GB2558207A

GB2558207A - Marking system, method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2558207A
Application number: GB1621516.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gray Allan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-17
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2018-07-11
Also published as: GB201522285D0; GB201621516D0

Abstract

A method of marking a surface of an object 60, such as a refuse bin. The method comprising placing a stencil 15 over the surface to be marked, wherein said stencil comprises one or more removable elements 1 and passing shot over the stencil thereby producing a marking corresponding to the one or more removable elements. The stencil may comprise multiple panels to enable multiple sides of the object to be marked. Also disclosed is a stencil for abrasive blasting. Also disclosed is an apparatus (100 figure 7a) for securing an object to be marked. The apparatus comprising one or more stencils, a frame (111 figure 7a) for aligning the stencils relative to the object and a means (112 figure 7a) for securing the stencils to the object to be marked.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Allan Gray

Tempsford, WELWYN GARDEN CITY, Hertfordshire, AL7 2PA, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

US 6533643 B1 US 3137978 A US 1676637 A JPS63251168

US 3687750 A US 2199980 A US 1560406 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B24C, B41M, B44C Other: WPI, EPODOC (72) Inventor(s):

Allan Gray (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Mathys & Squire LLP

The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, LONDON, SE1 9SG, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Marking system, method and apparatus Abstract Title: Abrasive marking method using modular stencil (57) A method of marking a surface of an object 60, such as a refuse bin. The method comprising placing a stencil 15 over the surface to be marked, wherein said stencil comprises one or more removable elements 1 and passing shot over the stencil thereby producing a marking corresponding to the one or more removable elements. The stencil may comprise multiple panels to enable multiple sides of the object to be marked. Also disclosed is a stencil for abrasive blasting. Also disclosed is an apparatus (100 figure 7a) for securing an object to be marked. The apparatus comprising one or more stencils, a frame (111 figure 7a) for aligning the stencils relative to the object and a means (112 figure 7a) for securing the stencils to the object to be marked.

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Marking System, Method and Apparatus

Field

The present invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for marking a surface.

Background

Plastic household waste containers, (commonly referred to as ‘bins’, ‘refuse bins’ or ‘wheelie bins’) are commonplace; typically a local authority distributes at least one refuse bin to all households within their jurisdiction, so that the refuse can be easily collected. As every resident has identical, or nearly identical, refuse bins, it is common for one bin to be confused with a neighbour’s. Furthermore, a resident may use a neighbour’s in the event of their bin being stolen or damaged.

It is impractical forthe local authority or original equipment manufacturer to mark the refuse bins, so it is common for residents to mark their refuse bins with their address and/or street number. The most frequently used methods for marking refuse bins include painting the number on the surface of the bin, or applying a decal. Painted on numbers can look untidy, can be scraped off (for example following the repeated grasping of the bin by the refuse disposal lorry that collects the waste), and will over time become fainter owing to constant outdoor exposure. Similarly, decals peel off over the lifetime of the bin, looking untidy as well as potentially leaving misleading information on the bin (for example, if a single digit of a two-digit house number peels off, then the bin may be returned to an incorrect address). Decals are also relatively expensive, and often need to be custom made and ordered accordingly.

An improved solution is therefore desired. The present invention seeks to provide an improved method for marking a surface, particularly the surface on a refuse bin.

Summary of Invention

A method of marking a surface that results in a permanent and durable mark can be provided by passing shot over a stencil affixed to the surface.

So as to produce a variety of different markings, the stencil comprises one or more removable elements, for example corresponding to letters and/or numbers.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of marking a surface of an object, the method comprising: placing a stencil over the surface to be marked; wherein said stencil comprises one or more removable elements; passing shot over the stencil; thereby producing a negative marking corresponding to said one or more removable elements on said surface.

By providing a negative marking on a surface corresponding to a removable element, a neat, long-lasting mark may be created on a surface. Unlike other markings which may fade, smudge, peel off, or otherwise lose their smart and distinctive look, the impression left by the stencil will not be unduly affected by adverse weather conditions if left outside. Furthermore, a substantially identical marking can be produced every time (e.g. on each side of a bin), creating a neater and more professional impression.

