EP0461796A1 - Verfahren und Vorrichtung für die Herstellung von einer Übertragungsschicht, die eine Zeichnung für die Übertragung zu einem Substrat trägt - Google Patents

Verfahren und Vorrichtung für die Herstellung von einer Übertragungsschicht, die eine Zeichnung für die Übertragung zu einem Substrat trägt Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0461796A1
EP0461796A1 EP91305027A EP91305027A EP0461796A1 EP 0461796 A1 EP0461796 A1 EP 0461796A1 EP 91305027 A EP91305027 A EP 91305027A EP 91305027 A EP91305027 A EP 91305027A EP 0461796 A1 EP0461796 A1 EP 0461796A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
design
substrate
transfer
base film
film
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP91305027A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Arthur W. Maynard
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0461796A1 publication Critical patent/EP0461796A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/025—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
    • B41M5/0256—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet the transferable ink pattern being obtained by means of a computer driven printer, e.g. an ink jet or laser printer, or by electrographic means

Definitions

  • the present invention deals with the field of systems usable with the formation of rolls of transfer film carrying repeated designs thereon. These designs are adapted to be placed in abutment with respect to articles which provide a substrate such that repeated separate pieces or articles can receive a design in a relatively high speed operation.
  • a primary example is the application of lettering or designs to the external barrel of a pen or lighters or mugs or bottlecaps or tubes for holding medicines or other products.
  • logos, names, or information can be printed on the external surface of these common articles in a high speed manner by the formation of a film of material carrying many repeated designs thereon.
  • Normally registration marks are positioned between the design to maintain registration of the design with respect to the substrate during placement of the design thereon.
  • the placement is normally achieved by a press which is preferably a heat press but could also be a pressure press.
  • the present invention provides a novel means for quickly and efficiently changing the design in a rapid manner thereby allowing for the printing of rolls of film when the number of designs repeated thereon can be small in number. No number is required, but an extensive number of designs be ordered in order to key up for a specific design.
  • the usage of computer control design systems and computer control printing devices allows for the more rapid changeover from one design to the next thereby facilitating runs for designs of lower numbers such as under 500 units.
  • Prior art devices require extensive labor and hand manipulation for the changeover from one design to another design. These changeovers thereby provide a minimum number below which it is no longer economically feasible to print a design.
  • a common number utilized in this field today is 500. Any run less than 500 is basically non-feasible, and thereby, this has been determined to be the minimum number of designs with which initial tooling can be performed profitably.
  • the present invention provides a novel means for allowing quick changeover to facilitate the generation of transfer films having well less than 200 reproductions of a specific design printed thereon. This is made possible by the use of the computer controlled printers.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for forming a transfer film having at least one design thereon available for transfer therefrom onto a substrate which includes a film supply device adapted to supply a translucent base film to facilitate application of the design thereon for placement upon a substrate.
  • the base film preferably includes a transparent base layer, as well as a release layer extending over the transparent base layer.
  • the release layer is positioned adjacent the base film to facilitate release thereof.
  • the release layer is responsive to heating thereof or pressing thereof to facilitate removal of a design from the transparent base layer.
  • a top coating may be positioned extending over the release layer in such a manner as to be adapted to receive the design printed directly thereon. This top coating is adapted to be released from the base film along with the planned design to provide a protective top coating thereover after placement upon a substrate such as a pen or mug.
  • a printing device may be adapted to receive the base film from the film supply device in such a manner as to print at least one design upon the top coating to be avariable for transfer therefrom for application upon the substrate the printing device includes an ink jet printer or a laser jet printer adapted to spray ink upon the top coating for placement of at least one design thereon.
  • the present invention further includes a computer printing control device operable to determine a specific design which the printing device will print upon the base film or upon the top coating thereon.
  • the computer printing control device includes graphic arts software to facilitate design formulation
  • the computer printing control device further may include a central processing unit for operatively manipulating the graphic software.
  • the apparatus may further include a computer input device operable to specify a design to the computer printing control device for placement upon the base film by a printing device.
  • An adhesive layer may be applied to the base film after placement of the printed design thereon by the printing means in such a manner as to be removable along which the printed design to facilitate adhesion between the substrate and a printed design.
  • a registration application device may be adapted to place registration markings at regularly spaced locations along the base film to facilitate registration thereof with respect to the substrate upon removal of the printed design for placement thereon. The registration application device may place actual regularly spaced markings or regularly spaced perforations to provide this registration.
  • the method of the present invention for forming a transfer film having at least one design thereon available for transfer therefrom onto a substrate includes the supplying of a base film to facilitate placement of a design thereon.
  • a computer input means is then manipulated to specify a graphic design for printing upon the base film.
  • the specific graphic design is then generated through a computer graphics control software program and the specified graphic design is now printed upon the base film preferably repeatedly therealong.
  • the transfer film is placed successively in abutment with respect to the desired substrate such as a mug or pen and a heat press or pressure press urges the printed design into abutment with respect to the substrate for adherence thereagainst. Proper alignment between the printing design and the substrate is maintained by the perforations or markings of the registration system
  • the present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming a transfer film 10 as shown in cross section in Figure 1.
  • the composite construction or transfer film 10 includes a base film 12 normally formed as a film roll 18 as shown in Figure 2.
  • Base film 12 preferably includes a design 14 printed thereon such that design 14 can be transferred onto a substrate 16.
