GB1380257A - Decoration of workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

1380257 Ornamenting BRITISH UNITED SHOE MACHINERY CO Ltd 10 March 1972 [11 March 1971] 38027/71 Divided out of 1360207 Heading B6G A workpiece having at least a surface layer of thermoformable material is decorated by providing a die having a recess portion in the pattern-carrying surface thereof, and with the workpiece placed against the pattern-carrying surface with the surface layer of thermoformable material in contact with the pattern-carrying surface, and with a portion of material which is formable at ambient temperature but which is rendered thermoformable by the application of heat thereto introduced into the recessed portion of the pattern-carrying surface of the die, pressing the workpiece against the patterncarrying surface of the die and applying heat to cause the portion of formable material in the recessed portion to be rendered thermoformable and be bonded to the surface layer of the workpiece and to cause the surface layer and said portion to take up a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the die. The workpiece may be a shoe upper component which may comprise a surface layer of polyvinyl chloride, e.g. a polyvinyl chloride coated fabric. The material which is formable at ambient temperature may be a polyvinyl chloride plastigel, plastisol or powdered polyvinyl chloride. The workpiece may be placed against the pattern-carrying surface of the die, the recessed portion thus forming a mould cavity into which is then introduced the portion of formable material. Alternatively the portion of formable material may be introduced into the recessed portion of the pattern-carrying surface of the die, said portion being doctored to remove any excess material prior to placing the workpiece against the pattern-carrying surface. In the latter method the pattern-carrying surface of the die may comprise a plurality of recessed portions, the first portion of formable material being introduced into one such recessed portion, and the second portion of such material but of a different colour being introduced into another such recessed portion. One such recessed portion may be formed in the pattern-carrying surface of the die and a second such recessed portion may be formed within the first recessed portion. The die may be made of silicone rubber or of metal, e.g. copper, formed by a photoetching technique. Preferably the patterncarrying surface is chromium-plated. Where a silicone rubber die is used heat is preferably applied by application of a high-frequency electric field. Where a metal die is used heating is achieved preferably using a press having two platens at least one of which is heated.