Optionally, the surface comprises plastic.

Plastic provides a particularly suitable material for marking in the disclosed fashion. It is generally sufficiently malleable to allow an impression to form when impacted with shot, yet firm enough to substantially retain its original shape elsewhere.

Optionally, the surface is the surface of a refuse bin.

A refuse bin is a particularly suitable object to be marked using the method disclosed herein. It is made of a plastic suitable for shot-based marking, and is large enough to be firmly held in place without difficulty. It is also commonly desirous to label a refuse bin with a small amount of personal information, for example a house number, so that it might be returned to the correct house once the refuse has been removed. These labels are however often faded or discoloured by virtue of the bin remaining outside permanently in all weather conditions. Stickers are also commonly used, but they can be peeled off, leaving incomplete or incorrect information on the surface ofthe bin.

Optionally, the removable elements comprise letters and/or numbers.

By providing a number, a bin owner may ensure that their bin is always returned to the correct house on a particular street. Similarly, if letters are clearly embossed on the surface of the bin, then a particular street on which the bin is to be replaced may be identified, or the initials of the person to whom it belongs.

Optionally, the method further comprises securing said stencil to the surface to be marked. This reduces the risk of the stencil moving in use and thereby marking the incorrect part of the surface.

Optionally, the method further comprises rotating the object with respect to the shot thereby to produce a negative marking corresponding to said removable elements on a further surface of said object. In such a way, similar markings can be easily created on multiple surfaces of the object.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of placing the object on a rotatable mount.

By providing the option to rotate the object to be marked with respect to the shot, more than one surface of the object may be easily marked without the need to reposition any apparatus. This provides convenience for those wishing to mark their property more extensively, and for a faster service in terms of producing the marking itself. The object may be more easily rotated if it is placed on a rotatable mount, rather than physically lifted and turned so as to face a different direction.

Optionally, the method further comprises placing the object within a shot-collection container.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of collecting used shot for reuse or recycling.

By performing the disclosed method within a shot-collection container, any shot used to mark the surface may be collected. Depending on the material used to provide the shot, it may be able to be reused as shot, or recycled. This limits the expense of using this method to mark a surface, as well as being more environmentally considerate, especially if the shot is of a material which is not abundant or does not biodegrade naturally.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a stencil for abrasive blasting comprising a plurality of removable elements.

Such a stencil can be used to easily create a variety of different markings on a surface.

Optionally, the removable elements comprise letters and/or numbers.

Optionally, the stencil comprises three or four panels. These panels may be held together using a hinge.

By providing a number of panels, it becomes possible to mark more than one face on the same bin by simply rotating the bin and stencil together, or re-orientating the shot with respect to the bin. Without this feature, the stencil would have to be removed from the first face, new removable elements inserted according to the information to be displayed on the second face, orientated correctly with respect to the previous marking, and held in place on the second face before the shot can be fired. If the stencil covers at least a portion of more than one face to be marked at a time, then the marks may be left on the faces in a quick sequence, saving time and effort on behalf of the user of this method.

Optionally, the means for receiving removable elements comprises a mating arrangement, preferably in the form of a flange, adapted to couple a removable element.

By holding the removable elements using a mating formation (such as a groove and flange arrangement), the removable elements may be quickly and reliably orientated in the desired direction. Multiple removable elements may be orientated in the same direction as neighbouring elements, and held securely in place once orientated.

Optionally, the mating arrangement comprises a magnet, preferably a disk magnet. In such a way, the magnets provide a reference point for the correct location of the removable elements, and the magnets assist in securing the removable elements to the stencil.

Optionally, the means for receiving one or more removable elements comprises two frames adapted to be clamped together.

Optionally, one or both frames adapted to be clamped together comprise a resilient coating; preferably the resilient coating comprises rubber. This assists in holding the removable elements in place without damaging them.

Optionally, the stencil further comprises one or more bars segmenting the stencil for the placement of multiple removable elements. Such bars reduce (or eliminate) the ingress of marking material (such as shot) between the removable elements.

Optionally, the stencil comprises two or more rows for the placement of removable elements.

