CA1341127C

CA1341127C - Masking member

Info

Publication number: CA1341127C
Application number: CA000605101A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Seinosuke Horiki; Reiji Makino; Katsumi Terada
Original assignee: Nagoya Oil Chemical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nagoya Oil Chemical Co Ltd
Priority date: 1988-07-08
Filing date: 1989-07-07
Publication date: 2000-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-24
Also published as: DE68909128D1; JPH02126966A; KR900001416A; EP0350031A3; AU626213B2; DE68909128T2; AU3797089A; EP0350031A2; EP0350031B1; DE350031T1; JP2863171B2

Abstract

A new masking member which is used to protect a part of an article from a surface treatment, and consists of a thermoplastic resin in which an inorganic filler is mixed is provided in the present invention. Said masking member has a good mechanical strength and heat resistance so that said masking member can completely protect said part and .
can be reused. Further the thermoplastic resin as the material of the masking member can be saved and heat of combustion from the combustion treatment of the waste masking member can be also reduced since said inorganic filler is mixed in said thermoplastic resin as a non-combustible material.

Description

_i_ 1341 12~
A NEW MASKING MEMBER
BACKGROUND OE THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new masking member.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a new masking member consisting of a thermoplastic resin in which an inorganic filler is mixed. The masking member is used to protect a part o.f an article from a surface treatment such as coating, plating, phosphotizing and the like, and the masking member' may be removed from said part after said surface treatment. Said masking member should have a good mechanical strength and heat resistance to avoid break of said masking member during storage, transportaion and the like and deformatian during heating process of the surface treatment. Further said masking member should be easily burnt up after use:.
DESCRIPTION OF THE; PRIOR ART
Hitherto, a masking member having a vessel form and consisting of a thermoplastic resin film has been provided to protect a hole of an article from a surface treatment (Japanese Patent Publication No. 248,249/1985). Said ' masking member is easily mass-produced by such as vacuum forming, and. the like since said masking member consists of said thermoplastic resin film which has a good moldability. On the other hand, the mechanical strength and the heat. resistance of said masking member is not enough and ~~aid masking member is apt to break during storage, tramsport:ation, and the like and apt to deform during heating process of said surface treatment since the residual stress originating from the molding remains in said masking membesr.
Further a large quantity of said thermoplastic resin as the material of said masking member is wasted since said masking member fully consists of said thermoplastic resin and still further, in the case of the combustion treatment of the waste masking member, a large quantity of heat of combustion is generated to damage the combustion furnace.
SUMMARw OF THE INVENTION
AccordingT_y, an abject of the present invention is to improve the mechanical strength and the heat resistance of the masking member.
Further object of the present invention is to save a .
thermoplastic resin as the material of the masking member.
Still furt=her object of the present invention is to provide a mask~'_ng member which is easily burnt up after use.
Said objects of the present invention may be attained by a molded marking member consisting of a thermoplastic resin in which an inorganic filler is mixed. Said inorganic filler may reinforce ~~aid thermoplastic resin of said masking member to givE~ said masking member a good mechanical strength, and i_urthe.r said inorganic filler gives said masking member a good thermal conductivity and as the result said masking member has a good heat resistance. Further, 2~ as said inorganic fi:ll.er reduces the ratio of said thermo-plastic resin in said masking member, said thermoplastic resin as the material of said masking member can be saved and heat of combustion can be also reduced generated from the combustion treatment of the waste masking member.
Since said inorganic f=iller is non-combustiable.
BRIEF DESCRIPT:CON OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 _-Ls a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a partial side sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention after coating.
Figure 3 is a partial side sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention in the case of removing the masking member from the article.
Figure 4 is .a perspective view of a second embodiment of the pres~ant invention.
Figure 5 is .a perspective view of a third embodiment of the presE~nt invention.
Figure 6 is .a partial side sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention after coating.
Figure 7 is .a partial perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention in the case of said third embodiment :being produced.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the presEant invention.
Figure 9 is .a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a side sectional view of the sixth emboiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the pres~ant invention.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment -4- ~3411Z7 of the present invention.
Figure l5 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure '16 is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment o:F the present invention.
Figure 17 is a perspective view of the eleventh embodiment o:E the present invention in the case of said first embodiment being produced.
Figure '18 is a partial side sectional view of the eleventh embodiment of the present invention after coating.
Figure '19 is a partial side sectional view of the eleventh embodiment of the present invention in case of protection o:E a protruding part.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 21 is a partial side sectional view of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention after coating, Figure 22 is a perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment o:E the present invention.
Figure 23 is a perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment o:E the present invention.
Figure :24 is a perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment o:E the present invention.
Figure :25 is a partial side sectional view of the fifteenth emlbodiment of the present invention after coating.
Figure :26 is a perspective view of a sixteenth embodi-ment of the !present invention.

_5_ 1 3 41 1 2 7 Figure 27 is a partial side sectional view of the sixteenth ernbodiment of the present invention after coating.
Figure 28 is a perspective view of the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 29 is a partial side sectional view of the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 30 is a perspective view of the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. . , Figure 31 is a partial side sectional view of the eighteenth .embodiment of the present invention after coating.
Figure 32 is a perspective view of the nineteenth embodiment ~~f the present invention.
Figure 33 is a perspective view of the twentieth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 34 is a perspective view of the twentyfirst embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 35 is a perspective view of the twentysecond ' embodiment of the: present invention.
Figure 36 is, a perspective view of the twentythird embodiment of the: present invention.
Figure 37 is a partial side sectional view of the twentythird embodiment of the present invention after coating.
Figure: 38 is a side sectional view of the twentyfourth embodiment of the: present invention.
Figure: 39 is a perspective view of the twentyfifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 40 is a perspective view of the twentysixth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 41 is. a perspective view of the twentyseventh embodiment of the: present invention.
Figure 42 is a perspective view of the twentyeighth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 43 is a perspective view of the twentyninth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure: 44 is a partial side sectional view of the twentyninth embodiment after coating.
Figure: 45 is a perspective view of the thirtieth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure: 46 is a partial side sectional view of the thirtieth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure: 47 is a perspective view of the thirtyfirst embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 48 is a partial side sectional view of the thirtyfirst:. embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 49 ins a perspective view of the thirtysecond embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 50 is a perspective view of the thirtythird \ embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 51 is a partial side sectional view of the thirtythird embodiment after coating.

