The present invention relates to adhesive spacing tape, which is elongated and arranged in a storage position on a roll, which adhesive spacing tape includes a base layer, formed from a fibre web, comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, of which the lower surface includes for at least part of the length of the adhesive spacing tape an adhesive surface for gluing the adhesive spacing tape, and of which the upper surface includes at least one spacing scale in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive spacing tape, comprising markings at specified intervals, visible to the user in the position of use . The measuring and marking of repeating spacings and spacing intervals, for example, on building sites, in the engineering industry, and in logistics, is often slow and, from the point of view of the worker, labourious. An error made in measurement can even lead to the later demolition of structures when the error becomes apparent, or at least to the renewal of the marking .

Publication WO 02/057710 A2 is known from the prior art and discloses a plastic-based tape, on which separate measurement scales have been made. With the aid of the measurement scales, the user can perform various measurements at the point of use thanks to the economical tape, which can be left in place at the site after use. A drawback of such a tape is, however, its measurement accuracy, which can be poor when the tape stretches while it is rolled open. In addition, if the base layer of the tape is manufactured from a fibre web, the weather resistance of the measurement tape will be poor.

The invention is intended to create an adhesive spacing tape with greater measurement precision than the prior art and which is also weather resistant. The characteristic features of the present invention are stated in the accompanying Claim 1.

This intention can be achieved by means of adhesive spacing tape for showing spacing intervals, which is elongated and arranged in the storage position on a roll, which adhesive spacing tape includes a base layer, comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, formed from a fibre web. The lower surface includes an adhesive surface over at least part of the length of the spacing tape for gluing the spacing tape and the upper surface includes at least one spacing scale in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive spacing tape, comprising markings at specified intervals, visible to the user in the position of use. In addition, the adhesive spacing tape includes at least one lacquer layer for protecting the base layer from moisture. The fibre web used as the base layer of the adhesive spacing tape retains its measurement accuracy almost completely when stretched and returns after stretching to its original dimensions, or tears as a result of stretching. Thus, stretching causing errors in the spacing and spacing intervals can be avoided by means of the adhesive spacing tape according to the invention. The lacquer layer forms a tight layer on the surface of the spacing tape, thus preventing moisture entering the base layer, so that the base layer retains its strength irrespective of all weathers.

The fibre web is preferably paper. Paper has sufficient tensile strength to withstand the adhesive spacing tape being opened from the roll, but is nevertheless sufficiently flexible to be stored on a roll. Further, paper is an economical choice for the base layer in terms of price.

The lacquer layer is preferably formed on top of the spacing scale. The lacquer layer will then also protect the spacing scale against moisture and wear. The lacquer layer can be 3.0 - 8.0 cmVm ² , preferably 5.5 - 7.5 cmVm ² . A sufficiently thin lacquer layer will permit the adhesive spacing tape to have sufficient weather resistance, but, on the other hand, to tear when stretching, so that stretches do not form in the spacing tape thanks to the additional strength given by the lacquer layer. In other words, the thickness of the lacquer layer is 1.0 - 4 g/m ² , preferably 2.0 - 3.0 g/m ² . The tensile strength of the base layer can be at least 50 N/15 mm, preferably at least 70 N/15 mm. The tensile strength will then be sufficiently great for the adhesive spacing tape to withstand being pulled from the roll to the use position, and the tape being detached from the point of use, if the spacing tape becomes twisted.

According to one embodiment, the adhesive surface is formed of an adhesive, which has an acrylic base and is arranged to harden in less than 2 minutes, preferably in less than 1 minute. For its part, the rapidly hardening acrylic-based adhesive surface adheres very tightly and holds the spacing tape permanently.

According to a second embodiment, the adhesive surface is formed of an adhesive that has an acrylic base and is arranged to harden at the earliest in 20 minutes, preferably at the earliest in 30 minutes. The slowly hardening acrylic-based adhesive permits the spacing tape to be detached from the point of use, if the spacing tape has been placed accidentally skewed or otherwise wrongly or if it is wished to remove the spacing tape. In other words, the spacing tape can then be glued several times before the adhesive surface adheres very tightly to the point of use. According to one embodiment, the adhesive spacing tape includes two components, i.e. a tape ribbon and a background ribbon detachably attached to this, of which the tape ribbon includes a base layer, a lacquer layer, and an adhesive surface. The background ribbon reinforces the tensile strength of the spacing tape when it is being taken off the roll, so that the likelihood of the spacing tape tearing is reduced. In addition, when rolled up on the roll, the spacing tape equipped with a background ribbon will not adhere to the spacing scale.

According to one embodiment, the markings are arranged to distinguish spacing intervals of a preselected dimension from each other. When working, it is considerably easier to read purely spacing intervals than a conventional continuous spacing scale . According to another embodiment, the markings of the spacing scale form the spacing intervals. With their aid it is easy for the user to see the intervals between specific spacings.

The spacing scale is preferably formed in the base layer using digital changing data printing.

The adhesive spacing tape preferably includes at least one spacing scale containing running information, which is formed using digital changing data printing. In this connection, the term running information refers to information, which is individual on each printed part of the spacing tape, i.e., for example, a spacing scale in which the dimensions of the spacing are individual: 300, 600, 900, 1200, etc. In this way it is possible to manufacture very long dimens ionally accurate printings, in which each printed portion is individual.

