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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.