U.S. patent application number 10/857737 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for decorative pattern application kit.
Invention is credited to Smith, Ruth Marie.
Application Number | 20040237433 10/857737 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33438071 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040237433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith, Ruth Marie |
December 2, 2004 |
Decorative pattern application kit
Abstract
A decorative pattern application kit includes polymer plastic
panels with an adhesive adapted to adhere the panels to a smooth
surface. A smoothing tool is provided which is adapted to help free
the panels of any underlying air pockets or wrinkles and ensure the
adhesive adheres to the surface. Instructions are provide to guide
the homeowner in the use of the kit.
Inventors: |
Smith, Ruth Marie;
(Gordondale, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS & BUJOLD, P.L.L.C.
FOURTH FLOOR
500 N. COMMERCIAL STREET
MANCHESTER
NH
03101-1151
US
|
Family ID: |
33438071 |
Appl. No.: |
10/857737 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/311.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D21H 27/02 20130101;
B44C 1/105 20130101; B44C 7/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/311.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 002/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 28, 2003 |
CA |
2,430,399 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A decorative pattern application kit, comprising: polymer
plastic panels bearing decorative designs; an adhesive adapted to
adhere the panels to a smooth surface; a smoothing tool adapted to
free the panels of underlying air pockets or wrinkles; and
instructions.
2. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 1,
wherein there is also provided a container containing a liquid
surface preparation adapted to prepare the surface prior to
adhering the panels and an absorbent surface preparation
applicator.
3. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 1,
wherein each of the panels have a first end and a second end, a
first interlock profile being positioned at the first end, a second
interlock profile being positioned at the second end, the first
interlock profile and the second interlock profile being adapted to
interlock, such that the first interlock profile of one panel
interlocks with the second interlock profile of an adjacent panel
in end to end relation to ensure proper axial alignment.
4. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 1,
wherein the panels have transparent bodies, such that the surface
is visible through the transparent bodies.
5. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 1,
wherein the panels are resistant to ultra violet light.
6. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 1,
wherein the adhesive is pre-coated onto the panels and covered by a
peel off backing.
7. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 1,
wherein the adhesive has an initial setting time of at least 20
minutes, the panels being capable of being repositioned during the
setting time.
8. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 1,
wherein the adhesive bond is weakened when exposed to heat, thereby
allowing the panels to be removed.
9. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 2,
the liquid surface preparation being a citrus based cleaner.
10. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 8,
further including a nozzle adapted to be attached to a hair dryer
to facilitate the adhesive on the panels being heated by hot
air.
11. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 2,
wherein the absorbent preparation applicator is a sponge.
12. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 11,
wherein the sponge has an internal cavity adapted to receive the
liquid surface preparation, the internal cavity having an access
opening closable by a closure.
13. A decorative pattern application kit, comprising: polymer
panels, each of the panels having a first end and a second end, a
first interlock profile being positioned at the first end, a second
interlock profile being positioned at the second end, the first
interlock profile and the second interlock profile being adapted to
interlock, such that the first interlock profile of one panel
interlocks with the second interlock profile of an adjacent panel
in end to end relation to ensure proper axial alignment, the panels
having transparent bodies which carry decorative designs, such that
an underlying surface is visible through the transparent bodies,
the panels being resistant to ultra violet light; an adhesive
adapted to adhere the panels to a smooth surface, the adhesive
being an adhesive coating on the panels covered by a peel off
backing, the adhesive releasing when exposed to hot air from a hair
dryer, thereby allowing the panels to be removed; a container
containing a citrus based liquid surface preparation adapted to
prepare the surface prior to adhering the panels; an absorbent
surface preparation applicator, the applicator being a sponge; a
smoothing tool adapted to free the panels of any underlying air
pockets or wrinkles; and instructions.
14. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 13,
further including a nozzle adapted to be attached to a hair
dryer.
