JPH055547B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to painting techniques, and more particularly to spray painting areas of a workpiece.

The invention is particularly applicable to so-called coating masks and masking methods for masking workpieces along predetermined continuous boundary zones, and the invention is particularly described with respect to such techniques. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention has wide applicability and may be used advantageously with other coating techniques.

In many industries, finished products etc. are spray painted so that one side of a given boundary zone is one color or tone and the other side of that boundary zone is another color or tone. It is hoped that This type of finish is often associated with the automotive and equipment industry, but it is also used in other products and production lines everywhere. Furthermore, demarcation zones also exist in so-called refinishing coatings, as well as in coatings that are applied subsequent to the refinishing of a certain product or workpiece surface. In order to obtain an aesthetically good result, it is necessary to mask the product at least along the border lines so as not to overspray the adjacent areas of the product that should not be painted. Additionally, such masking must be substantially accurate along the boundary zone to maintain consistency in finish and/or appearance between workpieces of the same type and type.

A wide variety of paint masking systems have been used in the industry for many years. Among these are, for example, the use of conventional masking tape. In these most basic conventional systems, the mask tape is adhered to the workpiece with one tape side edge located coextensive with the boundary zone. This separates that portion of the workpiece surface that is then to be painted from the portion that is not to be painted. Furthermore, the tape is also particularly used for holding paint coverings such as paper, cloth, etc. associated with covering parts of the workpiece to be masked at least adjacent to the border zone during the painting process.

One particular drawback to general masking systems of this type is the very laborious procedure required and the close correlation between the overall performance of the mask and the ability and/or experience of the mask applicator. There is a relationship. Another problem is that conventional masking systems are generally reliable only in border zones or dashed areas that have a straight shape. Boundary zones or dashed areas that are curved, closed, continuous, or otherwise unusually shaped are very difficult to mask using such systems. Indeed, in such situations, the ability and experience of the person using the mask also plays a significant role in determining the overall aesthetic outcome of the final paint finish.

Over the years, as consumer tastes and product design have changed and transformed, paint finishes on a variety of products, including automobiles, have changed to accommodate the desired final paint finish. Masks and masking methods are needed that are suitable for accurate masking of small or irregular areas. Such masking typically covers the entire predetermined area of the workpiece and is therefore referred to as an area coverage paint mask. However, completely satisfactory results have so far not been obtained with this common type of system due to difficulties in manufacturing and/or application. Thus, generally unacceptable and inconsistent coating results are a problem in this type of coating field.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop and provide new and improved area coverage paint masks and methods that overcome the aforementioned problems encountered using previously known masking methods and techniques.
It is believed that the present invention meets these needs as well as others. The present invention
A new and improved area painting mask and method is provided that provides simple, effective and flexible masking along a variety of differently shaped boundary zones and is easily installed for use in a wide variety of locations. It is something to do.

The present invention facilitates the spray painting of a first area of a workpiece bounded or defined by a predetermined continuous boundary zone, the boundary zone separating the first area of the workpiece from its second area. The focus is on novel area-covering paint masks that separate areas. In carrying out the invention, a mask of special construction is advantageously used, in which a certain adhesive strip is arranged on a part of one side of the mask,
Or its periphery is shaped into a predetermined shape. The mask is adapted to be adhesively held on the second area of the workpiece in a precise manner so that the desired coating result is easily achieved.

In particular, in the method of the invention, a double-sided masking layer of flexible thin material is used, and an adhesive is applied to one side of the layer to define the contour of at least a predetermined boundary zone. A band-shaped adhesive region is formed that approximately corresponds to the . Thereafter, the mask layer is cut to form a mask having a periphery or contour at least of the same form as the boundary zone, such that the adhesive strip is disposed at least adjacent the periphery of the mask.

According to another aspect of the method of the invention, a release coating is applied to the side of the mask layer opposite the one side mentioned above. Such a coating is selected to be of a type that is releasably compatible with the adhesive material. Preferably, the release coating is provided on the opposite side of the mask layer itself or is integrated therein.

