JP2002543462A - Goods holding graphic images - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an article bearing a graphic image that is assembled by attaching two elements, a base element and an imageable element. The substrate element has (i) a base sheet having an active surface and having a thickness of at least 0.13 mm, and (ii) first and second surfaces, the second surface of which has the function of the base sheet. And an adhesive layer disposed on the surface. The base sheet is an integral part of the article of the present invention and a major structural element. The imageable element is (i) a light transmissible imageable film having first and second surfaces and (ii) disposed as a reverse image on the second surface of the imageable film. Image layer. These elements are combined so that an image layer is disposed near the first surface of the adhesive layer and is further viewed as a face-up image when viewed from the imaging side of the article.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article holding a graphic or an information image. In particular, the articles of the present invention have a base element and an imageable element (image forming element) holding an image, and each element is usually formed of a multilayer structure. These elements are combined with one another to form an integral article, thereby incorporating an image into the article of the present invention.

Background graphic images can be applied to a variety of surfaces for decorative, informational, and functional reasons. As used herein, "graphical image" and "informational image" refer to the same thing, and may be applied to a substrate (usually a polymer) by techniques such as printing or lamination to convey information to the viewer. Means one or more colored layers applied. These images include, but are not limited to, text, photos, icons, and four-color images obtained by an imaging device such as a four-color printer. For example, retailers and advertisers typically desire to display graphics or informational images on various substrates, such as windows, walls, vehicle surfaces, backlit signs, etc., to communicate to consumers.

[0003] Methods of applying a graphic image directly to a substrate that will become the article primary structural layer are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,532 (Ho et al.) Describes a multilayer article carrying graphic images. The article includes a structural substrate, a colored layer disposed on the substrate, and a transparent protective surface disposed on both the colored layer and the substrate. Polymer substrates capable of direct imaging are provided by some manufacturers. For example, St. Mi in Paul, Minnesota
nnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M)
Are 3M ^™ Panaflex ^™ Sign Face Materials,
It supplies several different types of substrates, such as 3M ^™ Scotchlite ^™ Reflective Sheeting. Also, Fasson-Aver
Companies such as y and Cooley produce a variety of signage substrates. In some applications, such substrates can be sent to an imaging device, such as a screen printer, inkjet printer, or thermal transfer printer, to apply a graphic or informational image. In another application, it may be desirable to cut the graphic image and laminate it to a polymer substrate to create an article having the graphic image.

[0004] When a graphic image is laminated, printed, or otherwise placed directly on a substrate that is a primary structural element of an article, the graphic image is usually a face-up image (right).
It is printed as a reading image (meaning that it is readable when first printed on a substrate). All subsequent steps do not change the readability of the image. In contrast, the reversed image (word reading ima)
ge) (sometimes called an "inverted image") first appears as a mirror image of the desired image when viewed from the printing side. In the latter case, the reverse image is applied to the substrate in such a way that an article with a face-up image is obtained. Such an application incorporates the image into the structure of the article and usually results in a more durable graphic image.

[0005] Some persons skilled in the art have used inverted images to create articles that include graphic images. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,959 (McNaul et al.) Discloses an inner surface printable sheet material for use in making abrasion resistant printed laminates such as outdoor signs.

[0006] 3M is a 3M ^™ Clear Imaging Media (product number 850).
1) and 3M ^™ Translucent Diffuser (product number 8572)
We supply multi-element systems made from). If used, 3M ^TM Cl
ear Imaging Media has a first surface and a second surface of 0.004.
An inch (approximately 0.10 millimeter (mm)) polyester film, the second surface of which has a graphic image applied first in a reverse image. 3M ^TM T
The translucent diffuser has a first surface and a second surface.
It is a 02 inch (about 0.05 mm) vinyl film with an adhesive layer disposed on the first surface. 3M ^™ Transparent Backing 3M ^™ Clear Image so that the graphic image follows the adhesive layer
Articles are made by laminating on ng Media. The article is used as a backlit sign to convey information to the viewer.

[0007] The article of the summary above has been found to be useful in many applications, the image portion is separated from the substrate portion of the article in a large (2 ft × 4 feet or extent more) article Graphic There is a need to provide articles having images.

The present invention provides a method by which an image portion can be separated from a substrate portion of an article bearing a graphic image. Such separation methods improve manufacturing efficiency because a variety of substrate elements can be used along with a variety of image elements that take into account a wide range of imaging techniques. Further, each element can be optimized separately.
For example, the image elements can be optimized according to the particular imaging technique, while the substrate elements can be optimized according to different durability requirements.