15. The decorative pattern application kit as defined in claim 13,
wherein the sponge has an internal cavity adapted to receive liquid
surface preparation, the internal cavity having an access opening
closable by a closure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a kit that may be used when
applying a decorative pattern to any relatively smooth surface,
such as a wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Decorative art is used to aesthetically enhance the
appearance of surfaces, such as walls. These patterns can be
created through stencilling, block printing, faux finishing, and
tromp l'oil painting. More commonly, the art is created with
wallpaper or wallpaper strips called borders. However, with
wallpaper or other covering strips, numerous problems can arise
such as matching the background of the printed art to the surface;
durability and cleaning of the art; and removal. Further, other
problems can arise during installation if the surface is not
properly prepared and if suitable measures are not taken to avoid
underlying air pockets and other such installation errors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] What is required is an application kit which will make it
easier for a homeowner to successfully apply decorative patterns
onto smooth surfaces, such as walls, wood panels or glass.
[0004] According to the present invention there is provided a
decorative pattern application kit which includes polymer plastic
panels bearing decorative patterns. Adhesive is provided which is
adapted to adhere the panels to a smooth surface. A smoothing tool
is provided which is adapted to help free the panels of any
underlying air pockets or wrinkles. Instructions are provide to
guide the homeowner in the use of the kit.
[0005] The basic kit, as described above, makes it easier for a
homeowner to successfully install a decorative pattern on a smooth
surface. There will now be described various "enhancements" which
can further improve the performance of the kit.
[0006] Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use
of the decorative pattern application kit, as described above,
better results may be obtained if the surface has been prepared to
receive the panel. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be
obtained when a container is provided containing a liquid surface
preparation adapted to prepare the surface prior to adhering the
panels. An absorbent surface preparation applicator is provided for
use in applying the liquid surface preparation.
[0007] Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use
of the decorative pattern application kit, as described above,
correct axial alignment is always a problem.
[0008] Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained
when each of the polymer panels have a first end and a second end;
with a first interlock profile being positioned at the first end
and a second interlock profile being positioned at the second end.
The first interlock profile and the second interlock profile are
adapted to interlock, such that the first interlock profile of one
panel interlocks with the second interlock profile of an adjacent
panel in end to end relation to ensure proper axial alignment.
[0009] Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use
of the decorative pattern application kit, as described above, even
more beneficial results may be obtained when the panels have
transparent bodies, such that the surface is visible through the
transparent bodies. When transparent panels are used, the finish no
longer looks like wallpaper or a related type of wall covering. The
decorative pattern becomes closer in appearance to the more
meticulous and expensive type of finishes, such as stencilling,
block printing, faux finishing or tromp l'oil painting.
[0010] Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use
of the decorative pattern application kit, as described above, it
would be undesirable for the transparent polymer panels to yellow
over time or for the decorative pattern to fade. Even more
beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the polymer
panels are resistant to ultra violet light.
[0011] Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use
of the decorative pattern application kit, as described above, even
more beneficial results may be obtained by overlaying a matte
laminate self-adhering layer of a clear polymer on the original
design layer of polymer.
[0012] Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use
of the decorative pattern application kit, as described above, the
use of adhesives can be messy. Even more beneficial results may,
therefore, be obtained when the adhesive used is in the form of an
adhesive coating on the panels covered by a peel off backing.
[0013] Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use
of the decorative pattern application kit, as described above, the
panels could be removed and exchanged with other design panels
easier if a second polymer substrate was adhered to the wall
beneath the first, while a first polymer matte finished design
layer adhered with a less tacky adhesive to the second substrate.
This would allow for easier removal of the design and replacement
with another design panel if and when desired. While the top panel
would be easily removed, the second substrate would require heat,
as from a blow dryer, to soften the glue before removal of the
substrate panel.
[0014] Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use
of the decorative pattern application kit, as described above,
mistakes are sometimes made when positioning the panels. Many
adhesives are permanent, so that the panel cannot be repositioned
or removed without destroying the panels and, in many cases,
risking damage to the surface.