Optionally, the stencil is adapted to be secured to the surface to be marked; the surface to be marked may be the surface of a refuse bin.

By securing the stencil to the surface to be marked, a neater impression may be produced on the surface of the bin. If the stencil were to become dislodged or unstable while the shot was being fired, then the impression may become unclear, thereby defeating the purpose of having an impression. A firmly affixed stencil will help prevent dislodging from occurring.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for securing an object to be marked, the apparatus comprising: one more stencils; a frame for aligning said one or more stencils relative to said object to be marked; and means for securing said one or more stencils to said object to be marked.

Such an apparatus makes marking an object more accurate, faster and easier as compared to a stencil on its own.

Optionally, the means for securing said one or more stencils to said object to be marked comprises a pivotable frame. Optionally, the pivotable frame is adapted to press the stencil onto the object to be marked. A pivotable frame allows for the one or more stencils to be secured against the object to be marked, and presses the stencil flat to the surface to create a neat, sharp marking.

Optionally, the means for securing said one or more stencils to said object to be marked comprises a ratchet strap. A ratchet strap can tighten the object to be marked to the apparatus to reduce its movement in use.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises one or more resilient elements for securing the object to be marked. Resilient elements (such as rubber or plastics) offer a restoring force when compressed which act to hold the object to be marked more securely.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises means for rotating the apparatus, preferably in the form of wheels. In such a way, multiple sides of the object can be marked without repositioning the marking means (e.g. a shot propeller).

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a ramp for placing the object to be marked within the apparatus. Preferably wherein the ramp is pivotabley connected to said frame. This allows the easy insertion and removal of a large object to be marked, such as a refuse bin.

Optionally, the object to be marked comprises a plastics material; preferably a bin, more preferably a wheelie bin.

Optionally, the one or more stencils comprises the stencil as described herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a removable element adapted to couple with a stencil as described herein.

The removable element according may comprise a cavity to allow shot to pass through. The cavity corresponds to a number or letter. In such a way, a customised stencil can be created for placing a marking on a surface.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a stencil as described herein and one or more removable elements.

Optionally, the kit of parts further comprises a rotatable mount.

Optionally, the kit of parts further comprises a collection sheet for collecting used shot.

Optionally, the kit of parts further comprises a shot propulsion device.

Optionally, there is provided a machine readable map, or machine readable instructions, configured to enable a 3D printer to manufacture the stencil and/or removable element as described herein.

Providing some format of configuration file for 3D printing the apparatus, or portions of the apparatus, allows for convenient manufacture and potentially more efficient provision of the various parts.

The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein.

Further features of the invention are characterised by the other independent and dependent claims

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, features implemented in hardware may be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

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.

The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product comprising software code adapted, when executed on a data processing apparatus, to perform any of the methods described herein, including any or all of their component steps.

The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product comprising software code which, when executed on a data processing apparatus, comprises any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention also provides a computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program as aforesaid.

The invention also provides a signal carrying the computer program as aforesaid, and a method of transmitting such a signal.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a stencil;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a removable element;

Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of an example method of marking an object;

Figure 4 illustrates a side-view of a stencil while in use;

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a three-sided stencil;

Figure 6 illustrates a side-view of a stencil while in use, equipped with a mounting and ground sheet;

Figure 7(a) shows an example apparatus adapted to secure an object so as to hold it in place relative to a stencil;

Figures 7(b) shows the apparatus of Figure 7(a) securing a bin relative to a stencil;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of an apparatus securing a bin;

Figure 9 shows a side view of an apparatus secured to a bin with example removable elements in place in a stencil;

Figure 10 shows an expanded view of a lower portion of the apparatus;

Figure 11 shows a front view of an apparatus being secured to a bin;

Figure 12 shows a front view of the apparatus without a bin in place;

Figure 13(a) shows an expanded view of a stencil for use with an apparatus to be secured to a bin;

Figure 13(b) shows a section through C-C in Figure 13(a) indicating replaceable elements secured to the stencil;

Figure 14(a) shows an expanded view of an upper part of a stencil;

Figure 14(b) shows a section through A-A in Figure 14(a) indicating replaceable elements secured to the upper part of the stencil;

Figure 15(a) shows a further expanded view of a lower part of a stencil; and

Figure 15(b) shows a section through B-B in Figure 15(a) indicating replaceable elements secured to the lower part of the stencil.

