AU2012100158B4

AU2012100158B4 - Hand Applicator for Adhesive Sheet

Info

Publication number: AU2012100158B4
Application number: AU2012100158A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sophie Maree Larnach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-13
Filing date: 2012-02-13
Publication date: 2012-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2020-02-13
Also published as: AU2012100158A4

Abstract

An applicator (10) is used to apply adhesive sheet (21) to a surface (30). The adhesive sheet (21) is supplied as a composite sheet (20) comprising the adhesive sheet (21) and a backing sheet (22). The applicator (10) is an elongate member (11) having a longitudinal straight edge portion (15), and a pair of spaced slots (12,13) extending longitudinally and parallel to the straight edge portion (15). In use, the composite sheet (20) is first passed through the slot (12) further from the straight edge portion (15), and then in the opposite direction through the slot (13) which is closer to the straight edge portion (15). The leading edge of the adhesive sheet (21 A) is separated from the backing sheet (22), and passed under the straight edge portion (15) and applied onto the surface (30), while the separated edge of the backing sheet (22A) is directed in the opposite direction. The applicator (10) is drawn along the surface (30) while keeping the straight edge portion (15) pressed onto the adhesive sheet (21) being applied to the surface (30). The applicator (10) progressively separates the adhesive sheet (21) from the backing sheet (22) and simultaneously presses the adhesive sheet (21) uniformly onto the surface (30).

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APPLYING ADHESIVE SHEET TECHNICAL FIELD [00011 The present invention relates to apparatus and method for applying adhesive sheet to a surface. In particular, the invention is directed to a hand applicator for facilitating the application of an adhesive sheet to a surface, such as a book cover, and a method of using the hand applicator, although the invention is not limited thereto. BACKGROUND ART [00021 Adhesive sheet is normally provided as a composite sheet, comprising sheet material having a coating of pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon, and a removable backing or protective sheet in contact with the adhesive or 'sticky' side of the adhesive sheet. [00031 To apply the adhesive sheet to a surface, such as the cover of a book or pad, it is first necessary to peel away the backing sheet to expose the sticky surface of the adhesive sheet, which is then placed on the desired surface. However, the application of the adhesive sheet can often be difficult and awkward, as the adhesive sheet has a tendency to stick to any surface with which it may come into contact unintentionally, such as the user's hands, table surface or parts of the backing sheet. If the adhesive sheet is accidentally folded on itself after the backing sheet has been removed, it has a tendency to adhere to itself, and it is very difficult to separate. [0004] Furthermore, the adhesive sheet must be applied and pressed onto the desired surface in a uniform manner in order to avoid creases and air pockets which form bubbles or blisters between the surface and the adhesive sheet, and detract from the appearance of the surface being covered. If such bubbles form, they are difficult to remove. 100051 Consequently, the application of adhesive sheet to book covers and other surfaces is a slow, painstaking and tedious process. Unfortunately, there are no readily available tools to facilitate the application adhesive sheet to a surface. [00061 It is a preferred aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for applying adhesive sheet to a surface which overcomes or ameliorates the problems of the prior art.

