WO2004024467A2

WO2004024467A2 - Surface-mounting system

Info

Publication number: WO2004024467A2
Application number: PCT/IE2003/000123
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Rushe; Hanns Roland Misiak; Christoph Gehse
Original assignee: Loctite (R & D) Limited; Henkel Komanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
Priority date: 2002-09-11
Filing date: 2003-09-11
Publication date: 2004-03-25
Also published as: DE10242432A1; AU2003272040A1; WO2004024467A3; IE20030659A1; AU2003272040A8; EP1403094A2; EP1403094A3

Abstract

A surface-mounting system for household use which includes a mounting device (10) which comprises (i) a front surface (24) provided with a load-supporting element (19), (ii) a substantially planar contact surface (25) to receive an adhesive layer (18), and (iii) a grip element (15) integrally formed with the base (23) as a flexible extension thereof inclined at an angle away from the plane of the contact surface (25). The mounting device (10) can be adhered to a substrate surface (12), particularly an interior surface, by means of an adhesive layer (18) applied to the mounting device (10), wherein the adhesive layer (18) is formed from a cyanoacrylate adhesive composition and the adhesive layer co-operates with an activator (16) applied to the substrate surface (12), such that after adherence the adhesive layer (18) can be separated again from the substrate surface (12), by peeling.

Description

Title Surface-Mounting System

Field of the Invention This invention relates to a surface-mounting system which includes a mounting device that can be applied to interior surfaces by means of an adhesive layer.

Brief Description of Related Technology

The most common method of fixing a mounting device to a substrate such as a wall or door is to insert a screw or nail into the substrate. The nail or screw can then can be used as the mounting device itself, or can be employed to

I fix a separate mounting device, such as a hook, to the substrate. A drawback to these methods is that tools are often required to affix and remove the mounting device.

Additionally, all of the above methods of fixing mounting devices to substrates have the problem that when the mounting device is to be detached from the substrate, the substrate is damaged in doing so.

Another method of fixing a mounting device to a substrate is the use of liquid adhesives. A drawback to the use of liquid adhesives is the time required for the adhesive to harden before the load can be applied. A further drawback is that the adhesive must be of sufficient strength to maintain the mounting device in its position against the substrate when fully loaded.

However, such adhesives have the drawback that attempts to remove the mounting device are hindered by the strength of the bond formed, and ultimately, removal of the mounting device from the substrate results in damage to the substrate. Forcibly removing the mounting device from the substrate in these circumstances causes damage to the substrate, sometimes with the additional result of leaving an unsightly residue on the substrate of portions of the cured adhesive.

There have been several attempts to overcome some of the above shortcomings. One of these is the 3M (TM) COMMAND (TM) Range of Adhesive Products, available from 3M, St Paul, MN, USA, whose packaging refers to three patents. U.S. Patent No. 5,516,581 discloses a removable adhesive tape comprising a highly extensible and substantially inelastic backing and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. Removal of the tape is achieved by stretching it in a direction substantially parallel, i.e., less than about 35 degrees, to the surface of the substrate.

U.S. Patent No. 6,001,471 discloses double-sided stretchable adhesive tapes for use in conventional applications, particularly including the mounting or joining of an object to another surface. The timing of the debonding of both surfaces can be controlled, so that one adhesive surface releases before the other. The earlier release can be either on the object side or the surface side, depending on the desired effect.

U.S. Patent No. 6,231,962 discloses conformable pressure- sensitive adhesive tapes which comprise a layer of polymeric foam in the backing and may be adhered firmly to a substrate and thereafter removed therefrom after only being stretched at an angle no greater than about 35 degrees from the surface of the substrate. Articles for mounting an object such as a picture to a surface such as a wall comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape of the invention are also described.

In use, the 3M COMMAND system requires three parts: a cover from which a hook or other load-supporting element projects; a mounting base defining a contact surface to receive an adhesive strip, the cover being slidably mounted on the base; and a double-sided adhesive strip. The user applies one face of the strip to the base and subsequently adheres the other face of the strip to the wall by means of manual pressure for a short period of time. Removal of the mounting device from the substrate is by sliding the cover up to reveal the mounting base and removal tab, and then by gripping the removal tab, slowly stretching the adhesive strip, straight -down against the wall, i.e. in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the wall, until the mounting base releases from the wall. The user is advised not to press the base against the wall when gripping the removal tab, to prevent the base snapping against the user's fingers. The user instructions also state that the strip must never be pulled out at an angle, because the strip could break or damage the wall surface.

This system presents drawbacks to the user. The correct method of removal is not immediately apparent to the user, and also presents risk of minor injury if not carried out exactly according to the recommended instructions. Often, the mounting device, such as a clothes hook, will have been adhered to the substrate, such as a wall or door, for some considerable time. The packaging, containing the precise instructions for removal, may no longer be available for scrutiny by the user. Under these circumstances, the user must first separate the cover from the base and is then presented with a small protruding tab portion of the adhesive strip. It is counterintuitive for the user to pull the strip parallel with the plane of the substrate, and not press the mounting device against the substrate. Under these circumstances, the user may incorrectly pull the adhesive strip away from the plane of the substrate, and thereby place themselves at risk of snap-back and also cause the strip to shear. Once the strip has sheared, removal of the mounting device is more difficult and may cause damage to the surface of the substrate and furthermore may additionally leave a residue of the adhesive strip, which is difficult to remove.

I

The above-described 3M Command system uses pressure sensitive adhesives. Compositions based upon cyanocrylate esters are well known and have found extensive use, because of their rapid cure speed, excellent long-term bond strength, and applicability to a wide variety of substrates. They generally harden after only a few seconds. If used for fixing a mounting device they usually cause surface damage if the device is removed. It is known also to use accelerating activators with cyanocrylate (CA) compositions but this is usually only if the CA adhesive is applied in a relatively thick layer in a joint or if relatively large amounts of adhesive are applied so that relatively large drops of adhesive protrude from between the parts to be joined. Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to mitigate the problems discussed above and to provide a novel surface-mounting system, particularly for household use.

Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a surface-mounting system providing manually-detachable bonding of a mounting device to a substrate. The present invention furthermore seeks to provide a method of manually-detachable bonding between a mounting device and a substrate. A further intention of the invention is to provide a mounting device which is in one part.

In one aspect the invention relates to a system for mounting a decorative system which embraces a lightweight frame or lightweight rack or mount.

In another aspect the invention relates to a surface- mounting system which includes a mounting device that is intended to support light household goods, for example a hook, knob, bracket, towel holder, picture fixing or the like. Light household loads can be in the range up to about 3.5 kg, for example.

The invention broadly describes a method of attaching a mounting device onto a surface by application of a cyanoacrylate adhesive in combination with an activator (primer) . Furthermore, it enables the user to easily detach the mounting device without the need for subsequent surface treatment (e.g., repairs to wall or scraping of remnant adhesives) . The present invention provides a surface-mounting system which includes a mounting device which can be adhered to a substrate surface, particularly an interior surface, by means of an adhesive layer applied to the mounting device, where the adhesive layer is formed from a so-called

"instant adhesive" and the adhesive layer co-operates with a primer applied to the interior surface, such that after adherence the adhesive layer can be separated again from the substrate surface by manual detachment, without damage to the substrate surface.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a surface-mounting system which includes a mounting device which can be adhered to a substrate surface, particularly an interior surface, by means of an adhesive layer applied to the mounting device, wherein the adhesive layer is formed from a so-called "instant adhesive" and the adhesive layer co-operates with a primer applied to the interior surface, the primer effecting such a reduction in the adhesion of the adhesive to the substrate surface that after adherence the adhesive layer can be separated again from the substrate surface by manual detachment .

Preferably the mounting device includes a grip element that can be grasped by hand.

Suitably the mounting device consists of plastics and particularly is formed as an injection moulding. Generally, the so-called "instant adhesive" is a cyanocrylate adhesive composition.

The mounting device may form part of a decoration system that can be applied to interior surfaces which includes a lightweight frame or a lightweight rack and a decorative and/or functional sheet which can be applied to said frame or rack. Preferably the lightweight frame or lightweight rack is provided with at least one connecting element which adjustably connects the frame or the rack to an adhesive layer positively and independently of the position of the adhesive layer which in the condition of use lies against the interior surface .

Since the concept "interior surface" also embraces door panels, furniture panels etc., the invention in its development provides that the interior surface is an interior wall surface and/or ceiling surface or a coating applied thereto.

In a practical design variant the invention is distinguished further in that the connecting element includes a mounting device in the form of a shaped body which provides a contact surface for the adhesive layer.

In an advantageous embodiment the invention is further distinguished in that the adhesive layer is configured as an adhesive substance layer applied to the contact surface of the shaped body. For this purpose the user applies the adhesive layer himself manually at the place of use - for example by the application of an instant adhesive onto the contact surface of the shaped body.

