WO2000004348A1

WO2000004348A1 - Adhesive composite security articles

Info

Publication number: WO2000004348A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/015693
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven B. Heinecke; Robert Shaw; Donald G. Peterson
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 1998-07-14
Filing date: 1999-07-12
Publication date: 2000-01-27
Also published as: EP1097359A1; JP2002520667A; BR9912068A; AU4985599A; AU760325B2; CA2336797A1

Abstract

Adhesive composite security articles (10) are disclosed that include a flexible backing (12), pressure sensitive adhesive, and at least one line of weakness. The articles are designed to be applied to the body of a wearer such as the skin or a nail surface and to be tamper-evident. In some articles, the backing may separate along the line of weakness and/or fold back onto itself, adhering the various portions of the backing together in a manner that prevents intact transfer of the articles between individuals. The adhesive composite security article (10) may also include an image printed thereon to assist in monitoring of the individuals entering and exiting the events as well as to provide a better indication of tampering through disruption of the image as a result of separation of the backing along the line of weakness and/or folding of the backing. In addition, the image may also reduce counterfeiting of the adhesive composite security articles by introducing different images, colors, serial numbers, etc. into the articles.

Description

ADHESIVE COMPOSITE SECURITY ARTICLES

Field of the Invention The present invention relates adhesive composite security articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to adhesive composite security articles for application to a human or animal body, methods of manufacturing the articles, and methods/systems for delivering the articles.

Background of the Invention

A variety of security devices and methods are used to indicate that an individual has paid for admission to an event such as a concert, etc. The security devices are especially important for events that allow attendees to exit and re-enter after the initial entry. In those instances, individuals may be tempted to obtain as many security devices as possible from bona fide attendees remaining in the confines of the event, exit the event, and transfer the security devices to others, thereby allowing those individuals to enter the event without permission and/or payment of any entry fees. In addition to the potential loss of income, the organizers of such events may also be subject to potential liability if the number of people attending the event exceeds the maximum allowable numbers. Known security devices and methods include wristbands, ink stampings, and tickets. Many of these approaches are, however, of limited use in the reducing illicit entry. For example, it may be possible to easily remove wristbands, ink stamps may be easily duplicated, and tickets can be easily transferred between individuals. Other approaches, such as electronic identification cards, may be more effective at controlling entry into events. They may, however, be too expensive for use at many events.

Another concern is that the application or distribution of the security devices be fast enough such that entry into the event is not significantly delayed. The ability to process as many attendees as possible in a limited amount of time may be important in many cases. In those situations, the use of wristbands, stamps, identification cards, etc. may be poor choices if the time required to apply or affix the security devices results in significant delays to event entry. Another factor to consider is that many events extend over more than one day and it may be desirable to use a security device or method that, after initial application or distribution, is capable of being used over two or more days without significant degradation in its ability to indicate proper entry credentials. As a result, if the device or method involves application to the body of a wearer, it should withstand normal activities such as bathing, swimming, etc.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides adhesive composite security articles including a flexible backing, pressure sensitive adhesive, and at least one line of weakness.

The articles are designed to be applied to the body of a wearer such as the skin or a nail surface and to be tamper-evident. By "tamper-evident" it is meant that attempts to transfer the articles between individuals will result in some irreversible changes that will indicate that a transfer has either occurred or was attempted. In preferred articles, the backing may separate along the line of weakness and/or fold back onto itself, adhering the various portions of the backing together in a manner that prevents or substantially impairs intact transfer of the articles between individuals.

The adhesive composite security article may also desirably include an image printed thereon to assist in monitoring of the individuals entering and exiting the events as well as to provide a better indication of tampering through disruption of the image as a result of separation of the backing along the line of weakness and/or folding of the backing. In addition, the image may also be used to reduce counterfeiting of the adhesive composite security articles by introducing different images, colors, serial numbers, etc. into the articles. The present invention also provides simple and inexpensive delivery systems for the adhesive composite security articles. In some embodiments, the adhesive composite security articles include liners having a release surface and a retention surface. The bond strength between the liner and the pressure sensitive adhesive in the area of the retention surface is greater than the bond strength between the liner and the pressure sensitive adhesive in release surface. The increased bond strength in the area of the retention surface allows the backing to be held taut during delivery to assist in smooth delivery of the adhesive composite security article. The retention surfaces can be provided by abrasion, embossing, perforating the liner, or combinations thereof.

Advantages of the delivery systems include the simplicity and ease with which the adhesive composite security articles can be manufactured. For example, a standard liner with a fully coated release surface can be used with the retention surfaces being formed in-line during the converting process. As a result, no special liners are needed in inventory.

In one aspect, the present invention provides an adhesive composite security article including a flexible backing having top and bottom faces and a perimeter; a pressure sensitive adhesive coated on at least a portion of the bottom face of the backing, the backing and adhesive forming an adhesive composite; and a line of weakness in the backing.

The adhesive composite security articles may also include a release surface on a liner, the release surface being adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the backing, wherein the tensile strength of the backing in a direction generally transverse to the line of weakness is greater than the bond strength between the adhesive on the bottom face of the backing and the release surface on the liner.

If a liner is included in the adhesive composite security article, it may include a retention surface with a discontinuous release coating, wherein the retention surface is attached to the pressure sensitive adhesive along an edge of the backing. The retention surface may be, e.g., in the form of an abraded surface, an embossed surface, and/or at least one void in the liner. If the retention surface includes a void in the liner, the adhesive composite security article may further include a retainer attached to the exposed portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive through the void in the liner. The adhesive composite security articles of the present invention may also include a handle attached to at least one edge of the backing. The handle may be removably attached to the backing.

In another aspect, the adhesive composite security articles may include a carrier attached to the top face of the backing, the carrier formed of material substantially more rigid than the backing. If a carrier is included, the bond strength between the carrier and the backing is less than the tensile strength of the backing in a direction generally transverse to the line of weakness. The carrier may be at least coextensive with the top face of the backing or it may form a carrier frame proximate the perimeter of the backing, the carrier frame substantially defining a window proximate a center of the backing.

If the line or lines of weakness are in the form of perforations in the backing, at least one of the perforations may intersect the perimeter of the backing to improve the resistance of the adhesive composite security article to tampering.

If a plurality of lines of weakness are provided in the backing, at least two of the lines of weakness intersect to improve the resistance of the adhesive composite security article to tampering. The line or lines of weakness may also intersect an image provided as a part of the adhesive composite security article.

The backing and pressure sensitive adhesive forming the adhesive composite may, in some embodiments, transmit moisture vapor at a rate of at least 300 g/m²/24 hrs/37^C/100-10% RH.

Also provided as a part of the present invention are systems of delivering adhesive composite security articles.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for delivering adhesive composite security articles. In the system, a plurality of the adhesive composite security articles are separated by a plurality of lines of separation such that each pair of successive lines of separation defines opposing ends of one of the adhesive composite articles. The lines of weakness in each of the adhesive composite security articles are located between each pair of successive lines of separation, that is, the lines of weakness do not intersect the lines of separation between adjacent adhesive composite security articles.

The adhesive composite security articles delivered in the systems may each include an image located between each pair of successive lines of separation. The image, if provided, may be intersected by a line of weakness.

In the adhesive composite security articles delivered according to the systems, the tensile strength of each line of weakness along a direction between the lines of separation is greater than the tensile strength of each pair of successive lines of separation between which the line of weakness is located. These and other features and advantages of the adhesive composite securit}' articles and methods according to the present invention are set forth in the detailed description and figures presented below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of one adhesive composite security article including a carrier frame according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top perspective view of an alternative adhesive composite security article including a carrier frame according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the adhesive composite security article of Figure 2 after removal of the liner protecting the pressure sensitive adhesive on the backing.

Figure 4 is a top perspective view of another alternative adhesive composite security article according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the adhesive composite security article in combination with a carrier and liner.

Figure 6A is a top plan view of a liner including a plurality of adhesive composite security articles according to the present invention. Figure 6B is a top plan view of the adhesive composite security articles of

Figure 6 A including images.

Figure 6C is a top plan view of the adhesive composite security articles of Figure 6 A including carrier frames attached thereto.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of another liner including a plurality of alternative adhesive composite security articles without a carrier according to the present invention.

