WO1997016321A1

WO1997016321A1 - A fluid applicator

Info

Publication number: WO1997016321A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1996/000121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Cornelus Van Der Kaay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-10-31
Filing date: 1996-10-30
Publication date: 1997-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 1998-04-30
Also published as: AU7346096A

Abstract

This invention relates to a fluid applicator. The applicator is adapted for applying a fluid to a sheet material, as a consequence of the sheet material being moved along substantially one axis of the applicator. The applicator includes or comprises a body, a primary sheet material support and one or more fluid applicators. The applicator is characterised by the body having secondary sheet material supports located substantially transverse to the axis of movement of the sheet material, the secondary supports being separate from the primary sheet material support, and enabling the sheet material to be worked thereon, and/or produce user-selected lengths of sheet material. The applicator may be particularly useful for applying water or paste to wallpaper.

Description

A FLUID APPLICATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a fluid applicator and manipulation device.

More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a fluid applicator for applying fluid to and/or manipulating a flexible sheet material such as paper or wallpaper. However, it is to be understood that it is not to be limited as such. The prior art and possible applications of the invention as discussed below are therefore given by way of example only.

BACKGROUND ART

Devices for applying a fluid to a flexible sheet material are known. Some of these are used to apply wallpaper paste to wallpaper.

The device disclosed in New Zealand Patent No. 187997 comprises two rollers supported on crossed U-shaped arms. Wallpaper is fed through a tank and onto the first roller. The first roller and idling second roller are pushed up and down walls applying pasted wallpaper directly onto the wall by using rollers. This is disadvantageous in that the wallpaper is entirely immersed within the paste, meaning that dust, dirt and other air borne debris can stick to the outside of the wallpaper.

A patent specification that discloses a fluid applicator with a cutting template is EP 0033410. This fluid applicator has projecting arms, floppy side walls and various rollers The position of the arms is adjusted with wingnuts. While a cutting template is provided, the fluid applicator is still cumbersome and expensive. Furthermore, only a single cutting template is provided, and having only one working edge limits the utility of the machine. Floppy side walls also render the fluid applicator less robust and durable.

A machine that permits simple and rapid pattern setting of patterned sheet material would be desirable as skilled labour is generally the most expensive facet of home-decorating in particular. It would also be desirable to have a machine that is adaptable for use with different kinds of sheet material and that is able to be operated in varying ways so as to produce varying user-selected results. It would also be desirable to reduce wastage of patterned sheet material.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems and desiderata or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an applicator for applying a fluid to a sheet material as a consequence of the sheet material being moved along substantially one axis of the applicator, the applicator including:

a body, and

a primary sheet material support, and

one or more fluid applicators, the applicator characterised by the body having secondary sheet material supports located substantially transverse to the axis of movement of the sheet material, the secondary supports being separate from the primary sheet material support and enabling the sheet material to be worked thereon and/or to produce user-selected lengths of sheet material.

The sheet material may be any sheet material capable of having a fluid applied to it. Such sheet materials may include metal, wood, fibre boards, plastic materials, wallpaper and paper.

In a preferred embodiment the sheet material may be wallpaper and for convenience only shall predominantly be referred to as same throughout the specification, although the invention may be used with any other sheet materials. The wallpaper may be either standard wallpaper, eg. paint on and anaglypta, or pre-pasted wallpaper. Pre-pasted wallpaper now predominates in the industry and it is envisaged the fluid applicator of the present invention will primarily be used with pre-pasted wallpaper.

For convenience the primary sheet material (wallpaper) support shall hereinafter be referred to as a paper axle assembly.

The fluid may be any fluid that can be applied to any type of sheet material. Examples of such a fluid are paint, corrosion preventatives, paste, and water. The fluid will now be referred to as paste, although an example using water will be given and other fluids may also be used.

The body may comprise a bottom, two side walls and two end walls, (jointly comprising a tray). The bottom, side walls and end walls may be moulded in one piece. Alternatively, they may be joined together hermetically to prevent fluid leaking from the body. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom may be slightly concave, aiding efficiency of paste usage (a flat bottom results in inefficient paste usage, paste collecting and becoming stale and congealed in corners which are inaccessible). Paste usage is also enhanced in the present invention by the paste applicator being supported in proximity to the body floor.

In one embodiment the body of the applicator may act as a reservoir for paste to be applied to the wallpaper. This helps to keep the applicator compact.

The side walls may be provided with slots or openings. These slots or openings may allow one or more wallpaper guides, the paper axle assembly, and paste applicator to be removably inserted into the body. A slot or opening in one side wall may correspond to a slot or opening in the opposing side wall.