A many-sided employment of the system is possible with this aspect of the invention, especially the application, without causing damage, of a mounting device such as a lightweight frame or rack to all possible substrates, such as tiles or flags, wallpapers, glass, wood, cement, veneer etc. Subsequent removability is also ensured. These advantages are achieved, in the embodiments of the invention, in that the adhesive substance layer co-operates with a layer of primer applied to the interior surface, especially the interior wall surface or the surface of the ceiling, in which connection it is particularly provided that the adhesive substance layer can be released from the interior surface and/or the primer layer that has been applied to said surface by manually pulling it away without damaging the interior surface.

The subsequent removability of the shaped body is reinforced in that, according to an aspect of the invention, the shaped body comprises a gripping element i that can be grasped in the hand.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of adhering a mounting device to a substrate surface, comprising the steps of: (i) applying a primer to the substrate surface,

(ii) applying a cyanoacrylate adhesive composition to the mounting device, the primer being an activator which accelerates curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition, and (iii) positioning the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition as applied to the mounting device in contact with the primed area of the substrate surface, (iv) pressing the mounting device against the substrate, and

(v) permitting the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition to cure and adhere the mounting device to the substrate surface, the adhesion provided by the cured cyanoacrylate adhesive composition between the substrate and the mounting device being such that the mounting device and adhesive is manually peelable away from the substrate surface.

Desirably the adhesion is such that the mounting device and adhesive is manually peelable away from the substrate surface without significant visible damage to the substrate surface.

Suitably the mounting device comprises a base having (i) a front surface provided with a load-supporting element, (ii) a substantially planar contact surface to receive the i adhesive layer, and (iii) a grip element integrally formed with the base as a flexible extension thereof inclined at an angle away from the plane of the contact surface.

Desirably the base, load-supporting element and grip element are integrally formed as a single part. More than one grip element may be provided. For example the base may suitably be of generally elongate shape with a grip element at each end thereof. In this case, peeling may be carried out by gripping either of the grip elements or by gripping them in sequence so that peeling occurs from both ends of the base .

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising: a mounting device component, wherein the mounting device comprises a base having (i) a front surface provided with a load-supporting element, (ii) a substantially planar contact surface to receive the adhesive layer, and (iii) a grip element integrally formed with the base as an extension thereof inclined at an angle away from the plane of the contact surface,

(i) a cyanoacrylate adhesive composition, for application to the contact surface of the mounting device , (ii) an activator component, for application to a substrate surface to which the mounting device is to be adhered where the activator component and the cyanoacrylate component are selected so that the activator component accelerates curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition, and the adhesion provided by the cured cyanoacrylate adhesive composition between the substrate surface and the contact surface is such that gripping the grip element and peeling the base away from the substrate can be effected manually.

Suitably the grip element extends flexibly from the base and preferably is inclined at an angle in the range from 10 degrees to 40 degrees away from the plane of the contact surface. The mounting device may have two grip elements, one at a lower end and the other at an upper end. If so, the lower grip element may be inclined at an angle in the range from 10 to 40 degrees and the upper grip element may be inclined at an angle in the range from 10 to 35 degrees, both with respect to the plane of the contact surface.

Desirably the base of the mounting device, particularly in a region thereof not providing the root of the load- supporting element, is flexible, in order to facilitate peeling.

The mounting device can be used (loaded) after a brief period of time, when the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition has cured. The mounting device is bonded to the substrate surface with sufficient strength to support the load for which the device is designed. Mounting devices in accordance with the invention are generally intended to support light household loads, suitably up to about 3.5kg, particularly up to about 3kg, especially up to about 2.25kg. In particular, light household loads may include clothing, towels and other textile goods, or domestic utensils . i

The mounting device may be simply removed manually by peel- off action. With the appropriate selection of adhesive composition and activator for the material of the mounting device and the substrate surface, no or no major remnants of adhesive material are left on the substrate surface (e.g. the wall) and no destruction of substrate surface is observed either. A further advantage of the invention is that the mounting device can be reused.

Application of the activator to the substrate surface intended to support the mounting device significantly accelerates the cure of the adhesive and reduces the strength of adhesion of the mounting device to the substrate surface. Although this invention is not limited by any theory, it is considered that the acceleration causes the cure to occur before the adhesive can fully penetrate microcavities of the primed surface, which avoids mechanical interlocking of cured adhesive with the micro- cavities (or surface roughness) of the surface, which in turn facilitates the easy and clean peel-off removal of the mounting device when required without damaging the substrate. The mounting device is mounted with sufficient load-bearing strength by relying on a multitude of microscopic points of loading. When removing the mounting device, the peeling action ensures that the cyanoacrylate to substrate-surface bonds are broken sequentially, thus reducing the forces required to detach the device and allowing the detachment to be effected manually.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 a lightweight frame which can be used with a surface-mounting system according to the i invention,

Figure 2 (schematically) the cooperation of the lightweight frame with an interior surface,

Figure 3 a)-c) various arrangements of the decoration system on interior wall surfaces,

Figure 4 a)-c) an exemplary embodiment of a surface- mounting system for the preparation of an adhesive connection between the decoration system of Figures 1-3 and an interior surface .

Figure 5 a perspective view of a hook, being an embodiment of the mounting device of the present invention Figure 6 a perspective view of a knob, being a further embodiment of the mounting device of the present invention.

Figure 7 (a-e) a series of diagrams showing mounting and detachment of a hook in accordance with the present invention: (a) application of activator to substrate, (b) application of cyanoacrylate to base of mounting device, (c) adhering mounting device to substrate by means of manual pressure, (d) preparation for removal of mounting device by means of manually gripping tab, (e) removal of mounting device from substrate by peeling the mounting device away from the substrate.

Figure 8 (a-f) a series of side on cut away views of mounting and detachment of a hook: (a) side- on cut away view of mounting device with applied cyanoacrylate and substrate with applied activator, (b) side-on cut away view of mounting device adhered to substrate, (c) side-on cut away view of mounting device during removal of mounting device from substrate, (d) close up exploded side-on cut away view of mounting device with applied cyanoacrylate prior to adhering to substrate with activator, (e) close up exploded side on cut away view of mounting device adhered to substrate, (f) (comparative) close up exploded side-on cut away view of mounting device adhered to substrate without the use of activator. Detailed Description of the Invention

Flexibility in the grip element (s) and in at least the part of the base not providing the root of the load-supporting element enables the mounting device to be removed by means of a peel-action. This is further enhanced if the cyanoacrylate composition is flexibilised.

The term "peeling" is well understood. By way of illustration, we use the term to mean the removal of a substantially planar surface (contact surface) , which has at least one end, from a substrate to which it is adhered, by means of exerting a pulling force through one end of the i adhering face, generally in a direction away from the substrate, resulting in the bending of the contact surface across an axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of the peeling force, causing the gradual detachment of the contact surface from the substrate.

Peeling generally involves pulling one end of an adhered article at an angle of more than 35 degrees, e.g., at least

45 degrees, to the surface of the substrate.

It is a feature of the invention that adhesion between a substrate to which the activator component has been applied and the curable composition applied to the mounting device is non-permanent and the mounting device is capable of being detached from the substrate by means of manual detachment. The non-permanent nature of the adhesion provides the advantage that the mounting device component can be removed easily and quickly with limited or no damage to the supporting substrate . In a further embodiment of the present invention, the mounting device is composed of a substantially flexible polymeric material capable of being bonded by cyanoacrylates . Such a material is suitably chosen from the following list: polar polymers and plastics, including: polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, polymethylacrylate, acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer (ABS) , rubber, elastomers and surface treated polyolefins . The factors leading to selection of such materials are flexibility, strength, durability, ease of manufacture and an ability to form strong bonds with cyanoacrylates. Polyvinylchloride is a particularly suitable material . Polyurethane is another especially i useful material .

Suitable plastics material include those that have a Shore hardness range of 40 to 10, particularly 35-15.

In a further feature of the present invention, the mounting device is provided with a means to which a peeling force can be applied to separate the contact surface of the mounting device from the substrate. A suitable means is a projecting grip element formed at the edge of the mounting device and inclined to the contact surface thereof. This allows the user to manually grip the grip element and effect a peeling force, thereby removing the mounting device from the substrate, without the need for tools or solvents .

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the means to which a peeling force can be applied to separate the contact surface of the mounting device from the substrate is a hole through which a tool can gain purchase and thereby effect a peeling force, or by means of a shaped cavity into which an element can lodge and thereby effect a peeling force. Such a feature allows the mounting device to be removed even in situations where access for fingers is difficult.

