JP2002508486A - Wheel weight mounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY The present invention provides a wheel weight / tape article (22) that can be used to balance a wheel (30). The article (22) of the present invention leaves no adhesive residue on the wheel (30) upon removal. A method for balancing a wheel (30) using the article (22) of the present invention is also provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a novel article that can be used for adjusting the balance of a tire. The article can be securely attached to the wheel surface and later removed without damaging the wheel surface or leaving adhesive or other tape residues on the wheel surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A number of wheel weight mounting systems have been proposed and used to improve the rotational balance of wheels equipped with conventional pneumatic tires. Balanced tires provide smoother driving, reduced vibration, and improved steering and braking. Wheel weights are usually mounted on rim flanges. Such peripherally extending weights are selectively disposed on the rim at locations substantially corresponding to the radial direction indicated by the tire balancer.

[0003] There are drawbacks with known mounting techniques, most of which relate to the expected removal if readjustment is later required. Molded lead wheel weights used with steel mounting clips have long been used to balance tires to compensate for incomplete air tightness distribution of the tire. Due to the use of clip weights, two different metals (ie clips and wheels)
Will come into contact. In harsh winters and operating conditions that come in contact with salt, corrosion is possible. Clip weights can also scratch the wheel. These scratches may also be noticeable during wheel weight removal or replacement.

[0004] Automotive aluminum wheels are beginning to replace steel wheels and hubcaps as standard. Aluminum wheels are lighter and molded rather than stamped, so they can be more decorative. Steel clip wheel weights are manufactured for use on aluminum wheels, but are not commonly used on the outside of the wheel because they do not look good if they are not hidden by the hubcap. A wheel that is balanced by attaching weights only inside the wheel, that is, on the chassis side, is the most compromise between drivability and appearance.

[0005] Steel clip weights are prone to corrosion and pitting on the surface of the aluminum wheel where they are attached. Corrosion damage is clearly visible when replacing old tires and wheel weights. Since it is rare for a new tire to require wheel weights in exactly the same position when changing tires, the vehicle owner must choose between repairing the corrosion damage or accepting it as is. Repair costs are often the same as aluminum wheel replacement costs.

[0006] Foam tape is used for attaching wheel weights to wheels such as aluminum wheels. Wheel weights with adhesive on the back are generally formed by laminating foam tape to approximately 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick lead sheet stock stamped into 1/4 oz (7.1 g) segments. Manufacturing. The use of foam tape when attaching the wheel weights to the wheel has the disadvantage that tape residues, such as support residues and adhesive residues, may remain on the wheel when the foam tape is removed. The residue is texture and may even become more grainy with dirt, dust and the like adhering to the residue. Further, the wheel substrate can be damaged in the process of removing these residues (eg, by brush, knife, solvent, etc.).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-152612 discloses a low tensile strength material in which the top layer is a relatively high molecular weight rubber and the bottom rubber layer facilitates removal of the weight balance composite. The component weight system is attached using an adhesive. These are recommended for aircraft wheels, but are applicable to other vehicle wheels.

[0008] International Patent Publication No. WO 93/17315 and US Patent No. 4,269,451 suggest other methods to avoid problems with wheel weight removal.

[0009] WO 93/17315 discloses an apparatus for attaching a balance weight to a vehicle wheel. According to this document, a stop spring is inserted between a tire and a rim flange to create a device for mechanically attaching a balance weight consisting of a weight and a stop spring to a vehicle wheel, and the device houses the stop spring. Supplied with a detachable mounting system, this system allows the mechanical attachment of the balance weight to the vehicle weight and provides a shock or impact unit that is mounted behind the detachable mounting system and pushes the balance weight out of the mounting system during operation , Suggests that this device should be included.

[0010] US Pat. No. 4,269,451 discloses a wheel balancing system having a tire mounted on a rim, the system including a rim mounting weight and an annular member including a balancing medium disposed within the rim. , At least one and at most three balancing components including a shock absorber between the wheel and the brake drum. The weights are relatively narrow and extend longitudinally and are mounted on the rim such that they extend radially preferentially on the sidewalls rather than around the tire. The annular member may be suspended radially from the tire outside the cavity of the tire, moving circumferentially in an unbalanced region of the balancing medium and / or annular member during rotation of the tire and / or the annular member. Corrects imbalance automatically by radial movement of.

