WO2006069015A1

WO2006069015A1 - Paint replacement film application tool and process

Info

Publication number: WO2006069015A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/045996
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yang Sun
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2004-12-22
Filing date: 2005-12-20
Publication date: 2006-06-29

Abstract

A paint film application tool for permanently adhering a piece of an adhesive-backed paint replacement film (F) to a surface of a portion of a vehicle. The tool (10) may comprise a frame (20) having a first part (40) and a second part (30) separate from the first part. Each part of the frame (20) has one or more mechanical fasteners for holding the piece of adhesive-backed paint replacement film and locating the film relative to the portion of the vehicle. The one or more mechanical fasteners of the second part (32A-32E) are one or more fixed location fasteners. The one or more mechanical fasteners (42A-42E) of the first part are one or more movable location fasteners that can be moved so as to keep the paint replacement film stretched tight over the surface of the portion of the vehicle. Each of the first part and the second part are attachable to a desired location on the vehicle such that the paint replacement film (F) can be permanently adhered to the desired surface of the portion of the vehicle.

Description

PAINT REPLACEMENT FILM APPLICATION TOOL AND PROCESS

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/639,105, filed December 22, 2004 and entitled "PAINT REPLACEMENT FILM APPLICATION TOOL," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to paint replacement film, in particular, to tools and processes for applying paint replacement film and, more particularly, to tools and processes for applying large pieces or sheets of a paint replacement film to the body of a vehicle (e.g., the door of an automobile) or a wall or door of an appliance.

BACKGROUND ART Various flat graphic articles have been used on vehicles such as, for example, automobiles to provide aesthetic and/or protective features. One such flat graphic article is a paint replacement film article that is used to replace the application of conventional liquid paint on selected portions of the vehicle. A typical paint film article is a polymeric film that is backed with adhesive (e.g., a heat activated or pressure sensitive adhesive) where the film is flat and contains a pigment or some other type of coloring system. A release liner is typically used to protect the adhesive until the article is about to be applied. Paint film articles have been used to replace conventional liquid paint on, for example, the pillar and sash portions of a car door window frame. In this type of application, the paint film article is typically a one-piece construction having two sections. Each section may be much longer than it is wide and much wider than it is thick (i.e., has a thickness that is comparable to that of dried liquid paint). The two sections come together at a common end. One section is generally straight along its length to match the pillar and the other is generally curved along its length to match the sash.

Such paint film articles have been applied to the car door window frame by hand by using an application tool. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It has been found that the prior tools used to apply paint film articles are inadequate for applying larger pieces of such film that have comparable width and length dimensions. The present invention provides a tool that can be used to apply such paint film articles as well as large films having a length dimension which may be greater than its width dimension.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an application tool is provided for use in permanently adhering an adhesive-backed paint replacement film to a target surface. The tool may comprise a frame including a first part having one or more mechanical fasteners for holding and locating the adhesive-backed paint replacement film relative to the target surface. The one or more mechanical fasteners of the first part preferably comprise one or more movable location fasteners that can be moved so as to keep at least a portion of the film stretched tight prior to being permanently adhered to the target surface. The target surface may comprise a surface of a vehicle or an appliance. The first part of the frame may include structure for releasably coupling the first part to the vehicle or the appliance.

Preferably, the frame further comprises a second part having one or more mechanical fasteners for holding the adhesive-backed paint replacement film adjacent to the target surface and locating the film relative to the target surface. The first and second parts of the frame may comprise separate parts or be integral with one another.

The one or more mechanical fasteners of the second part preferably comprise one or more fixed location fasteners.

The one or more mechanical fasteners of each of the first and second parts may comprise a plurality of pins that are sized to fit through corresponding holes formed through the adhesive-backed paint replacement film for holding the film over the target surface. If a release liner is provided in combination with the film, the pins may be sized to fit through corresponding holes formed through the release liner or both the film and the release liner. The one or more mechanical fasteners of the first and second parts may be selected from the group consisting of pins, clips, hooks, clamps and magnets. Preferably, the one or more movable location fasteners are biased so as to keep the film stretched tight above the target surface.

