FR3092566A1 - METHOD OF COVERING AN ELEMENT BY MEANS OF A SELF-CUTTING FILM - Google Patents

Abstract

Method of covering an element by means of several strips of a multilayer film (1) comprising several superimposed layers, among which an outer layer of adhesive material (2) comprising a free surface (2a) intended to come into direct contact with a surface of the element, comprising a first step of applying a first (10) and second (11) film strips to the element so that the second strip partially overlaps the first strip, characterized in that a cutting wire (3) is placed beforehand between the first strip and the element to be covered and this in said overlapping zone, and in that the following steps are carried out: removal of the cutting wire by application of a force (F), as a result of which, in the overlapping zone, the two strips each have a superfluous band (12, 13); removal of superfluous film strips. Figure for the abstract: figure 7

Description

METHOD OF COVERING AN ELEMENT BY MEANS OF A SELF-CUTTING FILM

The invention relates to a method for covering an element by means of a self-cutting film, in particular an anti-fouling film.

To cover the surface of an element of complex shape with a protective film, for example to cover the hull of a boat with an anti-fouling film (antifouling in English), several strips of film are generally used 'one arranges the ones compared to the others in order to cover in the end all the desired surface.

Traditionally, such films are multilayered and include at least one adhesive outer layer serving to fix the film to the element to be covered.

Due to the complexity of the surface to be covered, it is difficult to ensure the connections between the strips, in order to avoid, among other things, any overlapping of two strips, which would have the consequence of creating an unnecessary extra thickness and detrimental to the proper functioning. of the element.

In addition, the use of sharp objects is prohibited, due to the risk of damaging the surface of the element to be covered.

This is why film solutions with integrated cutting wire have been created, such as those described in WO 2017-182899-A1.

These solutions are complex and expensive, and require delicate handling.

Therefore, improvements are possible.

The object of the invention is a method of covering an element by means of several strips of a multilayer film which comprises several superimposed layers, among which an outer layer of adhesive material which comprises a free surface which is intended to come in direct contact with a surface of the element to be covered.

According to the invention, the method comprises a first step of applying a first strip then a second strip of film on the element to be covered so that the second strip partially overlaps the first strip, thus defining a zone of overlapping of the two lengths. In addition, a cutting wire is placed beforehand between the first strip and the element to be covered and this in said overlapping zone.

Still according to the invention, the method then comprises a step of removing the cutting wire by applying a force, following which, in the overlapping zone, the two lengths each have a superfluous band, and another step of removal of superfluous strips of film.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to make an edge-to-edge cut also called "English cut", that is to say that the two lengths form an edge-to-edge seam, without overlapping partial of the two lengths nor any spacing between said lengths.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to integrate the cutting wire on the film at any time, such as for example from the manufacture of the film, or later, until just before the application of the film on the surface of the element to be covered. Alternatively, thanks to the invention, it is possible to apply the cutting wire directly to the surface of the element to be covered, before laying the film.

In all cases, after application of the film to the surface of the element to be covered, all or part of the wire is trapped between the free surface of the outer layer of adhesive material and the surface to be covered.

By repeating the various covering steps according to the invention with the second strip and a third strip, by arranging the third strip above the second strip with respect to the element to be covered, then with the third and a fourth strip and so step by step, it is possible to cover a large surface and/or a complex surface, such as those of the hull of a boat or the walls of a pond for fish farming.

According to other aspects of the invention which are advantageous but not mandatory, such a method may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics:

- an additional step of applying a layer of silicone on the joint in order to reinforce its sealing;

- the film comprises another outer layer, opposite in the direction of the thickness of the film to the outer layer of adhesive material, and intended to be in contact with the environment in which the element to be covered is located, said other layer external being made of an anti-fouling material;

- the cutting wire is of cylindrical section and the diameter of the cylinder is between 0.05mm and 5mm, and preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3mm, or else the cutting wire is of rectangular section, and one of longer sides of the rectangle is in contact with the free surface of the outer layer of adhesive material;

- the cutting wire comprises at least one tongue which extends beyond the outer layer of adhesive material, over a sufficient length to be able to be gripped by the fingers of a person or by a suitable object or by an element of 'a machine;

- the film includes an additional temporary protective layer which is temporarily placed on the outer layer of adhesive material and above the cutting wire, the temporary layer being removed before the film is placed on the element to be covered;

- the cutting thread is made of natural material such as cotton, linen or carbon, and/or of a synthetic material such as polyamide, nylon or Kevlar;

- the cutting wire is placed beforehand on the free surface of the outer layer of adhesive material;

- the cutting wire is placed on the outer layer of adhesive material at a distance of about 1 cm from one edge of the film;

- the cutting wire is placed beforehand on the element to be covered.