Figure 8A is a perspective view of one alternative delivery system for adhesive composite security articles of the present invention.

Figure 8B is a perspective view of another alternative delivery system for adhesive composite security articles of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of one method of manufacturing one embodiment of adhesive composite security articles according to the present invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another adhesive composite security article according to the present invention. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a liner used in the adhesive composite security article of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the adhesive composite security article of Figure 10 with the liner partially removed from the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the bottom of the backing such that the article is ready for delivery.

Figure 13 is a side view of another adhesive composite security article according to the present invention.

Figure 14 is a plan view of the adhesive composite security article of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of another adhesive composite security article according to the present invention including cut-away portions exposing the various components of the article.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides tamper-evident adhesive composite security articles including a flexible backing, pressure sensitive adhesive, and at least one line of weakness. The articles are designed to be applied to the body of a wearer such as the skin or a nail surface. Because the pressure sensitive adhesive coated products used in connection with the present invention typically include a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a backing or other substrate, they are referred to herein as "adhesive composites." The adhesive composites used as adhesive composite security articles in connection with the present invention are preferably highly moisture vapor permeable. As a result, the skin or nail underneath the article, when applied, is allowed to "breathe" without significantly affecting the bond between the adhesive composite security article and the wearer. If the moisture vapor permeability of the adhesive composite security article is too low, moisture will be trapped under the article, eventually loosening the bond of the pressure sensitive adhesive to the wearer. In that situation, the article may be more easily transferred to another individual resulting in illicit entry into an event. Alternatively, an individual may lose the article, resulting in a denial of entry to a bona fide attendee. Some preferred flexible backing materials for articles provided in connection with the present invention are translucent or transparent polymeric films. Some preferred adhesive composites are similar to those typically used in the field of medical adhesive composites. Those adhesive composites employ high moisture vapor permeable film backings and are commonly used for dressings, bandages and similar products. Issued U.S. Patent Nos. 3,645,835 and 4,595,001, along with European

Patent Application Publication No. 0 437 944 describe methods of making some suitable films and methods for testing their permeability. Preferably, the backing/adhesive composite should transmit moisture vapor at a rate equal to or greater than human skin.

Preferably, the adhesive coated backing transmits moisture vapor at a rate of at least 300 g/m²/24 hrs/37/C/100-10% RH, more preferably at least 2000 g/m²/24 hrs/37/C/100-10%

RH, and most preferably at least 4000 g/m²/24 hrs/37/C/ 100-10% RH using the inverted cup method as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,595.001.

The backings used in connection with the present invention are also preferably conformable to anatomical surfaces. As such, when the backing is applied to an anatomical surface, it conforms to the surface even when the surface moves.

A description of some backings that may be preferred for use in the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention can be found in issued U.S.

Patent Nos. 5.088,483 and 5,160,315, as well as European Patent Application Publication

No. 0 437 944. Other potential backings and pressure sensitive adhesives useful in connection with the present invention are similar to those described in U.S. Patent No.

3,121 ,021 and marketed under the tradename MICROPORE™ by Minnesota Mining and

Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Particularly preferred film backings may be selected from the group of elastomeric polyurethane, polyester, or polyether block amide films, or combinations thereof. These films combine the desirable properties of resiliency, high moisture vapor permeability, and transparency that may be preferred in the backings. Also, although the backings are depicted below as monolayer articles, it will be understood that they could include multiple layers as described in, e.g., European Patent Application Publication No.

0 437 944. The pressure sensitive adhesives used in connection with the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention are preferably safe to use on human or animal skin, and preferably to those that are of the class known as "hypoallergenic" adhesives. Some hypoallergenic pressure sensitive adhesives which can be used in the adhesive composites of the present invention include, but are not limited to: the acrylate copolymers described in U.S. Patent No. RE 24.906 (particularly a 97:3 iso-octyl acrylate :acrylamide copolymer); and the 70: 15 : 15 isooctyl acrylate :ethyleneoxide acrylate :acry lie acid terpolymer as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,737,410 (see Example 31). Other useful adhesives are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,389,827; 4,112,213; 4,310,509; and 4,323,557; as well as UK Patent No. 1280631 (see, e.g., polyvinyl ether adhesives) and European Patent Nos. 35399 and 51935. Inclusion of medicaments or antimicrobial agents in the adhesive is also contemplated, as described in U.S. Patent Nos.

4,310,509 and 4,323,557.

The preferred pressure sensitive adhesives used in connection with the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention preferably transmit moisture vapor at a rate greater to or equal to that of human skin. While such a characteristic can be achieved through the selection of an appropriate adhesive, it is also contemplated in the present invention that other methods of achieving a high relative rate of moisture vapor transmission may be used, such as pattern coating the adhesive on the backing, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,595,001.

In addition to moisture vapor permeability and hypoallergenicity, it may also be preferred that the adhesives used in connection with the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention exhibit high initial tack upon application to the skin or the surface of a nail. One such adhesive is described in PCT Publication WO 98/15245 titled "Moisture-Regulated Adhesive Dressing" and other useful adhesives may include polyvinyl ether adhesives as discussed in. e.g., UK Patent No. 1280631. One advantage of an adhesive exhibiting high initial tack is that removal of the adhesive composite security articles shortly after application can be more effectively prevented than with an adhesive that exhibits a lower initial tack after application. In addition to high initial tack, it is also preferred that the adhesive build, i.e., the increase in bond strength over time, also be relatively high to further frustrate attempts to transfer the adhesive composite security articles. Furthermore, many of the pressure sensitive adhesives used in connection with medical dressings exhibit increased tack after sterilization processing such as gamma radiation sterilization. As a result it may be desirable to subject the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention to such processes to increased the tack of the pressure sensitive adhesives used in connection with the present invention. Sterilization may provide further benefits if the adhesive composite security articles are inadvertently applied over an open wound to at least limit contamination of the wound caused by the adhesive composite security articles of the invention.

When the backing material used in the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention is one of the flexible polymeric films discussed above, it is often desirable to supply a carrier or some other support that is substantially more rigid than the backing to prevent the backing from wrinkling or folding onto itself in whole or in part during application of the adhesive composite security article. The carrier material should be capable of being attached to the backing by any suitable method, such as heat sealing. adhesives, mechanical bonds, wax coatings, surface energy attraction, etc. The bond should be secure, yet releasable, i.e., the carrier and backing can be separated without destroying the integrity of the backing or the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive on the backing and the skin or nail surface of a wearer. That is, the bond strength between the carrier and the backing is less than the bond strength between the adhesive on the backing and the wearer. In addition, the bond between the carrier and the backing should be stronger than the bond between the adhesive on the bottom face of the backing, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, and any release liner or surface used to deliver the adhesive composite security articles as discussed more completely below.

In one preferred embodiment, the carrier material is heat-sealable to the backing for the purpose of manufacturing the preferred adhesive composite security articles. In general, heat-sealable carrier materials can include, but are not limited to, polyethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer-coated papers and polyester films. One example of a preferred heat-sealable carrier material is a polyethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer-coated super calendared Kraft paper (1-80BKG-157 PE: DPC-Lohja, Inc. Westchester. Illinois). Methods and materials conducive to heat sealing are described in U.S. Patent Nos.

5,531,855 (Heinecke et al.) and 5,738,642 (Heinecke et al). The adhesive composites of the present invention may also include a low adhesion coating on a top face of the backing, which is preferably coated as a solution of polyvinyl N-octadecyl carbamate and a blend of silicone resins, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,531,855. The preferred low adhesion coating is compatible with the heat seal bond between the carrier and the backing and also retains its low adhesion characteristics after attachment. While it is preferred that the top face of the adhesive composites of the present invention include a low adhesion coating, adhesive composites without such a coating are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Liners used in connection with the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention are available from a variety of manufacturers in a wide variety of proprietary formulations. Those skilled in the art will normally test those liners in simulated use conditions against an adhesive of choice to arrive at a product with the desired release characteristics.