[0011] Co-pending co-pending application Wollner, International Application No. No., filing date , (Attorney Reference Number 53529PCT9A), the title of the invention "W
HEEL WEIGHT / TAPE ARTICLE AND A METHO
D OF USING (wheel weight / tape articles and methods of use) "
It teaches a wheel weight / tape article, where the tape has tabs. The wheel weight is removed by grabbing the tab and pulling it at an angle of less than 35 ° from the wheel surface. It is an advantage that the wheel weight can be removed cleanly (without leaving any adhesive or other tape residue) without damaging the wheel surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION There is a need for a wheel weight application system that does not damage wheel surfaces or leave adhesive residue. In some situations, it can be removed cleanly,
There is a need for a wheel weight application system that does not use tabs. In some situations, the absence of a tab is better. The exposed tabs are also exposed to the weather and other conditions to which the wheel itself is exposed.

The inventors have devised a wheel weight / tape article that can be removed cleanly without the use of tabs.

The tape of the wheel weight / tape article of the present invention is selected so as to obtain a cohesive strength stronger than the adhesive strength to the wheel surface (such as an acrylic clear coat treated aluminum wheel surface). Is selected to be greater than the adhesive strength of the tape to the wheel. The wheel weight / tape article of the present invention can be cleanly removed from the wheel surface by lifting the weight from the wheel with a tool such as pliers. In addition, various reflective and / or decorative layers can be added to the weight surface to match the appearance of the wheel (such as an aluminum wheel) or to stand out as a decorative article or reflective safety device. Can be given.

The present invention provides an easily removable pressure sensitive adhesive tape / wheel weight article. The article of the present invention includes: (a) a tape having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface; and (b) a weight fixed to the first main surface of the tape. The tape is made such that the adhesive strength of the first major surface of the tape to the weight is sufficiently greater than the adhesive strength of the second major surface of the tape to the wheel, thereby reducing the tape to its The tape can be firmly fixed to the wheel via the second main surface, and the tape can be peeled off from the wheel when the weight is pulled up from the wheel, but cannot be peeled off from the weight. Has a cohesive strength stronger than the adhesive strength to the wheel.

In one embodiment, the tape is an adhesive-coated support on both sides (
Plastic or elastic supports). If the tape includes a support having an adhesive layer on both sides, an adhesive layer should be selected that does not separate from the support when the wheel weight / tape article is removed after being applied to the wheel. In another embodiment, the tape can include one or more adhesive layers. Thus, for example, a tape may include a double adhesive layer. Other tape embodiments may be useful in the present invention.

The articles of the present invention can be firmly adhered to the wheel and can be removed, for example, by lifting the weight off the wheel using a simple tool (such as pliers). Normally, lifting is performed by pulling up one side of the wheel weight, and this lifting operation is continued over the length of the other side of the weight until the adhesive is peeled off, and adhesive residue, support residue, and other tape residue are removed. It leaves no objects on the wheel surface and does not cause any noticeable damage to the wheel surface.
The term "raising" as used herein does not mean that the tool is used in such a way that the tool rests on the wheel surface, but is used to raise the wheel weight without damaging the wheel. Is done. Rather, "raising"
Operation using a tool such as pliers so that the tool can be used so as to grab the wheel weight but not rest on the wheel. Tools such as pliers may be used, for example, to lift one end of the weight and apply pressure to the end of the weight opposite to the end that is substantially raised during this lifting operation until the weight is released from the wheel. Can be.

Depending on the particular embodiment, the adhesive of each layer of the tape with the support and the two external adhesive layers may be of the same or different chemical composition and may be of the same or different thickness , May be coated or laminated in the same or different manner. Similarly, the adhesive layers of the multilayer adhesive tape may be of the same or different chemical composition, may have the same or different thickness, and may be coated or laminated in the same or different manner.

The present invention also relates to a method for balancing a wheel using the wheel weight / tape article of the present invention. The method of the present invention comprises: (a) (I) a tape having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite thereto, and (II) a weight fixed to the first main surface of the tape. The tape is manufactured such that the adhesive strength of the first main surface of the tape to the weight is sufficiently stronger than the adhesive strength of the second main surface of the tape to a wheel, Thereby, the tape can be firmly fixed to the wheel via the second main surface, and the tape can be peeled from the wheel when the weight is pulled up from the wheel, but cannot be peeled from the weight. Producing an article wherein the tape has cohesive strength greater than the adhesive strength to the wheel; and (b) hoisting the article with an adhesive on the second major surface of the article. In which and a step of fixing Le.

The method of the present invention is a subsequent step (c) of removing said article from said wheel by lifting said weight from said wheel, wherein no pressure sensitive adhesive from said article remains on said wheel. Or step (c) of causing substantially no residual.