  • the transfer of the design 14 from base film 12 to substrate 16 is achieved by a press means 50 operable to urge heat transfer or pressure transfer of the design 14 onto the substrate 16 and adherence therebetween.
  • the transfer from 10 of the present invention may include a release layer 20 extending across the surface of base film 12.
  • the release layer will facilitate separation of the design 14 from the base film 12 to prevent sticking or unwanted retainment therebetween.
  • top coating 22 be placed thereover. This top coating 22 is initially placed in abutment with respect to the release layer 20 or directly with respect to the transfer film 10. The design 14 is then printed directly onto the top coating 22. When the press 50 is operated, the top coating 22, which binds with respect to the design 14, will be removed with the design 14 and then placed on the substrate 16 will provide a top coating 22 extending over the design 14 in such a manner as to protect the design from abrasion.
  • the design 14 is placed on the transfer film 10 by a printing means 24 which preferably takes the form of an ink jet printer 26 or a laser jet printer 28.
  • the printing means is adapted for high speed printing and is controlled by a computer printing control means 30 such as central processing unit 30.
  • a computer input means 32 such as a mouse 46 or a keyboard 44, is operative to control computer input through computer input means 32.
  • a conventional graphic arts software program will be placed within the computer printing control means 30 to facilitate generation of designs 14 as desired by the user.
  • the computer control achieved through this computer printing control means 30 allows for rapid changeover from one design to another thereby making short production runs economically feasible when forming rolls 18 or transfer film 10.
  • adhesive layer 34 may be applied onto the transfer film 10 after printing of the design 14 thereon.
  • This adhesive layer 34 may be applied by the adhesive layer application means 56.
  • a registration application means 36 which is adapted to place registration marks 38 or registration holes or apertures 40 in regularly spaced locations along the transfer film 10. In this manner, proper registration between the design 14 and the substrate 16 can be maintained during operation of press 50.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is often desired to perform multiple designs or multiple colored designs 14, and for this purpose multiple printing devices 42 may be utilized.
  • the computer printing control means 30 achieves greater capabilities in the formation of design 14 by the inclusion of a monitor 48 wherein the computer input means 32 may be operated in such a manner as to perform specific and highly advanced designs 14 capable of being transferred onto substrate 16.
  • the graphic ink 54 will be sprayed as shown in Figure 2 onto the transfer film 10. This spraying may be placed directly onto the base film 12 if no release or top coating is included. Or alternatively, may be placed directly on the release layer 20 if no top coat is included. If the top coat 22 is included, than the graphic ink 54 will form the design 14 directly on the top coat to facilitate simultaneous removal thereof when press 50 is operated.
  • the film roll 18 will provide a base film 12 adapted to move as shown by arrows 60 Initially the base film 12 will move to the release layer 20 application station 58 wherein the release layer 20 will be applied onto the base film 12. The transfer film 10 will then move through the top coating application station to wherein a top coating will be placed across the transfer film 10 specifically in abutment with respect to the release layer 20.
  • the transfer film 10 will be carried to a printing means 24 such that an ink jet printer 26 for printing of a full or partial design 14 thereon.
  • the transfer film 10 can then travel to one or more additional printing means as desired.
  • a registration application means 56 may also be included thereafter.
  • the transfer film 10 will pass through an adhesive layer application means 56 for the application of adhesive layer 34 to the rear surface of the design 14.
  • the final roll 18 of film 10 will then be moved to a position as shown in Figure 1 wherein press 50 such as a heat press will be urged into abutment with respect to the transfer film 10 for urging abutment of the design 14 with respect to the substrate 16 and adherence therebetween. In this manner, any design or printed figure or information can be provided upon a desired substrate.
  • the material of the base film 12 can be a polyester or a polypropylene and can include the release layer 20 and/or top coating 22 as desired.
  • the film type is normally a clear material such as polypropylene, however, it could be a paper material which is coated with a silicone layer or other lamination to facilitate release therefrom.
  • the printing device 24 of the present invention can take the form of more conventional computer printers such as dot matrix printers to facilitate rapid printing or designs or wording as required.
  • the material of the design 14 can be of materials other than graphic ink.
  • the materials could include metallic layers made possible by the application of silver nitrate solutions and the like.
  • the placement of the graphic design 14 on, the transfer film 10 of the present invention can be made before or after the adhesive layer 34 is placed on the film 10. This in true in view of the fact that the inks used for such graphic designs tend to permeate the adhesive layer and become embedded and affixed thereto.
  • the adhesive layer application means 56 may take place before or after placement of the graphic design 14 onto the transfer film 10.
  • the final user can have control of the computer printing control means 30 and the computer input means 32 in their place of business to predetermine the design as they may need.
  • a clear transfer film 10 could be formed including a base film 12, a release layer 20, a top coating 22, and an adhesive layer 34.
  • the customer would then be able to operate the computer printing control means 30 in order to specify one or more particular designs to be placed upon this final film
  • the entire printing system 24 could be placed adjacent to the apparatus for placing the layers upon the transfer film 10 in such a manner that all printing and layers could be placed upon the film 10 at the situs of the original equipment manufacturer. With either configuration, the multiple capabilities of the use of the computer Input means 32 and the computer printing control means 30 of the present invention could be effectively achieved.
  • One of the major advantages of the present invention is in the ability to economically changeover from one design to another in a very rapid action made possible by the computer controlled printing means. This changeover makes smaller production runs of leas than 500 designs produced much more economically and feasible.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Decoration By Transfer Pictures (AREA)
EP91305027A 1990-06-04 1991-06-04 Verfahren und Vorrichtung für die Herstellung von einer Übertragungsschicht, die eine Zeichnung für die Übertragung zu einem Substrat trägt Withdrawn EP0461796A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US53280290A 1990-06-04 1990-06-04
US532802 1990-06-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0461796A1 true EP0461796A1 (de) 1991-12-18

