WO2016200769A1

WO2016200769A1 - Decorative, damage-free plant tile

Info

Publication number: WO2016200769A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/036148
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel A. Streng; Timothy R. READ; Joseph M. CARPITA; Craig D. Stover; Daniel A. Schaumann; Matthew C. Marrocco; Dariusz Piech
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2015-06-10
Filing date: 2016-06-07
Publication date: 2016-12-15
Also published as: TW201717815A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to decorative, damage-free articles, systems, and kits capable of hanging a plant on a vertical surface or wall.

Description

DECORATIVE, DAMAGE-FREE PLANT TILE Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to decorative, damage-free articles, systems, and kits capable of hanging a plant on a vertical surface or wall.

Background [0002] Conventional wall decor has a plethora of forms. For example, a dwelling's wall(s) can be partially or entirely finished with paint or wallpaper. While the types, styles and end appearances of these wall finishing techniques are nearly endless, a significant amount of time and skill is required to prepare the wall surface and apply the particular finish. Further, the finish is effectively permanent, requiring extensive efforts to remove or replace.

[0003] Alternatively (or in addition), various decorative articles, such as artwork, photographs, mirrors, moldings, etc., can be directly fastened to the wall. Typically, one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails, screws or hooks) are secured to the wall and used to support the article. While installation of a decorative article is less time-consuming than painting or applying wall paper, time and skill must be invested to ensure that the mechanical fastener is optimally located along the wall surface. The mechanical fastener permanently damages the wall and cannot easily be repositioned.

[0004] More recently, adhesive-based fastening systems have been developed as an alternative to mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments, fastening systems (often referred to as picture hanging strips) are packaged and provided as a pair of pre-cut, adhesive-backed strips. One example of such a system is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The first strip carries a plurality of hooks (or similar structures), and the second strip carries a plurality of complementary loops. The user must adhere a first one of the two strips to the decorative article, and adhere the second strip to the wall. The article is then supported relative to the wall via engagement between the hooks and loops. A relationship of the decorative article/first strip relative to the wall/second strip can be slightly altered by disconnecting and then reconnecting the hooks and loops, or by a minor rotation of the decorative article/first strip relative to the wall/second strip (without separating the hooks and loops). Further, when complete removal of the decorative article from the wall is desired, the strips can be de-bonded from the decorative article and the wall surface, respectively.

[0005] Other embodiments relate to a system that includes a decor assembly and a complementary fastening structure. One example of such a system is shown in Fig. 3. The decor assembly 32 includes a decor element 5 opposite a two-piece releasable fastening structure 10. The releasable fastening structure can be attached to the wall using, for example, the picture hanging strips described above or other adhesive strips. In some embodiments, the two-piece releasable fastening structure 10 is held together magnetically. Summary

[0006] The inventors of the present disclosure recognized the many advantages and benefits of the existing commercially available hanging devices shown in Figs. 1-3. However, they saw opportunities to further improve these useful, reliable products. Specifically, the inventors of the present disclosure recognized the desire of users to hang items other than relatively light-weight artwork without damaging the walls to which these items are hung. For example, the inventors discovered that users may want to hang plants from their walls. This may be especially desirable in colder climates where snow prohibits year-round gardens. It may also be especially desirable in kitchens where cooks may want to grow fresh herbs year-round and have easy access to them right in their kitchens without sacrificing valuable counter space.

[0007] The inventors of the present disclosure thus discovered articles, systems, and kits that enable users to decorative ly and securely hang plants on their walls. In at least some embodiments, the hanging articles, systems, and/or kits enable the plant to be easily and quickly removed from the system for watering.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present application generally relate to a system for decorating a wall surface, comprising: a decor assembly including a decor element capable of holding a plant; a releaseable fastening structure opposite the decor assembly, the releasable fastening structure including a plurality of first fastening elements; a backer maintaining the decor element; a base maintaining the releasable fastening structure; and a complementary fastening structure including a pressure sensitive adhesive opposite a plurality of second fastening elements; wherein the first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system; and wherein the backer is releasably mounted to the base.

[0009] Some embodiments relate to a kit for decorating a wall, the kit comprising: a plurality of decor assemblies each including: a decor element capable of holding a plant; a panel defining opposing, first and second major faces; the decor element disposed over the first major face of the panel, a releasable fastening structure permanently secured to the second major face and providing a plurality of first fastening elements; and a plurality of complementary fastening structures provided apart from the decor assemblies and each comprising a base defining opposing, first and second major surfaces, a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the first major surface and a plurality of second fastening elements on the second major surface; wherein the first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system; and wherein the kit is configured such that at least one of the complementary fastening structures is releasably applied to a wall and is connected to and supports one of the decor assemblies via the releasable fastening system.