Activators

The activator may be any suitable substance that quickly polymerizes cyanoacrylate monomers. Suitably, the activator is an alkali, organic base, nucleophile or transition metal compound. For instance: alkalies (e.g., NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)₂, etc.); organic bases

(e.g., ammonia, amines, N-hetero arenes like pyridines, i pyrroles; phosphanes, phosphazenes etc.); nucleophilic substances (amines (see above) , phosphanes (see above) , salts with nucleophilic anions like iodides, bromides, sulfides, disulfides, thiocyanates, isothiocyanates, cyanates, isocyanates, thiocarbonates, xanthogenates, thiometal alkoholates, etc.); transition metal compounds

(e.g., salts and organometallic compounds with metals like iron, nickel, zinc, etc, and copper compounds, e.g., copper acetyl acetonate, etc.) . Overall among the most preferable materials are strong alkalies and bases, which ensure a sudden polymerization of the adhesive. Examples include: inorganic bases/alkaline substances, e.g., hydroxides of the Groups 1 and 2 of the Periodic Table e.g. NaOH, KOH, as solution in water or alcohol; Strong organic bases, like amines, phosphanes, phosphazenes or other organic bases, for examples: 1, 8-bis (dimethylamino) naphthaline (= 'Proton Sponge' ); 2,3,4,6,7,8,9, 10-Octahydropyrimido [1,2- alpha] azepin; Metal alkoxides of metals of the 1st and 2nd main group, like NaOEt, KOEt, Mg(OEt)₂, as solution in alcohol. Organometallic compounds such as alkyl- and aryl- metal compounds of metals of Group 1 and 2 of the Periodic Table .

Particularly suitable activators are those known as polyolefin primers for cyanoacrylates, e.g. as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,869,772 McDonnell et al and U.S. Patent No. 5,314,562 McDonnell et al, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Such activators include 1, 5-diazabicyclo [4.3.0]non-5-ene and 1,8- diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec-7-ene.

The activator is suitably carried by a solvent, which desirably will evaporate at room temperature, preferably i within a few seconds after application to a substrate surface. Such a solvent is suitably chosen from the following list: organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, esters, arenes and aliphatic hydrocarbons and water-based solvents including water. The concentration of the activator in the solvent is suitably 0.01 - 5% by weight.

The activator may, if desired, be applied more than once to the substrate surface. Preferably a first coat of activator is allowed to dry before a second coat is applied.

The primer (activator) should preferably be dissolved in a solvent in order to allow easy application onto the substrate surface. Solvents for the organic primer substances could be the usual organic solvents such as alcohols like 1-propanol, 2-propanol, butanol, etc.) , ketones (like acetone, acetyl acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.), esters (like ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, etc.), arenes (like toluene, xylene, tetraline, etc .), aliphatic hydrocarbons (like pentane, hexane, heptane, ligroines, cyclohexane, etc.) . Primer substances like salts may show insufficient solubility in some of the aforementioned solvents; in those cases the use of water may be an option, although low boiling organic solvents are much preferred, because they ensure a quick dry-off after the primer application.

In some cases, the activator may be carried by a reactive solvent, such as a low molecular weight (meth) acrylate, for example hydroxyethyl (meth) acrylate or hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate .

However in these cases a slow dry-off of the primer may be i encountered.

Alternatively, the activator component may be contained in a slurry or emulsion.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the activator component may be supplied in a dispenser or other apparatus for applying the activator component to the substrate. Such an activator dispenser or other apparatus may suitably be chosen from the following list : spray, brush, sponge, semi-solid stick, felt or fabric-tip pen.

Cyanoacrylate adhesive compositions

Instant adhesives are cyanoacrylate adhesive compositions. The cyanoacrylate adhesives are essentially based on conventional cyanoacrylates, i.e., on monoacrylic acid esters and/or bis-cyanoacrylates . "Conventional monocyanoacrylic acid esters" is intended to be understood as the following substances of the general formula:

H₂C=C(CN) -CO-O-R (I).

In it, R is an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl , alkoxyalkyl, aralkyl or haloalkyl group, up to 2 conjugated

C-C double bonds, with a cycloaliphatic 6-C ring, with an aromatic nucleus derived from benzene, with a group having preferably Br or Cl as halogen, and having 1 to 18, preferably 2, 3 or 4 C atoms, in particular a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl , isohexyl, heptyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, i oxononyl, n-decyl, n-dodecyl, 2 , 2 , 2-trifluoroethyl , hexafluoroisopropyl , allyl, methallyl, crotyl , propargyl, benzyl, phenyl , cresyl, 2-chloroethyl , 3-chloropropyl, 2- chlorobutyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl , 2-methoxyethyl, butoxyethoxyethyl, 3-methoxybutyl or 2-ethoxyethyl group. The aforementioned cyanoacrylates are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, cf. Ullmanns's Encyclopaedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. Al, p.240, Verlag Chemie Weinheim (1985), as well as U.S. Patent No. 3 254 111. Preferred monomers are the allyl, methoxyethyl , ethoxyethyl , methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl or butyl esters of 2-cyanoacrylic acid.

"Bis-cyanoacrylates" is to be understood as substances with the following general formula:

[H₂C=C (CN) -CO-O] 2R¹ (ID in which R¹ is a branched or unbranched bivalent alkane residue with 2 to 18, more particularly 6 to 12 C atoms, which can additionally contain heteroatoms such as halogens and oxygen, or aliphatic or aromatic rings. For preference, however, R¹ is a simple hydrocarbon.

It is known that cyanoacrylic acid esters have access not only to an anionic but also to a radical chain polymerisation pathway, and it is therefore advisable to protect the ester masses against both types of polymerisation, so that no premature hardening of the ester takes place, and storage problems are avoided. In order to prevent an anionic polymerisation, an anionic polymerisation inhibitor can be added to the adhesive i compositions according to the invention. All anionic polymerisation ^' inhibitors that have been used to date in the field of cyanoacrylic acid ester adhesive compositions are suitable for this purpose. By way of example, the anionic polymerisation inhibitor can be an acid gas, a protonic acid or an anhydride thereof. The preferred anionic polymerisation inhibitor for the adhesive compositions according to the invention is sulfur dioxide, preferably in an amount from 0.001 to 0.5 % based on the adhesive. Further usable anionic polymerisation inhibitors are nitrous oxide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, organic sulfonic and carboxylic acids and anhydrides thereof, phosphorus pentoxide and acid chlorides. It is to the purpose if a radical chain polymerisation inhibitor is also added to the adhesive compositions according to the invention in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.05 %. This radical chain polymerisation inhibitor can be any one of the radical chain polymerisation inhibitors known for cyanoacrylic acid ester batches. Phenol compounds, for example hydroquinone , t-butyl catechinone, pyrocatechol and p-methoxyphenol are ordinarily used. The above recited 2 -cyanoacrylic acid ethyl ester preparations, available in commerce, are already stabilised. If it should prove necessary, in the use of these commercially available preparations, to adjust the concentration of the stabiliser, this offers no difficulties to the skilled person.

Still further polymers can usefully be added to the cyanoacrylate mixtures according to the invention, e.g., to increase their viscosity (thickeners) or to vary the adhesive properties. The polymers can be used in an amount of 1 to 60, more particularly 10 to 50, preferably 10 to

I 30% by weight, based on the total formulation. The most suitable are polymers based on vinyl ethers, vinyl esters, esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid with 1 to 22 C atoms in the alcohol components, styrene and copolymers and terpolymers derived therefrom with ethene, butadiene. Preferred are vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate copolymers with a vinyl chloride fraction from 50 to 95% by weight. The polymers may be present in liquid or resinous form, or again in the solid form. It is particularly important that the polymers should contain no contaminants from the polymerisation process, which might inhibit the curing of cyanoacrylate. In certain cases, when the polymers show a too high water content, drying must be carried out.. The molecular weight can be spread over a wide range, should be at least around M.W. = 1500, but at most around 1,000,000, since otherwise the final viscosity of the adhesive formulation is too high. Mixtures of the above-mentioned polymers can also be used. In particular, the combination of low and high molecular weight products has special advantages in relation to the final viscosity of the adhesive formulation. Examples of suitable polymers based on vinyl acetate will be given: the Mowilith types 20, 30 and 60, the Vinnapas types B1.5, B100, B17, B5 , B500/20VL, B60, UW10, UW1, UW30, UW4 and UW50. Examples of suitable polymers based on acrylate will be given: Acronal 4F and the Laromer types 8912, PE55F and P033F. Examples of suitable polymers based on methacrylate will be given:

Elvacite 2042, the Neocryl types B724, B999 731, B735, B811, B813, B817 and B722, Plexidon MW134, the Plexigum types M825, M527, N742, N80, P24, P28 and PQ610. An example of suitable polymers based on vinyl ether will be given: Lutonal A25. For thickening, cellulose derivatives and silica gel can also be used. Special attention should i be drawn to the addition of polycyanoacrylates .

Over and above all this, the cyanoacrylate mixture according to the invention can contain still further adjuvant substances so as to achieve particular effects, depending upon the intended application. The polymerisation accelerators are counted in the front rank here, as described in DE 43 17 886, viz. polyalkylene oxides and their derivatives, especially their esters and ethers .

Fats and fatty derivatives (in particular aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic carboxylic acid esters or carboxylic acid esters of a carbocyclic compound) , furthermore, such as those described in DE 197 52 893 or in DE 43 17 886, can be used as plasticisers . More detail can be had directly from the cited patent specifications. Consideration must of course be accorded also to the common plasticisers, e.g., phthalates, citric acid esters, chloroparaffins and trimellitic acid esters.

