GB2593158A

GB2593158A - A laminate for covering a surface and a method of using the same

Info

Publication number: GB2593158A
Application number: GB2003593.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harvey Jason
Original assignee: J H Elevators Ltd
Current assignee: J H Elevators Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-12
Filing date: 2020-03-12
Publication date: 2021-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-12
Also published as: GB202003593D0; GB2593158B

Abstract

The laminate comprises an outer polystyrene (PS) layer 101, an intermediate polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer 102 and an outer metallic layer 103 comprising a composite of aluminium and steel. Preferably, the metallic layer 103 is bonded to the PVC layer 102 by 0.1 mm thick double-sided adhesive tape 104 and this is then attached to the PS layer 101 by self-tapping screws 105a-105c. Preferably the PS 101 is 10-150 (30) mm thick, the PVC 102 is 1-5 (3) mm thick, the metal 103 is 1-5 (3) mm thick and the adhesive 104 is 0.05-0.15 (0.1) mm thick. The laminate is applied to the surface S of an elevator car, escalator, travellator, moving walkway or staircase, turnstile or gate with the PS layer attached to the structure. The kit of parts and method of producing and method of applying the laminate are also claimed.

Description

A LAMINATE FOR COVERING A SURFACE AND A METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a laminate for covering a surface, particularly, but not exclusively, a laminate for covering a surface, the laminate comprising an outer polystyrene layer, an intermediate polyvinylchloride layer, and an outer aluminium/steel composite material layer. The present disclosure also relates to a method of using the laminate to cover a surface.

Background

During construction of a building, certain elements are built/erected at the early stages of the building process. For example, elevators/lifts, escalators/travellators and turnstiles/gates are typically installed at the early stages of the building process due to their extensive size and required installation features.

Accordingly, these elements which are installed early in the build process are present throughout the remaining time it takes to finish the construction of the building and also during the furnishing of the building. Throughout this time these elements are prone to damage from builders/fitters, especially as the builders/fitters are more commonly using elevators/lifts and escalators/travellators to move building materials through the building site for efficiency reasons.

It is known to use panels of timber to protect the interior of elevator/lift cars to reduce the damage caused to the interior, finished surfaces of the elevator/lift car. Pieces of timber are cut to approximately the size of the floor and side walls of the elevator/lift car and wedged in so as to abut against the floor and walls.

However, with such a technique the installation of the protective timber is difficult due to its weight, and the protection afforded is not mechanically sufficient nor is it fireproof.

In view of the above, there is a need for a lightweight, convenient-to-use material for covering a surface which provides improved structural protection and fire resistance.

Summary of the Disclosure

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a laminate for covering a surface, the laminate comprising: an outer polystyrene layer; an intermediate polyvinylchloride layer; and an outer aluminium composite material layer or steel composite material layer.

The Inventors have discovered that this particular arrangement provides for a lightweight, convenient-to-use material for covering a surface which provides improved structural protection and fire resistance.

In particular, the outer polystyrene layer may provide a relatively deformable layer which can help absorb impacts. The outer aluminium/steel composite material layer may provide a relatively hard surface which can help protect against scratches. The intermediate polyvinylchloride layer provides a backbone for the completed laminate to assist in the convenience of using the laminate.

Accordingly, there is provided a lightweight, convenient-to-use material for covering a surface which provides improved structural protection and fire resistance.

As used herein, aluminium composite material layer is a layer in which two skins of aluminium are bonded to either side of a lightweight core of material such as polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (FUR), profiled metal or a mineral core.

As used herein, steel composite material layer is a layer in which two skins of steel are bonded to either side of a lightweight core of material such as polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (FUR), profiled metal or a mineral core.

In certain embodiments, the outer polystyrene layer defines one outermost surface of the laminate, the outermost surface for abutting placement against the surface during use.

In certain embodiments, the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer defines one outermost surface of the laminate. In certain embodiments, the outermost surface for being the visible surface once, in use, the laminate covers the surface.

