Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
= CA 02706168 2010-05-31
MAGNETIC WALLPAPER SYSTEMS
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to magnetic wallpaper systems. More particularly, this
invention relates to providing a magnetic wallpaper system comprising reusable
wallpaper.
Also, this invention relates to providing a system comprising magnetically
attachable
wallpaper making such magnetically attachable wallpaper easy to install and
remove.
Conventional adhesive wallpaper is single-use. Conventional wallpaper is un-
useable after it has been removed and must be discarded. The inability to re-
use wallpaper
limits wallpaper-customization of walls and other surfaces which might be
covered by
wallpaper. Wallpaper installation, likewise, is made more difficult since once
placed it is
difficult to move, even slightly, for example to align a wallpaper pattern. In
addition to
the above, water-activated adhesive wallpaper installation is messy and
requires purchase
of adhesive, rollers, blades, etc.
No system exists that overcomes the above problems, provides wallpaper
reusability and the ability to align and realign wallpaper, and does not
require the purchase
of adhesive, rollers, blades, etc.
Therefore, a need exists for a wallpaper system overcoming the above-mentioned
needs that is easy to install, modify, and customize.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a magnetic
wallpaper system overcoming the above-mentioned problems.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a
magnetic
wallpaper system that may be moved from one location to another.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a
wallpaper
system that may be installed without wetting the wallpaper.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a
wallpaper
system that may be installed without wetting, or applying a wet adhesive.
Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a
magnetic
wallpaper system that is easy to install, remove, adjust, align, realign,
etc., without damage
to the wallpaper or to the wallpaper-applied wall.
A further object and feature of the present invention is to provide a method
to
custom print patterns, images, graphics, photos, etc., on magnetic wallpaper.
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Yet another object and feature of the present invention is to provide themed
magnetic wallpaper that may be easily "swapped" with prior-installed magnetic
wallpaper
to quickly alter a room to a desired theme.
Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide pre-printed
magnetic wallpaper that may be placed onto a metallic object.
Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide pre-printed
magnetic wallpaper that may be placed, and easily removed from, a metal locker
wall
surface.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
such a
system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features
of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a
method, relating to covering building walls and related essentially flat
surfaces using rolls
of flexible wall-coverings, comprising the steps of: unrolling and cutting
strips of such
wall-coverings; securely attaching such cut strips, in a non-wetted condition,
to respective
portions of surfaces to be covered; wherein such strips may be unattached from
such
surfaces without harm to such strips and such surfaces. Moreover, it provides
such a
method, wherein such attached strips may be moved after being so unattached
and re-used
on another such surfaces. Additionally, it provides such a method, further
comprising the
step of magnetically preparing respective portions of surfaces to be covered
with magnetic
paint; wherein such strips of such wall-coverings comprise at least one
magnetic material.
Also, it provides such a method, further comprising the step of magnetically
preparing
respective portions of surfaces to be covered with magnetic paint; wherein
such strips of
such wall-coverings comprise at least one magnetic material.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
method, relating to covering building walls and related essentially flat
surfaces,
comprising the step(s) of. providing at least one plurality of adjoinable,
flexible, wall-
covering strips; and securely attaching, in an adjoining relation, at least
two such wall-
covering strips, in a non-wetted condition, to respective portions of surfaces
to be covered.
In addition, it provides such a method, further comprising the step(s) of
removing such at
least two such wall-covering strips, also in a non-wetted condition without
harm to such at
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least two wall-covering strips and such surfaces. And, it provides such a
method, further
comprising the step of magnetically preparing respective portions of surfaces
to be
covered with magnetic paint; wherein such wall-covering strips comprise at
least one
magnetic material. Further, it provides such a method, further comprising the
step of
magnetically preparing respective portions of surfaces to be covered with
magnetic paint;
wherein such wall-covering strips comprise at least one magnetic material.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
method, relating to covering building walls and related essentially flat
surfaces,
comprising the steps of: providing magnetically preparing respective portions
of surfaces
to be covered; providing at least one plurality of magnetic, flexible, wall-
covering strips
wherein such strips may be magnetically attached to such surfaces to be
covered; and
securely attaching, in an adjoining relation, at least two such wall-covering
strips, in a
non-wetted condition, to respective portions of surfaces to be covered.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
wall-covering system, relating to covering at least one portion of at least
one wall, such
system comprising: at least one plurality of flexible-material, wall-covering
strips adjoined
to cover at least one substantial portion of such at least one wall; and at
least one
releasable attachment system positioned immediately adjacent such at least one
substantial
portion of such at least one wall; wherein such releasable attachment system
is structured
and arranged to permit non-destructive removal of such wall-covering strips
from such at
least one portion of such at least one wall. Even further, it provides such a
wall-covering
system, wherein such removed wall-covering strips are structured and arranged
to be re-
used. Moreover, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such wall-
covering
strips comprise at least one printable surface. Additionally, it provides such
a wall-
covering system, wherein such at least one printable surface comprises printed
photography. Also, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at
least one
printable surface comprises printed art.
In addition, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at least
one
printable surface comprises at least one portion of at least one serial theme.
