PATTERN TRANSFER MEANS

This invention relates to a method of transferring markings from one surface to another.

There are many situations in which a pattern, marking or outline must be transferred from one surface to another, for example in carpet laying, wallpaper hanging, dress-making or locating fixing holes. In these situations it may be difficult to attain the required accuracy easily and simply, and in particular an inexperienced person may not be able to achieve the desired result without laborious measurement and trial and error.

There is thus a need for a simple and easy to use way of transferring markings from one surface to another.

Specifically this invention may relate to an improved method of laying floor coverings.

Many problems may be encountered when laying, for example, a carpet in a room since it is desirable that the carpet is shaped so as to match exactly the shape of the floor of the room. This is often difficult to achieve since the carpets are supplied in rolls which must therefore be cut accurately to fit the room.

In a simply-shaped room it might be possible simply to measure the room size accurately and then to cut the carpet to the required dimensions. However, even in a regularly shaped room features such as door frames may cause problems and further problems arise when the room is awkwardly shaped or has curved walls. Rooms such as bathrooms may present special problems since pedestal basins and toilets and curved baths are commo .

Several methods are currently known for laying carpets accurately. However most methods involve a degree of skill to judge the cutting line for the edge of the carpet so that the edge of the carpet meets the

-2- edge of the room neatly with no overlap and no gap. Professional carpet fitters may use different methods to surmount these problems, and with sufficient experience are able to judge the correct line to cut. However DIY enthusiasts do not have the required experience and as a result carpets may be fitted without a "professional look".

Furthermore it is well known that some materials e.g. flexible vinyls and cushioned vinyls are much harder to work with than others and even professional fitters may have difficulty in judging the correct cutting line for such materials so that the floor covering matches the room shape exactly.

Similar problems to those encountered in carpet laying may arise when hanging wall coverings.

Another area in which accuracy is required is in transferring a pattern of, for example, fixing holes onto a wall. At present measurements are required in order to accurately judge the required positions of screws especially, for example, where a device is mounted on a wall using blind fixings.

In addition the marking of the required position of, for example, electrical socket boxes on a wall is at present prone to error. The problem is especially acute in cases where plastic boxes are recessed into plaster board or studded partition walls since a hole in the wall must be cut accurately. At present the outline is transferred to the wall by marking around the box which has been positioned accurately using a spirit level. This method is time consuming and prone to error.

Thus this invention seeks to provide a means and a method of transferring markings from one surface to another in a simple, easy to use manner. According to this invention there is provided a pattern transfer means comprising:

a first and a second band each having a first and a second side, and each having at least one pattern- defining feature, the first side of each band being adhesive, wherein the second side of the first band is releasably adhered to the second side of the second band such that the position of the or each pattern- defining feature of the first band bears a known relationship to the position of the or each pattern- defining feature of the second band. This arrangement enables markings to be transferred easily from one surface to another.

The pattern transfer means may further comprise a third band having a first and second side which are not adhesive, the first side of the third band being releasably adhered to the first side of either the first or the second band.

This enables a length of the pattern transfer means, in the form of a tape, to be formed into a roll for ease of use. In a first alternative variant of the invention the first band includes a first and second layer, each layer having a first and second side, the first sides of the first and second layers being adhesive wherein the second side of the first layer is releasably adhered to the second side of the second layer.

In a second alternative variant of the invention the second band includes a first and second layer, each layer having a first and second side, the second side of the first layer being adhesive, and the first side of the second layer not being adhesive, and wherein the first side of the first layer is releasably adhered to the second side of the second layer.

The arrangements allow the two surfaces to be adhered firmly to each other after the pattern has been transferred, or to prevent the surfaces adhering to each other, if required.

Additionally the pattern-defining features of the first and second bands may be concentric holes.

This enables points corresponding to specific places on one surface to be marked on the second surface.

The invention also provides a method of transferring a pattern from one surface to another surface comprising the steps of: a) releasably adhering a first side of a transfer means to the first surface, the transfer means comprising a first and a second band each having at least one pattern-defining feature, wherein the first band is releasably adhered to the second band such that the position of the or each pattern-defining feature of the first band bears a known relationship to the position of the or each pattern-defining feature of the second band, such that the or each pattern defining feature of either the first or the second band marks the required pattern on the first surface; b) bringing the second surface substantially into contact with a second side of the transfer means; c) removing the second surface and thereby transfer at least part of the transfer means onto the second surface. In particular this invention may provide a unit intended to be fixed to a fixing surface by fixing means provided on the fixing surface, comprising indicating means for indicating a desired location or an arrangement of the fixing means on the fixing surface, the indicating means comprising an indicator with a first surface releasably adhered to the unit and indicating the desired location or arrangement thereon and a second surface for adhesion to the fixing surface such that, when the second surface of the indicator is brought into contact with the fixing surface, the indicator is adhered thereto to indicate the desired

location or arrangement of the fixing means and the unit is removable therefrom.

