SHEET MATERIAL FOR MASKING APPARATUS

Abstract: An elongate sheet of flexible, fluid impervious material is folded into longitudinally extending pleats and coiled into a roll for use with masking apparatus of either the stationary or the hand held type. The sheet is coiled in a direction for continuous application of tape to overlap an edge of the outer surface of the roll as the folded sheet and the tape are dispensed. The first pleat is provided with a laterally projecting terminal portion to receive the tape and prevent contact between the underlying sheet material and the tape. After a length of the material is dispensed, severed from the roll and adhesively affixed to the surface to be masked, the sheet is extended laterally to unfold the pleats.

Description: This invention relates to material for masking surfaces preparatory to painting or application of other coatings. More particularly, the present invention relates to improvements in coiled sheet material especially adapted for use in connection with masking apparatus of the type for dispensing tape and sheet material. In a further and more specific aspect, the instant invention concerns sheet material capable of masking a surface of greater width than the width of the roll of coiled material. The Prior Art Apparatus for dispensing tape and paper for the purpose of masking a surface preparatory the application of paint or other treatments are well known for example in US Patent Number 4425182. In general, the devices are commecially available in two basic configurations. One form, frequently termed an apron taper, tends to be relatively bulky and is considered a stationary device. The other, being sufficiently compact for portable manipulation, is usually referred to as a hand held masking machine. Commonly, both varieties include a frame having means for rotatably supporting a roll of coiled sheet material and for rotatably supporting a roll of pressure sensitive tape. The roll of tape is positioned for continuous application along an edge of the sheet material as the tape and sheet material are uncoiled during dispensing. Usually, the devices also include a blade for severing the dispensed masking material. The frame of the apron taper is provided with feet. During use, a taped edged sheet or apron of appropriate length is shown from the stationary apparatus and then applied to the surface to be masked. A handle is integral with the portable device. The tape is applied as the machine is drawn along the surface during the masking procedure. Conventionally, the width of the surface which can be masked is dictated by the width of the roll of sheet material. While sheet material of various widths are usually interchangeably dispensable from a single masking apparatus, the ultimate width is finite as determined by the capacity of the device. For example, the stationary dispensing apparatus usually includes a pair of spaced apart frame members between which the roll of sheet material must fit. A portable device is usually limited by the physical capability of the user. For purposes of reference, 1.22 metres (48 inches) is considered the practical limit for apron tapers while portable machines re limited to 0.61 meters (24 inches). Even so, operation becomes increasingly cumbersome as sheet width increases. In an attempt to provide a remedy and mask surfaces of greater width than the width of the sheet material, the prior art has provided rolls of folded sheet material. After the tape has been secured, the material is unfolded to drape over an extended surface. However, such sheet material which has been folded prior to being coiled is not usable in connection with conventional tape and paper dispensing apparatus of the type under immediate consideration. The application of the tape to the sheet material requires great precision. Otherwise, the tape will adhere to more than one pleat of the folded sheet material rendering unfolding impossible. Therefore, the application of the tape to the sheet material has been limited to the manufacturing process where exacting tolerances can be exercised. Accordingly, the masking material has been available only as pre-taped rolls. In addition to not being suitable for use in connection with tape and sheet material dispensing apparatus, other deficiencies are readily apparent. Exemplary is the fact that the relatively thick masking tape is responsible for an enlargement at one end of the roll which presents difficulty in packaging and limits the length of material which can be practically coiled. Since tape tends to deteriorate with time, shelf or storage life is limited. Further, utilizing a roll not supported by a dispensing apparatus is cumbersome and unwieldy to manipulate. It would therefore be advantageous to provide masking sheet material to extend the normal capacity of the masking apparatus, such as a roll of coiled sheet material for masking a surface of greater width than the width of the roll. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention there is provided a roll of coiled sheet material for use in combination with a sheet and tape dispensing apparatus, which apparatus includes: a first holder for rotatably supporting a roll of coiled sheet for covering a surface to be masked of greater width than the width of the roll; a second holder for rotatably supporting a roll of tape; said tape being continuously applied along an edge of said sheet as said sheet and said tape are uncoiled and dispensed from said apparatus; said roll of coiled sheet comprising: an elongate sheet of flexible, fluid-impervious material having; first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second sides; the roll of coiled sheet being characterised by: at least a fold extending longitudinally intermediate said edges to define a doubled sheet including; a first pleat intermediate said first edge and said fold; and at least a second pleat intermediate said fold and said second edge and having the second side thereof lying in substantial