And, it
provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at least one serial theme
relates to at
least one of the group comprising: at least one convention; at least one
holiday; at least
one season; at least one celebration; at least one event; at least one
honoring of at least one
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individual; at least one honoring of at least one relationship; at least one
educational
theme; and at least one advertisement. Further, it provides such a wall-
covering system,
wherein such at least one wall-covering is attachable to at least one
magnetically prepared
wall. Even further, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at
least one wall
cover is cut from a roll of flexible material. Moreover, it provides such a
wall-covering
system, further comprising the at least one portion of at least one wall;
wherein such at
least one portion of at least one wall is covered using wall-coverings
comprising at least
one printed surface; such printed surface comprising at least one portion of
at least one
serial theme.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
method of wallpapering at least one portion of at least one wall comprising
the step(s) of:
providing materials to magnetically prepare such at least one portion of at
least one wall;
providing at least one wall cover comprising at least one releasable
attachment system to
attach such at least one wall cover to such magnetically prepared at least one
portion of at
least one wall; attaching such at least one wall cover to such at least one
magnetically
prepared at least one portion of at least one wall. Additionally, it provides
such a method,
wherein the step of providing at least one wall cover comprises the step(s) of
providing
selecting at least one image to be printed on such at least one wall cover.
Also, it provides
such a method, wherein the step of providing at least one wall cover further
comprises the
step(s) of providing assisting renting such at least one wall cover. In
addition, it provides
such a method, wherein the step of providing selecting at least one image to
be printed on
such at least one wall cover comprises the step(s) of providing assisting
printing at least
one advertisement on such at least one wall cover.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
wall-covering system, relating to covering at least one portion of at least
one wall, such
system comprising: wall-covering means for substantially covering at least one
portion of
at least one wall; wherein such wall-covering means comprises attaching means
for
attaching such wall-covering means to such at least one portion of at least
one wall;
wherein such attaching means comprises releaser means for releasing such wall-
covering
means from such at least one portion of at least one wall; and wherein such
attaching
means are substantially retained even after such wall-covering means is
released from
such at least one portion of at least one wall.
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In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
wall-covering system, relating to covering at least one portion of at least
one wall, such
system comprising: at least one wall cover to cover at least one portion of at
least one
wall; wherein such at least one wall cover comprises at least one attacher to
attach such
wall cover to such at least one portion of at least one wall; wherein such
attacher
comprises at least one releaser to release such wall cover from such at least
one portion of
at least one wall; and wherein such attacher is substantially retained even
after such wall
cover is released from such at least one portion of at least one wall. And, it
provides such
a method, wherein such wall-covering comprises at least one printable surface.
Further, it provides such a method, wherein such at least one printable
surface
comprises printed photography. Even further, it provides such a method,
wherein such at
least one printable surface comprises printed art. Even further, it provides
such a method,
wherein such at least one printable surface comprises at least one portion of
at least one
serial theme. Even further, it provides such a method, wherein such at least
one serial
theme relates to at least one of the group comprising: at least one
convention; at least one
holiday; at least one season; at least one celebration; at least one event; at
least one
honoring of at least one individual; at least one honoring of at least one
relationship; at
least one educational theme; and at least one advertisement. Even further, it
provides such
a system, wherein such flexible-material, wall-covering strips comprise at
least one sheet
magnet layer less than about 20 mil. Even further, it provides such a system,
wherein such
flexible-material, wall-covering strips comprise at least one sheet magnet
layer less than
about 15 mil in thickness.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a
wall-
covering system, relating to covering at least one portion of at least one
metallic-
containing wall, such system comprising: at least one wall cover to cover at
least one
portion of the at least one metallic-containing wall; wherein such at least
one wall cover
comprises at least one flexible magnetic sheet to magnetically attach such
wall cover to
such at least one portion of the at least one metallic-containing wall;
wherein such at least
one wall cover comprises at least one patterned sheet portion bonded to such
at least one
flexible magnetic sheet; wherein such at least one patterned sheet portion
comprises at
least one pattern-void portion structured and arranged to receive and display
replaceable
indicia; wherein such at least one patterned sheet portion comprises at least
one surface
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structured and arranged to assist dry-erase marking; and wherein such at least
one flexible
magnetic sheet comprises essentially the same area dimension as such at least
one
patterned sheet portion.
Moreover, it provides such a wall-covering system wherein such at least one
pattern-void portion is structured and arranged to receive and display written
readable
messages. Additionally, it provides such a wall-covering system wherein: such
at least
one wall cover is structured and arranged to be of sufficient longitudinal
dimension to be
rolled into a roll; and such rolled wall cover remains in such rolled state
unassisted. Also,
it provides such a wall-covering system wherein such sufficient longitudinal
dimension is
greater than about twelve inches. In addition, it provides such a wall-
covering system
wherein such sufficient longitudinal dimension is about thirty-six inches.
And, it provides
such a wall-covering system wherein at least one wall cover is structure and
arranged to fit
at least one interior wall of at least one metallic locker. Further, it
provides such a wall-
covering system wherein at least one wall cover comprises: about twelve inches
in width;
and about thirty-six inches in length.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a
wall-
covering system, relating to covering at least one portion of at least one
wall comprising
magnetically-attractive materials, such system comprising: at least one wall
cover
structured and arranged to substantially cover at least one portion of the at
least one wall;
wherein such at least one wall cover comprises at least one flexible magnetic
sheet to
magnetically attach such wall cover to such at least one portion of the at
least one wall;
wherein such at least one wall cover comprises at least one patterned sheet
portion bonded
to such at least one flexible magnetic sheet; wherein such at least one
patterned sheet
portion comprises at least one pattern-void portion structured and arranged to
receive and
to display replaceable indicia; wherein such at least one patterned sheet
portion comprises
at least one surface structured and arranged to assist such replaceable
indicia marking; and
wherein such at least one flexible magnetic sheet comprises essentially the
same area
dimension as such at least one patterned sheet portion.