The one or more movable location fasteners are at least one of linearly movable and pivotable so as to keep the film stretched tight above the target surface. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a process is provided for permanently adhering an adhesive-backed paint replacement film to a target surface. The process comprises providing an adhesive-backed paint replacement film suitable for being permanently adhered to a target surface, and providing a tool comprising a first part having structure for holding and locating the film relative to the target surface. At least the holding structure of the first part of the tool is movable so as to keep at least a portion of the film stretched tight prior to being permanently adhered to the target surface.

The target surface may comprise a surface of a vehicle or an appliance. The process may further comprise releasably coupling the first part of the tool to the vehicle or the appliance. The adhesive-backed paint replacement film may comprise a film having a width dimension that is relatively comparable to a length dimension of the film. Alternatively, the film may have a width dimension which is substantially different from the length dimension of the film. Further, it is contemplated that the adhesive-backed paint replacement film may be sized so as to cover a majority of a surface of a door, hood, bumper, trunk lid, fender or other body portion of a vehicle (e.g., aircraft, watercraft, automobile) or a wall or door of an appliance.

The process may further comprise maintaining at least the holding structure of the first part of the tool in a fixed position relative to the target surface; holding a first portion of the film using the holding structure of the first part of the tool; and, thereafter, moving at least the holding structure of the first part of the tool so as to apply tension to the film.

In one embodiment, the process may further comprise adhering a second portion of the film, opposite the first portion, to the target surface prior to moving at least the holding structure of the first part of the tool. In this embodiment, a second part of the tool may not be provided. In another embodiment, the tool may further comprise a second part having structure for holding the film adjacent to the target surface and locating the film relative to the target surface. The process may further comprise holding a second portion of the film, opposite the first portion, using the holding structure of the second part of the tool. The process may still further comprise removing a release liner from the film attached to the holding structure of the second part of the tool prior to adhering at least part of the film to the target surface. The holding structure of the second part of the tool may be fixed relative to a remaining portion of the second part of the tool.

The holding structure of the first part and of the second part of the tool may each comprise one or more mechanical fasteners suitable for holding a portion of the film.

One or more potential advantages of the present inventive paint film application tool include (1) being able to accurately apply relatively large pieces or sheets of paint replacement film without the paint film wrinkling, (2) enabling an operator to simply squeegee or otherwise press the paint film onto the desired surface without having to hold the paint film in place at the same time, (3) significantly reduce the time it takes to apply the paint film, (4) improving the quality of the applied paint film (e.g., location and appearance), and (5) reduce the skill level necessary to apply such large pieces of paint film.

As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably.

The terms "comprising", "including" and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the description and claims.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe every implementation of the present invention. The description that follows more particularly exemplifies illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings and photographs. While these drawings and photographs set forth one embodiment of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the present invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this invention. Fig. 1 is a top view of a tool of the present invention having a frame comprising first and second parts engaged with a film to be applied to a vehicle;

Fig. IA is a perspective view of the second part illustrated in Fig. 1 spaced from a window-receiving section of a door to which a film is to be applied;

Fig. IB is a perspective view of the second part coupled to the window-receiving section of the door;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tool frame second part;

Fig. 2A is a side view of the second part illustrated in Fig. 2; Fig. 2B is top view of the second part illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 2C is a side view of the second part opposite to the side view of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2D is an end view of the second part illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 2E is a perspective view of the second part base;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tool frame first part; Fig. 3 A is a side view of the first part illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 3B is top view of the first part illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 3C is a side view of the first part opposite to the side view of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 3D is an end view of the first part illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 3E is a perspective view of the first part base; Fig. 3F is a perspective view of a middle pivot block of the first part illustrated in

Fig. 3;

Fig. 3G is a perspective view of an outer pivot block of the first part illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 3H is a perspective view of a first intermediate block of the first part illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a second intermediate block of the first part illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 4 A is a perspective view of the first part illustrated in Fig. 3 spaced from a base section of the door; Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the first part coupled to the base section of the door, with the film engaged by pins of the first part and with a locking block locking the pins in an unbiased, fixed position relative to the film; Fig. 4C is a perspective view of the first part coupled to the base section of the door, with the film engaged by the pins of the first part and with the locking block rotated so as to allow springs to bias the pins to apply tension to the film;

Fig. 4D is a perspective view of a door to which a film is to be applied; and Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a spring-biased location pin assembly of the first part illustrated in Fig. 3.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Although the present invention is herein described in terms of specific embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the present invention is thus only limited by the claims appended hereto.