Specific Description

Figure 1 shows an example stencil 15. Multiple protrusions 40 extend from a body 18, providing a number of apertures 20 within the stencil 15. An enlarged view 45 of a single protrusion 40 shows a flange 50 extending from the protrusion 40. The flange 50 is arranged to fit securely into the groove 5 of a removable element or ‘tablet’ 1, thereby securing the removable element 1 in place during use. A lid 30 is secured to the body via a hinge 25. The lid 30 is operable to enclose the removable element 1 within the apertures 20, by eliminating any regions large enough for a removable element 1 to fall out during use and so as to provide a solid frame for the removable element 1 so as to reduce the extent of the surrounding area being abrasively blasted. Once the required removable elements 1 are in place within the apertures 20, the lid 30 may be secured by a hook 36 and ring 35 clasp.

Figure 2 shows a removable element, 1. The removable element 1 comprises a groove 5, partially extending into the body of the removable element 1. A cavity 10 is formed within the removable element 1, the cavity 10 corresponding to a letter or numeral to be marked onto a surface.

Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for marking a surface. Step S1 is to assemble the stencil 15 with removable elements; the stencil 15 is then placed over a surface to be marked in step S2. Shot is then passed at step S3 over the stencil 15 thereby producing a negative marking corresponding to the removable elements.

Referring to Figure 4, once the required removable elements 1 are secured in place between the protrusions 40, body 18 and lid 30, then the stencil 15 is ready for use. The stencil 15 is secured against the surface of the surface 60 (in this example, a bin) upon which the impression is to be made. The stencil may be secured to the surface by way of a belt, straps, clamps or other fixing means; an example of such a stencil is shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the stencil may be in the form of a stand which is placed adjacent to the bin. In this example no fixing means is required. An example of such a stencil is shown in Figure 5.

A medium known as ‘shot’ 70, which may be composed of glass powder, sand, iron filings, or any other material suitable for being passed through a stencil to create an impression, is fired at the stencil 15 via a propulsion device 65 and a nozzle 75. The propulsion device 65 may comprise a pressurised fluid, such as air, or a centrifugal wheel.

Some of the shot will be blocked by the stencil 15 itself, or the removable element 1. However part of the shot will pass through the cavity 10 within the removable element 1, to impact upon the surface of the bin 60. The surface 60 will therefore be left with a negative impression in the shape of the cavity 10. The removable elements 1 are arranged so that the cavities 10 spell out an identifying mark, leaving the surface 60 with a clear, substantially permanent, identifying marking indicating its ownership.

As the removable elements 1 are removable from the stencil 15, they may be rearranged according to the requirements of the individual user. The impression being left is therefore entirely customisable, and can therefore be used to signify a range of different addresses, names, postcodes or any other impressions required. The impression is also extremely consistent, as the exact same removable elements 1 may be used repeatedly, creating essentially identical impressions every time that removable element 1 is used.

In use, one or more removable elements 1 are placed within the stencil 15. The particular removable elements 1 may be chosen according to the requirements of the user, for example signifying their street number or family name. The stencil 15 is then secured to the surface of the bin 60. Once secure, shot 70 is propelled towards the stencil, leaving indentations behind the cavities 10 within the one or more removable elements 1. If a stencil with multiple distinct panels is used along with a rotatable stand 90, then the bin 60 may be rotated to expose a different side to the nozzle 75. Once the surface of the bin 60 has been sufficiently marked, the stencil 15 may be removed from the bin 60. The bin 60 is then fit for use.

Referring to Figure 5, a further example will now be described. Figure 5 shows an alternative stencil arrangement, wherein the stencil is arranged into three panels 81a, 81b, 81c. The panels may be coupled together using a hinge 85, which in one example is in the form of a flexible material. An additional section 80 may be included to provide space for one or more further rows of removable elements 1 to be used to make an impression. By using three panels 81a, 81b, 81c, the stencil 15 may be positioned adjacent to (and optionally fastened to) a bin 60. Several sections of text or numerals may therefore be embossed on three different sides of the bin without the need or inconvenience of removing and repositioning the stencil. Such an arrangement also allows for the markings on the sides to the bin to be aligned with one another, creating a more neat and professional impression.

