Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~17~3~
BACXGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to the art of painting and
more particularly, to spray painting a predetermined area of a
workpiece.
The invention is particularly applicable to a
so-called area coated paint mask for and method of masking a
workpiece along a predetermined continuous demarcation zone and
will be described with particular reference thereto. However,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
invention has broader applications and may be advantageously
adapted to use in other painting environments.
In many industries, it is desired to spray paint
finished products or the like so that they will be in one color
or tone on one side of some predetermined demarcation zone and
of another color or tone on the other side of the demarcation
zone. This ~ype of finish painting is often associated with
the automobile and appliance industries, although it is
; u~t.illzed elsewhere for other products and product lines. In
addition, demarcation zones are present in so-called refinish
20 ; ~painting work and in painting work performed~subsequent to some
product or workpiece surface repair. In order to obtain
satlsfactory or aesthetically pleasing results, it is necessary
to mask the product at Ieast along the demarcation zone to
prevent paint overspray onto adjacent areas of the product
which are not to be painted. Also, such masking must be
substantially precise along the demarcation zone so as to
maintain consistency of finish and/or appearance between
workpieces of the same type and style.
Paint masking systems of many types and styles have
been known and used in the art for many years. Among these
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are, for example, use of conventional masking tape and the
like. In the most basic of these prior systems, the masking
tape is affixed to the workpiece with one tape side edge
disposed coextensive with the demarcation zone. This then
separateS that portion of the workpiece surface which is to be
painted from that portion which is not to be painted.
Moreovert the tape is also typically used to retain paint
drapes of paper, cloth or the like in a covering relationship
at least adjacent the demarcation zone with that section of a
workpiece which is to be protected during a painting process.
One particular drawback to this type of general
masking system resides in the extremely cumbersome installation
procedures re9uired and the close correlation between the
overall success of the mask and the ability and/or experience
of the mask installer. Another difficulty encountered has been
that prior masking systems are only reliably or viably useful
for demarcation zones or break line areas which have generally
straight line configurations. Demarcation zones or break line
areas which are curvilinear, closed or continuous or are
otherwise unusually configured are very difficult to mask using
such systems. Indeed, in such situations, the ability and
experience of the person applying the mask again plays a very
significant role in determining the overall aesthetic success
of the final paint finish obtained.
Over the years, consumer tastes and product designs
have changed and/or been modified so that paint finishes on
various products, including automobiles and the like,
necessitate the provision of masks and masking method which
will accommodate precise masking of small or irregular areas to
accommodate the desired final paint finish. Such a masking
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arrangement is referred to as an area coated paint mask since
it typically covers the entirety of a prede~ermined workpiece
area. Heretofore, however, entirely satisfactory results have
not been obtainable in systems of this general type due to
manufacturing and/or installation difficulties. Thus,
generally unacceptable and inconsistent painting results have
been a problem in this type of painting environment.
It has, therefore, been considered desirable to
develop and provide a new and improved area coated paint mask
and method which would overcome the foregoing practical
problems encountered in using previously known masking methods
and techniques. The subject invention is deemed to meet these
needs as well as others. The invention provides a new and
improved area paint mask and method which are simple,
lS effective, accommodate masking along demarcation zones which
have many different configurations and readily adapted to use
in a wide variety of applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention focuses on a new area coated
paint mask and method to facilitate spray painting of a
workpiece first area bounded or defined by a predetermined
continuous demarcation zone and which demarcation zone
separates the workpiece first area from a workpiece second
areaO In practicing the invention, a particular mask
construction having a predetermined adhesive band disposed on a
portion of one face thereof and a predetermined peripheral edge
configuration is advantageously employed. The mask is adapted
to be adhesively secured to a workpiece second area in a
precise manner to facilitate a desired painting result.
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More particularly, the method includes providing a
mask layer comprised of a thin, flexible material having
Opposed faces and applying adhesive to one face of the layer to
form a band-like adhesive area at least generally conforming to
the outline of some predetermined demarcation zone.