In certain embodiments, the two face surfaces of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer are entirely covered by the outer polystyrene layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer respectively.

In certain embodiments, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are bonded together with a layer of adhesive disposed therebetween. In certain embodiments, the layer of adhesive extends substantially across the entire face surfaces of each of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer. In certain embodiments, the layer of adhesive is double-sided tape. In certain embodiments, the layer of adhesive having a thickness of between approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.15 mm, preferably approximately 0.1 mm In certain embodiments, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and/or the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer is/are connected to the outer polystyrene layer by one or more screws. In certain embodiments, the one or more screws are self-tapping screws. In certain embodiments, each of the screws pass through both the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer and the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and then penetrate into the outer polystyrene layer thereby connecting the layers.

In certain embodiments, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and/or the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer is/are connected to the outer polystyrene layer by one or more discrete connecting means, such as the above-noted screws.

In certain embodiments, the outer polystyrene layer has a thickness of between approximately 10 mm to approximately 150 mm, preferably between approximately 20 mm to approximately 50 mm, preferably approximately 30 mm.

In certain embodiments, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer has a thickness of between approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, preferably between approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm, preferably approximately 3 mm.

In certain embodiments, the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer has a thickness of between approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, preferably between approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm, preferably approximately 3 mm.

In certain embodiments, the laminate consists / consists essentially of the outer 10 polystyrene layer, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer.

In certain embodiments, the laminate consists / consists essentially of the outer polystyrene layer, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer, the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer and the adhesive layer disposed between the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer.

In certain embodiments, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer is disposed closer to the outer polystyrene layer than the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer. In certain embodiments, one of the two face surfaces of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer abuts one of the two face surfaces of the outer polystyrene layer.

In certain embodiments, the laminate is generally planar.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elevator car comprising: one or more surfaces defining the interior holding space of the elevator car; and the laminate as described anywhere herein, wherein the laminate is abuttingly placed against at least one of the one or more surfaces so as to cover the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and wherein the outer polystyrene layer of the laminate is abuttingly placed against the at least one of the one or more surfaces.

In certain embodiments, the one or more surfaces comprise a floor of the elevator car, a ceiling of the elevator car and/or one or more side walls of the elevator car.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elevator system comprising the elevator car as described anywhere herein, the elevator system being configured for selectively raising and lowering the elevator car.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an escalator/travellator comprising: one or more surfaces defining the exterior of the escalator/travellator; and the laminate as described anywhere herein, wherein the laminate is abuttingly placed against at least one of the one or more surfaces so as to cover the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and wherein the outer polystyrene layer of the laminate is abuttingly placed against the at least one of the one or more surfaces In certain embodiments, the one or more surfaces comprise: one or two side walls defining the sides of the interior walking space; and/or one or more side walls defining the outsider sides of the escalator/travellator.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a turnstile/gate for restricting entry in a passageway, comprising: one or more surfaces defining the exterior of the turnstile/gate; and the laminate as described anywhere herein, wherein the laminate is abuttingly placed against at least one of the one or more surfaces so as to cover the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and wherein the outer polystyrene layer of the laminate is abuttingly placed against the at least one of the one or more surfaces.

In certain embodiments, the one or more surfaces comprise one or more surfaces defining the housing of the turnstile/gate In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit for manufacturing the laminate as described anywhere herein, the kit comprising: an outer polystyrene layer; an intermediate polyvinylchloride layer; and an outer aluminium/steel composite material layer.

In certain embodiments, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are bonded together with a layer of adhesive disposed therebetween. In certain embodiments, the layer of adhesive extends substantially across the entire face surfaces of each of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer. In certain embodiments, the layer of adhesive is double-sided tape. In certain embodiments, the layer of adhesive has a thickness of between approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.15 mm, preferably approximately 0.1 mm.

In certain embodiments, the outer polystyrene layer is unattached to the bonded intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and outer aluminium/steel composite material layer.