A further example may include a fourth panel, so that the bin 60 might be substantially enclosed by the stencil and impressions left on all four sides.

Figure 6 shows further pieces of equipment which may be included as part of the apparatus for marking a surface. The bin 60 is placed upon a rotatable stand 90, which allows the bin 60 to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis. Different sides of the bin 60 may therefore be embossed without the need to reposition the shot 70 and associated shot firing apparatus 65, 75. In such a way, an operator may quickly and efficiently mark multiple sides of a bin.

Figure 6 also shows a collection sheet 95. Once the shot 70 has been fired at the stencil 15 and left an impression, the used shot 70 may then be collected and re-used. This provides a more sustainable and economical method of marking an object. Further benefits of using a collection sheet include catching any misfired or off-target shot 70 so as to not leave an impression in anything but the bin 60. Any residue from the shot-firing process will also be collected by the collection sheet 95, avoiding potentially harmful or messy residue.

By leaving a physical, negative impression on the surface of the bin 60 using shot 70, the impression is extremely durable. It is more resistant to fading or discolouration as compared to a sticker when exposed to the outdoor weather conditions that a bin 60 will usually endure over the course of its useable lifespan. The impression will therefore remain neat and clear for significantly longer than a sticker or painted numeral.

The process is also fast as an appropriate stencil can be assembled quickly, and the marking produced by the shot is essentially immediate as compared to painting which requires drying. Once the removable elements 1 have been arranged within the stencil 15, and the stencil secured to the bin 60, the shot 70 may be fired and an impression created. The worksite can quickly be returned to a safe condition and the bin 60 ready for use.

The apparatus disclosed herein is designed to offer a level of portability, such that the process of leaving an impression on the bin 60 may be performed on-site. This offers convenience for a user; as well the efficiency of being able to mark a street’s worth of bins one after the other. The costs associated with removing and re-delivering bins would be prohibitive, as well as presenting logistical difficulties and inconveniencing the resident who may need access to the bin 60 in the intervening period.

The use of a rotatable stand 90 and collection sheet 95 negate many of the problems associated with performing such an operation on-site, such as reducing the risk of damage to property and eliminating mess and residue from the user’s property.

Figures 7(a) and (b) show an example apparatus 100 adapted to secure an object to be marked (such as a bin 60) so as to hold it in place relative to a stencil 15. The apparatus may also be referred to as a ‘jig’ or ‘frame’.

The apparatus 100 enables the alignment of a stencil 15 to the appropriate place on an object to be marked quickly and easily. Using an apparatus 100 which secures a bin 60 in position reduces the risk of a stencil 15 moving in use thereby resulting in a misaligned impression.

In use, a user positions a bin 60 to be marked inside the apparatus 100. A ramp 102 is provided so that wheeled bins (such as ‘wheelie bins’) can be easily positioned within the apparatus 100. The ramp 102 is pivotably connected to the apparatus 100 by way of a hinge so that it can be folded in an upwards position when not in use. A locking device, 103 such as a ‘pip-pin’ is provided to lock the ramp 102 in an upwards configuration. A drop in tray 104 is provided so that the bin 60 ‘drops in’ to the apparatus 100 and does not roll back out.

Resilient elements are provided to securely hold the bin 60 in place when secured (or ‘clamped’) into the apparatus 100. In this regard, a buffer 106 is provided at the rear of the apparatus 100 to engage with the bin 60 and stop it from being pushed against the frame of the apparatus 100. The buffer 106 is made of a resilient material such as rubber so that the bin 60 can be securely held without being damaged.

A corresponding buffer is provided on a securing means 108 at the front of the apparatus. The securing means 108 is put in place and secured once the bin 60 is positioned within the apparatus 100. The securing means 108 may be in the form of a bar connected to the frame of the apparatus 100 by a hinge, or alternatively (or in addition) a ratchet strap which can be tightened to securely hold the bin 60 in place.