According to yet another aspect of the method of the invention, the preparation, application and installation steps are repeated in the same way for multiple mask layers. Identical mask pads are then created by stacking multiple mask layers on top of each other, where the adhesive strips of each mask layer are directly connected to the release coating on the opposite side of the adjacent mask layer. The adhesive areas of all mask layers will be aligned. A cutting step then takes place, whereby a number of masks are obtained simultaneously from the stacked mask layers.

Also provided in accordance with the present invention is an area coverage paint mask structure. The mask is a double-sided, flexible, thin painted mask layer having a periphery or contour approximately conforming to the continuous boundary zone of the workpiece with which the mask is associated.
An adhesive is disposed on one side of the mask layer to form a narrow band-like adhesive zone at least adjacent to the protective periphery, the adhesive adhesively adhering to the associated workpiece at least adjacent to its border zone. It's starting to engage. In a preferred construction, each mask layer has a release coating on the side opposite the adhesive side, in which case identical mask pads will be obtained. In such a pad, one of the above-mentioned sides of each mask would be in direct engagement with the release coating of an adjacent mask, in which case the individual masks could be peeled from the pad as desired.

According to the invention, there is also provided a general method for painting a workpiece, which facilitates spray painting of a first area of the workpiece delimited by a predetermined boundary zone. provided. Such a method allows accurate coating of the first area along the border zone and protection of the second area of the workpiece.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a novel area coverage painting mask and method thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a predetermined regular and/or
or to provide a mask and method thereof that is simple and easy to use to obtain reliable coating results along irregular border zones.

Yet another object is to provide an area coverage painting mask and method that is easily adapted for use in a large number of varying boundary zone configurations.

A further object of the invention is an area-covering painting mask which can be easily and advantageously incorporated into a production line type environment.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit it to the same. FIG. 1 shows a portion of a workpiece A adapted to receive a so-called area coverage mask B according to the invention as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

In particular, workpiece A in FIG. 1 has a first section 10 and a second section 12. The areas 10, 12 are separated from each other by a certain predetermined boundary zone 14. As shown, this boundary zone completely surrounds the second area 12 and stands out from the first area 10. The boundary zone itself may be along a cut or highlight line on the workpiece, or
It may also simply be located at a predetermined specific location on a portion of a flat surface that includes the entire workpiece. The shape of the boundary zone shown is merely exemplary and the invention may be of any other regular or irregular shape as may be required to meet or meet certain special coating requirements. Needless to say, it can also be easily applied. It will also be apparent that the present invention can be readily used in connection with initial workpiece painting, refinishing and/or refinish painting.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, mask B consists of a thin, flexible mask layer 18 with opposing surfaces 20 and 22 (FIG. 2,
3), and also has a peripheral or contoured portion 24.
As shown, surface 20 forms the outer surface of the mask and surface 22 forms the inner surface of the mask. In the preferred configuration described herein, the mask layer 18 is constructed of thin paper or paper-like material for best overall results, as will become clear later. Merely by way of example, the thickness of the mask layer may be about 3 to 4 mils. However, mask layer 18 may be of other materials or thicknesses in other applications or environments.

Preferably, the peripheral edge 24 of the mask layer has a substantially exact contour or configuration with the predetermined boundary zone 14. Thus, when the mask is applied to the workpiece, the second area 12 of the workpiece will be completely covered, substantially flush and coextensive with the boundary zone itself. To secure or secure the mask to the workpiece, a strip-like adhesive zone or area 30 is applied to the mask surface 22 adjacent to and in coextensive relationship with the peripheral edge 24. The width of this adhesive strip or zone is typically 6.35 mm to 6.35 mm.
It is in the range of 19.55 mm (1/4 to 3/4 inch), but may be outside that range if desired and deemed appropriate. The adhesive itself is of the acrylic type, preferably
It may be sprayed, printed, or coated onto surface 22 to take the form shown.

