WO2025122607A1

WO2025122607A1 - Adhesive for water activated tape (wat), wat applicator for metering the adhesive of water activated tape, and a method of metering

Info

Publication number: WO2025122607A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/058454
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin Bartman; Janis Gunars Matisons; Jr. John K. Tynan
Original assignee: Intertape Polymer Corp
Current assignee: Intertape Polymer Corp
Priority date: 2023-12-05
Filing date: 2024-12-04
Publication date: 2025-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-05

Abstract

A water-activated adhesive comprising an amount of a starch grafted with an amount of acrylic acid monomer, polyacrylic acid, or combinations thereof is described. A tape comprising a substrate and a water-activated adhesive coupled to the substrate, the water-activated adhesive comprising a starch grafted with one or more of acrylic acid monomer, polyacrylic acid, or combinations thereof. Water-activated tape (WAT) applicators, and carton sealing machines using the WAT applicators, are used to introduce a liquid (e.g., water, an aqueous solution, etc.) to the adhesive for activation of the adhesive. The WAT applicator apparatus is used to meter the liquid for activating the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape. Metering of the liquid includes one or more of introducing, disrupting, and/or removing excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the WAT tape. The metering of the liquid allows for more effective application of the WAT tape to cartons at higher speeds.

Description

ADHESIVE FOR WATER ACTIVATED TAPE (WAT), WAT APPLICATOR FOR METERING THE ADHESIVE OF WATER ACTIVATED TAPE, AND A METHOD OF METERING

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present Application for a Patent claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/606,433 entitled "WATER ACTIVATED TAPE (WAT) APPLICATOR FOR METERING THE ADHESIVE OF WATER ACTIVATED TAPE, AND A METHOD OF METERING," filed on December 5^th, 2023, and United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/606,428 entitled "ADHESIVE FOR TAPE," filed on December 5^th, 2023, both of which are assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to adhesive compositions for a tape, metering an aqueous solution to the adhesive of the tape using an applicator, and in particular, the adhesive compositions and the metering are utilized for water activated tape (WAT).

BACKGROUND

[0003] Adhesive tapes for sealing cartons or carton flaps during manufacture or after the carton is filled with one or more products are well known. One of the most common constructions is a standard kraft paper tape which includes a water-soluble or water- activated adhesive on one side. Rolls of this tape can be dispensed through automated or manual machines where an aqueous solution is applied to an adhesive layer of the tape through the use of an applicator. Various improvements to this type of tape and/or applicators used to apply water to this type of tape have been tried over the years, with limited success.

SUMMARY

[0004] Examples of the present disclosure include a water-activated adhesive composition for water-activated tape (WAT), WAT applicators, and methods of carton sealing/closing. Generally, prior to the introduction of an aqueous solution to an adhesive of the WAT, the adhesive is not activated or effectively capable of functioning as an adhesive. The WAT applicator may be a WAT applicator apparatus that may have one or more components that are used to individually and/or collectively meter an aqueous solution (herein also referred to as a "liquid", such as, water, water with alcohol, or other water-based composition) for activating the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

[0005] In examples, the aqueous solution comprises alcohol. In another example, the aqueous solution is devoid of alcohol. In examples, the aqueous solution comprises additives, e.g., to reduce microbial growth.

[0006] In examples, metering of the liquid includes one or more of introducing the liquid to the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape, disrupting the liquid over the surface of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape, and/or removing excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

[0007] It should be further understood that the liquid, when introduced to the adhesive layer, interacts with the adhesive of water-activated tape so as to activate the adhesive. In examples, at least a portion of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape is continuous. In examples, at least a portion of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape is semi- continuous.

[0008] In examples, the liquid is introduced (e.g., deposited, applied, distributed, dispersed, or the like) on the adhesive layer before it is disrupted. In examples, the disruption of the liquid is a separate function apart from the introduction of the liquid. However, in some embodiments the disruption of the liquid may occur, at least partially, during the process of introducing the liquid onto the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape. Moreover, while the metering may include controlling the amount of liquid introduced on the adhesive layer, it should be understood that additionally or alternatively, metering may include disrupting (e.g., distributing, mixing, spreading, or the like) the liquid over of the surface of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape, during or after the liquid is activating the adhesive of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape. It should be further understood that additionally or alternatively, the metering not only may include introducing the liquid and/or disrupting the liquid, it may also include removing a portion of the liquid during or after it interacts with and activates the adhesive on the adhesive layer (e.g., removing the aqueous solution after it mixes with the adhesive, or the like).

[0009] As will be described herein, the adhesive composition, the induction of the amount of liquid and the disrupting of the liquid over the surface of the water-activated tape, and/or removing a portion of the liquid from the surface of the water-activated tape before it is applied to a carton in at least one example, aids in improving the speed and/or nature of the activation of the adhesive, and thus, the adhesion of the tape to the carton. Consequently, the water-activated tape is allowed to be applied to carton effectively at higher speeds.

[0010] In examples, a water-activated adhesive composition is provided, the composition comprising an amount of a grafted starch comprising an amount of acrylic acid monomer, polyacrylic acid, or combinations thereof grafted thereto. In aspects, the total amount of the grafted acrylic acid monomer, the polyacrylic acid, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the composition.

[0011] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the grafted starch further comprises an amount of grafted acrylamide monomer, polyacrylamide, or combinations thereof. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the total amount of the grafted acrylamide monomer, the polyacrylamide, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the composition.

[0012] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the grafted starch further comprises an amount of grafted acrylonitrile monomer, polyacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the total amount of the grafted acrylonitrile monomer, the polyacrylonitrile, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the starch.

[0013] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the composition further comprises an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the total amount of the ungrafted polyacrylic acid, the ungrafted polyacrylamide, the ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or the blends thereof is 1 to 50 weight percent of the composition.

[0014] In other examples, a tape is provided, the tape comprising a substrate and a water- activated adhesive composition coupled to the substrate, the water-activated adhesive comprising a starch grafted with one or more of acrylic acid monomer, polyacrylic acid, or combinations thereof. In aspects, the total amount of the grafted acrylic acid monomer, the grafted polyacry I ic acid, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

[0015] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the tape further comprises an amount of grafted acrylamide monomer, grafted polyacrylamide, or combinations thereof. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the total amount of the grafted acrylamide monomer, the grafted polyacrylamide, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

[0016] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the tape further comprises an amount of grafted acrylonitrile monomer, grafted polyacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the total amount of the grafted acrylonitrile monomer, the grafted polyacrylonitrile, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

[0017] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the tape further comprises an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the total amount of the ungrafted polyacrylic acid, the ungrafted polyacrylamide, the ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or the blends thereof is 1 to 50 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition. [0018] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the substrate is cellulosic. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the substrate is paper.

[0019] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the substrate is a water-soluble polymer. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the water-activated adhesive composition is directly coupled to the substrate.

[0020] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects the tape further comprises a reinforcing material. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the reinforcing material is positioned between the substrate and the water-activated adhesive. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the water-activated adhesive is directly coupled to the reinforcing material.

[0021] In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the grafted starch is higher in amylopectin than in amylose. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the grafted starch contains less than 10% amylose by weight. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the grafted starch contains less than 5% amylose by weight. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the grafted starch contains less than 2% amylose by weight. In aspects, alone or in combination with any of the previous aspects, the grafted starch is derived from waxy maize corn.

[0022] In examples, the method comprises dispensing water-activated tape within a water-activated tape (WAT) apparatus, and metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of the water-activated tape using a WAT applicator.

[0023] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering comprises disrupting the liquid on the adhesive layer during activation of an adhesive by the liquid on the adhesive layer.

[0024] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering comprises controlling an amount of liquid introduced to the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape. [0025] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering comprises removing excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

[0026] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the adhesive on the water-activated tape comprises a starch grafted with an amount of acrylic acid monomer, acrylamide monomer, acrylonitrile monomer, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof; and optionally, an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof.

[0027] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering performed by the WAT applicator results in a liquid pick-up of the adhesive layer that ranges from 10 to 20 Ibs/rm, inclusive.

[0028] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the WAT applicator comprises a liquid applicator that deposits the liquid onto the adhesive layer of the water- activated tape. In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the WAT application further comprises a metering member that meters the liquid on the adhesive layer of water-activated tape.

[0029] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the liquid applicator comprises one or more of a roller, a brush, a nozzle, a vaporizer, atomizer, or a mister.

[0030] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering member comprises a body, and a metering bar that extends from the body. In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering bar disrupts the liquid on the adhesive layer, spreads the liquid over the adhesive layer, or removes excess liquid from the adhesive layer.

[0031] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering member comprises a body, and one or more disruption projections extending from the body. In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the one or more disruption projections disrupt the liquid on the adhesive layer. [0032] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the water-activated tape is applied to cartons at a speed of 150 to 250 feet per minute, inclusive.

[0033] In other examples, a water-activated tape (WAT) applicator comprises a liquid applicator configured to receive a liquid from a liquid supply. The WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid on the adhesive layer of the water activated tape.

[0034] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid by disrupting the liquid on the adhesive layer during activation of an adhesive by the liquid on the adhesive layer.