After application to the wheel, the adhesive tape / wheel weight article's adhesive tape becomes firmly adhered to the wheel, but the adhesive tape / wheel weight article is simply lifted or pulled up from the wheel. It can be easily removed without damaging the wheel surface.

The present invention leaves little or no, typically no, scratches (result of the application and removal of wheel weights) and further, upon removal, little or no, typically no adhesive residue This is advantageous in that it provides an article in which the wheels can be balanced without leaving behind.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Tape used in accordance with the present invention The present invention relates to a method for bonding a wheel weight and further bonding the wheel surface to substantially no damage or substantially adhesive residue on the wheel surface. Utilizing a double-sided adhesive tape which can be removed from the wheel without leaving any (while remaining adhered to the wheel weights). In these double-sided adhesive tape structures, the adhesive surface adhered to the wheel peels off when removed from the wheel weight (by pulling up from the wheel weight, for example). The adhesive surface of the tape adhered to the wheel weight remains adhered to the wheel weight when the wheel weight / tape article is removed from the wheel.

Useful supports can be selected, for example, from the group consisting of films, foams, and laminates of films and / or foams. Plastic supports are useful for tapes used according to the present invention. The stretched plastic support is permanently deformed and has a relatively low elastic recovery. The tape support may include an elastic material. In contrast to the above-mentioned plastic materials, an elastic material means a material that can be stretched without substantial plastic deformation and that exhibits a high elastic recovery after being stretched and released.

When the tape is a solid adhesive without a support, for example, the tape can include a single layer of pressure sensitive adhesive where both outer surfaces are strongly bonded.

Preferably, the tape comprises a polymer support layer having a strong pressure sensitive adhesive layer along each of the major back-to-back surfaces defining one of the strong adhesive portions of the outer surface.
Such a polymer support layer may be, for example, a polymer film, a polymer foam, a polymer film laminated on a polymer foam, or a two-layer polymer film laminated on both sides of a polymer foam layer. For example, the support may be a film / foam laminate, a film / foam / film laminate, or a foam / film / foam laminate.

The tape used in accordance with the present invention may optionally be stretchable, but is not required.

Although the length and width may extend beyond the weight to be attached, the length and width of the tape are usually the same as the weight to be attached, and removal is performed by raising the wheel weight. There is no need to extend the "tab" portion for gripping. The tape may have a length and width slightly shorter than the wheel weights, but this is less preferred because the closer the size of the tape to the size of the weight, the greater the holding power is usually.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, like numbers are used to refer to like elements throughout. FIG. 1a illustrates a first adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly. In FIG. 1 a, the adhesive tape / wheel weight article is shown as 3. The adhesive tape structure 10 is specifically designed to lift the wheel weight and release the adhesive layer attached to the wheel from the wheel, as described in more detail below. Tape 10 includes a support layer 24 and adhesive layers 26 and 28 of the same or different pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions on both back-to-back major surfaces. The adhesive layer 26 is bonded to the wheel weight 22. Preferably, the adhesive layers 28 are each protected with a liner (not shown) prior to use of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article. The adhesive layer 28 is adhered to the wheel 30.
The adhesive layer 26 preferably corresponds to the surface of the wheel weight 22 to be bonded. Similarly, it preferably corresponds to the surface of the wheel 30 to which the adhesive layer 28 is bonded.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, the support layer 24 includes a polymer foam layer. The support layer 24 may alternatively include a polymer film layer. The choice between a polymer foam and a polymer film depends on the specific requirements of the tape 10.
The polymer foam can be selected to optimize the compliance and resilience that is useful when bonding the tape 10 to a wheel weight 22 or wheel 30 having an irregular surface. Alternatively, a polymer film can be used to increase the load-carrying and breaking strength of the tape 10, but the film is more suitable when both the wheel weights 22 and 30 are very smooth. Film and / or foam laminates can also be used.
Alternatively, a solid adhesive can be used instead of a film or foam combination with two adhesive layers. Examples include rubber and acrylic solid adhesives.

FIG. 1 b is the same as FIG. 1 a except tape 15 includes a double layer of adhesive, wherein the adhesive layer in contact with wheel weight 22 is identified at 33 and contacts with wheel 30. The adhesive layer to be identified is identified at 35. Wheel weight / tape articles are identified at 17.

FIG. 1 c is the same as FIG. 1 b except that the tape comprises a layer of adhesive 2 rather than an adhesive coated support on both sides. One surface of the solid adhesive layer 2 is attached to a wheel weight 22, and the other surface of the adhesive layer 2 is attached to a wheel 30. Wheel weight / tape articles are identified at 19.