Preferred adhesive composite security articles of the present invention also include an image provided thereon to reduce the ease of counterfeiting, enhance visual inspection of the articles, and/or improve the aesthetic appearance of the articles to the wearer. Regardless of the actual ink compositions used, it is preferred that the ink demonstrate durability as measured by resistance to abrasion, including resistance to abrasion following stretching of the backing during delivery of the adhesive composite security articles.

One preferred ink composition includes a stable nonpolyethylene- containing aqueous dispersion of pigment and particles of a urethane polymer. The ink composition may further include a cross-linker capable of cross-linking the urethane polymer. Another useful ink composition includes a stable nonpolyethylene-containing aqueous dispersion of pigment, particles of a urethane polymer and a cross-linker to crosslink the urethane polymer.

It may also be desirable to improve the durability of an image on a flexible substrate by coating a layer of a urethane polymer containing composition onto the backing wherein the urethane polymer has a number average molecular weight in the noncross-linked form of about 1,500 to about 50.000. The urethane polymer-containing composition is preferably an ink composition including a dispersion of pigment and the urethane polymer-containing compound may also include a cross-linker to cross-link the urethane polymer. The urethane polymer-containing compound may be coated onto the backing before printing the image and/or the urethane polymer-containing compound may be coated over the image on the backing. Another method of forming the images on the backing includes the steps of printing a first layer of ink onto the backing, the first layer of ink including a stable aqueous dispersion of pigment and particles of a urethane polymer and printing an image over the first layer of ink wherein the last layer of ink, farthest from the substrate, includes a stable aqueous dispersion of pigment and particles of a urethane polymer. Preferably at least one layer of ink is printed using a nonaqueous-based ink and preferably the ink composition in the first layer of ink further includes a cross-linker to cross-link the urethane polymer. Also preferable, the first layer includes an ink with a white pigment. In a preferred embodiment of this method, an opaque layer of white pigment is disposed between the first layer of ink and the image. Preferably the image is printed with an ink composition of a stable aqueous dispersion of pigment and particles of a urethane polymer and preferably the last layer of ink, farthest from the substrate, further includes a cross- linker to cross-link the urethane polymer. In one embodiment of this method, the image is covered with a coating comprising a backsize or sealer. One preferred sealer is a urethane polymer adhesive. In another method, abrasion of an image on a backing may be limited by applying a water-based dispersion of a urethane polymer to the backing, and printing an image over the water-based dispersion of a urethane polymer using at least one ink composition. One preferred water-based dispersion of a urethane polymer is a stable aqueous dispersion of pigment and particles of a urethane polymer and a cross-linker to cross-link the urethane polymer. One preferred ink composition is a stable aqueous dispersion of pigment and particles of a urethane polymer and a cross-linker to cross-link the urethane polymer.

Regardless of the actual method used to provide the images, it is preferred that they be durable and resist transfer off of the backing. In addition, it may also be desirable that the images include two or more colors to make duplication of the images more difficult. In place of the inks described above, it may be desirable to provide the image using, e.g., a pressure sensitive ink or other composition/article that changes color and/or appearance when subjected to stretching or other deformation that would typically be associated with attempts to remove the adhesive composite security article. Although it may be desirable to include pre-printed images on the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention, it is also possible to provide adhesive composite security articles in connection with the present invention in which the image or other identification device is placed on the wearer followed by the application of an adhesive composite security article that does not itself include an image over the image or other identification device already provided. For example, a stamp could be used to apply an image on the skin, followed by application of an adhesive composite security article according to the present invention over the stamped image. In such an embodiment, the adhesive composite security article may or may not itself include an image.

Furthermore, although many of the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention will include a transparent or translucent backing, it may be desirable that the backing be opaque and/or include a colorant that is visible in either the visible spectrum or in. e.g., ultraviolet, infrared or other wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Backings that include a colorant may or may not be provided with an image in addition to the colorant. The illustrative embodiments described below in connection with the figures depict some delivery methods and devices useful in connection with the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention. It should, however, be noted that the adhesive composite security articles may be used with any suitable delivery system used for delivery of flexible pressure sensitive adhesive coated backings provided that any delivery system used should leave the adhesive composite security article intact on the desired surface of the wearer. Examples of suitable delivery systems for use in connection with the adhesive composite security articles of the present invention include those supplied in connection with medical adhesive dressings available under a number of trade names such as TEGADERM™ (3M Company. St. Paul, Minnesota), BIOCLUSIVE™ (Johnson & Johnson Company, New Brunswick. New Jersey), OP-SITE™ (T.J. Smith &

Nephew, Hull. England), and UNIFLEX™ (How Medica, Largo, Florida). A number of these delivery systems are described in various patent-related publications such as U.S. Patent Nos. Re. 33,353; Re. 33,727; 4,413,621; 4,485,809; 4,600,001; 4,917,928; 5,088,483; 5,160,315; 5,520,629; and 5,531,855; as well as European Patent Office Publication No. 0 051 935. Turning to Figure 1 , one embodiment of an adhesive composite security article 10 includes a backing 12 which is preferably conformable as described above; an image 14 on a top face of the backing 12; pressure sensitive adhesive 16 that is preferably attached to the bottom face of the backing 12 (although it is depicted off of the backing in Figure 1); and a carrier frame 18 attached to the top face of the backing 12. Also depicted in Figure 1 is a liner 13 that bonds to the pressure sensitive adhesive 16 to protect it until the backing 12 is delivered.

The top face of the backing 12 may also include a low adhesion coating (not shown) such as that described in, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,531,855 to reduce surface friction between the backing and other objects or surfaces which also reduces unwanted removal of the backing 12 after application to a wearer. It will be understood that this step is optional and that the low adhesion coating may or may not be provided.

In Fig. 1, a window portion cut in the carrier frame 18 is preferably removed creating a window 19 exposing a portion of the top face of the backing 12. It will be understood, however, that in some instances the carrier frame 18 may not include a window 19. i.e., the carrier may be coextensive with the backing 12 as illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 5 below.

In those adhesive composite security articles 10 in which a window 19 is provided, removal of the window portion of the carrier material 18 which would normally cover window 19 is optional during manufacture. Removal does eliminate one step in the delivery process (i.e., the step of removing a portion of the carrier frame material from the window 19 prior to removing the backing 12 from the liner 13) and reduces the waste stream at the consumer level. However, some customers may prefer that the portion of the carrier frame 18 normally covering window 19 remain intact until the adhesive composite security article 10 reaches the end user. The portion of the carrier frame 18 that remains after window removal preferably extends about at least a substantial portion of the periphery of the backing 12 to support it after removal from the liner 13. One advantage of those adhesive composite security article 10 in which the window portion of the carrier material 18 is removed is that an image or other indicia could be added to the top face of the backing within the window 19 after the adhesive composite security article has been manufactured. The result is increased flexibility in selection of the desired images which can, in some instances, frustrate attempts to produce counterfeit adhesive composite security articles by, e.g., frequently changing the images used on the articles.

Carrier frame 18 may also preferably include at least one tab 17 (two are illustrated in Figure 1) that extends beyond the perimeter of backing 12 to assist in removal of the backing 12 from the liner 13 without contacting the adhesive 16. It is preferred that the tabs 17 be completely integral with the carrier frame 18 such that pulling the tab 17 and integral carrier frame 18 away from the liner 20 results in removal of the carrier frame 18, backing 12 and adhesive 16 from the liner 13.

The carrier frame 18 is preferably attached to backing 12 (over any low adhesion coating, if provided) with a heat seal bond. Other bonding mechanisms, such as adhesives, mechanical bonds, wax coatings, surface energy attraction, etc. can be used in place of the preferred heat seal bond. Regardless of the type of bonding used to attach the carrier frame 18 to the backing 12, the bond should be secure, yet releasable, i.e., the carrier frame 18 and backing 12 can be separated without destroying the integrity of the backing 12 or the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 16 on the backing and the skin of a wearer after application of the backing 12 with image.

