Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
  • B29C65/022—Particular heating or welding methods not otherwise provided for
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C63/00—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C63/0043—Fixing the layers by electrostatic charges, by the use of structured surfaces or by mechanical means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
  • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
  • B44C5/00—Processes for producing special ornamental bodies
  • B44C5/02—Mountings for pictures; Mountings of horns on plates
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
  • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
  • B44C5/00—Processes for producing special ornamental bodies
  • B44C5/04—Ornamental plaques, e.g. decorative panels, decorative veneers
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
  • G09F7/02—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols
  • G09F7/12—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols the elements being secured or adapted to be secured by self-adhesion, moisture, suction, slow-drying adhesive or the like
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
  • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
  • G09F7/02—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols
  • G09F7/12—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols the elements being secured or adapted to be secured by self-adhesion, moisture, suction, slow-drying adhesive or the like
  • G09F2007/125—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols the elements being secured or adapted to be secured by self-adhesion, moisture, suction, slow-drying adhesive or the like by electrostatic force

Definitions

• retail stores may periodically display "sale", signs, and teenagers may display posters or pennants of rock stars, athletic heros, or movie stars.
• the usual means for adhering these images to walls or ceilings are: (1) pins or nails; (2) adhesive tape; or (-3) glue, all of which leave more or less damage to the support surface once the image is removed. There is a need for a convenient means to adhere images or messages to support surfaces without damaging the surface.
• electrostatic adhesion The principle of electrostatic adhesion is well known. When two dissimilar materials are placed in contact, potential is created between the two materials wherever they actually touch each other. When they are separated, one will have a positive charge and the other will have a negative charge in the area in which they were in contact. A charge may be placed on some materials by rubbing with a static inducing material, such as fur, brushes or fibrous rollers, thus increasing the amount of charge. One material acquires electrons and the other gives them up.
• a static inducing material such as fur, brushes or fibrous rollers
• U.S. Patent 3,440,750 shows the adhesion of three dimensional characters to a board by static electricity.
• Japanese Patent 59-111183 discloses a sheet or pocket of a fluoropolymer bonded to an object by rubbing the sheet against the surface to which it is to be bonded.
• U.S. Patent 4,652,239 shows a space planning kit in which a horizontal paper substrate is printed with a grid over which vinyl pieces, representing furniture and the like, may be temporarily placed, secured by static electricity.
• U.S. Patent 4,741,119 shows a display board with a paper document sandwiched between a charged plastic backing board and a transparent plastic cover of a size larger than the paper document, so that the border of the cover adheres to the backing board along the perimeter.
• U.S. Patent 4,225,369 discloses a method of securing a paper sheet backed by or covered with a PVC sheet to a smooth base, including the step of securing the sheet to the base by electrostatically charging the base by rubbing with a rag or the like.
• U.S. Patent 4,275,112 discloses the use of an electrostatically chargeable intermediate sheet of doubly charged irradiated and cross-linked insulative plastic foam having a bulk density of about two pounds per cubic foot and a thickness of 1/16 ' to 1/2 inch. In this document it is taught that the surface of the sheet should be smooth, and that the sheet is to be charged by vigorous rubbing with a hair or wool pad, mounted and recharged.
• my invention is an improved method of adhering an electrostatically chargeable flexible intermediate polymeric sheet 1/16 of an inch or less in thickness to the back of the object, inducing an electrostatic charge on the sheet by rubbing it with a buffing material selected from the group consisting of substantially oil and fat free hair, fur or hide to impart a charge sufficient to support at least three ounces per square foot of chargeable sheet for at least one month without sliding or falling, and pressing the display and intermediate sheet against the support surface.
• the method further includes the steps of applying an intermediate sheet of l/32nd to l/64th inch thickness to the back of said object.
• the intermediate sheet be buffed using an oil free chamois.
• the invention further includes an article of manufacture comprising an object secured to a sheet of electrostatically chargeable flexible polymeric material which is l/16th of an inch or less thick, the material being adapted to sustain an electrostatic charge sufficient to support at least three ounces per square foot of said material against a vertical surface for at least one month.
• the article of manufacture preferably includes flexible polymeric material having a thickness of from l/64th to 1/32nd of an inch.
• ah intermediate, polymeric, electrostatically chargeable sheet may be affixed to the back of a relatively heavy object to be displayed, and the sheet charged sufficiently to adhere to the support surface for a period of months, on surfacas ranging from very smooth to very coarse.
• the strength of the electrostatic adhesion depends upon:
• a suitable intermediate sheet is flexible plastic foam, which commonly is available in thicknesses between 1/64 and 1/2 inch.
• the present invention allows relatively heavy objects to be supported for extended periods of time.
• “relatively heavy” it is meant that weights of as much as 13 ounces per square foot of intermediate sheet surface area can be supported for a few days or, alternatively less weight can be supported for longer than one year.
• the amount of weight which can be supported may be traded off with the period of time an object is to be supported. Clearly a 13 ounce object will not remain adhered to a support surface for as long as a 4 ounce object, given the same intermediate material and method of charging.
• I have used constant weights while varying both the material used to charge the sheet, and separately, used varying thicknesses while using the same charging material, and reported the results by length of time the object was held to the support surface. As a standard, the results are reported by specifying the changes in the length of time a particular combination was supported. Using this system, * it is clear that where the weight of an object is specified, along with a period of time, that the use of less weight can be expected to extend the holding period, while increasing the weight will decrease the amount of time the object can be expected "bo be supported.
• the foams useful as the intermediate sheet material of the invention are readily available commercially as packing materials and the like and are inexpensive.