[0010] Some embodiments relate to a method for decorating a wall, the method comprising: receiving a decor assembly and a complementary releasable fastening structure, wherein the decor assembly includes: a decor element capable of holding a plant, a panel defining opposing, first and second major faces, wherein the decor element is disposed over the first major face, a releasable fastening structure secured to the second major face and providing a plurality of first fastening elements, wherein the releasable fastening structure covers at least 10% of the available surface area, and further wherein the complementary fastening structure includes a base defining opposing, first and second major surfaces, an adhesive layer disposed on the first major surface, and a plurality of second fastening elements on the second major surface, wherein the first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system; adhering the adhesive layer of the

complementary fastening structure to a location along the wall; wherein the decor assembly is secured relative to the wall by the complementary fastening structure via the releasable fastening system in a first spatial orientation relative to the complementary fastening structure; removing decor assembly from the complementary fastening structure, including the complementary fastening structure remaining adhered to the wall; manipulating the decor assembly to a second spatial orientation relative to complementary fastening structure, the second spatial orientation differing from the first spatial orientation; and engaging the decor assembly to the complementary fastening structure in the second spatial orientation such that the decor assembly is secured relative to the wall in the second spatial orientation.

Brief Description of Drawings [0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art adhesive tape construction including two stretch release adhesive tape structures combined by a separable connector.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an object attached to a wall by the prior art adhesive tape construction of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of a portion of an exemplary prior art decor assembly.

[0014] Fig. 4 is a drawing of an exemplary embodiment of an article/system/kit that enable users to decoratively and securely hang plants on their walls.

[0015] Fig. 5 is a drawing of another exemplary embodiment of an article/system/kit that enable users to decoratively and securely hang plants on their walls.

[0016] The figure is not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0017] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the

accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The scope of this disclosure, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth or shown herein.

[0018] The exemplary decor assembly of Fig. 3 is described and shown in International Patent

Publication No. WO 2014/197390, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. In general, the present disclosure relates to a decor assembly that includes a decor portion that is capable of hanging or holding a plant and a complementary fastening structure capable of holding the decor portion to a wall or vertical surface.

[0019] One example of such a system is shown from a front view in Fig. 4. The decor assembly can be the same as or similar to those described in International Patent Publication No. WO 2014/197390, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein, except that the front face of the decor portion is capable of holding a plant. In this exemplary embodiment, the plant extends from the wall tile.

[0020] Another example of such a system is shown in Fig. 5. In the system of Fig. 5, a decor assembly 32C includes a decor element 50 opposite the two-piece releasable fastening structure 10 described in International Patent Publication No. WO 2014/197390, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. The releasable fastening structure can be attached to the wall using, for example, the picture hanging strips described above or other adhesive strips. In some embodiments, the two-piece releasable fastening structure 10 is held together magnetically. The decor element 50 includes a pocket or pot portion 55 that is capable of holding a plant 60. In some embodiments, the pocket or pot portion 55 holds a cup into which the plant 60 is placed/planted. The cup can then be easily removed from the pocket or pot portion 55 to facilitate watering and water draining of the plant.

[0021] In at least some embodiments, the plant or tile on which the plant is housed can be removed to facilitate watering of the plant. In at least some embodiments, the systems, kits, or articles of the present disclosure are at least one of lightweight and low maintenance. In at least some embodiments, the articles, systems, and kits are available in a wide variety of colors and styles (not shown). In some embodiments, the decor element or a portion thereof is made of a waterproof or water resistant material.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plant can be rotated. In such embodiments, the plant or a plant housing is sealed so that the plant does not leak when watered and/or does not leak onto wall or other surfaces.

[0023] Any desired plant having the appropriate size and/or weight may be used. In at least some embodiments, the plants are air plants. In at least some embodiments, the plants are herbs or succulents.