FIG. 1 d is the same as FIG. 1 a except that a different type of tape 100 is used. Wheel weight / tape articles are identified at 101. With reference to FIG. 1d, the tape 100 includes a polymer foam layer 102 and a polymer film layer 104 bonded together by a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 106. Alternatively, the foam layer 102 and the film layer 104 can be laminated by another method such as heating or co-extrusion. The polymer film layer 104 can be used to increase the load-carrying strength and breaking strength of the tape 100, and in particular provides other properties required of the support to allow the polymer foam layer 102 to be removed by pulling up. Can be used if missing. Therefore, by including the film layer 104,
The range of choice of the foam layer 102 for optimizing flexibility and elasticity can be widened. Foam layer 102, film layer 104, pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1
06 constitutes a support for the tape 100. The foam layer 102 and the film layer 104 are coated with adhesive layers 108 and 110 made of the same or different pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions for bonding the tape 100 to the wheel weight 22 and the wheel surface 30. .

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the cross section of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article 3 and the wheel 30 shown in FIG. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of a cross section similar to FIG. 2, but the wheel weight 22 is partially lifted, and the adhesive layer 28 is partially peeled off from the wheel surface 30.

[0035] Alternatives to the use of the polymer film layer 104 to similarly increase load-carrying strength and breaking strength include conventional reinforcing scrims such as non-woven scrims, plastic mesh, etc., which are described in the previous embodiments. The relevant properties required should also be indicated.

FIG. 1 e is the same as FIG. 1 a except for the tape 203. The wheel weight / tape article is identified at 211. In FIG. 1e, the support is a laminated film /
The laminate film / foam layer 202 itself includes a polymer foam layer 204 and a polymer film layer 206. Preferably, the polymer foam layer 204 and the polymer film layer 206 are heat laminated to one another, but other conventional lamination or coextrusion methods involving any type of adhesive can be utilized. Polymer film layer 208 is further adhered to film / foam layer 202 by a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive composition 210. In this structure, the film / foam layer 202, the polymer film layer 208, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 210 constitute a tape support. Foam layer 204 and film layer 208 have adhesive layers 212 and 214 of the same or different types of adhesive compositions on each major surface, which allow tape 200 to be attached to wheel weight 22 and wheel surface 30.
Glue to

Suitable materials for the foam layer 204 and the film layer 206 generally include any material suitable for a tape support, and can be selected to optimize the properties described above. Preferably, layer 204 comprises a polymer foam material. Similarly, the film layer 206 preferably comprises a polymer film. Other suitable support materials can include paper layers or paper products, nonwoven webs, foils, and the like.

FIG. 1 f is the same as FIG. 1 a except for the tape 300. The wheel weight tape article is identified at 301. The tape 300 has a polymer foam layer 302.
And a support comprising a foam / film / foam laminate including a polymer foam layer 304 and a polymer film layer 306. The film layer 306
The foam layers 302 and 304, which may be the same or different from each other, may be co-extruded or laminated by conventional methods of bonding. Foam layer 302
And 304 have on their major surfaces adhesive layers 314 and 312 of the same or different adhesive compositions for bonding tape 300 to wheel weight 22 and wheel surface 30.

The support can be, for example, a foam / film / foam support. The foam layers may be the same or different and should be optimized collectively or individually with respect to the compliance and resilience of the respective adhesive surfaces. The film layer can be selected to improve elongation, load bearing strength, and breaking strength.

FIG. 1g is the same as FIG. 1a except for the tape. In FIG. 1g, the support is a film / foam / film laminate including a polymer film layer 515, a polymer foam layer 516, and a polymer film layer 517. The film layers 515 and 517 can be laminated by conventional methods by coextrusion or bonding to both sides of the foam layer 516.

The foam layer 516 is formed by adding the adhesive layers 510 and 511 to the wheel weight 501.
Adaptability and resilience can be optimized to facilitate adhesion to surfaces and surfaces such as wheel surface 502. Film layers 515 and 517 can be selected to increase elongation, load bearing strength, and break strength.

It is clear from the embodiments described above that many modifications to other embodiments are possible by combining various layers that optimize each other in a particular application. In general, foams are preferred for imparting elasticity and flexibility, while films improve load-bearing strength and break strength. With respect to the constituent components of the support layer, it is necessary that the composite support has a sufficient tensile strength so as not to be broken upon peeling. Other materials may be selected based on mechanical properties, surface finish, or release properties. It is also contemplated that more layers (film, foam, etc.) can be provided by any method depending on the application.