[0015] Some adhesives are not tacky enough to allow repositioning
as panels will not adhere to the surface a second time. Even more
beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the adhesive is
imbedded with minuscule beads of stronger adhesive thereby allowing
the polymer panels to be removed or repositioned. Further, even
more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the
adhesive releases when exposed to heat, such as hot air from a hair
dryer. For this purpose, a nozzle adapted to be attached to a hair
dryer, may be added to the kit.
[0016] Beneficial results have been obtained when the absorbent
surface preparation applicator is a sponge. Although beneficial
results may be obtained through the use of a sponge, even more
beneficial results may be obtained when the sponge has an internal
cavity adapted to receive a liquid surface preparation, with the
internal cavity having an access opening closable by a closure,
such as a plug or cap. This special configuration of sponge enables
the homeowner to handle the liquid surface preparation in a most
convenient and tidy fashion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other features of the invention will become more
apparent from the following description in which reference is made
to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of
illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the
scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments
shown, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative pattern
application kit assembled in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of two panels as shown
in FIG. 1 with profile and backing.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a sponge as shown
in FIG. 1 adapted in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a panel being applied.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a panel being removed.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a door frame with panels
applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] The preferred embodiment, a decorative pattern application
kit generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3.
[0025] Structure and Relationship of Parts:
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, kit 10 has elongate polymer panels 12,
a smoothing tool 18 and instructions 20. In the illustrated
embodiment, a nozzle 22 adapted to be attached to a hair dryer may
be included. It will be appreciated that other means of heating may
be used. Referring to FIG. 2, panels 12 have a first face 24, a
second face 26, a first end 28, a second end 30, and, preferably, a
transparent body 32. A first interlock profile 34 is positioned on
body 32 at first end 28. A second interlock profile 36 is
positioned at second end 30. It is preferred, according to the
teachings of the invention, that panels 12 be made of a ultraviolet
light-resistant material. An adhesive 38, adapted to adhere panels
12 to a smooth surface, is applied to second face 26. A peel off
backing 40 covers adhesive 38 on second face 26. First interlock
profile 34 at first end 28 interlocks with second interlock profile
36 at second end 30. Referring to FIG. 3, applicator sponge 16 has
an inner cavity 42 with an access opening 44 adapted to receive
liquid surface preparation. A plug 46 closes opening 44.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment, kit may also contain a
container 14 which containing a liquid surface preparation adapted
to prepare a smooth surface for adhering panels 12, an absorbent
surface preparation applicator sponge 16 as illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0028] Operation:
[0029] The use and operation of decorative pattern application kit
10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6.
Referring to FIG. 2, backing 40 is peeled away from second face 26
of a panel 12 exposing adhesive 38. Referring to FIG. 4, once each
panel 12 is positioned in a desired orientation, smoothing tool 18
is used to press and `work` each panel 12 flat to the surface. Once
one panel 12 has been carefully installed, such as by using a chalk
line to ensure proper alignment, the installation of all subsequent
panels 12 is simplified by interlocking first interlock profile 34
at first end 28 of one panel 12 with second interlock profile 36 at
second end 30 of an adjacent panel 12. When the panels 12 are
interlocked they maintain their alignment with the first panel 12.
Each panel 12 has a completed design at either end so the
decorative patterns can begin or end with each panel 12. Referring
to FIG. 5, should the need arise to remove a panel 12, heat is
applied to soften adhesive 38. In the illustrated embodiment, a
hair dryer with nozzle 22 may be used.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a door frame 48
around which panels 12 have been affixed to a surface 50
surrounding door frame 48. In order to allow panels 12 to be
arranged in a continuous fashion around corners 52 of door frame
48, some panels 12 have been formed into corner panels 54. While
the illustrated embodiment shows corner panels 54, it will be
appreciated that panels 12 could also be formed in other shapes so
as to facilitate placement around obstacles or to enhance
decorative arrangements of panels 12.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, it will be appreciated that
where kit 10 also contains container 14 containing a liquid surface
preparation adapted to prepare a smooth surface for adhering panels
12 and an absorbent surface preparation applicator sponge 16, then,
sponge 16 is filled with liquid surface preparation from container
14. Plug 46 is inserted into opening 44. Solution is then applied
to a surface by gently pressing sponge 16 to the surface and moving
sponge 16 over the area to be prepared. It should be noted that the
application of panels 12 are normally done individually. Referring
to FIG. 2, once the surface is dry, backing 40 is peeled away from
second face 26 of a panel 12 exposing adhesive 38. Panels 12 can
then be positioned in a desired orientation and smoothed as
described above.
