Method of making adhesive tape with non-skid backing

Oct. 30, 1956 c. f. scholl 2,768,902

METHOD OF MAKING ADHESIVE TAPE WITH NON-SKID BACKING

Filed May 28, 1952

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2,768,902

Patented Oct. 30, 1956

United States Patent Office

2,768,902

METHOD OF MAKING ADHESIVE TAPE WITH NON-SKID BACKING

Charles F. Scholl, Chicago, Hl., assignor to The Scholl Mfg. Co., Inc., Chicago, Hl., a corporation of New York *·» Application May 28,1952, Serial No. 290,403

J 3 Claims. (Cl. 117—10)

This invention relates to improvements in an adhesive material with a non-skid back and to a method of making the same, and more particularly to an adhesive tape or the like having a back or outer surface of a friction inducing character to exert a friction grip upon objects in contact therewith and eliminate slipping of the object thereover, the invention being usable with or without an adhesive coating on the opposite surface, although the invention may have other uses and purposes as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In the past, many and various types of tapes or sheet materials having surfaces providing a frictional holding action with whatever comes in contact with the tape or material, and many and various types of pads for disposition beneath articles on the surfaces of desks, tables or the like, or for attachment to the bottom of articles to prevent slipping of the article and marring of furniture, have been provided. However, in most instances, these articles were not as simple and economical to manufacture as is desired, and were not as long lived as desired, in that the friction surface would lose its quality in a short time, especially by contact with dirt, dust and the human hands. Adhesive tapes of this general character have been used heretofore on various sport implements, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, and the like, and were effective throughout a relatively short period. Further, many of these formerly known devices did not provide the positive and yet slightly yielding holding action desired.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an important object of the instant invention to provide an adhesive tape having a relatively rough surfaced rubber-like backing.

Also an object of this invention is the provision of an adhesive sheet or tape including a fabric having an adhesive coating on one side, and a friction inducing rubberlike backing on the other side which is both impregnated at least partially through the fabric and extends outside the fabric.

Also a feature of this invention is the provision of an adhesive tape or sheet comprising a strip of fabric having an adhesive coating on one side, and a friction inducing latex covering on the opposite side which is impregnated in and cured on the fabric.

Also a feature of this invention is the provision of a tape having an adhesive surface on one side, and a relatively rough rubber-like friction surface on the opposite side, but which may be rolled for packaging and storage, and wherein the adhesive does not interfere with the

I effectiveness of the friction surface.

, Still another object of this invention is the provision of a new and novel method of making a sheet or tape of the character set forth herein.

Still a further desideratum of the instant invention is the provision of a composite material comprising a sheet of fabric, with a rubber-like friction surface on one side, as well as a new and novel method of making such composite material.

While some of the more salient features, characteristics and advantages of the instant invention have been above pointed out, others will become apparent from the following disclosures, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which— δ Figure 1 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, greatly enlarged, illustrating a first step in the method of making the instant invention;

Figure 2 is also a fragmentary vertical sectional view, greatly enlarged, illustrating a further step;

¹⁰ Figure 3 is a view similar in character to Figs. 1 and 2, but indicating a later step in the making of the invention;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary considerably magnified sectional view to indicate the impregnation of the fabric by the friction surfacing material;

¹⁵ Figure 5 is another greatly enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view illustrating the finished product;

Figure 6 is a plan view with surface portions broken away of the structure of Fig. 5; and

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the rolling ²θ of the finished tape or sheet.

As shown on the drawings:

For purposes of clarity, the illustrated embodiment of the instant invention will be described by way of the method of making it. Referring now to Fig. 1, there is ²⁵ shown a sheet or strip of fabric 1, and over one surface of this fabric a covering of substantially liquid latex 2 is provided. While this latex is in its substantially liquid state, it impregnates itself into the fabric, and to an extent at least partially therethrough as somewhat diagrammati³⁰ cally indicated in Fig. 4.

After the application of the substantially liquid latex covering 2, another covering is disposed over the latex. This covering is indicated at 3, and if so desired, for expeditious manufacture, may be a fabric identical with the fabric 1. That is the case when two sheets or strips of composite material are manufactured conjointly. But the covering may be of other material or substance in the event only one sheet is desired to be manufactured at a time. However, this latter procedure results in considerable wastage, and the first procedure of manufacturing two composite sheets at the same time is far more economical.

After the covering of the substantially liquid latex 2, the latex is partially cured. The fabric layers 1 and 3 *8 are then separated, and this can be done by merely pulling them apart as indicated in the right hand portion of Fig. 3. The pulling apart of the fabric layers will substantially divide the latex 2, leaving approximately half of it adhered to each fabric sheet or strip.

6θ After the separation of the fabric sheets 1 and 3, the latex 2 on each of them is completely cured. The partial curing of the latex prior to the separation of the sheets provides a relatively rough surface of the latex when completely cured, and eliminates any smooth skin effect ⁶⁶ which would result if the latex was placed substantially in liquid form on one sheet, and completely cured without any covering thereover. Thus, the partial curing, then separation of the sheets, and then completing the curing operation, results in a very fine friction surface that is slightly resilient.

The process may be stopped at that point in the event only a composite material having a friction surface on one side is desired. However, if the sheet is to be adhesive in the character of adhesive tape, then an adhesive coating may be applied to the opposite side of the fabric sheet as indicated at 4 in Figs. 4 and 5. In most cases, the adhesive would be of the pressure sensitive variety, which adheres upon contact with the surface, although adhesive that requires moistening before application might also be utilized.

In Fig. 7 I have indicated a roll 5 of finished tape of the character shown in Figs. 5 and 6, this figure being

2,768,902 merely to illustrate the fact that the finished product can be provided in roll form if so desired. It will be understood, however, that the finished product may be provided in strip or sheet form of substantially any desirable size and shape on slick temporary backing members, depending upon the purpose to which it is to be put in use.

Herein, where the term latex is used, the same is to be construed to include both natural and synthetic rubber, as well as equivalent material.

The present invention has numerous uses, such as taping sport implements of the character of baseball bats, golf clubs, tennis racket handles, for application to a surface upon which an article is to rest to prevent slipping of the article, or for application to the bottoms of articles to prevent marring furniture and the like. The invention also finds use in the apparel art, in that a strip of the friction surface tape may be applied to the inside of the waistband of trousers and skirts, and the friction surface will be effective in holding shirts, blouses, and the like, neatly and in proper position within the skirt or trousers. Applications of the friction tape to footwear to prevent slipping of the heel of the shoe are also satisfactory. In short, there are many and varied uses and purposes for material of this character.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.