Patent ID: 7666269
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: B29C,B29L,B64C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for edge-wrapping a panel with a laminate, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a substrate in a work area, the substrate having a first edge, a front surface having a concave curvature about a first axis that extends perpendicularly to the first edge, and a back surface having a convex curvature about the first axis; positioning at least one retainer spaced from the first edge of the substrate, the at least one retainer having a front surface having a concave curvature about the first axis, and a back surface having a convex curvature about the first axis; positioning the laminate over the substrate and the at least one retainer; securing the laminate to the substrate and to the at least one retainer; wrapping the laminate around the first edge of the substrate to thereby bring the at least one retainer back surface into facing arrangement with the substrate back surface, as the laminate is wrapped around the first edge, the curved retainer initially resists wrapping and resistance offered by the curved retainer increases until a threshold is reached after which the curved retainer quickly snaps around the first edge, and after the curved retainer snaps around the first edge the front surface of the curved retainer has a convex curvature about the first axis and the back surface of the curved retainer has a concave curvature about the first axis; and securing the at least one retainer back surface to the substrate back surface.