[0032] There are various types of liquid surface preparation which
may be used. The critical factor is simply to ensure that the
surface is clean. It has been found that petroleum based cleaners
leave an oily residue which adversely affects the adhesion of the
panels. It has also been found that ammonia based cleaners cause a
deterioration in the panels. It has been further found that other
cleaners leave a residue. A sign that the cleaner may leave a
residue is a "clouding" which occurs when the cleaner is diluted by
water. Beneficial results have been obtained through the use of
citrus based cleaners. There are a number that are commercially
available, such as sold under the brand name "Clear Power" by
Melaleuca.
[0033] There are various adhesives which can be used bearing in
mind the properties which are desired. Beneficial results have been
obtained through the use of a permanent clear solvent acrylic. The
adhesive is a permanent pressure sensitive acrylic. The coat weight
is 22 gsm nominal. Adhesion to glass in 20 minutes is 15N/25 mm
nominal. Adhesion to glass after 24 hours is 20N/25 mm nominal.
Perceived tack is medium. Shear strength is medium to high.
Temperature range for application is 5 degrees Celsius to 60
degrees Celsius. Temperature range in service is 30 degrees Celsius
to 110 degrees Celsius.
[0034] The panel has a gauge of 70 mym nominal. Tensile strength is
47 N/25 mm M.D. and 43N/25 mm T.D. nominal. Elongation is 180%
nominal. Shrinkage is minimal. Finish is available in either matt
or gloss. The type of finish selected depends upon the surface to
be covered. Suitable panels can be obtained through Ultramark
Adhesive Products Ltd. The panels can be obtained pre-coated with
adhesive and having a removable backing.
[0035] Preferred Version of Decorative Kit Includes:
[0036] Clear polymer panels of medium tackiness with peel away
backing, the primary layer being of UV resistant polymer and
printed with UV resistant ink on the top side, and medium adhesive
backing on the underside side. An imbedded adhesive can also be
used with miniscule beads of extra adhesive that, once broken, will
adhere to the desired surface more permanently, allowing for
repositioning of the panel before beads are broken and glue
sets.
[0037] A matte laminate polymer may also be applied over the design
layer for protection of the design and to reduce the glare of
reflected light once the design layer has been applied.
Alternatively, the original polymer of the design layer may have a
matte finish.
[0038] A smoothing tool wider than the width of the panel used to
affix the polymer panel more permanently to the desired surface so
as to smooth but not stretch the panel. Further, if miniscule beads
are imbedded in the lighter tacky adhesive, a squeegee or a firmer
plastic tool could help to break the beads thus allowing firmer
adhesion to the surface.
[0039] Optionally a matte spray laminate finisher and sealer in a
ready-to-use applicator to seal the surface and/or edges of the
panels if desired, and to provide an extra non-glare finish to
diminish the reflected light.
[0040] Optionally a hair blow dryer attachment with a wider than
6".times.1/2" raised opening at one end and a cuff on the other for
universal attachment to the blow dryer. Inside the cuff will be an
inner conical shaped sleeve with slits that will allow for
adaptation to various common sizes of blow dryers.
[0041] Optionally liquid surface cleaning and preparation solution
in an plastic container and liquid surface preparation applicator,
preferably with cylinder cutout lined with less porous material and
a closure such as a plug or cap. Liquid surface preparation is
inserted into the cylinder and is forced through holes toward the
rounded applicator side and onto the surface. The application side
of the sponge is curved and at least 6" high with a cutout on the
opposite side for easy gripping. Once solution is inserted into the
cylinder and closed, press sponge gently against the desired
surface allowing the solution to soak into the sponge and onto the
surface.