The wallpaper guides, paper axle assembly and paste applicator will now jointly be referred to as components.

However, any device or attachment which can locate and support the components eg. spring-in type attachments within the fluid applicator may be used. The object is to provide the correct location and support for the various components.

In an alternative embodiment, the paper axle assembly may not be supported by a side wall feature such as a slot or opening, optionally being supported either by support rails, or by another structural feature of, or extending from, the body. This allows the paper axle assembly to be supported outside the body to allow for extra large rolls of paper to be supported without being constrained by the size of the body. The slots may reach up to the top of the side walls. This allows the components to be inserted easily.

In an alternative embodiment a slot in one side wall may extend to the top of the side wall, while the corresponding slot does not. In this embodiment one end of the component may be pushed into the small slot. The other end is then moved down into the longer slot, and moved into position.

Means to hold the various components in the slots or openings may be provided. The means may secure the component in such a way as to allow the component to be quickly released. Examples of such means are bolts, wing nuts, and clips. In one embodiment the means to hold the components may be locking knobs.

In the embodiment where only one slot goes to the top of the side wall, only one locking knob may need to be provided.

In one preferred embodiment, the paste applicator may be fixed within the body, and not be removable. All the other components may however be removed.

One or more wallpaper guides supported within the body may guide the wallpaper across the paste applicator so that the paste may be applied more thoroughly and evenly. Wallpaper guides may also help to guide the wallpaper out of the applicator.

Wallpaper guides do not need to be used. However, there is no limit to the number or physical arrangement of wallpaper guides that are used. The number of wallpaper guides used should be chosen from practical considerations. In one preferred embodiment two wallpaper guides may be used. These preferably comprise a friction bar and a return roller. However, when other sheet materials, such as sheet metal are used, over half a dozen guides may be needed.

In operation, the axis along which the wallpaper is moved may be substantially parallel to the axis or direction of the side walls, and transverse to the end walls.

The secondary sheet material supports may be located on or about the top of the end walls.

The secondary sheet material supports allow the wallpaper to be worked on. They may comprise a bracket terminating in a template, and shall hereinafter be referred to as same. Working of wallpaper may include bending, grooving, or cutting.

In one embodiment the template may be adapted to allow the wallpaper to be easily cut by providing a straight, solid edge. Therefore, it is advantageous to have the template positioned on the top of the end wall, where knives or scissors can easily access the wallpaper. Alternatively, the template may be adapted into sharp cutting edges to obviate the requirement for additional cutting tools. Alternatively, the template may be recessed or grooved to guide a blade whilst cutting.

In an alternative embodiment, the bracket and template may be able to move with respect to the apparatus. This allows the bracket and template to be positioned in the most advantageous position.

The paper axle assembly may be any device or method that can support wallpaper or a wallpaper roll. The paper axle assembly may be a roller or metal rod passing between the side walls - any device that supports and centres the wallpaper in or about the body. In some cases the user may however prefer to sit the wallpaper roll on the floor of the apparatus.

The paper axle assembly locates the wallpaper roll inside or about the body. This is advantageous as the wallpaper is clear of any cutting performed on the secondary wallpaper supports. It also means that the apparatus is more compact, and easier to position. The paper axle assembly releasably attaches to the body to enable removal and replacement of the wallpaper rolls in use.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the paper axle assembly may be releasably attached outside the body of the applicator. In this embodiment, the distance that the paper axle assembly is coaxially positioned from the apparatus may be varied. In this way, rolls of wallpaper that are too large to fit inside the apparatus may be positioned outside the apparatus, and paper fed to the body for working.

The means to vary the distance between the paper axle assembly and the apparatus may comprise support rails which co-operate with the sides of the apparatus and can slide with respect to the apparatus.

The paste applicator may be any device that can apply paste onto the wallpaper, such as brushes, rollers, sponges or spraying devices.

The number of paste applicators provided depends on practical considerations. The paste should be applied evenly over the entire surface of the wallpaper. For wallpaper, only one paste applicator may be used. However, for other sheet materials and/or fluids, more than one fluid applicator may be needed. PCI7NZ96/00121

The apparatus may also include a regulating device to aid paste being applied consistently to the wallpaper. This device may be another roller, brush, or bar. This device will now be referred to as a paste regulating brush.

The paste regulating brush may be rotatably fixed onto the side walls, so as to contact the pasted surface of the wallpaper. Rotation through 90° about a fixed point allows the force the brush is exerting on the paste to be varied and then fixed at a particular angle, and therefore the brush can regulate the thickness and spread of the paste on the wallpaper. In water mode, the paste regulating brush may also be used to remove excess water from the face of the wallpaper. The brush may also be changed to a water absorbent type.