Thereafter, the method contemplates cutting the mask layer to
form a mask having a peripheral edge or contour of at least the
same general conformation as the demarcation zone with the
adhesive band-like area disposed at least adjacent the mask
peripheral edge.
In accordance with another aspect of the method, the
step of locating a release coating on the face of the mask
layer opposite to the one face is also included. Such coating
is selected to be of a type which is releasably compatible with
the adhesive material. Preferably, the release coating is
provided or integral with the opposite face of the mask layer
itself.
In accordance with another aspect of the method, the
steps of providing, applying, and locating are identically
repeated on a plurality of mask layers. Thereafter, a step of
producing a pad of identical masks is performed by stacking the
plurality of mask layers relative to each other so that the
adhesive band-like area of each is in direct engagement with
the release coating on the opposite face of the next adjacent
mask layer with the adhesive areas of all the layers being
aligned. The step of cutting is next preformed to
simultaneously cut the ~tacked mask layers into masks.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, an
area coated paint mask construction is provided. The mask is
comprised of a thin, flexible paint mask layer having opposed
.. . . . . . . .. . . . . . ..
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faces and a peripheral edge or contour which is configured to
have the same general conformation as a continuous demarcation
zone on a workpiece with which the mask is to be associated.
The adhesive is disposed on one face of the mask layer to form
a narrow band-like adhesive zone at least adjacent the mask
peripheral edge and is adapted to adhesively engage an
associated workpiece at least adjacent the demarcation zone
thereof. In the preferred construction, each mask layer
includes a release coating on the face opposite the adhesive to
accommodate the provision of a pad o~ identical masks. In such
a pad, the one face of each mask is disposed in direct
engagement with the release coating of the next adjacent mask
whereby individual ones of the masks may be removed from the
pad as required for use.
Also provided in accordance with the present invention
is an overall method for painting a workpiece to facilitate
spray painting of a workpiece first area which is bounded by
some desired and predetermined demarcation zone. The method
allows precise painting of the first area along the demarcation
zone while protecting a workpiece second area.
f~rinc~ pq~
The- ~ object of the present invention is the
~provision of a new area coated paint mask and method.
Another object of the invention is the provision of
such a mask and method which are simple and easy to use for
obtaining reliable painting results along predetermined regular
and~or irregular demarcation zones.
Still another object is the provision of an area
coated paint mask and method which may be readily adapted to
use with any number of varied demarcation zone configurations.
A further object of the invention resides in an area
coated paint mask and method which may be readily and
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~ ~530~
advantageously employed in production line type environments.
Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention
there is provided an area coated paint mask particularly adapted
for masking one area of a workpiece disposed on one side of a
continuous demarcation zone to facilitate spray painting of
another area of said workpiece disposed on the other side of
said demarcation zone, said paint mask comprising a plurality of
identical thin, flexible paint mask sheets, each having opposed
faces and a peripheral edge configured to have the same general
conformation as some continuous demarcation zone on a workpiece
with which said mask is adapted to be associated; an adhesive
disposed on one face of said mask forming a narrow band-like
adhesive zone at least adjacent said mask sheet peripheral edge
and is adapted to adhesively engage an associated workpiece at
least closely adjacent the workpiece demarcation zone; a release
surface associated with the other face of said mask sheet, said
release surface being releasably cooperable with the adhesive
on said one face; and said plurality of identical mask sheets
being disposed in a stacked relationship to form a mask pad,
20~ the band-like adhesive zone on the one face of each mask being
disposed in direct engagement with the release surface on the
other face of the next adjacent mask whereby individual ones of
said masks may be removed from said pad for masking associated
workpieces.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of making an area coated paint mask
adapted to be installed on a workpiece to facilitate spray painting
of a workpiece first area disposed on one side of a continuous
demarcation zone from a workpiece second area, said method
comprising the steps of providing a mask sheet of thin flexible
material having opposed faces; applying adhesive to one face of
said mask sheet in a manner forming a band-like adhesive area
similar to the conformation of a demarcation zone on a workpiece
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with which said mask is to be associated, said band-like adhesive
area having one side edge at least substantially coextensive with
the conformation of such demarcation zone and another side edge
spaced from said one side edge; and, cuttlng said mask sheet
to form a mask having a peripheral edge of the same general
conformation as the demarcation zone with said adhesive area one
side edge disposed on said mask at least adjacent said peripheral
edge.