juxtaposition with the second side of said pleat; said first pleat having a width greater than the width of said second pleat to define a terminal portion of said first pleat intermediate said first and second edges; said double sheet being coiled in a direction of rotation for receiving said tape along said terminal portion on the first side of said pleat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages of the instant invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a roll of coiled sheet material constructed in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention as it would appear when being used in connection with a conventional masking apparatus; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and illustrating the inventive sheet material in greater detail; Fig. 3A is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 3 and showing the sheet material as it would initially appear after being applied to a surface to be masked. Fig. 3B is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 3A and showing the initial step of unfolding the material; Fig. 3C is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 3A and showing the material as it would appear during an intermediate stage of being unfolded; Fig. 3D is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 3A showing the material as it would appear when completely unfolded and draped over the masked surface; Fig. 4A is a view generally corresponding to the illustration of Fig. 3A and showing an alternate embodiment thereof; Fig. 4B is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 4A and showing the initial step of unfolding the material; Fig. 4C is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 4A and showing the material as it would appear during an intermediate stage of being unfolded; Fig. 4D is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 4A showing the material as it would appear when completely unfolded and draped over the masked surface; Fig. 5A is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 3A and showing yet another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5B is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 5A and showing the initial step of unfolding the material; and Fig. 6 is a respective view of a coiled roll of sheet material illustrating yet another embodiment incorporating the principals of the instant invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to Fig. 1 which illustrates a masking apparatus, generally designated by the reference character 10 for dispensing sheet material and pressure sensitive adhesive. Herein chosen for purposes of illustration as being of the portable or manually manipulatable type, masking apparatus 10 includes frame 12 having first holder 13, second holder 14 and handle 15. Holders 13 and 14, more specifically, are in the form of rotatably mounted spindles for supporting a roll of coiled sheet and a roll of pressure sensitive, respectively. Cutting blade 17 is also carried by frame 12. A roll of conventional masking tape is shown as being mounted upon second holder 14. A roll of coiled sheet material, generally designated by the reference character 20, having first end 22 and second end 23 and incorporating the principals of the instant invention is carried by first holder 13. It is noted that the width of roll 20, the distance between ends 22 and 23, generally corresponds with the length of cutter blade 17. Further details of roll 20 will be discussed presently. As will be immediately understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, a ribbon of tape 24 from roll 18 extends over and is secured to roll 20. The ribbon of tape 24 overlaps end 22 of roll 20. That is, that portion of the ribbon adjacent the inner edge is secured to the outer surface of roll 20 while that portion of the tape adjacent the outboard edge remains free to be affixed to the surface to be masked. As the apparatus is moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line A, the masking material 20 and the tape 18 are progressively uncoiled for continuous dispensing. The direction of uncoiling of roll of tape 18 and of roll 20 are designated by the arrowed lines B and C, respectively. The exposed edge of ribbon 24 is continuously affixed to the surface 25 either by manual pressure or by applicator 27 integral with frame 12. When the desired length of material has been dispensed, blade 17 is employed to sever both the tape and the masking sheet. The foregoing brief description is specifically directed to a masking apparatus of the type usually referred to as a hand held masking machine. The structure and principals of operation are equally analogous to the stationary device commonly referred to as an apron taper. The foregoing is set forth for purposes of orientation and reference in connection with the ensuing description. Details not specifically illustrated nor described will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the foregoing description, roll 20 was treated as a conventional prior art roll of masking sheet commonly used in connection with machines of the type. The conventional roll consists of a single roll of paper having a sheet width corresponding to the width of the roll. Accordingly, the area which can be masked also corresponds to the width of the roll. It is a principal of the instant invention that the inventive sheet material is utilized as a conventional prior art roll during the above described masking procedure. With reference to Fig. 2, it is seen that the coiled sheet material of roll 20 comprises an elongate sheet, generally designated by the reference character 30, having first longitudinal edge 32, second longitudinal edge 33 and first and second sides 34 and 35, respectively. Sheet 30 is divided by a plurality of folds which, for purposes of reference, may be considered to be first folds 37 and second folds 38, into a plurality of pleats 39 residing intermediate adjacent folds. An initial pleat 40 resides intermediate first edge 32 and