Further resilient elements in the form of deflector covers 110 are provided to secure the bin from the sides. These covers are adapted to deflect outwards when the bin 60 is secured in place, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 11.

Inner frames 111 are provided on each side of the apparatus 112 which act to secure the stencil 15 onto a bin 60.

In this example, a stencil 15 is on two sides of the apparatus 100, but equally 1, 3 or all 4 sides may be provided with a stencil 15.

Castor wheels 114 are provided at the corners of the apparatus 100 to enable the apparatus 100 to be moved. One or more castor wheels 114 are provided with a brake so as to stop the apparatus moving when marking is taking place.

The castor wheels 114 are able to rotate in the same plane as the ground (i.e. ‘swivel’) so as to allow the apparatus 100 to be rotated, In such a way, the apparatus 100 is a rotatable mount which allows fora bin 60 to be marked on several sides without having to reposition the marking device.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the apparatus 100 secured to a bin 60.

Figure 9 shows a side view of the apparatus 100 secured to a bin 60 with example removable elements 1 in place on the stencil 15. The following table provides example dimensions shown in Figure 9:

Reference	Description	Example dimension (mm)
w_IF	Inner frame 111 width	540
H,f	Inner frame 111 height	520

Wls	Lower stencil width	450
w_us	Upper stencil width	405
W_S0F	Outer frame side width	560

Dimensions W|_F, H|_F, W|_s , Wjs and W_Sof may be modified depending on the dimensions of the object to be marked and/or the desired design of the marking.

Figure 10 shows an expanded view of a lower portion of the apparatus 100 indicating the ramp 102 with a locking device 103 to secure it in a substantially upright position. The baseplate (BP) in the example shown has a width (W_BP) of approximately 550mm and a thickness (T_Bp) of approximately 4mm.

Figure 11 shows a front view of an apparatus 100 being secured to a bin 60. The inner frames 111 are pivotable from a lower mounting 113 on the frame of the apparatus 100 and are retained with securing means in the form of a bolt 112 mounted on a top rail 116. The action of securing in the inner frames 111 compresses the bin sides so that a flat surface is presented to allow the stencil 15 to sit against the bin 60 side during etching. The deflector covers 110 are shown deflected outwards; the restoring force of such a deflection acts to secure the bin 60 in place. In one example, the deflector covers 110 are made of a resilient material, such as a plastics material.

Figure 12 shows a front view of the apparatus 100 without a bin 60 in place. The outer frame (OF) in the example shown has a frontal width (W_FOf) of approximately 556mm and a height (H_of) of approximately 835mm. The apparatus is thus dimensioned so as to fit a conventional ‘wheelie bin’.

Figure 13(a) shows an expanded view of a stencil 15 for uses with an apparatus 100 to be secured to a bin 60. This stencil 15 is affixed to the inner frames of the apparatus 100 and in use is pressed against the surface of a bin 60. An upper stencil and a lower stencil are shown. The upper stencil may be for larger characters - such as a house number - and the lower stencil for smaller characters - such as a road name and/or postal code. The larger characters may have a height (Hue) of 125mm and the smaller characters a height (H_Lc) of 30mm. Different stencils 15 may be used depending on the desired design of the marking - for example a single stencil with a pictorial pattern may be used, or more or fewer locations for removable elements 1 may be provided.

In use a user places replaceable elements 1 in an appropriate location and secures them in place as will be described with reference to Figures 13(b), 14 and 15.

Figure 13(b) shows a section through C-C in Figure 13 indicating replaceable elements 1 secured to the stencil 15.

In the example shown the upper and lower stencils 15 are each formed by two separate frames forming a gap for removable elements 1 to be placed between. Prior to marking, the frames are clamped together, securing the removable elements 1 in place. A toggle clamp 116 is provided to force the frames of the stencil 15 together. One or both frames of the stencil 15 have a resilient coating (such as rubber) so as to grip the removable elements 1 more effectively.