This enables particularly easy fixing of units to surfaces. This invention further provides a method of indicating on a fixing surface a desired location or arrangement of fixing means for a unit, the method comprising: releasably adhering an indicator to the unit at a position having a known relationship to the desired location or arrangement of the fixing means, and adhering the indicator to the fixing surface such that it indicates the desired location or arrangement thereon and removing the unit from the indicator.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be brought into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective sectional view of the construction of a first alternative variant of a first embodiment of this invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective sectional view of the construction of a first alternative variant of a second embodiment of this invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of this invention.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a second alternative variant of this invention.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a third alternative variant of this invention. A pattern transfer tape according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1.

To illustrate the principles and operation of this invention, in this variant of the first embodiment of the invention the pattern transfer tape comprises four layers. Reference numerals 1 and 3 refer to a first

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-6- and third layer of the tape which are made of a material with no adhesive on its surfaces, for example paper. Reference numerals 2 and 4 refer to a second and fourth layer of this variant of the invention which may be identical and may be made of cloth or vinyl or other such material with adhesive on both sides. The layers are sandwiched together as shown. The tape may be wound up into a roll for ease of supply if required since the first layer, which is non-adhesive, prevents the adhesive outer sides of the second and fourth layers from sticking to each other and thus enables the tape to be wound into a roll. The first and third layers are advantageously made of a paper which has been treated so that the second and fourth layers adhere releasably thereto.

The pattern transfer tape may be used, for example, in outlining the shape of a room on the back of a carpet to enable the carpet to be cut accurately to fit the room. Initially the tape is laid around the edges of the room or area which it is desired to cover by the carpet. The tape layers may be made of materials which may be cut easily with, for example, a craft knife, and may advantageously be made of materials which may be torn easily. Since the tape may be divided into lengths, complicated room shapes including curves may be accommodated easily.

The fourth layer of the tape is applied to the edge of the area to be marked as described above and adheres to the surface. The carpet is now laid in the room and the edges are cut to the rough shape of the room, for example leaving a one inch margin around the outside. Since the carpet is cut only roughly to the correct shape at this stage little judgement is required.

In order to transfer the pattern, the upper

protective layer 1 is peeled off exposing the upper adhesive surface of the second layer and the roughly cut carpet is laid back over the pattern tape, whereupon the upper adhesive side of the second layer adheres to the underside of the carpet.

The carpet is rolled back once more and a band, formed from the second and third layers is peeled from the bottom layer which remains adhered to the floor. The edge of the band comprising layers 2 and 3 thus provides an accurate reproduction on the carpet of the position of layer 4 on the floor, and the carpet may be cut on this line with confidence. In this way the desired cutting line of the carpet may be transferred to the carpet easily and without requiring skill on the part of the carpet-layer.

The protective third layer may then be peeled away to expose the second adhesive side of the second layer, and the carpet may be laid back, whereupon the adhesive sides of the second and fourth layers are brought into contact and adhere strongly to each other.

A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 2.

This embodiment of the invention also comprises four layers 11-14 which are formed in a similar manner to the first embodiment. A hole 15 is formed through the layers. This embodiment of the invention is suited to the transfer of point markings from one surface to another.

In order to determine the location of fixing holes to be drilled in a wall, for example, the fourth layer of the pattern transfer means is affixed to the marked surface in an appropriate position, for example to mark the location of a fixing hole on the back of shelves. The first layer may be peeled off to expose the upper adhesive side of the second layer, and then the shelves may be positioned in the desired manner and pressed

firmly onto the wall. When the shelves are removed a band, formed from the second and third layers, remains adhered to the wall, enabling easy location of the correct position for the fixing holes. A further variant of this second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 is particularly advantageous in transferring the pattern of fixing holes from a unit to be affixed to a surface and that surface. A hole may be formed in the pattern transfer means in a similar manner to hole 15 illustrated in Figure 2.

Reference numeral 21 refers to the surface of the unit on which the pattern of fixing holes is to be marked. Reference numerals 22 and 23 denote a first and a second layer respectively of the pattern transfer means. The first layer may have adhesive on both sides. The second layer may be made of material which is not adhesive, and is adhered to the outer side of the first layer to prevent the outer side of the first layer adhering to other surfaces prior to use.

The first layer is positioned on the surface of the unit 21 so as to mark accurately the pattern which is to be transferred. When the pattern is to be transferred, the second layer is peeled off leaving the upper adhesive side of the first layer exposed. The unit is adjusted to the correct position on the surface to which it is to be affixed and pressed onto that surface. When the unit is removed, the first layer peels off the unit surface, and remains adhered to the surface. Thus the pattern is transferred from the unit to the surface.