Moreover, it provides such a wall-covering system wherein such at least one
pattern-void portion is structured and arranged to receive and display written
readable
messages. Additionally, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such
at least
one wall cover further comprises printed photography. Also, it provides such a
wall-
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covering system, wherein such at least one wall cover further comprises
printed art. In
addition, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at least one
wall cover
further comprises at least one portion of at least one serial theme.
And, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at least one serial
theme relates to at least one of the group consisting essentially of. at least
one convention;
at least one holiday; at least one season; at least one celebration; at least
one event; at least
one honoring of at least one individual; at least one honoring of at least one
relationship; at
least one educational theme; at least one advertisement. Further, it provides
such a wall-
covering system wherein: such at least one wall cover is structured and
arranged to be of
sufficient longitudinal dimension to be rolled into a roll; and such rolled
wall cover
remains in such rolled state unassisted.
Even further, it provides such a wall-covering system wherein such sufficient
longitudinal dimension is greater than about twelve inches. Moreover, it
provides such a
wall-covering system wherein such sufficient longitudinal dimension is about
thirty-six
inches. Additionally, it provides such a wall-covering system wherein at least
one wall
cover is structure and arranged to fit at least one interior wall of at least
one metallic
locker. Also, it provides such a wall-covering system wherein at least one
wall cover
comprises: about twelve inches in width; and about thirty-six inches in
length.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
wall-covering system, relating to covering at least one substantial portion of
at least one
wall, such system comprising: at least one flexible-material wall-covering
strip structured
and arranged to cover the at least one substantial portion of the at least one
wall; and at
least one releasable attacher structured and arranged to attach such at least
one flexible-
material wall-covering strip to the at least one substantial portion of the at
least one wall
while such at least one flexible-material wall-covering strip and the at least
one substantial
portion of the at least one wall are immediately adjacent; wherein such
releasable
attachment system is structured and arranged to permit non-destructive removal
of such at
least one flexible-material wall-covering strip from the at least one
substantial portion of
the at least one wall. In addition, it provides such a wall-covering system
wherein such at
least one releasable attacher comprises at least one magnetic field structured
and arranged
to magnetically attach such at least one flexible-material wall-covering strip
to the at least
one substantial portion of the at least one wall.
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And, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at least one
flexible-
material wall-covering strip is structured and arranged to be re-used after
removal from the
at least one substantial portion of the at least one wall. Further, it
provides such a wall-
covering system, wherein such at least one flexible-material wall-covering
strip comprises
at least one printable surface. Even further, it provides such a wall-covering
system
wherein such at least one printable surface is structured and arranged to
accept writing.
Moreover, it provides such a wall-covering system wherein such at least one
flexible-
material wall-covering strip further comprises at least one writeable surface
structured and
arranged to accept writing. Additionally, it provides such a wall-covering
system wherein
such at least one writable surface is structured and arranged to permit
erasing of such
writing. Also, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at least
one printable
surface comprises printed photography.
In addition, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such at least
one
printable surface comprises printed art. And, it provides such a wall-covering
system,
wherein such at least one printable surface comprises at least one portion of
at least one
serial theme. Further, it provides such a wall-covering system, wherein such
at least one
serial theme relates to at least one of the group consisting essentially of:
at least one
convention; at least one holiday; at least one season; at least one
celebration; at least one
event; at least one honoring of at least one individual; at least one honoring
of at least one
relationship; at least one educational theme; at least one advertisement. Even
further, it
provides such a system, wherein such at least one flexible-material wall-
covering strip
comprises at least one sheet magnet layer of less than about 20 mil. Even
further, it
provides such a system, wherein such at least one flexible-material wall-
covering strip
comprises at least one sheet magnet layer of less than about 15 mil in
thickness.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
wall-covering system, relating to covering at least one portion of at least
one wall, such
system comprising: wall-covering means for substantially covering the at least
one portion
of the at least one wall; wherein such wall-covering means comprises magnetic
attacher
means for magnetically attaching such wall-covering means to the at least one
portion of
the at least one wall; wherein such magnetic attacher means comprises releaser
means for
releasing such wall-covering means from the at least one portion of the at
least one wall;
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and wherein such magnetic attacher means is substantially retained even after
such wall-
covering means is released from the at least one portion of the at least one
wall.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a
wall-covering system, relating to covering at least one portion of at least
one wall, such
system comprising: at least one wall cover structured and arranged to cover
the at least one
portion of the at least one wall; wherein such at least one wall cover
comprises at least one
attacher structured and arranged to attach such wall cover to the at least one
portion of the
at least one wall; wherein such attacher comprises at least one releaser to
release such wall
cover from the at least one portion of the at least one wall; and wherein such
attacher is
substantially retained even after such wall cover is released from the at
least one portion of
the at least one wall.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides each
and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or
suggested
by this patent application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating a room in a structure with a
preferred
magnetic wallpaper system installed, according to the preferred embodiment of
the present
invention.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of a wall with the magnetic wallpaper system
installed,
illustrating printed images, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view illustrating a roll of a magnetic wallpaper
strip
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 shows the enlarged sectional view 4-4 of FIG. 2 of a preferred magnetic
wallpaper strip installed on a wall, illustrating a preferred magnetic
attractive force,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 shows the sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 2 of magnetic wallpaper strip
installed
on the wall, illustrating a magnetic wallpaper installation system, according
to the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
wholesale supply system, comprising magnetic wallpaper product flow to a
retail
distributer, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
retail sales system, comprising retail distribution to at least one customer,
according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
product and services system, comprising professional services interaction with
product
flow, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
professional services system, illustrating contracted professional services,
according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
rotation system, comprising wall covering rotation services, according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
licensing agreement system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 12 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
data processing system, illustrating processing and reporting of sales data,
according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
information exchange system, illustrating messaging and exchange of sales
data,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 shows a perspective view, illustrating a locker with a preferred
magnetic
wallpaper of the magnetic wallpaper system installed on an inside wall of the
locker,
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 shows a perspective view, illustrating another locker with preferred
magnetic wallpaper of the magnetic wallpaper system installed on an inside
wall of the
locker, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a preferred use of rolled magnetic
wallpaper
for use on a locker according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of unrolled magnetic wallpaper for use on a
locker according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.
FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of sheet magnetic wallpaper for use on a
locker
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 14.
CA 02706168 2010-05-31
FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of sheet magnetic wallpaper illustrating an
exterior surface for use with a dry erase marker.
FIG. 20 shows a section view through section 20-20 of FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES
AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating a room in a structure with a
preferred
magnetic wallpaper system 100 installed, according to a preferred embodiment
of the
present invention. Magnetic wallpaper system 100 preferably comprises at least
one
magnetic wall covering 110, as shown, capable of substantially covering at
least one
portion of at least one wall 120. Magnetic wall covering 110 preferably
comprises at least
one printed image 140 printed on a printable surface of magnetic wall covering
110, as
shown (printed image 140 is shown as an amorphous shape and in dotted lines to
illustrate
that any size and shape of printed image may potentially be printed on wall
covering 110;
conventional wallpaper typically displays a pattern). Magnetic wall covering
110
preferably comprises at least one magnetic wallpaper strip 130, as shown.
Magnetic
wallpaper strip 130 is preferably between about 20 inches and about 27 inches
in width,
preferably about 24 inches. Magnetic wallpaper strip 130 preferably may be
provided in
portions (pre-sized) or in rolls. Upon reading this specification, those with
ordinary skill
in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such
issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,
structural
requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other size
arrangements
such as, for example, pre-sizes to fit certain magnetic surfaces, lockers,
doors, electrical
panels, window frames, etc., may suffice.
Magnetic wallpaper strip 130 is preferably removable and preferably reusable.
Magnetic wallpaper strip 130 is installed preferably by application directly
onto wall 120,
preferably by unrolling. Magnetic wallpaper strip 130 is also preferably
attachable to wall
120 in a non-wetted condition. At least one magnetically-attractive paint 220,
as shown in
FIG. 4, preferably is used to prepare wall 120, when not comprising
magnetically
attractive materials, so as to form at least one magnetic attractive force 210
between wall
120 and magnetic wallpaper strip 130. Magnetically-attractive paint 220
preferably
comprises paint mixed with ferrous materials, preferably comprising about 14
pounds (lbs)
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of such ferrous materials per gallon of paint (commercially available under
the brand name
"Active Wall" supplied or distributed by Magnamagic of Mendon, MA.
Magnetic wallpaper strip 130 (at least embodying herein at least one wall
cover to
cover at least one portion of at least one wall) preferably is installed dry
without any
chemical preparation, providing a clear advantage over conventional wallpaper
application. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
design
preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural
requirements,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other wall covering
arrangements such
as, for example, such as covers with erasable (such as dry-erase), external
surfaces with
magnetic internal surfaces adapted to cover small walls, metal locker walls,
and including
sheets, strips, rolls, etc., may suffice.
Adjustments in position to magnetic wallpaper strip 130 preferably may be
made,
allowing minimization of at least one seam 150 between two adjacent magnetic
wallpaper
strips 130 while preferably also allowing alignment of portions of printed
image 140
spanning at least one seam 150, as shown. Magnetic wallpaper strip 130
preferably
adheres to wall 120 preferably using magnetic attractive force 210, as shown
in FIG. 4.
Magnetic attractive force 210 preferably allows adjustments to position during
installation.
At least one molding strip 160 is preferably installed on at least one edge
170 of magnetic
wall covering 110, as shown, preferably hiding any unevenness of ends of
magnetic
wallpaper strips 130.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of a wall with preferred magnetic wallpaper system
100
installed, illustrating printed images 140, according to the preferred
embodiment of FIG.