According to the preferred form of the mask and method, it is advantageous to have pads of the same mask ready for use. Such pads are the fourth
Indicated in the figure by reference numeral 40, it consists of a predetermined number of identical masks 42, 44, 46, 48, etc. Specifically, a single pad 40 may be constructed from as many as 50 individual masks. In a preferred manufacturing method, the thin, flexible material making up the mask layer 18 may be provided in a large roll or the like along which the mask is deposited at intervals. It has at least a sufficient width to manufacture. The portion of the mask layer forming the outer surface 22 of each mask is preferably provided with a release coating, which extends beyond the adhesive zone 30.
It is releasably compatible with the particular adhesive used to form the adhesive. The release coating is typically a polyethylene coating integral with one side of the mask layer material. Although such a release coating is provided integrally with the mask layer material, it may also be provided separately during mask manufacture or may be other types of release coatings or materials.

For manufacturing purposes, the strip adhesive zone or area 30
is first applied to each mask layer so that it has at least the same morphology as the intended predetermined boundary zone. As previously mentioned, this adhesive material may be sprayed, printed, coated, or otherwise applied to the surface 22 of the mask layer. Good too. Each of the plurality of mask layers is made identical, then of course the boundary zone 14 in which the mask is to be used.
The form of has been known for some time. Thus, the configuration and dimensions of the adhesive zone or area 30 are determined and adjusted as required. Once the appropriate number of mask layers have been applied with adhesive zones, a plurality of individual mask layers 18 are stacked on top of each other, with the adhesive areas on the face 22 of each mask layer then being applied to the next adjacent mask layer. It will directly engage the release coating on the side 20 of the layer. Once the mask layers are precisely aligned with each other to form the basic stack and temporarily secured in that relationship, the stack is die cut, thereby substantially At the same time, a peripheral edge portion 24 is formed. Thus, some 50 individual masks 4 were obtained by die cutting to form pads 40.
2, 44, 46, 48, etc. are practically identical to each other. In the illustrated case, the peripheral edge 24 of the mask is substantially or actually identical in shape and size to the predetermined boundary zone 14 (FIG. 1).

A release coating on the face 20 of each mask layer allows for easy and convenient peeling of individual masks from the pad 40 as needed without being hindered by the adhesive zone 30 of the next adjacent mask. can. The use of pads 40 in this manner allows the mask to be easily applied to individual workpieces on a production line basis. Each mask can have some kind of printed indication etc.
In this case, the correct mask for the particular workpiece configuration can be used correctly in its appropriate position, and this will also serve to properly place the mask in the boundary zone area. This is especially important when various workpieces are present on a production line basis through a single masking or painting station.

FIG. 5 shows the workpiece A of FIG. 1 with one of the masks B partially applied to cover the second area 12 of the workpiece. It goes without saying that the peripheral edge 24 of the mask is within the predetermined boundary zone 14.
It is clear that they are exactly the same and have a coextensive relationship. In some workpieces, the boundary zone may be of the type that follows a cut, while in other workpieces, the boundary zone may be of the type that lines the first and second areas of the workpiece in the finished product. It may be such that it is a location or area on the encompassing flat surface. Band adhesive zone 3
0 functions to keep the mask slightly inward around the border zone. Once the mask has been applied, it is pressed against the workpiece by hand or hand tools, thereby providing a good adhesive bonding relationship between the mask and the workpiece.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the first area 10 of the workpiece is painted using conventional painting techniques, such as by a spray painting mechanism 60, which sprays paint particles 62. Since the entire second area 12 of the workpiece is masked, only the exposed first area 10 will be painted. Spray painting process and/or
or after the subsequent heat treatment is completed, mask B
can be peeled off by simply grasping its corners and pulling it against itself at an angle of about 180 degrees. The material constituting the mask layer 18 and the adhesive material forming the band-shaped adhesive zone 30 must be such that the mask layer can withstand a heat treatment temperature of 176.67°C (350°C) for 1 hour, and that it can adhere to the workpiece surface without leaving any adhesive residue. A type of mask is selected that allows the mask layer to be removed cleanly and easily. The painted edges, ie the edges formed by the boundary zone 14, are tight and clean with a minimum of paint finishing.