Still other objects and advantages for the invention will
become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a
reading and understanding of the following specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangements of parts, preferred and alternative embodiments of
which will be described in detail in the specification and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof and wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a workpiece having
two workpiece areas separated by an irregular demarca-tion zone
and which workpiece is particularly suited for masking by means
: of the subject mask and method;
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of a mask formed in accordance
with the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of the mask of FIGURE 2;
25FIGURE ~ is a perspective view of a mask pad formed in
accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 5 shows the mask of FIGURE 2 as it is being applied
on the workpiece of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5 with the mask fully
installed and the workpiece being spray paintedi and,
FIGURE 7 shows an alternative mask arrangement which
incorporates the overall concepts of the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are
for purposes of illustrating preferred and alternative . . .
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1 175305
embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of
limiting same, FI~URE 1 shows a portion of a workpiece A
adapted to receive a so-called area coated mask B formed in
accordance with the present invention as shown in FIGURES 2 and
3.
More particularly, workpiece A of FIGURE 1 includes a
workpiece first area 10 and a workpiece second area 12. AreaS
10, 12 are separated from each other by some predetermined
demarcation zone 14. As shown, this demarcation zone entirely
encloses and isolates workpiece second area 12 from workpiece
first area 10. The demarcation zone itself may be along some
break line, highlight line and the like or may be simply
located at some predetermined and particular location on a
portion of a planar surface which comprises the overall
workpiece A. The demarcation zone configuration shown is
merely by way of example and it should be readily appreciated
; that the subject invention is readily adapted to use wlth the
other regular or irre9ular configurations as may be required to
~ fulfill or meet some specific painting requirements.
; ~ 20 Moreoever, the invention is also readily adapted to use in
:
conjunction with original workpiece painting, refinish painting
; and/or repair painting.
:~ ;
Referring to both FIGURES 2 and 3, mask B is comprised
or shee~
of a thin, flexible mask layer 18 having opposed faces 20
,~,
25~ (FIGURE 2), 22 (FIGURE 3) and a peripheral edge or contoùr 24
extending therearound. As shown, face 20 comprises the mask
outer face and face 22 comprises the mask inner face. In the
preferred arrangement here under discussion, mask layer 18 is
constructed from a thin paper or paper-like material for
obtaining the best overall results as will become apparent
.
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hereinafter. By way of example only/ the mask layer may have a
thickness of approximately 3 or 4 mils. However, the other
materials, thicknesses and the like may be advantageously
employed for layer 18 to accommodate different applications and
environments.
Preferably, mask layer peripheral edge 24 has
substantially the precise contour or conformation as
predetermined demarcation zone 14. Thus, and when the mask is
applied to the workpiece, workpiece second area 12 will be
la entirely covered substantially precisely coextensive with the
demarcation zone itself. To accommodate securing or affixing
of the mask to the workpiece, a band-like adhesive zone or area
30 is advantageously provided on mask face 2~ adjacent to and
coextensive with peripheral edge 24. The width of this
adhesive band or zone is generally in the range of 1/4"-3/4",
although variation therefrom may be utilized as deemed
necessary and/or appropriate. The adhesive itself is of the
acrylic type and is preferably sprayed, printed or coated onto
face 22 so as to assume the general conformation shown.