1. Printed image 140 preferably comprises at least one indicia 144,
alternately preferably
at least one photo 142, alternately preferably at least one graphic art 146,
alternately
preferably at least one pattern 148. FIG. 2 illustrates the ability to place a
photograph
(photo 142) or graphic image (graphic art 146) directly on installed wallpaper
(magnetic
wall covering 110) without nailing or hanging a picture frame on the
wallpaper. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the
art will now
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
user
preference, intended use, etc., other printed images, such as photographs
provided to a
printer for placement on a magnetic wallpaper strip to achieve a personalized
look by
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uploading an image to a web site fulfilled by delivery of the personalized
wallpaper strip,
murals, artist-licensed murals, user-provided patterns, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view illustrating at least one roll 535 of magnetic
wallpaper strip 130 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. As shown,
magnetic
wallpaper strip 130 preferably comprises at least one sheet magnet layer 250
and
preferably at least one printable film 240 adhered together. Printable film
240 preferably
comprises at least one polymer, preferably polyvinyl. Sheet magnet layer 250
preferably
is less than about 20 mil (about 0.02 inch) in thickness, preferably less than
about 15 mil
in thickness.
FIG. 4 shows an enlarged sectional view through section 4-4 of FIG. 1 of
magnetic
wallpaper strip 130 installed on wall 120, illustrating magnetic attractive
force 210,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2. Wall 120 preferably is coated
with at
least one magnetically-attractive paint 220, as shown, alternately preferably
comprises
magnetically-attractive materials. Magnetically-attractive paint 220
preferably comprises
at least one paint, preferably laced with magnetically-attractive particles
230, as shown,
preferably ferrous particles. Sheet magnet layer 250 preferably produces a
magnetic field
(such layer at least embodying herein attaching means for attaching said wall-
covering
means to such at least one portion of at least one wall and at least embodying
herein
releaser means for releasing said wall-covering means from such at least one
portion of at
least one wall) which attracts magnetically-attractive particles 230 creating
a magnetic
attractive force 210, as shown, preferably sufficient to magnetically adhere
magnetic
wallpaper strip 130 to wall 120.
The magnetic field strength, and thus magnetic attractive force 210, depends
on the
amount and magnetic strength of magnetic crystals 260 contained within sheet
magnet
layer 250. Increasing either the number of magnetic crystals 260 or the
magnetic strength
of such magnetic crystals 260 directly increases the magnetic field strength
of sheet
magnet layer 250. Increasing the density of magnetic crystals 260 too high,
however, also
makes sheet magnet layer 250 brittle, so in order to increase the number of
magnetic
crystals 260, the thickness of magnetic sheet layer also increases. However,
using
magnetic crystals 260 comprising higher energy increases the magnetic field
strength
produced without increasing the thickness. Preferably, sheet magnet layer 250
comprises
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CA 02706168 2010-05-31
magnetic crystals 260, preferably high-energy magnetic crystals, allowing
weight of
magnetic wallpaper strip 130 to be minimal from thickness.
In the industry, the term "high-energy", when applied to magnetic sheet
products,
relates to a significant increase in magnetic field per volume of magnetic
material over
"standard energy", and is often more powerful than "standard energy" by about
two times
or more. Additionally, when relating to strontium ferrite, the ball-milling
process requires
a significant increase in kinetic energy to break up the crystalline
structures of the
strontium ferrite into a finer powder, which allows a higher magnetic field
per volume
than used in "standard energy".
Magnetic attractive force 210 will preferably be greater than the
gravitational force
pulling magnetic wallpaper strip 130 away from wall 120. Printed image 140 is
preferably
printed on printable film 240 prior to installation of magnetic wallpaper
strip 130.
Preferably, wall covering 110 may be customized to at least one desired
location in both
size and printed image 140, as indicated in discussion of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 shows a sectional view through section 5-5 of FIG. 2 of magnetic
wallpaper
strip 130 installed on wall 120, illustrating a magnetic wallpaper
installation system 105,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2. Magnetic wallpaper
installation system
105 preferably comprises at least one molding strip 160, as shown. Molding
strip 160
preferably covers at least one gap 270, as shown, created by difference
between length of
magnetic wallpaper strip 130 and size of wall 120 preferably allowing for
alignment of
portions of printed image 140. Preferably, molding strip 160 is installed
prior to magnetic
wallpaper strip 130 allowing installation and removal of magnetic wallpaper
strip 130.
Preferably molding strip 160 attaches to wall 120, preferably with nails,
alternately
preferably with glue. Gap 270 preferably comprises less than about 1/4 inch,
preferably
about 3/16 inch. Gap 270 preferably allows room to move magnetic wallpaper
strip 130 to
align portions of printed image 140 spanning seam 150.
FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
wholesale supply system 500, comprising product flow to at least one retail
distributer
550, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Magnetic
laminate
manufacturer 510 preferably produces at least one continuous roll 515
preferably
comprising magnetic laminate 517, as shown. Magnetic laminate 517 preferably
comprises unprinted material suitable to use as magnetic wallpaper strip 130
(see
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CA 02706168 2010-05-31
discussion of FIGS. 1-5). Preferably, continuous roll 515 is transferred to at
least one
wholesale distributer 520 for storage and distribution, as shown. Magnetic
laminate
manufacturer 510 preferably receives compensation 525, for magnetic laminate
517, from
wholesale distributer 520, as shown. Preferably, at least one printing agency
530 provides
compensation 525 for such at least one roll 515 of magnetic laminate 517 from
wholesale
distributer 520. Printing agency 530 preferably prints printed image 140 on
magnetic
laminate 517, using at least one printer preferably capable of accepting the
physical media
dimensions of roll 515 of magnetic laminate 517 and preferably cuts magnetic
laminate in
at least one length appropriate to use as magnetic wallpaper strip 130.