The present paint film application tool can be used to permanently adhere a relatively large piece or sheet (e.g., 960 mm x 630 mm) of an adhesive-backed paint replacement film F (i.e., paint film), see Fig. 1, to a portion of a vehicle (e.g., aircraft, watercraft, automobile, etc.) such as, for example, a door, a hood, a bumper, a truck lid, or a fender of an automobile (e.g., a car, van, bus, truck, etc.) or a wall or door of an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, stove, washer or drier, etc.). The paint films, used according to the present invention, may have width dimensions that are relatively comparable to their length dimensions. It is also contemplated that the paint films may have length dimensions which are substantially different, e.g., greater than, their width dimensions. For example, the paint film width dimension may be between about 10 mm to about 3,000 mm, while the paint film length dimension may be between about 250 mm to about 15,000 mm. The present paint films may include a release liner (not shown) that covers and protects their adhesive surface.

In one embodiment, the present inventive tool 10 is a two piece frame 20 that clips or otherwise attaches onto a vehicle portion 300, see Fig. IB. The frame 20 has a first or lower part 40 and a second or upper part 30, see Figs. 1, IA, IB, 2 and 3. Each part 30, 40 of the frame 20 has pins to snuggly hold and locate the piece of adhesive-backed paint replacement film F. The upper part 30 of the frame 20 has fixed location pins 32A-32E, see Fig. 2. The lower part 40 of the frame 20 has movable pins 42A-42E, see Fig. 3C, that can be moved so as to keep the paint film F stretched tight over the surface of the vehicle portion. In Figs. IA and IB, the vehicle portion comprises a door 300.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 32A-32E and 42A-42E pass through corresponding holes formed in the film F, see Fig. 1. It is also contemplated that the pins 32A-32E and 42A-42E may pass through corresponding openings provided in both the film F and a release liner or just the release liner. It is further contemplated that the pins 32A-32E and 42A-42E may be replaced by other mechanical fasteners such as clips, hooks, clamps and magnets (not shown). The magnets may be provided in and spaced apart along a holding member (not shown). The holding member is positioned over a section of the door 300 so as to be attracted to the door 300 via the forces of the magnets, thereby clamping the film F between the door 300 and the magnets. Alternatively, magnets may be mounted in opposing sections of the first part 40 and/or second part 30, such that the opposing sections are brought together via the magnetic forces of the magnets so as to clamp a portion of the film therebetween. Referring now to Figs. 2 and 2A-2E, the second part 30 comprises a base 130 having first and second recesses 130A and 130B. First and second substantially rectangular intermediate blocks 132 A and 132B are received in the first and second recesses 130A and 130B, see Figs. 2, 2A and 2B. Each intermediate block 132A, 132B is provided with a pair of spaced-apart, substantially elongated slots 133 parallel to a Y axis shown in Fig. 2 A. A corresponding pair of bolts 134 extend through each slot 133 and are received in threaded openings 135 in the base 130, see Fig. 2A and 2E. The position of each intermediate block 132A, 132B is capable of being varied relative to the base 130 in a direction parallel to the Y axis in Fig. 2A by loosening the pairs of bolts 134 extending through the slots 133, manually moving the block 132A, 132B relative to the base 130 and then tightening the bolts, see Fig. 2A.

A first substantially rectangular pin block 140 is coupled to the first intermediate block 132A via a pair of bolts 141. The bolts 141 pass through an elongated slot 140A provided in the pin block 140 and are received in threaded openings (not shown) in the intermediate block 132A. The first and second pins 32A and 32B are received in corresponding threaded openings in the first pin block 140. The position of the first pin block 140 is capable of being varied relative to the first intermediate block 132A along a direction parallel to an X axis illustrated in Fig. 2 A by loosening the bolts 141 extending through the slot 140A, manually moving the block 140 relative to the block 132A and then tightening the bolts 141.

