Patent ID: 6284076
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B32B,B65H,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of applying a masking layer from a roll of masking, to a material resting on a work platform, the masking having an adhesive side and a non-adhesive side opposite the adhesive side, comprising the steps of:placing a roll of masking of a predetermined width on a hand tool for applying said masking layer to a material, the hand tool comprising an axle assembly for holding the roll of masking, the axle assembly defining a central axis, a plurality of support systems constructed and arranged to elevate the roll above the platform, the support systems having feet for contacting the platform and for allowing said tool to be moved across the platform by an operator;pulling a length of masking from said roll so that said adhesive side faces said material;adhering a leading edge of said adhesive side of said length of masking to a leading edge of said material;placing on said nonadhesive side of said length of masking, an elongate object having a length at least as great as the width of the masking and further having a generally smooth, curved surface, so that the elongate object spans the entire width of the masking and makes positive contact therewith;holding said tool and said object in relatively close proximity with each other, thereby maintaining a generally constant relative separation between the tool and the object;moving said tool and said object together over said material, allowing said roll of masking to unroll, the unrolled masking passing under said object, thereby being adhered to said material as said masking is pressed thereon by said objectcontinually adjusting the orientation of said central axis by, thereby maintaining said central axis generally parallel to said work platform.