[0035] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid by controlling an amount of liquid introduced to the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

[0036] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid by removing excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

[0037] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid to result in a liquid pick-up of the adhesive layer that ranges from 10 to 20 Ibs/rm, inclusive.

[0038] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the liquid applicator is configured to introduce the liquid onto the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape. In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the WAT applicator further comprises a metering member that is configured to meter the liquid on the adhesive layer of water-activated tape.

[0039] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the liquid applicator comprises one or more of a roller, a brush, a nozzle, a vaporizer, atomizer, or a mister.

[0040] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering member comprises a body and a metering bar that extends from the body. The metering bar disrupts the liquid on the adhesive layer, spreads the liquid over the adhesive layer, or removes excess liquid from the adhesive layer.

[0041] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the metering member comprises a body and one or more disruption projections extending from the body. The one or more disruption projections disrupts the liquid on the adhesive layer.

[0042] In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the WAT applicator is configured to allow the application of the water-activated tape to cartons at a speed of 150 to 250 feet per minute, inclusive.

[0043] In other examples, the automated carton sealing apparatus comprises a carton supply station, at least one WAT applicator configured to aid in sealing a plurality of cartons supplied by the carton supply station using a water-activated tape. In aspects, alone or in combination with any other aspects, the at least one WAT applicator comprises a liquid applicator that is configured to receive a liquid from a liquid supply. The WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid on the adhesive layer of the water activated tape.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and the related ends, the one or more embodiments of the disclosure comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative features of the one or more embodiments. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such embodiments and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, and are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0045] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an automated WAT carton sealing apparatus (or semi-automated WAT carton sealing apparatus), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0046] Fig. IB is a perspective view of a top applicator of the WAT carton sealing apparatus of Fig. 1A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig. IC is an enlarged perspective view of a top applicator of the WAT carton sealing apparatus of Fig. IB, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig. ID is a perspective view of a bottom applicator of the WAT carton sealing apparatus of Fig. 1A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig. IE is an enlarged perspective view of a bottom applicator of the WAT carton sealing apparatus of Fig. ID, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a manual WAT carton sealing apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an electric tape dispenser apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a roller applicator used to deposit aqueous solution onto an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a brush applicator used to deposit aqueous solution to an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a nozzle applicator used to deposit aqueous solution to an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig. 6B is a side view of the nozzle applicator of Fig. 6A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Fig. 7A is a side view of an air knife metering the liquid on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0057] Fig. 7B is a side view of a wiper member metering the liquid on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Fig. 8A is a side cross-sectional view of an applicator that uses a combination of a roller and a metering member to deposit and meter the aqueous solution to an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] Fig. 8B is a perspective dissembled view of an applicator that uses a combination of a roller and a metering member to deposit and meter the aqueous solution to an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Fig. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a metering member that aids in metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Fig. 9B illustrates a side view of the metering member of Fig. 9A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] Fig. 9C illustrates a front view of the metering member of Fig. 9A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] Fig. 9D illustrates a rear view of the metering member of Fig. 9A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] Fig. 9E illustrates a top view of the metering member of Fig. 9A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Fig. 9F illustrates a bottom view of the metering member of Fig. 9A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate metering member that aids in metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0067] Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate metering member that aids in metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] Fig. 12A illustrates a top view a metering member that has a plurality of metering projections and a metering bar that aids in metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] Fig. 12B illustrates an enlarged view of the plurality of metering projections and the metering bar of Fig. 12A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] Fig. 13A illustrates a top view a metering member that has a plurality of metering projections without a metering bar that aids in metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] Fig. 13B illustrates an enlarged view of the plurality of metering projections of Fig. 13A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] Fig. 14A illustrates a top view a metering member that has a plurality of metering projections and a metering bar that aids in metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] Fig. 14B illustrates an enlarged view of the plurality of metering projections and the metering bar of Fig. 14A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] Fig. 15A illustrates a top view a metering member that has a plurality of metering projections without a metering bar that aids in metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Fig. 15B illustrates an enlarged view of the plurality of metering projections of Fig. 15A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] Fig. 16A is a perspective view of a roll of water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0077] Fig. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water-activated tape of Fig. 16A, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] Fig. 16C is a perspective view of a roll of water-activated tape with reinforcement, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] Fig. 16D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water-activated tape of Fig. 16C, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] Fig. 17 illustrates process flow for metering the application of water on adhesive of water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] Fig. 18 depicts a digital image and its drawing of an activated adhesive layer of a water-activated tape that uses a traditional adhesive without metering of an aqueous solution on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

[0082] Fig. 19 depicts a digital image and its drawing of an activated adhesive layer of a water-activated tape that uses an improved adhesive without metering of an aqueous solution on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] Fig. 20 depicts a digital image and its drawing of an activated adhesive layer of a water-activated tape that uses an improved adhesive with metering of an aqueous solution on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] Fig. 21 depicts a drawing of a high speed photographic image of a moving water- activated tape just prior to introduction of an aqueous solution to an adhesive layer thereof, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0085] Fig. 22 depicts a drawing of a high speed photographic image of the moving water- activated tape just after introduction of the aqueous solution to the adhesive layer thereof, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0086] Fig. 23 depicts a drawing of a high speed photographic image of the moving water- activated tape just before disruption of the aqueous solution by the metering bar of a type disclosed herein, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0087] Fig. 24 depicts a drawing of a high speed photographic image of the moving water- activated tape just after contact of an applied aqueous solution with a metering bar of a type disclosed herein, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] Fig. 25 illustrates an enlarged view of section 25 of Fig. 23, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Embodiments of the present disclosure now may be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0090] Figs. 1A through 3 illustrate different WAT apparatuses 1 that may semi- automatically, automatically, or manually dispense water-activated tape after an aqueous solution (e.g., water, water with alcohol, or other water-based composition) is applied to an adhesive layer of the water-activated tape. Fig. 1A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a semi-automated carton sealing apparatus 2, which may utilize one or more water- activated tape (WAT) applicators 10, such as an upper WAT applicator 12 (e.g., top WAT applicator, or the like) and a lower WAT tape applicator 14 (e.g., bottom WAT applicator, or the like) that are used to meter a liquid for the adhesive layer (e.g., water applied thereto and/or the adhesive liquid formed therefrom) of the water-activated tape and apply the water-activated tape to one or more lower flaps (e.g., through the lower WAT applicator 14) and/or one or more upper flaps (e.g., through the upper WAT applicator 12) of a carton for sealing the carton. The semi-automated carton sealing apparatus 2 illustrated in Fig. 1A typically requires a user to fold the flaps of a carton before feeding it into the apparatus for automated sealing. Alternatively, an apparatus that is typically considered automated, would automatically fold the flaps of a carton before the carton is sealed by the apparatus. In either case the sealing of the carton is an automated process.

[0091] It should be understood that the WAT applicators 10, and the use of the water- activated tape (otherwise described herein as "WAT tape" or "WAT") and metering of the liquid described herein may be utilized in any type of carton sealing apparatus 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the carton sealing apparatus 2 may include a carton supply station 50, one or more tape supplies 60, an upper tape head 70, and/or a lowertape head 80. In some embodiments the carton sealing apparatus 10 may comprise other stations and/or components that are not specifically illustrated, such as a product supply station, a packaging dispensing station, a shipping station (e.g., applying a label, or the like), and/or other like components. The carton supply station 50 may include rollers 52 that are used to move a carton through the carton sealing apparatus 2. In other embodiments the carton supply station 50 may include other types of transport systems (e.g., conveyor belts, motors, robots, or the like) that are used to move one or more cartons through the carton sealing apparatus 2. In some embodiments, the carton supply station 50 may include a carton forming component, such as robots, arms, effectors, folding devices, or the like that may be used to at least partially form a carton from a carton blank by folding the carton blank on one or more fold-lines and/or folding the flaps (e.g., upper, lower, side, or the like flaps).

[0092] The one or more tape supplies 60 may include one or more tape support members (e.g., shafts, or the like) that support tape rolls 4 of the WAT. The tape rollers 4 are allowed to rotate around the one or more support members as the WAT is applied to one or more portions of the cartons (e.g., one or more top flaps and/or one or more lower flaps thereof, or the like). Figs. IB through IE illustrate enlarged images of the carton sealing apparatus 2 of Fig. 1A. Figs. IB and 1C illustrate the location of the upper WAT applicator 12, while Figs. ID and IE illustrate the location of the lower WAT applicator 14, both of which will be described in further detail herein. The WAT applicators 10 are at least partially hidden at these locations by other components of the carton sealing apparatus 2. [0093] It should be understood that the upper tape head 70 and the lower tape head 80 are used to apply and cut the WAT after the liquid has been metered to the carton, such as to the bottom of the carton (e.g., using the lower tape head) and to the top of the carton (e.g., using the upper tape head). As such, the tape heads 70, 80 may use tape applicators (e.g., rollers, flexible wipers, brushes, or the like) not to apply the liquid to the WAT, but to press the WAT to the carton after the liquid has been metered on the WAT tape. Moreover, during or after the WAT is applied to the carton, a tape knife may be used to cut the end of the WAT as it is being or after it is applied around the edge of a carton (e.g., on a side of the carton after being applied to the top and/or bottom of the carton).