The invention will now be explained with the aid of the accompanying drawings, by way of example, without any restriction as to the object of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

• Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a film that can be used to cover an element according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 is a view in partial section of a second example of film for covering an element according to the invention;
• Fig. 3 is a view in partial section of a third example of film for covering an element according to the invention;
• Fig. 4 is a view in partial section of a fourth example of film for covering an element according to the invention;
• Fig. 5 is a bottom elevational view of a fifth example of a film for covering an element according to the invention;
• Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a step of covering an element by means of two lengths of film and according to the invention;
• Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another step of covering an element by means of two lengths of film and according to the invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first example of a film 1 that can be used to cover an element according to the invention. The film is rolled up on itself, which makes it easier to transport and store.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second example of a film 1 that can be used to cover an element according to the invention. The film 1 comprises several superposed layers, including an outer layer of adhesive material 2. The outer layer of adhesive material 2 comprises a surface in contact with another layer 8, and a free surface 2a which is intended to come into direct contact with a surface of an element to be covered with the film 1.

The film comprises another outer layer 4, opposite in the direction of the thickness of the film to the outer layer of adhesive material 2, and intended to be in contact with the environment in which the element to be covered is located.

The film 1 comprises, between the two outer layers 2, 4, one or more other layers 5, 6, 7, 8 each of which fulfills a precise function, such as for example: mechanical reinforcement, paint, substrate, binder, protection.

A cutting wire 3 is arranged on the free surface 2a of the outer layer of adhesive material 2 of the film 1.

The cutting wire 3 is held on the film 1 thanks to the adhesive material.

Fig. 3 illustrates a third example of film that can be used to cover an element according to the invention, the elements identical to those of the second example of film illustrated in FIG. 2 previously described bearing the same references. In this example of film, however, the cutting wire 3 is embedded in the outer layer of adhesive material 2.

It is also possible to use a multilayer film comprising a cutting wire with the cutting wire centered in one of the different layers of the film.

Fig. 4 illustrates a fourth example of film example of film usable to cover an element according to the invention, the elements identical to those of the second and third examples of films illustrated respectively in FIGS. 2 and 3 bearing the same references. In the example film shown in Fig. 4, an additional temporary protective layer 9 is temporarily placed on the outer layer of adhesive material 2 and above the cutting wire 3. This temporary protective layer 9 makes it possible to protect the outer layer of adhesive material 2 as well as the wire cutting 3 until the application of the film 1 on the surface of the element to be covered. This temporary protective layer 9 makes it possible, for example, to prevent dust or water from polluting the outer layer of adhesive material 2 which must remain perfectly clean until the application of the film. This temporary protective layer 9 also makes it possible to be able to temporarily store the film in the form of a roll, while preserving the adhesive.

The temporary layer 9 will be removed from the film just before the application of the film on the element to be covered.

In one embodiment of the invention, such as for example that illustrated in FIG. 5, the cutting wire 3 comprises at least one tab 3a which extends beyond the outer layer of adhesive material, over a sufficient length so that it can be grasped by the fingers of a person, by a suitable object or an element of a machine. In this case, the tongue 3a protrudes from the film by a length of between a few millimeters and a few centimeters.

In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 7, the cutting wire 3 is placed at a distance of approximately 1 cm from an edge 14 of the film 1.

The wire can run straight or meandering, as shown in Figure 5.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the cutting wire 3 is of cylindrical section. In this case, the diameter of the cylinder is preferably between 0.05 mm and 5 mm, and preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.

In another embodiment, the cutting wire is of rectangular section. Advantageously, one of the longer sides of the rectangle is in contact with the free surface 2a of the outer layer of adhesive material. Preferably, each side of the rectangle has a dimension between 0.050 mm and 20 mm. In a particular case, the rectangle is a square. In another embodiment, the cutting wire 3 is in the form of a flexible strip.

The cutting wire 3 is made of a material that is more resistant to traction than that or those constituting the film 1.

In addition, the cutting wire has good elastic resistance to elongation, in order to avoid or limit as much as possible its elongation during its extraction.

Thanks to the mechanical properties of the wire, it is possible to ensure a clean cut of the film.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a cutting wire 3 is initially covered with adhesive material, which makes it sticky. First, the wire is placed directly on the item to be covered, so that the adhesive material keeps the wire in position on the item. In a second step, the film 1 is placed on the object to be covered, above the cutting wire, the wire remaining in the previously established position.

According to the invention, it is possible to produce the cutting wire in different materials, according to the specific needs of each application.

For example, the cutting wire can be made from a natural material such as linen, cotton or carbon.

Alternatively, the cutting wire is made of metallic material, for example stainless steel.

Alternatively, the cutting thread is made of synthetic material such as a polyamide, nylon, or Kevlar, for example in the form of fibers.

