Abstract: A mask forming system for protecting a structure and a method of forming a mask for protecting the structure includes a masking material having a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer sandwiched together. The masking material is unrolled across a platform and a plurality of features are generated in the masking material, wherein the features include printing, kiss cutting, and double-kiss cutting the masking material. Data is printed on the first layer of the masking material. The first layer of the masking material is kiss cut. The second layer of the masking material is double-kiss cut. The third layer remains uncut and unprinted on during the formation of the mask. The masking material remains in the same orientation during printing and kiss cutting of the first layer, and the masking material remains in the same orientation during double-kiss cutting of the second layer.

Abstract: An upholstery tack strip includes a metal ribbon and a thermoplastic sleeve covering at least a portion of the ribbon. The sleeve includes at least one, and possibly a pair of, lengthwise removed strip section(s) so as to expose a corresponding lengthwise surface of the metal ribbon. The metal ribbon integrally includes nail sections which protrude outwardly from said tack strip. At least one, and preferably both, lateral edges of the metal ribbon are knurled or serrated so as to assist in anchoring the ribbon to the sleeve.

Abstract: Protective strips for use in the manufacture of upholstered furniture include a fastening strip portion, a cover strip portion and a hinge portion which flexibly connects the fastening and cover strip portions to one another. In use, the protective strips may be positioned such that a portion of the upholstery fabric is sandwiched between the fastening strip portion thereof and a portion of the furniture frame to which the fabric is to be attached. Suitable fasteners (e.g., staples, tacks, nails, brads and like fasteners) may then be physically driven through the fastening strip portion and the underlying fabric portion into the furniture frame and thereby fasten the fabric portion physically to the frame. Once the fastening strip portion has been fastened to the furniture frame, the remaining fabric portion may be doubled over the fastened tail portion which in turn causes the cover strip portion to be folded over the fastening strip portion.

Abstract: A method of picking up and placing a portion of gel material. The method includes obtaining a quantity of gel material having at least one tacky surface contacting a sheet of release paper, contacting a portion of the gel material with a mechanical means for peeling a portion of the gel material from the release paper, and finally peeling the portion of gel material from the release material.