[0094] After the carton is sealed, the caron sealing apparatus 2 may further include a labeling station that applies a label (e.g., adhesive label, lasered label, printed label, or other type of label) to the carton.

[0095] It should be understood that while one type of automated carton sealing apparatus 2 is illustrated in the figures, the WAT applicators 10, the water activated tape 200, the adhesive, and methods described herein can be utilized with any type of carton sealing apparatus 2.

[0096] Fig. 2 illustrates a manual WAT dispensing apparatus 4 which may utilize a WAT applicator 10 that allows a user to manually pull on an end of the water-activated tape 200 such that the WAT applicator 10 meters the liquid for the adhesive layer of the WAT. The user may remove a portion of the WAT tape 200 on which the liquid has been metered (e.g., introduced, disrupted, and/or removed, or the like) using the WAT applicator 10 as will be described herein. While an exemplary manual WAT dispensing apparatus 4 is illustrated in Fig. 2, it should be understood that any type of manual WAT dispensing apparatus 4 may utilize the WAT applicator 10, the water-activated tape 200, and/or the methods described herein.

[0097] Fig. 3 illustrates an electronic WAT dispensing apparatus 6 which may utilize a WAT applicator 10 that allows a user to make a selection from an interface to dispense a portion of water-activated tape 200. After receiving input from a user, the WAT applicator 10 meters the liquid for the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 as the electronic dispensing apparatus 6 automatically dispenses a portion of the water-activated tape 200, and automatically cuts the portion of the water-activated tape 200 or allows a user tear off a portion of the water-activated tape 200. While an exemplary electronic WAT dispensing apparatus 4 is illustrated in Fig. 2, it should be understood that any type of electronic WAT dispensing apparatus 4 may utilize the WAT applicator 10, the water-activated tape 200, and/or the methods described herein.

[0098] With respect to the semi-automated carton sealing apparatus 4, the automated carton sealing apparatus, and/or the electronic dispensing apparatus 6, a controller 90 and/or an interface 92 (e.g., a user interface, graphical user interface, or the like) may be utilize to control one or more components of these apparatuses 4, 6. The controller 90 will be described in further detail herein at the end of the specification.

[0099] It should be understood that the WAT applicator 10 may be a WAT applicator apparatus 100 that may have one or more components that are used to individually and/or collectively meter the liquid to the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. The metering of the liquid may include one or more of introducing the liquid to the adhesive layer on the water-activated tape 200, disrupting the liquid over the surface of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200, and/or removing excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. It should be further understood that the liquid, when being deposited to the adhesive layer, is typically water or an aqueous solution (e.g., water-based liquid), and when introduced to the adhesive layer interacts with the adhesive on the water-activated tape to provide and activated adhesive.

[0100] It should be understood that the liquid may be introduced (e.g., deposited, applied, distributed, or the like) on the adhesive layer before it is disrupted, and the disruption may be a separate function apart from the introduction of the liquid. However, in some embodiments the disruption of the liquid may occur, at least partially, during the process of introducing the liquid onto the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. Moreover, while the metering may include controlling the amount of liquid introduced on the adhesive layer, it should be understood that additionally or alternatively, metering may include disrupting (e.g., distributing, dispersing, mixing, spreading, or the like) the liquid over of the surface of the adhesive layer of the WAT. It should be further understood that additionally or alternatively, the metering not only may include introducing the liquid and/or disrupting the liquid, it may also include removing a portion of the liquid during or after it interacts with and activates the adhesive of the adhesive layer (e.g., removing the aqueous solution after mixing with the adhesive, or the like). In examples, the introduction of the amount of aqueous solution, the disrupting of the aqueous solution over the surface of the water- activated tape 200, and/or removing a portion of the aqueous solution from the surface of the water-activated tape 200 before it is applied to a carton aids in improving the adhesion of the tape to the carton, and thus, allowing the water-activated tape 200 to be applied to the carton effectively at higher speeds, as described herein.

[0101] The results of the metering (e.g., introducing, disrupting, removing, or the like) of the liquid of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 optimizes the adhesive liquid on the adhesive layer for application to a carton such that the water-activated tape adheres to the carton properly, restricts the movement (e.g., slippage, or the like) of the water-activated tape 200 after it is applied to the carton. As such, the adhesive liquid formed on the water-activated tape 200 has the proper tackiness to seal the carton. As will be described herein, the improved adhesion of the water-activated tape 200 to the carton allows the water-activated tape 200 to be automatically applied to the carton at higher speeds, which allows for packaging and sealing of more products per minute, and thus, increases the throughput for shipping products. It should be understood that the metering by the WAT applicator apparatus 100 may occur in various ways, as will be described in further detail with respect to Figs. 4 through 15B.

[0102] Figs. 4 through 15B illustrate different components that may be utilized as the WAT applicator apparatus 100, alone or in combination with each other. As illustrated in Fig. 4, in some embodiments, a roller 110 may be utilized to introduce and/or distribute the liquid (e.g., water, or water-based liquid) to the adhesive on the adhesive layer of the water- activated tape 200. As will be described in further detail herein, the roller 110 may be at least partially submerged in the liquid within a container 102 (e.g., liquid pot, water pot, or the like). As such, during operation in which water-activated tape 200 is drawn over the roller 110 (e.g., manually, semi-automatically, or automatically), the roller 110 spins and introduces the liquid from the container 102 onto the water-activated tape 200. In alternate embodiments, the liquid may be introduced onto the water-activated tape 200 in other ways (e.g., through a spray, mist, vapor, droplet, atomized particulate, or the like), and the roller 110 may be used to disrupt the resulting adhesive liquid by spreading, mixing, or the like the liquid with the adhesive and/or removing at least portion of the excess liquid (e.g., the water, adhesive liquid formed when the adhesive interacts with the water, or the like) from the water activated tape 200. In some embodiments, the roller 110 is a knapped roller, which may be able to vary the amount of water introduced to the water-activated tape 20 and/or aid in disrupting the liquid already introduced to the water-activated tape 200 by increasing or decreasing the size of the nap, the type of material the nap is made of, how deep the roller 210 sits within the container 102, or whether the roller 110 is driven or passive. In some embodiments, when the roller 110 is driven (e.g., through the use of motor(s), gear(s), belt(s), actuator(s), solenoid(s), arm(s), linkage(s), pneumatic, hydraulic, or the like components), the surface of the nap roller 110 could run in the opposite direction (e.g., reverse rolling, or the like) to the movement of the tape and thereby meter (e.g., introduce, disrupt, and/or remove) the liquid on the water-activated tape 200.

[0103] In other embodiments, additional or alternatively, with respect to the roller 110, the liquid may be metered (e.g., introduced, disrupted, and/or removed) through the use of one or more brushes 120. As previously discussed with respect to the roller 110, the one or more brushes 120 may be connected to the container 102 having the liquid, receive a supply of a liquid from a tube, or receive the liquid from another supply which may be introduced to the bristles of the one or more brushes 120 for metering the liquid for the water- activated tape 200. In some embodiments, the brushes 120 introduce the liquid to the water-activated tape 200 by capillary action. The space between the bristles wicks the liquid to where it is applied to the water-activated tape 200. The more bristles, the more liquid is delivered to the water-activated tape 200. As such, in some embodiments, the amount of liquid that is metered (e.g., introduced, disrupted, and/or removed) is based on the number, type, spacing, thickness/diameter, or the like of the bristles of the one or more bushes 120.

[0104] Additionally, or alternatively, the liquid may be metered (e.g., introduced and/or disrupted) onto the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 through the use of one or more nozzles 130, such as the nozzle illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6B. It should be understood that the one or more nozzles 120 (e.g., single nozzle, multiple nozzles, multiple nozzles attached to a nozzle manifold) may be used to introduce the liquid onto the surface of the water-activated tape 200 in a way that controls the amount, distribution, force, speed, area, or the like of the liquid being introduced to the water-activated tape 200. Alternatively, or additionally, the liquid may be metered (e.g., introduced and/or disrupted) onto the adhesive layer of the water activated tape 200 through the use of one or more misters (e.g., single mister, multiple misters, multiple misters attached to a mister manifold), one or more misters, one or more atomizers, or any other type of device that may introduce and/or disrupt the liquid on the adhesive layer as a spray, mist, vapor, droplet, atomized particulate, or the like.