A second elongated pin block 142 is coupled to the second intermediate block 132B via a pair of bolts 143. The bolts 143 pass through an elongated slot 142 A provided in the pin block 142 and are received in threaded openings (not shown) in the intermediate block 132B. The third, fourth and fifth pins 32C-32E are received in corresponding threaded openings in the second pin block 142. The position of the second pin block 142 is capable of being varied relative to the second intermediate block 132B along a direction parallel to the X axis by loosening the bolts 143 extending through the slot 142 A, manually moving the block 142 relative to the block 132B and then tightening the bolts 143.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second pin block 142 has a length that is substantially greater than that of the first pin block 140. Also, pins 32A-32D are generally positioned on a common axis which is substantially parallel to the X axis in Fig. 2A, while pin 32E is spaced away from that common axis passing through pins 32A-32D. The length and shape of the pin blocks 140 and 142 and the location of the pins 32A-32E were selected so as to correspond to the shape of the paint film F illustrated in Fig. 1 as well as the location of the pin-receiving openings provided in that paint film F. As noted above, the location of the first and second intermediate blocks 132 A and 132B and the first and second pin blocks 140 and 142 can be manually varied; hence, the location of the pins 32A-32E relative to the corresponding pin-receiving openings in the paint film F can be adjusted, i.e., fine-tuned. It is contemplated that the length, size and shape of the first and second pin blocks 140 and 142 as well as the number and location of pins on those blocks may be varied so as to correspond to the shape of and openings provided in other paint films not illustrated herein to be applied to a vehicle or appliance portion.

The second part base 130 is provided with bores 139, six in the illustrated embodiment, for receiving magnets 139A-139F, for releasably attaching the part 130 to the door 300, see Fig. 2B, 2C and 2E. The base 130 further includes a third recess 130C extending from an edge 130D of a bottom surface 130E of the base 130 to an edge 130F of a surface 130G of the base 130 opposite the surface 130H including the first and second recesses 130A, 130B, see Fig. 2C. 2D and 2E. The second part base 130 still further includes first and second slots 230 and 232 extending inwardly from end portions of the base 130, see Fig. 2C and 2E.

The second part 30 is mounted to first, second and third structural members 310- 312 of the door 300, which members 310-312 define an upper window-receiving section 320, see Figs. IA and IB. When the second part 30 is mounted to the window-receiving section 320, the first slot 230 receives an edge 310A of the first structural member 310, the second slot 232 receives an edge 312A of the third structural member 312 and the third recess 130C receives an edge 31 IA of the second structural member 311. The bottom surface 13 OE of the base 130 engages a ridge 311 B of the second structural member 311, see Fig. IA. So as to releasably secure the second part 30 to the window-receiving section 320, the magnet 139A engages the third structural member edge 312A, the magnets 139B, 139D and 139F engage a surface 311C of the second structural member 311 extending between the ridge 31 IB and the edge 31 IA, and the magnets 139C and 139E engage the second structural member edge 31 IA. The first and second intermediate blocks 132 A and 132B, the first and second pin blocks 140 and 142 and the pins 32A-32E are also referred to herein as structure for holding and locating the film F.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 3A-3I, the first part 40 comprises a base 240. First and second outer pivot blocks 242 and 244 are coupled to the base 240 via bolts 243 which threadedly engage openings 240A provided in the base 24O₅ see Figs. 3, 3C, 3E and 3G. A third middle pivot block 246 is also coupled to the base 240 via bolts (not shown) that pass through bores 246A provided in the block 246 and threadedly engage openings 240D provided in the base 240, see Figs. 3, 3B, 3E and 3F.

