Signage masking tool and method

A signage hand tool useable on a work platform having a non planar surface to allow a masking layer stored on a roll of masking to be applied in alignment with a sign face lying on the surface, comprising:

• an axle assembly having a central axis and capable of supporting the roll of masking for rotation about said axle assembly;
• said axle assembly including first and second axle segments, each said segment having a substantially cylindrical outer surface, said segments being positioned coaxially with each other and said first segment releasably engaging said second segment, said segments each including inner and outer ends with said inner ends confronting one another when said axle segments are engaged with one another;
• said first axle segment further including a cantilever post positioned coaxially with said first axle segment and extending from said inner end;
• said second axle segment further including a socket positioned coaxially within said segment at said inner end and extending toward said outer end, said socket constructed and arranged to mateably receive said post therein to releasably engage said first and second segments to permit the roll to be installed and removed from said axle and to permit the overall distance between said outer ends to be varied to accommodate rolls having different lengths;
• first and second support systems, said first support system being fixed to said first axle segment and said second support system being fixed to said second axle segment adjacent each said outer end of said axle segments, said support systems positionable on the work platform to space said axle assembly upward from the work platform and from the sign face so as to allow free rotation of the roll relative to the sign face when the axle assembly is over the sign face, said support systems constructed and arranged to maintain said central axis of said axle assembly generally parallel to the sign face;
• each said support system including first and second feet sidably engageable with the work platform, said first and second feet of said first support system located on a first plane substantially perpendicular to said central axis and said first and second feet of said second support system located on a second plane substantially perpendicular to said central axis, each support system having its said first foot spaced apart from its said second foot.

A signage hand tool for applying a layer of masking from a roll of masking to a sheet of material having a predefined width, the tool intended for use on a work platform, the tool comprising:

• an axle assembly for rotatably carrying the roll of masking;
• a plurality of curved feet for providing an interface between the working platform and said tool;
• at least two support systems connecting said feet to said axle assembly;
• said axle assembly comprising a first axle segment and a second axle segment, the first axle segment defining a socket, the second axle segment comprising a cantilever post sized to frictionally fit within said first axle segment socket, one of said first axle segment or said second axle segment having a circular cross section, thereby allowing relative rotation between said first and second axle segments around an axis of rotation parallel with said axle assembly, such that when a downward force is placed on the axle assembly, the first axle segment and second axle segment rotate relative to each other until each of said feet make uniform contact with the work platform, said first and second axle segments constructed and arranged to form a cylindrical outer surface when said cantilever post is inserted within said socket,.