It is believed that the area coverage paint mask and method as described above represents a valuable advance over current technology. Such masks and methods are suitable for accurate masking of regular or irregular workpiece areas, yet are versatile as they can be used in a number of different coating applications and environments. Due to the precise configuration of the mask edge 24 relative to the predetermined boundary zone, the mask can be applied quickly and easily even with low skill and experience requirements on the part of the operator. As mentioned above, conventional masking systems of this type generally require a certain amount of practical experience on the part of the operator to achieve satisfactory and reliable protection and coating results.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative mask structure incorporating the general concept of the invention. In this variation, for convenience of explanation, similar reference numerals are designated with a prime sign (') for similar components, and new components are designated with new numbers.

In FIG. 7, the mask B' has a peripheral edge 2 of slightly larger dimensions than the predetermined boundary zone 14'.
4'. However, the periphery 24' has approximately the same profile as the boundary zone 14', and the band-like adhesive area can couple adhesive to the second area 12' of the workpiece at and along the boundary zone. Contained on the inside face of the mask in places. Thus, the mask B′ has an adhesive edge corresponding to the boundary zone of the workpiece and a mask periphery 2
4' includes a circumferential band-like edge area or zone 70. Edge 70 is generally 6.35mm
Although the width is usually in the range of (1/4 inch), it is a constant width that covers the entire circumference. However, other widths may also be advantageously used to suit special masking situations.

As in the preferred embodiment described above, the band-like adhesive zone is applied to the inner surface of the mask and is substantially co-extensive with the border zone 14' and is also slightly narrower and narrower in width than the band-like adhesive zone or area. It extends inward. Since the rim 70 is not itself fixed to the workpiece, it can be conveniently lifted therefrom so as to diverge outwardly from the first section 10' of the workpiece at substantially exactly an acute angle from the boundary zone 14'. can. Such an arrangement results in a feathering effect on the coating adjacent to the boundary zone when the first area of the workpiece is spray painted. The properties of such coatings and the results obtained therefrom are described in U.S. patent application filed June 3, 1980.
It is described in detail in No. 165616.