_7_ 1 3 41 1 2 7 Figure 52 is a perspective view of the thirtyfourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 53 is a perspective view of a car body of a practical e~!;ample of the present invention.
Figure 54 is a perspective view of Part A to be protected b~~ the masking member of the practical example.
Figure 55 is a perspective view of Part B to be protected by the masking member of the practical example. v Figure 56 is a perspective view of Part C to be protected b~~ the masking member of the practical example.
Figure 57 is a. perspective view of Part D to be protected by the masking member of the practical example.
Figure 58 is a perspective view of Part E to be protected by the masking member of the practical example.
Figure 59 is a perspective view of the thirtyfifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 60 is a side sectional view of the thirtyfifth ' embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 61 is a partial perspective view of the bumper.
Figure 62 is a partial side sectional view of the bumper when the bumper is coated.
Figure 63 is a partial side sectional view of the bumper in case of removing the masking member from the bumper.
Figure 64 is a perspective view of the thirtysixth embodiment of the present invention.

_8_ 1341 't27 Figure 65 is a partial side sectional view of the thirtysixth embodiment of the present invention, in the case of attaching the masking member to a part of an article.
Figure 66 is a perspective view of the thirtyseventh embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 67 is a partial side view of the thirtyseventh embodiment of the r_oating.
Figure 68 is a partial side view of the thirtyseventh~
embodiment :in the case of removing the masking member from the frame o:E the window.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A masking member of the present invention consists of a thermoplastic resin in which an inorganic filler is mixed. did thermoplastic resin may be 'such as a polyethy-lene, a polypropylene, an ethylene-propylene copolymer, an ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl.idene chloride, a polyvinyl fluoride, a poly-vinylidene :Fluoride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester and the like. Polyolefin such as a polyethylene, a poly-propylene, ~snd the like is a desirable thermoplastic resin as a material of the masking member of the present invention since said ;polyolefin has a good solvent resistance.
Said inorganic filler may be such as a calcium carbonate, .a talc, a bentonite, a titan white, a carbon black, a rediron o:~cide, a glass powder, a celamic powder, a blast furnace slag, a flyash, and the like. A calcium carbonate is a desirable inorganic filler since said calcium carbonate has a good compatibility with said thermoplastic resin. Generally, 5 to 80~ by weight, more desirably 10 to 60~ by weight of said inorganic filler is mixed in said thermoplastic resin. In case that said inorganic filler is mixed to said thermoplastic resin less than 5~ by weight, heat resistance and mechanical strength of said thermoplastic resin may be not enough, while in case that said inorganic filler is mixed to said thermoplastic resin more than 80~
by weight, moldabi:Lity and chemical resistance of said thermoplastic resin may be deteriorated.
The masking member of the present invention may be produced by vacuum forming, press molding, injection molding, and the like. Vacuum forming is a most suitable molding for mass-production of the masking member.
[Masking member A]
Masking member A is used to protect the even surfaces of an artic:Le.
Figure 1 to :Figure 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, a masking member(100) comprises a body(101) having a vessel form consist=ing o:f a rectangular bottom(101A) and perpendi-cular walls(101B) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said boti=om(101A), with said body(101) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. An adhesive ' layer(102) such a;s the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is formed on the under surface of said body(101) and said adhesive la;rer(102) is covered with a release sheet(103) such as a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, a release paper and the like to prevent sticking to another article, the hands oi: worka_rs and the like when the masking members are handled" one placed upon another, transported, and the like.
When said masking member(100) is used, said release sheet(103) ~'.s removed from said adhesive layer(102) and said masking member(100)is then attached to an even part ( 201 ) of the. surface of an article ( 200 ) by said adhesive ~341 ~z~
layer(102) therof, which is necessary to be protected from a surface treatment. After said masking member(100) is attached to said part(201), for example, a coating material is coated on the surface of said article(200) by such as spraying, dipping and the like to form a coating layer(300) as shown in Figure 2. Said part(201) of said surface of said articl~e(200) is not subjected to said coating since said part(2~01) is covered with said masking member(100) and said coating layer(300) may be cut by an edge(104) of the body(101) of said masking member(100). Said part(201) may have holes) and in this case, said holes) is (are) , also not subjected to said coating. After said coated article(200) is heated to dry and/or cure if desired, and said maskin~3 member(100) may be removed by a worker's hand as shown in fig. 3..
Figure 4 relates to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(110) comprises a body(1'11) having a vessel form consisting of a circular lbottom(111A) and a perpendicular wall(111B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(111A), with said body(111) manufactured by vacuum forming of ~~ sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the first embodiment of the present invention. An adhesive ~ layer(112) :is formed on the under surface of said body(111) and said adhesive layer(112) is covered with a release sheet(113) 'the same as the first embodiment of the present invention. Further, the body of said masking member of the present invention should have a suitable form according to the part to be protected from a surface treatment.
Figure 5 to Figure 7 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, a masking member(120) comprises a body(121) having a vessel form consisting of a rectangular bottom(121A) and perpendi-cular walls(121B) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(121A), and a flange(122) which is extended -11- ~34~ X27 from the upper edges of said walls(121B), with said body (121) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the first and second embodiments of the present invention. An adhesive layer(123) is formed on the under surface of said body(121) and said adhesive layer(123) is covered with a release sheet(124) the same as the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
When said masking member(120) is used, said release sheet(124) is removed from said adhesive layer(123) and ' said masking member(120) is then attached to a even part(221) of the surface of an article(220) which is necessary to be protected from a surface treatment. After said masking member(120) is attached to said part(221), a coating material is coated on said surface of said article(220) to form a coating la.yer(320) as shown in Fig. 6. In this embodiment, said coating layer(320) may be more completely cut by said flange(122) of said masking member(120) than in the cases of the first and second embodiments of the present invention. and, as the results, said masking member (120) may be more: smoothly removed from said part(221) of said surface of said article(220).
A number of masking members(120) of this embodiment may advantageously be produced by vacuum forming from a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed and the like as shown in Fig. 7. Referring to Fig. 7, a number of bodies(121) of masking member(12;0) are formed arranged in rows and lines, and each body(121) is connected to the other body(121) by the flange(122). Cutting lines(125) or grooves are formed between said flar~ge(122) and another said flange(122) and when said m.askinc~ member(120) is used, said masking member !120) is broken along said cutting lines(125) or grooves by r:and. Said. cutting lines(125) or grooves may be formed s.'.multaneou.sly with vacuum forming or after vacuum forming.