Solvents can also be added, especially to raise the solubility of the aldehyde or ketone condensation product or, as the case may be, to work this product more easily in to the mixture in the form of a solution. Suitable organic solvents are, e.g., alcohols, ethers, ketones and alkyl esters of low molecular weight. Particularly employable are isopropanol, methoxypropanol , ethoxypropanol , ethoxyethanol , propoxyethanol , butoxyethanol , methylethyl ketone and N-methyl-2 -pyrrolidone . The solvent content of the cyanoacrylate composition should be as low as possible, however, preferably lower than 20% by weight, in order not i to compromise the dimensional stability.

Further adjuvants are activators, dyes, colour pigments, odoriferous substances, preservatives, antiseptics and fillers.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition may have the appearance of being substantially transparent or substantially translucent upon curing. Use of such a composition in the present invention has the advantage that if small amounts of adhesive remain on the substrate following detachment of a mounting device, the appearance of the substrate is not impaired.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the curing component is one that forms a flexible bond upon curing, such as for example a cyanoacrylate composition as described in International Patent Publication No. WO 03/042311 Loctite (R&D) Limited, the contents of which (and of the U.S. counterpart thereof) are incorporated herein by reference. The advantage of using such a composition in combination with the invention is to provide a greater degree of flexibility in the cured adhesive during the peel-action removal of the mounting device. As described in International Patent Application No. WO 03/042311, a suitable cyanoacrylate adhesive composition comprises; (i) at least one lower cyanoacrylate monomer component selected from ethyl cyanoacrylate or methoxycyanoacrylate; (ii) at least one higher cyanoacrylate monomer component in an amount greater than 12% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of the lower cyanoacrylate monomer and the higher cyanoacrylate monomer, and selected from the group consisting of: n-propyl-cyanoacrylate, iso-propyl cyanoacrylate, n- butyl -cyanoacrylate, sec-butyl-cyanoacrylate, iso- butyl-cyanoacrylate, tert-butyl-cyanoacrylate, n- pentyl-cyanoacrylate, 1-methyl-butyl-cyanoacrylate, 1- ethyl-propyl-cyanoacrylate, neopentyl-cyanoacrylate , n-hexyl-cyanoacrylate, 1-methyl pentyl-cyanoacrylate, n-heptyl-cyanoacrylate, n-octyl-cyanoacrylate, n- nonyl-cyanoacrylate, n-decyl-cyanoacrylate, n-undecyl- cyanoacrylate, n-dodecyl-cyanoacrylate, cyclohexyl- cyanoacrylate, benzyl-cyanoacrylate, phenyl- cyanoacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl-cyanoacrylate, allyl cyanoacrylate, propargyl-cyanoacrylate, 2-butenyl- cyanoacrylate, phenethyl-cyanoacrylate, chloropropyl- cyanoacrylate, ethoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, ethoxypropyl-cyanoacrylate, ethoxy isopropyl- cyanoacrylate, propoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, isopropoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxyethyl- cyanoacrylate, methoxypropyl-cyanoacrylate, methoxy isopropyl-cyanoacrylate, methoxy butyl -cyanoacrylate, propoxymethyl-cyanoacrylate, propoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate, propoxy propyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxymethyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxyethyl- cyanoacrylate, butoxypropyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxyisopropyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxy butyl- cyanoacrylate, iso-nonyl-cyanoacrylate, iso-decyl- cyanoacrylate, cyclohexyl methyl-cyanoacrylate, naphtyl-cyanoacrylate, 2- (2 ' -methoxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate -ethoxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate -propyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate -butyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate -pentyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl-

I cyanoacrylate -hexyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate -methoxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate -ethoxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacry1ate -propyloxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate -pentyloxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate -hexyloxy) -propyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate -methoxy) -butyloxy butyl- cyanoacrylate -ethoxy) -butyloxy butyl- cyanoacrylate -butyloxy) -butyloxy butyl- cyanoacrylate -methoxy) -propyloxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate -methoxy) -butyloxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate -methoxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate -methoxy) -butyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate -methoxy) -ethoxy propyl- cyanoacrylate -methoxy) -ethoxy butyl- cyanoacrylate

(iii) at least one plasticiser component comprising at least one ester group containing plasticiser, the plasticiser component being miscible in a mixture of component (i) and component (ii) ; the plasticiser component being present in the composition in an amount between about 15 to about 40% by weight of the composition, and the plasticiser component having an Ap/Po ratio in the range of about 1 to less than about 6.

Desirably, the plasticiser component does not include pentaerythritoltetrabenzoate as the sole plasticiser.

More particularly it is desirable that the composition is as detailed above except that the plasticiser component has an Ap/Po ratio of from about 1.25 to less than about 6 including also trimethyl trimellithate . i

When used to describe the ester group containing plasticisers for inclusion in compositions the Ap/Po ratio is calculated for the purposes of the present invention as follows : the total number of aliphatic CH₃, CH₂ and CH groups (which are not part of a carbonyl group) divided by the total number of ester groups. This property ratio is an adaptation of a property ratio discussed by Alan S. Wilson, "Plasticisers -Principles and Practice" , Book 585 by the Institute of Materials, London (1995 - see Section 1.7).

While good results are achieved with compositions containing plasticiser with an Ap/Po ratio of the plasticiser molecule in the range of about 1 to less than 6, it has been found that compositions where the Ap/Po ratio of the plasticiser is in the range of about 1.25 to about 5, such as from about 2 to about 5, more particularly from about 2 to about 4, give particularly desirable flexibility characteristics, while not deleteriously affecting other desirable properties of the cured composition such as for example bond strength and shelf life. A more restricted range where useful plasticiser may be found is where the Ap/Po ratio is from about 2 to about 4. Where more than one plasticiser is utilised it is desirable that they each independently have the desired Ap/Po ratio though the present invention requires that only one of the plasticisers has the desired Ap/Po ratio.

In use, it will be appreciated that the suitability of the material of the mounting device, selection of the primer and the adhesive for a particular application will depend upon the substrate surface to which the mounting device is i to be adhered. The presence of a coating material such as paint on the substrate surface may affect the adhesion and/or may increase the likelihood that some visible mark will be left after detachment of the mounting device. A particularly suitable substrate surface is wood, such as present in doors of rooms, cupboards or the like. Another particularly suitable substrate is ceramic, especially ceramic tiles, such as found in bathrooms and kitchens.

In addition, the invention provides a mounting device component for facilitating mounting of an object to a substrate comprising:

(i) a flexible substantially planar mounting base having a front face, and a rear adhering face and an edge located between the front face and the rear adhering face to which adhesive can be applied to adhere the device to the substrate; (ii) a load-supporting element portion on the front face of the mounting base component for receiving an object to be mounted to the substrate;

(iii) a projecting tab formed at an angle to the edge where manually pulling the tab away from the substrate effects peeling of the mounting base from the substrate to which it is adhered. The advantage of such a mounting device is the flexibility of the adhering face, which allows the mounting device component to be removed manually from the adhered substrate by means of peel-action, and the projecting tab, which allows manual or instrument gripping of the mounting device .

In embodiments of the present invention, the load- supporting element of the mounting device comprises a hook, knob, or bracket. A hook is particularly suitable. Furthermore, the load-supporting element may comprise a means of secure attachment to another article, particularly wherein the means is a slot or groove, screw, screw-thread. The other article, for example, may further comprise a hook, knob, bracket or further mating mechanism. This feature provides the user with a series of interchangeable mounting devices (such as hooks, knobs, brackets etc.) which can be used with the same adhered mounting device.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the load- supporting element comprises a slot or groove or commonly known mating mechanism providing for the attachment of a secondary feature wherein the secondary feature provides a method of attachment to a mounting base with a feature which further comprises a means of secure attachment to another article. Such an arrangement is ideally suited to the temporary display of pictures or notices, where a pair of mutually compatible mounting devices are adhered to the picture or notice and the substrate or wall.

By 'tab' or "grip element", we mean any projecting arm, cord, string, line, wire or elongate element, edge, formed integrally or otherwise with the mounting device.

Detailed description of the drawings

The decoration system collectively designated 1 in Figures 3 a) - c) consists of a lightweight frame 2 and a decorative and/or functional sheet 3 which can be applied to it or, in the illustrations of Figure 3 a) - c) , has been applied to it [i.e. to said frame 2] . The lightweight frame 2 is made up of four frame elements 4, designed as push-fit elements, which are joined together in the form of a frame at their end regions by respective push sockets 6 formed on connecting devices 5. The connecting devices 5 are made up of a respective ball joint housing 7 in which an attachment body of a connecting element 9, designed as a ball joint head 8, is displaceably housed. On the opposite end the connecting element 9 is provided with a mounting device in the form of a shaped body 10. The shaped body 10 forms a contact surface for and to an adhesive layer 11, by which the shaped body 10 is secured to the interior surface 12. The shaped body 10 consists of plastics and, depending on its intended application and/or intended coating with adhesive composition, is constructed as an injection moulding (preferably a thin one) .

