GB2527043A

GB2527043A - Attaching an object to a panel

Info

Publication number: GB2527043A
Application number: GB1410185.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Richard James Foster; Michael James Seddon; Urmash Fatania
Original assignee: VIDEO POSTER Ltd
Current assignee: VIDEO POSTER Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-09
Filing date: 2014-06-09
Publication date: 2015-12-16
Also published as: WO2015189558A1; GB201410185D0; EP3152751A1

Abstract

An arrangement for attaching an object 16 to a smooth panel 10, comprising a static cling film 12 attachable to the smooth panel, and a touch fastener 14 for arrangement between the static cling film and the object and for fastening to both. The static cling film, e.g. clear poly(vinyl chloride (PVC) of 80 280 micron thickness, may be transparent, and it may carry decoration printed on it. The touch fastener, e.g. 3M Dual Lock (RTM) reclosable fastener, may have mushroom-shaped interlocking stems, and it may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Furthermore, the touch fastener may be for fastening a screw. The cling film may overhang the object by at least 1 mm in at least one direction (preferably at least 75 mm). At least 1 cm2 of touch fastener per kg weight of the object may be provided (preferably at least 6.67 cm2), and the object may be a monitor. A method for attaching and detaching an object to and from the smooth panel, which may be a glass window, is also provided.

Description

Attaching an Object to a Panel The present invention relates to attachment of an object to a smooth panel.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an arrangement for attaching an object to a smooth panel, comprising a static cling film attachable to the smooth panel, and preferably a fastener, preferably a touch fastener, for arrangement between the static cling film and the object and for fastening to both.

Preferably the static cling film is a poly(vinyl chloride) film. Poly(vinyl chloride) can provide particularly beneficial properties with respect to transparency, strength and durability.

For favourable transparency and strength the static cling film is preferably 80 to 280 pm thick, more preferably 160 to 200 pm thick, and yet more preferably 180 pm thick.

For visibility of an object through the static cling film the static cling film is preferably transparent. For an attractive appearance the static cling film may carry a decoration, preferably wherein the decoration is printed on the cling film.

For attachment strength the touch fastener is preferably of a type having mushroom-shaped interlocking stems.

For ease of attachment the touch fastener is preferably for fastening to the static cling film and/or the object with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

For attachment strength the touch fastener is preferably for fastening to the object with a threaded member, preferably a screw.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising an arrangement as described above.

For attachment strength the static cling film is preferably arranged to overhang the object by at least 1 mm to at least 200 mm in at least one direction; more preferably the static cling film is arranged to overhang the object by at least 50 mm to at least 100 mm in at least one direction; and yet more preferably the static cling film is arranged to overhang the object by at least 75 mm in at least one direction. Preferably the static cling film is arranged to overhang the object in at least an upward direction.

For attachment strength preferably at least 1 cm2 to at least 15 cm2 of touch fastener is provided per kg weight of the object; more preferably at least 5 cm2 to at least 10 cm2 of touch fastener is provided per kg weight of the object; and yet more preferably at least 6.67 cm2 of touch fastener is provided per kg weight of the object.

For display versatility the object is preferably a display monitor. For convenience and attractive appearance the display monitor is preferably capable of receiving data to be displayed by a wireless connection. With a wireless connection wiring to the display monitor can be omitted or minimised, thus reducing or avoiding the unattractive appearance of wiring to the display monitor.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising an arrangement as described above and the smooth panel, and optionally being a system as described above.

For an attractive appearance the smooth panel is preferably a window, more preferably a glass window. Preferably the object is attached to the smooth panel such that the object is visible through the window.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for use in an arrangement or system as described above comprising a static cling film attachable to a smooth panel, and a touch fastener for arrangement between the static cling film and an object.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of attaching an object to a smooth panel, comprising: applying a static cling film to the smooth panel; applying a first touch fastener part to the static cling film; applying a second touch fastener part to the object; and attaching the first and second touch fastener parts to one another such that an attachment forms.

For attachment strength the method preferably further comprises wetting the smooth panel before applying the static cling film.

For attachment strength the method preferably further comprises smoothing the static cling film onto the panel after applying it to the panel to bring the static cling film substantially into contact with the panel.

The static cling film and/or the touch fastener is preferably according to the system or arrangement as described above.