A device such as a wing nut or knob may be used to prevent the brush from over rotating once the brush is correctly positioned. Alternatively, the brush may be prevented from rotating by friction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the present invention using paste,

Figure 2 is a top schematic view of the apparatus of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the present invention using water, Figure 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in oversize mode,

Figure 5 is an exploded and detailed perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 6 is a detailed side plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, and

Figure 7 is a detailed side plan view of the side of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7..

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With regard to Figure 1, there is illustrated a fluid applicator generally indicated by arrow 1 for applying wallpaper paste 15 to wallpaper 14.

The fluid applicator 1 comprises two opposed side walls 2, 3, (not shown in Figure 1) a floor 4 and two end walls 5, 6.

The fluid applicator 1 also includes a paper axle assembly 7, a paste applicator 8, a paste regulating brush 9, friction bar 10 and return roller 11.

The fluid applicator 1 is also provided with two support rails 12 for aligning the applicator 1 with a table 17, if not used on the floor or surface of a table 17.

In use, a roll of wallpaper 14 is slid over the paper axle assembly 7, and the paper axle assembly 7 is then fitted into slots (not shown) in the side walls 2, 3 of the paste applicator 1. The wallpaper 14 is pulled over the end wall 6 then the friction bar 10 and return roller 11 are pushed into slots (not shown) in the side walls 2, 3. Friction bar 10 and return roller 11 are held in the slots by clips (not shown). By placing the friction bar 10 and return roller 11 into the slots, whilst manipulating the wallpaper 14 as appropriate, eg. by pressing it on to the paste applicator 8, the wallpaper 14 ultimately rests against the surface of the paste applicator 8 and the paste regulating brush 9 as shown in Figure 1.

The wallpaper 14 is then pulled back over the return roller 11 towards end wall 5. As the paper is drawn through the apparatus, the paste applicator 8 rotates and picks up paste 15 from the bottom of the fluid applicator 1. This is then evenly transferred onto the wallpaper 14.

As the wallpaper 14 comes off the paste applicator 8, the pasted side of the wallpaper 14 brushes across the paste regulating brush 9. The paste regulating brush 9 is rotatable to enable the force that the bristles exert against the pasted side of the wallpaper 14 to be varied. The paste regulating brush 9 is rotated until the thickness of the paste 15 on the wallpaper 14 is at a desirable level. The regulating brush 9 is then locked into place by means of a knob 25 (not shown) tightened on one side wall 2, 3 of the fluid applicator 1.

Because the friction bar 10, and return roller 11 push down on the wallpaper 14, the angle about which the wallpaper 14 is in contact with the paste applicator 8 is enhanced. This is advantageous as a consistent and controllable paste coverage is achieved this way.

The end wall 6 bears a support bracket 22 and patterning template 26 where the wallpaper 14 can be manipulated with the pattern side up. The end wall 5 provides the cutting template 24 where the wallpaper 14 is customarily manipulated and cut.

In use, the applicator 1 as shown in Figure 1 is supported by a table 17 by mating the support rails 12 with corresponding holes (not shown) in the table 17. The table 17 has a length marked out on it by the user corresponding to the length of wallpaper 14 desired. The length can be measured from the end wall 5 onto the mark on the table 17.

To produce identical lengths of wallpaper 14, it is pulled through the fluid applicator 1 until an appropriate mark on the table 17 is reached. The wallpaper 14 is cut on or against the cutting template 24. The correct length of wallpaper 14 produced is folded and placed aside, or immediately hung. Another length of wallpaper 14 is then pulled through the fluid applicator 1 from the end wall 5 to the mark on the table 17, and cut. In this way, identical lengths of wallpaper 14 can be quickly and easily produced.

Wallpaper 14 is usually patterned. To easily produce lengths of wallpaper 14 that will match when hung, the patterning template 26 on end wall 6 is used.

Staggered side match wallpaper. 14 is pulled through the fluid applicator 1 until a strip of paper is cut that contains one full repeat of the pattern. This is cut into two equal-length pieces. The staggered repeat pattern reference point on the two pieces of paper is located. The user then overlays the two pieces of that reference point. A small strip (approximately 10 cm long) of the two pieces each containing the reference points are then placed in the same orientation in eyesight of the user. Wallpaper is drawn through the fluid applicator 1 until it reaches the reference point - alternate drops are cut to match each piece. Paper past the reference point is cut against the pattern setting template 26 and discarded. Paper is then pulled back over the return roller 11 onto the table 17 if it is being used, or up the wall to the ceiling join if the fluid applicator is being used on the floor. Drop length is predetermined using a guide mark on the table 17 if it is being used. The wallpaper 14 is cut on or against the patterning template 26 . The wallpaper 14 is then pulled through the fluid applicator 1 until the top of the pattern has just passed (approximately 10 cm) the end wall 6. The wallpaper 14 is then cut again.