The tensile strength of the lacquer layer is essentially equal to the tensile strength of the base layer. This makes it possible to ensure that the lacquer layer does not permit the spacing tape to stretch when being pulled. The grammage of the paper used as the base layer can be at least 60 g/m ² , preferably 80 g/m ² . The paper will then be sufficiently strong to withstand reeling off the roll, but at the same time sufficiently weak to be torn by hand.

The adhesive spacing tape preferably includes several spacing scales with different specified intervals. Thus, the same spacing tape can be used for several different purposes. Further, one of the scales of the spacing tape can be a so-called check scale, from which the lack of stretch in the spacing tape can be easily checked with, for example, the aid of a tape measure.

The use of the adhesive spacing tape according to the invention can considerably facilitate the measurement of different repeated spacings and spacing intervals on different work sites. The spacing tape is particularly suitable for use on building sites and in the engineering industry. The spacing tape according to the invention is dimensionally precise, as it is essentially non-stretchable, so that measurement errors do not arise.

In the following, the invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings depicting some embodiments of the invention, in which

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the adhesive spacing tape according to the invention, Figure 2 shows the adhesive spacing tape according to the invention seen from the direction of the user, in such a way that the spacing scale is at right angles to the user,

Figure 3 shows a software application for ordering the adhesive spacing tape,

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the system operating the software application. According to Figure 1, the adhesive spacing tape 10 includes a base layer 16 manufactured from a fibre web and comprising an upper surface 18 and a lower surface 20, of which the lower surface 20 includes an adhesive surface 22 over at least part of the length of the spacing tape 10 for gluing the spacing tape 10, and of which the upper surface 18 includes at least one spacing scale in the longitudinal direction of the spacing tape 10, comprising markings at specified intervals, visible to the user in the use position. In addition, the spacing tape 10 includes a lacquer layer 28 for protecting the base layer. The spacing scale and the markings on it are shown in greater detail in Figure 2. The spacing tape 10 is preferably formed of two separate parts, that is, the tape ribbon 12 and a background ribbon 14 detachably attached to it, of which the tape ribbon includes the base layer 16 and the adhesive surface 22. In this connection, reference to a fibre web means fibre webs manufactured from natural fibres.

So-called base-liner paper, for example, can be used as the background ribbon, which can have a grammage of about 60 g/m ² . Base-liner is a coated paper, of which at least one surface is coated such a way that the tape ribbon will adhere to it, but will also detach easily without tearing the background ribbon or the base layer of the tape ribbon. In addition, the adhesive layer of the tape ribbon should remain on the tape ribbon when the background ribbon is detached. The background ribbon can be, for example, the glassine paper manufactured by the German company HERMA Gmbh under the product name HERMA PH(523). The base layer is preferably of paper. The grammage of the paper can be at least 60 g/m ² , preferably about 80 g/m ² (ISO 536) . The paper has preferably at least one upper surface that is well suited to printing. The grammage of the base paper can vary according to the desired strengths and the lacquer layer. In this connection, reference to paper means a fibre-web product, the grammage of which can also be in the range of products that are traditionally classified as boards, as long as the strength of the base layer is such that it can be easily torn and that the base layer bends easily onto a roll. The spacing scale used in the adhesive spacing tape is printed on the upper surface of the base layer. The undersurface is preferably porous, to ensure the adhesion of the adhesive layer. The tensile strength of the base layer in the longitudinal direction of the spacing tape can be at least 50 N/15 mm, preferably at least 70 N/15 mm, measured according to the standard DIN 53112. The tearing strength of the spacing tape can be about 40 N/15 mm. The tearing strenght of the spacing tape should be such that the user can easily break the spacing tape. The paper used in the base layer can be white label paper, semi-gloss coated on one side, manufactured by HERMA under the product name HERMAextracoat (242) .

An adhesive layer, which is preferably a so-called 'half-hour' adhesive, is spread on the undersurface 20 of the base layer 16. This means that the adhesive dries at the earliest in about half-an-hour , which permits the spacing tape to be detached from its point of use within half-an-hour , if the spacing tape has, for example, been placed in skewed or otherwise wrongly. An adhesive suitable for this purpose can be, for example, the adhesive product, which is an acrylic-based permanent adhesive, manufactured by the German company HERMA under the product name 'Adhesive 620Gpt'. A slowly hardening acrylic-based adhesive permits the spacing tape to be detached easily. Alternatively, a rapidly hardening acrylic-based adhesive can also be used as the adhesive, which is, for its part, an adhesive with the property of forming a stronger bond.