All in all, the lightweight frame 2, through the medium of the connecting element 9, is displaceably mounted and secured to the interior surface 12, the attachment being mechanically positive and independent of the location of the adhesive composition layer 11. The mechanically positive attachment is achieved on the one hand by means of the attachment body of the connecting element 9, made up as a ball head member 8, which intrudes into the counter-piece of the frame, itself made up to form a joint socket 7, combining in this way to form a ball-and-socket joint; and on the other hand by means of the adhesive composition layer 11 which is formed on the shaped body 10, whereby the connecting element 9 is articulated to the shaped body 10, preferably at the middle of the shaped body 10. As can be seen from Figures 3 ) - c) , the decoration system can be used in various ways. In Figure 3 a) the decoration system 1 is applied to a ceiling surface 13, in the illustration of Figure 3 b) the decoration system 1 is fixed to an interior wall surface 14, and in the illustration 3 c) , bridging the corner or butt edge region between an interior wall surface 14 and a ceiling surface 13, it is fixed to the ceiling surface 13 in the first place, and to the interior wall surface 14 in the second. I In each of these illustrations according to Figure 3 b) and 3 c) a respective connecting element 9a is of telescopically extensible design and is partly extended, so that it is seen as longer than the connecting elements 9. The adhesive layers are shown in the Figures 3 a) - c) as small dark rectangles in direct flat contact with the respective fixing substrates. The shaped body 10, shown each time as a small light-coloured rectangle, constitutes the coupling to the connection elements 9, 9a. With the aid of the variable-length connection elements 9a further possibilities of displacement are obtained, in addition to the variability of inclination of the decorative and/or functional sheet 3 already given by the ball joint. Thus in Figure 3 b) a surface plane of the decoration and/or functional sheet 3 set up at an inclined angle to the interior wall surface 14 can be achieved solely by a difference in length of the connecting elements 9 and 9a. Over all, the connecting elements 9 and 9a are designed as rod-like bridge pieces. Depending on the character of the adhesive composition used, the shaped body 10 is removable from the interior surface 12. In order to be well able to apply manually the necessary force for this, the shaped body 10 comprises a grip [or tab] element 15.

Figures 4 a) - c) illustrate the application of the decoration system 1 (or a lightweight frame 2) on an interior surface 12 by means of a primer-to-instant adhesive bond. With a bond of this kind the adhesive layer can be removed again from the interior surface without damage or residue. To prepare this mounting bond, a coat of primer 16 is first applied to the interior surface. Then, from a container 17, an instant adhesive coat 18 is applied to the contact surface of the shaped body 10. The contact surface of the shaped body 10, treated with instant adhesive 18, is subsequently placed upon the primer layer 16, thereby establishing the adhesive bond to the interior surface. This bond can be again released, so that if desired - as shown in Figure 4 c) - the shaped body 10 can be grasped by its grip element 15, and the adhesive layer released from the interior surface by pulling, and thereby the entire shaped body 10, and with it the lightweight frame 2 , removed again from the interior surface .

Whereas a primer in the ordinary way effects an improvement in adhesion, the primer used in the system according to the invention, for forming the primer layer 16, is distinguished in that it reduces the adhesion of the adhesive substance so markedly that damage-free removal from that specific substrate becomes possible. The selection of the primer is a matter for the adhesives expert, who takes into account the solidity of the substrate, and the elasticity and peel-off behaviour of the mounting element 10 and of the selected adhesive substance.

Turning now to Figure 5, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described. The mounting device (shaped body) 10 is integrally formed from a substantially flexible material such as PVC and incorporates a load- supporting element 19 in the form of a hook. The hook is rooted solidly in the base 23 of the mounting device 10 and is not articulated thereto. The base 23 of the mounting device has a front face 24 from which the hook 19 projects and a rear face 25 (see Figure 7) which is the substantially planar contact surface. There is a narrow edge between the two faces 24 and 25. The base 23 is generally elongate, but tapering towards the lower end. It is advantageous to have a broader area of contact surface above the region where the hook or other load-bearing element is rooted, because this is where the most adhesion is required under load. A grip or tab 15a is formed integrally with the base, extending flexibly from the lower end thereof at an angle of about 31 degrees to the contact surface 24. A second integral grip or tab 15b is formed so as to extend flexibly from the top end of the base, again at an angle of about 31 degrees to the contact surface. The base is generally flexible except in the region from which the hook projects, i.e. the root of the load- supporting device. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a mounting device 10 where the load-supporting element 19 takes the form of a knob having a narrow stem rooted in the front face 24 of the base 23.

Figure 7 provides a schematic showing the use of one embodiment of the system of the present invention. The primer 16 is applied to the surface of the substrate 12 (e.g. a wall) by means of a felt tip applicator 20 (Figure 7a) and allowed to dry by evaporation of the solvent. The adhesive 18 is applied from the container 17 to the contact surface 25 of the base 23, but not to the grips 15a, 15b (Figure 7b) . The adhesive-carrying contact surface of the mounting device 10 is then applied to the primed surface of the substrate 12 by means of manual pressure (Figure 7c) which spreads the adhesive layer to a thin film which cures rapidly. Typically, the pressure need only need be applied for less than one minute. In order to detach the mounting device 10 from the substrate 12, the user_t can manually hold the lower grip 15a of the mounting device 10 (Figure 7d) . The user then exerts a peeling action through the grip, detaching the mounting device 10 from the substrate 12 (Figure 7e) . If desired, the upper grip 15b may be used also, either as an alternative to the lower grip 15a or after the lower grip has been used to start the peeling action from below. For example, the lower grip 15a may be used to effect peeling as far as the region of the base that provides the root of the hook 19, and the upper grip 15b may then be used to effect further peeling from the upper end of the base .

The method of the invention is further described with reference to Figure 8. The mounting device 10, shown with a layer of adhesive 18, is brought into contact with the thin layer of primer 16 on the surface of the substrate 12. With reference to Figure 8d, it should be noted that the primer 16 does not act to form a physical barrier preventing the adhesive 18 from entering the microcavities 21 of the substrate 12. Rather, when the adhesive 18 is brought into contact with the primer 16, it cures at a greatly accelerated rate, and does not have time to penetrate the microcavities 21. Instead, the cured adhesive 18 forms a bond between the contact surface of the shaped body 10 and the 'peaks' or outermost portions 22 of the microcavities, but has not penetrated into the microcavities. This is in contrast with a hypothetical situation, Figure 8f (shown by way of comparison) , where the substrate 12 has not had primer 16 applied prior to adhering the mounting device 10. Under these circumstances, the cured adhesive 18a has interlocked within the microcavities 21. Attempts to detach the mounting device 10 from the substrate 12 would be likely to result in either or a combination of damage to the surface of the substrate caused by the block of cured adhesive 18a ripping through the microcavities 21 or the adherence of portions of the cured adhesive 18a, having become detached from the contact surface of the mounting device 10.

Results

By way of example, several embodiments of the system and methods of the invention were tested. Several adhesives, primers and hooks of various materials were tested on a variety of vertical substrates with specified loads. The abbreviations used are:

4850: Loctite® Product 4850 which is a medium viscosity, flexible, single component general-purpose alkyl cyanoacrylate adhesive, specially formulated to provide flexible bondlines.

4860: Loctite® Product 4860 which is a high viscosity, flexible, low wicking, single component general purpose alkyl cyanoacrylate adhesive, also specially formulated to provide flexible bondlines.

Products 4850 and 4860 are cyanoacrylate compositions as described in International Patent Publication No. WO

03/04231. 7457: Loctite® Activator 7457 which is a single component non-solvent based surface activator containing an organic accelerator.

770: Loctite® 770 Polyolefin Primer which is a single component material containing a solution of aliphatic amine in solvent , which dries rapidly at room temperature .

7951: Loctite® 7951 Primer PrismA.

Products 770 and 7951 are primers described in U.S. Patent

No. 4,869,772 McDonnell.

ABS : acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene . ' PVC: polyvinylchloride.

PU: polyurethane. d : day .

Three individual substrate varieties were tested to assess the more suitable combinations and embodiments of the invention. The results of these tests are shown in full in Table 1.

In order to assess the level of surface damage, a scale of 0-5 inclusive was employed. 0 represents a surface with no damage, no remnants of adhesive or primer, no loss of finish, such as paint and no discolouration of the surface after removal of the mounting device and adhesive. The surface of the substrate appears completely undamaged upon close inspection. 1 and 2 represent grades of a similar condition, with the difference that upon close examination, minute imperfections in the substrate surface can be detected such as minute portions of adhesive remnant, or minute elements of finish adhering to the mounting device. 3 represents the situation, after removal of the mounting device, where there is sufficient damage to the substrate surface and/or remnant residue as to be just visible without close examination. 4 and 5 represent successive gradations away from this median, with a greater level of substrate surface damage and/or remnant-adhesive being visible .