[0105] Regardless of whether or not the one or more nozzles 130, the one or more misters, atomizers, or other like device are used to introduce and/or disrupt the liquid for the water-activated tape 200, it should be understood that the liquid introduced to the water-activated tape 200 may be disrupted in order to aid in spreading, mixing, or the like over the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 and/or remove a portion of the liquid to reduce (e.g., minimize, eliminate, or the like) excess liquid remaining on one or more locations of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. The metering may be performed by controlling the opening(s) of the one or more nozzles 130, one or more misters, one or more atomizers, one or more vaporizers, or the like and/or by controlling the amount and distribution of the liquid forced through and/or out of the opening(s). For example, a pump, plunger, motor, hydraulic and/or pneumatic device, or other like force device may be calibrated to distribute a particular amount of liquid through the one or more nozzles 130, one or more misters, one or more atomizers, one or more vaporizers, or the like over a given period of time and/or area of the adhesive layer as the water-activated tape 200 is passing through the area of the WAT applicator apparatus 100. Alternatively, or additionally, the speed at which the water-activated tape 200 passes through the application area of the one or more devices described above, or the distance the water- activated tape passes through the application area, may be changed in order to change the amount of liquid being introduced onto the adhesive layer. [0106] In some embodiments, as previously discussed herein, one or more additional components, such as the roller 110 or brush 120, as previously discussed herein, and airknife 140, wiper 145, or a metering member 150, as will be described in further detail herein, may be used to meter the liquid. For example, these components, alone or in combination, may be used to disrupt the liquid (e.g., spreading, activating, and/or mixing the liquid with the activated adhesive, or the like) and/or remove excess liquid (e.g., water, adhesive liquid formed from activation of the adhesive, or the like) from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 during or after introduction of the liquid through the use of the one or more nozzles 130, one or more misters, one or more atomizers, one or more vaporizers, or the like.

[0107] As such, in some embodiments, as illustrated in Fig. 7A, the liquid may be metered (e.g., disrupted, removed, or the like) on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 through the use of an air-knife 140 (e.g., with one or more apertures for dispensing a stream of gas, such as air, or the like) directed at the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 after the liquid has been introduced onto the adhesive layer. The air-knife may have an air input (e.g., a compressed air supply entering the air knife as illustrated by the input arrow in Fig. 7A), a plenum chamber (e.g., that distributes the air received to one or more outlets), and one or more air outlets that distributed the air such that the air stream (e.g., illustrated by the outlet arrow in Fig. 7A) over the surface of the adhesive layer 214 of the water- activated tape 200 (e.g., across the width of the tape at any angle) in order to meter (e.g., distribute, or the like) the liquid on the adhesive layer 214, as described herein.

[0108] In other embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the liquid may be metered (e.g., disrupted, removed, or the like) on the adhesive layer 214 of the water-activated tape 200 through the use of a wiper member 145 (e.g., a flexible member having one or more legs, or the like). As illustrated, the tension of the water-activated tape 200, the flexibility of the wiper member 145, and/or the angle of contact of the wiper member 145 with the water-activated tape 200 may be set to provide the desired metering of the liquid on the adhesive layer 214 of the water activated tape. As such, the wiper member 145 may distribute the liquid over the surface of the adhesive layer of water-activated tape 200 to provide the benefits described herein. [0109] Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate one embodiment of the present disclosure in which the WAT applicator apparatus 100 comprises the use of a roller 110, water container 102 (e.g., a water pot, or the like), and a metering member 150. As illustrated in Fig. 8A, as previously discussed herein, the roller 110 may be located at least partially within the container 102 that contains the liquid (e.g., water, water-based liquid, or the like). A cover 104 of the container 102 may aid in directing the water-activated tape 200 over a surface of the roller 110 as the water-activated tape 200 is drawn through the WAT apparatus 1. The roller 110 introduces the liquid from the container 102 onto the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. As illustrated in Fig. 8A, after the liquid is introduced by the roller 110 onto the water-activated tape 200, the water-activated tape 200 may be directed to the metering member 150, such that the liquid (e.g., water and/or adhesive liquid) on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 may be disrupted over the surface of the adhesive layer and/or excess liquid (e.g., water and/or adhesive liquid) is removed from the surface of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200.

[0110] While the embodiment in Figs. 8A and 8B illustrates that the metering member 150 is used in combination with a roller 110, it should be understood that the metering member 150 may be used by itself and/or with other components described herein for use as the WAT applicator apparatus 100 for metering the liquid for the adhesive layer of the water- activated tape 200. For example, the roller 110, brush 120, nozzle 130, mister, vaporizer, atomizer, or the like may introduce, disrupt, and/or remove the liquid (e.g., as applied or after the liquid is applied). However, in other examples, a liquid applicator (e.g., roller 110, brush 120, spray nozzle, mister, vaporizer, atomizer, or the like) may first introduce the liquid onto the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200, and thereafter a metering member 150 may disrupt and/or remove liquid (e.g., the water, adhesive liquid after the water activates the adhesive, or the like) to spread, mix, distribute, or the like the liquid over the surface of the adhesive layer and/or remove excess liquid from the adhesive layer, which provides improved tackiness of the water-activated tape 200 and the improvements described herein.

[0111] Figs. 9A through 15B illustrate embodiments of the metering member 150. It should be understood that the metering member 150 may have different sizes, shapes, and/or features that improves the disruption of the liquid on the adhesive layer and/or removes excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. Figs. 9A through 9F illustrate one embodiment of the metering member 150 having a metering body 151, a metering bar 160 extending from the metering body 151, and a plurality of projections 170 extending from the metering body 151. The metering member 150 may have an upper portion 152 over which the water-activated tape 200 passes. Moreover, the metering member 150 may have a lower portion 154, a front portion 155, a rear portion 156, a first end 157, and a second end 158. As will be described in further detail herein, the water-activated tape 200 may be received from the front portion 155, extend over the upper portion 152 between the first end 157 and the second end 158, and is dispensed downstream of the rear portion 156.

[0112] The metering bar 160 may extend from the metering body 151 and provide a metering surface 162 that may disrupt (e.g., mix, spread, flatten, distribute, or the like) the liquid (e.g., the water and/or water mixed with the adhesive on the surface of the water- activated tape 200) such that the liquid is more evenly located over the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 and/or excess liquid is removed (e.g., at least a portion of the water and/or water mixed with the adhesive remaining on the adhesive layer of the water- activated tape 200 is removed). It should be understood that the metering bar 160 may be a continuous bar extending from adjacent the first end 157 to adjacent the second end 158 of the metering member 150. However, in other embodiments the continuous bar may extend over only a portion of the metering body 151 of the metering member 150. In other embodiments, the metering bar 160 may be discontinuous such that it has one or more breaks in the metering surface 162 of the metering bar 160. As such, in some embodiments the metering bar 160 may include two or more separate metering bar sections (not illustrated).

[0113] The metering bar 160 may have any type of metering surface 162. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the metering bar 160 may have a rounded metering surface, such as a semi-circular cross-sectional surface. In some embodiments, the radius of the semicircular metering bar 160 may be 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8. 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, or the like mm. It should be understood that the radius of the semi- circular metering bar 160 may be in a range that falls outside of, overlaps, or falls between any of these values. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the metering surface 162 may have other shapes, such as but not limited to a surface that comes to a point. For example, the point may extend perpendicular to the surface of the water- activated tape 200, may be directed at an angle against the movement of the water- activated tape 200, or may be directed at an angle in the same direction as the movement of water-activated tape 200. In other embodiments, the metering surface 162 may have a shape that is oval, triangular, square, rectangular, any polygonal shape, other uniform or non-uniform shape, or the like. Regardless of the shape, the metering surface 162 of the metering bar 160 may be used to disrupt the liquid (e.g., water, adhesive liquid formed from the water activating the adhesive, or the like) on the adhesive layer and/or remove excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200.

[0114] It should be understood that the metering bar 160 may extend away from the metering member body 151 any distance; however, it should be understood that the metering bar 160 may extend 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or the like mm away from the body 151 (e.g., height of the metering bar 160) of the metering member 150. It should be understood that the height of the metering bar 160 may extend from the body 151 in a range that falls outside of, overlaps, or falls between any of these values.

[0115] As further illustrated in Figs. 9A and 9B, one or more projections 170 may extend from the metering body 151. For example, the one or more projections 170 may aid in directing the water-activated tape 200 towards the metering bar 160, may aid is restricting the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 from sticking to the metering body 151 and/or other surfaces of the WAT applicator apparatus 100, and/or may aid in disturbing the liquid on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. As such, as illustrated in Fig. 9A, the one or more projections 170 may comprise of one or more guide projections 172 (e.g., ramped surface, or other like surface) that guides the water-activated tape 200 toward the metering bar 160. As such, the guide projections 172 may extend from the metering body 151 and extend toward the metering surface 162 of the metering bar 160. It should be understood that like the metering bar 160, the guide projections 172 may be any shape and size, as illustrated in examples in Fig. 9A versus Fig. 10. As such, the guide projections 172 may be linear, concave, convex, uniform, non-uniform, or the like in order to aid in guiding the water-activated tape 200 over the metering member 150 and/or providing the other benefits described herein. Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the guide projections 172 may have different shapes and/or different portions such as a first portion 174 and a second portion 176 that provide a stepped ramp that aids in providing multiple surfaces that guide the water-activated tape 200, but reduce the length of the surfaces with which the water-activate tape 200 engage in order aid in preventing the adhesive from sticking to the guide projections 172 (e.g., aid in preventing jamming of the water-activated tape 200 within the WAT applicator apparatus 100).

