Application of surfacing sheets to panels, columns and the like

Abstract

Apparatus for applying a surfacing sheet such as a plastic sheet, veneer or the like to an optionally radiused edge of a panel, or to a column or the like held by a support arrangement, and, in which an applicator bar which is, optionally heated and is preferably flat, is urged against the surfacing sheet to press it onto the surface of the panel column or the like. Means are provided for ensuring that lateral movement of the applicator bar takes place relative to the panel or column to stretch and smooth the surfacing sheet onto the surface of the panel or column. The applicator bar is preferably carried on an arm arrangement held between two spaced rotatable end supports and the biasing is carried out by a number of spaced pneumatic or hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies acting transverse to the arm arrangement. The biasing means is preferably carried on a frame member carried by the rotatable end supports. The support arrangement is movable and may be either an adjustable table or rotatable to axial mounting assemblies for rotating a column or the like gripped end on between them. A jig may be included to space an edging strip relative to an edge of a panel if required.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.