Patent Publication Number: US-RE38449-E

Title: Apparatus for applying a masking element

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention relates generally to an apparatus for applying a masking element and, in particular, to an apparatus for applying a masking element to a wall in a predetermined pattern to serve as a template to allow a user to apply paint in a decorative design. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Designs, such as stripes, are commonly applied to walls or other surfaces for decorative purposes. Decorative designs are most commonly applied to walls and similar surfaces through the use of adhesive wallpaper. However, wallpaper is relatively expensive and can be messy and complicated to apply. Additionally, it is generally not possible to effectively paint over wallpaper should it become desirable to redecorate in the future. Furthermore, the removal of wallpaper can be an even more messy and time intensive endeavor than its application, and may entail extensive rehabilitation of the wall surface to remove residual adhesive and to patch damaged areas. 
     These disadvantages may be avoided by painting a decorative pattern directly onto the wall. Painted patterns do not require the use of messy and difficult to remove adhesives. Furthermore, it is generally possible to redecorate a wall having a painted design by merely painting over the old design. However, while the artistically gifted may have little difficulty painting decorative patterns onto a wall freehand, it is considerably more difficult for less artistically inclined individuals to produce such painted patterns. 
     One method which has been used to simplify the application of paint in a predetermined pattern onto a surface involves the use of a masking element. Masking elements, such as stenciling tape, have been used to for many years to create decorative patterns on walls and other surfaces. Generally, masking elements are applied by hand to the surface in the desired pattern. Paint or stain is then applied to the surface either by spraying or by using a brush or other applicator. When the masking element is removed, a pattern is created wherein the areas which were covered by the masking element are free from paint or other coating. However, accurate alignment of the masking element to create a desired pattern typically requires precise measurement and can be difficult and time consuming for inexperienced users. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus to facilitate the placement of a masking element onto a wall or similar surface which will be easily usable by an inexperienced operator to create a decorative design. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for applying a masking element which will ensure the accurate spacing, alignment and placement of the masking element upon the wall or similar surface, as required to create a predetermined decorative design. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for applying a masking element which will automatically apply pressure as necessary to adhere the masking element to the wall or similar surface. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for applying a masking element which allows the user to quickly and easily sever the masking element as necessary during application. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above objectives and others which will become clear in the following specification are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a masking element applicator for applying a masking element onto a surface in a predetermined pattern. The masking element applicator includes a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member for being spaced apart from one another and positioned adjacent the surface and a dispenser assembly for dispensing the masking element. The dispenser assembly is carried laterally between the first and second longitudinal members, and is slidable along the first and second longitudinal members from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position. In operation, an end of the masking element is attached to the surface when the dispenser assembly is in the first longitudinal position and the masking element is dispensed longitudinally along the surface by slidably moving the dispenser assembly from the first longitudinal position to the second longitudinal position, thereby applying the masking element onto the surface in the predetermined pattern. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The device designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with the salient features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown. 
     FIG. 1 is a three dimensional perspective view of a user applying a masking element to a wall in a predetermined pattern using a masking element applicator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a three dimensional partial perspective view of a masking element applicator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the masking element applicator of FIG. 1 installed adjacent a wall. 
     FIG. 4 is a three dimensional partial perspective view of a masking element applicator illustrating its use to apply a plurality of masking elements in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a three dimensional perspective view of an alternative bidirectional cutter in accordance with another embodiment of the masking element applicator. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vertical support column ratchet mechanism in accordance with yet another embodiment of the masking element applicator. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. FIG. 1 illustrates a three dimensional partial perspective view of a masking element applicator A in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The masking element applicator A includes two vertical support columns  10  and  12  which slidably support a dispenser assembly  18  disposed laterally therebetween for dispensing masking element  20  onto a wall surface. Dispenser assembly  18  may preferably include a plurality of dispenser adapters  52  for supplying masking element  20  and for allowing placement of a masking element  20  onto an adjacent wall surface  22  in a predetermined pattern. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, vertical support columns  10  and  12  are provided to serve as framework to slidably support dispenser assembly  18  adjacent a wall surface  22 . In operation, an end of each masking element  20  is affixed to an edge of wall surface  22 . Dispenser assembly  18  may be then translated vertically along the length of vertical support columns  10  and  12  to apply masking element  20  in parallel strips spaced in the selected pattern. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in a preferred embodiment, each vertical support column  10  and  12  (not shown) includes a longitudinal member including a telescoping spring loaded column  30 . An upper pressure pad assembly  32  is provided at the upper end  34  of telescoping spring loaded column  30  for stably engaging a ceiling adjacent wall surface  22 . A threaded adjustable foot assembly  36  is provided at the lower end of telescoping spring loaded column  30  for stably engaging a floor adjacent wall surface  22 . Each upper pressure pad assembly  34  and threaded adjustable foot assembly  36  includes a high friction pad  38  for providing added stability to the vertical support column  10  or  12  by preventing sliding of the column ends. High friction pads  38  also serve to protect the finish of the respective ceiling or floor surfaces against which the columns  10  and  12  are installed. Either or both of vertical support columns  10  and  12  may optionally include a leveling device such as a leveling bubble or plumb bob to assist a user in vertically positioning vertical support columns  10  and  12 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, dispenser assembly  18  functions as a dispenser for applying masking element  20  to wall surface  22 . Dispenser assembly  18  includes opposingly positioned column guides  40  which are each slidably carried by a respective vertical support column  10  or  12 . Column guides  40  carry angle beam frame  44  which extends horizontally therebetween and is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of vertical support columns  10  and  12 . Column guides  40  are preferably of sufficient length to ensure that angle beam frame  44  is maintained in a substantially perpendicular relationship to support columns  10  and  12 . A leveling bubble  46  is provided with angle beam frame  44  to allow a user to ensure level placement of dispenser assembly  18 . 