Figure 14(a) shows an expanded view of the upper part of the stencil 15. Magnets in the form of disk magnets 120 are provided in the stencil 15 which hold the removable elements 1 in place prior to being clamped into position. The magnets 120 also provide a reference point for the correct location of the removable elements 1.

Centre bars 122 are provided on the stencil 15 in between removable elements 1 segmenting the stencil 15 for the placement of multiple removable elements 1. The centre bars 122 assist in reducing (or eliminating) gaps between removable elements 1 which may otherwise allow the ingress of marking material. The thickness of the centre bars 122 (T_Cb) is approximately 4mm. The width of the upper replaceable elements 1 (Wure) is approximately 100mm.

Figure 14(b) shows a section through A-A in Figure 14(a) indicating replaceable elements 1 secured to the upper part of the stencil 15.

Figure 15(a) shows a further expanded view of the lower part of the stencil 15. The thickness of the centre bars 122 (T_Cb) is approximately 4mm. The width of the lower replaceable elements 1 (W_Lre) is approximately 24mm.

Figure 15(b) shows a section through B-B in Figure 15(a) indicating replaceable elements 1 secured to the lower part of the stencil 15.

The thickness of the removable elements 1 is in one example approximately 3mm.

Abrasive blasting using sand as a medium, or ‘sand blasting’, has been used previously to create a pattern in concrete or stone once it has been laid. Parts of the concrete or stone are chipped away by the force of the sand blasting, leave a design which may be aesthetically pleasing to a user. The surface is permanently fixed, usually in the ground, and the sand blasting equipment is moved into position above it. However, it has surprisingly been found that the surface of plastic, such as those of refuse bins, can be marked in such a way without adversely affecting the structural integrity of the bin itself.

The bins commonly distributed by local authorities are quite large, designed to hold between one and two weeks’ worth of refuse from an average household. Such bins are surprisingly well suited to having an impression made using the method described above, as they are relatively light and manoeuvrable, while being sufficiently large so as to not be fiddly to affix a stencil and hold them in place. They are also frequently misplaced, as they all look extremely similar, and the act of emptying and replacing them into a refuse disposal vehicle may often lead to mixing them with those from another household.

Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These may include, but are not limited to: using alternative materials for shot so as to achieve a different effect, using shot produced from a range of different sized particulates or powders, or firing the shot at different pressures and/or durations so as to achieve different depths of penetration of the impression left as a result. The stencil may also include a plurality of layers or rows of tablets, so as to include more information on the surface of the bin.

A variety of different methods of manufacture may of the stencil 15 and/or removable element 1 be used. For example, any part of the apparatus disclosed herein may be manufactured by way of ‘3D printing’ whereby a three-dimensional model of the surface is supplied, in machine readable form, to a ‘3D printer’ adapted to manufacture the housing or apparatus. This may be by additive means such as extrusion deposition, Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication (EBF), granular materials binding, lamination, photopolymerization, or stereolithography or a combination thereof. Such a process could produce a highly customised stencil for a user; for example, a specific font, pattern, or image.

The component to be formed may be embodied in one such machine readable model, for example a machine readable map or instructions, for example to enable a physical representation to be produced by 3D printing. This may be in the form of a software code mapping of the stencil 15 and/or removable element and/or instructions to be supplied to a 3D printer (for example numerical code).

The material used forthe manufacture of the stencil 15 and/or removable element 1 is preferably resistant to degradation from the shot used to mark the object. This is so that the stencil 15 and removable elements 1 can be reused multiple times.

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. For example, rather than the flange being on the stencil 15, a groove could be provided on the stencil 15 and a corresponding flange provided on the removable element(s) 1.

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. A method of marking a surface of an object, the method comprising:

placing a stencil over the surface to be marked, wherein said stencil comprises one or more removable elements; and passing shot over the stencil;

thereby producing a marking corresponding to said one or more removable elements.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the surface comprises plastic.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the surface is the surface of a refuse bin.

4. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the removable elements comprise letters and/or numbers.

5. A method according to any preceding claim further comprising securing said stencil to the surface to be marked.

6. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the method further comprises rotating the object with respect to the shot thereby to produce a negative marking corresponding to said removable elements on a further surface of said object.

