Method for application of a self-adhesive sticker

• US 5,246,519 A
• Filed: 05/04/1992
• Issued: 09/21/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Chrysler Corporation (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Chrysler Corporation (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: McCormick, Ronald G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Simmons, David A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rainwater, Charles
• Application Number:
  US07/878,241
• Time in Patent Office: 505 Days
• Field of Search: 40/593, 40/591, 33/562, 33/563, 33/613, 33/616, 33/622, 156/71, 156/99, 156/108, 156/289, 156/247, 156/391
• US Class Current: 156/247
• CPC Class Codes: B44C 1/105 comprising an adhesive layer decalcomania B44C1/16; adhesive tapes C09J7/20
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 9/262 manually operable
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/04 by land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/203 specially adapted to be attached to a transparent surface, e.g. the window of a car

Abstract

A method of applying a self-adhesive sticker to a vehicle, which vehicle has a predetermined shaped window opening and a window therein. The method of the present invention includes the steps of first providing a self-adhesive sticker applicator. The applicator has a template portion having an outside shape which closely follows the predetermined shape of the window opening and provides for fitted positioning in the window opening. The template portion has a central opening large enough to allow a sticker to pass therethrough. An applicator portion is attached to the template portion and includes a pressure applying portion which overlies the central opening. The applicator portion includes a sticker attachment portion wherein a sticker or decal or the like may be attached to this portion with an adhesive side facing the central opening. The pressure applying portion is adapted for having at least portions thereof which are pressable through the central opening for pressing the sticker into engagement with the window of the vehicle. A self-adhesive window sticker with an exposed adhesive surface is then provided and affixed to the sticker attachment portion with the adhesive surface facing the central opening. The template is positioned in the window opening such that the adhesive surface is facing the vehicle window and the pressure applying portion is caused to force the adhesive surface of the sticker into the window. Thereafter, the applicator is removed from the sticker and the sticker is finally adhered to the window by hand after being positioned in the window as set forth above.

Claims

1. A method of applying a self-adhesive sticker to a vehicle, said vehicle having a predetermined shaped window opening and a window, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a self-adhesive sticker applicator comprising;

a template portion having an outside shape for closely following said predetermined shaped window opening for fitted positioning in said predetermined shaped window opening, said template portion having a central opening large enough to allow a self-adhesive sticker to pass therethrough; and

an applicator portion attached to said template portion, said applicator portion including a pressure applying portion overlying said central opening and a sticker attachment portion, wherein a self-adhesive sticker may be attached to said sticker attachment portion with an adhesive side facing said central opening, said pressure applying portion adapted for having at least portions thereof being moveable through said central opening for pressing a self-adhesive sticker into engagement with said window of said vehicle;

b) providing a self-adhesive window sticker with an adhesive surface exposed thereon to be applied to said window;

c) affixing said self-adhesive sticker to said sticker attachment portion with said adhesive surface facing said central opening;

d) positioning said template portion in said window opening such that said adhesive surface is facing said vehicle window;

e) causing said pressure applying portion to force said adhesive surface of said self-adhesive sticker into said window;

f) releasing said self-adhesive sticker from said sticker attachment portion and removing said applicator from said window; and

g) finally adhering said self-adhesive sticker to the window.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said sticker attachment portion includes an overhanging lip portion having a surface facing said applicator portion whereby a portion of said adhesive surface of said self-adhesive sticker is attached to said surface of said overhanging lip portion.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said template portion is hingedly attached to said applicator portion.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said applicator portion is made of a resilient material.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of semi-hard rubber and milled plexiglass.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said template portion is made of a structurally rigid material.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said structurally rigid material is selected from the group consisting of plexiglass, structural plastics and metal.

8. A method of manually applying a self-adhesive window sticker to a vehicle, said vehicle having a predetermined shaped window opening and a window, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a self-adhesive sticker applicator comprising;

a template portion made of a relatively stiff material having an outside shape for closely following said predetermined shaped window opening for fitted positioning in said predetermined shaped window opening, said template portion having a central opening large enough to allow a self-adhesive window sticker to pass therethrough; and

an applicator portion hingedly attached to said template portion, said applicator portion including a pressure applying portion overlying said central opening and a lip portion overlying said pressure applying portion and having a surface facing said applicator portion and a sticker attachment portion, wherein a self-adhesive window sticker may be attached to said surface with an adhesive side facing said central opening, said pressure applying portion adapted for having at least portions thereof being manually moveable through said central opening for manually pressing a self-adhesive window sticker into engagement with said window of said vehicle;

b) providing a self-adhesive window sticker with an adhesive surface exposed thereon to be applied to said window;

c) affixing said self-adhesive window sticker to said sticker attachment portion with said adhesive surface facing said central opening;

d) positioning said template portion in said window opening such that said adhesive surface is facing said vehicle window;

e) causing said pressure applying portion to force said adhesive surface of said self-adhesive window sticker into said window;

f) releasing said self-adhesive window sticker from said sticker attachment portion and removing said applicator from said window; and

g) finally adhering said self-adhesive window sticker to the window.