A first intermediate block 250 is pivotably coupled to the first and third blocks 242 and 246 via a pin 254, see Figs 3, 3C and 3H. The pin 254, which is threaded along at least a portion of its length, passes through unthreaded bores 250A in the first intermediate block 250, a threaded bore 242 A in the first outer pivot block 242 and an opening (not shown) in a torsion spring 260, see Figs. 3C, 3G and 3H. The pin 254 also extends into an unthreaded bore 246B in the middle pivot block 246, see Fig. 3F. The first intermediate block 250 is provided with a first recess 250B for receiving a portion of the first outer pivot block 242. A second recess 250C is provided in the intermediate block 250 for receiving a portion of the spring 260. A first leg (not shown) of the spring 260 engages a slot 240B provided in the base 240, while a second leg (not shown) of the spring 260 engages a slot 250D provided in the intermediate block 250. The spring 260 biases the first intermediate block 250 to rotate about the pin 254 in a direction indicated by arrow 261A in Fig. 3. A second intermediate block 270 is pivotably coupled to the second and third blocks 244 and 246 via a pin 274, see Figs 3, 3C and 31. The pin 254, which is threaded along at least a portion of its length, passes through unthreaded bores 270A in the second intermediate block 270, a threaded bore 244A in the second outer pivot block 244 and an opening (not shown) in a torsion spring 262, see Figs. 3C, 3G and 31. The pin 274 also extends into the unthreaded bore 246B in the middle pivot block 246, see Fig. 3F. The second intermediate block 270 is provided with a first recess 270B for receiving a portion of the second outer pivot block 244. A second recess 270C is provided in the intermediate block 270 for receiving a portion of the spring 262. A first leg (not shown) of the spring 262 engages a slot 240C provided in the base 240, while a second leg (not shown) of the spring 262 engages a slot 270D provided in the intermediate block 270. The spring 262 biases the second intermediate block 270 so as to rotate about the pin 274 in a direction indicated by the arrow 26 IB in Fig. 3.

A first substantially rectangular pin block 280 is coupled to the first intermediate block 250 so as to pivot with the first intermediate block 250 about pin 254, see Figs. 3 and 3C. In the illustrated embodiment, a notched base 280A of the first pin block 280 interconnects with a notched end 250E of the first intermediate block 250, see Figs. 3A- 3C, and 3H. Bolts 281 pass through an elongated slot 280B in the pin block 280 and are received in threaded openings 250F in the intermediate block 250 so as to couple the first pin block 280 to the first intermediate block 250. The first, second and third film- engaging pins 42A-42C are received in corresponding threaded openings in the first pin block 280. The position of the first pin block 280 is capable of being varied relative to the first intermediate block 250 along a direction parallel to an X axis illustrated in Fig. 3 C by loosening the bolts 281 extending through the slot 280B, manually moving the block 280 relative to the block 250 and then tightening the bolts 281. A second substantially square pin block 290 is coupled to the second intermediate block 270 so as to pivot with the second intermediate block 270 about pin 274, see Figs. 3 and 3C. In the illustrated embodiment, a notched base 290A of the second pin block 290 interconnects with a notched end 270E of the second intermediate block 270, see Figs. 3A- 3D, and 31. Bolts 291 pass through an elongated slot 290B in the pin block 290 and are received in threaded openings 270F in the intermediate block 270 so as to couple the second pin block 290 to the second intermediate block 270. The fourth and fifth film- engaging pins 42D-42E are received in corresponding threaded openings in the second pin block 290. The position of the second pin block 290 is capable of being varied relative to the second intermediate block 270 along a direction parallel to the X axis illustrated in Fig. 3C by loosening the bolts 291 extending through the slot 290B, manually moving the block 290 relative to the block 270 and then tightening the bolts 291. The first part 40 further comprises a locking block or latch 295, which is rotatably coupled to the third middle block 246 via a bolt 296 that passes through a bore 295A in the block 295 and engages a threaded opening 246C in the block 246, see Figs. 3, 3C and 3F. The locking block 295 is shown in its unlocked position in Figs. 3 and 3 C. When the block 295 is in its unlocked position, the spring 260 is allowed to bias the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C in the direction of arrow 261 A in Fig. 3 and the spring 262 is allowed to bias the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D-42E in the direction of arrow 261B. In Fig. 3, the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D-42E are shown rotated against the bias of the springs 260 and 262. An operator manually moves the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A- 42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D-42E to the position shown in Fig. 3 and then rotates the locking block 295 substantially 90 degrees from its position shown in Fig. 3 to lock the pins 42A-42E in a fixed position. To unlock the block 295, the block 295 is rotated to the position shown in Fig. 3. The first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D-42E are also referred to herein as structure for holding and locating the film F.