The removal of the wheel weights 22 from the wheel surface 30 is shown in FIGS. Referring to FIG. 2, a differential traction force F is applied to the wheel weight 22. FIG. 2 shows the tape 10 immediately before peeling from the adhesive layer 28. As the continuous force F is applied to the wheel weight 22, the peeling of the adhesive layer 28 from the wheel surface 30 gradually progresses as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows that such peeling of the adhesive layer 28 gradually proceeds toward the opposite side of the adhesive layer 28. As can be seen, as wheel weight 22 is lifted from one end, adhesive layer 28 is pulled away from wheel surface 30 and peels off. As the lifting continues, the adhesive layer 28 (not shown) is completely released from the wheel weight / tape article 3.

Support If the tape is a solid adhesive, the tape used in the present invention does not require a support. Representative examples of materials suitable for either the polymer foam layer or the solid polymer film layer of the tape support useful in the invention of the type utilizing a plastic support include high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low Polyolefins, such as polyethylene, including high density polyethylene, and linear ultra low density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylenes; polyvinyl chloride, both with and without plasticizer; and vinyl copolymers, such as polyvinyl acetate; ethylene / methacrylate Olefin copolymers such as copolymers, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, and ethylene / propylene copolymers; acrylic polymers and copolymers; polyurethanes; See fit, and the like. Any plastic material or mixture or blend of plastic and elastomeric materials, such as polypropylene / polyethylene, polyurethane / polyolefin, polyurethane / polycarbonate, polyurethane / polyester, can also be used.

The polymer foam layer used in the plastic support of the tapes useful in the present invention generally has a density of about 2 to about 30 pounds per cubic foot (about 32 to about 481k).
g / m ³ ).

A preferred plastic polymer foam layer for the tape support useful in the present invention is a polyolefin foam. The polymer foam layer is Voltek
, Division of Sekisui America Corpora
registered trademark Vol of trademark (Lawrence, Massachusetts)
Most preferred are polyolefin foams available as extra ^™ and Volara ^™ .

Elastomer materials suitable as tape supports useful in the present invention include styrene-butadiene copolymer, polychloroprene (neoprene), nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, polysulfide rubber, cis-i, 4-polyisoprene, ethylene -Propylene terpolymer (EPDM rubber), silicone rubber, urethane rubber,
Thermoplastic rubbers such as polyisobutylene, natural rubber, acrylic rubber, styrene butadiene block copolymer and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, and TPO rubber materials.

[0048] The solid polymer film support is preferably selected from polyethylene films and polypropylene films, the most preferred materials being undrawn linear low density and ultra low density polyethylene films. Preferred polyethylene films include the Consolidated Thermoplastics Company.
(Schaumburg, Illinois) under the trademark XMAX ^™ 161.

[0049] Plastics with low elongation properties, such as polyesters, cellulose acetates, and polyimides, are also believed to be useful as supports.

[0050] Metal foils such as aluminum foils are also believed to be useful as supports.

Processability and handleability are well preserved and the desired performance is obtained with respect to the property that the tape of the wheel weight / tape article peels off the wheel surface but does not peel off the weight when the weight is lifted off the wheel. As far as the support can vary the overall thickness. The particular overall thickness selected for the support will depend on the physical properties of one or more polymer foam layers and any solid polymer film layers forming the support.

The plastic polymer film layers as included in the structures of FIGS. 1a, 1d, 1e, 1f, and 1g are preferably about 0.4-10 mils in thickness, most preferably about 0.4-10 mils in thickness. 4-6 mils.

The adhesive layer in contact with the wheel weight and the adhesive layer in contact with the wheel
The same type or different types may be used. Usually these are of different types. Regardless of whether they are the same or different, the adhesive strength of the adhesive that adheres to the wheel weight to the wheel weight should be greater than the adhesive strength of the adhesive that contacts the wheel to the wheel ( In the case of wheel weight / tape articles, this means applying the wheel weight tape article to an aluminum wheel coated with an acrylic clear coat, followed by a wheel weight from one end as shown and described in FIGS. Can be checked by removing the article, such as by pulling it up).

The adhesive strength of the adhesive is often substrate-specific. If the same adhesive is used on both sides of the tape, the adhesive strength to the wheel weight should be selected to be greater than the adhesive strength to the wheel. The adhesive of the adhesive layer can include any pressure sensitive adhesive having specific adhesive properties depending on the use of the tape, PSTC-1 and PSTC-3 and ASTM D 903-83 at a peel angle of 180 °. Preferred adhesive properties of the tape as measured at a peel rate of 12.7 cm / min according to are generally about 4 N / dm to about 200 N / dm.
And preferably in the range of about 25 N / dm to about 100 N / dm. Adhesives with higher peel adhesion typically require a support with higher tensile strength.