-~ 2- 13 41 12 ~
Figure 8 relates to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment a masking member(130) comprises a body(131) having a vessel form consisting of a rectangular bott.om(131A) and perpendicular walls(131B) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(131A), a flange(132) which is extended from the upper edges of said walls(131B), and perpendicular walls(133) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said flange(132), with said body(131) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler :is mixed the same as the first, second, .
and third embodiments of the present invention. An adhesive layer(134) is formed on the under surface of said body(131) and said adhesive layer(134) is covered with a release sheet(135) the same as the first, second, and third embodi-ments of the present invention. A coating layer may be more completely cut by said perpendicular walls(133) of said flange ( 1 32 ) .
Figure 9 relates to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (140) comprises .a body(141) having a vessel form consisting of a circular b~ottom(141A) and a perpendicular wall(141B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(141A), a flange(142) which is extended from the upper edges of ' said wall(141B), and perpendicular wall(143) which extends downwards from the circumference of said flange(142), with said body(141) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. An adhesive layer(144) is formed on the under surface of said body(141) and said adhesive layer(144) is covered with a release sheet(145) the same as the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 10 a.nd Figure 11 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking -13- t 3 4' member(150) comprises a body(151) having a vessel form consisting of a rectangular bottom(151A) from which a grip (152) is risen and perpendicular walls(151B) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(151A), with said body(151) made oi' a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the first t:o fift=h embodiments of the present invention.
An adhesive layer(153) is formed on the under surface of said body(151) and said adhesive layer(153) is covered with a release ~~heet(1!54) the same as the first to fifth embodi-ments of tree present invention. The masking member(150) .
of this emx~odiment is easily handled by holding said grip (152) of said masking member(150) when said masking member ( 1 50 ) is at:tache<i to an even part of the surface of an article which is to be protected from a surface treatment and further, said masking member is easily removed by holding said grip(152) of said masking member(150) by a worker's hand.
Figure: 12 relates to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (160) comprises a body(161) having a vessel form consisting of a circular botaom(161A) from which a grip(162) is risen and perpendicular wall which extend upwards from the circum-ference of said bottom(161A), with said body(161) manufac-tured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same a:> the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention. Ar1 adhesive layer(163) is formed on the under surface of said body(161) and said adhesive layer(163) is covered with a release sheet(164) the same as the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention.
Figurs~ 13 relates to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(170) comprises a body(171) having a vessel form consisting of a rectangular bottom(171A) from which a grip(173) is risen and perpendicular walls(171B) which extend upwards from the -14- ~ 3 4 9 1 2 7 perimeter of said bottom(171A), a flange(172) which is extended from the upper edges of said walls(171B), with said body(171) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the first to seventh embodiment:c of the present invention. An adhesive layer ( 1 74 ) is formed on the under surface of said body ( 1 71 ) and said adhesive layer(174) is covered with a release sheet (175) the ~~ame as the first to seventh embodiments of the present invention.
Figure: 14 relates to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(180) comprises a body(181) having a vessel form consisting of a rectangular bottom from which a grip(184) is risen and perpendicular walls(181B) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(181A), a flange(182) which is extended from thE: upper edges of said walls(181B), and perpendicular walls(183) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said flange(182), with said body(181) manufac-tured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the first to eighth embodiments of the present invention. An adhesive layer(185) is formed on the under surface of said body(181) and said adhesive layer(185) is ' covered with a rE~lease sheet ( 1 86 ) the same as the first to eighth embodiments of the present invention.
Figure. 15 relates to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(190) comprises a body(191) having a vessel form consisting of a rectangular bottom(191A) from which a grip is risen and perpendicu:Lar wa:l l.s ( 1 91 B ) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(191A), a flange(192) which is extended f~:om the upper edges of said walls(191B), and perpendicu:Lar walls(193) which extend downwards from the perimeter of said flange(192), with said body(191) manufac-tured by v~3cuum forming of a sheet consisting of said ther-moplastic :resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the first to ninth embodiments of the present invention. An adhesive layer(195) is formed on the under surface of said :body(191) and said adhesive layer(195) is covered wii~h a release sheet(196) the same as the first to ninth embo<iiments of the present invention.
[Masking member B1 Masking member B is used to protect the even surfaces or the protruding parts of the article.
Figure 16 to Figure 19 relate to a eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to Fig. 16 to Fig. 19, a masking member(1100) comprises a body(1101) hawing a vessel f arm consisting of a square bottom(1101A), perpendi-cular walls(1101B) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(1101A), a flange(1102) which is extended from the upper edges of said walls(1101B), and an adhesive layer (1103) formed on. the surface of said flange(1102), with said masking member(1100) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. Said adhesive layer(1103) is covered with a release sheet(1104).
Said masking member(1100) may advantageously be produced ' by vacuum forming from a sheet consisting of said thermo-plastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed and the like as shown in fig. 17. Referring to Fig. 17, a number of masking member(1100) are formed and arranged in rows and lines, and each masking member(1100) is connected to the otr~er masking member(1100) by the flange(1102).
Cutting li.nes(11',05) or grooves are formed between said flange ( 11 C~ 2 ) an~i another said flange ( 1 1 02 ) and when said masking me:mber(11100)is used, said masking member(1100) is broken along sand cutting lines(1105) or grooves by hand.
Said cutting lines(1105) or grooves may be formed on the surface or. (and) the under surface of said flange(1102).