For straight side match wallpaper, a strip of paper intended as the reference strip is cut then placed within eyesight of the operator. The wallpaper 14 is then pulled until the reference pattern is almost at the end wall 6. The excess paper 14 is cut off and thrown away. The wallpaper 14 is then pulled across the applicator 1 and up to the predetermined mark on the table 17 for the desired drop length. The wallpaper 14 is then cut off on cutting template 24. The wallpaper 14 is then pulled back over onto patterning template 26, and pulled through until the pattern at the patterning template 26 again matches that of the strip that was cut off. The wallpaper 14 is cut on the patterning template 26 and as before the wallpaper 14 is then pulled onto the mark on the table 17 and then cut on cutting template 24. In this way, wallpaper strips of the same length, having the same top pattern can be produced and directly hung side-by-side matching exactly. This technique is known as patterning.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment where pre-pasted paper 14 and water, not paste, are used. In this embodiment the friction bar 10 is not used - the paper 14 passes under all components in the body. This is because tension is not required in water mode. The paste regulating brush 9 may remain in the fluid applicator 1, but does not contact the wallpaper 14.

The wallpaper 14 is loaded onto the paper axle assembly 7. Now, however, the wallpaper 14 is threaded beneath the paste applicator 8 and then up around the return roller 11. Water 18 is placed in the bottom of the applicator 1 either before or after the wallpaper is threaded through.

The wallpaper 14 is then pulled through the fluid applicator 1 as before. The methods of cutting wallpaper into user selected length strips, and patterning are the same as described above.

Figure 4 shows an alternative to the fluid applicator 1 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the support bracket 22 of end wall 5 can move with the support rails 12, which are slidable with respect to the side walls 2, 3 (not shown). The support rails 12 are also provided with means such as a slot 20 by which the paper axle assembly 7 is mounted on the support rails 12. This allows over sized wallpaper rolls to be used with the fluid applicator 1, the paper being fed through to and manipulated on the body in the usual manner.

The support rails 12 are also provided with level adjustment means 21. When cantilevering off a table 17, with support bracket 22 resting on a table 17 top, the support rails 12 extend beneath the table 17 and holes are drilled in the table at the appropriate places to receive the level adjustment means 21. These means enable the plane of the fluid applicator 1 to be levelled with respect to the table surface, for efficient operation by the user. The fluid applicator 1 may also be provided with means in support bracket 22, such as holes (not shown), by which the fluid applicator 1 can be directly fixedly attached in a non-cantilevered fashion to a table or the like by screws or other suitable fasteners.

An alternative embodiment of a fluid applicator according the present invention is illustrated in Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of a fluid applicator 1. To assemble the fluid applicator 1 of this embodiment, support rails 12 are attached to each side 2, 3 and locked in place using the support rail locking knobs 27. The fluid applicator 1 may be either fixed to the edge of a table 17 using the table mounting screw 39 on the support bracket 22, or cantilevered onto a table 17 by support bracket 22 connected to end wall 5 being placed on the edge of the table 17, support rails 12 extending beneath the table 17, holes being drilled in the table top 17 to correspond with and receive the level adjustment means 21, shown here as screws. The fluid applicator is then levelled by adjusting the level adjustment means 21. Paste is then mixed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and the body filled to the desired level. A roll of wallpaper 14 is placed on the paper axle assembly 7 and the roll centred with the paper spacer guide 31 and fixed in place by locking the paper spacer locking knob 33. The paper axle assembly 7 complete with roll of wallpaper 14 is placed into the paper axle openings 32. The paste applicator 8 is rotated one complete turn in the paste to coat it. Wallpaper 14 is pulled from the roll and the end placed on the paste applicator 8. Whilst the user holds the end of the paper 14 on the paste applicator 8, the friction bar 10 is inserted into the friction bar openings 16. The paper 14 is pulled further and rested on the far end 6. Return roller 11 is inserted into the return roller openings 30. Wallpaper 14 is either pulled back over the return roller 11 onto the table 17, or up the wall if the fluid applicator 1 is being used on the floor.