Appropriate tests should be performed to verify that the adhesive tape / wheel weight structure and arrangement can withstand weather conditions, wheel rotation, road conditions, and safety requirements.

Examples of the pressure-sensitive adhesive which may be suitable for the article of the present invention include tackifier rubber-based adhesives such as natural rubber; olefins; silicones; polyisoprene, polybutadiene, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, -Synthetic rubber-based adhesives, such as ethylene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, and other synthetic elastomers; and acrylics with or without tack, such as copolymers of isooctyl acrylate and acrylic acid. System adhesives, which can be polymerized by a radiation method, a solution method, a suspension method, or an emulsion method. Synthetic rubber adhesives or acrylic adhesives are preferred.

When using a support, the thickness of each adhesive layer ranges from about 0.6 mil to about 40 mil (about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm), preferably from about 1 mil to about 1.0 mil. It ranges from about 16 mils (about 0.025 mm to about 0.41 mm). Without a support, the overall thickness of a typical solid adhesive tape is in the range of about 0.5 to about 2 mm. The exposed adhesive layer of the wheel weight / tape article can be laminated to a conventional release liner before use.

Adhesives for bonding one polymer foam layer to either another polymer foam layer or a solid polymer film layer include the pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions described above. Preferably, the adhesive layer for bonding one polymer layer of the support to another layer has a thickness of about 1 to 10 mils (about 0.025 to 0.25 mm). Other methods of bonding the polymer layers of the support to each other include conventional methods such as coextrusion or heat welding.

The tape having the support and used in the present invention can be manufactured by any conventional method for manufacturing a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. For example, the adhesive can be coated directly on the support, or can be manufactured as a separate layer and then laminated to the support.

Wheel Weights / Wheels Various wheel weights can be used in the present invention. Typically, wheel weights are symmetric in shape and typically have at least one flat or curved surface for attachment to a wheel surface. Usually, wheel weights include metal. The most common wheel weights include high density materials such as lead. The most typical wheel weights are three-dimensional rectangular shapes, usually about 1/4 oz to about 3 oz (
(About 7 to about 85 g).

The wheel to which the article is applied may include, for example, steel, aluminum, aluminum / magnesium. The wheel can optionally have a clear coat (such as an acrylic clear coat) or a paint finish. The article of the present invention can be applied to various areas of a wheel. The wheel weight / tape articles of the present invention are believed to be useful for wheels of various vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and the like.

The weight used in the present invention is commercially available. Typically, one weight or weight portions are applied to the adhesive tape. It is also possible to attach two or more separate weight parts to one tape.

Cosmetic / Reflective Coating A cosmetic coating layer, film or sheet can optionally be applied to the exposed wheel weight surface. One example of such a material is reflective sheeting. Another example is a conformable film. Various reflective sheeting can be laminated to the wheel weight surface. High brightness and diamond grade sheeting can optionally be used to provide reflectivity. Films that match the wheel weights would give the best results.

Application of Articles to Wheels The wheel weight / tape articles of the present invention are carefully tested prior to use,
The articles and wheels should be used under conditions such as the speed to which they may be exposed, weather, and possible contamination conditions to determine if the articles remain adhered to the wheels. The structure of the individual tapes, eg the type of support (if any),
The type of adhesive composition, the relative position of the support (if present) and the adhesive layer are determined by the size of the wheel weights, the weather conditions that may be exposed, the contaminants that may be exposed, Varies depending on the type of vehicle that may be attached. The wheel weight tape / article of the present invention is most advantageously applied to a clean and dry wheel surface.

Referring to FIG. 4, the article 3 of FIG. 1 a is adhered to the wheel weight 22 by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 26 and to the wheel 602 by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 28.
The wheel weight 22 can be raised or lifted when it is desired to remove the weight 22 from the wheel 602. The tire is identified at 600.

FIG. 5 shows the article 3 of FIG. 1 a of the present invention mounted on a wheel 706 of a vehicle 700. The tire is identified at 702. It is difficult, if not impossible, to remove wheel weights bonded with conventional adhesive tapes without scratching or other damage to the wall. By using the article of the present invention for mounting wheel weights, such wheel weights can be held firmly in place during use, removing the wheel surface without damage and leaving no noticeable residue You can remove it when you want.