The liner 13 preferably includes a release surface on which the adhesive 16 of the backing 12 lies when the adhesive composite security article 10 is manufactured. The release surface on the liner 13 should at least be coextensive with the adhesive 16 on the backing 12. but may in some instances be larger (including the entire surface of the liner 13) to simplify manufacturing of the adhesive composite security articles 10. Examples of suitable release materials include silicones such as UV-9300 and UV-9315 available from GE Silicones, General Electric Company, Waterford, New York. The release material would preferably be coated at weights sufficient to provide the desired release characteristics to allow removal of the backing 12 when desired. The release liner 13 itself could be made of kraft papers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or composites of any of these materials. As discussed above, the release surface 24 preferably comprises release agents such as fluorochemicals or silicones. For example. U.S. Patent No. 4,472,480, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes low surface energy perfluorochemical liners. Some preferred liners are papers, polyolefin films, or polyester films coated with silicone release materials. Examples of commercially available silicone coated release papers are POL YSLIK™ silicone release papers available from Rexam Release (Oak Brook, Illinois) and silicone release papers supplied by DPC-Lohja, Inc. (Westchester, Illinois). Other combinations of adhesives and release materials are contemplated for use with embodiments according to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the processes of testing new combinations of adhesives and release surfaces to arrive at the combination of qualities desired in a final product. The considerations pertinent to the selection of silicone release surfaces can be found in Chapter 18 of the Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology. Van Nostrand-Reinhold, 1982, pp.

384-403. U.S. Patent No. 4,472,480 also describes considerations pertinent to the selection of a perfluoropolyether release liner.

Also included in the adhesive composite security article 10 are two lines of weakness 20a and 20b (referred to commonly as lines of weakness 20). The lines of weakness 20 are provided in this embodiment as perforations. It is preferred that the backing 12 include at least one line of weakness 20. It is further preferred that at least one of the lines of weakness 20 intersect or extend through the image 14 on the backing 12. It may also be preferred to have two lines of weakness 20 that intersect each other such that removal of the backing 12 from a wearer is difficult when attempted from any angle. The purpose of the lines of weakness 20 is to prevent or reduce the likelihood of undetected removal of the backing 12 from a wearer after the backing 12 and pressure sensitive adhesive 16 have been applied to the wearer. It is preferred that the tensile strength of the backing 12 across the lines of weakness be less than the strength of the bond between the wearer and the pressure sensitive adhesive 16. As a result, attempts to remove the backing 12 will exceed the tensile strength of one or more of the lines of weakness 20. causing the backing 12 to separate alone the line of weakness 20. Because the preferred backings are also extremely flexible, the unsupported backing 12 will typically fold back onto itself, result in irreversible destruction of the backing 12 and, preferably, the image 14 to assist in detection.

The lines of weakness 20 illustrated in Figure 1 are perforations including a series of spaced-apart perforations 22 distributed along the lines of weakness 20. It is preferred, but not required, that the perforations 22 extend through the backing 12. In addition, variations are envisioned in the length of the perforations 22, the spacing between perforations 22, the shape of the perforations 22, the depth of the perforations 22. etc. In addition, alternatives to perforations are also envisioned for the lines of weakness. For example, a line of backing material that is thinned relative to the majority of the backing may be used a line of weakness. In any line of weakness, the important characteristic is that the tensile strength of the backing generally transverse to the line of weakness be less than the bond strength between the pressure sensitive adhesive 16 and a wearer. Another issue relating to relative bond strengths is that the strength of the bond between the carrier frame 18 and the backing 12 should at least be less than the strength of the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 16 and the wearer. In addition, it is preferred that the bond between the carrier frame 18 and the backing 12 be less than the tensile strength of the backing 12 generally transverse to the lines of weakness 20. By providing the carrier frame 18 to backing 12 bond strength at that lower level, inadveπent separation of the lines of weakness 20 in the backing 12 during removal of the carrier frame 18 can be reduced or prevented (as discussed below, the carrier frame 18 is typically removed after the backing and pressure sensitive adhesive 16 have been applied to a wearer). The image 14 may include alphanumeric characters as depicted in Figure 1. or it may be a design as depicted in, e.g., Figure 2 (discussed below). Alternatively, the image 14 may include both alphanumeric characters and an image. In addition to the image 14, the adhesive composite security article 10 may also include a serial number 15 or a similar indicator that is unique to each of the adhesive composite security articles 10 to further frustrate counterfeiting and facilitate tracking and accounting of the adhesive composite security articles 10. Both the image 14 and serial number 15 may be provided by any suitable technique. It will typically be preferred that the image 14 be provided on the top face of the backing 12. Alternatively, however, the image may be provided on the bottom face of the backing 12 (i.e., between the backing 12 and pressure sensitive adhesive 16). In some instances, it may even be possible to provide the image 14 directly on the exposed surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive 16. Furthermore, if the backing 12 comprises a multilayer composite, it may be possible to provide the image 14 between layers of the backing 12. Among the printing or marking techniques that may be employed are inkjet printing, laser marking, etc. In addition, the image 14 and the serial number 15 may be provided by different marking techniques.

One method of using the adhesive composite security article 10 will now be described. First, the liner 13 is removed from the adhesive composite security article 10. leaving the backing 12. the pressure sensitive adhesive 16 attached to the bottom face of the backing 12. and the carrier frame 18 attached to the top face of the backing 12. Removal of the liner 13 is preferably accomplished without removing adhesive 16 from the backing 12. without significantly disturbing the bond between the carrier frame 18 and the backing 12. and without separating the backing 12 along the lines of weakness 20. After removal of the liner 13, the carrier frame 18/backing 12/pressure sensitive adhesive 16 can be applied to a wearer. Typically, the pressure sensitive adhesive 16 is applied to skin, although it may also be applied to nail surfaces in some instances. After the pressure sensitive adhesive 16 is adhered to the desired surface of the wearer, the carrier frame 18 can be removed from the backing 12, leaving the backing 12 (with associated image 14 and serial number 15) attached to the wearer using pressure sensitive adhesive 16. An alternate embodiment of an adhesive composite security article 110 is depicted in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the adhesive composite security article 110 and Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the adhesive composite security article 110 with the liner 113 removed. The adhesive composite security article 110 includes a carrier frame 118, a backing 112. pressure-sensitive adhesive 116, and a liner 113 protecting the adhesive 116. The backing 112 has top and bottom faces. An image 114 is preferably provided on the backing 112. In addition, the illustrated backing 112 includes three lines of weakness 120a, 120b and 120c (referred to commonly as lines of weakness 120 below).

Carrier frame 118 preferably has at least one tab 117 (two are depicted in Figures 2 and 3) to assist in application of the adhesive composite security article 110. As with adhesive composite security article 10 in Figure 1, adhesive composite security article

110 also preferably includes an open area or window 119 which exposes a portion of the top surface of backing 112 and at least a portion of the image 114. The carrier frame 118 preferably extends around the entire perimeter of backing 112 and may include a control depth die cut 111 to facilitate removal of the carrier frame 118 from backing 112 after the adhesive composite security article 110 has been applied to a wearer. Fig. 3 depicts the exposed adhesive layer 116.

In those adhesive composite security articles 110 in which the periphery of the backing 112 is supported by a carrier frame 118, it may be desirable to provide those lines of weakness 120a and 120b that extend to the edge of the backing 112 with perforations 122 at each end that intersect the periphery of the backing 112. Those perforations 122 that intersect the edge of the backing 112 can provide locations where the backing is particularly susceptible to separation if attempts are made to remove the backing 112 after application to a wearer.

The adhesive composite security article 110 also preferably includes at least one line of weakness 120c that forms a closed geometric figure. The illustrated line of weakness 120c forms a circle although any closed geometric figure that is contained within the periphery of the backing 112 is suitable. It is even more preferred that at least one of the other lines of weakness 120a and 120b intersect the closed figure formed by line 120c. As illustrated in Figures 1-3, the carrier frames 18 and 118 are provided to support the backing after removal from the package. As used in connection with the present invention, the term Asupport@ is used to indicate that the carrier allows a user to hold the backing in any desired orientation after removal of the liner while preventing the backing from wrinkling or folding upon itself. It is preferred that the carrier support all or at least a substantial portion of the periphery of the backing by being releasably attached to a the entire surface of the backing or at least a substantial portion of that periphery. Although Figures 1-3 depict adhesive composite security articles useful in connection with the present invention, it should be understood that the adhesive composite security articles can take on any desired shape.