According to Figure 2, the adhesive spacing tape according to the invention can include several different spacing scales 24. Each spacing scale 24 includes markings 26 at specified intervals, with the aid of which the spacing or spacing interval can be easily marked at the point of use. The markings always form at least a 5-mm wide interval between the measured spacing intervals, so that the marking can be printed visibly. In the spacing scale, there can be markings 26 at specified intervals, which show a specific regular interval, thus forming the spacing intervals 32. In the spacing scale there can even be several different intervals, according to the customer's wishes. The marking can be, for example, a marking clearly distinguished by a vertical line or similar. Generally, in the spacing tape there is at least one standardized spacing scale, which is used to check the dimensional accuracy of the spacing tape. Using the spacing tape, an accuracy of +5 mm, preferably ±2 mmm can be achieved over a 10-m distance. Despite this, the spacing tape cannot be used as the only measuring means when making spacings, instead the user should at times check the accuracy of the spacings made using the spacing tape.

The spacing scales can preferably be colour coded, so that it is easy for the user to follow the spacing scale they have selected, even though there can be several parallel spacing scales in the same spacing tape. The spacing scales can be made using digital printing methods, in which each printing has changing data. This is due to the fact that each printed length of, for example, a 25-m long spacing tape is unique, so that it is not possible to use a traditional printing method based on the use of a drum plate, which repeats the same printed image at each rotation.

The adhesive spacing tape according to the invention can be used by either detaching it from the background ribbon and gluing it to the point of use or only by joining the spacing tape to the point of use with the background ribbon still attached to the tape ribbon. In that case, attachment takes place, for example, by stapling. If the spacing tape is implemented without a background ribbon, the spacing tape can be spread straight off the roll or using a separate device. In the same printing, there can advantageously be several parallel spacing tapes, which are later separated to form their own spacing tapes by cutting longitudinally. The width of the adhesive spacing tape according to the invention can be at least 10 mm, preferably more than 20 mm, so that the spacing scales will be clearly visible to the user. Preferably the width of an individual spacing scale's track is 5 - 20 mm and the width of the spacing tape is 50 mm. This is due to the fact that generally in manufacture a 300-mm wide base layer is used, which is cut to form six spacing-tape rolls. The length of the spacing tape can be several tens of metres, within the limits of what is easy for the user to carry. For using the spacing tape, it is possible to use, for example, various spreading devices intended for use with label tapes, in which there is a handle and a set of rollers for leading the spacing tape to the point of use in a controlled manner. The device can, at the same time, collect the background ribbon.

A lacquer layer 28 is preferably formed on top of the spacing scale printed on the upper surface 18 of the tape ribbon 12 of the spacing tape 10 . The lacquer layer can be formed by the printing machine after the printing of the spacing scale. The lacquer layer 28 prevents moisture from adhering to the surface of the spacing tape and, at the same time, also the wetting of the base layer of the spacing tape made from paper. The lacquer layer 28 formed on top of the spacing scale also protects the printing of the spacing scale from moisture and wear. The lacquer layer 28 can have a thickness of 3 . 0 - 8 . 0 cm ³ /m ² , preferably 5 . 5 - 7 . 5 cm ³ /m ² . The lacquer layer will then be sufficiently thick to protect the base layer from wetting, but, on the other hand, sufficiently thin for the lacquer layer not to form an elastic layer of the spacing tape, which would permit the spacing tape to stretch. In other words, the lacquer layer is sufficiently thin for it to tear at essentially the same tensile strength of the base layer. As the lacquer layer, it is possible to use, for example, the UV-dried surface lacquer manufactured by the FlintGroup under the product name UV FLEXO VARNISH HIGH RESISTANT. The lacquer layer should preferably also be clear and transparent, if it is used on top of the spacing scale. A UV-dried lacquer gives good protection and is clear.

A separate ordering program, which is shown in Figure 3, can be used for the adhesive spacing tape according to the invention. The ordering program 50 can be, for example, a graphical software application implemented on an html-based web browser, which is located on, for example, the server of a supplier selling spacing tape. With the aid of the internet, the user can create identifiers, for example with the aid of TUPAS services, for entering the website and create an order for spacing tape. According to Figure 3, there can be one or more spacing-scale-specific selection rows 34 on the ordering website, on the basis of which the desired number of spacing scales, their colour, spacing, and the length of the spacing interval can be selected. According to the figure, on each selection row 34 there can be pull-down menus 36, with the aid of which the colour of the spacing scale can be selected. In addition, on the selection row 34 there can be separate boxes 38 and 40 for entering the dimensions of the spacing and spacing interval. A box that is left empty means that a spacing or spacing interval is not desired for the spacing scale in question. According to Figure 3, the length of the spacing can be printed for each spacing between the spacing markings 26, as also for the spacing intervals 32. When the spacing interval is less than 8-mm wide, the marking of the spacing interval length is not printed.

According to Figure 4, the user 100 can, for example, with the aid of a mobile terminal device 60 and using a web browser 62 create a link through a mobile-telephone operator 64 to a software application 50 operating in the internet 66. The software application 50 can be located on a server 68, which can be a normal pc. The software application can be managed from the terminal device 70 of the spacing-tape supplier.

In other words, the software product is browser-based software for ordering spacing tape, which software is located on the server of the service provider and can be used by the buyer with the aid of a web browser, which software product includes means for identifying the buyer and one or more selection rows, each containing means for selecting at least the spacing tape's spacing, spacing interval, and colour, on the basis of which selections the software is arranged to create an order to the service provider's database by utilizing the buyer's identifier data.