It is believed that the present invention can be easily applied under all types of painting situations where the workpiece is painted along a predetermined, precise and continuous boundary zone. The boundary zone may generally be straight, curved or irregular; preferred applications of the mask and method include initial painting of automobile bodies;
This includes so-called refinishing of both large and small areas on the body of a motor vehicle, repainting following repairs, etc. As used herein, the term boundary zone refers to a line, either visible or imaginary, that separates a workpiece into a first zone and a second zone. . Although the automotive industry is a preferred field of application of the invention, it goes without saying that the invention can be effectively applied to the field of painting many other types of workpieces and products.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will, of course, be obvious that various modifications may be made to the invention.
It goes without saying that such modifications are included within the scope of the present invention as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of the present invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a side elevational view of a workpiece having two areas separated by an irregularly shaped boundary zone and particularly suitable for masking by the mask and method of the invention; FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the mask constructed according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mask pad constructed according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a top view of the mask constructed according to the present invention. Figure 6 showing the mask of Figure 2 about to be applied to the workpiece of Figure 6.
The figures are similar to FIG. 5 of a fully applied mask and a workpiece being spray painted, and FIG. 7 shows an alternative mask construction incorporating the general concept of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... First area of workpiece, 12... Second area of workpiece, 14... Boundary zone, A... Workpiece, 18... Mask, 20, 22... Opposing surface, 24... Periphery, 4
2, 44, 46, 48...mask, 40...pad,
30...Strip adhesive zone.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A method of masking a workpiece to facilitate spray painting of a first area of the workpiece separated from a second area of the workpiece by a continuous boundary zone, comprising: forming a thin flexible paint mask layer; applying a coating of adhesive on one side of said mask layer so as to form an adhesive band whose overall contour is similar to that of said boundary zone; one side edge of the adhesive strip extends along the mask layer at least substantially coextensive with the boundary zone, and the other side edge extends laterally from the one side edge. and the mask layer and adhesive were heated at 176.67°C (350°C) for at least 1 hour.
applying a release surface on the other side of the mask layer that can be freely peeled from the adhesive; stacking a plurality of equal mask layers to form a predetermined number of equal mask layers; creating mask pads arranged in a stacked relationship such that the release surface on the other side of the next adjacent mask layer directly engages the side of each mask layer; and cutting the stacked mask layers to shape the overall shape. cutting to form a plurality of masks, each having the same periphery as a boundary zone, and with one side edge of the adhesive strip disposed on the mask at least adjacent the periphery; disposing the mask over a second section of the workpiece with a peripheral edge of the mask positioned at least substantially coincident with the continuous boundary zone; precisely covering a second area of the workpiece along and coextensive with the boundary zone with at least one side edge of the adhesive strip; A method comprising the steps of: painting a first area of a workpiece; and removing the mask from association with the workpiece. 2. said cutting step forms a strip-shaped peripheral area around said boundary zone, such that during said positioning step said circumferential extension extends slightly outwardly of said boundary zone onto a first area of said workpiece; sizing the mask to accurately cover a second area of the workpiece with the mask, lifting the peripheral area from the first area of the workpiece to approximately exactly fit the boundary zone; 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of deviating outwardly from the first zone from the alignment. 3. the mask is adapted to cover a second area of the workpiece bounded by a continuous boundary zone, and the cutting step is such that the mask is slightly larger than the second area of the workpiece; Claims characterized in that the peripheral edge of the mask is spaced from said band on one side edge and is done in such a way that it is slightly larger than and approximately corresponds to the overall shape of the predetermined boundary zone. The method described in Scope No. 1. 4. In particular for masking one area located on one side of the continuous boundary zone of the workpiece in order to facilitate the spray painting of the other area located on the other side of the continuous boundary zone of the workpiece. In a suitable painting mask, a plurality of equally flexible thin coatings having both sides and a peripheral edge formed to have the same overall shape as the continuous boundary zone of the workpiece with which said mask becomes associated; forming a narrow band-shaped adhesive zone at least adjacent the periphery of said mask layer and adhesively engaging the associated workpiece, at least closely adjacent to the boundary zone of the workpiece; , an adhesive disposed on one side of the mask layer, the mask layer and the adhesive being able to withstand heat treatment at 176.67°C (350°C) for at least 1 hour; a release surface associated with the other side of the mask layer releasably cooperating with an adhesive on one side, the plurality of equal mask layers arranged in stacked relationship to form a mask pad; The strip adhesive zone on one side of each mask is placed in direct engagement with the release surface on the other side of the next adjacent mask, thereby masking the associated workpiece. A painting mask from which each mask can be removed one by one from the pad. 5. Manufacture of a painting mask intended to be placed on the workpiece in order to facilitate the spray painting of the first area of the workpiece located on one side of the continuous boundary zone from the second area of the workpiece. The method includes: forming a double-sided mask layer made of thin, flexible material; and forming a strip-shaped adhesive area similar to the shape of the boundary zone of the workpiece to which the mask is to be associated. applying an adhesive to one side of the mask layer, one side edge of the band-shaped adhesive area being at least substantially coextensive with the boundary zone and the other side edge a portion spaced from the one side edge, the mask layer and adhesive being able to withstand heat treatment at 176.67°C (350°C) for at least one hour; a step of applying a release surface of a type that can be freely peeled off from the adhesive; a step of forming the mask layer; a step of applying the adhesive;