The adhesive layer 28 on the opposite side of the support 24 with respect to the wheel weights 22 can firmly adhere to the wheel surface 706, which is typically made of metal. To use the wheel weight / tape article 3, the protective liner (not shown) is typically peeled off to expose the adhesive layer 28 of the support 24 opposite the wheel weight 22. Next, the wheel weight / tape article 3 is pressed to a desired position on the wheel 706. To remove the wheel weight / tape article 3 when removal of the wheel weight / tape article is desired, the wheel weight 22 is typically lifted or pushed up from the wheel 706 starting from one end. The adhesive layer 28 is easily separated from the wheel 706.

Each wheel weight / tape article of the present invention can be designed to hold a weight in excess of 15 pounds / line inch and still be removed without leaving any residue on the wheel surface. . The articles of the present invention should be selected and tested for their identity so that the articles can withstand the centrifugal or rotational forces affected, as well as weather and other environmental conditions.

Although currently used wheel weight mounting systems use strong pressure sensitive adhesives that provide long bond durability, these adhesives are difficult to remove from the substrate surface. Currently used film removal methods utilize heat (with a heat gun, heat lamp, or hot water) and / or scrubbing with organic solvents and / or tools. Removal by heat may still leave adhesive deposits that must be removed with an organic solvent. Solvents or stripping operations can damage surfaces by removal of paint or other finishes. Solvents should be properly ventilated, fire protected, stored,
And measures for disposal are required. Some of these methods require temperatures above the minimum temperature or within certain temperature ranges. If you want to scrape further,
Scratches may remain on the wheel.

The wheel weight / tape articles used in accordance with the present invention can use strong adhesives but provide a very simple and easy means of removal. As described above, the wheel weight can be removed from the wheel by lifting the wheel weight. The removal method is performed in a clean and dry state, thus avoiding environmental, health, storage, and disposal issues associated with organic solvents. Furthermore, the tape does not leave any adhesive residue on the wheel, damage the wheel, or remove paint and / or other coatings, for example. Because of these properties, the user can save cost and time. Upon removal of the tape, minimal or no (normally no) damage to the wheel and little or no (usually no) residual adhesive remains on the wheel.

Many tapes for adequately bonding the wheel weights are not easily removable, leaving adhesive residue on the wheel surface. Conventional tapes, which can be peeled off very easily, do not have sufficient adhesion and can peel off during use, leaving the wheel unbalanced. The tape used in accordance with the present invention can be made by lifting the wheel weight from the wheel, e.g., using a pliers to lift the weight from one end and continuing the lifting operation until the tape surface in contact with the wheel is completely peeled off the wheel. Can be removed. Useful tapes according to the invention have high adhesion, can be held securely in place during use, and can be easily removed without leaving or damaging adhesive residue on the bonded surfaces It is. The wheel weight may optionally have indentations and / or protrusions to facilitate gripping with pliers or other tools used to remove the wheel weight / tape article.

Test Methods for Testing Wheel Weight / Tape Articles of the Invention Adhesive Residue The amount of adhesive residue remaining on a wheel surface or other test surface was visually inspected.

Surface Damage The occurrence of wheel or other test surface damage was visually inspected.

Tape Properties Cohesive Strength vs. Adhesive Strength To determine if the cohesive strength of the tape is greater than the adhesive strength of the tape to the wheel, a standard の oz (7.1 g) lead weight Wheel weights can be selected and standard vehicle wheels, such as alloy wheels with clean and dry powder coatings or clear coatings (for example, aluminum wheels with clear coatings), can be selected for testing. it can. The wheel weight is applied to one side of the tape (first major surface) and the other side of the tape (second major surface of tape) is attached to a clean, dry wheel. Next, the wheel weight is gripped with pliers and pulled up by applying differential traction as shown and described in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the tape is lifted from one end and continued to be pulled up until the weight separates from the wheel. Is removed. If the cohesive strength of the tape is stronger than the adhesive strength of the tape to the wheel,
The tape peels off the wheel, at which point the tape does not split or otherwise separate.

EXAMPLES The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the wheel weight / tape articles of the present invention and their use. Throughout the examples and elsewhere, all parts, percentages, ratios, etc., are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Example 1 A wheel weight tape / article was made as follows. A polyester urethane foam support cured with methyldiphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) was provided. Acrylic adhesive 90/10 isooctyl acrylate (IOA)
/ Acrylic acid (AA) was coated on one side of the support. The support (which was rectangular in shape) was 1/32 inch thick, 15/16 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. A rubber-based adhesive was coated on the other side of the support. Size 1
A オ ン oz (7.1 g) lead wheel weight was prepared, which was イ ン チ inch × 15/16 inch (1.2 cm × 1.8 cm) and 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick. The wheel weight was attached to the side of the tape coated with the rubber adhesive. The other side of the tape was attached to a painted steel plate. Painted steel plate was used to simulate the wheel. The tape firmly attached the weight to the painted steel plate and could not be peeled off by hand sliding or shearing. However, the weight was easily and cleanly separated from the coated steel sheet surface by pulling up with a plier. The tape did not tear or separate, and remained adhered to the wheel weights. The tape was cleanly removed from the painted steel sheet without leaving any adhesive residue. No damage to the surface of the coated steel sheet was observed.

