GB2309419A - Interchangeable design paint printer - Google Patents

Abstract

A paint printer with interchangeable design facility includes a printing surface (5) affixed to roller body (2) and a handle (1) which enables the printer to rotate about an axis. Preferably the body incorporates side guide wheels to facilitate effective use and a means for easily removing the printing surface (5) for cleaning or replacing with another. An adapted paint tray 6 (Figure 4) is necessary to ensure correct absorption of paint. The surface 5 may be attached to the body (2) using a hook/loop fabric.

Description

INTERCHANGEABLE DESIGN PAINT PRINTER This invention relates to paint decoration. Paint decoration is a common means to enhance interiors. Many methods are in use, including stencilling, dragging, stippling etc. However, some of these effects are often time consuming and require a degree of skill and great care. The object of this invention is to achieve a "stencil effect" by a quick and easy method for any competent person to use.

According to the present invention, there is provided a paint printer with an interchangeable design facility, comprising of a handled structure, a body in the form of a rotating tube and means for adjoining any moulded design which can be easily removed for cleaning or replaced by a differing design. To be used effectively, a specific paint tray would ensure the correct amount of paint is absorbed and the design carrying the paint is printed evenly upon the surface.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows the printer assembly FIGURE 2 shows in cross section the different features of the assembly FIGURE 3 shows a moulded printing design FIGURE 4 shows in perspective an adapted paint tray FIGURE 5 shows in cross section the adapted paint tray.

Referring to Figure 1, the printer comprises a rotating roller tube body with integral guide wheels 2 showing an example of a printing design 5 affixed to the body, and an extended arm with adjoining handle 1.

In order to secure the body 2 to the handle arm 1, threaded nuts 4 can be used to enable the body to be slid easily on and off. Bushes 3 would enable free rotation of the body after tightening the nuts. A space is essential between the main body and guide wheels to prevent any spread of paint to the wheels. The wheels will ensure the printed design is straight and level when one wheel follows a faint pencil line on the surface. Furthermore, when a non-continuous design is applied, the wheels will maintain correct rotation when no printing material is in contact with the surface. Ideally, the circumference rim of the wheels would be covered with a non-slip substance eg rubber to ensure good grip on the surface to be printed.

The guide wheels are marked clearly (with an arrow on the drawing) where the design must start and finish. Therefore any complementary print in a contrasting colour must also begin and end where indicated on the guide wheel to ensure correct alignment.

In order to provide a means of affixing an interchangeable printing material of differing designs, the roller tube 2 is covered with hook fastening fabric. The printing material 5 has a backing of loop fastening fabric. This results in a secure fixing yet one that is easily removed for cleaning or changing. An example of a moulded printing design is shown flat in Figure 3. The width of which is equal to the circumference of the tube. The depth of the printing material when affixed to the roller body will stand proud of the guide wheels to ensure the correct amount of paint absorption from the tray 6 and also the correct amount of paint is printed onto the surface. Figure 2 shows the body assembly as described above in cross section.

Referring to Figure 4, the printer requires an adapted paint tray 6 with side supports which must be kept clean and dry, for the guide wheels, and a centre reservoir for a layer of paint. Figure 5 shows this in cross section. This tray results in the paint being absorbed only onto the printing surfaces in an even manner.

The printed design is now rolled onto the surface, leaving a continuous evenly printed stencil effect. Additional complementary designs could also be added on top of the first in contrasting colours. The fact that the printing material is removable will enable the design to be printed into a corner by hand where the roller body cannot reach.

This invention enables an endless variety of designs to be easily affixed to one roller body and removed for cleaning and/or different designs.

Claims (3)

1. An interchangeable design paint printer comprising a handled structure, a body in the form of a rotating tube and a means for adjoining any moulded design which is then easily removed for cleaning or a differing/complementary design.

2. A printer as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the means for adjoining any moulded design to the roller body is by hook/loop fabric.

3. A printer substantially as described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

3. A printer as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the body includes guide wheels to maintain correct rotation and depth of printing.

4. A printer as claimed in Claims 1 and 2 wherein the printing material is of any moulded or formed design and made of any suitable substance.

5. A printer as claimed in any preceding claim to include a paint tray with adapted sides to accommodate guide wheels.

6. A printer substantially as described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. An interchangeable design paint printer oomprising a handled structure, a body in the form of a rotating tube and a means for adjoining any moulded design which is then. easily removed for cleaning or a differing/complementary design.

A printer as claimed

wherein the means for adjoining any moulded design to the roller body is by hook/loop fabric.

A printer as claimed

wherein the body includes guide wheels to maintain correct rotation and depth of printing.

2. A printer as claimed in any preceding claim to include a paint tray with adapted sides to accommodate guide wheels.