In the variant described above, the surface 21 is non-adhesive, and an adhesive side of the first layer 22 adhered to it. However it may be advantageous in some circumstances that the surface of the unit be made adhesive while the side of the first layer is not

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-9- adhesive. Furthermore, in some circumstances the unit may be supplied with the transfer means already attached.

It is clear that this variant may also be particularly useful in further applications, for example the marking of the fixing position of a socket box in which the profile of a box or other shaped object is to be transferred to a wall or other surface, to allow a hole to be cut in the surface sized to allow the socket box to be fitted closely therein.

These embodiments may advantageously be formed as suitably sized squares or other preferred shapes to enable easy application. In uses of the invention where pieces of the transfer means are used to mark specific points, in particular drilling points, it is advantageous if the pieces are circular. This enables a more accurate transfer of the point. In the above example, use of transfer means shaped to the profile of the socket box enables an accurate cutting line to be transferred to the surface.

Furthermore the transfer means pieces may be marked appropriately when manufactured to enable accurate transfer of points without the necessity of manufacturing transfer means pieces with holes. It may be advantageous to reduce the number and arrangement of the layers which have been described above in order to illustrate clearly the invention. For example the outer non-adhesive first layer included in the above embodiment only serves to prevent the outer adhesive sides of the second and fourth layers from sticking permanently to each other prior to use, particularly if the tape has been supplied in a roll form. As such, this first layer may be dispensed with in certain circumstances. Further in some applications it may be necessary only to transfer a pattern from one surface to another

without providing means to firmly affix the first surface to the second.

Further variants of the invention, which may be suitable for each of the described embodiments are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

A variant of the invention which may be especially suitable for applications where it is not desired that the second surface is adhered to the first, is shown in Figure 4. The illustrated variant comprises three layers, although as indicated above a fourth non-adhesive layer may be added to enable the tape to be wound on a roll. The first layer is denoted by reference numeral 31 and is adhesive on its upper side but is non-adhesive on its lower side. In a similar manner the third layer, denoted by reference numeral 33, is adhesive on its lower side and non-adhesive on its upper side. A second layer 32 sandwiched between the first and third layer is adhesive on both sides such that it releasably adheres to the non-adhesive sides of the first and third layers.

This variant of the invention may be particularly suitable for example in dressmaking and in upholstery or the making of loose covers. The bottom adhesive side of layer 33 is laid on the pattern, and the material, which may have been roughly cut to the required shape, is laid on top. The upper adhesive side of layer 31 adheres to the material and the material may be separated from the pattern. A band comprising layers 31 and 32 is detached from the third layer 33 and accurately reproduces the pattern of layer 33 on the material so as to enable accurate cutting of the material to the pattern. The second layer may then be removed leaving the non-adhesive surfaces of the first and third layers visible.

A further variation of the invention in which the

-11- first marked surface may be resealably adhered to the second surface is illustrated in Figure 5.

Once more an additional non-adhesive backing layer may be added to this variation of the transfer means. A first layer is denoted by reference numeral 41 and is formed with adhesive on upper and lower sides, and a second layer 42 is formed with adhesive on its lower side only. The bottom side of layer 42 is laid onto the marked surface in an appropriate position, and the second surface is brought into contact with the upper side of layer 41, and adheres to it. When the surfaces are separated, the first layer peels away from the second layer, thus transferring the marking from the marked surface to the second surface. In this specification the word band is used to refer to one or more of the layers forming the pattern transfer means and is not intended to refer exclusively to embodiments where one area-defining dimension of the band is substantially greater than the others. The strength of adhesive must be chosen to be appropriate to the desired application. Furthermore the strength of adhesive between separate layers of such a tape.may be varied so as to ensure that the correct surfaces are peeled apart during use of the invention.

Although the variations herein described utilise adhesive and non-adhesive sides, alternatively the sides may be releasably adhered to each other, for example when both sides have weak adhesive properties. The first embodiment above has been described as a tape, but it is not necessary that the dimensions of all layers of the tape be equal. It may be advantageous for the layers to be different widths, for example, to facilitate separation of the layers during application of the invention.

Furthermore the variants of the pattern transfer

- 12- means described herein are of negligible thickness. However, it may be preferable that at least one layer of the pattern transfer means has noticeable thickness: for example, when the transfer means is used to transfer a pattern to or from a rough surface, such as an external wall, improved results may be obtained if the double-sided adhesive tape is spongy.

In addition some applications may require that the pattern to be transferred is not marked by the edge of the tape or position of a hole as described in the illustrated embodiments, but by some other relationship or marking.

In this event the layers may be staggered with respect to each other, or some marking of the relevant sides of the tape layers may be employed.

The pattern transfer tape can advantageously be transparen .

Thus embodiments of this invention enable easy transfer of outlines and marking in a wide range of uses.