Example 2 A wheel weight tape article (made according to the procedure of Example 1) was mounted on a rotating wheel test apparatus. The articles were mounted on clean and dried painted steel wheels. The article was attached to the bottom of the wheel. The test equipment was set at 820 revolutions / minute of tire. When the wheel weight tape article was observed after 4 hours, it still adhered to the wheel. Subsequently, when the wheel weight was removed by grasping the wheel weight with a plier and pulling up with one end by traction, no adhesive residue was left on the wheel.

The tape was peeled clean from both the applied wheel weight and the painted board, leaving no adhesive residue. No damage was observed on the wheel surface.

Various modifications and alterations of this invention which do not depart from the scope and spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments described herein. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to this.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1a is a first view of an adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly according to the present invention; FIG.
It is an expanded side view of the cross section of the embodiment.

FIG. 1b shows a second embodiment of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly according to the present invention.
It is an expanded side view of the cross section of the embodiment.

FIG. 1c is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 1d is an enlarged side view in cross section of another embodiment of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 1e is an enlarged side view in cross section of another embodiment of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 1f is an enlarged side view in cross section of another embodiment of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 1g is an enlarged side view in cross section of another embodiment of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of a cross section of the adhesive tape / wheel weight article and wheel assembly shown in FIG. 1a immediately before lifting the wheel weight.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, but with the wheel weight partially raised and the wheel surface 3
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a cross section in which an adhesive layer 28 is partially peeled from 0.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the article of FIG. 1a attached to a wheel.

5 is a side view of the article of FIG. 1a mounted on the wheel of a motor vehicle.

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Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A tape comprising: (a) a tape having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface; and (b) a weight fixed to the first main surface of the tape. Is made such that the adhesive strength of the first major surface of the tape to the weight is sufficiently greater than the adhesive strength of the second major surface of the tape to the wheel, thereby causing the tape to lose its The tape can be firmly fixed to the wheel via the second main surface, and when the weight is pulled up from the wheel, the tape can be peeled from the wheel but cannot be peeled from the weight. An article having cohesive strength greater than the adhesive strength to the wheel. 2. The tape comprises a support having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface, wherein the support includes a first major surface and a second major surface, respectively. An article according to claim 1, which carries a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer thereon. 3. The article of claim 2, wherein said support is selected from the group consisting of a plastic support and an elastic support. 4. The article according to claim 2, wherein the support is a member composed of a laminate including at least one polymer foam layer and at least one polymer film layer. 5. The member selected from the group consisting of a polymer film, a polymer foam, a polymer film laminated on a polymer foam, and two polymer films laminated on both sides of a polymer foam layer.
The tape according to. 6. The article of claim 1, wherein said tape is a single layer of solid adhesive. 7. The article of claim 1, wherein said weight is a metal weight of about 7 to about 85 g. 8. The article according to claim 1, wherein said weight comprises lead. 9. An assembly comprising a wheel having the article of claim 1 adhered through said second major surface. 10. An assembly comprising a vehicle having the article of claim 1 secured to a vehicle wheel via the second major surface thereof. 11. A tape comprising: (a) (I) a tape having a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface; and (II) a weight fixed to the first main surface of the tape. An article, wherein the tape is manufactured such that the adhesive strength of the first major surface of the tape to the weight is sufficiently greater than the adhesive strength of the second major surface of the tape to a wheel. Thereby, the tape can be firmly fixed to the wheel via the second main surface, and the tape can be peeled from the wheel when the weight is pulled up from the wheel, but cannot be peeled from the weight. Producing an article wherein the tape has a cohesive strength greater than the adhesive strength to the wheel; and (b) wheeling the article with an adhesive on the second major surface of the article. How and a step of fixing the. 12. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of removing said tape from said wheel and said weight by lifting said weight from said wheel, wherein said step (c) comprises: 13. The method of claim 12, wherein no or substantially no remains on the wheel. 13. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of removing said tape from said wheel and said weight by lifting said weight from said wheel, wherein said step (c) comprises: 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein no is left on the wheel.