In another aspect, there is provide a method of covering a surface, the method comprising: providing an outer polystyrene layer; providing an intermediate polyvinylchloride layer; providing an outer aluminium/steel composite material layer; disposing the outer polystyrene layer on the surface such that one of the two face surfaces of the outer polystyrene layer faces the surface; disposing the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer on the outer polystyrene layer such that one of the two face surfaces of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer abuts the other of the two face surfaces of the outer polystyrene layer; and disposing the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer on the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer.

In certain implementations, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are bonded together before the step of disposing the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer on the outer polystyrene layer, optionally, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are bonded together using a layer of adhesive disposed the reb etween.

In certain implementations, the outer polystyrene layer, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are connected together by passing one or more screws through the three layers, optionally, the one or more screws being self-tapping screws.

In certain implementations, the surface is one or more surfaces defining the interior holding space of an elevator car, optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprising a floor of the elevator car, a ceiling of the elevator car and/or one or more side walls of the elevator car.

In certain implementations, the surface is one or more surfaces defining the exterior of an escalator/travellator, optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprise: one or two side walls defining the sides of the interior walking space; and/or one or more side walls defining the outsider sides of the escalator/travellator.

In certain implementations, the surface is one or more surfaces defining the exterior of a turnstile/gate, optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprise one or more surfaces defining the housing of the turnstile/gate.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of covering an elevator car, the method comprising: effecting the steps of the method of covering a surface as described anywhere herein to cover a first interior side wall of the elevator car; and effecting the steps of the method of covering a surface as described anywhere herein to cover a second interior side wall of the elevator car.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises connecting the covering of the first interior side wall and the covering of the second interior side wall with a covering corner panel, optionally, the covering corner panel comprising the laminate as described anywhere herein with a middle section cut out so as leave solely a skin of the aluminium/steel composite material layer.

S

In certain implementations, the method further comprises effecting the steps of the method of covering a surface as described anywhere herein to cover an interior floor of the elevator car; and/or further comprising effecting the steps of the method of covering a surface as described anywhere herein to cover an interior ceiling of the elevator car.

In certain implementations, the method comprises effecting the steps of the method of covering a surface as described anywhere herein to cover a first portion of an interior panel of the elevator car, such as one of the side walls, floor or ceiling; and effecting the steps of the method of covering a surface as described anywhere herein to cover a second, neighbouring portion of the interior panel of the elevator car, optionally, wherein the covering of the first portion and the covering of the second portion are connected using a further layer of the laminate as described anywhere herein disposed on top of the first covering and the second covering.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a laminate for covering a surface; Figure 2 shows a first step in a method of covering a surface; Figure 3 shows a second step in the method of covering the surface; and Figure 4 shows a third step in the method of covering the surface.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a laminate 100 for covering a surface (not shown).

The laminate 100 comprises an outer polystyrene layer 101. The outer polystyrene layer 101 defines two face surfaces which are the major surfaces of the layer with the largest area and face opposite sides of the outer polystyrene layer 101. One face surface of the outer polystyrene layer 101 (the face surface shown on the right side of Figure 1) is configured for abutting placement against the surface during use. The outer polystyrene layer 101 is relatively soft and does not damage the surface when placed against it.

The laminate further comprises an intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102. The intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 also defines two face surfaces which are the major surfaces of the layer with the largest area and face opposite sides of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102. One face surface of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 (the face surface shown on the right side of Figure 1) is abuttingly placed against the face surface of the outer polystyrene layer 101 which is opposite to the face surface which is configured for abutting placement against the surface during use.

The laminate further comprises an outer aluminium/steel composite material layer 103. Preferably, this layer is an aluminium composite material layer as this provides a lightweight layer with sufficient protective properties. The outer aluminium/steel composite material layer 103 is placed next to the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 on the opposite side to the outer polystyrene layer 101.

In certain embodiments such as that shown in Figure 1, the laminate 100 comprises an optional layer of adhesive 104 disposed between the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer 103 so as to connect the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 to the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer 103. The layer of adhesive 104 is disposed substantially across the entire face surfaces of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer 103.

