Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand-held decorative sheet application assistive device that is capable of assisting a user in applying decorative sheets to surfaces in an automated manner to ensure even application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Applying decorative sheets to surfaces is a challenging and time-consuming task. Traditional methods often involve measuring, cutting, and positioning the sheets manually, which leads to uneven application, air bubbles, and wasted materials. For larger surfaces or complex designs, the process becomes even more hectic.

[0003] Traditionally, several tools and devices are available to help in the application of decorative sheets but these are manual application tools which include basic tools like utility knives. It could be used for small tasks but often requires significant skill and patience for precise application. There are also self-adhesive sheets which are pre-cut self-adhesive sheets and convenient to apply. But sometimes there is a problem with the application as they may not adhere well to uneven surfaces and manually cause alignment issues that are quite visible.

[0004] US6214453B1 discloses a decorative sheet for an exterior wall surface is provided which comprises a flexible nonwoven fabric which is permeable to air and moisture, and a coating layer formed on a front surface of the nonwoven fabric, the coating layer being also flexible and permeable to air and moisture after drying. The coating layer may be releasably covered by a stretchable plastic film. Further, the nonwoven fabric may have a rear surface formed with an air- and moisture-permeable adhesive layer which is covered by a releasable paper. Though US’453 discloses a decorative sheet for an exterior wall surface. However, the cited art lacks in not applying glue automatically over the surface where sheet is to be pasted.

[0005] US4129669A discloses a method of applying decorative designs through a stencil to surfaces comprises applying an adhesive stencil to a surface and painting the stencil to form a decorative design on the surface. The stencil may be made from a laminated sheet consisting of two layers of waterproof adhesive tapes, each layer containing a plurality of adjacent tapes and the second layer covering the seams in the first layer to form the laminate. Though US’669 discloses a method of applying decorative designs through a stencil. However, the cited art lacks in not cutting the sheet according to the desired surface in an automated manner to ensure an evenly cut sheet.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices existed for applying decorative sheets over the surface. However, the cited arts have certain limitations pertaining to not applying glue over the surface where the sheet is to be pasted. Additionally, the existing methods lack automatic cutting of the sheet as per the user’s requirement.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a capable of assisting a user in applying a decorative sheet over the desired surface to ensure proper application of the sheet.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in applying a decorative sheet on the desired portion of the ceiling surface.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of pasting the sheet over the desired surface in an automated manner by applying the glue over the surface to ensure proper application of the sheet.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of applying pressure over the pasted sheet to ensure the sheet is pasted smoothly and evenly over the surface to give a clean look.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a hand-held decorative sheet application assistive device that is capable of helping a user with the application of decorative sheets over the surface by performing cutting and pasting of the sheet in an automated manner to ensure even and precise application.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hand-held decorative sheet application assistive device comprises of a frame having an elongated rod to be positioned over a fixed surface, a handle attached to the frame for providing grip to the user while handling the frame, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the workpiece, an inbuilt microcontroller generates a 3D (three-dimensional) map of the surface, a touch interactive display panel mounted on the frame for displaying the generated map and take input details regarding a portion of the surface where the user desires to apply decorative sheet, a holographic projection unit mounted on the frame for projecting a holographic image on the surface that assists the user to move the frame on the user-specified portion, an ultrasonic sensor installed on the frame for detecting placement of the frame on the user-specified portion, a rectangular member attached with free-end of the rod in proximity to the surface, an electronic nozzle connected with a chamber stored with adhesive glue and configured on the frame for spraying the glue over the user-specified portion, a cylindrical roller attached with lateral side of the member and coiled with the sheet for rotating on to stick the sheet over the user-specified portion.

[0015] The proposed device further comprises of a pair of telescopically operated grippers are installed on the member for gripping free-ends of the sheet and position the sheet over the user-specified portion, a motorized cutting unit installed on the member via a link bar for cutting the sheet according to the detected dimension, a pair of calendar rollers attached with another lateral side of the member via supporting links to rotate in clockwise/ anti-clockwise direction for applying the sheet over the surface precisely, a speaker arranged on the frame for generating voice commands to notify the user to move the frame in a linear motion over the sheet, an angle sensor is installed frame for detecting the angle of the surface for the member, a motorized ball and socket joint arranged between each of the rod and member for adjusting the angle of the member, a moisture sensor is installed on the member for detecting moisture level of the user-specified surface, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a hand-held decorative sheet application assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a hand-held decorative sheet application assistive device that is capable of automatically cutting and applying decorative sheets to a user-desired surface for smooth application. Additionally, the proposed device also checks for the moisture of the surface and inform the user to prevent wastage of the sheet.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a hand-held decorative sheet application assistive device is illustrated, comprising a frame 101 having an elongated rod 102 developed to be positioned by a user over a fixed surface, a handle 103 is attached with the frame 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the frame 101, a touch interactive display panel 105 mounted on the frame 101, a holographic projection unit 106 mounted on the frame 101, a rectangular member 107 attached with free-end of the rod 102, an electronic nozzle 108 connected with a chamber 109 stored configured on the frame 101, a cylindrical roller 110 attached with the lateral side of the member 107, a pair of calendar rollers 111 attached with another lateral side of the member 107.