[0024] Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments and implementations without departing from the underlying principles thereof. Further, various modifications and alterations of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for decorating a wall surface, comprising:

a decor assembly including a decor element capable of holding a plant;

a releaseable fastening structure opposite the decor assembly, the releasable fastening structure including a plurality of first fastening elements;

a backer maintaining the decor element;

a base maintaining the releasable fastening structure; and

a complementary fastening structure including a pressure sensitive adhesive opposite a plurality of second fastening elements;

wherein the first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system; and

wherein the backer is releasably mounted to the base.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the backer and the base forms at least one foot and the other of the backer and the base forms at least one cavity configured to receive the foot.

3. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the decor assembly further includes a releasable connector assembly releasably connecting the backer to the base, and further wherein a Cleavage Strength of the releasable connector assembly is less than a Cleavage Strength of the releasable fastening system, and a Tensile Strength of the releasable connector assembly is less than a Tensile Strength of the releasable fastening system.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein one of the backer and the base forms at least one foot and the other of the backer and the base forms at least one cavity configured to receive the foot, and further wherein the releasable connector assembly is configured to magnetically attract the foot into the cavity.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the releasable connector assembly includes a first magnet associated with the foot and a second, complementary magnet associated with the cavity.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein a footprint of the backer is less than a footprint of the base and/or the mounting pod has a smaller footprint than the backer.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the footprint of the backer is less than a footprint of the decor element.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the base defines a front side, a rear side and a central mounting region formed as a depression relative to the front side, and further wherein the central mounting region is configured to receive an outer frame of the backer.

9. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the decor assembly further includes a spacer assembly, the spacer assembly configured to be releasably mounted to the base.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the spacer assembly is further configured to be releasably mounted to the backer.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the spacer assembly is further configured to be releasably mounted between the backer and the base.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the spacer assembly includes a spacer and a re leasable fastening structure located at a rear face of the spacer and providing a plurality of the first fastening elements.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the system is configured such that a Cleavage Strength established between the spacer assembly and the backer is less than the Cleavage Strength established by the releasable fastening system.

14. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the decor element is separably connected with the backer.

15. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the decor element includes a backing and a cover, the backing and the cover combining to form a pocket for selectively receiving a photograph.

16. A kit for decorating a wall, the kit comprising:

a plurality of decor assemblies each including:

a decor element capable of holding a plant;

a panel defining opposing, first and second major faces;

the decor element disposed over the first major face of the panel,

a releasable fastening structure permanently secured to the second major face and providing a plurality of first fastening elements; and

a plurality of complementary fastening structures provided apart from the decor assemblies and each comprising a base defining opposing, first and second major surfaces, a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the first major surface and a plurality of second fastening elements on the second major surface; wherein the first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system; and

wherein the kit is configured such that at least one of the complementary fastening structures is releasably applied to a wall and is connected to and supports one of the decor assemblies via the releasable fastening system.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the decor element includes a pot or pocket into which a plant holder containing a plant may be inserted.

18. The kit of claim 16, wherein the plant extends out of a hole into a front face of the decor element.

19. The kit of any of claims 16-18, wherein the decor element is permanently secured to the corresponding panel.

20. The kit of any of claims 16-19, wherein the panel is substantially planar.

21. The kit of any of claims 16-20, wherein the panel is a paper-based fiberboard.

22. The kit of any of claims 16-21, wherein the panel is plastic.

23. The kit of any of claims 16-22, wherein the panel defines an outer frame and a plurality of interconnected, spaced apart frame members extending within the frame.

24. The kit of claim 23, wherein the interconnected frame members form a honeycomb pattern.

25. The kit of any of claims 16-24, wherein the releasable fastener structure covers at least 10 percent of an available surface area of the second major face of the corresponding panel.

26. The kit of any of claims 16-25, wherein one of the first and second fastening elements are hooks and an other of the first and second fastening elements are loops.

27. The kit of any of claims 16-26, wherein one of the releasable fastening structure and the complementary fastening structure is a loop composite comprising:

a nonwoven loop layer; and an underlying layer bonded to the nonwoven loop layer at bond regions and unbonded to the loop layer at unbonded regions, the unbonded regions of the loop layer forming arcuate mounds.

28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the loop composite has a basis weight of 10-100 g/m².

29. The kit of any of claims 16-28, wherein one of the first and second fastening elements is mushroom-shaped, including a stem projecting from a backing and a circular-shaped head at an end of the stem opposite the backing.

30. The kit of any of claims 16-29, wherein the first and second fastening elements are configured to provide a Cleavage Strength of not more than 6 lbs/inch and a Dynamic Shear Strength of at least 10 lbs.

