# How Richard Drew Invented Modern Transparent Adhesive Tape > The 1930 patent for the first pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, which replaced messy glues and paper tapes with a convenient, clear, and sticky strip. - **Patent:** US 1760820 - **Original title:** Adhesive tape - **Owner:** Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co - **Granted:** 1930 - **Status:** Public domain (expired) - **Times cited:** 20 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, materials ## What it does This patent describes a strip of flexible material, such as cellophane, coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Unlike previous tapes that required heat or water to activate, this invention relies on a tacky substance that sticks immediately upon contact with a surface. The design includes a backing that is strong enough to hold items together but thin enough to remain flexible and transparent. It allows users to join materials like paper or fabric without leaving thick, unsightly residues or requiring complex application tools. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover tapes that require heat to activate the adhesive. - Does not cover water-activated tapes like traditional gummed paper. - Does not cover non-flexible backing materials like metal sheets. - Does not cover adhesives that are not pressure-sensitive. ## The clever bit The innovation was balancing the adhesive's 'tackiness' to ensure it stuck firmly to the target surface while still being able to be unrolled from its own backing without tearing or losing its stickiness. ## Real-world examples 1. Scotch Brand transparent tape 2. Office supply adhesive tapes 3. Cellophane gift wrapping tapes ## Why it matters This invention fundamentally changed how we package, repair, and organize items. It led to the creation of the Scotch Tape brand, which became a household staple and a primary revenue driver for 3M for decades. It remains one of the most successful examples of industrial chemistry applied to consumer convenience. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How Richard Drew Invented Modern Transparent Adhesive Tape cover? The 1930 patent for the first pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, which replaced messy glues and paper tapes with a convenient, clear, and sticky strip. ### Who owns patent US 1760820? Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co owns this patent, granted in 1930. ### When does this patent expire? This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely. ### What is patent US 1760820 cited by? This patent has been cited by 20 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This invention fundamentally changed how we package, repair, and organize items. It led to the creation of the Scotch Tape brand, which became a household staple and a primary revenue driver for 3M for decades. It remains one of the most successful examples of industrial chemistry applied to consumer convenience. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover tapes that require heat to activate the adhesive. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1760820/scotch-tape-adhesive-drew **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US1760820 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [The Invention of the Modern Adhesive Bandage](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1612267/band-aid-adhesive-bandage) — A 1926 patent by Johnson and Johnson for the first mass-produced, sterile adhesive bandage, commonly known as the Band-Aid. - [The Sticky Microscopic Beads Behind Post-it Notes](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4166152/post-it-note-adhesive) — 3M's 1977 patent on tiny, naturally sticky plastic beads that can stick to a surface, peel off easily without leaving residue, and be reused over and over again. - [Sticky, Tiny Plastic Balls Made from Acrylates](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3691140/post-it-repositionable-adhesive) — This 1972 patent describes how to make tiny, sticky, and durable plastic balls (microspheres) using a specific mix of acrylate chemicals and a special water-based process. - [How Tamper-Proof Labels That Break Into Pieces Work](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5013088/disintegratable-masking-label) — A simple security sticker designed to break into tiny, unrecoverable pieces if someone tries to peel it off, making it impossible to hide or alter sensitive information. - [How Gideon Sundback Invented the Modern Zipper](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1219881/zipper-separable-fastener) — The 1917 patent for the separable fastener that perfected the design of the modern zipper using interlocking teeth on two flexible tapes.