[0023] The proposed device includes a frame 101 developed to be positioned over a fixed surface by a user. Frame 101 is made up of a light but sturdy material which may include but not limited to plastic, stainless steel, or other metallic materials. The frame 101 is attached with an elongated rod 102 which is telescopically operated elongated rod 102 that extends or retracts as per requirement.

[0024] The rod 102 is powered by a pneumatic unit that embodies an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves, and piston which work in collaboration to perform the extension and retraction of the rods 102. The rod 102 comprises a nested tube arrangement that contains multiple hollow tubes connected concentrically. The air cylinder is attached to the bottom of the nested tube arrangement and further consists of an air piston attached to the topmost part of the nested tube arrangement from the inside.

[0025] The air cylinder is integrated with one inlet and one outlet valve that is connected to an air compressor configured with an exhaust fan. The air compressor draws air from the surroundings and compresses it to form pressurized air which enters the inlet valve and creates a force that pushes the piston in the forward direction.

[0026] As the piston moves in the forward direction, it leads to the sequential opening of the concentrically connected tubes from the top toward the bottom. This leads to the extension of the rod 102 for placing the rod 102 as per the requirement. If the user requires the rod 102 to be retracted, the pressurized air is taken back into the compressor from the outlet valve which makes the piston move in a backward direction causing the retraction of the rod 102.

[0027] The frame 101 is also attached to a handle 103 to provide a grip to the user while handling the frame 101. The handle 103 includes a cushion padding that provides comfort to the user while gripping the handle 103 to prevent straining of the user’s hands. After the user acquires the grip over the frame 101, an inbuilt microcontroller is activated to make the device perform its function.

[0028] The microcontroller is a small integrated circuit that controls specific functions by executing a program stored in its memory. It consists of a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and I/O ports for interacting with external components of the device. When powered on, it fetches and executes instructions received from the device's component. The microcontroller is pre-fed with a defined set of instructions to perform various functions.

[0029] The microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the frame 101. The imaging unit 104 consists of a camera that captures a high-resolution image of the workpiece. Then, a processor linked with the imaging unit 104 extracts the required feature from the image which includes first pre-processing of the image to enhance clarity using the artificial intelligence protocol. The microcontroller then uses the processed images and generates a 3D (three-dimensional) map of the surface.

[0030] The 3D map is displayed over a touch interactive display panel 105 mounted on the frame 101. The touch interactive display panel 105 combines high-resolution display technology with a touch-sensitive interface. The panel 105 uses a high-quality screen, such as LCD or OLED, to show the detailed 3D map generated by the microcontroller. The user also interacts with the map through touch gestures to provide input details regarding a portion of the surface where the decorative sheet is to be applied.

[0031] The touch screen is made up of multiple layers of glass and plastic, coated with a conductor material like indium tin oxide or copper. This conductive material responds when contacted by another electrical conductor during the touch. When the user touches an area on the screen, an electric circuit is completed at the point where the finger makes contact, changing the electrical charge at that location. The screen’s receptors signal this change to the microcontroller.

[0032] The microcontroller actuates a holographic projection unit 106 mounted on the frame 101. The holographic projection unit 106 projects a 3D map by converting digital map data generated by a microcontroller into an interference pattern using coherent light. The interference pattern is then projected onto a surface and the light diffracted by the interference pattern reconstructs the 3D image of the map. The resulting holographic image appears to be displayed on the surface, giving a three-dimensional view of the map on the surface that assists the user in moving the frame 101 on the user-specified portion.

[0033] After the user places the frame 101, an ultrasonic sensor installed on the frame 101 detects the placement of the frame 101 on the user-specified portion. The ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves from a transmitter. These sound waves travel through the air until they encounter the frame 101. When the ultrasonic waves hit the frame 101, they are reflected towards the sensor.