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EP91305027A Withdrawn EP0461796A1 (de) 1990-06-04 1991-06-04 Verfahren und Vorrichtung für die Herstellung von einer Übertragungsschicht, die eine Zeichnung für die Übertragung zu einem Substrat trägt

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EP (1) EP0461796A1 (de)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0746461A1 (de) * 1994-02-10 1996-12-11 Sawgrass Systems, Inc. Druckverfahren zum aufbringen eines polymeroberflächenpräparats auf ein substrat
DE29602430U1 (de) * 1996-02-12 1997-07-03 Zweckform Etikettiertechnik Transferetikett
EP0893269A1 (de) * 1997-07-26 1999-01-27 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Bildübertragungsmaterial für Tintenstrahldruck sowie Bildübertragungsdruckverfahren unter Verwendung dieses Materials
WO1999012743A1 (en) * 1997-09-12 1999-03-18 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Image transfer method
WO2000043219A1 (es) * 1999-01-20 2000-07-27 Universidad Complutense De Madrid Estructura y elaboracion de los fondos tramados transferibles utilizados para la reintegracion cromatica de obras pictoricas y escultura policromada
FR2807705A1 (fr) * 2000-04-18 2001-10-19 Atel As Ensemble et procede d'impression sur un substrat plat
EP1431067A2 (de) * 1998-09-19 2004-06-23 Polycarta Limited Abziehbilder
US6764725B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2004-07-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Ink fixing materials and methods of fixing ink
US6874421B2 (en) 2001-04-20 2005-04-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Ink jet transfer printing process
US6911243B2 (en) 1996-12-31 2005-06-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Adhesives having a microreplicated topography and methods of making and using same
US6974609B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2005-12-13 Engle Lori P Media for cold image transfer
US7074477B2 (en) 1996-02-12 2006-07-11 Zweckform Etikettiertechnik Gmbh Transfer label
US7250210B2 (en) 1993-10-29 2007-07-31 3M Innovative Properties Company Pressure-sensitive adhesives having microstructured surfaces
US9085121B2 (en) 1999-05-13 2015-07-21 3M Innovative Properties Company Adhesive-backed articles