Figures 4 and 5 depict another embodiment of an adhesive composite security article according to the present invention. Figure 4 depicts the adhesive composite security article 210 as including a backing 212, an image 214 located thereon and a plurality of lines of weakness 220a, 220b, 220c and 220d (collectively referred to as lines of weakness 220). As seen in Figure 5, the adhesive composite security article 210 includes a carrier 218 and liner 213 before delivery to a wearer. The carrier 218 preferably includes a cut 211 formed therein to facilitate its removal from the backing 212 after application of the backing 212 and pressure sensitive adhesive 216 to a wearer.

The lines of weakness 220 are, in the illustrated adhesive composite security article 210, preferably cuts formed through the backing 212. As a result, the tensile strength of the backing 220 generally transverse to the lines of weakness is essentially zero (as opposed to the perforated lines of weakness described above).

Because of the flimsier nature of the lines of weakness 220 in backing 212, it is preferred that the carrier 218 be coextensive with the backing 212. In other words, there is no window in the carrier 218 as with carrier frames 18 and 118 described above. As a result, the entire backing 212 can be supported until the backing 212 and pressure sensitive adhesive 216 are attached to a wearer, after which the carrier 218 can be removed from the backing 212 without significantly disrupting the lines of weakness 220 in the backing 212. Attempts to remove the backing 212 from the wearer will preferably, however, cause the backing 212 and pressure sensitive adhesive 216 to fold back onto itself and destroy the adhesive composite security article 210. Although the adhesive composite security articles have been described as single units above, it will be understood that they may also be provided in groups on a roll or sheet as depicted in Figure 6A in which a plurality of adhesive composite security articles 310 are depicted on a liner 313. Each of the adhesive composite security articles 310 includes a backing 312, and lines of weakness 320a-320e (collectively referred to as lines of weakness 320). Although the articles 310 are depicted in a one-up configuration, those skilled in the art will recognized that they could be produced in groups of two or more articles 310 across the liner 313, i.e., two-up or more.

Figure 6B depicts the adhesive composite security articles 310 of Figure 6B with the addition of images 314 printed or otherwise provided on the backing 312 forming the articles 310. The image 314 is in the form of a shark and the outline of the backing

312 of each of the adhesive composite security articles 310 is also in the general outline of a shark. The complex curves forming the outline of each backing 312 further complicate and frustrate attempts to remove the adhesive composite security articles 310 after application to a wearer. Although a shark is depicted in Figure 6B, it will be understood that the adhesive composite security articles 310 could be provided in any desired shape. It may be particularly desirable to provide adhesive composite security articles according to the present invention in some recognizable shape, e.g., a cartoon character or an animal as shown. This may be especially true where the adhesive composite security articles are destined for use in connection with an amusement park, zoo, etc. that is connected with the cartoon character or animal.

To assist in delivering the adhesive composite security articles 310 to a wearer, the addition of a carrier frame 318 to the backing 312 forming each of the adhesive composite security articles 310 is illustrated in Figure 6C. The carrier frame 318 could be attached to the backing by any suitable technique as discussed above. The carrier frame preferably includes a tab 317 to assist in handling of the adhesive composite security article 310. Each of the carrier frames 318 also preferably includes a cut 311 to assist in removal of the frame 318 from the backing after delivery of the backing 312.

The adhesive composite security articles 310 may then be distributed from a roll or sheet as depicted in Figure 6C or the individual adhesive composite security articles 310 can be sheeted and distributed individually. If distributed individually, the adhesive composite security articles 310 could be packaged in groups or separately to offer additional protection.

Another feature of preferred adhesive composite security articles 310 is the orientation of the lines of weakness relative to the peel direction. Peel direction is the direction in which the backing 312 would typically be peeled to remove it from the liner 313 used to deliver the adhesive composite security articles 310. For an adhesive composite security articles 310 such as those depicted in Figure 6C, the peel direction as indicated by arrow 325 is largely defined by the location of the tab 317 on the carrier frame 318. It is preferred that the adhesive composite security articles 310 include lines of weakness 320a-320e that are not perpendicular to the peel direction 325. If the lines of weakness 320a-320e are perpendicular to the peel direction 325, there may be a tendency for the lines of weakness that are perpendicular to the peel direction to fail during removal of the backing 312 from the liner 313. This tendency can be significantly reduced if the lines of weakness 320a-320e are not perpendicular to the peel direction 325. To prevent perpendicularity between the lines of weakness and the peel direction 325, it may be desirable to provide curved lines of weakness, i.e.. lines of weakness that do not follow a straight line. The curvature of the lines of weakness may be constant or it may vary in degree and direction.

For example, lines of weakness 320a-320d are all preferably curved as seen in Figure 6C. By providing curved lines of weakness 320a-320d, slight changes in the peel direction 325 can be better tolerated. Such variations in peel direction are to be expected when the adhesive composite security articles 310 are delivered manually due to removal of the backings 312 by different individuals.

The line of weakness 320e seen in Figure 6C is largely located along a straight line. Because that line of weakness 320e is largely aligned with the peel direction

325, the straight nature of the line of weakness 320e will have little effect on the tendency of the line of weakness 320e to fail during removal of the backing 312 from the liner 313.

Figure 7 depicts another embodiment of an adhesive composite security article 410 according to the present invention. The adhesive composite security articles

410 in Figure 7 are provided in strip form on a liner 413 in which the individual adhesive composite security articles 410 formed by the backing 412 are delineated by lines of separation 430. Each of the adhesive composite security articles 410 includes a portion of the backing 412, and lines of weakness 420a and 420b (collectively referred to as lines of weakness 420).

τ> The lines of separation 430 between pairs of adjacent adhesive composite security articles 410 can be provided in the form of perforation lines as depicted in Figure 7, although any construction capable of allowing separation between pairs of adjacent adhesive composite security articles 410 can be substituted. Examples of some suitable equivalents include, but are not limited to: mechanical score lines, hot wire/knife lines melting the backing 412 between adjacent adhesive composite security articles 410, etc. The lines of separation 430 preferably extend through the backing 412 along at least a portion of the line of separation 430, and they may also extend through the liner 413. In addition, the lines of separation 430 may be formed completely through all of the backing 412 such that no connection exists between the backing 412 in adjacent adhesive composite security articles 410, while the liner 413 is scored, folded, perforated or otherwise processed to allow the liner 413 to be separated along the lines of separation 430.

Also illustrated in the adhesive composite security articles 410 of Figure 7 is a backing window 450 in each of the adhesive composite security articles 410. In one embodiment, the area of backing window 450 is free of any backing 412. In other words, after the backing 412 has been cut through to define the backing window 450, the backing material within the window 450 is removed from the liner 413. Alternatively, the backing material within the backing window 450 can be left in position on the liner 413. Because the backing 412 is cut through completely about the window 450, the backing material within the window 450 remains attached to the liner 413 after the remainder of the backing 412 forming the adhesive composite security articles 410 is removed from the liner 413 to apply it to a wearer.

In adhesive composite security articles including backing windows 450, it may be desirable to apply the adhesive composite security articles 410 to a wearer, followed by the application of an image using, e.g.. a stamp or other device such that a portion of the image is directly on the wearer (within the area of the backing window 450) and a portion is on the backing 412 of the adhesive composite security articles 410. As a result, even if removal of the adhesive composite security articles 410 from the wearer and transfer to another person is successful, at least a portion of the image cannot be directly transferred because it remains on the wearer. Another variation depicted in Figure 7 is an alternative perforation pattern for the lines of weakness 420 in which a series of angled perforations 422 are arranged as depicted. Even in those situations in which the overall line of weakness 420 is perpendicular (which is not favored as discussed above), the angled orientation of the perforations 422 assists in preventing failure of the line of weakness 420 as the backing

412 is removed from the liner 413. That additional robustness in the line of weakness 420 can, at least in part, be attributed to the angle formed by the perforations 422 with the peel direction (similar to the angled relationship of the perforations in a curved line of weakness). As discussed above, a variety of perforation patterns could be used for lines of weakness in connection with the present invention and the variations depicted in any of the illustrated embodiments are not intended to be limiting.

