Splicing Tape

Abstract

A splicing tape for making a running splice is disclosed. A running splice is needed for web-fed type continuous processes involving rolls of material. Materials are typically paper or thermoplastic rolls to be printed or coated. The layered splicing tape includes three central layers or films with a controlled breaking force that allows better control over the force required to separate the central layers and allow a replacement roll to be fed into the web on the tail of the roll that has almost been consumed. Pressure-sensitive or other adhesives adhere the splice to the roll and the cohesive failure of the splice then enables the splice to be made without stopping the process.

1 . A splicing tape for making a running splice, the splicing tape comprising:
 a release liner;   a first layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive adjacent the release liner;   a first film adjacent the first layer of pressure sensitive adhesive, the first film having a relatively high surface energy;   a second film adjacent the first film, the second film comprising a non-adhesive polymer or blend of polymers, optionally further comprising an additive to prevent bonding;   a third film adjacent the second film, the third film having a relatively low surface energy; and   a second layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive adjacent the third film, wherein the second film is configured to break away from the first film and the third film is configured to break away from the second film.   
   
   
       2 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , wherein the tape is configured to break at an applied force of about 20 g/inch. 
   
   
       3 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , wherein the release liner is cut into two portions across the tape. 
   
   
       4 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second layers of pressure sensitive adhesive comprise acrylic, rubber, or silicone pressure sensitive adhesive. 
   
   
       5 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and third films are selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, and polyethylene films. 
   
   
       6 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , wherein the second film is a blend of at least two polymers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polyoctene, and polystyrene. 
   
   
       7 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , wherein the second film is a blend of at least two polymers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, low density or high density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polyoctene, and polystyrene, and is configured as a non-bonding blend of at the least two polymers, and optionally comprises an additive to prevent bonding. 
   
   
       8 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , wherein the first film is a polymeric film and the third film is selected from the group consisting of a polymeric film, a cellulosic film, and a paper. 
   
   
       9 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , wherein the third film is a thermoplastic material and optionally comprises a slip agent or filler to help prevent adhesion. 
   
   
       10 . The splicing tape according to  claim 1 , further comprising a barrier coating on an edge of the first or third film. 
   
   
       11 . A splicing tape for making a running splice, the splicing tape comprising:
 a release liner;   a first layer of a laminating adhesive adjacent the release liner;   a first film having a high surface energy adjacent the first layer of pressure sensitive adhesive;   a second film comprising a polymer or non-adhesive blend of polymers, said second film adjacent the first film;   a third film having a lower surface energy adjacent the second film; and   a second layer of a laminating adhesive adjacent the third film, wherein the second film is configured to break away from the first film, and the third film is configured to break away from the second film, when a running splice is made.   
   
   
       12 . The splicing tape according to  claim 11 , wherein the first film comprises a layer of polyethylene terephthalate with a thickness from about 0.0004 inches to about 0.0025 inches. 
   
   
       13 . The splicing tape according to  claim 11 , wherein the first film comprises a layer of polyethylene terephthalate treated to have a surface energy of about 45-55 dynes/cm. 
   
   
       14 . The splicing tape according to  claim 11 , wherein the third polymeric film comprises a layer of polyethylene or polypropylene with a surface energy less than about 40 dynes/cm. 
   
   
       15 . The splicing tape according to  claim 11 , further comprising a tack-free coating on the first layer or the third layer. 
   
   
       16 . The splicing tape according to  claim 11 , wherein the second film is a blend of a least two polymers having a surface energy less than about 40 dynes/cm. 
   
   
       17 . A method of making a running splice, the method comprising:
 furnishing a splicing tape comprising a release liner, a first layer of a laminating adhesive adjacent the release liner, a first film having a relatively high surface energy, the first film adjacent the first layer of laminating adhesive, a second film having a relatively low surface energy, the second film adjacent the first film, the second film comprising a polymer or non-adhesive blend of at least two polymers, a third layer of film, and a second layer of a laminating adhesive adjacent the third film, wherein the second film is configured to break away from the first film or the third film;   positioning the splicing tape;   removing the release liner;   adhering the splicing tape to a replacement roll;   maneuvering the replacement roll to a position near a running roll; and   making a running splice by adhering the splicing tape to the running roll, whereby the splicing tape splits between the first and second film, or between the second film and the third film, and the replacement roll takes a position of the running roll.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the splicing tape is configured to split under a load of about 20 g/inch. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising holding the replacement roll closed after the step of adhering the splicing tape to the replacement roll. 
   
   
       20 . A method of forming a splicing tape for use between two rolls, the method comprising:
 providing a first film having a high surface energy;   applying a second film to the first film, said second film configured as a polymeric film;   applying a third film to the second film, said third film having a low surface energy;   applying an adhesive coating to exposed surfaces of the first and third films; and   applying a release liner to the splicing tape, wherein the first film splits easily from the second film, or the second film splits easily from the third film, when a splice is made between the two rolls.   
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising treating the first film to have a high surface energy or treating the second film to have a low surface energy. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the second film is applied to the first film, or the third film is applied to the second film, by extruding a thermoplastic material onto the first film. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the second film is applied to the first film by a method selected from the group consisting of extruding, pressing, and coating. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the third film is applied to the second film by a method selected from the group consisting of extruding and pressing. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising applying a barrier coating to at least a portion of the first film. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the second film is configured as a non-adhesive blend of at least two polymers.