31. The kit of any of claims 16-30, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive exhibits a 90 Degree Peel Force of at least 12 oz/inch, a Peel Removal Strength of not more than 30 oz/inch, and a Static Shear Strength of at least 20,000 minutes.

32. The kit of any of claims 16-31, further comprising:

a spacer assembly for selectively connecting one of the decor assemblies with at least one of the complementary fastening structures, the spacer assembly comprising:

a spacing structure defining opposing, front and rear major faces,

a plurality of the second fastening elements associated with the front major face,

a plurality of the first fastening elements associated with the rear major face;

wherein the second fastening elements of the spacer assembly releasably mate with the first fastening elements of a first one of the decor assemblies to connect the first one of the decor assemblies with the spacer assembly; and

wherein the first fastening elements of the spacer assembly releasably mate with second fastening elements of a first one of the complementary fastening structures to connect the first one of the complementary fastening structures with the spacer assembly.

33. The kit of claim 32, wherein the spacer assembly is configured such that upon assembly of the first complementary fastening structure to a wall, the spacer assembly is interposed between the first decor assembly and the first complementary fastening structure to generate a spacing between the decor element of the first decor assembly and the wall.

34. The kit of claim 32, wherein the spacing structure includes a first spacing body defining the front major face and a second spacing body defining the rear major face, and further wherein the first spacing body is movably linked to the second spacing body.

35. The kit of claim 34, wherein the spacing structure is configured such that the first spacing body can slide relative to the second spacing body.

36. The kit of claim 34, wherein the spacing structure is configured such that the first spacing body can rotate relative to the second spacing body.

37. The kit of claim 32, wherein the spacing structure includes a head defining the front major face, a base defining the rear major face, and an accordion body connecting the head to the base, wherein the accordion body is bendable to permit spatial movement of the head relative to the base.

38. The kit of claim 37, wherein the accordion body is configured to self-retain a plurality of bent states.

39. The kit of claim 32, wherein the spacing structure includes a first spacing body defining the front major surface, a second spacing body defining the rear major face, and an intermediate body connecting the first and second spacing body such that the first spacing body is selectively longitudinally movable relative to the second spacing body.

40. The kit of claim 32, wherein the spacing assembly includes a light source maintained by at least one of the spacing structure and the decor assembly.

41. The kit of claim 32, wherein the spacing structure forms a channel for maintaining a cable between the front and rear major faces.

42. The kit of claim 32, wherein the spacing structure includes a plurality of spacing sub- assemblies, each of the spacing sub-assemblies including a foam base, a plurality of the first fastening elements on a first side of the foam base, and a plurality of the second fastening elements on a second side of the foam base, wherein at least two of the spacing sub-assemblies are selectively assembled to one another to generate the spacing assembly.

43. The kit of claim 32, wherein the spacing structure includes a first spacer body defining the front major face, a second spacer body defining the rear major face, and a ball-in-socket joint established between the first and second spacer bodies.

44. A method for decorating a wall, the method comprising:

receiving a decor assembly and a complementary releasable fastening structure,

wherein the decor assembly includes:

a decor element capable of holding a plant,

a panel defining opposing, first and second major faces,

wherein the decor element is disposed over the first major face,

a releasable fastening structure secured to the second major face and providing a plurality of first fastening elements,

wherein the releasable fastening structure covers at least 10% of the available surface area, and further wherein the complementary fastening structure includes a base defining opposing, first and second major surfaces, an adhesive layer disposed on the first major surface, and a plurality of second fastening elements on the second major surface,

wherein the first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system;

adhering the adhesive layer of the complementary fastening structure to a location along the wall; wherein the decor assembly is secured relative to the wall by the complementary fastening structure via the releasable fastening system in a first spatial orientation relative to the complementary fastening structure;

removing decor assembly from the complementary fastening structure, including the

complementary fastening structure remaining adhered to the wall;

manipulating the decor assembly to a second spatial orientation relative to complementary fastening structure, the second spatial orientation differing from the first spatial orientation; and

engaging the decor assembly to the complementary fastening structure in the second spatial orientation such that the decor assembly is secured relative to the wall in the second spatial orientation.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein manipulating the decor assembly to the second spatial orientation includes rotating the decor assembly 25 - 360 degrees from the first spatial orientation.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein manipulating the decor assembly to the second spatial orientation includes moving the decor assembly a distance equal to at least ¼ a length of the decor assembly.