| abstract |
A mask article and method of coating are provided whereby coating is deleted from one or more portions of a substrate like transparencies during a coating operation. The mask is a semi-rigid device having two major generally opposing surfaces and one or more sides between such surfaces with at least one one-piece edge. The side(s) slope inward toward the interior of the solid part of the mask at an angle from the horizontal plane of the larger major surface of the mask up to the slope of the side from greater than 0° to less than 90°. This inward slope is somewhere along the side between the larger major surface and the smaller major surface. The sloping segment of the side should extend a distance sufficient to provide an adequate edge at the mask-coating-substrate interface to reduce the ghosting effect. The surface area of the larger area surface has the configuration of the shape of a deletion for the coating. The mask is adapted for secure placement on the substrate during the coating process and removal therefrom after the coating process. This is accomplished either by the weight of the mask itself or from the use of at least one friction enhancing member present on the mask. With the presence of friction enhancing member(s) on the mask, recesses are also optionally provided on the mask. The number, size, configuration and location of the recesses and friction enhancing members assist in the stackability of a plurality of the masks. After one or more coatings are applied to the masked substrate, the masks can be removed and conveyed to the beginning of coating operation to mask other substrates. After a number of such cycles the masks can be cleaned of coating and reused. |