Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Decorative Pattern Application Kit
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a kit that may be used
when applying a decorative pattern to a surface, such as a
wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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 f 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 of the wall is not
properly prepared and if suitable measures are not taken to
avoid underlying air pockets and other such installation
errors.
SUN~1A,RY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an application kit which will make
it easier for a homeowner to successfully apply decorative
patterns onto walls and other surfaces.
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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 surface.
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.
A smoothing tool is provided which is adapted to free the
panels of any underlying air pockets or wrinkles.
Instructions are provide to guide the homeowner in the use
of the kit.
The basic kit, as described above, makes it easier for
a homeowner to successfully install a decorative pattern.
There will now be described various "enhancements" which can
further improve the performance of the kit.
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. 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
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relation to ensure proper axial alignment.
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 wall 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 applied directly
to the wall, such as stencilling, block printing, faux
finishing or tromp f oil painting.
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.
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.
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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.
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 miniscule 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.
Beneficial results have been obtained when the
absorbent wall 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 wall preparation in a most
convenient and tidy fashion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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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:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a decorative pattern
application kit assembled in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a detailed perspective view of two panels
as shown in FIGURE 1 with profile and backing.
FIGURE 3 is a detailed perspective view of a sponge as
shown in FIGURE 1 adapted in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention.
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a panel being
applied.
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a panel being
removed.
FIGURE 6 is a front elevation view of a door frame with
panels applied.
DETAINED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED E1~ODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a decorative pattern
application kit generally identified by reference numeral
10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1
through 3.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIGURE 1, kit 10 has elongate polymer
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panels 12, a container, 14 containing a 7_iquid surface
preparation adapted to prepare a surface for adhering
panels 12, an absorbent wall preparation applicator sponge
16, 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
FIGURE 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 wall 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 FIGURE 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.
Operation:
The use and operation of decorative pattern
application kit 10 will now be described with reference to
FIGURES 1 through 6. Referring to FIGURES 1 and 3, sponge
16 is filled with liquid surface preparation from container
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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 FIGURE 2, once the
surface is dry, backing 40 is peeled away from second face
26 of a panel 12 exposing adhesive 38. Referring to FIGURE
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 FIGURE 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.
Referring to FIGURE 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
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12 could also be formed in other shapes so as to facilitate
placement around obstacles or to enhance decorative
arrangements of panels 12.
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 i_n 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.
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 22gsm nominal.
Adhesion to glass in 20 minutes is 15N/25mm nominal.
Adhesion to glass after 24 hours is 20N/25mm nominal.
Perceived tack is medium. Shear strength is medium to high.
Temperature range for application is 5 degrees celcius to 60
degrees celcius. Temperature range in service is 30 degrees
celcius to 110 degrees celcius.
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The panel has a gauge of 70mym nominal. Tensile
strength is 47 N/25mm M.D. and 43N125mm T.D. nominal.
Elongation is 1800 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.
Preferred Version of Decorative Kit includes:
Surface cleaning and preparation solution in a plastic container
(a ready to use liquid surface preparation).
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.
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
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repositioning of the panel before beads are broken and glue sets.
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.
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.
Optionally a hair blow dryer attachment with a wider than 6" X ~"
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.
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.
Method of Application, Removal, and Reuse
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,
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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, then 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 of in 2 stages so panel doesn't adhere to itself during
application. Start at the centre of the surface 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.
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.
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.
Once the panel is removed, wash the surface with the liquid
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preparation solution or a stronger solution if necessary to remove
any residue of adhesive.
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.
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 discolours 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 also 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 stencilling, block printing, and faux or tromp f oil
painting are the ways designs are affixed to surfaces. Wallpapers
are solid colours 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.
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To use a clear removable semi-permanent polymer takes care of
these problems, saving the consumer time and trouble, more easily
matching surface colour to the decor, while producing the finished
design of their choosing.
This kit allows for the various lifestyles of the consumer:
preparing and cleaning the surface so the panels will adheres 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.
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.
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.