Preferably, such at
least one printer comprises at least one laser printer. Preferably, such at
least one length of
printed magnetic laminate comprises magnetic wallpaper strip 130. When desired
by
printing agency 530, magnetic laminate 517 may be magnetized after printing,
particularly
when magnetic fields may disrupt the proper operation of the printer used.
Preferably,
magnetic wallpaper strip 130 is rolled, forming roll 280, and preferably
shipped to retail
distributer 550, as shown. Retail distributer 550 preferably renders
compensation 525 to
printing agency 530, as shown. Similarly, retail distributer 550 preferably
obtains
magnetically attractive paint 220 preferably from at least one magnetic paint
manufacturer
560 for suitable compensation 525, as shown. Compensation 525 preferably
comprises at
least one monetary value approximately equivalent to the value of the goods or
the
services obtained in exchange. Upon reading this specification, those with
ordinary skill
in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such
issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,
structural
requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other sizing
arrangements
such as, for example, sheets, thin strips, other portions other than rolls,
etc., may suffice.
FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
retail sales system 555, comprising retail distribution to at least one
customer 590,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Customer 590
comprises
preferably at least one organization 592, alternately preferably at least one
resident 594,
alternately preferably at least one business 596, as shown. As shown, customer
590
preferably purchases magnetically-attractive paint 220 and rolls 535 of
magnetic
wallpaper strips 130 from retail distributer 550. For additional compensation
525,
customer may preferably place at least one custom order 532, as shown, with
retail
CA 02706168 2010-05-31
distributer 550. Retail distributer 550 preferably passes custom order 532 to
printing
agency 530, as shown. Alternately preferably, custom order 532 may be placed
via at
least one website 537, as shown, affiliated with printing agency 530. Printing
agency 530
preferably completes custom order 532 and preferably ships custom printed
rolls 536 of
magnetic wallpaper strips 130, as shown. Custom order 532 comprises preferably
at least
one custom size, alternately preferably at least one custom printed image.
Customer
preferably makes purchases, as shown, directly from retail distributer 550,
alternately
preferably through at least one e-commerce website 570 of retail distributer
550,
alternately preferably through at least one mail-order catalog 580 of retail
distributer 550.
After obtaining magnetic wallpaper strips 130, customer may preferably install
magnetic
wall covering 110.
FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
product and services system 600, comprising professional services interaction
with
product flow, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Customer
590 may preferably choose to obtain professional services from at least one
contractor
610. As shown, contractor 610 preferably handles the details regarding
obtaining
materials and installing magnetic wall covering 110. Contractor preferably may
obtain
magnetically attractive paint 220 and rolls 535 of magnetic wallpaper strips
130 from
retail distributer 550, alternately preferably through mail-order catalog 580,
alternately
preferably through e-commerce website 570, as shown. Contractor 610 may also
preferably obtain custom rolls 536 of magnetic wallpaper strips 130 from
printing agency
530, as shown.
FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
professional services system 605, illustrating contracted professional
services, according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Contractor preferably
provides
professional services, preferably comprising professional service providers
620, to
customer 590, as shown. Professional service providers 620 preferably comprise
employees of contractor 610, alternately preferably subcontractors to
contractor 610.
Professional service providers comprise preferably at least one artist 625,
alternately
preferably at least one architect 630, alternately preferably at least one
photographer 635,
alternately preferably at least one installer 640, as shown.
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CA 02706168 2010-05-31
Preferably, artist 625 comprises at least one graphic artist. Preferably,
artist 625
provides professional artistic design services. Preferably architect 630
provides
professional architectural design services. Preferably, photographer 635
provides custom
photographing services. Professional services providers 620 preferably aid in
the
customization of magnetic wall covering 110 (at least embodying herein wall-
covering
means for substantially covering at least one portion of at least one wall).
Such
customization comprises preferably at least one custom photo, alternately
preferably at
least one custom graphic art, alternately preferably at least one custom
indicia. Preferably,
such customization may follow at least one family theme, alternately
preferably at least
one seasonal theme, alternately preferably at least one educational theme.
FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
rotation system 650, comprising wall covering rotation services, according to
a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Contractor 610 preferably provides wall
covering
rotation services preferably comprising: removal services for rotated-out wall
covering
665; installation services for rotated-in wall covering 660; and storage
services at storage
warehouse 670 for not-in-use wall coverings, as shown. Wall covering rotation
system
650 preferably comprises rotation following at least one theme.
FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
licensing agreement system 700 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention. At least one licensor 730 preferably grants at least one license
720 in exchange
for at least one licensing fee 710, as shown. Magnetic laminate manufacturer
510
preferably obtains license 720 granting manufacturing. Printing agency 530
preferably
obtains license 720 granting rights to print magnetic wallpaper strips 130.
License 720 for
retail distributer 550, e-commerce website 570 and mail-order catalog 580
preferably
grants reseller rights within each respective mode of retail sales.
Preferably, license 720
for contractor 610 grants servicing rights based on the capacity of contractor
610 to
provide services. Preferably, licensing fee 710 comprises at least one set
amount for each
product sold or service rendered by the licensee. Alternately preferably,
licensing fee 710
comprises at least one fixed fee for at least one specified time period.