It is preferred that the backing 412 exhibit tensile strengths generally transverse to the lines of weakness 420 within each of the adhesive composite security articles 410 that are greater than the tensile strengths of the backing 412 generally transverse to the lines of separation 430. As a result, as each of the adhesive composite security articles 410 is removed from the liner 413, the integrity of the lines of weakness 420 within the adjacent pair of adhesive composite security articles 410 being separated can be maintained. This relationship may be particularly important in those delivery systems in which the liner 413 is not separated as each of the adhesive composite security articles 410 is removed from the liner 413.

Although not depicted, it will be understood that each of the adhesive composite security articles 410 could also be provided with a carrier to support the backing 412 during transport from the liner 413 to a wearer as discussed above. If a carrier were provided, it would typically be preferred that the lines of separation 430 extend through at least the carrier and the backing 412.

Where the adhesive composite security articles are not provided with a carrier, one alternative delivery system could be provided by the liner on which the adhesive composite security articles are located. Referring to Figure 8A, one potential delivery system for an adhesive composite security article formed from a backing 512 and pressure sensitive adhesive 516 could include a liner 513 constructed from two separate liners 513a and 513b, in which liner 513a includes a J-fold 513c used to begin the delivery process. Delivery systems including J-fold liners are known to those skilled in the art and will not be further described herein.

Referring to Figure 8B, another alternative delivery system is disclosed in which the liner 613 on which backing 612 and adhesive 616 are located includes a separation cut 615 along which the liner 613 can be separated to facilitate delivery of the adhesive composite security article formed from the backing 612. Liners with separation cuts are also known to those skilled in the art and will not be further discussed herein.

One method of manufacturing preferred adhesive composite security articles including a carrier according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 9. The depicted method involves a supply roll of backing 712 with pressure sensitive adhesive on one side of the backing with the pressure sensitive adhesive being preferably protected by a waste liner 712^".

In many instances it may be desirable to provide the backing in a roll that has been preprinted with any desired images. The depicted manufacturing system and method, however, includes a printing station 740 that can be used to supply the images and/or any serialization desired in the final products. After printing, the backing 712 can be directed into a station 742 in which any desired lines of weakness are formed in the backing 712. As discussed above, this may involve perforating the backing 712, although other lines of weakness and the methods needed to provide them are also envisioned. The edges of the backing 712 in the machine direction, i.e., the direction of travel of the web, may also be cut or trimmed into a desired shape and the waste material removed in connection with the formation of lines of weakness.

At that point, the backing 712, complete with any desired images, lines of weakness and edge profiles is laminated to the carrier material 718 at station 744. The preferred process involves heat sealing of the carrier material 718 to the top face of the backing material 712, although other techniques of attaching the carrier to the backing are also envisioned as discussed above. It is preferred, but not required to provide the lines of weakness in the backing 712 before attaching the carrier even in those situations where a window is removed from the carrier materials such that the lines of weakness can extend even underneath the carrier material 718. The carrier material 718 may preferably be die cut to form the windows which lie in the center of the carriers on some adhesive composite security articles provided in the combinations according to the present invention. The die cutting can be accomplished using rotary die cutting equipment which is well known to those skilled in the art. After the windows have been die cut in the carrier material, they are optionally removed before the carrier material is attached to the backing. The windows die cut into the carrier material can be removed using a number of methods known to those skilled in the art. Those methods could include the use of vacuum, air pressure, gravity, and/or small diameter nip rolls that cause the windows to be removed from the framed carrier material. Although one preferred method includes providing windows in the carrier material, it will be understood that the carrier may not include any windows in which case the carrier will typically be attached over the entire top surface of the backing.

After the carrier material 718 is attached to the backing 712, the waste liner 712' used to support the backing during the above steps can be removed as depicted at station 746 followed by the addition of product liner material 713 at station 748. With the product liner 713 completing the composite including the pressure sensitive adhesive, backing and carrier 718, the individual adhesive composite security articles 710 can be sheeted at station 750 (if individual adhesive composite security articles as depicted in, e.g., Figures 1-5, are desired). It will be understood that there are alternative manufacturing methods in addition to those described above. In one alternative, the backing may be extruded or coated on a waste carrier to form a backing/waste carrier composite. The pressure sensitive adhesive can also be coated on a waste liner to form a pressure sensitive adhesive/waste liner composite. The pressure sensitive adhesive/waste liner composite can then be laminated to the backing/waste carrier composite to form a waste carrier/backing/pressure sensitive adhesive/waste liner composite. Finally, the waste carrier can be removed from the backing to provide a composite including the backing/pressure sensitive adhesive/waste liner composite material which can then be processed as described above. In another method of providing the backing/pressure sensitive adhesive/waste liner composite, the adhesive is coated on the waste liner and the backing material is extruded or coated directly onto the pressure sensitive adhesive to provide a backing/pressure sensitive adhesive/liner composite material. This second method is somewhat advantageous because it avoids the use of a waste carrier to reduce product costs and processing steps. Both methods and others are, however, contemplated for use in the methods according to the present invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another delivery system for delivering adhesive composite security articles according to the present invention. The security article 810 includes a backing 812 having a top and bottom face, with a pressure sensitive adhesive 814 located on the bottom face. Although not illustrated, the article 810 may also include an image as discussed in connection with the adhesive composite security articles described above. A liner 816 is located over the adhesive 814 to protect it until delivery. The liner 816 preferably includes a liner tab 817 whose purpose will be described more completely below.

Also attached to the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 is a handle 818 useful in delivery of the adhesive composite security article 810. The handle 818 and the liner tab 817 preferably overlap each other such that they provide a convenient location to separate the liner 816 from the pressure-sensitive adhesive 814 to deliver the adhesive composite security article 810.

The backing 812 also preferably includes a first line of separation 822 located along a first edge of the backing 812. The line of separation 822 is preferably provided as a line of perforations, although other lines of separation are contemplated. The line of separation 822 defines a portion of the backing 812 which will be referred to below as the delivery strip 830. The handle 818 is preferably connected to the delivery strip 830 of the backing 812 such that it does not overlap the backing 812 past the location of the first line of separation 822. At the opposing second edge of the backing 812, another delivery strip 824 may be defined by another line of separation 826.

The backing 812 preferably includes at least one line of weakness 820 located between the lines of separation 822 and 826. Like the lines of weakness described above, line of weakness 820 is provided to prevent or reduce the likelihood of undetected removal of the backing 812 from a wearer after the backing 812 and pressure sensitive adhesive 814 have been applied to the wearer. It is preferred that the tensile strength of the backing 812 across the line of weakness 820 be less than the strength of the bend between the wearer and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814.

It is also preferred that the tensile strength of the backing 812 across the line of weakness 820 be greater than the strength of the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 and the liner 816. As a result, removal of the backing 812 and pressure sensitive adhesive 814 from the liner 816 will not cause the line of weakness 820 to separate during delivery to a wearer.

Figure 12 illustrates the delivery process in which the liner 816 has been substantially removed from contact with the pressure-sensitive adhesive 814 on the backing 812. Although not shown, the user preferably holds the handle 818 and tab 817 of the liner 817 and separates them to suspend the backing 812 between the handle 818 and liner 816.

Because the backing 812 is preferably held suspended between the handle 818 and liner 816 to prevent the backing 812 from folding or wrinkling after removal of the liner 816, the bond strength between the liner 816 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive

814 in the area of the delivery strips 830 and 824 is preferably greater than the bond strength between the liner 816 and the remainder of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 814 located between the delivery strips 830 and 824. As a result, as the user separates the liner 816 from the pressure-sensitive adhesive 814, tension can be applied to the backing 812 as the release line between the liner 816 and pressure sensitive adhesive 814 reaches the delivery strip 824 along the second edge of the backing 812. The result is that during delivery a user may grasp the liner 816 and the handle 818 and remove the liner 816 from a substantial portion of the backing 812 to place it in tension, thereby reducing the likelihood that the backing 812 will fold or wrinkle during delivery. The top face of one liner 816 is illustrated in Figure 11 and includes a release coating located on a release surface 815 and a retention surface 819 located along an edge of the liner 816. It is preferred that the retention surface 819 be located along an edge of the backing 812 and, more preferably, that the retention surface correspond roughly to the delivery strip 824 of the backing 812 in size and location. To place the backing 812 in tension as described above, the bond strength between the release surface

815 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 is lower than the bond strength between the retention surface 819 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814. Similarly, the bond strength between the handle 818 and the backing 812/pressure sensitive adhesive 814 composite is preferably greater than the bond strength between the release surface 815 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814. The increased bond strength between the liner 816 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 in the area of the retention surface 819 can be provided through a number of techniques for disrupting the continuity of a release coating on the liner 816. By disrupting the continuity of the release coating, the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 may be able to bond with the underlying liner 816 directly which typically results in a stronger bond as compared to the bond strength of the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 and the release coating.