[0116] The one or more projections 170 may also create collection cavities 180 between the projections 170 (e.g., between the guide projections 172) that capture and direct any excess liquid (e.g., water, adhesive liquid formed form the water and adhesive, or the like) towards a collection point and/or the container 102 holding the liquid previously discussed herein. That is, the collection cavities 180 formed from adjacent projections 170, the metering bar 160, and/or the metering body 151 may form a cavity surface 182 that may be at least partially angled away from the metering bar 160 in order allow any liquid captured (e.g., water, adhesive liquid, or the like) to be directed away from the metering member 150 and towards a collection point (not illustrated) below the plurality of cavities 180.

[0117] In other embodiments, instead of, or in addition to the use of the guide projections 172, the one or more projections 170 may be a plurality of disruption projections 178, as illustrated in Figs. 12A through 15B. The one or more disruption projections 178 may be utilized to disrupt (e.g., spread, mix, distribute, and/or smooth out, or the like) the liquid over the surface of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. Moreover, the plurality of disruption projections 178 may further create a plurality of cavities 180 that are used to capture excess liquid and direct the excess liquid towards the collection point. The plurality of disruption projections 178 may be any size and shape. As illustrated in Figs. 12A and 12B, and 13A and 13B, the plurality of disruption projections 178 may be rectangular. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figs. 14A and 14B, and 15A and 15B, the plurality of disruption projections 178 may be circular in shape. However, in other embodiments the plurality of disruption projections 178 may be semi-circular, oval, triangular, square, any polygonal shape, U-shaped, V-shaped, L-shaped, uniform, non-uniform, or the like shape, or combinations thereof.

[0118] The plurality of disruption projections 178, regardless of the size and shape, may be arranged in rows (e.g., extending between at least a portion of the first end 157 and second end 158) and/or columns (e.g., extending between at least a portion of the front 155 and rear 156 of the metering member 150. Moreover, as illustrated in the figures, the plurality of disruption projections 178 in the adjacent rows and/or adjacent columns may be offset from each other such that at least a portion of the plurality of disruption projections 178 overlap each other, which may ensure that the majority, or entirety, of the surface of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 is contacted by the plurality of disruption projections 178. In some embodiments, the disruption projections 178 may be aligned such that a first projection in a first row has an end that aligns with an end of a second projection in a second row. Additionally, or alternatively, a center of a first projection in a first row may be aligned with the center of a cavity 180 formed between two second projections in a second row. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments it may be beneficial to space the plurality of disruption projections 178 apart in order to allow more adhesive liquid to remain on certain locations of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 and/or to allow the cavities 180 that collect excess liquid to direct the liquid to a collection point (e.g., V-shaped projections, orthe like, that direct the liquid to a collection point). As such, it should be understood that the plurality of disruption projections 178 may have any type of pattern that is uniform or non-uniform.

[0119] The disruption projections 178 may also provide benefits when the water-activated tape 200 includes reinforcement layer 222 that might provide one or more coffered areas having any size or shape (e.g., diamond, trapezoidal, triangular, oval, circular, semi-circular, any polygonal, uniform, non-uniform, orthe like shape). In examples, a reinforcement layer 222 is positioned between a backing (e.g., paper layer 224) and adhesive layer 214 of the WAT. The reinforcements may be string, fibers, ceramic, fiberglass, carbon, polyester, other types of reinforcements. In examples, the reinforcement is ceramic fiber, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. In examples, the reinforcement is water soluble polymer, for example, poly viny la Icohol, polylactate, or copolymers thereof. These reinforcements may create uneven areas of the WAT, and as such, the disruption projections 178 may improve the distribution of the liquid around, in, and over these uneven areas of the WAT.

[0120] As illustrated in Figs. 12A and 12B, and 14A and 14B, the metering bar 160 and the disruption projections 178 may be utilized on the same metering member 150. However, as illustrated in Figs. 13A and 13B, and 15A and 14B, the distribution projections 178 may be utilized without the metering bar 160. As such, different combinations of the metering bar 160, the one or more guide projections 172, and/or the one or more disruption projections 178 may be utilized on the metering member 150.

[0121] It should be understood that the metering member 150, and thus, body 151, the metering bar 160, and/or the plurality of projections 170 (e.g., the guide projections 172, the disruption projections 178, or the like) may be made out of any material. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the metering bar 160 and/or the plurality of projections 170 may be made from a flexible material. For example, in some embodiments metering bar 160 may be pliable or rigid, and/or moreover the plurality of projections 170 may also be pliable or rigid. However, in particular embodiments the metering bar 160 may be rigid, while the plurality of projections 170 (e.g., the disruption projections 178) may be pliable such that they flex when the water-activated tape 200 is moved across the plurality of projections 170 (e.g., the plurality of disruption projections 178) in order to improve the disruption of the liquid on the surface of the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200. In some embodiments, the metering bar 160 and/or the plurality of projections 170 may be made of a hydrophobic polymer, such as Teflon (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), PETG, or the like, or other like material that is not generally affected by water. However, it should be understood that the metering bar 160 and/or the plurality of projections 170 (and thus the metering member 150 itself) may be made of any type of material.

[0122] Figs. 16A and 16B, and 16C and 16D, illustrate embodiments of the water-activated tape 200 in the form of a roll 230 wound onto a core 218. Referring to Figs. 16A and 16B, from top to bottom relative to the page, the water-activated tape 200 includes an outermost paper layer 224, and a water-activated adhesive layer 214. The paper layer 224 (also referred to as a substrate) has a first major (top) surface 232 distal from, and a second major (bottom) surface 234 adjacent to, the water-activated adhesive layer 214. The adhesive layer 214 can be continuous or discontinuous. The paper layer 224 has essentially an unlimited length, and has a width, and the second major (bottom) surface 234 of the paper layer 224 defines a thickness. In examples, the thickness of the outermost paper layer 224 is between 1.85 and 3.7 mil. In examples, the outermost paper layer 224 is printable by any method of printing of paper, and after printing, can be coated or treated to prevent smudging of the print.

[0123] Referring to Figs. 16C and 16D, from top to bottom relative to the page, the water- activated tape 300 includes an outermost paper layer 224, a reinforcement 222 and laminating adhesive, an innermost paper layer 212, and a water-activated adhesive layer 214. Adhesive layer 214 can be continuous or discontinuous. The outermost paper layer 224 (also referred to as an outer substrate) has a first major (top) surface 232 distal from the innermost paper layer 212 (also referred to as an inner substrate), and a second major (bottom) surface 234 proximal to the reinforcement 222. The outmost paper layer 224 has essentially an unlimited length, and has a width, and the second major (bottom) surface 234 of the outermost paper layer 224 defines a thickness. In examples, the thickness of the outermost paper layer 224 is between 1.85 and 3.7 mil. In examples, the outermost paper layer 224 is printable by any method of printing of paper, and after printing, can be coated or treated to prevent smudging of the print.

[0124] Reinforcement 222 and laminating adhesive, in examples, are introduced between the outermost paper layer 224 and innermost paper layer 212. Reinforcement 222 may be string, fibers, ceramic, fiberglass, carbon, polyester, other types of reinforcements. In examples, the reinforcement is ceramic fiber, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. In examples, the reinforcement is water soluble polymer, for example, poly viny la Icohol, polylactate, or copolymers thereof. In examples, disruption projections 178 of metering member 150 provide coating/distribution benefits when the water-activated tape 200 includes reinforcement layer 222 having one or more coffered areas having any size or shape (e.g., diamond, trapezoidal, triangular, oval, circular, semi-circular, any polygonal, uniform, non- uniform, or the like shape). In examples, reinforcement layer 222 is positioned between a backing (e.g., paper layer 224) and adhesive layer 214 of the WAT. In examples, disruption projections 178 of metering member 150 provides improved disruption of the liquid (e.g., water, adhesive liquid formed form the water and adhesive, or the like) within, as well as across, the coffered areas of the water-activated tape 200.

[0125] Various means of introducing the laminating adhesive between the outermost paper layer 224 and innermost paper layer 212 can be used, such as blade coating, solvent dispensing, roll coating, extrusion, extrusion lamination, or the like. In examples, the laminating adhesive is a cellulose-based adhesive. In examples, the laminating adhesive is a starch-based adhesive. In examples, the laminating adhesive is a starch-based adhesive and is present at a thickness of about 0.1 mil to about 2 mil. In another example, the starch- based laminating adhesive is present at a thickness of about 0.5 mil (12.7 micron) to about 1.3 mil (32.5 micron). The to-be laminated surfaces of the corresponding paper layers 212, 224 and/or the reinforcement 222 can be pretreated using such methods as corona or flame treatment to ensure or enhance adhesion.

[0126] In some embodiments, the laminating adhesive is contiguous to the innermost paper layer 212, the outermost paper layer 224, and/orthe reinforcement 222. In examples, the laminating adhesive is starch-based. In examples, the starch-based laminating adhesive is semi-contiguous to the innermost paper layer 212, the outermost paper layer 224, and/or the reinforcement 222. In examples, the starch-based laminating adhesive at least partially fills all or some voids or gaps in the reinforcement 222.