[0034] The sensor measures the time it takes for the waves to return. The sensor calculates the distance between itself and the frame 101 based on the time it takes for the sound waves to travel to frame 101 and back. Frame’s 101 position is monitored by analyzing the distance measurements from the sensor and checking if frame 101 is correctly placed within the user-specified portion by comparing the measured distances to predefined parameters.

[0035] Once the position of the frame 101 is detected, the microcontroller actuates the rod 102 to place a rectangular member 107 attached with the free-end of the rod 102 in proximity to the surface. The rod 102 extends/retracts in the same manner as described earlier. The rectangular member 107 is a box-like structure made up of a material that may include but not limited to metallic materials.

[0036] After placing member 107, the microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 108 connected to a chamber 109 configured on frame 101. The chamber 109 is stored with adhesive glue to spray the glue over the user-specified portion for sticking the sheet. The electrically controlled nozzle 108 consists of a pressure pump that uses a rotating impeller to provide kinetic energy to the glue which is then converted into pressure. As the impeller spins, it throws glue outward, creating a low-pressure area at the center that draws in more glue and increases the overall pressure. The microcontroller actuates the nozzle 108 and the nozzle 108 sends an electrical signal to the solenoid valve to open it for dispensing the glue over the surface.

[0037] The member 107 is attached with a cylindrical roller 110 on the lateral side which is wrapped with the decorative sheet. The cylindrical roller 110 functions by facilitating smooth rotational motion to dispense the sheet. The cylindrical roller 110 typically consists of a metal or plastic cylinder mounted on bearings which allows it to rotate to stick the sheet over the user-specified portion.

[0038] The member 107 is installed with a pair of telescopically operated grippers. The motorized gripper is a robotic arm that uses actuators to open and close gripper jaws. The robotic arm is connected to a motor that provides the motion to the arm which is transmitted to the linkages to move the gripper to grip the free ends of the sheet unwinded from the roller 110.

[0039] The microcontroller then actuates a motorized cutter which cuts the sheet into the required dimensions. The motorized cutter consists of a robotic arm equipped with a cutting unit at the end. The robotic arm works in the same manner as described earlier for providing the movement to the cutter to cut the sheet in the required dimension.

[0040] After the sheet is cut into the desired shape and dimensions, the microcontroller actuates a speaker arranged on the frame 101 and provides a command to the user. The speaker works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. It consists of a cone known as a diaphragm attached to a coil-shaped wire placed between two magnets.

[0041] When the electric signal is passed through the voice coil, it generates a varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnet causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. This movement pushes and pulls air creating sound waves just like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user to move the frame 101 in a linear motion over the sheet in a reciprocatory manner.

[0042] As the user moves the frame 101, the microcontroller actuates a pair of calendar rollers 111 to rotate in a clockwise/anti-clockwise direction for applying the sheet over the surface precisely. The supporting link keeps the rollers 111 stable in place so that the sheet sticks smoothly to the surface to prevent any wastage. The calendar roller with two rolls is the most used configuration which consists of two parallel calendar rollers 111 that rotate opposite to each other in the same directions. As the rollers 111 are pressed against the sheet, the compression and shear forces result in a smoother application of the sheet over the surface.

[0043] The frame 101 is installed with an angle sensor for detecting the angle of the surface for the member 107. The angle sensor used here is an inclinometer which works by measuring the angle between the member 107 and the surface. It contains a small component like a pendulum that moves based on the angle of tilt. As much as member 107 is tilted for the surface, the pendulum's position also changes which is detected by the sensor. The sensor then converts this change into an electrical signal indicating the tilt angle.

[0044] Depending upon the angle, the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint arranged between each rod 102 and member 107 to adjust the member’s 107 angle. The motorized ball and socket joint allows for smooth, adjustable movement in various directions. It has a ball-shaped part that fits into a cup-like socket. A motor attached to the joint controls the ball, making it move around inside the socket. Actuators adjust the ball’s position to ensure it moves accurately and flexibly, enabling precise control and positioning in multiple directions.

[0045] The member 107 is installed with a moisture sensor that detects the moisture level of the surface where the sheet is being pasted. The moisture sensor used here is an infrared (NIR) moisture sensor that works by emitting near-infrared light toward the user-specified surface. As the NIR light penetrates the surface, it interacts with water molecules inside the surface, which absorb and reflect the light differently compared to dry material.

[0046] The sensor detects the reflected NIR light and measures variations in intensity and wavelength caused by the presence of moisture. These measurements are then processed by the microcontroller to determine the moisture content of the material. If moisture is detected, the microcontroller again actuates the speaker to inform the user about the moisture level.

[0047] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the device.