7. A method according to claim 6 further comprising the step of placing the object on a rotatable mount.

8. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the method further comprises placing the surface within a shot-collection container.

9. A method according to claim 8 further comprising the step of collecting used shot for reuse or recycling.

10. A stencil for abrasive blasting comprising means for receiving one or more removable elements.

11. A stencil according to claim 10 wherein the one or more removable elements comprise letters and/or numbers.

12. A stencil according to claim 10 or 11, comprising a plurality of panels so as to enable coverage of multiple sides of an object to be marked.

13. A stencil according to claim 12 comprising three panels.

14. A stencil according to claim 12 comprising four panels.

15. A stencil according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the plurality of panels are connected to one another via a hinge.

16. A stencil according to any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the means for receiving removable elements comprises a mating arrangement adapted to couple to a removable element.

17. A stencil according to claim 16 wherein said mating arrangement comprises a flange.

18. A stencil according to claim 16 or 17 wherein said mating arrangement comprises a magnet, preferably a disk magnet.

19. A stencil according to any of claims 10 to 18 wherein the means for receiving one or more removable elements comprises two frames adapted to be clamped together.

20. A stencil according to claim 19 wherein one or both frames adapted to be clamped together comprise a resilient coating.

21. A stencil according to claim 20 wherein the resilient coating comprises rubber.

22. A stencil according to any of claims 10 to 21 further comprising one or more bars segmenting the stencil for the placement of multiple removable elements.

23. A stencil according to any of claims 10 to 22 comprising two or more rows for the placement of removable elements.

24. A stencil according to any of claims 10 to 23, wherein the stencil is adapted to be secured to a surface to be marked.

25. A stencil according to any of claims 10 to 24, wherein the surface to be marked is the surface of a refuse bin.

26. A stencil according to any of claims 10 to 25 for use in the method of any of claims 1 to 9.

27. An apparatus for securing an object to be marked, the apparatus comprising: one more stencils;

a frame for aligning said one or more stencils relative to said object to be marked; and means for securing said one or more stencils to said object to be marked.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said means for securing said one or more stencils to said object to be marked comprises a pivotable frame.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said pivotable frame is adapted to press the stencil onto the object to be marked.

30. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 29 wherein said means for securing said one or more stencils to said object to be marked comprises a ratchet strap.

31. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 30 further comprising one or more resilient elements for securing the object to be marked.

32. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 31 further comprising means for rotating the apparatus.

33. An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the means for rotating the apparatus comprise wheels.

34. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 33 further comprising a ramp for placing the object to be marked within the apparatus.

35. An apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the ramp is pivotabley connected to said frame.

36. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 35 wherein said object to be marked comprises a plastics material.

37. An apparatus according to claim 36 wherein said object to be marked comprises a refuse bin, preferably a wheelie bin.

38. An apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 37 wherein said one or more stencils comprises the stencil according to any of claims 10 to 26.

39. A removable element adapted to couple with the stencil of any of claims 10 to 26.

40. A removable element according to claim 39 comprising a cavity to allow shot to pass through.

41. A removable element according to claim 40 wherein said cavity corresponds to a number or letter.

42. A kit of parts for use in the method of any of claims 1 to 9.

43. A kit of parts comprising a stencil according to any of claims 10 to 26 and one or more removable elements.

44. A kit of parts according to claim 42 or 43 further comprising a rotatable mount.

45. A kit of parts according to any of claims 42 to 44 further comprising a collection sheet for collecting used shot.

46. A kit of parts according to any of claims 42 to 45 further comprising a shot propulsion device.

47. A kit of parts according to any of claims 42 to 46 further comprising the apparatus according to any of claims 27 to 38.

48. A machine readable map, or machine readable instructions, configured to enable a 3D printer to manufacture the stencil of any of claims 10 to 26.

49. A machine readable map, or machine readable instructions, configured to enable a 3D printer to manufacture the removable element of any of claims 39 to 41.

50. A stencil substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

51. A removable element substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

52. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

53. An apparatus as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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54. A kit of parts substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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Application No: GB1621516.2 Examiner: Mr Christopher Saul