Referring to Fig. 18, when said masking member(1100) is used, said release sheet(1104) is removed from said adhesive layer(1103) and said masking member(1100) is then attached to an even part(2~01) of the surface of an article(2100) by said adhesive layer(1103) thereof. After said masking member(110~0) is attached to said part(2101), said coating is effected on the surface of said article(2100) to form a coating layer(3'100). Said part(2101) of said surface of said article(2100) is not subjected to said coating since said part(2101) is covered with said masking member(1100).
After said coating, said coated article(2100) is heated to dry and/or cure i:E desired, and said masking member(1100)., may also be removed by a waz~et's.'hand.
As shown in Figure 19, said masking member(1100) is also used to protect a protruding part(2102) of said article (2100) by covering said protruding part(2102) with said masking member(1100).
Figure 20 and Figure 21 relate to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1110) comprises a body(1111) having a vessel form consisting' of a circular bottom(1111A), an inner perpendicular wall(1111Ev) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1111A), a flange(1112) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1111B), and an outer perpendi-cular wall.(1113;1 which extends downwards from the perimeter of said f7.ange(1112), and an adhesive layer(1114) formed on the surface of said flange(1112), with said masking member (1110) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermop:Lastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed i=he same as the prior embodiments of the present invention.. Said adhesive layer(1114) is covered with a release sheet(1115) the same as the prior embodiments of the present invention.
When said .masking member(1110) is used, said release sheet(111.5) is removed from said adhesive layer(1114) and said masking member(1110) is then attached to an even part -1'- ?341 ~2~
( 21 1 1 ) as shown ira Fig. 21 , of the surface of an article (2110) by said adhesive layer(1114) thereof, and said part (2111) has a hole(2112). After said masking member(1110) is attached to said part(2111), a coating is effected on the surface of said article(2110) to form a coating layer (3110). Said part.(2111) including said hole(2112) is not subjected to said coating since said part(2111) is covered with said masking member(1110) and said coating layer(3110) may be cut by said outer perpendicular wall(1113) of said ~.0 flange(1112) of said masking member(1110). After said coating, said coated article(2110) is heated to dry and/or.
cure if desired.
Figure 22 relates to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (1120) comprises a body(1121) having a vessel form consist-ing of a rectangular bottom(1121A) from which a grip(1123) descends , pe:rpendicular walls ( 1 1 21 B ) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(1121A), a flange(1122) which is ext~anded from the upper edges of said walls(1121B), and an adhesive layer(1124) formed on the surface of said flange(1122), with said masking member(1120) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the prior embodiments of the present invention, and said adhesive lay<sr(1124;1 is covered with a release sheet(1125) the same as ~~he prior embodiments of the present invention.
The masking rnember(1120) of this embodiment is easily handled by holding said grip(1123) of said masking member(1120) when said masking member(1120) is attached to a part of the surface of an article which is to be protected from a coating and further, said :masking member is easily removed by holding said grip(1123) of said masking member(1120) by a worker's hand.
Figure 23 relates to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1130) comprises a body(1i31) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1131A), from which a grip(1333)descends, an inner perpendicular wall(1131B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1131A), a flange(1132) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1131B), an outer perpendicu:Lar wall(1134) which extends downwards from the perimeter of said flange(1132), and an adhesive layer(1135) :Formed on the surface of said flange(1132) with said masking member(1130) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet cons:LSting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the prior embodiments of the present invention, and said adhesive layer(1135) is covered with a rela_ase sheet(1136) the same as in the prior embodiments of the present invention.
1_'i The masking member(1130) of this embodiment is easily handled by holding said grip(1133) of said masking member (1130) when said masking member(1130) is attached to a part of the surface of an article which is to be protected from a coating and further, said masking member(1130) may be easily removed by holding said grip(1133) of said masking member(1130) by a worker's hand.
Figure 24 and Figure 25 relate to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1140) comprises a body(1141) having a vessel form consisting of a rectangular bottom(1141A), inner perpendi-cular walls(1141B) which extend upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(1141B), an upper flange(1142) which is extended from the upper edges of said walls(1141B), outer perpendicular walls('1143) which extend downwards from the perimeter of said upper flange(1142), a lower flange(1144) which is extended from the lower edges of said outer walls (1143), and an adhesive layer(1145) formed on the surface of said upper flange(1142) with said masking member(1140) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic :resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as thE' prior embodiments of the present invention, and said adhesive layer(1145) is covered with a release sheet(1'146) the same as the prior embodiments of the present invent=ion.
The m~~sking member(1140) may be attached to an even part(2141) of the surface of a metal structure(2140) which is to be p:cotected from a coating, and a coating layer(3140) . may be morE~ completely cut by said lower flange(1144) of said masking member(1140) than in the cases of the twelfth and fourteE~nth embodiments of the present invention since said lower flange(1144) of said masking member(1140) cover and protect=s the perimeter of said part(2141) of the surface of said art:icle(2140) from said coating as shown in Fig. 25.
Therefore, the removing of said masking member(1140) from said part(~'.141) may be more smooth than in the cases of the twelfth anct fourteenth embodiments of the present invention.
Figure' 26 and Figure 27 relate to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking ~member(115C1) comprises a body(1151) having a vessel form consisting of circular bottom(1151A), an inner perpendicular wall(1151B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1151A), an upper flange(1152) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1151B), a middle perpendi-cular wall(1153) which extends downwards from the circum-ference of said flange(1152), a lower flange(1154) which is extended from the lower edge of said middle perpendicular wall(1153), an outer perpendicular wall(1155) which extends upwards from the circumference of said flange(1154), and an adhesive: layer(1156) formed on the surface of said upper flange(1152) with said masking member(1150) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed the same as the prior embodirnents of the present invention, and said adhesive laiyer(1"156) is covered with a release sheet(1157) the same a~~ the prior embodiments of the present invention.