For reuse the method preferably further comprises detaching the object from a smooth panel. For ease of detachment the method preferably comprises: detaching the static cling film from the smooth panel; and disengaging the touch fastener such that the object is released from the static cling. Preferably detaching the static cling film from the panel comprises: peeling a portion of the static cling film that overhangs the object from the panel; and pulling the assembly of static cling film, touch fastener and object from the panel. Preferably disengaging the touch fastener comprises peeling the static cling film from the object.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of attaching an object to a smooth panel, comprising: applying a rigid board to the smooth panel; and applying the object to the rigid board.

The invention extends to a system for attaching an object to a smooth panel substantially as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying figure.

The invention also extends to a method of attaching an object to a smooth panel substantially as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying figure.

The invention also extends to a method of detaching an object from a smooth panel substantially as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying figure.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

Preferred features of the present invention are now described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figure 1, which shows a side view of the components for attachment of an object to a vertical panel.

Referring to Figure 1, this shows the components for attachment of an object 16 (such as a video display screen) to a vertical panel 10 (such as a window). A transparent (or possibly translucent) static cling film 12 is attached to a touch fastener strip 14. The touch fastener strip 14 is formed of two opposing strips 14- 1, 14-2 that may be identical or different, with the opposing surfaces such that they can engage with one another and fasten together, and also be released from one another by a sufficient pulling or peeling action. Of the two opposing strips parts 14-1, 14-2 a first strip part 14-1 is attached to the static cling film 12 by means of pressure sensitive adhesive at the back of the strip 14-1, and the other of the two opposing strips parts 14-2 is attached to the object 16 by means of pressure sensitive adhesive at the back of the strip 14-2.

As shown in Figure 1, two fastener strips 14 extend across the object 16, one near the base of the object and one near its top. Different arrangements are possible, including only one fastener strip near the top of the object. The strip arrangement may be selected dependent on the weight balance/centre of gravity of the object. Included in the term fastener strip' are elongate portions cut to size from a continuous strip of material, but equally pre4ormed portions of fastener, such as pre-formed discs or squares. Different shapes of fastener strips (e.g. circular, square, triangular or rectangular) and different configurations of placement can be selected. For a square or rectangular object suitable arrangements of fastener strip include: on one, some or all of the straight edges; at all four corners; or only at the top two corners of the object. For circular objects suitable arrangements of fastener strip include: a strip across the top edge; a symmetrical arrangement at the four compass points; at each of the 12 hour points; or at 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and llo'clock. A symmetrical arrangement of the fastener strip on a regular shaped object can provide better weight balance and aesthetics. For example for a rectangular screen up to 32 inches diameter an arrangement of fastener strip at the four corners formation is preferred, and for screens of 32 inches diameter or larger an arrangement of fastener strip at six locations (at the four corners and additionally at the two centres of the vertical or the horizontal screen edges) is preferable.

The object 16 can be of any size provided it fits within the area of the panel 10.

For attachment of an object such as a display monitor a minimum overhang of the static cling film relative to the fastener strip of 75 mm is suitable (and especially across the top border); the static cling film may extend beyond the fastener strip in any direction, most advantageously above the fastener strip Although 75 mm of overhang is preferred other values are possible (for example more than 5 or 10 or or 50 mm, and/or less than 250 or 100 mm). The overhang may depend on the thickness of the object: for a relatively thin object such as a display monitor 75 mm may be suitable, whereas for a thicker object a larger overhang may be appropriate.

In an example, approximately 1.5 kg of static load per 10cm2 of fastener strip can be safely attached. For a 19" display monitor, a 40 cm by 30 cm rectangular frame of fastener strip of 2.5 cm width may be placed around the edge of the monitor, and this might be able typically to support a load of up to 52.5 kg. For a 19" display monitor weighing 4 kg a 10.7 cm length of fastener strip with 2.5 cm width (27 cm2) is sufficient for attachment. Typically the weight load of the static cling film (in particular for a given minimum surface area corresponding to the object area) is greater than the fastener strip (in particular for an arrangement minimally affecting the appearance, without excessive fastener strip which may be visible), so the fastener strip needs to be selected with care.