FIG. 12 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred magnetic wallpaper
data processing system 750, illustrating processing and reporting of sales
data 790,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. At least one
sales database
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CA 02706168 2010-05-31
server 775 preferably collects sales data 790 through an interconnected
network,
preferably the internet 745, as shown. At least one application server 770
preferably
processes sales data 790 and preferably compiles at least one report 780 on
sales. At least
one messaging server 740 preferably provides messaging services between
licensor 730
and licensees. Application server 770, sales database server 775 and messaging
server 740
are preferably connected to the Internet 745 preferably through at least one
firewall 760
and are preferably networked together through at least one router 765, as
shown. Licensor
730 preferably receives report 780 and preferably connects to messaging server
740
through at least one network enabled device, preferably at least one personal
computer
785. Preferably, licensor 730 uses report 780 to aid in determining licensing
fee 710.
Licensor 730 preferably uses messaging server 740
FIG. 13 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred information
exchange
system 800, illustrating messaging and exchange of sales data 790, according
to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Magnetic laminate manufacturer
510,
printing agency 530, retail distributer 550, e-commerce website 570, mail-
order catalog
580, and contractor 610 preferably each maintain at least one database of
sales data 790, as
shown. Preferably, sales data 790 is transmitted via Internet 745 to sales
database server
775, as shown. Likewise, each licensee preferably connects to messaging server
740 to
send and receive messages through at least one network enabled device,
preferably at least
one personal computer 785, as shown.
FIG. 14 shows a perspective view, illustrating a locker 822 with magnetic
wallpaper 820 of magnetic wallpaper system 100 installed on at least one
inside wall 826
of locker 822, according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Magnetic wallpaper 820 is preferably applied to inside wall 826 of locker 822,
preferably
a metallic locker 824 (illustrating an internal locking mechanism 828) such
as, for
example, those preferably used in schools for books and other school supplies
(used by
students), as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art
will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as
design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, etc., metallic
objects other
than lockers may be covered by such magnetic wallpaper, such as, for example,
athletic
lockers, clothing lockers, teachers lockers, file cabinets, safes, poles,
columns, etc.
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CA 02706168 2010-05-31
The at least one inside wall preferably comprises at least one interior side
wall,
alternately preferably at least one interior back wall, alternately preferably
at least one
interior bottom wall, alternately preferably at least one interior top wall,
alternately
preferably interior of at least one door. When physical obstructions, like
internal locking
mechanism 828, disrupt the plane of the at least one inside wall with
protrusions, multiple
pieces of magnetic wallpaper 820, preferably may be sized to magnetically
adhere to the at
least one inside wall while avoiding such physical obstructions, as shown.
FIG. 15 shows a perspective view, illustrating another style of locker, such
as
locker 832 having an external lock, with preferred magnetic wallpaper 820 (at
least
embodying herein at least one wall cover structured and arranged to
substantially cover at
least one portion of the at least one wall; and at least embodying herein at
least one
flexible-material wall-covering strip structured and arranged to cover the at
least one
substantial portion of the at least one wall; and at least embodying herein
wall-covering
means for substantially covering the at least one portion of the at least one
wall) of
magnetic wallpaper system 100 installed on an inside wall 830 of such locker
832,
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15
further
illustrates placement onto at least one wall surface 834 of locker 832, as
well as removable
features of magnetic wallpaper 820, wherein magnetic wallpaper 820 may be
attached or
peeled off of at least one wall surface 834 of locker 832, as shown.
Installation and
removal of magnetic wallpaper 820 preferably causes no damage to wall surface
834 (this
arrangement at least embodying herein wherein said releasable attachment
system is
structured and arranged to permit non-destructive removal of said at least one
flexible-
material wall-covering strip from the at least one substantial portion of the
at least one
wall). Likewise, magnetic wallpaper 820, once removed preferably takes no
damage and
may therefore be reused (this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein
said
magnetic attacher means is substantially retained even after said wall-
covering means is
released from the at least one portion of the at least one wall).
Preferably, magnetic wallpaper 820 comprises a printed layer 870, preferably
comprising a pattern 844 (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one
wall cover
comprises at least one patterned sheet portion bonded to said at least one
flexible magnetic
sheet), preferably printed, preferably further comprising pattern-void
portions 842 that
preferably provide at least one designated space for writing a message or
placing other
19
CA 02706168 2010-05-31
indicia, such as for example, hearts, symbols or other drawn elements onto
such pattern-
void portions 842 (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one
patterned sheet
portion comprises at least one pattern-void portion structured and arranged to
receive and
to display replaceable indicia; and at least herein embodying wherein said at
least one
pattern-void portion is structured and arranged to receive and display written
readable
messages), as shown.
FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a preferred use of rolled magnetic
wallpaper
840 for use on any respective locker 822 according to the preferred embodiment
of FIG.
15. FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of unrolled magnetic wallpaper for use on
a locker
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 15.
In a preferred embodiment, magnetic wallpaper 820 is preferably rolled and
supplied as rolled magnetic wallpaper 840, as shown. Preferably, such rolled
magnetic
wallpaper 840 may be contained and packaged and sold in such rolled condition
and then
unrolled as shown in FIG. 17 and placed onto a locker, as shown in FIG. 15.