In accordance with the preferred form of the mask and
method, a pad of identical masks are advantageously prepared
:
and supplied for ultimate use. Such a pad is generally
designated 40 in FIG~RE 4 and is comprised of a plurality of
identical masks 42j 44, 46, 48 and so on for some predetermined
; 25 number. More particularly, fifty or so individual masks will
comprise a single one of pads 40. In the preferred method of
manufacture, the thin, flexible material which comprises mask
layers 18 may be provided in large rolls or the like having a
width at least sufficient to accommodate manufacture of masks
therefrom at spaced intervals therealong. The portion of the
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1 ~530~
layer which is to define each mask outer face ~ preferably
includes a release coating thereon which is releasably
compatible with the particular adhesive employed to define
adhesive zone 30. The release coating typically comprises a
polyethylene coating integral with one face of the mask layer
material. Although this release coating is supplied and
integral with the mask layer material itself, it could also be
separately applied at the time of mask manufacture and/or
comprised of other release type coatings and materials.
For manufacturing purposes, band-like adhesive zone or
area 30 is first applied to each mask layer to have at least
the same general conformation of the intended predetermined
demarcation zone. Again, this adhesive material may be
sprayed, printed or coated or otherwise applied to mask layer
face 22. Each of the plurality of mask layers is identically
prepared and, of course, the configuration of demarcation zone
14 on whlch the masks will be employed is known in advance.
Thus, the configuration and dimensioning of adhesive z~ones or
areas 30 are designed and adjusted accordingly. Once an
~ :`
appropriate number of the mask~layers have had the adhesive
zone applied, the plurality of individual layers 18 may be
stacked on top of one another with the adhesive area on face 22
of each mask layer directly engaging the release coating on
; face 20 of the next adjacent mask layer. Once precisely
~25 aligned with each other to form the basic stack and also
temporarily fixedly secured in that relationship, the stack is
die cut so as to sabstantially simultaneously form identical
periphéral edges 24 for all of the layers. Thus, the fifty or
so individual masks 42, 44, 46, 48, etc. which are generated by
the step of die cutting to define pad 40 are virtually
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1 1~53~
identical to each ot:her. In the arrangement shown, mask
peripheral edges 24 are substantially or virtually identical in
conformation and dimension to the desired predetermined
demarcation zone 14 (FIGURE 1).
The release coating disposed on face 20 of each mask
layer advantageously allows easy and convenient removal of
individual masks from pad 40 when and as necessary without
interference by or with adhesive zone 30 of the next adjacent
mask in the pad. Use of pads 40 facilitate ready application
of masks to individual workpieces on a production line basis.
Moreoverr each mask may include some type of printed indicia or
the like to at some convenient location thereon coordinate use
of the proper mask with a particular workpiece configuration
and to assist in properly locating the mask on the demarcation
zone area. These features are particularly significant where a
wide variety of workpieces or workpiece styles will be involved
on~ a production line basis through a single masking or painting
station~
FIGURE 5 shows workpiece A of FIGURE 1 with one of
~;20 masks B partially installed so as to cover workpiece second
area 12. As will be noted, mask peripheral edge 24 precisely
corresponds and is coextensive with the prede~.ermined
demarcation zone 14. It should be readily appreciated that for
some workpieces, the demarcation zone may take the form of a
breakline or the like while for other workpieces, the
demarcation zone may simply comprise some location or area on a
planar surface which will include the workpiece first and
second areas in the finished painted product. Band-like
adhesive zone 30 acts to maintain the mask in position
peripherally around the demarcation zone slightly inboard
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1 ~L75305
thereof. Once located, the mask may be pressed against the
workpiece either by hand or by means of a hand-tool for
obtaining a good adhesively secured relationship between the
workpiece and mask.