-20- f 3 41 1 2 7 The masking member(1150) may be attached to an even partt2151) in tY~e surface of an article(2150) which is to be protectE~d from a coating, and a coating layer(3150) may be still more completely cut by said lower flange(1154) and said outer perpendicular wall(1155) than in the case of the: fiftcsenth embodiment of the present invention since the circumference of said part(2151) may be covered with both :>aid lower flange(1154) and said outer perpendi-cular wall(1155) t.o protect said circumference of said part (2151) from said coating as shown in fig. 27. Therefore, the removing of said masking member(1150) from said part (2151) may be more smooth than in the cases of the prior embodiments of the present invention.
[ Masking me~mberC ;) Masking member c is used to protect the hole of the article.
Figure' 28 and Figure 29 relate to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to said figures, a masking member(1160) consists of an inserting part(1161) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1161A) and a perpendicular wall(1161B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1161A), and ' a flange(1162) which, is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1161B), said masking member(1160) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. Said insert-ing part(1161) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from the base of said inserting part(1161) to the top of said inserting F>art ( 1 1 60 ) .
When said masking member(1160) is used, said masking member(1160) protects the inside of a hole(2161) of an article(2160) by inserting said inserting part(1161) into said hole(2161) as shown in Fig.29, and said flange(1162) of said masking membe:r(1160) covers the surroundings(2162) of said hole(~!161). After which, a coating is effected on the surface of said article(2160) to form a coating layer (3160) and the inside and surroundings of said hole(2161) are not subjected to said coating. After said coating, said masking member(1160) may be removed from said hole (2161) by hand. After said masking member(1160) is removed from said hole(2'161), said coating layer(3160) has not been formed ins~Lde and on said surrounding(2162) of said hole (2161). Further, said masking member(1160) can be used for many holes having different diameters since said inserting part(1'161) of said masking member(1160) has a taper form as before mentioned.
Figure' 30 and Figure 31 relate to the eighteenth embodiment of the, present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member1;1170) consists of an inserting part(1171) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1171A) and a perpendicular waall(1171B) which extends upwards from the circumference: of said bottom(1171A) and a flange(1172) which is extended from the upper part of said wall(1171B).
Said inserting part(1171) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from the base of said inserting part(1171) to the top of said. inserting part(1171). Said masking member(1170) is manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermeplasti.c resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed.
Said masking member(1170) of this embodiment is used as same as the seventeenth embodiment and a coating layer (3170) may be cut :by the upper edge of said inserting part (1171) as shown in Figure 31, and therefore, said masking member(1170) may be smoothly removed from the hole(2171) of the article(2170) without the obstruction of said coating layer(3170).
Figure 32 relates to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.. In this embodiment, a masking member (1180) consists e~f an inserting part(1181) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1181A) and a perpendi-cular wall(1181B), and a flange(1182) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1181B). The width of said flange(1182) is smaller than the width of the flange(1162) of the mas'.king member(1160) of the seventeenth embodiment and said fLange(1"182) having small width acts as a stopper of the masking member(1180) when said masking member(1180) is inserted into i~he hole.
Figure 33 relates to the twentieth embodiment of the present invention.. In this embodiment, a masking member (1190) comprises an inserting part(1191) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1191A) from which a grip(1191C) is risen, and perpendicular wall(1191B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1191A), and a flange(1192) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1191B). Said inserting part(1191) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from the base of said inserting part(1191) to the top of said inserting part(1191). Said masking member(1190) is manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said termoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. The masking member(1190) of this embodiment is easily handled by holding said grip(1191C) when said masking member(1190) is inserted into the hole of the article or removed from the hole.
Figure 34 relates to the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (1200) consists of a inserting part(1201) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1201A) from which a grip(1201C') is risen and a perpendicular wall(1201B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom (1201A) an:d a f7_ange(1202) which is extended from the upper part of said wa7_7_(1201B). Said inserting part(1201) has a taper form decr~:asing in diameter from the base of said inserting part(11201) to the top of said inserting part(1201).
Said masking member(1200) is manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet: consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. Said masking member(1200) of this embodiment is easily handled by holding said grip (1201C) when the masking member(1200) is inserted into the hole of thEa metal structure or removed from the hole as same as the twentieth embodiment of the present invention.
Further, the coating layer coated on the article may be cut by the upper edge of said inserting part(1201) as same as the eighteenth embodiment so that said masking member (1200) is easily removed from the hole without the obstruc-tion of said coating layer.
FigurE~ 35 relates to the twenty-second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (1210) comprises an inserting part(1211) having a vessel , form consisting of a circular bottom(1211A) from which a grip(1211C) is risen, a perpendicular wall(1211B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1211A), and a flange(1212;1 which is extended from the upper edge of said wa:l1(12118). Said inserting part(1211) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from base of said inserting part(1211) to the top of said inserting part(1211) and the width of said flange(1212) is smaller than the width of the flange(1192) of the masking member(1190) of the twentieth embodiment and said flange(1212) having small width acts as a stopper of the masking member(1210) when said masking member(121n) is inserted into hole.
Figure 36 and figure 37 relate to the twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member('1220) consists of an inserting part(1221) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1221A) and a perpendicular wall(1221B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom~1221A), and a flange(1222) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1221B), and has a perpendicular wall(1223) which extends upwards from the circumference of said flange(1222). Said inserting part(1221) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from the base of said inserting part(1221) to the top of said insert-ing part(1221). Said masking member(1220) is manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed.