Painted wall Black ABS

Examples I-VI describe a test where the substrate was a painted wall . The painted wall was represented by a wall composed of common concrete "breeze blocks' painted with emulsion paint. Initial tests were conducted with a mounting device manufactured from Black ABS . These were tested with a high viscosity Loctite® adhesive 4860, with load of 3 kg for a duration of 4 days. Using a single application of Loctite® primer 7951 the mounting device was detached by peeling with ease, leaving the surface in very good condition. Applying the Loctite® primer 7951 twice before adhesion gave a comparably secure bond which was very easy to peel off and left the surface of the substrate in excellent condition.

Using Loctite® primer 7457 in a single application, the mounting device was secure with the 3 kg load for the duration of the test and was relatively easy to peel off Using one application of Loctite® primer 7457, resulted in a reduced quality of surface after peel off, ranging from good to bad. However, by applying Loctite® primer 7457 twice prior to adherence, the mounting device was peeled off easily and left the surface in excellent condition. When applying the primer twice, the first coating was allowed to dry before applying the second coating.

Loctite® adhesive 4850 is a less viscous cyanoacrylate composition than 4860, and the bond strength achieved by both products is the same. Accordingly, Loctite® adhesive 4850 was used in all other tests.

PVC Examples 1-8 describe a test where the substrate was a painted wall.

A painted wall was tested with a mounting device composed of PVC. The load was 5 kg. Where Loctite® primer 7457 or 770 was used there occurred either an immediate bond failure or a bond failure within 25 days, although this was not tested in Example 5. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a load of 5 kg is a considerable weight and represents an extreme test. Despite this, the mounting device of example 3 remained adhered for 10 days, and the mounting device of examples 4, 6, 7 and 8 remained adhered for 20 days or more prior to bond failure.

Examples 53 and 54 also describe a test where the substrate was a painted wall and the mounting device was composed of PVC. In these examples, the load was 2 kg (compared with the 5 kg load used in above examples 1-8) and the test was conducted for 1 day. Using Loctite® primer 7457 or 770, the mounting device was easily peeled from the substrate and left the substrate in a good to medium condition. It is believed that with a lesser load, such as 2 kg, the mounting device can remain in place indefinitely.

PU

Examples 25, 26, 29 and 30 describe a test where the substrate was a painted wall . In each example the load was 2 kg. Using either Loctite® primer 7457 or 770, the mounting device did not adhere to the substrate.

Paper

Examples 27, 28, 31 and 32 describe a test where the substrate was a painted wall. Using Loctite® primer 7457, the mounting device was peeled easily from the substrate, and the duration of adherence with a 2 kg load lasted the length of the test of 460 days. Similarly, using Loctite® primer 770, the mounting device was peeled easily from the substrate, and the duration of adherence with a 2 kg load lasted the length of the test of 460 days. However, in these tests where a mounting device of paper was used on a substrate of painted wall, using Loctite® adhesive 4850 and either Loctite® primer 7457 or 770, the surface of the substrate following removal was bad.

Wood PVC

Examples 9-16 describe a test where the substrate was wood. The load was 5 kg in all cases . Where Loctite® primer 7457 was used, peeling of the mounting device from the substrate was described as difficult, although it was achievable by manually peeling. The surface was left in a good condition. Where Loctite® primer 770 was used, the mounting device was in most cases very easy to peel from the substrate. In these cases, the condition of the substrate ranged from good to very good. In all cases where a mounting device of PVC was applied to a substrate of wood with a load of 5 kg, the bond duration exceeded the duration of the test .

PU Examples 33, 34, 37 and 38 describe a test where the substrate was wood. The load was 2 kg in all cases. Where Loctite® primer 7457 was used, peeling of the mounting device from the substrate was described as very easy. The surface was left in a good condition. Where Loctite® primer 770 was used, the mounting device was very easy to peel from the substrate. In all cases where a mounting device of PU was applied to a substrate of wood with a load of 2 kg, the condition of the substrate ranged from good to very good and the bond duration exceeded the duration of the test .

Paper

Examples 35, 36, 39 and 40 describe a test where the substrate was wood. The load was 2 kg in all cases. Where Loctite® 7457 primer was used, peeling of the mounting device from the substrate was described as very easy. However, the condition of the substrate ranged from good to very bad. Where Loctite® primer 770 was used, the mounting device was very easy to peel from the substrate but the condition of the substrate ranged from bad to very bad. In all cases where a mounting device of PU was applied to a substrate of wood with a load of 2 kg, the bond duration exceeded the duration of the test . Tile VC

Examples 17-24, 41, 42, 45 and 46 describe a test where the substrate was tile. In examples 17-24, a load of 5 kg was tested. Regardless of the primer (7457 and 770 were tested), the bonds suffered immediate bond failure. Accordingly, a lesser load of 2 kg was tested. With

Loctite® primer 7457 and 770 the bond duration outlasted the duration of the test, was very easy to peel and left the surface in good to very good (770) condition.

U

Examples 49-52 describe a test where the substrate was tile. A load of 2 kg was tested. With Loctite® primer 7457 and 770 the bond duration outlasted the duration of the test, was easy to very easy to peel and left the surface in a good condition.

Paper _! Examples 43, 44, 47 and 48 describe a test where the substrate was tile. The load was 2 kg. With Loctite® primer 7457 and 770 the bond duration outlasted the duration of the test, was very easy to peel. The surface was left in a variable condition, ranging from medium to very good.

The tests show that performance of the mounting system on wood and tile substrates generally fulfilled the criteria of the invention. For the painted wall, the person skilled in the art will recognise that the material of the mounting device (including its flexibility) , the choice of adhesive composition and activator, and the load to be supported should be taken into account in making the appropriate selection for good results to be achieved.

The results are shown in the following tables:

Qu ality of surface Remarks

0. Excellent D Bond destroyed to obtain data

1. V. Good IBF Immediate Bond Failure

2. Good BF Bond Failure

3. Medium TO Test Ongoing

4. Bad NA Not Adhesive to Surface

5. V. Bad

Λ

Experiment $Y$.TBM : GONDirtOttS Of; TEST ; ' $ %i ύi M!§ &

Hook Pri ming Wall Load Duration Durability of Easieness Quality of No. material Adhesive Primer applied material on hook of test loaded hook of peel surface

25 PU 4850 7457 lx painted wall 2 kg Id od° not applicable not applicable NA

26 PU 4850 7457 lx painted wall 2 kg infinite od* not applicable not applicable NA

27 Paper 4850 7457 lx painted wall 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 4 D

28 Paper 4850 7457 lx painted wall 2 kg infinite >46o very easy 4 D

29 PU 4850 770 lx painted wall 2 kg Id od« not applicable not applicable NA

3θ PU 4850 770 lx painted wall 2 kg in finite od- not applicable not applicable NA

31 Paper 4850 770 lx painted wall 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 4 D

32 Paper 4850 770 lx painted wall 2 kg infinite >₄6od very easy 4 D

33 PU 4850 7457 lx wood 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 2 D

34 PU 4850 7457 lx wood 2 kg infinite >₄6od very easy 2 D

35 Paper 4850 7457 lx wood 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 5 D

36 Paper 4850 7457 lx wood 2 kg infinite >46o not applicable 2 D

37 PU 4850 770 lx wood 2 kg Id >ld very easy 1 D

38 U 4850 770 lx wood 2 kg in finite >46o very easy 2 D

39 Paper 4850 770 lx wood 2 kg Id >ld very easy 4 D

40 Paper 4850 770 lx wood 2 kg infinite >46o d easy 5 D

41 PVC 4850 7457 lx tile 2 kg Id >ld very easy 2 D

42 PVC 4850 7457 lx tile 2 kg Infinite >₄6o d I very easy 2 D

43 Paper 4850 7457 lx tile 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 2 D

44 Paper 4850 7457 lx tile 2 kg infinite > 6o d very easy 3 D

45 PVC 4850 770 lx tile 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 1 D

46 PVC 4850 770 lx tile 2 kg in finite > 6o d very easy 2 D

47 Paper 4850 770 lx tile 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 1 D

48 Paper 4850 770 lx tile 2 kg infinite >₄6o very easy 3 D

49 PU 4850 770 lx tile 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 2 D

5θ PU 4850 770 lx tile 2 kg infinite > 6o d easy 2 D

51 PU 4850 7457 lx tile 2 kg Id >ιd very easy 2 D

52 PU 4850 7457 lx tile 2 kg infinite > 6o d very easy 2 D

53 VC 4850 7457 lx painted wall 2 kg Id >ιd easy 2 D

54 PVC 4850 770 lx painted wall 2 kg Id >ιd easy 2-3 D The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A surface-mounting system which includes a mounting device which can be adhered to a substrate surface, particularly an interior surface, by means of an adhesive layer applied to the mounting device, wherein the adhesive layer is formed from a so-called "instant adhesive" and the adhesive layer co-operates with a primer applied to the substrate surface, such that after adherence the adhesive layer can be separated again from the substrate surface, by manual detachment, without damage to the substrate surface.