The first part 40 still further comprises a clamp mechanism 400 comprising a clamp 402, first and second pivot blocks 404 and 406, a pivot pin 408 and a torsion spring 410, see Fig. 3A. The blocks 404, 406 are secured to a face 240F of the base 240 opposite the face 240E via bolts 405 passing through bores in the blocks 404, 406 and engaging threaded openings 240G in the base 240. The spring 410 functions to bias the clamp 402 to rotate such that a first end 402 A of the clamp 402 moves away from the base 240 while a second end 402B of the clamp 402 moves toward or engages the base 240, see Fig. 3D.

The first part 40 additionally comprises a spring-biased locating pin assembly 500, see Fig. 5. The assembly 500 comprises a sleeve 502 having a threaded outer surface 502A, an inner bore 502B, first and second ends 502C and 502D and a spring stop or shoulder (not shown) positioned within the inner bore 502B near the first end 502C. The sleeve 502 is threaded into a bore 240H provided in the base 240, see Fig. 3E. The assembly 500 further comprises a pin 504, a compression spring 506, and a knob 508. The spring 506 is received over a first threaded end 504A of the pin 504 and engages a collar 504B on the pin 504 as well as the spring stop within the sleeve 502. The threaded end 504A of the pin 504 is received in a threaded opening 508A in the knob 508. A base surface 508B of the knob 508 engages the first end 502C of the sleeve 502 when the knob 508 is not being pulled away from the base 240 by an operator. As illustrated in Fig. 3B, when the knob 508 is not being pulled away from the base by an operator, a tip portion 504C of the pin 504 extends through the base bore 240H beyond the base side 240F.

When an operator pulls the knob 508 in a direction indicated by arrow 500A in Fig. 3B, the pin 504 moves against the bias of the spring 506 until the spring 506 is fully compressed between the spring stop within the inner bore 502B and the collar 504B. Upon release of the knob 508 by the operator, the spring 506 returns the pin 504 to its extended position as illustrated in Fig. 3B. Movement of the pin 504 in a direction opposite to the arrow 500A is limited by the knob base surface 508B engaging the sleeve first end 502C.

The first part 40 is mounted to a base section 330 of the door 300. The base section 330 has a substantially planar bottom wall 332, which is substantially transverse to an outer surface 340 of the door 300 to which the film F is to be applied, see Fig. 4D. The surface 340 to which the film F is to be applied is also referred to herein as a target surface. The bottom wall 332 includes a substantially rectangular opening 332A and a small circular opening 332B, see Fig. 4A. The face 240F of the first part base 240 is positioned adjacent to the door bottom wall 332, see Figs. 4A and 4B. Further, the first end 402A of the clamp 402 is compressed by an operator so that the clamp second end

402B moves away from the base face 240F. The clamp second end 402B is then inserted into the opening 332A provided in the door bottom wall 332. The operator releases the clamp 402 such that the clamp second end 402B engages an inner surface of the door bottom wall 332 so as to lock the first part 40 to the door base section 330. Also during the mounting of the first part 40 to the door base section 330, the knob 508 is pulled by an operator in the direction of arrow 500A in Fig. 3B and released when the pin tip portion 504C is positioned directly over the opening 332B. Releasing the knob 508 allows the pin tip portion 504C to engage the opening 332B, thereby ensuring proper positioning of the first part 40 on the base section 330. During the mounting of the first part 40 to the base section 330, an angled edge 241 of the base 240 engages an angled Hp 350 of the door 300, see Fig. 4B. In using the tool 10, the vehicle door 300 is preferably opened and the second part

