Abstract: Various embodiments of a hand tape applicator and system including such applicator are disclosed. The hand tape applicator includes a body, a spindle connected to the body that is configured to receive a tape roll that includes tape, and an ergonomic handle connected to the body. The applicator further includes a roller mechanism connected to the body that is configured to apply the tape to a substrate. The roller mechanism includes a head and a tape roller extending along a roller axis between a first end and a second end of the tape roller. The tape roller is connected to the head at each of the first and second ends. The applicator further includes a force sensor connected to the head. The force sensor is configured to detect a force between the tape roller and the head and provide a signal indicative of the force.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive-coated articles comprising first and second layers each having first and second opposed major surfaces and between the first and second layers a series of first walls providing a series of microchannels, and methods for making the same. Embodiment of articles described herein are useful, for example, in cushioning applications where high levels of compression are desired.

Abstract: An abrasive article is provided that has a backing having opposed first and second major surfaces, an abrasive layer disposed on the first major surface, and a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the second major surface. The protrusions comprise a polymer having a Shore A hardness ranging from 5 to 90. These articles provide an alternative sanding solution enabling abrasive articles lacking an attachment layer to be handled effectively and efficiently, providing for a technically superior abrasive sheet on the marketplace that does not use or require an attachment layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive sheet. The abrasive sheet includes a first layer including an abrasive major surface and an opposite second layer defining a second major surface. The second major surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the second major surface. The protrusions include a first polymer component having at least one of a Shore A hardness ranging from about 5 to about 100 and a Shore D hardness ranging from about 1 to about 70. The first layer and the second layer are directly joined to each other.

Abstract: A tape includes: a flexible backing layer having two major surfaces, wherein the backing layer has a thickness of greater than 25 micrometers; and an acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on one major surface of the backing layer, wherein the acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesive comprises the reaction of one or more (C8-C20)alkyl acrylates with one or more reinforcing monomers having a homopolymer Tg of at least 50° C., wherein the acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesive has a tan ? of at least 0.5 measured at 80° C.

Abstract: Coextruded articles comprising first and second layers each having first and second opposed major surfaces and between the first and second layers a series of first walls providing a series of microchannels, and methods for making the same. Embodiment of coextruded articles described herein are useful, for example, in cushioning applications where high levels of compression are desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing body and object interactions are provided. Based on obtained contact pressure maps and coefficient of friction (COF) maps at a contact interface where at least a portion of a body is in physical contact with a surface of an object, friction force maps can be determined, which can be used to optimize body and object interactions.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an article. The article includes a first layer defining a first major surface of the article. The first layer includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the first major surface. The protrusions comprise an elastic polymer component. The article further includes a second layer opposite the first layer, which at least partially defines a second major surface of the article. The first layer is disposed over a range of about 5% surface area of the second layer to about 99% surface area of the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are in direct contact.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive sheet. The abrasive sheet includes a first layer including an abrasive major surface and an opposite second layer defining a second major surface. The second major surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the second major surface. The protrusions include a first polymer component having at least one of a Shore A hardness ranging from about 5 to about 100 and a Shore D hardness ranging from about 1 to about 70. The first layer and the second layer are directly joined to each other.

Abstract: A tape includes: a flexible backing layer having two major surfaces, wherein the backing layer has a thickness of greater than 64 micrometers and up to 200 micrometers, and one major surface of the backing layer includes a primed surface; and a rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the primed surface of the backing layer, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer has a thickness of at least 7.6 micrometers (and preferably up to 25 micrometers); wherein, when disposed on an aluminum substrate, the tape displays a peel adhesion of less than 20 oz/in (219 N/m) according to a Peel Adhesion Strength Test described in the Examples Section, and a leakage distance of less than 762 micrometers according to a Chromic Acid Anodization—Leakage Distance Test described in the Examples Section.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing body and object interactions are provided. Based on obtained contact pressure maps and coefficient of friction (COF) maps at a contact interface where at least a portion of a body is in physical contact with a surface of an object, friction force maps can be determined, which can be used to optimize body and object interactions.

Abstract: An abrasive article is provided that has a backing having opposed first and second major surfaces, an abrasive layer disposed on the first major surface, and a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the second major surface. The protrusions comprise a polymer having a Shore A hardness ranging from 5 to 90. These articles provide an alternative sanding solution enabling abrasive articles lacking an attachment layer to be handled effectively and efficiently, providing for a technically superior abrasive sheet on the marketplace that does not use or require an attachment layer.

Abstract: Pop-in mechanical fasteners having at least one locking tab are described. The locking tab includes a locking surface having a plurality of angled stops.

Abstract: A stem web is disclosed that comprises a backing layer having a first surface and a second surface, and an array of 600 to 20000 upstanding stems projecting from the first surface of the backing. The stems comprise a height from 0.3 and 2.0 millimeters and a shore hardness less than 90A. In one embodiment, the stem web further comprises a reinforcing layer secured to the second surface. In one embodiment, the stem web is secured to a tool to be passed across a surface to be cleaned to capture lint and hair.

Abstract: There is provided an article having frictional properties that do not substantially degrade when water is present, comprising a backing layer having a first surface with an array of at least 100 flexible, upstanding stems per square inch, that occupy no greater than 24.8% of a total area of the first surface of the backing layer, molded at least partially integrally to the first surface, each stem having an aspect ratio of at least 1.25 and having at least a portion of the stem formed of an elastomeric material having a Shore hardness of less than about 90 A, wherein the first surface has a static coefficient of friction when dry of at least 0.6 and a static coefficient of friction when wet within 20% of the static coefficient of friction when dry.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a foam thermal interface material comprising a foamed film, the film comprising a blend of polymeric hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive having a number average molecular weight of greater than 25,000 and at least 25 percent by weight of thermally conductive filler, said film having a void volume of at least 5 percent of the volume of said foamed film.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a foam thermal interface material comprising a foamed film, the film comprising a blend of polymeric hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive having a number average molecular weight of greater than 25,000 and at least 25 percent by weight of thermally conductive filler, said film having a void volume of at least 5 percent of the volume of said foamed film.

Abstract: Pop-in mechanical fasteners having at least one locking tab are described. The locking tab includes a locking surface having a plurality of angled stops.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermal interface material comprising the steps of: (a) providing a polymeric hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive having a number average molecular weight of greater than 25,000; (b) melt-blending the polymer with at least 25 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler to form a mixture; and (c) forming the mixture of hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive and thermally conductive filler as a film. In another aspect, the invention may further comprise the steps of: providing a fire retardant and/or microfiber forming material; and/or irradiating the film with gamma or electron beam (E-beam) radiation or a combination of both to form a thermal interface material.

Abstract: A foam adhesive article is provided comprising a polymeric foam material having an outer surface, the outer surface of the polymeric foam material having adhesive properties; and fibrous reinforcing material, the fibrous reinforcing material dispersed within the polymeric foam material and imparting stretch release properties to the article. A method for preparing the foam adhesive article is also described comprising (a) melt mixing a foamable polymer composition, and a fiber forming resin to form an expandable extrudable composition; and (b) extruding the expandable extrudable composition through a die to provide the foam adhesive article.