Patent ID: 7857251
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: B29C,B29K,B44C,B65H,E01C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A film lamination apparatus for reducing lamination defects of adhesive-backed films during application to a surface, the film lamination apparatus comprising: a frame; a lamination device operably attached to the frame, wherein the lamination device defines a lamination front on the surface; one or more surface-engaging devices operably connected to the frame for directing the film lamination apparatus across the surface; a steering limit device operably associated with at least one of the one or more surface-engaging devices, the steering limit device limiting a degree to which the apparatus can be turned about a steering pivot point in response to a motive force applied to at least one of the one or more surface-engaging devices; wherein the steering pivot point is located along a line passing through an axis of the lamination front, but not within a width of the lamination front; a supply roll spindle supported by the frame, wherein the supply roll spindle is adapted to hold a roll of adhesive-backed film; a web path within the apparatus extending between the supply roll spindle and the lamination device; and a web tension control device located between the supply roll spindle and the lamination device.