Method and apparatus for applying a touch film to a compound curved surface
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorsPRABHJEE ANAND, TIMOTHY E. HEATER
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of applying a touch film to a rigid surface having a compound curvature includes applying a transparent pressure sensitive adhesive to a facing surface of a touch film, placing the facing surface against the rigid surface, and rolling a roller over the touch film with enough pressure to activate the pressure sensitive adhesive and adhere the touch film to the rigid surface. The roller has an exterior layer of low durometer material to conform to the compound curvature of the rigid surface and to minimize damage to components on the touch film.
Claims17
A method of applying a touch film to a rigid surface having a compound curvature, the method comprising:
- applying a transparent pressure sensitive adhesive to a facing surface of a touch film;
- placing the facing surface against the rigid surface;
- rolling a roller over the touch film;
- and
- activating the pressure sensitive adhesive to adhere the touch film to the rigid surface;
- wherein the roller has an exterior layer of low durometer material to conform to the compound curvature of the rigid surface.
A roller for applying a touch film to a rigid surface having a compound curvature, the roller comprising:
- a handle with a pair of forked arms at a distal end;
- an axle extending between the forked arms;
- a hub disposed on the axle;
- and
- an exterior layer of low durometer material disposed on the hub.
An appliance comprising:
- a door with an interior surface having a compound curvature, a section thereof configured to enable viewing a user interface on the interior surface through the door;
- wherein the user interface includes a touch film adhered to the interior surface by application of a roller to activate a pressure sensitive adhesive between the touch film and the interior surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.