[0127] In some embodiments, after lamination, the reinforcement 222 is adjacent to the second major (bottom) surface 234 of the outermost paper layer 224. In examples, after lamination, the reinforcement 222 is directly adjacent to the second major (bottom) surface 234 of the outermost paper layer 224, whereas there are no intervening layers or material therebetween.

[0128] In some embodiments, after lamination, the reinforcement 222 is adjacent to the first major (top) surface 232' of the innermost paper layer 212. In other embodiments, after lamination, the reinforcement 222 is directly adjacent to the first major (top) surface 232' of the innermost paper layer 212, whereas there are no intervening layers or material therebetween.

[0129] In some embodiments, after lamination, the reinforcement 222 is directly adjacent to the second major (bottom) 234 surface of the outermost paper layer 224 and directly adjacent to the first major (top) surface 232' of the innermost paper layer 212, whereas there are no intervening layers or material therebetween.

[0130] I nnermost and outermost paper layers 212, 224, respectively, may be the same or different paper composition, thickness, color etc. In some embodiments, the innermost and outermost paper layers 212, 224, respectively, are any type of paper including, but not limited to, creped paper, non-creped paper, or release paper. In examples, kraft paper (e.g. bleached or natural kraft paper) is used as the innermost and outermost paper layers 212, 224, respectively. In some embodiments, the innermost and outermost paper layers 212, 224, respectively, is a bleached or unbleached kraft paper. In examples, the innermost and outermost paper layers 212, 224, respectively, are creped NBSK (Northern Bleached Softwood kraft) paper web.

[0131] In some embodiments, the water-activated tape 200 may include a single paper layer 224 (top) to which the water-activated adhesive layer 214 is attached. One or more layers of the water-activated adhesive layer 214 can be applied to a surface of a substrate.

[0132] The WAT apparatuses 1, and in particular the WAT applicator apparatus 100 thereof, are configured to apply an aqueous solution to any adhesive on any water- activated tape 200 used in carton sealing. In examples, the water-activated adhesive comprises a cellulose-based adhesive. In examples, the water-activated adhesive comprises a starch-based adhesive. In examples, the water-activated adhesive comprises a starch- based adhesive grafted with a monomer, for example, an acrylic acid monomer, acrylamide monomer, acrylonitrile monomer, or combinations thereof. In examples, the water- activated adhesive comprises a starch-based adhesive blended with polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide and/or polyacrylonitrile. In examples, the water-activated adhesive comprises a starch-based adhesive grafted with a monomer, for example, an acrylic acid monomer, acrylamide monomer and/or acrylonitrile monomer and that is blended with polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile or combinations or copolymers thereof. The polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile or combinations or copolymers thereof can be the result of self- or co-polymerization during grafting of the starch, or these polymers can be added or mixed subsequently to grafting of a monomer or polymer, and the additional polymers can be the same or different than that of the grafted monomer or polymer. The grafted starch-based adhesive can be produced in batches or continuously. Two or more of the batches of the grafted starch-based adhesive can be blended or mixed to provide a requisite adhesive functionality.

[0133] In examples, the starch-based adhesive grafted with an acrylic acid and/or acrylamide monomer further comprises a base, for example, ammonium hydroxide and/or a metal hydroxide (MOH), such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Moreover, in examples, the water-activated adhesive further comprises ammonium persulfate (APS). Finally, in examples, the water activated adhesive further comprises water. The mixture may be heated until an exotherm begins to polymerize the acrylic acid and/or the acrylamide. Thereafter, heating is ceased and the exotherm is allowed to reach its maximum. As such, the adhesive is able to be coated onto the substrate.

[0134] In examples, the starch is derived from waxy maize corn. In examples, the starch is high in amylopectin and low in amylose. In examples, the starch contains less than 10% amylose by weight, less than 5% amylose by weight, or less than 2% amylose by weight, or the like.

[0135] In examples, the amount of acrylic acid monomer used in grafting to the starch is about 5 to 60% by weight to the starch, about 10 to 60% by weight to the starch, about 15 to 60% by weight to the starch, about 20 to 55% by weight to the starch, about 30 to 45% by weight to the starch, about 35 to 40% by weight to the starch, or the like.

[0136] In examples, the amount of acrylamide monomer used in grafting to the starch is about 10 to 60% by weight to the starch, about 15 to 60% by weight to the starch, about 20 to 55% by weight to the starch, about 30 to 45% by weight to the starch, about 35 to 40% by weight to the starch, or the like. [0137] In examples, the sodium hydroxide is about 0 to 10% by weight of the acrylic acid or acrylamide, about 1 to 9% by weight of the acrylic acid or acrylamide, about 2 to 8% by weight of the acrylic acid or acrylamide, 3 to 7% by weight of the acrylic acid or acrylamide, 4 to 6% by weight of the acrylic acid or acrylamide, or the like.

[0138] In examples, initiators for the graft copolymerization of the acrylic acid and/or acrylamide to the starch are free radical forming compounds, for example, inorganic persulfate and organic peroxide compounds can be used alone or can be coupled with reducing agents such as sulfite, thiosulfate, bisulfite, metabisulfite ions, or metal hydroxides as suitable free radical initiators. In examples, the graft polymerization of the acrylic acid and/or acrylamide to the starch is conducted in an aqueous solution and can be heated, and the resultant adhesive composition of the present disclosure can be used as is or diluted with water and/or alcohol. In examples, the resultant adhesive composition is about 20 wt.% solids, 30 wt.% solids, 40 wt.% solids, or 50 wt.% solids or more.

[0139] In examples, the resultant adhesive composition of the present disclosure can be applied to the paper using any conventional coating technique, optionally dried and taken up on a roll.

[0140] Fig. 17 illustrates a process 400 for applying the water-activated tape to cartons (e.g., manually or through the use of an automated carton sealing machine). As illustrated in block 410 of Fig. 17, the water-activated tape 200 is procured. For example, the water- activated tape 200 may be received, purchased, manufactured, or the like having the properties described herein.

[0141] Fig. 17 further illustrates in block 420 that the water-activated tape is installed in the WAT apparatus 1, such as the automated carton sealing machine 4, in some embodiments as rolls of water-activated tape 200, as previously discussed herein.

[0142] Block 430 of Fig. 17 further illustrates that liquid (e.g., water, a water-based solution, or the like) is deposited and/or metered onto an adhesive layer of a water- activated tape 200, as previously discussed herein through the use of a WAT applicator apparatus 100. [0143] Fig. 17 further illustrates in block 440 that the water-activated tape is applied to a carton. The water-activated tape 200 may be applied manually or automatically, such as through the use of an automated carton sealing apparatus 2. With respect to applying the water-activated tape 200 to cartons using an automated carton sealing apparatus 2, the properties of the adhesive and/or the metering provided by the WAT applicator 100 may allow the water-activated tape 200 to be applied at speeds of 120, 130, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, or the like feet per minute (fpm), as will be discussed in further detail below. It should be understood that the speeds may range between, overlap, or fall outside of any of these ranges.

[0144] It should be understood that WAT applicator apparatus 100, which meters (e.g., introduces, disrupts, and/or removes) the liquid on the adhesive layer 214 of the water- activated tape 200 and/or the composition of the adhesive that forms the adhesive layer 214 of the water-activated tape 200, either individually, or in combination with each other, improves the adhesion of the water-activated tape 200 with cartons (e.g., in particular, rigid, cardboard, paperboard, and/or corrugated cartons). As will be described in further detail below, the adhesive of the water-activated tape 200 of the present disclosure and/or the metering (e.g., introduction, disruption, and/or removal) of the liquid on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200, improves the bond between the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape 200 and the carton. The improved bond restricts the subsequent movement (e.g., repositioning, slippage, or the like) of the water-activated tape 200 after it is applied to the carton and/or maintains the desired range of tension of the water- activated tape 200 with the WAT apparatus 1. It should be understood that conventional water-activated tapes and/or the methods of applying water to the adhesive layer thereof, may result in movement (e.g., slippage, repositioning, or the like) of the water-activated tape 200 after attachment to the carton (e.g., if too much water remains on the adhesive layer) and/or may result in the water-activated tape popping off of the carton (e.g., if too little water is applied to the adhesive layer and the adhesive is not tacky enough).

[0145] The performance of tape using traditional water-activated adhesives and the introduction of an activating aqueous solution thereon, e.g., water or water with alcohol, using traditional applicators was analyzed verses the performance of tape 200 using the improved water-activated adhesive of the present disclosure alone, as well as in combination with the metering of the liquid described herein. Each configuration was analyzed to determine the amount of aqueous solution pick-up and the disruption of the applied aqueous solution introduced to the water-activated tape. The amount of aqueous solution pick-up was measured as equaling (W2-Wl)/number of reams; wherein W1 equals the weight of the dry tape and W2 equals the weight of wet tape. The disruption of the introduced aqueous solution on the water-activated tape surface was observed visually and qualitatively compared.

[0146] Fig. 18 illustrates a digital image and its drawing thereof of a traditional water- activated tape having a traditional adhesive that is applied using a traditional applicator that does not meter (e.g., does not control the amount of aqueous solution water introduced, does not disrupt the liquid on the adhesive layer, and/or does not remove excess liquid from the water-activated tape 200). The amount of aqueous solution pick-up for this type of traditional adhesive and application of aqueous solution was found to be approximately 22 Ibs/rm.