2. A surface-mounting system according to claim 1 wherein the mounting device includes a grip element that can be grasped by hand.

3. A surface-mounting system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the mounting device consists of plastics and particularly is formed as an injection moulding.

4. A surface-mounting system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the so-called "instant adhesive" is a cyanocrylate adhesive composition.

5. A surface-mounting system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the mounting device forms part of a decoration system which includes a lightweight frame or a lightweight rack and a decorative and/or functional sheet which can be applied to said frame or rack.

6. A surface-mounting system according to claim 5 wherein the lightweight frame or lightweight rack is provided with at least one connecting element which adjustably connects the frame or the rack to an adhesive layer positively and independently of the position of the adhesive layer which in the condition of use lies against the substrate surface.

7. A surface-mounting system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the substrate surface is a wall surface and/or a ceiling surface or a coating applied thereto.

8. A surface-mounting system according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the connecting element comprises a mounting device in the form of a shaped body which is provided with a contact surface to receive the adhesive layer.

9. A surface-mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the mounting device comprises a base having: (i) a front surface provided with a load-supporting element, (ii) a substantially planar contact surface to receive the adhesive layer, and (iii) a grip element integrally formed with the base as an extension thereof inclined at an angle away from the plane of the contact surface.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the grip element is inclined at an angle in the range from 10 degrees to 40 degrees away from the plane of the contact surface.

11. A system according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the base is flexible.

12. A surface-mounting system according to any of claims 9 to 11 wherein the grip element provides a means to which a peeling force can be applied manually to separate the contact surface of the mounting device from the substrate.

13. A surface-mounting system according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein the base defining the contact surface is composed of a substantially flexible polymeric material capable of being bonded by a cyanoacrylate adhesive composition.

14. A surface-mounting system according to claim 13 wherein the base defining the contact surface is substantially composed of a material selected from the groups consisting of: polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, polymethylacrylate, acrylonitrite/butadiene/styrene (ABS) co-polymer, rubber, elastomers and surface treated polyolefins .

15. A surface-mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the primer is an activator which accelerates curing of a cyanoacrylate adhesive composition.

16. A surface-mounting system according to claim 15 wherein the activator is an alkali, organic base, nucleophile or transition metal compound.

17. A surface-mounting system according to claim 16 wherein the activator is chosen from 1,5- diazabicyclo [4.3.0] non-5-ene and 1,8- diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec-7-ene.

18. A surface-mounting system according to any of claims 15-17 wherein the activator is carried by a solvent.

19. A surface-mounting system according to claim 18 wherein the solvent is chosen from the following list : organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, esters, arenes and aliphatic hydrocarbons and water-based solvents including water.

20. A surface-mounting system according to any of claims 18-19 wherein the solvent evaporates at room temperature.

21. A surface-mounting system according to any of claims 15 to 17 wherein the activator is contained in a slurry or emulsion.

22. A surface-mounting system according to any preceding claim wherein the primer is supplied with a dispenser or other apparatus for applying the primer to the substrate .

23. A surface-mounting system according to claim 22 wherein the primer is supplied with an apparatus selected from the following list: spray, brush, sponge, semi-solid stick, felt or fabric-tip pen.

24. A surface-mounting system according to claim 4 wherein the cyanoacrylate adhesion composition has the appearance of being substantially transparent or substantially translucent upon curing.

25. A surface-mounting system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition forms a flexible bond upon curing.

26. A surface-mounting system according to claim 25 wherein the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition comprises: (i) at least one lower cyanoacrylate monomer component selected from ethyl cyanoacrylate or methoxycyanoacrylate; (ii) at least one higher cyanoacrylate monomer component in an amount greater than 12% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of the lower cyanoacrylate monomer and the higher cyanoacrylate monomer, and selected from the group consisting of: n-propyl-cyanoacrylate, iso-propyl cyanoacrylate, n- butyl- cyanoacrylate, sec . -butyl-cyanoacrylate, iso- butyl-cyanoacrylate, tert-butyl-cyanoacrylate, n- pentyl-cyanoacrylate, 1-methyl-butyl-cyanoacrylate, 1- ethyl -propyl-cyanoacrylate, neopentyl-cyanoacrylate, n-hexyl-cyanoacrylate, 1-methyl pentyl-cyanoacrylate, n-heptyl-cyanoacrylate, n-octyl-cyanoacrylate, n- nonyl-cyanoacrylate, n-decyl-cyanoacrylate, n-undecyl- cyanoacrylate, n-dodecyl-cyanoacrylate, cyclohexyl- cyanoacrylate, benzyl-cyanoacrylate, phenyl- cyanoacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl-cyanoacrylate, allyl cyanoacrylate, propargyl-cyanoacrylate, 2-butenyl- cyanoacrylate, phenethyl-cyanoacrylate, chloropropyl- cyanoacrylate, ethoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, ethoxypropyl-cyanoacrylate, ethoxy isopropyl- cyanoacrylate, propoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, isopropoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxyethyl- cyanoacrylate, methoxypropyl-cyanoacrylate, methoxy isopropyl-cyanoacrylate, methoxy butyl-cyanoacrylate, propoxymethyl-cyanoacrylate, propoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate, propoxy propyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxymethyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxyethyl- cyanoacrylate, butoxypropyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxyisopropyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxy butyl- cyanoacrylate, iso-nonyl-cyanoacrylate, iso-decyl- cyanoacrylate, cyclohexyl methyl-cyanoacrylate, naphtyl -cyanoacrylate, 2- (2 ' -methoxy) -ethoxy ethyl - cyanoacry1ate 2- (2 -ethoxy) -ethoxy ethyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -propyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -butyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -pentyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -hexyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -methoxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -ethoxy) -propyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -propyloxy) -propyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -pentyloxy) -propyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -hexyloxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -methoxy) -butyloxy butyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -ethoxy) -butyloxy butyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -butyloxy) -butyloxy butyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (3 -methoxy) -propyloxy ethyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (3 -methoxy) -butyloxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (3 -methoxy) -propyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (3 -methoxy) -butyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -methoxy) -ethoxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -methoxy) -ethoxy butyl- cyanoacrylate

27. A surface-mounting system according to claim 26 with the proviso that the plasticiser component does not include pentaerythritoltetrabenzoate as the sole plasticiser.

28. A surface-mounting system according to any of the preceding claims for supporting a load of up to about 3.5 kg.

29. a surface-mounting system for adhering a mounting device to wood.

30. A surface-mounting system for adhering a mounting device to ceramic, particularly tile.

31. A surface mounting system as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting device further comprises an engagement slot, cavity or hole through which a tool can attach thereby effect peeling of the mounting device from the substrate to which it is adhered.

32. A surface mounting system as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting device comprises a load-supporting element which is a hook.

33. A surface mounting system as described in any claims 1-31, wherein the mounting device comprises a load- supporting element which is a knob.

34. A surface mounting system as described in any of claims 1-31, wherein the mounting device comprises a load- supporting element which is a bracket.

35. A method of adhering a mounting device to a substrate surface, comprising the steps of:

(i) applying a primer to the substrate surface, (ii) applying a cyanoacrylate adhesive composition to the mounting device, the primer being an activator which accelerates curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition, and (iii) positioning the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition as applied to the mounting device in contact with the primed area of the substrate surface, (iv) pressing the mounting device against the substrate, and (v) permitting the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition to cure and adhere the mounting device to the substrate surface, the adhesion provided by the cured cyanoacrylate adhesive composition between the substrate and the mounting device being such that the mounting device and adhesive is manually peelable away from the substrate surface .

36. A method according to claim 35 wherein the adhesion is such that the mounting device is manually peelable away from the substrate without significant visible damage to the substrate surface .

37. A method as claimed in any of claims 35 or 36 wherein the mounting device comprises a base having (i) a front surface provided with a load-supporting element, (ii) a substantially planar contact surface to receive the adhesive layer, and (iii) a grip element integrally formed with the base as an extension thereof inclined at an angle away from the plane of the contact surface.

38. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-37, wherein the mounting device consists of plastics and particularly is formed as an injection moulding.

39. A method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the base defining the contact surface is composed of a substantially flexible polymeric material capable of being bonded by a cyanoacrylate adhesive composition.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the base defining the contact surface is substantially composed of a material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, polymethylacrylate, acrylonitrite/butadiene/styrene (ABS) co-polymer, rubber, elastomers and surface treated polyolefins .

41. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-40, wherein the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition has the appearance of being substantially transparent or substantially translucent upon curing.

42. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-41, wherein the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition forms a flexible bond upon curing .

43. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition comprises; (i) at least one lower cyanoacrylate monomer component selected from ethyl cyanoacrylate or methoxycyanoacrylate; (ii) at least one higher cyanoacrylate monomer component in an amount greater than 12% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of the lower cyanoacrylate monomer and the higher cyanoacrylate monomer, and selected from the group consisting of: n-propyl-cyanoacrylate, iso-propyl cyanoacrylate, n- butyl-cyanoacrylate, sec-butyl-cyanoacrylate, iso- butyl-cyanoacrylate, tert-butyl-cyanoacrylate, n- pentyl-cyanoacrylate, 1-methyl-butyl-cyanoacrylate, 1- ethyl-propyl-cyanoacrylate, neopentyl-cyanoacrylate, n-hexyl-cyanoacrylate, 1-methyl pentyl-cyanoacrylate, n-heptyl-cyanoacrylate, n-octyl-cyanoacrylate, n- nonyl-cyanoacrylate, n-decyl -cyanoacrylate, n-undecyl- cyanoacrylate, n-dodecyl-cyanoacrylate, cyclohexyl- cyanoacrylate, benzyl-cyanoacrylate, phenyl- cyanoacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl-cyanoacrylate, allyl cyanoacrylate, propargyl-cyanoacrylate, 2-butenyl- cyanoacrylate, phenethyl-cyanoacrylate, chloropropyl- cyanoacrylate, ethoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, ethoxypropyl-cyanoacrylate, ethoxy isopropyl- cyanoacrylate, propoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, isopropoxyethyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxyethyl- cyanoacrylate, methoxypropyl-cyanoacrylate, methoxy isopropyl-cyanoacrylate, methoxy butyl-cyanoacrylate, propoxymethyl-cyanoacrylate, propoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate, propoxy propyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxymethyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxyethyl- cyanoacrylate, butoxypropyl -cyanoacrylate, butoxyisopropyl-cyanoacrylate, butoxy butyl- cyanoacrylate, iso-nonyl-cyanoacrylate, iso-decyl- cyanoacrylate, cyclohexyl methyl-cyanoacrylate, naphtyl-cyanoacrylate, 2- (2 ' -methoxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate, 2- (2 ' -ethoxy) -ethoxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -propyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -butyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -pentyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -hexyloxy) -ethoxy ethyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -methoxy) -propyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -ethoxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -propyloxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -pentyloxy) -propyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -hexyloxy) -propyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -methoxy) -butyloxy butyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -ethoxy) -butyloxy butyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -butyloxy) -butyloxy butyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (3 -methoxy) -propyloxy ethyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (3 -methoxy) -butyloxy ethyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (3 -methoxy) -propyloxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (3 -methoxy) -butyloxy propyl- cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -methoxy) -ethoxy propyl - cyanoacrylate 2- (2 -methoxy) -ethoxy butyl- cyanoacrylate

44. A method as claimed in claim 43 with the proviso that the plasticiser component does not include pentaerythritoltetrabenzoate as the sole plasticiser.

45. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-44, wherein the substrate surface is a wall surface or a coating applied thereto.

46. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-45, wherein the activator is an alkali, organic base, nucleophile or transition metal compound.

47. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein the activator is chosen from 1, 5-diazabicyclo [4.3.0] non-5-ene and 1,8- diazabicyclo [5.4.0]undec-7-ene.

48. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-47, wherein the activator is carried by a solvent.

49. A method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the solvent is chosen from the following list: organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, esters, arenes and aliphatic hydrocarbons and water-based solvents including water.

50. A method as claimed in any of claims 48-49, wherein the solvent evaporates at room temperature .

51. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-51, wherein the activator is contained in a slurry or emulsion.

52. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-51, wherein the activator is supplied with a dispenser or other apparatus for applying the activator to the substrate.

53. A method as claimed in claim 52, wherein the activator is supplied with an apparatus selected from the following list: spray, brush, sponge, semi-solid stick, felt or fabric-tip pen.

54. A method according to any of claims 35-53 for adhering a mounting device so as to support a load of up to about 3.5 kg.

55. A method according to any of claims 35-54 for adhering a mounting device to wood.

56. A method according to any of claims 35-54 for adhering a mounting device to ceramic, particularly tile.

57. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-56, wherein the mounting device further comprises an engagement slot, cavity or hole through which a tool can attach and thereby effect peeling of the mounting device from the substrate to which it is adhered.

58. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-57, wherein the mounting device comprises a load-supporting element which is a hook.

59. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-57, wherein the mounting device comprises a load-supporting element which is a knob.

60. A method as claimed in any of claims 35-57, wherein the mounting device comprises a load-supporting element which is a bracket.

61. A kit comprising, a mounting device component, wherein the mounting device comprises a base having (i) a front surface provided with a load-supporting element, (ii) a substantially planar contact surface to receive an adhesive layer, and (iii) a grip element integrally formed with the base as a flexible extension thereof inclined at an angle away from the plane of the contact surface, a cyanoacrylate adhesive composition, for application to the contact surface of the mounting device, and an activator component, for application to a substrate surface to which the mounting device is to be adhered wherein; the activator component and the cyanoacrylate component are selected so that the activator component accelerates curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition, and the adhesion provided by the cured cyanoacrylate adhesive composition between the substrate surface and the contact surface is such that gripping the grip element and peeling the base away from the substrate can be effected manually.

62. A kit according to claim 61 wherein the grip element is inclined at an angle in the range from 10 degrees to 40 degrees away from the plane of the contact surface.

63. A kit according to claims 61 or 62 wherein the base is flexible .

64. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61 to 63, wherein the base defining the contact surface is composed of a substantially flexible polymeric material capable of bonding to cyanoacrylates.

65. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-64, wherein the base defining the contact surface is substantially composed of a material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, polyurethane, polymethylacrylate, acrylonitrite/toutacliene/styrene (ABS) co-polymer, rubber, elastomers and surface treated polyolefins.

66. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-65, wherein the grip element provides a means to which a peeling force can be applied manually to separate the contact surface of the mounting device from the substrate .

67. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-66, wherein the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition has the appearance of being substantially transparent or substantially translucent upon curing.

68. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-67, wherein the cyanoacrylate adhesive composition forms a flexible bond upon curing.

69. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-68, wherein the activator component is an alkali, organic base, nucleophile or transition metal compound.

70. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-69, wherein the activator component is chosen from 1,5- diazabicyclo [4.3.0] non-5-ene and 1,8- diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec-7-ene .

71. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-70, wherein the activator component is carried by a solvent.

72. A kit, as claimed in claim 71, wherein the solvent is chosen from the following list: organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, esters, arenes and aliphatic hydrocarbons and water-based solvents including water.

73. A kit as claimed in any of claims 71-72, wherein the solvent evaporates at room temperature .

74. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-70, wherein the activator component is contained in a slurry or emulsion.

75. A kit, as claimed in any of claims 61-74, wherein the activator kit includes a dispenser or other apparatus for applying the activator component to the substrate .

76. A kit, as claimed claim 75, wherein the activator component is supplied with an apparatus selected from the following list: spray, brush, sponge, semi-solid stick, felt or fabric-tip pen.

77. A kit according to any of claims 61-76, for adhering a mounting device so as to support a load of up to about 3.5 kg . I

78. A kit according to any of claims 61-77 for adhering a mounting device to wood.

79. A kit according to any of claims 61-78 for adhering a mounting device to ceramic, particularly tile.

80. A kit as claimed in any of claims 61-79, wherein the mounting device further comprises an engagement slot, cavity or hole through which a tool can attach and thereby effect peeling of the mounting device from the substrate to which it is adhered.

81. A kit as claimed in any of claims 61-80, wherein the mounting device comprises a load-supporting element which is a hook.

82. A kit as claimed in any of claims 61-80, wherein the mounting device comprises a load-supporting element which is a knob.

83. A kit as claimed in any of claims 61-80, wherein the mounting device comprises a load-supporting element which is a bracket

84. A surface-mounting system which includes a mounting device which can be adhered to a substrate surface, particularly an interior surface, by means of an adhesive layer applied to the mounting device, wherein the adhesive layer is formed from a so-called "instant adhesive" and the adhesive layer co-operates with a primer applied to the interior surface, the primer effecting such a reduction in the adhesion of the adhesive to the substrate surface that after adherence the adhesive layer can be separated again from the substrate surface by manual detachment .

85. An integral mounting device comprising a base having (i) a front surface with a load-supporting element projecting therefrom, (ii) a substantially planar contact surface to receive an adhesive layer, and (iii) a grip element integrally formed with the base as an extension thereof inclined at an angle away from the plane of the contact surface.

86. A surface mounting system substantially as herein described with reference to figure 4 of the accompanying drawings .

87. A surface mounting system substantially as herein described with reference to one or more of figures 5-7 and 8a-e of the accompanying drawings.

88. A method of adhering a mounting device to a substrate of substantially as herein described with reference to figure 4 of the accompanying drawings .

89. A method of adhering a mounting device to a substrate substantially as herein described with reference to one or more of figures 5-7 and 8a-8e of the accompanying drawings.

90. A kit substantially as herein described with reference to figure 4 of the accompanying drawings .

91. A kit substantially as herein described with reference to one or more of figures 5-7 and 8a-8e of the accompanying drawings .

Tomkins & Co .