In certain embodiments such as that shown in Figure 1, the laminate 100 further comprises optional screws 105a, 105b, 105c which pass through the three layers to connect the layers together. The screws 105a, 105b, 105c are spaced apart across the plane of the laminate 100. In certain embodiments, the screws 105a, 105b, 105c are self-tapping screws. In certain embodiments, the screws disclosed anywhere herein as configured such that they do not entirely penetrate through the outer polystyrene layer 101. In such embodiments, the likelihood of the screws damaging the underlying surface to be protected is minimised.

A method of covering a surface S will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

As a first step, the surface S to be covered is covered using the outer polystyrene layer 101 (see Figure 2). The outer polystyrene layer 101 is outer polystyrene layer 101 abuttingly placed on the surface S. Small amounts of adhesive (such as double-sided tape) may optionally be used to help secure the outer polystyrene layer 101 to the surface S. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 3, a pre-bonded sheet of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer 103 are disposed on the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer 103 such that the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 is in abutting contact with the outer polystyrene layer 101.

Before placement, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer 102 and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer 103 are connected together using a layer of adhesive 104 disposed therebetween.

Finally, as shown in Figure 4, self-tapping screws 105a, 105b, 105c are inserted into the laminate to connect the three layers.

The surface S to be covered may be a floor of an elevator car, a ceiling of an elevator car, a side wall of an elevator car, a side wall defining a side of an interior walking space of a travellator/escalator, a side wall defining an outsider side of an escalator/travellator, a surface defining a housing of a turnstile/gate