2 SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] In one broad form, the invention provides an apparatus for applying adhesive sheet to a surface, wherein the adhesive sheet is supplied in use as a composite sheet comprising the adhesive sheet with a backing sheet removably adhered thereto, the apparatus comprising an elongate member having a substantially straight edge portion along a longitudinal side thereof, and a pair of spaced slots through the elongate member and extending longitudinally in and along the elongate member and generally parallel to the straight edge portion, wherein in use, the composite sheet is adapted to be passed through the pair of spaced slots in opposite directions, and the straight edge portion is used to facilitate the progressive separation of the adhesive sheet from the backing sheet and the application of the adhesive sheet to the surface. [0008] Typically, the elongate member is a substantially planar member. [0009] Preferably, the straight edge portion comprises a pressing portion for pressing onto the adhesive sheet as it is being applied to the surface. The pressing portion may have a flat or rounded surface, or a knife-edge shape. [0010] In another broad form, the invention provides a method of applying adhesive sheet to a surface using an elongate member having a substantially straight edge portion along a longitudinal side thereof, and a pair of spaced slots through the elongate member and extending longitudinally in and along the elongate member and generally parallel to the straight edge portion, wherein the adhesive sheet is supplied in use as a composite sheet comprising the adhesive sheet with a backing sheet removably adhered thereto, the method comprising the steps of passing the composite sheet through the slot which is further from the straight edge portion, and then passing the composite sheet in the opposite direction through the slot which is closer to the straight edge portion, separating the adhesive sheet from the backing sheet at the leading edge of the composite sheet, passing the separated edge of the adhesive sheet under the straight edge portion and applying it onto the surface, while maintaining the separated edge of the backing sheet in a direction away from the straight edge portion, pressing the straight edge portion onto the separated edge of the adhesive sheet applied to the surface, and 3 moving the elongate member along the surface in a direction away from the separated edge of the adhesive sheet while keeping the straight edge portion pressed onto the adhesive sheet, such that the straight edge portion progressively separates the adhesive sheet from the backing sheet and simultaneously presses the adhesive sheet to the surface. [00111 The term 'substantially straight edge portion' as used herein is intended to mean an edge portion which is effectively a straight edge for the intended purpose of the invention. This is preferably a continuous straight edge, but could also be, for example, a castellated edge in which the indentations in the edge are small relative to the teeth width. [00121 In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice one or more preferred embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00131 In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view, from one side, of an adhesive sheet applicator according to one embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view, from the other side, of the adhesive sheet applicator of Fig. 1, Figures 3 to 6 are perspective views illustrating progressive steps in the use of the adhesive sheet applicator of Fig. I to apply adhesive sheet to a surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION [00141 Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate an apparatus for use in applying adhesive sheet according to one embodiment of the invention. The apparatus is in the form of a hand-operated applicator 10 comprising an elongate, relatively thin and generally planar member 11 having a substantially straight edge portion 15. A pair of spaced slots 12, 13 are provided through the planar member 11. The slots 12, 13 extend generally parallel to the straight edge portion 15. [00151 The straight edge portion 15 comprises a first longitudinal edge portion 16, hereinafter referred to as the leading edge, and a second longitudinal edge portion 17, hereinafter referred to as the trailing edge. A bottom portion 18 extends longitudinally, between the leading edge 16 and the trailing edge 17. [00161 The straight edge portion 15 has a pressing portion whose function is described 4 below. This pressing portion may be formed by the bottom portion 18 which may have a flat surface as shown in the illustrated embodiment, or it may be outwardly curved or rounded in transverse section. Alternatively, the pressing portion may be formed by the trailing edge 17. 100171 In the preferred embodiment, the applicator 10 is made of moulded plastics material, but any other suitable material may be used, such as metal or wood. 100181 The use of the applicator 10 to apply adhesive sheet to a surface is illustrated in Figs. 3-6. 100191 The adhesive sheet is normally supplied in the form of a composite sheet 20 which comprises an adhesive sheet 21 having an adhesive, typically a pressure sensitive adhesive, on one side thereof, and a backing sheet 22 (also known as a release sheet or protective sheet) removably adhered to the adhesive or 'sticky' side of the adhesive sheet 21. 100201 In use, the leading edge of the composite sheet 20 is fed through the slot 12 which is further from the leading edge portion 15 of the applicator 10 in a first direction, and then folded over and fed through the other slot 13 in the reverse direction or sense. The leading edge 21A of the adhesive sheet 21 is manually peeled away from the leading portion 22A of the backing sheet 20. The separated leading portion 21 A is then passed under the longitudinal edge portion 15 of the applicator 10, while the leading portion 22A of the backing sheet is maintained facing generally in the opposite direction, as shown in Fig. 3. [00211 Referring now to Fig. 4, the leading portion 21A of the adhesive sheet 20 is placed firmly on the surface 30 to be covered, and the applicator tool is placed against the surface 30 so that the pressing portion of the applicator 10 rests upon the (non-adhesive) side of the adhesive sheet 21. As mentioned above, the pressing portion may be formed by the bottom portion 18, or the trailing edge 17 (by tilting the applicator 10 more upright). 100221 As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the applicator 10 is then drawn or pulled in a direction away from the leading portion 21 A along the surface 30, while maintaining the pressing portion firmly upon the adhesive sheet 21. Although Figs. 5 and 6 show the applicator 10 being drawn or pulled along by both hands, it may also be drawn single-handedly. 100231 As the applicator 10 is drawn or pulled along the surface 30, there is relative movement between the applicator 10 and the composite sheet 20 as the leading portion of the adhesive sheet is fixed relative to the surface 30. The applicator 10 moves along the 5 composite sheet 20, with the composite sheet passing through the slots 12, 13 in an 'S' shaped path. This provides a tensioning effect on the sheet, ensuring that the adhesive sheet 21 is applied to the surface in a suitably tensioned condition, i.e. without wrinkles or creases. [00241 Moreover, as the applicator 10 moves relative to the composite sheet 20, the leading edge 16 assists in progressively delaminating or peeling the backing sheet 22 from the adhesive sheet, before the adhesive sheet goes under the pressing portion 18. 100251 By keeping the pressing portion pressed against the adhesive sheet 21 on the surface 30, the adhesive sheet is applied uniformly to the surface and air is bladed away, thereby avoiding bubbles or blisters between the adhesive sheet 21 and the surface 30. [00261 When the required amount of adhesive sheet has been applied to the surface, the composite sheet can be cut in a suitable manner. For example, the slots 12, 13 can provide a guide for a straight edge cut of the composite sheet 20 with a knife. [00271 The above described applicator, and its method of operation, have several advantages and beneficial features, including: " The composite sheet 20 is purposefully guided through the applicator 10 in a way that allows the sticky side of the adhesive sheet 21 to adhere to the desired surface, while automatically peeling the backing sheet therefrom and guiding it away from the application zone. " The constant and even pressure applied by the pressing portion to the adhesive sheet 21 at the time when it is being applied to the surface 30 ensures that there is uniform contact between the adhesive sheet and the surface, thereby avoiding any creases and bubbles or blisters. * The applicator may be used with one hand, leaving the other hand free for guiding or holding the surface upon which the adhesive sheet is being applied. * Passing the sheet through the slots 12, 13 and under the trailing edge 17 in an 'S' shaped path has a tensioning effect on the sheet, again avoiding creases and folds. * The applicator 10 can be manufactured simply and economically, from commonly available materials.

