Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Sally L Heathcoat

Raymond A Bianchi

PCT No. PCT/US79/00282 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 27, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 27, 1979 PCT Filed Apr. 27, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO 80/02390 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 13, 1980 A method of an apparatus for use in painting a wall surface (13) surrounding a panel (11). The method includes the step of providing a protector element (14) having a base portion (15) defining a periphery (24) at least as large as the periphery (18) of the panel (11). A second portion (17) of the protector element projects forwardly from the periphery of the base portion. A cover (21) is provided with a notch-type snap fastening portion cooperating with a complementary portion (19) of the protector element second portion (17) for removably securing the cover to the protector element so as to define therewith a shield for protecting the panel from overspray during the painting operation. Upon completion of the painting operation, the cover may be removed and the second portion (17) of the protector element removed from the protector element as by being cut therefrom as with a knife (23) leaving exposed only an edge (24) of the base portion (15) of the protector element which may be in substantial congruity with the periphery (18) of the panel. The protector element may be formed of an element having a color similar to that of the paint coating or that of the panel as desired so as to provide a visual continuation thereof.

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

Sally L Heathcoat