Said masking member(1220) of this embodiment is used as same as the seventeenth embodiment, and in this embodiment the coating layer(3220) may be cut by the edge of said perpendicu7_ar wall(1221B) as shown in figure 37, so that said masking member (1220) is easily removed from the hole (2221) of t:he article(2220) without obstruction of said article layer( 32:?0 ) .
Figure' 38 relates to the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present: invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (1230) consists of an inserting part(1231) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1231A) and a perpendi-cular wa1111231B',) in the middle part of which a horizontal rib(1231C) is formed, and a flange(1232) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1231B).
Said masking member(1230) of this embodiment is used as same as the seventeenth embodiment and said horizontal rib(1231C) reinforces said wall(1231B) of said inserting part(1231) of said masking member(1230) so that said masking member(1230) is firmly inserted into the hole of the article.
Figure' 39 relates to the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present: invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1240) consists of an inserting part(1241) having ~ vessel form consisting of a cross-shaped bottom(1241A) and a perpendi<:ular wall(1241B) which extends upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(1241A), a flange(1242) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1241B), and a perpendicu_Lar wa:Ll(1243) which extends upwards from the circumference of said flange(1242). Said masking member(1240) is manufaci:ured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic: resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. In this embodiment, said inserting part(1241) is reinforced by said cross-shaped bottom(1241A) to prevent crushing oi: said inserting part(1241) of said masking member when said masking member(1240) is inserted into the hole of the article, and further said masking member(1240) is 25 ~ 3 ~ ~ ~ 2 7 supported i_n the inner wall of said hole by only partially contacts at: the tips(1241C) of said inserting part(1241) so that removing of said masking member(1240) from the hole may be very easy ~.
Figure' 40 relates to the twenty-sixth embodiment of the present: invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (1250) consists of an inserting part(1251) which has a vessel form and is divided into two crescent parts(1251A) and (1251B) by a grip(1251C) which is risen from the bottom of said inserting part(1251), and a flange(1252) which is , extended from the upper edge of said inserting part(1251).
Said masking member(1250) of this embodiment is easily manufactured by vacuum molding and easily removed from the hole since said rnasking member(1250) partially contacts with the inner wall of the hole, since said inserting part(1251) is divided into two crescent parts(1251A) and (1251B) by said grip ( 1 251 C ) ~.
Figure: 41 relates to the twenty-seventh embodiment of the present: invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (1260) consists of an inserting part(1261) which has a vessel form and i:a divided into four parts(1261A), (1261B), (1261C) and (1261D) by a cross-shaped grip(1261E) which is risen ' from the bottom of said inserting part(1261), and a flange (1262) which is extended from the upper edge of said insert-ing part ( 1 ~? 61 ) .
Said masking member(1260) of this embodiment is used the same as the twenty-sixth embodiment and easier removed from the hole since the contacting area of said masking member(1260) with the inner wall of the hole is smaller than the case of t:he twenty-sixth embodiment so that said inserting part(1261) is divided into four parts(1261A), (1261B), ('1261C), and (1261D) by said cross-shaped grip (1261E) an<i the sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed is saved in this -26- ~3~1 ~2~
embodiment comprising the masking member having the cylindrical inserting part.
Figure 42 relates to the twenty-eighth embodiment of the preseni~ inve:nt:ion. In this embodiment, a masking member (1270) consists of: an inserting part(1271) having vessel form consisting of a cross-shaped bottom(1271A) and a perpendicular wall.(1271B) which extends upwards from the perimeter of said bottom(1271A), a lower flange(1272) which is extended from t:he upper edge of said wall(1271B), a perpendicular w<~1.1(1273) which extends upwards from the circumference of said lower flange(1272), and an upper flange( 1 276 ) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1273). Said masking member(1270) is manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed.
In this embodiment, said inserting part(1271) is rein-forced by said cross-shaped bottom(1271A) to prevent crush-ing of sail. inserting part(1271) of said masking member when said masking member(1270) is inserted into the hole of the article, anal further said masking member(1270) is supported in the inner wall. of said hole by only partially contacts at the tips(1271C:) of said inserting part(1271) so that removing of said masking member(1270) from the hole may be ~ very easy. The film of the surface treatment may be more completely cut by said upper flange(1274) with said lower flange(1272) and said perpendicular wall(1273) than in the case of the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 43 and Figure 44 relate to the twenty-ninth embodiment of the:'present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1280) consists of an inserting part(1281) having vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1281A) from which a grip~1281C) is risen and an inner perpendicular wall(1281B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1281A.), a lower flange(1282) which is extended from the upper part of said wall(1281B), an outer perpendi-cular wall(1283) which extends upwards from the circumference -2'- X341 ~Z~
of said lower flange(1282), and an upper flange(1284) which is extended from t:he upper part of said wall(1283), and plural radiated ribs(1281D) and (1282A) are respectively formed in said lower flange(1282) and said upper flange(1284).
Said inserting part(1281) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from the: base to the top of said inserting part (1281). Said masking member(1280) is manufactured by vacuum-forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed.
As shown in Figure 44, said masking member(1280) is inserted a hole(2281) of an article(2280) the same as the twentieth embodiment and since a coating layer(3280) may be cut by said upper flange(1284) of said masking member (1280), the removing of said masking member(1280) from said hole(2281) may be ~very smooth without obstruction of said coating layer(3280) and further said ribs(1281D) and (1282A) respectively reinforce said lower and upper flanges(1282) and (1284).
Figure 45 and Figure 46 relate to the thirtieth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment a masking member(1290) consists of an inserting part(1291) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1291A) and a perpendicular wall(1291B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1291A) and on which plural perpendicular ribs(1291C) are formed, and a flange(1292) which is extended.:from the upper edge of said wall(1291B).
Said inserting pa.rt(1291) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from the: base to the top of said inserting part(1291).
Said masking member is manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. In this embodiment, said perpendicular ribs(1291C) reinforce said perpendicular wall(1291B) to prevent crushing of said inserting part(1291) of said masking member(1290) when said masking member(1290) is inserted into a hole(2291) of an article(2290) as shown in figure 46 and said masking member(1290) is firmly held -28- ~ 3 41 ~ 2 ~
in said hole(2291) since said perpendicular ribs(1290C) of said masking member(1290) tightly contact to the inner wall of said hole.
Figure 47 and Figure 48 relate to the thirty-first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1300) consists of an inserting part(1301) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1301A) from which a grip(1301D) is risen and a perpendicular wall (1301B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom(1301A) and on which plural perpendicular ribs (1301C) are formed, and a flange(1302) which is extended from the upper edge of said wall(1301B). Said inserting part(1301) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from the base to the top of said inserting part(1301). Said masking member(1300) is manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. In this embodiment, said perpendicular ribs(1301C) reinforce said perpendicular wall (1301B) to prevent crushing of said inserting part(1301) of said masking member(1300) when said masking member(1300) is inserted into a hole(2301) of an article(2300) as shown in Figure 48 and said masking member(1300) is firmly held in said hole(2301) since said perpendicular ribs(1301C) of said masking member(1300) tightly contact to the inner wall ' of said hole(2301). Further, said masking member(1300) of this embodiment is easily handled by holding said grip(1301D) when said masking member(1300) is inserted into said hole (2301).
Figure 49 relates to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1310) consists of an inserting part(1311) having a vessel form consisting of a circular bottom(1311A) from which a grip(1311D) is risen and a perpendicular wall(1311B) which extends upwards from the circumference of said bottom (1311A) and on which plural perpendicular ribs(1311C) are formed, a lower flange(1312) which is extended from the 29 ~ 3 ~' ~ 2 upper edge of said wall(1311B), a perpendicular wall (1313) which extends upwards from the circumference of said flange(1312), and an upper flange(1314) which is extended from the upper edge of said perpendicular wall(1313). Said inserting part(1311) has a taper form decreasing in diameter from the base of said inserting part(1311) to the top of said inserting pa.rt(1311). Said masking member is manufac-tured by vacuum foaming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed.
In this embodiment, said perpendicular ribs(1311C) reinforce said perpendicular wall(1311B) to prevent crushing of said inserting part(1311) of said masking member(1310) when said masking emmber(1310) is inserted into the hole (2311) of t:he article(2310) and said masking member(1310) is firmly held in the hole since said perpendicular ribs (1311C) of said masking memb,er(1310) tightly contact to the inner wall of said hole. Further, said masking member . (1310) of this embodiment is easily handled by holding said grip(1311D) when said masking member(1310) is inserted into the hole as same as the thirty-second embodiment and the coating layer may be more completely cut by said upper flange(1314) with raid lower flange(1312) and said perpendi-cular wall('1313) than in the case of the thirtieth and thirty-first= embodiments of the present invention so that said maskin<~ member(1310) is more easily removed from the hole without= the obstruction of the coating layer.
[ Masking mernber D
Masking member D is used to protect the extending part of the article.
Figure 50 and Figure 51 relate to the thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1320) consists of a body(1321) having a cylindrical vessel form, which has a slit(1322) formed from the opening end of said body(1321). An extending part(2321) of the arti.cle(2.'320) to be protected is inserted into said slit(1322) of said masking member(1320) and the coating layer(3320) is not formed on said extending part(2321) since said extending part(2321) is protected by said masking member(1320) as shown in Figure 51. After coating, said masking member is removed by a worker's hand.
Figure: 52 relates to the thirty-fourth embodiment of the present. invention. In this embodiment, a masking member (1330) consists of a body(1331) having a square vessel form and a slit(1332) which is formed from the opening end of said body(1331). Said masking member is used the same as the thirty-third embodiment.
[Application of t:he present invention to the under side of the car body]
Figure 53 to Figure 58 relate to an applied embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the under side of the car body. A visco-elastic material is coated on the under side of the car body for corrosion, sound, and vibration-proof.
As shown in Fig. 53, the masking members of the present invention are attached to parts A, B, C, D and E of the ~ under side(2341) of a car body(2340). Namely, as shown in Figure 57, the masking member C, such as said masking member(1160) of Figure 28 of the seventeenth embodiment may be attached to a hole(2341A) of part A into which a spring axis of a forwardi wheel is inserted and the circumferenc$
of the hole(2341A) is used as a bed for the spring.
Therefore, the inside of the hole(2341A) is covered with the inserting part(1161) of the masking member(1160) and the circumference of the hole(2341) is covered with the flange(1162) of t:he masking member(1160) to protect these from the coating of visco-elastic material as a coating material.