Furthermore, the cutting thread is made of a single material or of a mixture of several materials, for example a mixture of Kevlar and nylon.

The method of covering an element according to the invention will now be described.

Several strips of a multilayer film 1 comprising several superimposed layers are used, including an outer layer of adhesive material 2 which comprises a free surface 2a intended to come into direct contact with a surface of the element to be covered.

During a first step, as illustrated in Figure 6, a first strip 10 of the film and a second strip 11 of the film are applied to the element to be covered so that the second strip partially overlaps the first strip. A zone of overlap between the first and second strips is thus defined.

However, a cutting wire (3) is placed beforehand between the first strip 10 and the element to be covered and this in said overlapping zone.

During a next step, as illustrated in Figure 7, the cutting wire 3 is removed by applying a force F.

Preferably, the force F which is exerted on the cutting wire to remove it is applied in a direction forming with the surface of the film or of the surface covered with the element, an angle comprised between 0° and 45°, this which makes it possible to tear the film 1 at the precise location where the cutting wire 3 has been placed.

Due to the removal of the cutting wire, in the overlapping zone, the first strip 10 has a superfluous strip 12 and the second strip 11 has a superfluous strip 13.

During another step following the first step mentioned above, the two superfluous strips 12, 13 are removed. Thus, the remaining parts of the first and second strips form an edge-to-edge seam without overlap or spacing.

In a preferred mode of the invention, the method according to the invention makes it possible to cover the hull of a boat or of a water retention basin for fish farming by means of an antifouling film. In this case, the outer layer 4, intended to be in contact with air and fresh water or sea water, is designed to prevent the attachment of fauna and flora to the hull of the boat. or the walls of the pool.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to integrate the cutting wire on the film at any time, such as for example from the manufacture of the film, or later, until just before the application of the film on the surface of the element to be covered.

Sometimes, we do not know in advance the desired cutting profile. Thanks to the invention, it is possible to integrate the cutting wire into the film, by hand or by means of a suitable tool or part of a machine, by applying the wire to the free surface 2a of the outer layer 2 of the film at the precise desired cutting location so that the wire draws the desired cutting shape.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to cover an element without using a sharp object which could damage the surface of the element.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to cover an element using the fingers of a person or an adapted object or an element of a machine without any direct contact of a finger, of the adapted object or of the part of the machine with the part to be coated.

F-force

1 movie

2 outer layer of adhesive material

2a free area

3 cutting wire

3a tab

4 outer layer

5, 6, 7, 8 intermediate layers

9 temporary layer of protection

10 first length

11 second length

12, 13 superfluous bands

14 edge

Claims (10)

Method of covering an element by means of several lengths of a multilayer film (1) comprising several superposed layers, among which an outer layer of adhesive material (2) comprising a free surface (2a) intended to come into direct contact with a surface of the element to be covered, the method comprising a first step of applying a first length (10) and a second length (11) of film to the element to be covered so that the second length overlaps partially the first strip, thus defining an area where the two strips overlap,
characterized in thata cutting wire (3) is placed beforehand between the first strip and the element to be covered and this in said overlapping zone,
and in thatthe following steps are carried out:

1. removal of the cutting thread by applying a force (F), following which, in the area of overlap, the two strips each have a superfluous band (12, 13);
2. removal of superfluous strips of film, so that the remaining parts of the lengths form an edge-to-edge seam.

Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an additional step of applying a layer of silicone to the joint in order to reinforce the sealing of the said joint. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the film comprises another outer layer (4) opposite in the direction of the thickness of the film to the outer layer of adhesive material (2), and intended to be in contact with the environment in which the element to be coated is located, said other outer layer (4) being made of an antifouling material. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting wire (3) has a cylindrical section and the diameter of the cylinder is between 0.05 mm and 5 mm, and preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or the cutting wire (3) is of rectangular section, and one of the larger sides of the rectangle is in contact with the free surface (2a) of the outer layer of adhesive material. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting wire (3) comprises at least one tab (3a) which extends beyond the outer layer of adhesive material (2), over a sufficient length to be able to be grasped by a person's fingers or by a suitable object or part of a machine. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film comprises an additional provisional protective layer (9) which is temporarily placed on the outer layer of adhesive material (2) and above the cutting wire (3), the temporary layer (9) being removed before laying the film on the element to be covered. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting thread (3) is made of a natural material such as cotton, linen or carbon, and/or of a synthetic material such as a polyamide, nylon, or the kevlar. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting wire is placed beforehand on the free surface of the outer layer of adhesive material. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the cutting wire is placed at a distance of approximately 1 cm from an edge of the film. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cutting wire is placed beforehand on the element to be covered.