the first of the first folds 37. A terminal pleat 42 resides intermediate the last of the second pleats 38 and second edge 33. Each of the first folds 37 are made in a direction which is opposite to the direction of each of the second folds 38. Accordingly, respective sides of the adjacent pleats lie in juxtaposition. That is, side 35 of initial pleat 34 is adjacent side 35 of the second pleat. Similarly, side 34 of the second pleat is adjacent side 34 of the third pleat. A terminal portion 43 of initial pleat 40 adjacent first edge 32 projects beyond the second folds 38. The several folds and pleats define a redoubled sheet which is coiled into roll 20 in a direction such that first side 34 of initial pleat 40 is continuously presented as the outer surface. Accordingly, the ribbon of tape 24 is continuously applied to side 34 of terminal portion 43 during dispensing. Particularly noted in the instant illustration, is the fact that a portion of the ribbon 24 is secured to the side 34 of sheet 30 while a portion of the ribbon 24 is free to be affixed to the surface to be masked. It is also noted, that in accordance with the immediately preferred embodiment, each of the first folds 37 are aligned in a plane which is generally perpendicular to the axis about which the redoubled sheet is coiled. Similarly, each of the second folds 38 are aligned in a second plane which is also perpendicular to the axis about which the redoubled sheet is coiled. The thickness of the pleats seen in Fig. 2 is greatly exaggerated for purposes of illustration. Preferably, sheet 30 is fabricated of a relatively thin, plastic film. The thickness of the film is in the range of .0002 inches to .0400 inches, while the generally preferred thickness is .0004 inches. As clearly illustrated in Fig. 2, terminal portion 43 is cantilevered. That is, the terminal portion of one coil of roll 20 is separated from the terminal portion of the succeeding coil by the thickness of the intervening pleats. For proper receipt of the tape, terminal portion 43 must be provided with at least minimal support. As is obvious, the support of the terminal portion is inversely proportioned to the width. For this reason, the maximum preferred width of terminal portion 43 is .312 inches. The minimum width can be anything greater than 0 for reasons which will be explained presently. A range of .063 to .188 has found to have performed most satisfactorily. After being applied to surface 25 by tape 24, redoubled sheet 30 will appear as generally illustrated in Fig. 3A. For clarity of illustration, the pleats have been slightly expanded and the length of terminal portion 43 exaggerated. It being understood that in actuality, the surface 25 and the several pleats will lie in close juxtaposition. The number of folds and pleats in sheet 30 are selected such that the ends 32 and 33 extend in opposite directions. Further noted is the fact that terminal pleat 42 and second end 33 lie adjacent surface 25. The unfolding and draping procedure is begun, as viewed in Fig. 3B, by urging terminal pleat 42 in the direction of arrowed line D. During actual use, terminal pleat 42 is grasped by the user proximate edge 33 and pulled in the indicated direction. In response to continued pulling, each successive fold is unfolded as seen in Fig. 3C. The pulling and unfolding continuous until, as viewed in Fig. 3D, the sheet 30 is completely unfolded and draped over the surface to be masked. It is noted that during the procedure described in connection with Figs. 3A - 3D, each of the second folds 38 were readily free to move. That is, none were inadvertently secured under the ribbon of pressure sensitive adhesive tape 24. This is attributed to the fact that terminal portion 43 projects beyond any second fold 38. It has been determined that the minimal width of terminal portion 43 may be any dimension greater than 0.00 mm (0.000 inches). A suggested minimal measurement is 0.076mm (0.003 inches). The number of folds and pleats in a given sheet of masking material is selectively variable. With reference to Fig. 4A there is seen an alternate embodiment of the invention including sheet 50 having first edge 52, second edge 53, first side 54 and second side 55. Sheet 50 is divided by first folds 57 and second folds 58 into a plurality of pleats 59. Initial pleat 60 extends between first edge 52 and the first of the first folds 57. A terminal pleat 62 extends between the last of the first pleats and the second edge 53. Also included is a terminal portion 63 carried by initial pleat 60 adjacent first edge 52 and projecting beyond the second folds 58. Sheet 50 is redoubled by a number of folds and pleats selected such that first end 52 and second end 63 extend in the same direction. In all other aspects not specifically described, sheet 50 is analogous to sheet 30. Again, in general similarity to the previously described embodiment, the unfolding of sheet 50 is initiated by drawing the terminal pleat 62 in a direction away from tape 24 as indicated by the arrowed line E. The unfolding procedure continuous until the sheet 50 is substantially straightened to lie over the surface 25 as seen in Fig. 4D. Referring now to Fig. 5A there is seen yet another embodiment of the invention including an elongate sheet, generally designated by the reference character 70, having first longitudinal edge 72, second longitudinal edge 73, first side 74 and second side 75. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, sheet 70 is divided by a single fold 77 into a first pleat 78 and a second pleat 79. Fold 77 is turned in a direction such that first side 75 of first pleat 78 lies in juxtaposition with second side 75 of second pleat 79. Terminal portion 80 carried by first pleat 78 projects beyond second edge 73. The sheet 70 is unfolded over surface 25 in a manner generally analogous to the previously described embodiments as seen in Fig. 5B. The elongate sheets described in connection with the several embodiments of the invention are fabricated of a flexible, fluid impervious material. Especially preferred is a thermal plastic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester. The embodiments may also be fabricated of conventional materials such as paper products. The light transmission of the several materials is readily variable in accordance with the user's desires. The material may be opaque, translucent or transparent. The transparent and opaque materials provide for light transmission whereby, for example, a large surface having windows or lighting fixtures, may be continuously masked without substantially diminishing illumination within a room or other enclosure. Opaque or translucent material provides a readily visible indication that an area has been masked. Referring to Fig. 6 there is seen a roll of coiled sheet, embodying the principals of the instant invention as specifically set forth in the foregoing detailed description, having indicia 92 printed thereon. The indicia may be of any selected wordage and in any predetermined pattern. The indicia may be selected to convey a particular message such as "wet paint", the manufacturer's logo or other designation. When used in combination with transparent sheet material, the indicia serves as a readily visible indicator that an area has been masked. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein for purpose of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims: A roll of coiled sheet material for use in combination with a sheet and tape dispensing apparatus, which apparatus includes: a first holder (13) for rotatably supporting a roll of coiled sheet (20) for covering a surface to be masked of greater width than the width of the roll; a second holder (14) for rotatably supporting a roll (18) of tape (24); said tape (24) being continuously applied along an edge of said sheet as said sheet and said tape are uncoiled and dispensed from said apparatus; said roll of coiled sheet comprising: an elongate sheet (30; 50; 70) of flexible, fluid-impervious material having; first (32; 52; 72) and second (33; 53; 73) longitudinal edges, and first (34; 54; 74) and second (35; 55; 75) sides; the roll of coiled sheet being characterised by: at least a fold (37; 57; 77) extending longitudinally intermediate said edges to define a doubled sheet including; a first pleat (40; 60; 80) intermediate said first edge and said fold; and at least a second pleat (39; 59; 79) intermediate said fold and said second edge and having the second side thereof lying in substantial juxtaposition with the second side of said pleat; said first pleat having a width greater than the width of said second pleat to define a terminal portion (43; 63; 80) of said first pleat intermediate said first and second edges; said double sheet being coiled in a direction of rotation for receiving said tape (24) along said terminal portion (43; 63; 80) on the first side of said pleat. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, wherein said terminal portion (24) has a width in the range of greater than 0.00 mm to 4.775 mm (0.000 inches to 0.188 inches). The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, wherein said elongate sheet is in the form of thermoplastic resin. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, wherein said elongate sheet is in the form of a paper product. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, wherein said elongate sheet has a thickness in the range of 0.0051 mm to 1.02 mm (0.0002 inches to 0.0400 inches). The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, wherein said elongate sheet is transparent. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, wherein said elongate sheet is translucent. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, wherein said elongate sheet is opaque. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, further including periodically spaced indicia (92) carried on said elongate sheet. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1, wherein said elongate sheet further includes at least a second fold (38; 58). The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of spaced apart folds (57; 58) including a first fold (57) nearest said first edge (52) and a last fold (57) nearest said second edge (53), extending longitudinally intermediate said edges to define a redoubled sheet including: (i) a pleat (59; 60; 62) intermediate adjacent ones of said plurality of folds (57; 58); (ii) an initial pleat (60) intermediate said first edge (52) and said first fold (57); and (iii) a terminal pleat (62) intermediate said last fold (57) and said second edge (53). said plurality of folds (57; 58) being in alternating directions whereby respective sides of adjacent pleats lie in substantial juxtaposition; said initial pleat (60) including a longitudinally extending terminal portion (63) projecting laterally outward from said redoubled sheet, said redoubled sheet being coiled in a direction of rotation for receiving said tape (24) along said terminal portion (63) and on the first side of said initial pleat. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 11, wherein said plurality of folds (57; 58) are selected from a quantity such that said initial pleat (60) and said terminal pleat (62) extend in opposite directions from the respective folds (57; 58). The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 12, wherein said plurality of folds (57; 58) are selected from a quantity such that said initial pleat (60) and said terminal pleat (62) extend in like directions from the respective folds. The roll of coiled sheet material of claim 12, wherein said plurality of folds (57; 58) are periodically spaced whereby alternate ones are substantially aligned in respective planes generally perpendicular to the axis about which said redoubled sheet is coiled.

Inventors: POOL, DAN B. C/O DON J. FLICKINGER
Applicants: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Application year: 1988
Main classification: B05C21
IPC codes: B05B15, B65H16, B65H35, B65H37, B65H47