-31 - ~ 3 4 t ~
As shown in Figure 55, the masking member B, such as said masking member(1110) of the twelfth embodiment is attached to a bo:Lt.(2341B) of part B which is used to attach a part to i:he underside ( 2341 ) of the car-body ( 2340 ) .
As shown in figure 56, the masking member(1190) of the twentieth embodiment is inserted into a drainage hole(2341C), as shown in figure 57, the masking member D, such as the masking member(1320) of the thirty-third embodiment is attached t~~ a bracket(2341D) of part D which is used to attach a part to the under side(2341) of the car-body(2340), and as shown in figure 58, the masking member(100) of the first embodiment is attached to a screw hole(2341E) which is used to attach a part to the underside(2341) of the car-body(2340). Thus, said hole(2341A), said bolt(2341B), said drawing hole(2341C), said bracket(2341D) and said screw hole (2341E) are protected by said masking members of the present invention from the coating of visco-elastic material.
[Masking member E]
Masking member E is used to protect the hollows of an article..
Figure 59 t:o Figure 63 relate to the thirthfifth embodiment: of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1340) consists of a body(1341) having a rectangular parallelepiped box form and an adhesive layer (1342) which is formed on the exterior of the circumference wall of said masking member(1340). Two deep longitudinal grooves(1341A), three shallow longitudinal grooves(1341B), and a sha~Llow horizontal groove(1341C) are formed on the bottom surface of said body(1341). Further, if desirable, said adhesive layer(1342) is covered with a release sheet which is removed when said masking member(1340) is used.
Said masking member(1340) is manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. Said masking member(1340) is attached in the air intake(2351) which is located in the lower part of the bumper(2350) of the car. Said air intake (2351) has two longitudinal supporting pillars(2351A), three longitudinal pieces(2351B), and a horizontal piece(2351C) as shown in Figure: 61, and said longitudinal supporting pillars(2351A) are: respectively inserted in said deep longitudinal grooves(1341A) of said masking member(1340), said longitudinal pieces(2351B) are respectively inserted in said shallow lc>ngitudinal grooves(1341B) of said masking member(1340), and said horizontal piece(2351C) is inserted in said shallow horizontal groove(1341C) when said masking member is attached in said air intake(2351). A paint is coated on said bumper(2350) by a spray gun(400) as shown in Figure 62 to form a coating layer(3350) and said coating layer(3350) is not. formed on the inside of said air intake (2351) which. is protected by said masking member(1340).
After coating, said masking member(1340) is removed from said air int.ake(2351) of said bumper(2350). As said masking member(1340) consists of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed, said masking member(1340) has a good neat re=sistance and does not deform during curing process of :.aid coating layer(3350) so that said masking member(1340) can be reused.
[Masking member F;]
Masking member F is used to protect the projections of an artic7.e.
Figure 64 and Figure 65 relate to the thirtysixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking mesmber(1350) consists of a base(1351) and a pair of covering parts(1352) which is formed in said base(1351).
Said maskin<~ member(1350) manufactured by vacuum forming of a sheet consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed. A pair of projections(2362) of a part(2.361) of an articl_e(2360) which is necessary to be protected from a surface treatment are respectively -33- 1 3 41 ' 2 7 inserted in said covering parts(1352) of said masking member(1350).
[Masking member G]
Masking member. G is used to protect the frames of an article.
Figure 66 to Figure 68 relate to the thirtyseventh embodiment ~cf the present invention. In this embodiment, a masking member(1:360) consists of a base(1361) consisting of said thermoplastic resin in which said inorganic filler is mixed, an adhesive layer(1362) which is formed on the back side of said base(1361), and a release sheet(1363) which covers on said adhesive layer(1362). When said masking member(1360) is used, said release sheet{1363) is removed from said.~adhesive layer{1362) of said masking member(1360), and. said masking member(1360) is attached to the frame(2372) of the window(2371) of the car-body(2370) by said adhesive l~ayer(1362) thereof. After a paint is coated on said car-body(2370) to form a coating layer(3370) and said coating layer(3370) is cured by heating, said masking mem.ber(1?~60) is removed from the frame(2372) of .
the window(1371) of the car-body(2370). Said coating layer(3370) does not formed on said frame(2372) since,said ' frame(2372) has been protected by said masking member(1360), and said masking member(1360) does not deform during said curing process so that said masking member(1360) can be reused.