Thereafter, and as shown in FIGURE 6, workpiece first
area 10 may be painted by conventional techniques such as, for
example, by a spray paint mechanism schematically designated 60
having paint particles 52 issuing therefrom. Since the
entirety of workpiece second area 12 is masked, only the
exposed workpiece first area 10 will receive paint. Upon
completion of the spray painting process and/or following oven
baking, mask B may be removed from the workpiece by simply
grasping a corner of the mask and then pulling it back against
itself at an angle of approximately 180 degrees. The material
; 15 which comprises mask layer 18 and the adhesive material which
comprises band 30 are selected to be of a type which will allow
the mask to withstand~350 degrees F oven ~aking for one hour
and then further allow the mask to be removed clearly and
easily from the workpiece surface without leaving any adhesive
:
2;0 residue. The finished paint edges, i.e., the edge defined by
demarcation zone 14 will be cris~p and clean with a minimum of
paint build-up.
: : ::: : :
The foregoing area coated paint mask and method are
; considered to be a valuable advance to the state of the art.
; 25 The mask and method accommodate precise masking of regular andirregular workpiece areas and are versatile in that they may be
adapted to use for any number of different painting
applications and environments. The precise configuration of
mask peripheral edge 24 rela~ive to a predetermined desired
demarcation zone allows the mask to be quickly and easily
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1 17~30~
installed with limited expertise and experience being required
for the applicator. As discussed above, prior masking systems
of this general type have applicator experience to some
substantial extent in order to achieve satisactory relied upon
masking and painting results.
FIGURE 7 shows a modified mask construction which
incorporates the overall concepts of the present invention.
For ease of illustration and appreciation of this modification,
like components are identified by like numerals with a primed
(') suffix and new components are identified by new numerals.
In this FIGURE, mask B' has a peripheral edge 24'
dimensioned to be slightly larger than predetermined
demarcation zone 14'. Peripheral edge 24' has, however, the
same general conformation as demarcation zone 14' and a
band-like adhesive area is included on the mask inner face at a
location which allows the adhesive to engage workpiece second
area 12' at and along the demarcation zone. Thus, mask B'
includes a band-like margin area or zone 70 peripherally
therearound between the edge of the adhesive which correspondS
to the workpiece demarcation zone and mask peripheral edge
~; 24'. Margin 70 is generally of a constant width over its -
entire peripheral extent with such width normally being in the
range of approximately 1/4" or so. However, other widths may
also be advantageously employed to accommodate particular
masking circumstances.
As with the preferred embodiment described above, the
band-like adhesive zone is applied to the mask inner face to be
substantially coextensive with demarcation zone 14' and to
extend slightly inward therefrom over the width of the
band-like adhesive zone or area. Since margin 70 is not itself
3L 17~305
affixed to the workpiece, it may be conveniently lifted
therefrom so as to diverge outwardly of workpiece first area
10' at an acute angle from substantially preclsely at
demarcation zone 14'. Thls arrangement advantageously results
in a feathering of the paint adjacent the demarcation zone when
the workpiece first area is spray painted. The specifics of
such painting and the results obtained therefrom are described
in detail in the commonly assigned United States patent
No. 4,313,970 issued on February 2, 1982.
The concepts of the subject invention are considered
to be readily applicable to all types of painting situations
where a workpiece is to be painted along some predetermined
precise and continuous demarcation zone. The demarcation zone
may be generally straight line, curvilinear or irregular and
preferred uses of the mask and method are for initial or
original painting of vehicle bodies, for so-called refinish
painting of both lar~e and small areas on vehicle bodies and
for repainting subsequent to repair. The term demarcation zone
as it is used herein refers to any line, whether visible or
imaginary, which separates a workpiece into first and second
areas. Although the automobile industry is considered to be
the preferred environment of use, the subject invention is
deemed to be equally adapted to effective use in painting many
other types and styles of workpiece or products.
The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred and alternative embodiments. Obviously, modifications
and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and
understanding of this specification. It is intended to
include all such modifications and alterations insofar as
they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
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