The attachment is particularly useful for attachment to a window or similarly transparent panel, as it permits the object to be viewed through the panel, for example in a shop display. With the attachment shown in Figure 1 the object can be protected and effectively displayed at the same time. At the same time the attachment does not damage the window, nor does the attachment obstruct the window or reduce visibility of other objects in the window or mar the appearance by unsightly brackets or the like. By printing on the static cling film the display can be further enhanced.

The specific properties of a static cling film 12 and a fastener strip 14 are now described in more detail.

An example of a suitable static cling film that can provide high visibility and strength (especially tear strength) whilst being sufficiently flexible is SpandexTM clear poly(vinyl chloride) (vinyl, PVC) static cling film (SpandexTM product number 1P2908). Such a static cling film adheres to surfaces without the need of an adhesive and is reusable. The film sticks / clings to smooth gloss surfaces such as glass, smooth plastic and glossy metal surfaces. The film sticks to surfaces such as windows or doors without any adhesive and can be removed without leaving any residue behind.

A suitable film thickness is 180 pm, desirably between 50 and 500 pm. Such a film typically performs best in a temperature range of -30°C to 70°C.

The film can be printed on, for example to display a decorative border around the object. The film can be contour cut for a decorative effect. If the film is printed on, the printed graphic is applied such that the ink is not in direct contact with the window to avoid transfer of ink onto the window.

3M Dual LockTM reclosable fastener is an example of a touch fastener strip 14 that can provide high strength (including 3M Dual LockTM product numbers SJ3440, SJ3441, SJ3442, SJ3540, SJ3541, SJ3542, SJ3550, SJ3551, SJ3552, SJ3560, of which SJ3551 -and SJ3552 to a somewhat lesser extent -have been found particularly appropriate). A suitable fastener strip has mushroom-shaped stems that interlock with one another when pressed together. A fastener strip is for example 25 mm wide. A fastener strip may also be for example 1cm wide. The fastener strip may also be provided in the form of shapes such as circular. The fastener strip can be clear or opaque, for example black. Such fastener strips can be opened and reclosed over 1000 times.

A fastener strip can be attached to two opposing surfaces (rigid or flexible) by an adhesive, by staples, by sewing, by screw attachment, by riveting, by interlocking clips, by cable ties or similar tie strips, or by other means. A fastener strip can include apertures so that the fastener strip can be attached by screw fixing to the objects, in addition to or independently of other attachment means. Pressure sensitive adhesive is a particularly convenient means of attachment, for example with rubber or acrylic self-adhesive backing on the strip. Pressure sensitive rubber adhesive can bond to most surfaces. Pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive (such as 3M very high bond VHBTM adhesives) can provide high performance and resist harsh wet/dry, hot/cold cycles. Clear pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive can be UV resistant and plasticiser resistant. The range of suitable operating temperatures for fastener strips with pressure sensitive adhesives is in one example from -20°F to 158°F (-29°C to 70°C) and can permit intermittent operation in the range of 158°F to 200°F (70°C to 93°C). For a stronger connection between the fastener strip and an object screw attachment (conveniently using disc-shaped fastener strip portions with a central aperture for insertion of a screw) can be chosen.

Dynamic performance of a suitable fastener strip is in an example: * Tensile disengagement for attachment of rigid to rigid surface: 207 to 380 kPa.

* Peel strength of rigid to flexible surface: 140 to 175 N.lOOmm.

The stem type of the fastener strip affects the dynamic performance.

Static performance of a suitable fastener strip is in an example: * Static shear: fastener strip holds 500 to 1000 gun2 (77.5-1 55 g/cm2) for 7 days * Static tensile: fastener strip holds 500 to 1000 gun2 (77.5-1 55 g/cm2) for 7 days The stem types and operating temperature of the fastener strip affect the static performance. The static performance of the adhesive bond between the surface and the fastener strip is comparable to the static performance of the interlocking stems of the fastener strip.

The fastener strip in an example has a thickness (when engaged) of 3.8 to 5.8 mm and weighs from 0.5 to 1.1 g for a fastener strip area of 25 mm x 25 mm. In an example, approximately 4 in2 (25.8 cm2) of fastening strip area per pound (0.454 kg) of static load are suitable (0.176 kg of static load per 10 cm2 of fastener strip).

The attachment of a fastener strip to two opposing surfaces (rigid or flexible) by staples, sewing, or riveting can for example allow bonding of the fastening strip to: polypropylene, plasticised vinyl, fabrics, leather, and rubber.