Claims

Claims:

1. A molded masking member consisting of a thermoplastic resin in which an inorganic filler is mixed.

2. A masking member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermoplastic resin is a polypropylene.

3. A masking member as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said inorganic filler is a calcium carbonate.

4. A masking member as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein to 80% by weight of said inorganic filler is mixed in said thermoplastic resin.

5. A masking member as claimed in claim 3, wherein 5 to 80% by weight of said calcium carbonate is mixed in said thermoplastic resin.

6. A masking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, consisting of a body having vessel form and an adhesive layer formed on an undersurface of said body.

7. A masking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, consisting of a body having vessel form, a flange which is extended from an upper edge of said body, and an adhesive layer formed on a surface of said flange.

8. A masking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, consisting of an inserting part having a vessel form.

9. A masking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, consisting of a body having a vessel form which has a slit formed from the opening end of said body.

10. A masking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, having a form corresponding to a form of a part of an article to be protected from a surface treatment.

11. The use, in masking a part of an article from a surface treatment, of a molded masking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method of surface treatment of an article, comprising applying to a part of the article a molded masking member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, applying the surface treatment to the article, and removing the member from the part of the article.

13. A reusable, stretched or vacuum molded masking member suitable for use in a coating process which involves a coating heat-curing operation, said masking member having a resistance to deformation during said heat-curing operation and consisting of polyolefin thermoplastic resin admixed with inorganic filler, said inorganic filler being present in an amount in the range of 5 to 80% by weight.

14. A masking member in accordance with claim 13, wherein said polyolefin is polypropylene.

15. A masking member in accordance with claim 13 or 14, wherein said inorganic filler is calcium carbonate.

16. A masking member in accordance with claim 15, wherein said polyolefin resin is polyethylene.

17. A method of masking an article during a paint coating-curing operation which comprises applying to said article at the location to be masked a masking member in accordance with claim 13 and, after completing the paint coating-curing operation, removing said masking member from said article for reuse in a subsequent similar masking and paint coating-curing operation.

18. A masking member made by stretch or vacuum molding a thermoplastic film, said masking member being suitable for use in a coating process involving a heating or curing operation without deformation or distortion of said masking member due to residual molding stress therein, said masking member containing in admixture with said thermoplastic film an inorganic filler in an amount in the range of 5 to 80% by weight of said masking member.

19. A process for coating a structure wherein a selected portion or surface of the structure is protected during coating, the process comprising attaching a masking member to said surface or portion of the structure to be protected from said coating, applying said coating to said structure, including the masking member attached thereto, heating the applied coating, including the coating on the attached masking member, to cure said applied coating and removing the coated masking member from the resulting coated structure, said masking member being manufactured of stretched or vacuum molded thermoplastic film, raid thermoplastic film having admixed therewith an inorganic filler in an amount in the range of 5 to 80% by weight of the total weight of said thermoplastic film and said inorganic filler therein, the admixture of said inorganic filler with said thermoplastic film serving to prevent deformation or distortion of said masking member during heating due to residual molding stress within said masking member.

20. A process in accordance with claim 19, wherein the surface or portion of said structure to which said masking member is attached and to which said coating material is applied, is on the underside of a car body.

21. A masking member in accordance with claim 18, wherein said thermoplastic film is a polypropylene film.

22. A masking member in accordance with claim 18, wherein said thermoplastic film is a polyvinyl chloride film.

23. A process in accordance with claim 19, wherein said thermoplastic film is a polypropylene film.

24. A process in accordance with claim 19, wherein said thermoplastic film i.s polyvinyl chloride film.

25. A process in accordance with claim 24, wherein said coating applied to said structure comprises polyvinyl chloride.