     As shown in FIG. 6, in an alternative embodiment dispenser assembly  18  may include a releasable ratchet mechanism  110  whereby it may be freely lifted but prevented from moving downward unless the ratchet mechanism  110  is disengaged. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a ratchet mechanism  110  is carried by each column guide  40 . Each ratchet mechanism  110  includes a ratchet pall  112  which is biased by a spring  114  and enclosed in a ratchet pall box  116 . When engaged, the ratchet pall  112  interacts with ratchet teeth  118  extending from the surface of its respective vertical support column  10  or  12  to prevent downward motion of dispenser assembly  18 . A delatching cable  120  is provided, connecting the ratchet pall  112  to the ratchet pall  112  of the opposing respective column guide  10  or  12 . When delatching cable  120  is pulled, tension is applied to each ratchet pall  112 , disengaging the ratchet pall  112  from the ratchet teeth  118  of its respective vertical support column  10  or  12 , thereby allowing free movement of dispenser assembly  18  along vertical support columns  10  and  12 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, dispenser assembly  18  also includes a masking element support bar  50  which supports a plurality of dispenser adapters  52  for supplying masking element  20  as necessary during operation. In a preferred embodiment, masking element support bar  50  has a “D” shaped cross section having an upper surface  54 . Upper surface  54  may bear roll spacing indicia  56  to act as alignment guides to assist a user in accurately positioning dispenser adapters  52  in a desired pattern. Masking element support bar  50  includes oppositely disposed ends  60  which are each releasably carried by a respective column guides  40 . In a preferred embodiment, each column guide  40  includes a masking element support bar receiving recess  62  which is disposed to receive a respective end  60  of masking element support bar  50 . Each recess  62  includes a spring loaded latch tooth  66  which retains masking element support bar  50  and is releasable via a latch tooth release knob  68 . 
     Each masking element dispenser adapter  52  is sized to support a masking element roll  14  while simultaneously allowing free rotation of masking element roll  14  about the longitudinal axis of masking element support bar  50 . In the preferred embodiment, each dispenser adapter  52  includes a “D” shaped collar  70  which slidably mounts onto the “D” shaped shaft of masking element support bar  50 . Each dispenser adapter  52  also includes a set screw  72  whereby the dispenser adapter  52  may be fixedly positioned at a desired location along the length of masking element support bar  50 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, each masking element roll  14  comprises a roll of masking tape or of a specialty stenciling tape. Solid tape may be used to create a simple design or, alternatively, specialty tape having cut-out designs may be used to create more complex patterns. However, in either case, the pattern created will necessarily be limited to stripes or stripe-based patterns. 
     Dispensing assembly  18  also includes pressure roller assembly  80  for guiding masking element  20  into a desired position adjacent wall surface  22  and for applying pressure to adhere masking element  20  to wall surface  22 . In a preferred embodiment, pressure roller assembly  80  includes pressure roller  82  having opposing ends  84  which each include an opposing pressure roll support arm  88  is pivotably connected to its respective column guide  40  and is supported in an extended position by a torsion spring  89 . When placed adjacent wall surface  22 , torsion spring  89  applies force through its respective pressure roll support arm  88  to pressure roller  82 , thereby applying pressure to adhere masking element  20  to wall surface  22 . 
     In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the lengths of angle beam frame  44 , masking element support bar  50 , and pressure roller  82  are adjustable to allow for adjustment of the relative lateral spacing of vertical support columns  10  and  12 . To allow for this lateral adjustment, angle beam frame  44 , masking element support bar  50 , and pressure roller  82  may each include telescoping segments to allow adjustment to a desired length. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, pressure roller assembly  80  also includes blade assembly  90  for slicing masking element  20  when fully extended as desired along wall surface  22 . Blade assembly  90  includes a blade slide bar  92  extending laterally between opposing pressure roller support arms  84 . Tape cutter blade  94  is slidably mounted upon cutter slide bar  90  and includes a blade actuator finger button  96  whereby a user may slide tape cutter blade  94  laterally along blade slide bar  92  to sever the plurality of masking elements  20 . In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, tape cutter blade  94  includes a bi-directional blade  98  which may be used to sever masking elements  20  by moving to either side along blade slide bar  92 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1,  2  and  4 , the above described masking element applicator A may be used to apply parallel strips of masking element  20  onto a wall surface  22  according to the following method. First, the apparatus for applying a masking element A is positioned adjacent a wall surface such that vertical support columns  10  and  12  are positioned with the desired spacing of the pattern to be applied to wall surface  22 . Prior to installation, the length of vertical support columns  10  and  12  are adjusted, if necessary, by adjusting their respective threaded adjustable foot assemblies  36  to alter the overall length of vertical support columns  10  and  12 . The upper end  34  of each telescoping spring loaded column  30  is then compressed and allowed to re-extend, bringing pressure pad assembly  34  into firm engagement with the ceiling surface and foot assembly  36  into firm engagement with the floor surface. 
     Next, one or more dispenser adapters  52  are loaded with masking element rolls  14  and are then installed onto masking element support bar  50 . Each dispenser adapter  52  may be positioned laterally as necessary for the desired pattern by sliding along the length of masking element support bar  50  using roll spacing indicia  56  as a guide. The respective dispenser adapter  52  is then locked into position by tightening set screw  72 . Dispenser assembly  18  is then attached to each vertical support column  10  and  12  via recess  62  of the respective column guide  40 . Leveling bubble  46  of angle beam frame  44  may be used to verify the accuracy of horizontal placement of masking assembly  18  and the concomitant vertical placement of vertical support columns  10  and  12 . 
     Next, as shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  4 , the leading edge of each masking element  14  is threaded over pressure roller assembly  80  and affixed at the base of wall surface  22  with dispenser assembly  18  positioned in a first longitudinal position. Pressure roller assembly  80  is held against wall surface  22  by the interaction of torsion spring  86  and pressure roll support arm  84 , applying pressure to cause each masking element  20  to adhere to wall surface  22 . Once the leading edge of each masking element  14  has been affixed to wall surface  22 , dispenser assembly  18  is be lifted vertically to a second longitudinal position to dispense the masking elements  20  vertically and linearly along the wall surface in the desired pattern. As dispenser assembly  18  is lifted, pressure roller assembly  80  serves to both guide masking element  20  into alignment with wall surface  22  and to apply pressure to adhere masking element  20  to wall surface  22 . As dispenser assembly  18  is lifted, each masking element dispenser will rotate to supply masking element  20  as required. Dispenser assembly  18  may generally be lifted until roller assembly  80  contact the ceiling adjacent wall surface  22 . However, due to its configuration, pressure roller assembly  80  will collide with the adjacent ceiling surface, thereby preventing a small portion of each masking element  20  from adhering at the top edge of wall surface  22 . 
     After masking assembly  18  has been lifted as far as possible along wall surface  22 , the user may cut the masking elements  20  by engaging blade actuator  96  and using it to slide tape cutter blade  94  laterally along blade slide bar  92 , severing the masking elements. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) an actuator cord and pulley system may be included to allow the operator to move tape cutter blade  94  laterally along blade slide bar  92  from ground level. Blade assembly  90  is positioned such that an excess portion of each masking element will produced beyond that needed to reach the top of wall surface  22 . The excess portion may be used to allow the user to manually adhere the small unadhered portion of masking element  20  at the top edge of wall surface  22 . Additionally, any excess masking element  20  may be folded over to form a tab to facilitate removal of the masking element  20  after application of paint or a similar coating to the wall surface. 
     The masking element applicator A may then be moved to a new position to allow application of the masking agent to a section of the wall surface  22  adjacent that which has previously been applied. It is unnecessary to completely disassemble the masking element applicator A in order to move it to a new section of wall surface  22 . The masking element applicator A may be moved by simply manually collapsing the spring loaded telescoping portions  30  of each vertical support column  10 , repositioning vertical support columns  10 , and then allowing the telescoping portions  30  of vertical support columns  10  to re-extend thereby securing the masking element applicator A in the new position. Successive portions of wall can be successively treated in this manner as necessary to apply the masking element  20  to the entire length of wall surface  22 . 
     Thus it can be seen that an advantageous method may be had, according to the present invention, for applying a masking element to a wall surface in a desired pattern. The apparatus for applying a masking element is positioned adjacent a wall, the leading end of the masking element is affixed to and edge of the wall, and a masking element dispenser is moved along the wall dispensing the masking element in straight, parallel lines along the wall surface. 
     What have been described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of methodologies for purposes of describing the present invention. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations, permutations and modifications of the present invention are possible. Therefore, all such possible combinations, permutations and modifications are to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims below.