In one embodiment, the increased bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 and the retention surface 819 can be provided by abrading a release coating from the liner 816 to form an abraded surface in which at least a portion of the release coating, or potentially all of the release coating, is removed from the liner 816 in the area of the retention surface 819. The amount of release coating removed by abrasion in the retention surface 819 can be varied to control the strength of the bond between the retention surface 819 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814.

Where smaller portions of the release coating are removed by abrasion, the bond strength may be only slightly increased, allowing the retention surface 819 to separate or release from the pressure sensitive adhesive 814/backing 812 composite. In those embodiments, the lines of weakness 826 illustrated in connection with the adhesive composite security article 810 may not be required. One advantage to such embodiments is that all of the backing 812 is delivered to the wearer, with none of the backing 812 being discarded with the liner 816 after delivery.

Where larger amounts of the release coating, such as all or substantially all of the release coating, are removed from the liner 816 in the area of the retention surface 819, the bond strength between the retention surface 819 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 may be too great to allow removal of the retention surface 819 from the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 without undesirable stretching of the backing 812. In those situations, it may be preferred that a line of weakness 826 be provided in the backing 812 as illustrated to allow separation of the backing 812.

Where a line of separation 826 is provided in the backing 812, the bond strength between the retention surface 819 of the liner 816 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 in the area of the delivery strip 824 is preferably greater than the tensile strength of the backing 812 across the line of separation 826. As a result, after proper location of the adhesive composite security article 810 on a wearer's skin or other surface, the backing 812 can be smoothed down and increased tension is applied to the backing 812 by pulling the liner 816 away from the backing 812. The increased tension preferably causes the backing 812 to separate along line of separation 826. After separation, the delivery strip 824 is removed from the backing 812 along with liner 816, without separation of the retention surface 819 of the liner 816 from the delivery strip 824. Furthermore, because the backing 812 is adhered to a surface (using pressure sensitive adhesive 814), separation of the backing 812 across the line of weakness 820 is preferably prevented during removal of the delivery strip 824.

In those articles in which it is desired that the handle 818 be separable from the remainder of the adhesive composite security article 810 after delivery and in which the handle 818 is attached to the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 on the backing 812, the bond strength between the handle 818 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 814 may also be controlled through abrasion of a release coating on the handle as described with respect to the liner 816 above. In other words, the bond between the handle 818 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 can be controlled to allow removal of the handle 818 from the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 without significantly stretching the backing 812 to the point at which the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the patient's skin is unacceptablv compromised. In such embodiments where the bond between the handle 818 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 is releasable, no line of separation is required and none of the backing 812 is removed with the handle 818.

In other embodiments such as the one depicted in Figures 10 and 12, the handle 818 is not releasably attached to the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 and a line of weakness 822 is instead provided. In such an embodiment, the handle 818 may include an abraded surface from which substantially all of a release coating has been removed from the handle 818. The backing 812 preferably separates along the line of weakness 822 during removal of the handle 818 because the strength of the bond between the handle 818 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 is greater than the tensile strength of the backing 812 across the line of weakness 822. As a result, removal of the handle 818 also removes the delivery strip 830 portion of the backing 812 along the line of weakness 822.

Furthermore, because the handle 818 and attached delivery strip 830 are preferably removed after the backing 812 and pressure sensitive adhesive 814 are attached to a wearer's skin or other surface, separation of the backing 812 across the line of weakness 820 is preferably prevented during removal of the delivery strip 830 and handle 818. The lines of separation 822 and 826 in the illustrated embodiment of adhesive composite security article 810 may be provided in the form of perforations. The dimensions of the perforations vary based on the backing 812 and other factors, although too few perforations or perforations that are too small can result in stretching, deformation and uneven weakness of the backing 812. At the other end of the spectrum, too many perforations or perforations that are too large can result in backings 812 that separate too easily, thereby inhibiting the tension that can be applied to the backing 812 between the handle 818 and liner 816. The result is that smooth delivery of the backing 812 can be inhibited.

Although the liner 816 and handle 818 have been described as including abraded surfaces from which a portion or all of a release coating has been removed, the articles according to the present invention may alternatively be manufactured with embossed liners 816 and handles 818 to increase the strength of the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 and the liner 816 and/or handle 818.

Embossing a release coated surface can increase the bond strength between that surface and a pressure sensitive adhesive by disrupting the continuity of the release coating in the embossed areas. That discontinuous release coating increases bond strength by allowing the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 access the materials underneath the release coating. For example, a liner 816 could include a retention surface 819 that is embossed instead of, or in addition to, abrading as discussed above. The exact nature of the embossing used in the retention surface 819 can vary based on, e.g., the pressure sensitive adhesive 814, the release coating, the liner material, whether the article is gamma sterilized (which can increase the bond strengths), etc.

The embossed retention surface 819 could be releasably attached to the pressure sensitive adhesive 814 in which case no line of separation 826 is required to allow removal of the liner 816 from the adhesive composite security article 810. Alternatively, the embossing could cause enough disruption in the release coating such that a line of separation 826 would be desirable to prevent excessive stretching of the backing 812 when removing the liner 816.

The handle 818 could include an embossed surface similar to that used in connection with the liner 816 to achieve either a desired releasable handle 818 or a handle

818 that is more securely attached to the backing 812, thereby requiring a line separation 822 along which the backing 812 separates during removal of the handle 818.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the adhesive composite security articles according to the present invention. The adhesive composite security article 910 includes a backing 912, adhesive 914, liner 916, and line of weakness

920 (similar to those described above).

One variation in the adhesive composite security article 910 as compared to those described above is that the handle 918 is attached to the top face of the backing 912, i.e., on the opposite face on which the pressure sensitive adhesive 914 is located. The handle 918 preferably extends beyond the edge 913 of the backing 912 as best seen in

Figure 13.

As with the adhesive composite security article 810 described in connection with Figures 10 and 12, it is preferred that the bond strength between the handle 918 and the backing 912 preferably be stronger than the bond strength between the release surface of the liner 916 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 914. As a result, a user can grasp the handle 918 and the tab portion 917 of the liner 916 to separate the release surface of the liner 916 from the pressure-sensitive adhesive 914 and backing 912.

The bond strength between the release surface of the liner 916 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 914 along the edge of the backing 912 is greater than the bond strength between the release surface of the liner 916 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive

914 over the remainder of the backing 912. As a result, a user can deliver the backing 912 and pressure-sensitive adhesive 914 by holding the backing 912 suspended between the handle 918 and the liner 916 in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to adhesive composite security article 810.

In those articles in which a line of separation 926 is provided in the backing 912, it may be preferred that the bond strength between the liner 916 and the pressure- sensitive adhesive 914 along the edge of the backing 912 (generally corresponding to the area of the delivery strip 924) be greater than the tensile strength of the backing 912 across the line of separation 926. As a result, after application of the backing 912 and pressure- sensitive adhesive 914, the liner 916 can be removed by separating the backing 912 along the line of separation 926. At the opposite edge of the backing 912, it is also preferred that the handle 918 be removable from the backing 912. The handle 918 may be removed by using a line of weakness or by releasably bonding the handle 918 to the pressure sensitive adhesive 914 as described in connection with adhesive composite security article 810 above. A removable handle 918 may alternatively be attached to the backing 912 using a releasable heat seal bond. Such releasable heat seal bonds are described in, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,738,642 (Heinecke et al.). Briefly, however, any releasable heat seal bond should be secure, yet releasable, i.e., the handle 918 and backing 912 can be separated without destroying the integrity of the backing 912 or the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 914 on the backing 912 and the skin or other surface of a wearer. That is. the bond strength between the handle 918 and the backing 912 is lower than the bond strength between the adhesive 914 and the skin or other surface of a wearer. In addition, the bond between the handle 918 and the backing 912 should be stronger than the bond between the adhesive 914 and the liner 916 to facilitate separation of the liner 916 from the pressure sensitive adhesive 914 during delivery.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of yet another adhesive composite security article 1010 according to the present invention that includes a backing 1012 and pressure sensitive adhesive 1014. The backing 1012 also preferably includes a line of weakness 1020 formed therein as described in the embodiments presented above. The pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 is protected before delivery by a two-part liner including liner sheets 1016a and 1016b. The two liner sheets 1016a and 1016b are preferably, but not

JJ necessarily provided with a J-fold to assist a user in grasping the liner sheets 1016a and 1016b to deliver the adhesive composite security article 1010.