Claims

CLAIMS1. A laminate for covering a surface, the laminate comprising: an outer polystyrene layer; an intermediate polyvinylchloride layer; and an outer aluminium/steel composite material layer.
2. The laminate of Claim 1, wherein the outer polystyrene layer defines one outermost surface of the laminate, the outermost surface for abutting placement against the surface during use.
3. The laminate of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer defines one outermost surface of the laminate.
4. The laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the two face surfaces of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer are entirely covered by the outer polystyrene layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer respectively.
5. The laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are bonded together with a layer of adhesive disposed therebetween, optionally: wherein the layer of adhesive extends substantially across the entire face surfaces of each of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer; and/or wherein the layer of adhesive is double-sided tape, further optionally, the layer of adhesive having a thickness of between approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.15 mm, preferably approximately 0.1 mm.
6. The laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and/or the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer is/are connected to the outer polystyrene layer by one or more screws, optionally, wherein the one or more screws are self-tapping screws.
7. The laminate of any preceding claim, wherein: the outer polystyrene layer has a thickness of between approximately mm to approximately 150 mm, preferably between approximately 20 mm to approximately 50 mm, preferably approximately 30 mm; and/or the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer has a thickness of between approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, preferably between approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm, preferably approximately 3 mm; and/or the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer has a thickness of between approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, preferably between approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm, preferably approximately 3 mm.
8. The laminate of any preceding claim, wherein: the laminate consists / consists essentially of the outer polystyrene layer, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer; and/or the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer is disposed closer to the outer polystyrene layer than the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer, optionally, wherein one of the two face surfaces of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer abuts one of the two face surfaces of the outer polystyrene layer.
9. An elevator car comprising: one or more surfaces defining the interior holding space of the elevator car; and the laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the laminate is abuttingly placed against at least one of the one or more surfaces so as to cover the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and wherein the outer polystyrene layer of the laminate is abuttingly placed against the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and, S optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprise a floor of the elevator car, a ceiling of the elevator car and/or one or more side walls of the elevator car.
10. An escalator/travellator comprising: one or more surfaces defining the exterior of the escalator/travellator; and the laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the laminate is abuttingly placed against at least one of the one or more surfaces so as to cover the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and wherein the outer polystyrene layer of the laminate is abuttingly placed against the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and, optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprise: one or two side walls defining the sides of the interior walking space; and/or one or more side walls defining the outsider sides of the escalator/travellator.
11. A turnstile/gate for restricting entry in a passageway, comprising: one or more surfaces defining the exterior of the turnstile/gate; and the laminate of any preceding claim, wherein the laminate is abuttingly placed against at least one of the one or more surfaces so as to cover the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and wherein the outer polystyrene layer of the laminate is abuttingly placed against the at least one of the one or more surfaces, and, optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprise one or more surfaces defining the housing of the turnstile/gate.
12. A kit for manufacturing the laminate of any one of Claims 1 to 8, the kit comprising: an outer polystyrene layer; an intermediate polyvinylchloride layer; and an outer aluminium/steel composite material layer.
13. The kit of Claim 12, wherein the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are bonded together with a layer of adhesive disposed therebetween, optionally: wherein the layer of adhesive extends substantially across the entire face surfaces of each of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer; and/or wherein the layer of adhesive is double-sided tape, further optionally, the layer of adhesive having a thickness of between approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.15 mm, preferably approximately 0.1 mm.
14. The kit of Claim 13, wherein the outer polystyrene layer is unattached to the bonded intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and outer aluminium/steel composite material layer.
15. A method of covering a surface, the method comprising: providing an outer polystyrene layer; providing an intermediate polyvinylchloride layer; providing an outer aluminium/steel composite material layer; disposing the outer polystyrene layer on the surface such that one of the two face surfaces of the outer polystyrene layer faces the surface; disposing the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer on the outer polystyrene layer such that one of the two face surfaces of the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer abuts the other of the two face surfaces of the outer polystyrene layer; and disposing the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer on the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer.
16. The method of Claim 15, wherein the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are bonded together before the step of disposing the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer on the outer polystyrene layer, optionally, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are bonded together using a layer of adhesive disposed therebetween.
17. The method of Claim 15 or 16, wherein the outer polystyrene layer, the intermediate polyvinylchloride layer and the outer aluminium/steel composite material layer are connected together by passing one or more screws through the three layers, optionally, the one or more screws being self-tapping screws.
18. The method of any one of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the surface is one or more surfaces defining the interior holding space of an elevator car, optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprising a floor of the elevator car, a ceiling of the elevator car and/or one or more side walls of the elevator car.
19. The method of any one of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the surface is one or more surfaces defining the exterior of an escalator/travellator, optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprise: one or two side walls defining the sides of the interior walking space; and/or one or more side walls defining the outsider sides of the escalator/travellator.
20. The method of any one of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the surface is one or more surfaces defining the exterior of a turnstile/gate, optionally, wherein the one or more surfaces comprise one or more surfaces defining the housing of the turnstile/gate.
21. A method of covering an elevator car, the method comprising: effecting the steps of any one of Claims 15 to 20 to cover a first interior side wall of the elevator car; and effecting the steps of any one of Claims 15 to 20 to cover a second interior side wall of the elevator car.
22. The method of Claim 21, further comprising connecting the covering of the first interior side wall and the covering of the second interior side wall with a covering corner panel, optionally, the covering corner panel comprising the laminate of any of Claims 1 to 8 with a middle section cut out so as leave solely a skin of the aluminium/steel composite material layer.
23. The method of Claim 21 or 22, further comprising effecting the steps of any one of Claims 15 to 20 to cover an interior floor of the elevator car; and/or further comprising effecting the steps of any one of Claims 15 to 20 to cover an interior ceiling of the elevator car.
24. The method of Claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the method comprises effecting the steps of any one of Claims 15 to 20 to cover a first portion of an interior panel of the elevator car, such as one of the side walls, floor or ceiling; and effecting the steps of any one of Claims 15 to 20 to cover a second, neighbouring portion of the interior panel of the elevator car, optionally, wherein the covering of the first portion and the covering of the second portion are connected using a further layer of the laminate of Claims 1 to 8 disposed on top of the first covering and the second covering.