[0042] Instructions on how to apply and remove the product, along
with a flyer showing examples of other designs and finished
product; and possibly an instructional disc for computer or
DVD.
[0043] Method of Application, Removal, and Reuse
[0044] To prepare desired surface, remove closure from sponge and
fill with preparation solution then replace closure. Holding onto
the grip edge, place the opposite edge against the desired surface
and gently press, moving the solution soaked applicator or sponge
over the area where the decorative panels will be placed.
[0045] Once the surface is dry, measure and/or mark the surface
area where the panel it to be placed, then peel the backing
approximately half the length of the decorative panel and apply the
panel to the prepared surface, discarding the rest of the backing
once the panel is adhered. It is preferable to peel the backing off
in 2 stages so panel doesn't adhere to itself during application.
Start at the centre of the surface area and the centre of the first
panel and work toward the edge of the surface. Be sure the panel is
where you want it before smoothing. It is suggested that user
measure and mark with erasable material (i.e. chalk) if desired
before positioning the panels. Once panel is on the surface,
reposition if needed to the desired place then gently press the
panel to the surface and squeegee over the top, working from the
centre to the edge to free the panel of any air pockets or
wrinkles. If an air pocket or wrinkle exists, gently peel the panel
from the surface past the pocket or wrinkle and smooth and squeegee
once again.
[0046] Optionally, when all the panels are in place, finish and
seal with the matte laminate spray if desired. Do not inhale. Or a
matte layer of polymer may be used. The matte laminate will keep
dust and other particles from adhering to the edges of the panel,
and will also cut down on the reflected light on the panel surface,
making the design more prominent.
[0047] When removing the panels, apply the specially designed
attachment to the blow dryer end and gently and evenly heat the
surface of the panel in order to soften the adhesive. Once warm,
carefully peel the panel from the surface and discard. Reuse of the
panels is not recommended.
[0048] Once the panel is removed, wash the surface with the liquid
preparation solution or a stronger solution if necessary to remove
any residue of adhesive.
[0049] The above described decorative panel is versatile enough to
be used on a variety of surfaces, is durable, allowing for
reasonable exposure to sunlight, is washable with a damp cloth,
repositionable for a time duration of approximately 20 minutes,
semi-permanent, and removable when desired, and may be transparent
to allow the original surface to show through the panel thus
matching panel background to the surface, and further, may be
interlocking. Most decorative panels (i.e. wallpaper, or other
polymer products) adhere to the surface permanently or
semi-permanently, and are removed at cost and damage to the
surface, either leaving some of the product behind or taking some
of the surface off with removal.
[0050] The use of UV resistant ink and UV resistant polymer
guarantees the panels for at least three years in direct or
indirect sunlight. Such polymers are not generally used indoors,
though sunlight often discolors interior decor. Further, the clear
polymer allows for the original surface to show through the panel
making matching of the panel background to the surface unnecessary.
The original surface will show through the design at places, making
the design appear to be painted onto the surface without the time
and cost of hand producing such designs. Currently stenciling,
block printing, and faux or tromp l'oil painting are the ways
designs are affixed to surfaces. Wallpapers are solid colors and
are often difficult to remove. Other polymer or vinyl decorative
materials are usually also solid, not allowing the original surface
to show through, or do not adhere permanently enough to the
surface, or are permanent and unable to be removed. To use a clear
removable semi-permanent polymer takes care of these problems,
saving the consumer time and trouble, easily matching surface
colour to the decor, while producing the finished design of their
choosing.
[0051] This kit allows for the various lifestyles of the consumer:
preparing and cleaning the surface so the panels will adhere; and
providing washable, UV resistant ink on decorative panels that are
repositionable for a time duration of approximately 20 minutes,
semi-permanent, but removable when desired with help of the special
attachment.
[0052] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in
its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are
included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A
reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not
exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements is
present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and
only one of the elements.
[0053] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that
modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
defined in the Claims.
* * * * *