A masking tool and method

Abstract

A masking tool and method of masking a wall fitting fixed to a wall of a building. The tool(10) body comprises a front surface (12, figure 2), a rear surface (13) with a recess to cover the wall fitti

Description

18 02 25 Technical field 5 The present invention relates to a masking tool and a method for masking a wall fitting fixed upon a wall of a building, for use in painting, e.g. for covering electrical fittings to enable spray or brush painting therearound, as a substitute for masking tape. Background to the invention 10 Painting the interior walls and ceilings of a building typically requires electrical fittings, such as light switches and power sockets, to be "masked up" by a covering material such as adhesive tape during the painting operation. Masking avoids the fitting being cosmetically damaged by paint. Use of a masking tape solution may take at least one minute per fitting 15 to apply, which may take a considerable amount of preparation time for multiple fittings before painting can take place, e.g. by spray painting which is a relatively quick operation. Masking tools are known; for example, in the form of a hard plastic cover or edge that can be manually held in place against a fitting during painting to deflect a brush stroke from 20 contact therewith. A particular example utilises rearwardly extending elements to fit into the plug pattern of a standard socket (e.g. a common UK power plug). However, such tools are not necessarily quick, reliable or easy to use, particularly in a high-volume situation where a new build development must be painted in a finite amount of time. 25                                Summary of the invention The present invention seeks to provide a masking tool and method as defined in the attached claims. 30 The tool is in the form of a "Socket Saver" device, i.e. socket and / or switch cover, featuring a magnetic quick-release coupling for interaction with metal fasteners associated with the fitting to be covered. The tool is suitable as a substitute for masking tape. 18 02 25 The rear portion comprises a recess (or synonymous structure such as alcove, cavity, depression) that itself results in a corresponding protrusion from the front surface, e.g. contoured to accommodate a switch upon a surface of the wall fitting. In the case where a 5 wall fitting protrudes (sits proud of) the wall surface of the building, the recessed portion of the tool is comprised of relatively thin upstanding walls dimensioned to form a box around / over a defined size of wall fitting, which is typically rectangular in shape. The tool may accommodate varying styles / configurations of bevelled edges and / or 10 widths / depths of a wall fitting by providing a set of tools. A user then selects a corresponding tool most closely configured for the wall fitting. The present invention was developed for use by painters and decorators working within the new build sector, where the main activity is to spray ceilings and walls as efficiently as 15 possible. The tool may be positioned for use and removed within seconds, as compared to approximately one minute per socket required for masking tape, with the latter's associated waste of material since masking material must be discarded after one use. The strength of the magnets, that are selectively placed in alignment with the screws of a 20 socket / switch (that tend to be standard spacing to match metal junction boxes in a wall), retains the device in position so that it does not come off under pressure when spraying is carried out. The tool of the invention is generally re-usable, e.g. for twenty applications or beyond if 25 cleaned after use. The construction (plastics or otherwise) may be solvent resistant for thorough cleaning by soaking or the like. In a preferred form, the masking tool may be shaped and contoured with a minimum wall thickness to mitigate any shadowing around the covers once paint has been applied to 30 walls. The substantive masking structure may be a fixed size and / or modular to provide adjustment to varying depths of wall fitting. 18 02 25 An interchangeable / modular version works in substantially the same way as a fixed size covers, but designed to overcome the vast variation in bevelled edges found on existing sockets and switches. 5                                Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 illustrates an overview of a masking tool according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a side elevation view of a similar tool; 10 Figure 3 illustrates a front elevation view; Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a further embodiment, wherein a set of components is provided; and Figure 5 illustrates a further exploded view of components associated with the masking tool. 15 Detailed description of the invention The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention 20 is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all features, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description. Indeed, the present disclosure may separately define a number of discrete inventions. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, 25 several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that 30 interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and / or direction. 5 The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of steps or features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not 10 necessarily require implementation as a complete combination. 18 02 25 The illustrated figures show particular embodiments of the invention. For example, the tool 10 shown in Figure 1 may be provided as a single fixed moulding with a main body comprised of a front surface 12 and a rear surface (13) configured to interface with a switch 15 or socket electrical fitting by the provision of magnetic elements 14. The front surface 12 may comprise a raised portion 15 that at least partially accommodates a portion 16 recessed into the rear surface. The recessed aspect of the rear, wall-facing in use, surface may accommodate at least part of a wall fitting sitting proud of the wall and / or a switch / socket structure sitting proud of the wall fitting. In the illustrated form, magnet 20 receiving recesses 17 are positioned at opposite side edges of portion 15, each receiving and holding a magnet 14 in place. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a modular form of the invention where the raised front portion 15 is a separate component, rather than integrated with the main body in a single moulded 25 piece. In this embodiment the substantive body component may be provided as a set, including a first frame 18 comprised of upstanding walls (preferably thin) that, in use, form a box around / over a wall fitting (not shown). Frame 18 includes a cut out 19 that aligns to accommodate front portion 15 and permit magnets 14 to be accessed by metal fixings associating with the wall fitting. Cut-out 19 is correspondingly frame-shaped and may 30 include flange ledges / lip 20, to receive outer edges of raised front portion 15, also having cut out edges to accommodate magnets 14 if necessary. Frame 18 may have 18 02 25 bevelled / rounded forwardmost (and internal) edges, although aesthetic considerations of the masking tool are secondary to its function. First frame 18 includes an internal recess profile configured to attach to a variety of wall 5 fittings. In a case where a bevel or other dimension of a wall fitting is incompatible with the tool, a second 21 frame and subsequent frames (22) may be provided as a set to provide fitting options. The features of frames 21 and 22 may be externally similar in appearance to front frame 18, namely a cut out for permitting access to the recess behind front piece 15 and magnets 14, however, the internal recess profile will be different to provide 10 compatibility with other wall fitting configurations. According to Figure 4 and 5, between first frame 18 and second frame 21 is shown an extension magnet 23 which allows the magnetic coupling to reach through to contact a metal fixing upon the surface of a wall fitting abutted against the rear surface of the frame (22) closest to the wall, in cases where the wall fitting is very shallow and does not fill out the substantive volume of the frame 18, 15 21 or 22. In other words, the reason for having the magnetic couplings 23 is to mitigate depth of thinner (as they stand out from a wall) switches and sockets. It is notable that frames 18, 21 and 22 are shown in what appears to be a "stacked" configuration but this only relates to a convenient way of supplying a set of tools to an end 20 user. In practice, the tool in use has an appearance similar to Figures 1, 2 and 3. In alternative forms, frames 21 and 22 may substantially comprise upstanding walls only (without a broad flange / front surface perse) to abut with and act as extensions for the walls of the outermost frame (18). In this way, wall fittings / boxes of greater depth can be 25 accommodated within the rear recess constructed from modular frames and the main body of the masking tool. In the generally illustrated form, magnetic elements 14 (and 23 if needed) effectively reach through from the front projection / recess piece 15 to couple directly with a wall fitting and 30 effectively hold one of frames 18 / 21 / 22 in place. After use, when protrusion 15 is removed by pulling against the magnets to disengage, a frame is free to also be removed from a position over a wall fitting. 18 02 25 When in place over a wall mounted electrical fitting, held secure by magnets 14 / 23, the minimal thickness of the side walls preferably mitigates "shadowing" of paint around the fitting that may otherwise occur (i.e. a gap in paint between edges of the fitting and the wall 5 where paint has contacted for subsequent drying. Shadowing is also avoided by an appropriate frontally applied spray-painting technique around the fitting, as will be understood by a skilled person implementing the invention. It is also notable that removable front projection 15 is adequately sealed with ledges 20 so that paint cannot seep frontally through the unit and cosmetically damage a wall fitting. 10 Magnetic elements, in accordance with the invention, may be configured to couple for removable attachment with other parts of the wall fitting (which may be of metallic construction itself), including retrofitting by use of a removeable adhesive magnetic strip (analogous to a flexible fridge magnet). 15 In a broad aspect the invention entails a masking tool and corresponding method of masking a wall fitting fixed to a wall of a building. The tool includes a body having a front surface, a rear surface, with a recess to cover / enclose the wall fitting in use, and a magnetic coupling element located proximate the rear surface, facing the wall fitting. In practice the wall fitting 20 will include a material, e.g. fixing screws, compatible with the magnetic element. Therefore, in use, the tool may be positioned over a wall fitting on a wall to be painted and held in place by the magnetic elements. A tradesperson is able to paint (e.g. via spray or brush) around or over the tool while protecting the wall fitting underneath from cosmetic damage.

Claims

1. A masking tool for covering a wall fitting protruding from a wall surface, the masking tool comprising:5 a main body, made of a single fixed moulding, having a front surface and arear surface, the rear surface comprising a recess configured to receive the protruding wall fitting, wherein the recess is comprised of upstanding walls configured to, in use, form a box around / over a defined size of wall fitting, wherein the recess comprises a cavity, also visible as a protrusion on the front surface; and10 magnetic elements, associated with the rear surface, received in magnetreceiving recesses positioned at opposite side edges of the cavity, for interaction with a compatible material of the wall fitting.

2. The masking tool of claim 1, further including:15 a magnetic extension element, located between the magnetic element andthe wall fitting, for reaching through the main body and configuring the masking tool for compatibility with wall fittings of reduced depth.

3. A method of masking a wall fitting fixed upon a wall of a building, including the steps20 of:arranging a body of a device having a front surface and a rear surface comprising a recess configured to receive the wall fitting, the body being made of a single fixed moulding, wherein the recess is comprised of upstanding walls configured to, in use, form a box around / over a defined size of wall fitting, wherein25 the recess comprises a cavity, also visible as a protrusion on the front surface;coupling a magnetic element, located at the rear surface of the device and received in magnet receiving recesses positioned at opposite side edges of the cavity, with a material of the wall fitting compatible with the magnetic element.30 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising disposing a magnetic extension elementbetween the wall fitting and the magnetic element to accommodate wall fittings of reduced depth.

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