed at a location on the skin of each individual subject’s back of upper arm. Referring to test results illustrated in FIG. 6, the second (comparative) example resulted in each of the samples (having the aforementioned size / shape and the aforementioned positioning on the skin of the participants) passing for a long term wear test, up to 28 days (with minimal flagging). With respect to additional observations, one of the four participants noted minimal skin irritation, and three of the four participants noted pilling of the fabric.3. Example 3

[0095] Another example of a PSA tape that was tested included an example of a PET nonwoven substrate with film density of 2.4 oz / yd2(corresponding to substrate “S3” in Table 1, with a substrate thickness of 18 mils) and a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (corresponding to adhesive “Al” in Table 2) disposed on the substrate, where a thickness of the adhesive was 4.0 mils. As with the previous comparative example (“Example 2”), a sample size / shape for testing suitability for a long-wear application was prepared for each individual PSA tape with substantially the same size / shape as in the comparative example (e.g., “Round, 2 inch diameter”). As with the comparative example, testing of the particular PSA tape of Example 3 involved the same 4 participants (i.e., the same 2 males and 2 females) with individual PSA tapes corresponding to Example 3 being placed at a substantially similar location on each individual subject’s skin (on skin of the back upper arm). Two out of four participants were instructed to wear the samples continuously until they naturally detached. Referring to test results illustrated in FIG. 6, the PSA tape construction resulted in each PSA tape (having the aforementioned size / shape and the aforementioned positioning on the skin of299905308.1 - 22 -the participants) passing the long term wear test, (e.g., up to 30 days with minimal flagging). With respect to additional observations, none of the participants noted skin irritation, and some flagging was due to snagging on clothing. Thus, the example PSA tape according to Example 3 represents one example of a PSA tape with satisfactory long-wear adhesion characteristics and satisfactory low-trauma removability characteristics (such as minimal to no skin irritation relative to the previous comparative example upon removal from a subject’ s skin after the long- wear application).4. Example 4

[0096] Another example of a PSA tape that was tested included the same example of a nonwoven PET substrate as in Example 3 (corresponding to substrate “S3” in Table 1, with a substrate thickness of 18 mils) but with a different adhesive (corresponding to adhesive “A3” in Table 2) disposed on the substrate, where a thickness of the adhesive was also 4.0 mils. As with the previous comparative example (“Example 2”), a sample size / shape for testing suitability for a long-wear application was prepared for each individual PSA tape with substantially the same size / shape as in the comparative example (e.g., “Round, 2 inch diameter”). As with the comparative example, testing of the particular PSA tape of Example 4 also involved the same 4 participants (i.e., the same 2 males and 2 females) with individual PSA tapes corresponding to Example 4 being placed at a substantially similar location on each individual subject’s skin (on skin of the back upper arm). Referring to test results illustrated in FIG. 6, the PSA tape construction resulted in two of the four PSA tapes (having the aforementioned size / shape and the aforementioned positioning on the skin of the participants) passing long term wear test, (e.g., up to 30 days) with moderate flagging and with two of the four PSA tapes falling off at 11 days (for participant “Fl”) and at 14 days (for participant “F2”), respectively. With respect to additional observations, none of the participants noted skin irritation, and one participant had dark spots on the fabric as the end of the long-wear test. Thus, the example PSA tape according to Example 4 represents one example of a PSA tape with unsatisfactory long-wear adhesion characteristics (e.g., of up to 30 days) but with satisfactory low-trauma removability characteristics (such as minimal to no skin irritation relative to the previous comparative example upon removal from a subject’ s skin after the long- wear application).5. Example 5

[0097] Another example of a PSA tape that was tested included the same example of a nonwoven PET substrate as in Examples 3 and 4 (corresponding to substrate “S3” in Table 1, with a substrate thickness of 18 mils) but with a different adhesive (corresponding to adhesive “A4”299905308.1 - 23 -in Table 2) disposed on the substrate, where a thickness of the adhesive was also 4.0 mils. As with the previous comparative example (“Example 2”), a sample size / shape for testing suitability for a long-wear application was prepared for each individual PSA tape with substantially the same size / shape as in the comparative example (e.g., “Round, 2 inch diameter”). As with the comparative example, testing of the particular PSA tape of Example 5 also involved the same four participants (i.e., the same two males and two females) with individual PSA tapes corresponding to Example 5 being placed at a substantially similar location on each individual subject’s skin (on skin of the back upper arm). Referring to test results illustrated in FIG. 6, the PSA tape construction resulted in one of the four PSA tapes (having the aforementioned size / shape and the aforementioned positioning on the skin of the participants) passing long-term wear (e.g., up to 30 days) (with moderate flagging) and with three of the four PSA tapes falling off between 11 days and 18 days (11 days for participant “Fl”; 13 days for participant “F2”; and 18 days for participant “M2”). With respect to additional observations, none of the participants noted skin irritation. Thus, the example PSA tape according to Example 5 represents another example of a PSA tape with unsatisfactory long- wear adhesion characteristics (e.g., of up to 30 days) but with satisfactory low-trauma removability characteristics (such as minimal to no skin irritation relative to the previous comparative example upon removal from a subject’s skin after the long- wear application).ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES

[0098] Additional testing was performed. Testing involved nineteen participants (ten males and nine females) with the sample placed at a location on the skin of each individual subject’s back of upper arm.