[0048] The present invention works best in the following manner, the frame 101 attached to the elongated rod 102 is positioned over the fixed surface. The handle 103 is attached to the frame 101 to provide grip to the user while handling the frame 101. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the frame 101 is activated for capturing the images of the workpiece which are processed by the linked processor. The inbuilt microcontroller generates a 3D (three-dimensional) map of the surface using the processed images. The touch interactive display panel 105 is mounted on the frame 101 displays the generated map and also takes input details regarding the portion of the surface where the user desires to apply the decorative sheet. Then, the holographic projection unit 106 is mounted on the frame 101, projects a holographic image on the surface that assists the user in moving the frame 101 to the user-specified portion. The ultrasonic sensor installed on the frame 101 detects the placement of the frame 101 on the user-specified portion. After the placement is detected and found to be correct, the rectangular member 107 attached to the free end of the rod 102 is positioned in proximity to the surface. The chamber 109 is configured on the frame 101 to store the adhesive glue and dispense the glue through the electronic nozzle 108 configured to the chamber 109 for spraying the glue over the user-specified portion. The cylindrical roller 110 is attached to the lateral side of the member 107 wrapped with the sheet for rotating and unwinding the sheet to stick over the user-specified portion.

[0049] In continuation, the pair of telescopically operated grippers installed on the member 107 grips the free-ends of the sheet and position the sheet over the user-specified portion. The motorized cutting unit installed on the member 107 via a link bar cuts the sheet according to the detected dimension. The microcontroller actuates the speaker arranged on the frame 101 for generating voice commands to notify the user to move the frame 101 in a linear motion over the sheet so that the pair of calendar rollers 111 attached with another lateral side of the member 107 via supporting links rotate in clockwise/ anti-clockwise direction for applying the sheet over the surface precisely. The angle sensor is installed on the frame 101 for detecting the angle of the surface for the member 107 to actuate the motorized ball and socket joint arranged between each of the rod 102 and member 107 for adjusting the angle of the member 107. The moisture sensor installed on the member 107 detects moisture level of the user-specified surface.

[0050] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A hand-held decorative sheet application assistive device, comprising:

i) a frame 101 having an elongated rod 102 developed to be positioned by a user over a fixed surface, wherein a handle 103 is attached with said frame 101 for providing grip to said user while handling said frame 101;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on said frame 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said workpiece, wherein based on said processed images, an inbuilt microcontroller generates a 3D (three-dimensional) map of said surface;
iii) a touch interactive display panel 105 mounted on said frame 101 for displaying said generated map and also accessed by said user to input details regarding a portion of said surface where said user desires to apply decorative sheet, wherein based on said user specified details, said microcontroller actuates a holographic projection unit 106 mounted on said frame 101 for projecting a holographic image on said surface that assists said user to move said frame 101 on said user specified portion;
iv) an ultrasonic sensor installed on said frame 101 for detecting placement of said frame 101 on said user specified portion, wherein based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said rod 102 for positioning a rectangular member 107 attached with free-end of said rod 102 in proximity to said surface;
v) an electronic nozzle 108 connected with a chamber 109 stored with adhesive glue and configured on said frame 101, wherein upon positioning of said member 107 in proximity to said surface, said microcontroller actuates said nozzle 108 for spraying said glue over said user-specified portion, followed by actuation of a cylindrical roller 110 attached with lateral side of said member 107 and coiled with said sheet for rotating on its axis in view of sticking said sheet over said user-specified portion; and
vi) a pair of calendar rollers 111 attached with another lateral side of said member 107 via supporting links, wherein upon successful sticking of said sheet over said surface, said microcontroller actuates a speaker arranged on said frame 101 for generating voice commands to notify said user to move said frame 101 in a linear motion over said sheet in a reciprocatory manner, and simultaneously said microcontroller actuates said calendar rollers 111 to rotate in clockwise/ anti-clockwise direction for applying said sheet over said surface precisely.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle sensor is installed frame 101 for detecting angle of said surface with respect to said member 107.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein based on said detected angle, said microcontroller directs a motorized ball and socket joint arranged between each of said rod 102 and member 107 for adjusting angle of said member 107.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein based on said dimension of said user specified portion, said microcontroller actuates a motorized cutting unit installed on said member 107 via a link bar for cutting said sheet according to said detected dimension.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of telescopically operated grippers are installed on said member 107 that are actuated by said microcontroller for gripping free-ends of said sheet and position said sheet over said user-specified portion.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a moisture sensor is installed on said member 107 for detecting moisture level of said user-specified surface, and in case said detected moisture level mismatches a threshold limit, said microcontroller activates said speaker for notifying said user regarding said moisture level.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.