6 [00281 The invention has been described above in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features or method shown or described above since the detailed description refers to preferred forms of putting the invention into effect, and other forms will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [00291 For example, although the bottom portion 18 is shown in the illustrated embodiment as being flat, advantageously it has a pronounced curve, when viewed in cross section, to facilitate travel along the surface 30. The curved surface of the pressing portion or the trailing edge 17 provides a more concentrated pressing force extending along the length of the applicator 10. [00301 Additional features may be incorporated into the applicator 10, if desired, to increase its benefits, including: * a 'cutting' edge which runs along the applicator to cut the composite sheet; e dimension markings on the applicator so that it can be used as a ruler; " different length/shapes of the straight edge portion to achieve more guidance of the peeled backing sheet; " a handle portion on the applicator; and " moulded hand/finger grooves or positions for assisting with gripping the applicator, or guidance for its use. [00311 Moreover, although the applicator has been described with particular reference to its use for covering books, it can be used for other purposes such as window tinting, decal application, stencil application, etc. 100321 In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Claims

1. Apparatus for applying adhesive sheet to a surface, wherein the adhesive sheet is supplied in use as a composite sheet comprising the adhesive sheet with a backing sheet removably adhered thereto, the apparatus comprising an elongate member having a substantially straight edge portion along a longitudinal side thereof, and a pair of spaced slots through the elongate member and extending longitudinally in and along the elongate member and generally parallel to the straight edge portion, wherein in use, the composite sheet is adapted to be passed through the pair of spaced slots in opposite directions, and the straight edge portion is used to facilitate the progressive separation of the adhesive sheet from the backing sheet and the application of the adhesive sheet to the surface.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate member is a relatively thin, substantially planar member.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the straight edge portion comprises a pressing portion for pressing onto the adhesive sheet as it is being applied to the surface.

4. A method of applying adhesive sheet to a surface using an elongate member having a substantially straight edge portion along a longitudinal side thereof, and a pair of spaced slots through the elongate member and extending longitudinally in and along the elongate member and generally parallel to the straight edge portion, wherein the adhesive sheet is supplied in use as a composite sheet comprising the adhesive sheet with a backing sheet removably adhered thereto, the method comprising the steps of passing the composite sheet through the slot which is further from the straight edge portion, and then passing the composite sheet in the opposite direction through the slot which is closer to the straight edge portion, separating the adhesive sheet from the backing sheet at the leading edge of the composite sheet, passing the separated edge of the adhesive sheet under the straight edge portion and applying it onto the surface, while maintaining the separated edge of the backing sheet in a direction away from the straight edge portion, pressing the straight edge portion onto the separated edge of the adhesive sheet applied to the surface, and 8 moving the elongate member along the surface in a direction away from the separated edge of the adhesive sheet while keeping the straight edge portion pressed onto the adhesive sheet, such that the straight edge portion progressively separates the adhesive sheet from the backing sheet and simultaneously presses the adhesive sheet to the surface.

5. Apparatus or method of applying adhesive sheet to a surface, the apparatus or method being substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.