The liner sheet 1016a includes a release surface 1015a in contact with a portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 on backing 1012 and at least one void 1040a formed completely through the liner sheet 1016a. As illustrated in Figure 15, it is preferred that a plurality of voids 1040a be formed along the edge of the liner sheet 1016a proximate the edge 1021 of the backing 1012. It is further preferred that, where a line of separation 1022 is provided in the backing 1012, all of the voids 1040a be located within the delivery strip 1019 defined by the line of separation 1022 and the edge 1021 of the backing 1012. A retainer 1042a can be located over the voids 1040a in the liner sheet 1016a such that the portions of the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 exposed by the voids 1040a bond with the portions of the retainer 1042a located over the voids 1040a. The strength of the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 and the retainer 1040a is greater than the strength of the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 and the release surface 1015a on the liner sheet 1016a. It is preferred, but not required, that the retainer

1042a also be bonded to the liner sheet 1016a (on the opposite face from the release surface 1015a). It may be further preferred that the retainer 1042a itself include a pressure sensitive adhesive on the surface facing the liner sheet 1016a to bond the retainer 1042a to the liner sheet 1016a. Any additional adhesive on the retainer 1042a may also enhance the bond between the retainer 1042a and the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 on the backing.

The opposing edge 1023 of the backing 1012 includes a similar construction including voids 1040b formed in the other liner sheet 1016b and a retainer 1042b bonded to the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 exposed within the voids 1040b. It is further preferred that, where a line of separation 1026 is located proximate the edge 1023, the voids 1040b be located within the delivery strip 1024 defined by the line of separation

1026 and the edge 1023 of the backing 1012.

Because of the differential bonding strengths between the release surfaces 1015a/1015b and the retainers 1042a/1042b, the backing 1012 of the adhesive composite security article 1010 can be delivered in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figure 12. In other words, the user can grasp both liner sheets 1016a and 1016b and pull them in opposite directions until the lines of release between the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 and the liner sheets 1016a and 1016b reach the voids 1040a and 1040b. At that point the backing 1012 can be held taut between the two liner sheets 1016a and 1016b, with the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 adhered to the retainers 1042a and 1042b through the voids 1040a and 1040b in the liners sheets 1016a and 1016b. The adhesive composite security article can then be placed in a desired location and the backing 1012 located between the lines of separation 1022 and 1026 smoothed down to adhere the exposed pressure sensitive adhesive 1014.

After location of the backing 1012 on a wearer, the liner sheets 1016a and 1016b and the retainers 1042a and 1042b can be separated from the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014. In adhesive composite security articles in which the bond between the retainers

1042a and 1042b is higher, the backing 1012 is preferably separated along the lines of separation 1022 and 1026 by placing further tension on the backing 1012 using the liner sheets 1016a and 1016b. In this embodiment, the tensile strength of the backing 1012 across the lines of separation 1022 and 1026 is preferably less than the strength of the bond between the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 and the respective retainers 1042a or

1042b through the respective voids 1040a or 1040b. As a result, increasing the tension in the backing 1012 using the liner sheets 1016a and 1016b typically causes separation of the backing 1012 along the corresponding lines of separation 1022 and 1026.

In a further variation, the adhesive composite security article 1010 could be provided without the retainers 1042a and 1042b placed over the voids 1040a and 1040b.

Increased bond strength is obtained in those adhesive composite security articles at the areas around the voids 1040a and 1040b by interaction of the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 with the edges of the voids. As discussed above, the lines of separation 1022 and 1026 are optional depending on the strength of the bonds between the liner sheets 1016a and 1016b at the edges of the backing 1012.

In some respects, the voids 1040a and 1040b provided in liner sheets 1016a and 1016b (and retainers 1042a and 1042b, if present) define retention surfaces as discussed above with respect to the abraded and embossed liners discussed above. Like the retention surfaces discussed above, the retention surfaces defined by the voids 1040a and 1040b provide increased bonding to the pressure sensitive adhesive 1014 as compared to the strength of the bonds between the release surfaces 1015a and 1015b. In one respect, the voids 1040a and 1040b can be thought of as disrupting the continuity of the release coating, resulting in a retention surface having a discontinuous release coating that contributes to increased adhesion between the liner sheets and the pressure sensitive adhesive in the area of the voids.

Various modifications and alterations of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adhesive composite security article comprising: a flexible backing having top and bottom faces and a perimeter; a pressure sensitive adhesive coated on at least a portion of the bottom face of the backing, the backing and adhesive forming an adhesive composite; and at least one line of weakness in the backing.

2. An article according to claim 1, further comprising a release surface on a liner, the release surface being adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the backing, wherein the tensile strength of the backing in a direction generally transverse to the line of weakness is greater than the bond strength between the adhesive on the bottom face of the backing and the release surface on the liner.

3. An article according to claim 2, wherein the liner further comprises a retention surface, the retention surface including a discontinuous release coating, wherein the retention surface is attached to the pressure sensitive adhesive along an edge of the backing.

4. An article according to claim 3, wherein the retention surface on the liner is embossed.

5. An article according to claim 4, wherein the retention surface is abraded.

6. An article according to claim 4, wherein the retention surface comprises at least one void formed through the liner, the void exposing a portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive, wherein the bond strength between the liner and the pressure sensitive adhesive is increased proximate the void.

7. An article according to claim 6, further comprising a retainer attached to the exposed portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive through the void in the liner, wherein the strength of the bond between the retainer and the pressure sensitive adhesive is greater than the strength of the bond between the release surface and the pressure sensitive adhesive.

8. An article according to any one of claims 1-7. further comprising a handle attached to at least one edge of the backing.

9. An article according to any one of claims 1 -7, further comprising a carrier attached to the top face of the backing, the carrier formed of material substantially more rigid than the backing, wherein the bond strength between the carrier and the backing is less than the tensile strength of the backing in a direction generally transverse to the line of weakness.

10. An article according to claim 9, wherein the carrier is at least coextensive with the top face of the backing.

11. An article according to claim 9, wherein the carrier forms a carrier frame proximate the perimeter of the backing, the carrier frame substantially defining a window proximate a center of the backing.

12. An article according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the line of weakness comprises a line of perforations in the backing, and further wherein at least one of the perforations intersects the perimeter of the backing.

13. An article according to any one of claims 1-12, further comprising a plurality of lines of weakness comprising lines of perforations in the backing, wherein at least two of the lines of perforation intersect.

14. An article according to any of claims 1-13. further comprising an image intersected by at least one line of weakness.

15. An article according to any one of claims 1-14. wherein the adhesive composite transmits moisture vapor at a rate of at least 300 g/╧Çr/24 hrs/37^=┬«C/100-10% RH.

16. A system for delivering the adhesive composite security articles of any one of claims 1-15, wherein a plurality of the adhesive composite security articles are separated by a plurality of lines of separation such that each pair of successive lines of separation defines opposing ends of one of the adhesive composite articles, and further wherein the line of weakness in each of the adhesive composite security articles is located between each pair of successive lines of separation.

17. A system according to claim 16, further comprising an image located between each pair of successive lines of separation.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the image is intersected by the line of weakness.

19. A system according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein the tensile strength of each line of weakness along a direction between the lines of separation is greater than the tensile strength of each pair of successive lines of separation between which the line of weakness is located.