Adhesive tape structure for use with insulation jackets

Abstract

A tape structure and/or closure system particularly useful with cylindrical insulation segments for pipes. The tape structure provides both a temporary and a permanent closure. The tape structure includes a substrate and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on both sides of the substrate. One of the layers of pressure sensitive adhesive is covered by a release liner, while the other layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed. The exposed layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to one of either the underside of a flap covering a slit in the insulation jacket, or to the outer surface of the insulation jacket. The release liner is divided into two portions, one of which is narrow with respect to the other portion. The narrow portion of the release liner is removed, and a narrow strip of the second layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is attached to the other of either the outer surface of the jacket, or the underside of the flap to form a temporary closure. When it is desired to insert a pipe into the insulation segment, the temporary closure is broken by pulling the flap away from the insulation jacket. The pipe is then inserted, and a permanent closure is effected by removing the other portion of the release liner and attaching the second layer of pressure sensitive adhesive to the other of either the underside of the flap or the outer surface of the insulation jacket.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An elongated tape structure comprising: 
 a substrate;    a first layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on one surface of said substrate;    a second layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on another surface of said substrate; and    a release liner covering said second layer of pressure sensitive adhesive, said release liner being formed of first and second portions separated along a line extending in a direction of elongation of the tape structure.    
     
     
         2 . The tape structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said first portion of said release liner is substantially wider than said second portion as measured in a direction transverse to the direction of elongation of the tape structure.  
     
     
         3 . The tape structure as recited in  claim 1  wherein said second layer of pressure sensitive adhesive includes a gap with no adhesive aligned with and extending along the line separating the first and second portions of the release liner.  
     
     
         4 . The tape structure as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a tab disposed on the first portion of the release liner for removal of the first portion of the release liner separately from the second portion.  
     
     
         5 . The tape structure as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a tab disposed on the second portion of the release liner for removal of the second portion of the release liner, separately from the first position.  
     
     
         6 . The tape structure as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising a tab disposed on said second portion of said release liner along an edge of said second portion facing said first portion of said release liner and overlying said gap, said tab being graspable for removal of said second portion.  
     
     
         7 . The tape structure as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising a tab disposed on said first position of said release liner along an edge of said first portion facing said second portion of said release liner and overlying said gap, said tab being graspable for removal of said first portion from said second layer of pressure sensitive adhesive.  8 - 25 . (Canceled)