Referring to Figure 6, the fluid applicator 1 of the present invention is shown in oversize mode, being an alternative embodiment. An oversize roll of wallpaper 14 which cannot fit inside the body of the fluid applicator 1 for conventional use, is supported outside the body on the support rails 12 which have been slid out. It can be seen from this figure that the slidable support rails pass through an opening in the support bracket 22, to extend below the table 17 when attached in cantilevered fashion. The support bracket locking knob 29 securely fastens the support rails 12 to the support bracket 22. Whilst in Figure 6 a slot 20 is shown for the paper axle assembly 7 to slot into in Figure 5, there is illustrated on the inner side of the support rails 12 an oversized roll boss 35 to receive the paper axle assembly 7. Whilst the wallpaper 14 is supported outside the body in oversize mode it will be appreciated that paper 14 is then drawn from the roll into the fluid applicator 1 in the usual fashion.

Referring to Figure 7, a plan view of a side wall 2, 3 of the fluid applicator 1 of the present invention is illustrated. Lines define the contour of the floor 4. Paste applicator opening 28 to receive the applicator 8 is shown, as is paste regulating brush opening 23, friction bar opening 16 to receive friction bar 10, paper axle opening 32 to receive paper axle assembly 7, return roller opening 30 to receive return roller 11, handle space 41, alternative paper axle openings 34 and roll reversing openings 43. These latter features are used during roll reversing. To use the pattern setting ability of the fluid applicator 1 of the present invention, the pattern of the wallpaper 14 must run in the correct direction, which may require the wallpaper 14 to be rewound before use. Accordingly, to rewind (roll reverse) a roll, the roll is placed on paper axle assembly 7 which is then slotted into paper axle opening 32 or 34. A second paper axle assembly 7 is then slotted into paper axle opening 32 or 34 at the at the other end of the fluid applicator 1. The leading edge of the wallpaper 14 is taped to the second paper axle assembly 7 and a crank handle 37 (shown in Figure 5) rotated to rewind the roll in the correct direction.

It can be seen that the present invention provides an efficient, versatile, portable and robust means of cutting and pasting user selected matching lengths of plain and patterned wallpaper. The lengths are extremely quick to hang, as correctly calculated lengths of ready pasted paper 17 are obtained. Labour time is thus significantly reduced, which is advantageous to tradespersons and home handypersons alike. The pattern setting ability also reduces wastage of wallpaper.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE-

1. An applicator for applying a fluid to a sheet material as a consequence of the sheet material being moved along substantially one axis of the applicator, the applicator including:

a body, and

a primary sheet material support, and

one or more fluid applicators,

the applicator characterised by the body having secondary sheet material supports located substantially transverse to the axis of movement of the sheet material, the secondary sheet material supports being separate from the primary sheet material support and enabling the sheet material to be worked thereon and/or to produce user-selected lengths of sheet material.

2. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheet material is any sheet material capable of having a fluid applied to it.

3. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sheet material is wallpaper.

4. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the fluid is any fluid that can be applied to the sheet material.

5. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the fluid is a paste.

6. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the fluid is water.

7. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the body of the applicator acts as a reservoir for the fluid.

8. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein any device may be used to locate and support components, as herein before defined in the disclosure, of the applicator.

9. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the primary sheet material support is located and supported outside of the side walls as hereinbefore defined of the applicator.

10. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein the device is slots in side walls of the body of the applicator.

11. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein means to hold the components in position are provided.

12. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein sheet material guides are provided.

13. An applicator as claimed in claim 12 wherein the sheet material guides are in the form of bars projecting between the side walls.

14. An applicator as claimed in claim 12 wherein the sheet material guides are in the form of rollers projecting between the side walls.

15. An applicator as claimed in claim 12 wherein the sheet material guides comprise at least one bar and at least one roller.

16. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein, in use, the sheet material is moved substantially in the direction of or parallel to side walls of the body.

17. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein, the secondary sheet material supports are located on the top of end walls of the body.

18. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 where at least one sheet material support is able to move with respect to the apparatus.

19. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein at least one secondary sheet material support is designed to allow the sheet material to be cut thereon.

20. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the primary sheet material support is releasably supported in or with respect to the applicator.

21. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the primary sheet material support is releasably attached to the applicator outside of the body.

22. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the fluid applicator is any device that can apply fluid to the sheet material.

23. An applicator as claimed in claim 22 wherein the fluid applicator is a rotating roller.

24. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein more than one fluid applicator is supplied.

25. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein there is further provided a fluid regulator regulating the amount of fluid applied to the sheet material.

26. An applicator substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.