[0147] As illustrated in Fig. 18, the activated adhesive 250 is more prevalent in some areas verses other areas, and some areas of the tape does not appear to have liquid introduced on the adhesive layer 214 at all and/or the adhesive layer has not been activated (or fully activated) by the liquid (e.g., as indicated by the striations, which illustrate the original adhesive layer of the water-activated tape before activation).

[0148] Fig. 19 illustrates a digital image and its drawing of a water-activated tape 200 that utilized the improved adhesive of the present disclosure applied by a traditional applicator that did not meter the liquid. The amount of aqueous solution pick-up for this adhesive without the use of the metering of the aqueous solution was found to be approximately 20 Ibs/rm. As illustrated in Fig. 19, the activated adhesive 250 is more evenly distributed, but it is still more prevalent in some areas verses other areas, and as noted by the striations some areas of the tape still do not appear to have liquid introduced at all and/or have not been activated (or fully activated) by the liquid. [0149] Fig. 20 illustrates a digital image and its drawing of a water-activated tape that utilized the improved adhesive of the present disclosure along with the metering described herein (e.g., in particular, the disruption of the liquid on the surface of the adhesive layer). The amount of aqueous solution pick-up for this adhesive of the present disclosure along with the metering of the present disclosure resulted in an aqueous solution pick-up of approximately 15 Ibs/rm. As illustrated by Fig. 20, essentially all of the adhesive layer 214 appears to be converted to activated adhesive 250, and the striations do not appear on the tape (e.g., the adhesive has been activated over the majority or essentially all of the surface of the adhesive layer).

[0150] Figs. 21 thru 25 depict drawings of high speed photographic images of the aforementioned interactions of the aqueous solution 225, adhesive layer 214, and metering member 150. Fig. 21 illustrates a moving water-activated tape 200 just prior to introduction of an aqueous solution 225 to an adhesive layer 214 thereof. Fig. 22 illustrates the moving water-activated tape 200 just after introduction of the aqueous solution 225 to the adhesive layer 214, but prior to interaction with the metering member 150. Fig. 23 illustrates the moving water-activated tape just before disruption of the aqueous solution by the metering member 150 of a type disclosed herein. As illustrated in the rendering of the high speed photograph image, the aqueous solution 225 forms a concave structure on the surface of adhesive layer 214 and starts an interaction with the aqueous solution and adhesive layer (interaction layer 215) causing one or more tensile forces on the adhesive, showed by a slight vertical lifting of the tape structure. While not to be held by any theory, it is speculated that the adhesive/aqueous solution interaction is net positive in entropy and free energy. In examples, the amount of aqueous solution introduced to the adhesive layer and the speed of the tape is optimized such that disruption by metering member 150 appears to occur before any significant wetting of the aqueous solution on the adhesive layer surface so as to maximize the distribution of the aqueous solution about the surface area of the adhesive layer, and therefore, increase the speed and amount of activation of the adhesive layer. This results in the ability to increase line speed of a carton closing operation using the metering member, and optionally, the improved adhesive disclosed herein. [0151] Fig. 24 illustrates the moving water-activated tape just after contact of an applied aqueous solution 225 with a metering bar 150 as disclosed herein. The adhesive layer 214 is activated as illustrated by activated layer 250 by the subsequent interaction of the aqueous solution 225 and adhesive layer 214.

[0152] Fig. 25 illustrates an enlarged view of section 25 of Fig. 23 showing the metering member 150 positioned a distance H from the adhesive layer 214. In examples, the distance H is non-zero to about 2 mm +/- 0.25 mm. Other distances H can be used.

[0153] In the present disclosure, it has been found that too much aqueous solution pickup, which may be caused by the introduction of too much aqueous solution, uneven disruption of the aqueous solution and/or adhesive liquid on the adhesive layer, and/or failure to remove excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape results in movement (e.g., slippage, or the like) of the tape when applied to the carton. Alternatively, too little aqueous solution pick-up, which may be caused by the introduction to too little aqueous solution and/or uneven disruption of the aqueous solution and/or adhesive liquid on the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape results in an adhesive that is not tacky enough to properly adhere to the carton. As such, the aqueous solution pick-up of the adhesive of the water-activated tape of the present disclosure may be controlled to 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or the like Ibs/rm, or may controlled to a range there of, or range between, overlap, or fall outside of any of these values.

[0154] It should be understood that traditional water-activated tape that utilizes traditional application of aqueous solution to the adhesive (e.g., without metering of the aqueous solution) may limit the speed at which the water-activated tape may be applied to cartons to approximately 110 feet per minute (fpm). At this speed only some of the cartons may be sealed properly using traditional adhesives and traditional application of water. For example, even at these speeds the water-activated tape may slip after application and/or may pop off of the cartons, or the like.

[0155] The embodiments of the present disclosure allow the water-activated tape 100 to be applied by an semi-automated or automated carton sealing machine (e.g., the automated carton sealing machine 2 illustrated in Fig. 1) at 120, 130, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, or the like feet per minute (fpm). However, depending on the adhesive composition and/or the metering of the aqueous solution on the water- activated tape 200 (e.g., the depositing and/or distribution thereof), it should be understood that the rate at which the water-activated tape 200 may be applied to cartons within an semi-automated or automated carton sealing machine 2 may occur in a range that falls outside of, overlaps, or falls between any of these values. At these speeds or ranges of speeds, each of the cartons were properly sealed using the improved adhesive and/orthe metering described herein. That is, these speeds may be achieved while aiding in reducing (or eliminating) movement of the tape and/or aiding in reducing (or eliminating) the water- activated tape from popping off the carton after application. As such, even at these speeds, the water-activated tape may be applied properly without any movement (e.g., slippage, or the like) and/or without the water-activated tape from popping off the carton.

[0156] As such, the increased automation of the packing and/or sealing of the cartons provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure allows for the increased output for delivering products. Moreover, the increased output provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure allow automated carton sealing apparatuses 2 that use water-activated tape to compete with the output provided by carton sealing machines that use pressuresensitive tape, while still providing the benefit of being able to be recycled along with the carton on which the water-activated tape is utilized.

[0157] The operation of the semi-automated or automated carton sealing apparatus 2 and/or the electronic WAT dispensing apparatus 6 (or the components thereof) may be controlled by a programmable controller 90, which may communicate with other systems within a facility. As such, the controller 90 may be operatively coupled, via a network, to one or more user computer systems (e.g., of employees within the facility, or the like), one or more product systems (e.g. providing the products and/or cartons to the apparatuses), and/or one or more other systems. In this way, controller 90 operating the apparatuses 2, 6 may communicate with one or more systems for determining what carton and/or product for a carton is being provided for sealing. [0158] The network may be a global area network (GAN), such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or any other type of network or combination of networks. The network may provide for wireline, wireless, or a combination of wireline and wireless communication between systems, services, components, and/or devices on the network.

[0159] The controller 90 (e.g., controller system, or the like) may comprise one or more communication components, one or more processing components, and one or more memory components. The one or more processing components are operatively coupled to the one or more communication components, and the one or more memory components. As used herein, the term "processing component" generally includes circuitry used for implementing the communication and/or logic functions of a particular system. For example, a processing component may include a digital signal processor component, a microprocessor component, and various analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and other support circuits and/or combinations of the foregoing. Control and signal processing functions of the system are allocated between these processing components according to their respective capabilities. The one or more processing components may include functionality to operate one or more software programs based on computer-readable instructions thereof, which may be stored in the one or more memory components.

[0160] The controller 90, such as the one or more communication components, may be operatively coupled to the one or more sensors (e.g., safety sensors, supply sensors, location sensors, void fill sensors, carton sensors, liquid level sensors, or the like) located within the apparatuses 2, 6.

[0161] The one or more processing components use the one or more communication components to communicate with the network and other components on the network, such as, but not limited to, the components of the one or more user computer systems, the one or more product or carton systems, and/or the other systems. As such, the one or more communication components generally comprise a wireless transceiver, modem, server, electrical connection, electrical circuit, or other component for communicating with other components on the network. The one or more communication components may further include an interface that accepts one or more network interface cards, ports for connection of network components, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, or the like. Moreover, the one or more communication components may include a keypad, keyboard, touch-screen, touchpad, microphone, mouse, joystick, other pointer component, button, soft key, and/or other input/output component(s) for communicating with the users. In some embodiments, as described herein the one or more communication components may comprise a user interface, such as a graphical user interface 92 that allows a user to control and/or monitor the operation of the apparatuses 2, 6.

[0162] The controller 90 may comprise computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory components, which in some embodiments includes the computer- readable instructions of the one or more applications (e.g., used to operate the apparatuses 2, 6, and/orthe components thereof, or the like). In some embodiments, the one or more memory components include one or more data stores for storing data related to the apparatuses 2, 6, including, but not limited to, data created, accessed, and/or used to operate the apparatuses 2, 6 as described herein.