Preferably,
rolled magnetic wallpaper 840 (at least herein embodying said at least one
wall cover is
structured and arranged to be of sufficient longitudinal dimension to be
rolled into a roll)
is supplied in about 12 inch wide by about 36 inch length rolled strips,
preferably about
20-24 mils thick. In use, due to the magnetic nature of magnetic wallpaper
820, rolled
magnetic wallpaper 840 magnetically adheres to itself preferably retaining a
rolled state
unassisted (the arrangement at least herein embodying wherein such rolled wall
cover
remains in such rolled state unassisted).
FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of sheet magnetic wallpaper 820 for use on a
locker according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 14. In another preferred
embodiment, magnetic wallpaper 820 is preferably supplied as pre-sized sheets
of
magnetic wallpaper 850, as shown. Preferably, pre-sized sheets of magnetic
wallpaper
850 are supplied in at least 8-1/2 inch X 11 inch sheets of pre-printed sheets
of magnetic
wallpaper 850, as shown. Preferably, such pre-printed sheets of magnetic
wallpaper 850
may also be provided to fit specific-selected sized lockers (preferably pre-
selected sized
and pre-manufactured to fit such sizes). In another preferred embodiment, pre-
printed
sheets of magnetic wallpaper 850 are also easily cut-to-size as desired by a
user (easily
cut-to-size referring to use of common hand-scissors to cut in lieu of
specialized tools).
CA 02706168 2010-05-31
FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of sheet magnetic wallpaper 820 illustrating
an
exterior surface for use with a dry erase marker. FIG. 20 shows a section view
through
section 20-20 of FIG. 19. Preferably, magnetic wallpaper 820 comprises a base
magnetic
layer 860, a printed layer 870 and a dry-erase surface layer 880 (at least
herein embodying
wherein said at least one patterned sheet portion comprises at least one
surface structured
and arranged to assist such replaceable indicia marking), as shown. In a
preferred
embodiment, base magnetic layer 860 comprises a 20 mil flexible magnet.
Magnetic layer
860 (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one wall cover comprises
at least one
flexible magnetic sheet to magnetically attach said wall cover to such at
least one portion
of the at least one wall; and at least embodying herein at least one
releasable attacher
structured and arranged to attach said at least one flexible-material wall-
covering strip to
the at least one substantial portion of the at least one wall while said at
least one flexible-
material wall-covering strip and the at least one substantial portion of the
at least one wall
are immediately adjacent; and at least herein embodying wherein said wall-
covering
means comprises magnetic attacher means for magnetically attaching said wall-
covering
means to the at least one portion of the at least one wall) is preferably
attached to printed
layer 870, preferably about a 3.2 mil paper layer, utilizing about one mil
pressure sensitive
acrylic adhesive 875. Printed layer 870 (at least embodying herein wherein
said at least
one flexible-material wall-covering strip comprises at least one printable
surface) is then
preferably laminated with dry-erase surface layer 880, preferably about a 1.2
mil
polypropylene layer, as shown. Preferably, base magnetic layer 860, a printed
layer 870
and a dry-erase surface layer 880 (at least herein embodying wherein said at
least one
flexible-material wall-covering strip further comprises at least one writeable
surface
structured and arranged to accept writing) comprise essentially the same area
dimension,
as shown (this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein said at least one
flexible
magnetic sheet comprises essentially the same area dimension as said at least
one
patterned sheet portion). Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the
art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering
such issues as
design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural
requirements,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other combinations and
arrangements
such as, for example, perimeter magnetic portions, etc., may suffice.
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CA 02706168 2010-05-31
Preferably, a user may use a dry erase marker 884 to place messages, artwork,
or
other indicia 886 onto the dry erase surface layer 880, as shown. In such
manner, the
magnetic wallpaper 820 may be placed onto a locker and messages may be left by
the user
or other such persons that may have access to such locker surface thereby
providing a
customizable locker interior, as shown.
In use, magnetic wallpaper 820 preferably is placed onto a flat surface of the
metal
locker 822 so that the combination of the magnetic attraction to the metal
(from the
magnetic field), and the vacuum that occurs between the magnetic sheet and the
flat
surface, assists holding the magnetic wallpaper 820 tightly onto the surface
of the metal
locker 822 (this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein said at least
one releasable
attacher comprises at least one magnetic field structured and arranged to
magnetically
attach said at least one flexible-material wall-covering strip to the at least
one substantial
portion of the at least one wall). The installation as described above is
preferably
accomplished by placing one end of the magnetic wallpaper 820 onto the flat
wall surface
of the locker 822 and pressing the remaining magnetic wallpaper 820 from one
longitudinal end to the other eliminating trapped air until the magnetic
wallpaper 820 is
completely flat against the flat surface of the locker 822, as shown. In
addition, in use, the
magnetic wallpaper system comprises a magnetic wallpaper communication system
method of providing patterned wallpaper with non-patterned voids for writing
notes and
other indicia on the dry-erase surface of the magnetic wallpaper placed onto
walls of a
metallic locker.
Preferably, the magnetic wallpaper is sold in prepackaged kits comprising one
of
more sheets of magnetic wallpaper or magnetic wallpaper rolls.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this
invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention
includes
modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is
limited only by
the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further,
many other
advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from the
above descriptions and the below claims.
22
