Fastening system with auto-adhesive layer exposed through rupturable cover layer
View Patent ↗A fastening system that includes an auto-adhesive layer and a cover layer. The cover layer engages the auto-adhesive layer such that the auto-adhesive layer is exposed as the cover layer is stretched. In some embodiments, stretching the cover layer causes the cover layer to rupture (i.e., tear) so that the auto-adhesive layer may be exposed for subsequent bonding. The term “auto-adhesive” refers to self-adhesive properties of a polymeric material where an auto-adhesive is substantially non-adhesive with respect to many other materials. Also disclosed is a method of joining a fastening system to an item. The method includes positioning the fastening system near the item. The method further includes exposing an auto-adhesive layer by stretching a cover layer that is engaged with the auto-adhesive layer and then engaging the auto-adhesive layer on the fastening system with an auto-adhesive layer on the item.
1. A fastening system comprising:
a first auto-adhesive layer formed from a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a mixture of a polyethylene polymer and a block copolymer selected from the group consisting of poly(styrene)-co-poly (ethylene-butylene)-co-poly(styrene) copolymer and poly(styrene)-co-poly(ethylene-butylene) copolymer;
a cover layer that engages the first auto-adhesive layer, the first auto-adhesive layer being exposed through ruptures in the cover layer that occur when the cover layer is stretched; and
a second auto-adhesive layer which is formed from the same thermoplastic elastomer as the first auto-adhesive layer which engages the first auto-adhesive layer and is positioned on an item to which the first auto-adhesive layer affixes.
2. The fastening system of claim 1 wherein the cover layer is formed of a thermoplastic polymer that includes polymer chains.
3. The fastening system of claim 1 wherein the cover layer includes a blend of thermoplastics that have polymer chains.
4. The fastening system of claim 1 wherein the cover layer is formed of a non-woven material.
5. The fastening system of claim 4 wherein the non-woven material is a melt-blown fibrous material.
6. The fastening system of claim 1 wherein the cover layer has a density greater than 1.0 grams per cubic centimeter.
7. The fastening system of claim 1 wherein the first auto-adhesive layer exhibits a Peak Load of Auto-adhesive Strength value that is greater than about 400 grams per inch width of the auto-adhesive layer.
8. The fastening system of claim 1 further comprising an elastic layer that has a hysteresis of less than 50% and a set value of less than 15%, wherein the elastic layer is a styrenic block copolymer.
9. The fastening system of claim 8 wherein the elastic layer is in contact with the auto-adhesive layer.
10. The fastening system of claim 8 wherein the auto-adhesive layer is between the cover layer and the elastic layer.