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2189436A (en) * 1986-04-25 1987-10-28 Oliveira Amanda Uchoa D Printed transfer sheet for fabric decorating
US4758952A (en) * 1986-11-24 1988-07-19 P & S Industries, Inc. Process for heat transfer printing
EP0279467A2 (de) * 1987-02-20 1988-08-24 Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha Wärmeübertragungsblatt
US4870427A (en) * 1986-11-19 1989-09-26 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method of preparing dry transfer sheets by printing via ink ribbon
WO1990000473A1 (en) * 1988-07-06 1990-01-25 Hare Donald S Transferring a creative design to a fabric

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2189436A (en) * 1986-04-25 1987-10-28 Oliveira Amanda Uchoa D Printed transfer sheet for fabric decorating
US4870427A (en) * 1986-11-19 1989-09-26 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method of preparing dry transfer sheets by printing via ink ribbon
US4758952A (en) * 1986-11-24 1988-07-19 P & S Industries, Inc. Process for heat transfer printing
EP0279467A2 (de) * 1987-02-20 1988-08-24 Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha Wärmeübertragungsblatt
WO1990000473A1 (en) * 1988-07-06 1990-01-25 Hare Donald S Transferring a creative design to a fabric

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 10, no. 176 (M-491)(2232) 20 June 1986, & JP-A-61 27278 (INTER TECHNICAL INDASUTORII K.K.) 06 February 1986, *

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7250210B2 (en) 1993-10-29 2007-07-31 3M Innovative Properties Company Pressure-sensitive adhesives having microstructured surfaces
EP0746461A4 (de) * 1994-02-10 1997-01-29 Sawgrass Systems Inc Druckverfahren zum aufbringen eines polymeroberflächenpräparats auf ein substrat
EP0746461A1 (de) * 1994-02-10 1996-12-11 Sawgrass Systems, Inc. Druckverfahren zum aufbringen eines polymeroberflächenpräparats auf ein substrat
DE29602430U1 (de) * 1996-02-12 1997-07-03 Zweckform Etikettiertechnik Transferetikett
US7074477B2 (en) 1996-02-12 2006-07-11 Zweckform Etikettiertechnik Gmbh Transfer label
US6153038A (en) * 1996-03-12 2000-11-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for transferring an image from a first medium to a second medium at ambient temperature
US6911243B2 (en) 1996-12-31 2005-06-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Adhesives having a microreplicated topography and methods of making and using same
EP0893269A1 (de) * 1997-07-26 1999-01-27 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Bildübertragungsmaterial für Tintenstrahldruck sowie Bildübertragungsdruckverfahren unter Verwendung dieses Materials
US6406142B1 (en) 1997-07-26 2002-06-18 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming process using a transfer medium having a support with an index
AU732752B2 (en) * 1997-09-12 2001-04-26 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Image transfer method
EP1127710A1 (de) * 1997-09-12 2001-08-29 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Bildübertragungsverfahren
WO1999012743A1 (en) * 1997-09-12 1999-03-18 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Image transfer method
EP1431067A2 (de) * 1998-09-19 2004-06-23 Polycarta Limited Abziehbilder
EP1431067A3 (de) * 1998-09-19 2004-07-28 Polycarta Limited Abziehbilder
WO2000043219A1 (es) * 1999-01-20 2000-07-27 Universidad Complutense De Madrid Estructura y elaboracion de los fondos tramados transferibles utilizados para la reintegracion cromatica de obras pictoricas y escultura policromada
ES2153766A1 (es) * 1999-01-20 2001-03-01 Univ Madrid Complutense Estructura y elaboracion de los fondos tramados transferibles utilizados para la reintegracion cromatica de obras pictoricas y escultura policromada.
US9085121B2 (en) 1999-05-13 2015-07-21 3M Innovative Properties Company Adhesive-backed articles
US6974609B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2005-12-13 Engle Lori P Media for cold image transfer
US7005162B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2006-02-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of fixing ink
US6764725B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2004-07-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Ink fixing materials and methods of fixing ink
US6792865B2 (en) 2000-04-18 2004-09-21 Ateliers A.S. Method and apparatus for printing on a flat substrate
WO2001078992A1 (fr) * 2000-04-18 2001-10-25 Ateliers A.S. Procede et appareil pour l'impression sur un substrat plat
FR2807705A1 (fr) * 2000-04-18 2001-10-19 Atel As Ensemble et procede d'impression sur un substrat plat
US6874421B2 (en) 2001-04-20 2005-04-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Ink jet transfer printing process

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