The attachment of a fastener strip to two opposing surfaces (rigid or flexible) by a pressure sensitive rubber adhesive can for example allow bonding of the fastening strip to: bare metal, painted metal, finished wood, paper, cardboard, glass, painted concrete, and plastics including polystyrene, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene polycarbonate and rigid vinyl. Pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive can, in addition to the above, allow bonding of the fastening strip to further plastics including plasticised vinyl. Pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive may however be unsuitable for polyethylene and polypropylene.

For a good bond of the pressure sensitive adhesive it is conventionally applied at a temperature of 20°C or above to a surface that is clean, dry and free from oil.

48 to 72 hours after application maximum bond strength is achieved. Improved resistance to edge peeling can be provided by recessing the fastener, or by rounding the corners of the fastener strip. Bond performance can in some cases (e.g. where the surface has a residue of a mould release film, or for rough or porous surfaces) be optimised by sanding or abrading the surface, or by using an adhesive primer.

Next, the procedure of mounting and dismounting a display monitor to/from a window is described.

To mount the display monitor to a window: 1. Clean the window 2. Wet the window surface 3. Apply the static cling film to the window by hand 4. Wipe bubbles between the static cling film and the window toward the edge of the static cling film, moving from the centre outwards and optionally with the assistance of a straight plastic wiping blade 5. Attach a first fastener strip part to the cling film by the pressure sensitive adhesive on the back of the strip part 6. Attach a second fastener strip part to a corresponding position on the display monitor 7. Attach the two fastener strips parts to one another so as to mount the product to the window and apply pressure to ensure a stable connection of the fastener strip parts To dismount the display monitor from a window: 1. Peel back the cling film starting at the corners until all cling film overhanging the display monitor is detached 2. Firmly grip the display monitor and pull away from the window, such that the remaining cling film detaches from the window 3. Peel the cling film away from the display monitor so as to detach the fastener strip parts from one another The attachment of an object to a vertical panel as described above can provide the following advantages: * Enables connection of a product to a window * Fast and easy to mount, dismount and remount * No mess -the object can be removed completely, without damage to or residue on the panel * The components individually are cheap and abundant * As a variety of suitable components are readily available, the system can be adapted within a wide scope * The attachment can hold significant weight * The attachment is not limited to vertical panels but can be used for panels overhanging beyond vertical, whether forward or backward, for example in tilting windows or overhead displays.

* All of the components can be re-used * Enables energy efficient products, such as LED panels (that can reduce energy requirement/consumption), to be used * Long-term attachment is provided, up to a year or two years or more * The attachment is suitable for a wide range of panels (plastic, glass, and other) and objects (video display monitor, display cabinet, shelf, lighting) The duration for which the cling film and fastener strip can maintain attachment of an object to a panel depends to some extent on factors such as the location of use and the environmental conditions, the frequency of use and the condition of the cling film and fastener strip. For example a cling film that has been attached and dismounted a number of times may have reduced loadbearing capacity due to accumulated residue on the surface or damage to the cling film (e.g. creases, deformations or holes).

In an alternative, the transparency of the cling film is such that the object is not adequately visible through the film. In this case, an aperture is arranged in the central portion of the cling film to enable display of the object. In this case the necessary area of cling film for attachment can be maintained by providing a larger overhang of cling film around the object.

Other types of fastening strip can be used, such as hook-and-loop touch fasteners (though the described mushroom-type fastening strip is preferred as it may generally be more robust given weights and weight distribution of objects).

Where the object is a digital display monitor, data to be displayed can be provided remotely by a wireless connection or by a physical connection such as a wire connecting to the screen. Power for the monitor can be provided by a physical connection such as a wire, or by other means such as a solar panel forming part of the monitor.

Where the object itself has a flat surface (such as the surface of a video monitor), or at least a surface that can conform closely to the surface of the smooth panel, then it may be possible to dispense with the fastening strips described above, and instead attach the object directly to the cling film.

In an alternative arrangement for attaching an object to a smooth panel a stiff laminate frame' is attached to the panel and the object is attached to the frame.

The frame has an aperture sized such that the object is visible through the aperture. The frame extending around the aperture is large enough to bear the weight of the object and resist detachment of the frame from the panel. Suitable attachment of the frame to the panel, and of the frame to the object, are in particular pressure sensitive adhesives. This type of arrangement for attaching an object to a panel is particularly suitable if removal and repositioning of the object is not desired, and only a single mounting of an object once to a panel is desired.