30 of the frame 20 is attached to the door window receiving section 320 and the first part 40 of the frame 20 is attached to the door base section 330, both steps occurring in the manner described above. The frame 20 is designed so as to be accurately located at the door window receiving and base sections 320 and 330. The paint film F is first mounted on the second part 30 of the frame 20, and then the release liner is removed from the film F, exposing the film's adhesive back. Thereafter, the paint film F is attached to the pins 42A-42E on the first part 40 of the frame 20. These pins 42A-42E are initially held in an upward, fixed position by the locking block 295, see Fig. 4B. Prior to attaching the paint film F to the pins 42A-42E on the first part 40, an operator manually moves the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D-42E against the bias of the springs 260 and 262 to their positions shown in Fig. 3 and then rotates the locking block 295 substantially 90 degrees from its position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. 4B, thereby locking the pins 42A-42E in a fixed position. After the paint film F is mounted on the pins 42A-42E of the first part 40, the locking block 295 is rotated substantially 90 degrees, allowing the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D, 42E to be rotated by springs 260 and 262 in a direction away from the second part 30 so as to tightly stretch the paint film F between the first and second parts 40 and 30, see Fig. 4C. Alternatively, the paint film F can first be mounted on the frame 20, and then the frame 20 and the mounted paint film F attached onto the door 300. After the paint film F is in position and held tightly suspended over the surface 340 of the door 300, the paint film can be applied by hand to the door 300 by pressing the paint film onto the surface 340 of the door 300 with, for example, a squeegee, roller, brush, etc. The film F may be suspended between about 1 inch to about 3 inches above the surface 340 of the door. By keeping the paint film F under tension, premature and improper adhesion of the paint film F to the door 300 can be avoided. The amount of tension applied to the paint film can be controlled by the amount of hand pressure applied, or preferably by choosing the strength of the springs 260, 262 or other biasing mechanism. Preferably, the tension applied to the film F by the pins 42A-42E is not sufficient to tear, stretch or otherwise damage the film F while the film F is being pressed onto the surface 340 of the door 300, i.e., the springs 260, 262 allow the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D, 42E to rotate toward the second part 30 when the film F is being pressed onto the surface 340 to prevent damage to the film F. Variations in the dimensions and design of the frame 20 can be employed in order to enable a variety of different size and shaped pieces or sheets of such paint film.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 10 comprises a first part 40 and a second part 30, wherein the parts 30, 40 are separate from one another. It is also contemplated that the first part 40 and the second part 30 may be integral or otherwise interconnected to one another by, for example, a rectangular structure (not shown) shaped like a picture frame.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D- 42E pivot about pins 254 and 274. However, it is contemplated that the pins 42A-42C and 42D-42E may be mounted to a first element (not shown) that moves substantially linearly relative to a second element (not shown), wherein the first and second elements comprise at least a portion of the first part. The second element is coupled to the vehicle door 300 so as not to move relative to the door 300. The first element may have a low friction surface engaging a low friction surface of the second element. The first element is spring biased in a direction away from the second part. It is also contemplated that bearings may be provided between the first and second elements so as to allow the first element to move in a generally linear direction relative to the second element. It is further contemplated that the adhesive-backed paint replacement film may be mounted to a target surface using only the first part 40 of the tool. In such an embodiment, a first portion of the film, e.g., a first edge portion, is mounted to the pins 42A-42E. Prior to attaching the paint film first portion to the pins 42A-42E, an operator manually moves the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D-42E against the bias of the springs 260 and 262 to their positions shown in Fig. 3 and then rotates the locking block 295 substantially 90 degrees from its position shown in Fig. 3, thereby locking the pins 42A-42E in a fixed position. After mounted the first portion of the film to the pins 42 A- 42E, a second portion of the film, e.g., a second edge portion opposite the first portion, is then coupled to the target surface via the adhesive on that portion of the film. Thereafter, the locking block 295 is rotated substantially 90 degrees, allowing the first intermediate block 250/first pin block 280/pins 42A-42C and the second intermediate block 270/second pin block 290/pins 42D, 42E to be rotated by springs 260 and 262 so as to tightly stretch a third portion of the paint film, e.g., a middle portion, between the first and second portions. The release liner may be removed at any time after the first portion is mounted to the pins 42A-42E.

