Method for Applying a Film to a Planar Substrate, Deflecting Element and Device for Applying a Film to a Planar Substrate

A deflecting element for guiding a substrate while a film is applied thereto, comprising:

• a body having an edge defined by a surface permeable by pressurized air, a feeding guide surface adapted to guide the substrate upwardly toward said edge, a discharge guide surface positioned at an angle relative to said feeding guide surface and adapted to guide the substrate downwardly away from said edge, at least one cavity adapted to receive pressurized air, and a duct extending from said cavity to said surface of said edge to allow pressurized air to flow to said edge and form an air cushion between the substrate and said edge.

A device for applying a film to a substrate, comprising:

• a deflecting element having an edge, a feeding guide surface adapted to guide the substrate upwardly toward said edge, and a discharge guide surface adapted to guide the substrate downwardly away from said edge, the discharge guide surface being positioned at an angle relative to said feeding guide surface so that the substrate is sharply deflected when moving over said edge;
• and
• an application head spaced apart from said feeding guide surface and configured to discharge the film at a location offset from said edge.