Coating apparatus – Work surface shields – masks or protectors – Work-attached
Patent
1993-09-28
1995-05-09
Simmons, David A.
Coating apparatus
Work surface shields, masks or protectors
Work-attached
118504, 428 40, 428 43, 4283173, 428343, B32B 100, B32B 300
Patent
active
054136377
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the masking of an exposed area of a surface from an adjacent area to facilitate treatment of the exposed area by for example paint spraying. The invention has particular, but not exclusive application in the motor industry where selective repairs must be effected on painted surfaces. The invention also relates to a masking element for use in such methods.
BACKGROUND ART
Various masking techniques are known for isolating areas from adjacent areas on a surface. Such isolation is needed in a number of situations where treatment of one form or another is to be applied exclusively to a specific area or region. Masking techniques are particularly useful when the treatment involves the application of a fluid medium. Examples are chemical treatments, painting and decorating. Typically, the treatment areas are isolated from their surroundings by a masking tape which defines the boundary thereof.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed at a masking element which can be manufactured and sold as a complete unit ready for immediate use. More particularly, the invention provides a masking element comprising a foam web formed into a closed curve defining upper and lower surfaces, with a layer of adhesive on at least the lower surface for mounting the element on a substrate. The closed curve is typically circular or elliptical, but can be polygonal or any chosen shape. The actual form of the curve is not critical, but is preferably chosen such that a plurality of elements can be formed simultaneously from a single sheet of material. Such a plurality of elements can be arranged concentrically, and stamped from such a sheet simultaneously. Further, such a plurality of elements can be marketed in this form, with elements being available for removal from the sheet as they are required.
Preferred masking elements according to the invention are formed from a foam material, and can conveniently be stamped from a sheet of foam which already has a layer of adhesive on at least one face thereof. The inner and outer peripheries of the element can be defined by pressure welded seams formed during the stamping, and where a plurality of concentric elements are formed simultaneously, radially adjacent elements can be attached to each other along their respective peripheries, and by such pressure welded seams, which may be readily tearable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a circular masking element according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a section taken on line A--A of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a sheet of material in which a plurality of masking elements of the invention have been stamped out;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of a car hood; and
FIG. 5 is cross-section taken on line V--V of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a masking element according to the invention takes the form of an endless length 2 of foam web having a generally elliptical cross-section. On the lower surface of the web 2 is applied an adhesive coating 4, which as can be seen from FIG. 2, extends around substantially half the peripheral surface of the web 2. A typical height of the section shown in FIG. 2 is 15 mm, and a typical breadth is 20 mm. These are preferred minimum values for webs made from polyether foam which is particularly suitable, but other plastics foams can also be satisfactory. Similarly, a typical minimum outside diameter for a masking element of the kind shown in FIG. 1 is 95 mm, which enables the element to isolate an area of around 70 cm.sup.2.
The foam web forming the mask element shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is as noted above, preferably a plastics foam. Typically, it can be a foam made in accordance with our published European Patent Specification No. 0384626, with pressure welded seams 6 defining either lateral side of the web section. Forming the element in this way makes it particularly suita
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Griswold Gary L.
Huebsch William L.
Kirn Walter N.
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
Rainwater Charles
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