[0099] With respect to “Restrictions and Required Logging”, restrictions included: 1) “Refrain from submerging the patches in water. Although if you do so, please note as requested in #5 below”; and 2) “No moisturizer or skin products on the test area for 24 hours prior to attaching the patch. We ask you to refrain from using moisturizers or skin products on or around the patch for the duration of the test”. With regard to what was NOT restricted: 1) “Taking prescription medications”; 2) “Taking antihistamines or OTC medications”; and 3) “Participants were not required to shave the test area before applying patches”.

[0100] With regard to “Logging Requirements”: 1) “Percent lifting throughout the wear test. (Patches that show greater than 40% lifting can be removed, with the date removed noted.)”; 2) “Any accidental pulling or lifting of the patch, and how it happened. (Caught on clothing strap and caused lift of 20%. Child started to take patch off, caused premature failure.)”; 3) “Exercise, note time, and intensity level if possible”; 4) “Bathing or submerging299905308.1 - 24 -of the patches. If possible, note time submerged and water type (salt, chlorinated, bath water) and temperature (hot tub, heated pool, warm bath.)”; 5) “Skin irritation”; and 6) “Irritation upon removal”.

[0101] FIG. 7 depicts examples of the different “Test Samples” as described further herein with respect to the following additional examples.6. Example 6 (Comparative Example)

[0102] A sixth (comparative) example of a commercially available adhesive article was tested, corresponding to a “commercially available adhesive article . This commercially available adhesive article has an adhesive corresponding to an “Acrylate Adhesive” having a thickness of 4 mils. This commercially available adhesive article has a “100% Polyester White Nonwoven, Printable” backing having a thickness of 10 mils (total for film and adhesive). This commercially available adhesive article has a release liner corresponding to a “Bleached Super Calendared Kraft” liner having a thickness of 3.3 mils.

[0103] As depicted in the top view 700 of FIG. 7, a sample size / shape for testing suitability for a long-wear application was prepared from the commercially available adhesive article corresponding to a patch having a tape diameter of approximately 1.65 inches. An acrylic puck was used, having the following characteristics: diameter of 1 inches; height of 0.1 inches; and weight of 1.8 grams. An adhesive (“TT 100 H-506” from Flexcon) was used to adhere the acrylic puck 716 to the patch, as depicted in FIG. 7.7. Example 7

[0104] A seventh example of an adhesive article was tested, corresponding to a “DermaFlex NWP 240 Flesh H-30 Spec 50K-8” adhesive article (subsequently referred to herein as a “NWP H-30” adhesive article). The “NWP H-30” adhesive article had a substrate corresponding to a polyester nonwoven substrate (a non-woven PET substrate “NWP 240 Flesh”, from Precision Fabrics) having a thickness of 4 mils. The “NWP H-30” adhesive article had a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (corresponding to adhesive “Al” in Table 2) disposed on the substrate. The “NWP H-30” adhesive article had a polyester nonwoven backing having a thickness of 14 mils (total for film and adhesive). The “NWP H-30” adhesive article had a release liner corresponding to a “Kraft Liner” having a thickness of 3.1 mils.

[0105] As depicted in the top view 700 of FIG. 7, a sample size / shape for testing suitability for a long-wear application was prepared from the sample “NWP H-30” adhesive article corresponding to a patch (identified by reference character 812) having a tape diameter of approximately 1.65 inches. An acrylic puck (identified by reference character 816) was used, having the following characteristics: diameter of 1 inches; height of 0.1 inches; and weight of299905308.1 - 25 -1.8 grams. An adhesive (“TT 100 H-506” from Flexcon) was used to adhere the acrylic puck 816 to the patch, as depicted in FIG. 7.8. Example 8

[0106] An eighth example of an adhesive article was tested, corresponding to a “DermaFlex NNRU 100 Clear H-30 Spec 50K-8” adhesive article (subsequently referred to herein as a “NNRU H-30” adhesive article). The “NNRU H-30” adhesive article had a substrate corresponding to a urethane film having a thickness of 1.0 mils. The “NNRU H-30” adhesive article had a “Nylon Scrim” and a rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive (corresponding to adhesive “Al” in Table 2) disposed on the substrate, with a thickness of 3.8 to 4.2 mils (total for scrim and adhesive). The “NNRU H-30” adhesive article had a release liner corresponding to a “Kraft Liner” having a thickness of 3.1 mils.