• the type of plastic is less important than the density and cell structure of the foam, since the density affects the length of time the display stays up before the charge bleeds off to a level insufficient to overcome the force of gravity.
• a tight cell structure retains charge longer than a porous one.
• Polyethylene foam is inexpensive and readily available. Polystyrene foam serves equally well. Also foam sponges work well. A closed cell foam works best, and the lighter the density the longer the display and intermediate sheet remain standing. The foam is flexible, so displays adhered to it can be rolled up, and displays can be attached to somewhat irregular surfaces. Rigid foams do not work as well because they do not conform to the support surface as well as flexible foams. Small bubbles in the foam are preferred over large expanded polymer beads, apparently because smaller voids are present.
• a suitable foam intermediate sheet is an expanded polyethylene sold under the trademark "Cushion-Foam” by Richter Company, 159 North San Antonio Avenue, Pomona, California. It comes in rolls up to 72 inches wide which may be easily cut to the desired size and shape.
• the density of the foam should be between 0.01 and 1.0 ounces per square foot. I have found excellent results with a foam 1/32 of an inch in thickness, having a density 0.05 ounces per square foot.
• the charge-inducing material used in the present invention is of critical importance, or perhaps, more accurately, it is the condition of such material which is key.
• electrostatic charging it is certainly known to use natural fibers, animal hair or fur, of the type commonly used to make pads (usually wool) or painter's roller covers and brushes. Artificial fibers may also be used.
• the charging material is passed over the intermediate sheet with sufficient strokes to have all areas of the intermediate sheet receiving at least ten strokes.
• each area should receive 30 strokes to assure maximum charge. Beyond 30 strokes, little increase in the degree of adhesion is apparent with smooth surfaces. It has been found that rough textured walls may require as many as 50 strokes.
• Lanolin is a fatty substance extracted from wool, used in ointments, cosmetics, etc. Wool contains fat. Polyethylene manufacturers frequently add animal fat to their formulas to prevent static build-up. I believe that those who have practiced static adhesion in the past have failed to recognize that a thoroughly cleaned and fat free wool or other material used as a buffing pad will enhance the ability of the fibers to shed their electrons and thereby increase the static in the material being brushed. Buffing materials like some animal skins have oil added to them and they are then called "chamois".
• chamois was found to obtain better results with less effort than any fibrous type of buffing material. Without limiting the invention it is believed that the material is less cushioning than fur or other fibrous buffers and does not require as much pressure to fully contact the foam surface and give it a full charge. The denser, smoother surface of the chamois brings more electrons into contact with those of the foam. Also, chamois, like fiber buffers usually has all of the oils removed in processing, but unlike wool and other fibrous materials does not usually have oil or other chemicals added back to it. These chemicals and oils are added to fibers to increase luster, improve color, improve polishing, and particularly in the case of lower grade pelts to increase softness and resiliency.
• Cashmere, alpaca, and mohair are finer than ordinary wool and these materials are especially useful for electrostatic charging.
• Different sheep produce varying grades of wool, some, such as merino, resemble cashmere. After making my own buffers from these finer grades of wool, I found considerably improved static charging. That is, where fur is being used, and where such fur is substantially oil and fat free, the best results are obtained where very fine fur is used.
• squirrel fur is another suitable fur for charging.
• the electrostatically chargeable foam material of the invention may be fixed to an object or display sheet, such as a poster, by any convenient means.
• rubber cement, water-based adhesives, and oil-based adhesives are suitable to bond paper to plastic foam. It appears important in any case to thoroughly seal the foam backing to the object to be supported in order to prevent the charge from bleeding through.
• Three particularly convenient adhesives are those from 3M company under the
• the display may be paper, as in posters, photographs, memoranda, or other indicia-bearing sheets. They may be cut to any configuration, such as children's animals or characters. Holiday displays, such as a Christmas or Halloween indicia, 10 can be displayed as long as desired. They may be of felt, as in pennants, or virtually any plastic.
• the charged display may, under certain circumstances, be slid along a support surface.
• a city street map for example, may be moved up or down
• this ability to move the supported display gives rise to the possibility of using the invention as a child•s game, wherein the object supported is 25 shaped as, for example, a boat or a balloon, and' weights are added to force the display to "sink".
• the support surface to which the object or display and intermediate sheet are electrostatically adhered may be of any character usually found ,in * 30 buildings. Thus, sheet-rock, whether painted or covered by wallpaper is suitable. Plaster and * stucco, even with a fairly rough texture, will support the displays of this invention. Wood and glass also may be used as the support surface. Even unpainted redwood boards and shingles will support the displays. Metal, such as an enamel refrigerator door, is a suitable support surface. Bricks and masonry may also be used as the support surface. The support surface need not be vertical. I have adhered displays according to the invention to ceilings for months at a time.
• backing material which is l/16th of an inch or less in thickness, and especially preferred to use thicknesses of from 1/64 to l/32nd of an inch.
• substantially oil and fat free charging materials substantially increased holding power as compared to when contaminated pads were used for charging.
• substantially oil and fat free fibrous charging materials or non-fibrous, animal hide material such as chamois
• I was able to use l/32nd inch polyethylene backing (one square foot) to support a five ounce display for several months.
• one square foot of cardboard was adhered to a backing of l/16th inch thickness polyethylene foam and charged using an oil free painters lambskin roller cover. A cardboard shelf was then added to the display and a coffee mug weighing nine ounces was placed on the shelf. The total display and cup weighed 13 ounces, but remained supported on the wall without slipping for 79 hours.
• One advantage of the stronger holding power of the present invention is that heavier, harder surface materials can be factory bonded to the chargeable foam and later printed thereon by customary printing methods.

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ID=23198876

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Cited By (4)

Citations (1)

• 1990
  • 1990-02-08 AU AU51553/90A patent/AU5155390A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1990-02-08 WO PCT/US1990/000729 patent/WO1990009278A1/en unknown

Patent Citations (1)

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