[0163] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure, embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied as an apparatus, a system, computer program product, and/or other device, a method, or a combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may generally be referred to herein as a "system." Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product comprising a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code/computer-readable instructions embodied in the medium (e.g., a non-transitory medium, or the like).

[0164] Any suitable computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be utilized. The computer usable or computer readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer- readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires; a tangible medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other tangible optical or magnetic storage device.

[0165] Computer program code/computer-readable instructions for carrying out operations of embodiments of the disclosure may be written in an object oriented, scripted or unscripted programming language such as Java, Pearl, Python, Smalltalk, C++ or the like. However, the computer program code/computer-readable instructions for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.

[0166] It should be understood that "operatively coupled," when used herein, means that the components may be formed integrally with each other, or may be formed separately and coupled together. Furthermore, "operatively coupled" means that the components may be formed directly to each other, or to each other with one or more components located between the components that are operatively coupled together. Furthermore, "operatively coupled" may mean that the components are detachable from each other, or that they are permanently coupled together.

[0167] Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure described and/or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments of the present disclosure described and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms "a" and/or "an" shall mean "one or more.

[0168] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as limiting, unless such terminology is specifically described herein for specific embodiments. For example, words such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "first", "second", "inner", "outer", or the like may merely describe the configurations shown in the Figs, and described herein for some embodiments of the disclosure. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0169] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad disclosure, and that this disclosure not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A water-activated adhesive composition comprising an amount of a grafted starch comprising an amount of acrylic acid monomer, polyacrylic acid, or combinations thereof grafted thereto.

2. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 1, wherein the total amount of the grafted acrylic acid monomer, the polyacrylic acid, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the composition.

3. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, ungrafted polyacrylamide, ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof.

4. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 3, wherein the total amount of the ungrafted polyacrylic acid, the ungrafted polyacrylamide, the ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or the blends thereof is 1 to 50 weight percent of the composition.

5. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 1, wherein the grafted starch further comprises an amount of grafted acrylamide monomer, polyacrylamide, or combinations thereof.

6. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 5, wherein the total amount of the grafted acrylamide monomer, the polyacrylamide, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the composition.

7. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 5 or 6, further comprising an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof.

8. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 7, wherein the total amount of the ungrafted polyacrylic acid, the ungrafted polyacrylamide, the ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or the blends thereof is 1 to 50 weight percent of the composition.

9. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 1, wherein the grafted starch further comprises an amount of grafted acrylonitrile monomer, polyacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof.

10. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 9, wherein the total amount of the grafted acrylonitrile monomer, the polyacrylonitrile, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the starch.

11. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 9 or 10, further comprises an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof.

12. The water-activated adhesive composition of claim 11, wherein the total amount of the ungrafted polyacrylic acid, the ungrafted polyacrylamide, the ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or the blends thereof is 1 to 50 weight percent of the composition.

13. A tape comprising: a substrate; and a water-activated adhesive composition coupled to the substrate, the water- activated adhesive comprising a starch grafted with one or more of acrylic acid monomer, polyacrylic acid, or combinations thereof.

14. The tape of claim 13, wherein the total amount of the grafted acrylic acid monomer, the grafted polyacrylic acid, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

15. The tape of claim 13 or 14, further comprising an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof.

16. The tape of claim 15, wherein the total amount of the ungrafted polyacrylic acid, the ungrafted polyacrylamide, the ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or the blends thereof is 1 to 50 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

17. The tape of claim 13 or 14, further comprising an amount of grafted acrylamide monomer, grafted polyacrylamide, or combinations thereof.

18. The tape of claim 17, wherein the total amount of the grafted acrylamide monomer, the grafted polyacrylamide, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

19. The tape of claim 17 or 18, further comprising an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof.

20. The tape of claim 19, wherein the total amount of the ungrafted polyacrylic acid, the ungrafted polyacrylamide, the ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or the blends thereof is 1 to 50 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

21. The tape of claim 13 or 14, further comprising an amount of grafted acrylonitrile monomer, grafted polyacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof.

22. The tape of claim 21, wherein the total amount of the grafted acrylonitrile monomer, the grafted polyacrylonitrile, or the combinations thereof is 20 to 55 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

23. The tape of claim 21 or 22, further comprising an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof.

24. The tape of claim 23, wherein the total amount of the ungrafted polyacrylic acid, the ungrafted polyacrylamide, the ungrafted polyacrylonitrile, or the blends thereof is 1 to 50 weight percent of the water-activated adhesive composition.

25. The tape of claim 13, wherein the substrate is cellulosic.

26. The tape of claim 13, wherein the substrate is paper.

27. The tape of claim 13, wherein the substrate is a water-soluble polymer.

28. The tape of claim 13, wherein the water-activated adhesive composition is directly coupled to the substrate.

29. The tape of claim 13, further comprising a reinforcing material.

30. The tape of claim 29, wherein the reinforcing material is positioned between the substrate and the water-activated adhesive.

31. The tape of claim 13, wherein the water-activated adhesive is directly coupled to the reinforcing material.

32. The tape of claim 13, wherein the grafted starch is higher in amylopectin than in amylose.

33. The tape of claim 13, wherein the grafted starch contains less than 10% amylose by weight.

34. The tape of claim 13, wherein the grafted starch contains less than 5% amylose by weight.

35. The tape of claim 13, wherein the grafted starch contains less than 2% amylose by weight.

36. The tape of claim 13, wherein the grafted starch is derived from waxy maize corn.

37. A method comprising: dispensing water-activated tape within a water-activated tape (WAT) apparatus; and metering a liquid on an adhesive layer of the water-activated tape using a WAT applicator.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the metering comprises disrupting the liquid on the adhesive layer during activation of an adhesive by the liquid on the adhesive layer.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the metering comprises controlling an amount of liquid introduced to the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein the metering comprises removing excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein the adhesive on the water-activated tape comprises: a starch grafted with an amount of acrylic acid monomer, acrylamide monomer, acrylonitrile monomer, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or combinations thereof; and optionally, an amount of ungrafted polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, or blends thereof.

42. The method of claim 37, wherein the metering performed by the WAT applicator results in a liquid pick-up of the adhesive layer that ranges from 10 to 20 Ibs/rm, inclusive.

43. The method of claim 37, wherein the WAT applicator comprises: a liquid applicator that deposits the liquid onto the adhesive layer of the water- activated tape; and a metering member that meters the liquid on the adhesive layer of water-activated tape.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the liquid applicator comprises one or more of a roller, a brush, a nozzle, a vaporizer, atomizer, or a mister.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the metering member comprises: a body; and a metering bar that extends from the body; wherein the metering bar disrupts the liquid on the adhesive layer, spreads the liquid over the adhesive layer, or removes excess liquid from the adhesive layer.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the metering member comprises: a body; and one or more disruption projections extending from the body; wherein the one or more disruption projections disrupt the liquid on the adhesive layer.

47. The method of claim 37, wherein the water-activated tape is applied to cartons at a speed of 150 to 250 feet per minute, inclusive.

48. A water-activated tape (WAT) applicator for applying a liquid to an adhesive layer of a water-activated tape, the WAT applicator comprising: a liquid applicator configured to receive a liquid from a liquid supply; wherein the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid on the adhesive layer of the water activated tape.

49. The WAT applicator of claim 48, wherein the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid by disrupting the liquid on the adhesive layer during activation of an adhesive by the liquid on the adhesive layer.

50. The WAT applicator of claim 48, wherein the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid by controlling an amount of liquid introduced to the adhesive layer of the water- activated tape.

51. The WAT applicator of claim 48, wherein the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid by removing excess liquid from the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape.

52. The WAT applicator of claim 48, wherein the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid to result in a liquid pick-up of the adhesive layer that ranges from 10 to 20 Ibs/rm, inclusive.

53. The WAT applicator of claim 48, wherein the liquid applicator is configured to introduce the liquid onto the adhesive layer of the water-activated tape, and wherein the WAT applicator further comprises: a metering member that is configured to meter the liquid on the adhesive layer of water-activated tape.

54. The WAT applicator of claim 53, wherein the liquid applicator comprises one or more of a roller, a brush, a nozzle, a vaporizer, atomizer, or a mister.

55. The WAT applicator of claim 53, wherein the metering member comprises: a body; and a metering bar that extends from the body; wherein the metering bar disrupts the liquid on the adhesive layer, spreads the liquid over the adhesive layer, or removes excess liquid from the adhesive layer.

56. The WAT applicator of claim 53, wherein the metering member comprises: a body; and one or more disruption projections extending from the body; wherein the one or more disruption projections disrupts the liquid on the adhesive layer.

57. The WAT applicator of claim 48, wherein the WAT applicator is configured to allow the application of the water-activated tape to cartons at a speed of 150 to 250 feet per minute, inclusive.

58. An automated carton sealing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a carton supply station; and at least one WAT applicator configured to aid in sealing a plurality of cartons supplied by the carton supply station using a water-activated tape, wherein the at least one WAT applicator comprises: a liquid applicator that is configured to receive a liquid from a liquid supply; wherein the WAT applicator is configured to meter the liquid on the adhesive layer of the water activated tape.