From the above disclosure of the general principles of the present invention and the preceding detailed description, those skilled in this art will readily comprehend the various modifications, re-arrangements and substitutions to which the present invention is susceptible. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An application tool for use in permanently adhering an adhesive-backed paint replacement film to a target surface, said tool comprising a frame including a first part having one or more mechanical fasteners for holding and locating the adhesive- backed paint replacement film relative to the target surface, with said one or more mechanical fasteners of said first part being one or more movable location fasteners that can be moved so as to keep at least a portion of the film stretched tight prior to being permanently adhered to the target surface.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the target surface comprises a surface of a vehicle or an appliance, the first part of said frame including structure for releasably coupling said first part to the vehicle or the appliance.

3. The tool according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said frame further comprises a second part having one or more mechanical fasteners for holding the adhesive-backed paint replacement film adjacent to the target surface and locating the film relative to the target surface.

4. The tool according to claim 3, wherein said first and second parts of said frame comprise separate parts.

5. The tool according to claim 3, wherein said first and second parts of said frame are integral with one another.

6. The tool according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein said one or more mechanical fasteners of said second part comprise one or more fixed location fasteners.

7. The tool according to any one of claims 3-6, in combination with an adhesive-backed paint replacement film, wherein said one or more mechanical fasteners of each of said first and second parts comprises a plurality of pins that are sized to fit through corresponding holes formed through the adhesive-backed paint replacement film for holding the film over the target surface.

8. The tool according to any one of claims 3-6, in combination with a film assembly comprising an adhesive-backed paint replacement film and a release liner, wherein said one or more mechanical fasteners of each of said first and second parts comprises a plurality of pins that are sized to fit through corresponding holes formed through at least said release liner for holding said adhesive-backed paint replacement film over the target surface.

9. The tool according to any one of claims 3-8, wherein said one or more mechanical fasteners of said first and second parts are selected from the group consisting of pins, clips, hooks, clamps and magnets.

10. The tool according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein said one or more movable location fasteners are biased so as to keep the film stretched tight above the target surface.

11. The tool according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein said one or more movable location fasteners are at least one of linearly movable and pivotable so as to keep the film stretched tight above the target surface.

12. A process for permanently adhering an adhesive-backed paint replacement film to a target surface comprising: providing an adhesive-backed paint replacement film suitable for being permanently adhered to a target surface; and providing a tool comprising a first part having structure for holding and locating the film relative to the target surface, at least the holding structure of the first part of the tool being movable so as to keep at least a portion of the film stretched tight prior to being permanently adhered to the target surface.

13. The process as set forth in claim 12, wherein the target surface comprises a surface of a vehicle or an appliance, and further comprising releasably coupling the first part of the tool to the vehicle or the appliance.

14. The process as set forth in any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the adhesive-backed paint replacement film comprises a film having a width dimension that is relatively comparable to a length dimension of the film.

15. The process as set forth in any one of claims 12-14, wherein the adhesive- backed paint replacement film is sized so as to cover a majority of a surface of a door, hood, bumper, trunk lid, or fender of a vehicle or a wall or door of an appliance.

16. The process as set forth in any one of claims 12-15, further comprising: maintaining at least the holding structure of the first part of the tool in a fixed position relative to the target surface; holding a first portion of the film using the holding structure of the first part of the tool; and, thereafter, moving at least the holding structure of the first part of the tool so as to apply tension to the film.

17. The process as set forth in claim 16, further comprising adhering a second portion of the film, opposite the first portion, to the target surface prior to said moving at least the holding structure of the first part of the tool.

18. The process as set forth in any one of claims 12-16, wherein the tool being provided further comprises a second part having structure for holding the film adjacent to the target surface and locating the film relative to the target surface.

19. The process as set forth in claim 18, further comprising holding a second portion of the film, opposite the first portion, using the holding structure of the second part of the tool.

20. The process as set forth in any one of claims 18 or 19, further comprising removing a release liner from the film attached to the holding structure of the second part of the tool prior to adhering at least part of the film to the target surface.

21. The process as set forth in any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the holding structure of the second part of the tool is fixed relative to a remaining portion of the second part of the tool.

22. The process as set forth in any one of claims 18-21 , wherein the holding structure of the first part and of the second part of the tool each comprise one or more mechanical fasteners suitable for holding a portion of the film, and each said holding comprises using the one or more mechanical fasteners to hold the corresponding portion of the film.