GB2286151A - Self adhesive wing mirror pads - Google Patents

Abstract

Wing mirror self adhesive pads are presented on a roll of release paper. A roll of self adhesive tape is laminated onto this release paper and then passed through a die cutting machine to produce a roll of double sided adhesive pads cut to a size to suit the wing mirror, Fig 1. The operator then has to take the Wing mirror shape off and fix it to the Wing mirror glass, then remove the backing paper from the pad and adhere the mirror glass to the mirror housing. Before this invention an operator had to pick the backing paper off the adhesive tape or pad using an instrument, either a finger nail or other sharp instrument prior to positioning the tape/mirror glass to the housing. With this invention of a non-adhesive tab on the pad, the operator does not need another instrument to release the tape or pad or come into contact with the adhesive. A pull on the non-adhesive tab releases the backing paper. <IMAGE>

Description

This invention relates to a self adhesive wing mirror pad with a dry edge tab.

Wing mirrors for motor vehicles are formed of three major components: Firstly, there is a housing either pressed or moulded into shape; secondly, there is a piece of mirror glass to fit into the housing; thirdly, the mirror glass is held into position by a layer of doublesided adhesive tape or pad, die-cut to the shape of the mirror.

The die cutting of the self adhesive pad is performed by laminating a double sided self adhesive tape, with its own backing paper, onto a release paper and is then passed through a die cutting machine.

In the die cutting machine is a tool made to cut exactly the shape of the pad required. In the process there is a tool to undercut the adhesive and strip away forming the dry edge. It is then cut to shape and further waste is stripped away leaving the exact shape on the silicone release paper. When the operation is complete the roll of pads are ready for application to the mirror glass and then to the mirror housing. It is at these stages that the invention is needed.

There are currently two problems impeding speedy and efficient application of the self adhesive pad. One is the accurate positioning of the pad itself and the other, and more acute problem, is the removal of the backing paper from the pad when placed in position. Currently, to remove the backing paper, another instrument has to be introduced between the backing paper and the adhesive. This is time consuming and can damage the adhesive on the pad.

The present invention allows the operator to handle the self adhesive pad for accurate positioning by holding a non-adhesive tab. More importantly, the backing paper can easily be removed without having to introduce any other instrument or cause damage to the adhesive, thus saving time and potential wastage or the operator coming into contact with the adhesive.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 demonstrates a roll of self adhesive die cut mirror pads with dry tab Figure 2 illustrates the fixing of the self adhesive pad to the mirror glass Figure 3 illustrates the backing paper being removed.

Claims (4)

1 Assists in the accurate positioning of the self adhesive pad to the mirror glass.

2 The efficient removal of the backing paper from the die cut adhesive pad after its application to the mirror glass, without the use of another instrument to seperate the adhesive from the backing paper, saving operator time and fatigue.

3 The whole operation can be performed without the operator coming into contact with the adhesive.

4 No damage is caused to the adhesive.