Suitable materials for the stiff frame include Foamx and MDF board. These provide the advantages of being lightweight to ensure the frame remains attached to the panel, yet strong enough to support the object. In a variant the frame has more than one aperture for displaying more than one object.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An arrangement for attaching an object to a smooth panel, comprising a static cling film attachable to the smooth panel, and preferably a fastener, preferably a touch fastener, for arrangement between the static cling film and the object and for fastening to both.
2. An arrangement according to Claim 1, wherein the static cling film is a poly(vinyl chloride) film.
3. An arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the static cling film is 80 to 280 pm thick.
4. An arrangement according to Claim 3, wherein the static cling film is 160 to pm thick.
5. An arrangement according to Claim 4, wherein the static cling film is 180 pm thick.
6. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the static cling film is transparent.
7. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the static cling film carries a decoration, preferably wherein the decoration is printed on the cling film.
8. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the touch fastener is of a type having mushroom-shaped interlocking stems.
9. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the touch fastener is for fastening to the static cling film and/or the object with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
10. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the touch fastener is for fastening to the object with a threaded member, preferably a screw.
11. A system comprising an arrangement according to any preceding claim and the object.
12. A system according to Claim 11, wherein the static cling film is arranged to overhang the object by at least 1 mm to at least 200 mm in at least one direction.
13. A system according to Claim 12, wherein the static cling film is arranged to overhang the object by at least 50 mm to at least 100 mm in at least one direction.
14. A system according to Claim 13, wherein the static cling film is arranged to overhang the object by at least 75 mm in at least one direction.
15. A system according to any of Claims 11 to 14, wherein at least 1 cm2 to at least 15 cm2 of touch fastener is provided per kg weight of the object.
16. A system according to Claim 15, wherein at least 5 cm2 to at least 10 cm2 of touch fastener is provided per kg weight of the object.
17. A system according to Claim 16, wherein at least 6.67 cm2 of touch fastener is provided per kg weight of the object.
18. A system according to any of Claims 11 to 17, wherein the object is a display monitor.
19. A system according to Claim 18, wherein the display monitor is capable of receiving data to be displayed by a wireless connection.
20. A system comprising an arrangement according to any of Claims 1 to 7 and the smooth panel, and optionally being according to any of Claims 8 to 19.
21. A system according to Claim 20, wherein the smooth panel is a window.
22. A system according to Claim 21, wherein the window is a glass window.
23. A system according to any of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the object is attached to the smooth panel such that the object is visible through the window.
24. A kit of parts for use in an arrangement or system according to any of Claims 1 to 23 comprising a static cling film attachable to a smooth panel, and a touch fastener for arrangement between the static cling film and an object.
25. A method of attaching an object to a smooth panel, comprising: applying a static cling film to the smooth panel; applying a first touch fastener part to the static cling film; applying a second touch fastener part to the object; and attaching the first and second touch fastener parts to one another such that an attachment torms.
26. A method according to Claim 25, further comprising wetting the smooth panel before applying the static cling film.
27. A method according to Claim 25 or 26, further comprising smoothing the static cling film onto the panel after applying it to the panel to bring the static cling film substantially into contact with the panel.
28. A method according to any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein the static cling film and/or the touch fastener is according to the system or arrangement of any of Claims I to 24.
29. A method according to any one of Claims 25 to 28, further comprising detaching the object from a smooth panel,
30. A method according to Claim 29, comprising: detaching the static cling film from the smooth panel; and disengaging the touch fastener such that the object is released from the static cling.
31. A method according to Claim 30, wherein detaching the static cling film from the panel comprises: peeling a portion of the static cling film that overhangs the object from the panel; and pulling the assembly of static cling film, touch fastener and object from the panel.
32. A method according to Claim 30 or 31, wherein disengaging the touch fastener comprises peeling the static cling film from the object.
33. A method of attaching an object to a smooth panel, comprising: applying a rigid board to the smooth panel; and applying the object to the rigid board.
34. A system for attaching an object to a smooth panel substantially as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying figure.
35. A method of attaching an object to a smooth panel substantially as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying figure.
36. A method of detaching an object from a smooth panel substantially as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying figure.