[0107] As depicted in the top view 700 of FIG. 7, a sample size / shape for testing suitability for a long-wear application was prepared from the sample “NNRU H-30” adhesive article corresponding to a patch (identified by reference character 912) having a tape diameter of approximately 1.65 inches. An acrylic puck (identified by reference character 916) was used, having the following characteristics: diameter of 1 inches; height of 0.1 inches; and weight of 1.8 grams. An adhesive (“TT 100 H-506” from Flexcon) was used to adhere the acrylic puck 916 to the patch, as depicted in FIG. 7.ADDITIONAL RESULTS

[0108] FIG. 8 is a diagram 1000 depicting comparative results for the additional examples described above. Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates that “NWP H-30” (corresponding to Example 7) outperformed commercially available medical tape (corresponding to comparative Example6) for the percent of samples still adhered at 30 days.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a diagram 1100 depicting comparative results for the additional examples described above. Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates that “NWP H-30” (corresponding to Example7) outperformed “commercially available medical tape (corresponding to comparative Example 6) for the percent of samples still adhered at 30 days.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a diagram 1300 depicting comparative results for the additional examples described above. Specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates that under both conditions ("Up to 20%" and "Up to 40%"), the commercially available tape consistently shows the highest lift percentages. At 30 days, it reaches nearly 80% lift under both conditions. NWP H-30 and NNRU H-30 show significantly lower lift percentages across all time intervals and conditions after 7 days.

[0111] FIG. 11 is a diagram 1400 depicting comparative results for the additional examples described above. Specifically, FIG. 11 illustrates that “NWP H-30” (corresponding to Example299905308.1 - 26 -7) and commercially available adhesive article(corresponding to comparative Example 6) have the same irritation rating. . FIG. 11 further illustrates that participants reported the mild level of irritation for the “NNRU H-30” (corresponding to Example 8), with two patches removed before 7 days, and a third removed at day 25 due to diffused pink coloration. Table 3 below provides correlates the ratings to erythemal levels.TABLE 3

[0112] FIG. 12 is a diagram 1600 depicting wear time with high water exposure and exercise to show comparative results for the additional examples described above. Specifically, FIG. 12 illustrates that “NWP H-30” (corresponding to Example 7) and “NNRU H-30” (corresponding to Example 8) achieved significantly higher wear rates than commercially available adhesive article (corresponding to comparative Example 6) when exposed to water, or exercise. With respect to exercise, thirteen participants reported a minimum of three times per week exercising with six reporting 5 times or more, while five participants reported high intensity exercise. With respect to water exposure, two participants showered two times per day, and seven participants reported submerging in lake, salt, or chlorinated water.

[0113] With respect to the additional examples, “NWP H-30” (corresponding to Example 7) displayed the best overall wear characteristics comparable to irritation rating characteristics to the commercially available adhesive, and the best overall water exposure characteristics. With respect to exercise, both “NWP H-30” (corresponding to Example 7) and “NNRU H-30” (corresponding to Example 8) displayed the best characteristics.

[0114] Although embodiments of the present application and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of299905308.1 - 27 -matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the above disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein can be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.299905308.1 - 28 -

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising: a non-woven polyester substrate; and a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive on a surface of the non-woven polyester substrate, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive tape exhibits enhanced long-term wear characteristics on skin of a subject after a long-wear application.

2. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 1, wherein the non-woven polyester substrate is a non-woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate having a density of 0.4 oz / yd2to 4.2 oz / yd2, preferably 2.4 oz / yd2.

3. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 2, wherein the non-woven PET substrate has a thickness of greater than 11 mils, preferably 15 mils to 21 mils, or more preferably 18 mils.

4. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 1, wherein the long-wear application includes greater than 21 days.

5. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 4, wherein the long- wear application includes 21 to 30 days.

6. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 1, wherein the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils.

7. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 6, wherein the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 4.0 mils.

8. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 1, further comprising a silicone-coated release liner overlying the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive.

9. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of any of claim 1, wherein the non-woven polyester substrate is a non-woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate.

10. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 1, wherein the enhanced long-term wear characteristics include: improved adhesion characteristics; reduced flagging characteristics; longer wear-time characteristics on skin of a subject associated with299905308.1 - 29 -exercise by the subject; longer wear-time characteristics on skin of a subject associated with heavy water exposure by the subject; or any combination thereof.

11. A pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising: a nylon-reinforced urethane (NNRU) substrate; and a rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive on a surface of the NNRU substrate, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive tape exhibits enhanced long-term wear characteristics on skin of a subject after a long-wear application.

12. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 11, wherein the long-wear application includes greater than 21 days.

13. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 12, wherein the long-wear application includes 21 to 30 days.

14. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 11, wherein the enhanced long-term wear characteristics include: improved adhesion characteristics; reduced flagging characteristics; longer wear-time characteristics on skin of a subject associated with exercise by the subject; longer wear-time characteristics on skin of a subject associated with heavy water exposure by the subject; or any combination thereof.

15. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 11, wherein the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 2.0 mils to 5.0 mils.

16. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 15, wherein the rubber- acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive has a thickness of 4 mils.

17. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of 11, further comprising a silicone-coated release liner overlying the rubber-acrylic hybrid polymer adhesive.

18. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 11, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness that is greater than 3 mils, preferably 3 mils to 21 mils.

19. The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of claim 18, wherein the NNRU substrate has a thickness of 3 mils to 12 mils, preferably 6 mils.299905308.1 - 30 -

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