and applying a release surface are repeated for a plurality of mask layers, such that the banded adhesive areas of each mask layer directly engage the release surface on the other side of the next adjacent mask layer, stacking the plurality of mask layers such that the strip-shaped adhesive areas are precisely aligned with each other to form a pad of individual mask layers; and cutting the stacked pad so that the overall shape is the same as the boundary zone. a step of cutting to form a mask each having a peripheral edge and with one side edge of the adhesive strip disposed on the mask at least adjacent the peripheral edge. 6. In a method of masking a workpiece to facilitate spray painting of a first area of the workpiece separated from a second area of the workpiece by a continuous boundary zone, for double-sided flexible thin coatings. forming a masking layer; applying a coating of adhesive to one side of the masking layer to form an adhesive band whose overall contour is similar to the contour of the boundary zone; one lateral edge extends along the mask layer at least substantially coextensive with the boundary zone, and the other lateral edge is laterally spaced from the one lateral edge; applying a release surface on the other side of the layer that can be freely peeled from the adhesive; for use of a mask in correspondence with the shape of the workpiece and for aligning the periphery properly along the boundary zone; applying printed indicia to said mask layer to aid in alignment; and stacking a plurality of equal mask layers such that a predetermined number of equal mask layers form a release surface on the other side of the next adjacent mask layer. forming mask pads arranged in a stacked relationship in direct engagement with the face of each mask layer; cutting said mask layers each having a periphery approximately equal to the boundary zone and forming one side of said adhesive strip; cutting to form a mask disposed on the mask with lateral edges of at least adjacent the periphery; individually removing mask layers from the pad; and cutting the periphery of the mask into the continuous boundary zone. placing the mask over a second section of the workpiece in substantially exact registration with the boundary zone; and placing the mask along and coextensive with the boundary zone. at least one side edge of said adhesive strip; directing a spray of paint onto said workpiece to paint a first area of said workpiece; and applying said mask to said workpiece. and removing from the associated state. 7 Particularly for masking one area located on one side of the continuous boundary zone of the workpiece in order to facilitate spray painting of the other area located on the other side of the continuous boundary zone of the workpiece. In a suitable painting mask, a plurality of equally flexible thin coatings having both sides and a peripheral edge formed to have the same overall shape as the continuous boundary zone of the workpiece with which said mask becomes associated; mask layers for use, each mask layer being adapted for use of the mask with an associated workpiece to assist in properly aligning the periphery along a boundary zone of the workpiece. , further comprising a printed indicia, forming a narrow band-like adhesive zone at least adjacent the periphery of the mask layer, at least closely adjacent the workpiece boundary zone, for bonding with the associated workpiece; an adhesive disposed on one side of the mask layer, the release surface associated with the other side of the mask layer releasably cooperating with the adhesive on the one side; wherein the plurality of equal mask layers are arranged in stacked relationship to form a mask pad, and the band-like adhesive zone on one side of each mask has a release layer on the other side of the next adjacent mask. A painting mask arranged in direct engagement with a surface, thereby allowing individual masks to be removed one by one from said pad in order to mask the associated workpiece. 8. Manufacture of a painting mask intended to be placed on the workpiece in order to facilitate the spray painting of the first area of the workpiece located on one side of the continuous boundary zone from the second area of the workpiece. The method includes: forming a double-sided mask layer made of thin, flexible material; and forming a strip-shaped adhesive area similar to the shape of the boundary zone of the workpiece to which the mask is to be associated. applying adhesive to one side of the mask layer, one side edge of the band-shaped adhesive area being substantially coextensive with the shape of the boundary zone, and the other side edge being substantially coextensive with the shape of the boundary zone; is spaced apart from the one side edge and is capable of freely peeling off the adhesive on the other surface of the mask layer; forming the mask layer; applying the adhesive;
and applying a release surface are repeated for a plurality of mask layers such that the banded adhesive areas of each mask layer directly engage the release surface on the other side of the next adjacent mask layer, stacking the plurality of mask layers such that the band-shaped adhesive areas are precisely aligned with each other to form pads of individual mask layers; and cutting the stacked pads so that the overall shape is approximately that of the boundary zone. cutting to form a mask placed on the mask, each having precisely matching peripheral edges and with one side edge of the adhesive strip completely overlapping the peripheral edge; A method characterized by: