Shadow masks comprising a multi-layer membrane having a mechanical pre-bias that compensates the effect of gravity on the membrane are disclosed. A shadow mask in accordance with the present disclosure includes a membrane that is patterned with a desired pattern of apertures. The layers of the membrane are selected such that their residual stresses collectively give rise to a stress gradient that is directed normal to the plane of the membrane such that the stress gradient mitigates gravity-induced sag. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a layer pair having internal stresses that are of opposite signs to effect a tendency to bulge outward from the plane of the membrane prior to its release from the substrate. An exemplary membrane includes a layer pair comprising a layer of stoichiometric silicon dioxide that is under residual compressive stress and a layer of stoichiometric silicon nitride that is under residual tensile stress.

A composite stencil for applying designs to walls and other surfaces is disclosed. The stencil includes a porous textile support layer to which a flexible stencil mask is bonded by an adhesion layer. The support layer supports unconnected parts of the stencil mask without bridges common with traditional stencils. Further, the textile support layer in the open areas of the stencil can be colored with a sublimation dye to suggest to a user the colors that should be applied in the various areas of the stencil. A pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the back of the stencil. In use, the stencil is removably adhered to a surface by the pressure sensitive adhesive, whereupon paint or other pigment is applied through the textile support layer to the surface. The lack of bridges permits the entire design to be applied with a single stencil in a single session. The stencil is cleanable and reusable to apply additional designs.

A composite stencil for applying designs to walls and other surfaces is disclosed. The stencil includes a porous textile support layer to which a flexible stencil mask is bonded by an adhesion layer. The support layer supports unconnected parts of the stencil mask without bridges common with traditional stencils. Further, the textile support layer in the open areas of the stencil can be colored with a sublimation dye to suggest to a user the colors that should be applied in the various areas of the stencil. A pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the back of the stencil. In use, the stencil is removably adhered to a surface by the pressure sensitive adhesive, whereupon paint or other pigment is applied through the textile support layer to the surface. The lack of bridges permits the entire design to be applied with a single stencil in a single session. The stencil is cleanable and reusable to apply additional designs.

A paint collar is provided that provides a spray shield for a surface around a work piece while painting, coating, or spraying the work piece. The paint collar has a first member and a second member that form around the work piece, thereby forming a contiguous paint shield surface. The first member and the second member abut against one another along aligned inner edges when the paint collar is in a working state. Along the inner edges of each member is a notch, which forms an aperture to allow the work piece to extend through the paint collar when the paint collar is placed around the base thereof. The first and second members are connected via one or more connectors, which allow hinged movement or complete separation. In one embodiment, the aperture formed by the notches is sized for work piece that comprises an upstanding, four-by-four post.

A paint collar is provided that provides a spray shield for a surface around a work piece while painting, coating, or spraying the work piece. The paint collar has a first member and a second member that form around the work piece, thereby forming a contiguous paint shield surface. The first member and the second member abut against one another along aligned inner edges when the paint collar is in a working state. Along the inner edges of each member is a notch, which forms an aperture to allow the work piece to extend through the paint collar when the paint collar is placed around the base thereof. The first and second members are connected via one or more connectors, which allow hinged movement or complete separation. In one embodiment, the aperture formed by the notches is sized for work piece that comprises an upstanding, four-by-four post.

The fine metal mask provided in the present disclosure includes at least one mask pattern portion, and at least one protective portion that is disposed on and connected with at least one side edge of the at least one mask pattern portion, wherein a thickness of the at least one protective portion is less than a thickness of the at least one mask pattern portion.

A marking paint applicator for a portable electronic locator that locates buried cables and pipes via electromagnetic emissions is disclosed. The marking paint application may include an elongated support structure and a trigger mechanism, along with a bracket assembly, a receptacle for holding paint, and an actuating mechanism for selectively controlling release of the paint in response to operator actuation of the trigger mechanism.

A reversible corner shield apparatus and methods of use, v-shaped or angled shaped shield having a first linear shield member or wing and a second linear shield member or wing which are connected or joined at an apex therebetween, a mount or connector positioned proximate the apex between the first linear shield member or wing and a second linear shield member or wing, a hinged connector attached to the mount on a first end of the hinged connector and an elongated handle connected to a second end of the hinged connector to enable rotation between the handle and the shield and, thus, functions to assist a solo painter in rotating and positioning the shield around inner and outer corners of flooring, baseboard, door and window trim or ceiling to shield these non-painted surfaces from over-paint, over spray, uneven transition lines, unsightly paint dabs and the like.

A stencil for use in stenciling complex symbols incorporates a stencil substrate employing a flexible material, having a plurality of symbols arranged thereon. A plurality of folding stiffeners are incorporated in the substrate, each stiffener being positioned to split symbols having stencil cutouts forming isolated elements within an interior of the symbol. The stiffeners are foldable about a vertex, to collapse into a raised position and bring together the split symbol, with the stiffeners supporting the isolated elements created by the cutouts and portions of the stencil cutouts forming the symbols that extend into coincident channels in the folding stiffeners, to bridge adjoining portions of said split characters.

Shadow masks comprising a multi-layer membrane having a mechanical pre-bias that compensates the effect of gravity on the membrane are disclosed. A shadow mask in accordance with the present disclosure includes a membrane that is patterned with a desired pattern of apertures. The layers of the membrane are selected such that their residual stresses collectively give rise to a stress gradient that is directed normal to the plane of the membrane such that the stress gradient mitigates gravity-induced sag. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a layer pair having internal stresses that are of opposite signs to effect a tendency to bulge outward from the plane of the membrane prior to its release from the substrate. An exemplary membrane includes a layer pair comprising a layer of stoichiometric silicon dioxide that is under residual compressive stress and a layer of stoichiometric silicon nitride that is under residual tensile stress.