The present invention provides an article that includes an image that can be easily made by attaching several types of elements together. In one embodiment, the article of the present invention comprises (a) (i) a base sheet having an active surface and having a thickness of at least 0.10 mm, which is an integral part of the article, and (ii) a first and a second sheet. (B) (i) a light-transmitting material having the first and second surfaces; and (b) an adhesive layer having a second surface disposed on the working surface of the base sheet. An imageable element comprising or consisting essentially of an imageable film and a (ii) image layer disposed in a reversal image on a second surface of the imageable film; An imageable element is disposed on the substrate element such that the image layer is located near the first surface of the layer. Preferably, the second surface of the imageable film has another layer useful for promoting the deposition of inks, toners, and dyes. Optionally, a second adhesive layer and an optional liner
It can be applied on the opposite side of the base sheeting working surface. A second adhesive layer is provided to facilitate application to surfaces such as floors, ceilings, walls, windows such as architectural glass, sides of vehicles, billboards, road signs and the like.

The present invention has a substrate element that includes a base sheet that is an integral part of a graphic article. The strength and structure of the article of the present invention are mainly obtained by the base sheet, and are the main structural elements of the article of the present invention. Graphic images are not directly included in the basesheet. Instead, the imageable film includes a graphic image. While the imageable film may contribute to some of the structural integrity of the articles of the invention, the contribution is not major.

The present invention provides the advantage of separating the image element from the base sheet of the substrate element, which is a more expensive material for many articles that typically have a graphic image. Thus, if an operator fails to form a graphic image during the imaging process, the cost typically associated with imaging another image element is substantially less than imaging another base sheet. In addition, many basesheets now known in the art that impart structural integrity to articles with graphic images because the basesheet cannot accommodate a wide range of imaging techniques due to thickness, composition, or thermal sensitivity Then, direct imaging is difficult.

The present invention provides another advantage with respect to inventory management. Substrate elements can be stocked as most intermediate products of products that use the base sheet. Different imaging elements can be mounted and each optimized according to the imaging technology used, the durability required for the particular application of the article, and the cost factors acceptable for a given facility. Using the elements of the present invention, the desired graphic can be imaged using the imageable element and laminated to the substrate element. in this way,
Manufacturing cycle time can be better controlled and product inventory can be reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art graphic article before assembly, and FIG.
The embodiments are described in detail below as a basis for comparison with the unexpected advantages of the Applicants' articles of the invention in which they are set forth.

As shown in the prior art FIG. 1, the article includes a sheet material 20 that is a three-element composite structure consisting of a carrier tape 23, an application tape 22, and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film 21. The PVC film has indicia 4 printed on the exposed surface 33 of the PVC film in a reverse image. Film 21 may include a clear coat 32 a on surface 32. The transfer tape 40 is laminated on the sheet material 20. The tape 40 comprises a substrate 41 comprising a web of paper or plastic film dipped or coated with a suitable release agent (such as a silicone coating or carbamate coating) and a transfer adhesive on one side of the substrate 41. And a layer. The transfer tape 40 is a sheet material 2 (as indicated by arrow 50).
And the transfer adhesive layer 42 is adhered to the surface 33 of the PVC film. After the transfer tape 40 is bonded to the sheet material 20, the carrier tape 23 can be removed. In a subsequent step, the applied tape 22 can also be removed. If you want to apply the article to a substrate, such as the side of a trailer, remove the substrate 41 and transfer the transfer adhesive 42
Press against the side of the trailer. The substrate 41 is not an integral part of the structure.

FIG. 2 illustrates various elements of the article of the invention, including the substrate element 102 and the imageable element 108. The base element 102 includes a base sheet 104 and an adhesive layer 106.
And The base sheet 104 has a working surface 104a and a back surface 104b.
The adhesive layer 106 has a first surface 106a and a second surface 106b, the second surface being disposed on the working surface of the base sheet. In practice, the substrate element can be stored in roll form protected by any liner (not shown) located on the first side 106a of the adhesive layer 106.

The imageable element 108 has a first surface 122 a and a second surface 122 b and has a light transmissive imageable film 122 and an imageable film disposed on a second surface of the film. And an image layer 120 to be formed. As shown, the image layer 120 can be discontinuous and can be applied in reverse image to the imageable film 122.
In practice, it is usually desirable to have an additional layer (not shown) disposed on surface 122b to facilitate the deposition of inks, toners, dyes, and combinations thereof. If this additional layer is used, it is applied to the imageable film before application of the image layer.

The monolithic article with the graphic image is a first side 106 a of the adhesive layer 106.
Is formed by attaching the imageable element 108 to the base element 102 such that the image layer 120 is visible as a face-up image when viewed by the observer with the naked eye. The articles of the present invention are intended to be viewed from one side. When the image layer 120 is discontinuous, a part of the second surface 122b of the film 122 is also located near the first surface 106a of the adhesive layer 106. As used herein, "near" means "close" or "close" so that if there is another layer between the image layer and the adhesive layer, it will Within the scope of the invention. For example, the image layer can be coated with a primer to increase the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer. As used herein, "light transmissive" means that at least a portion of incident light whose wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum is in the range of about 400-700 nm (i.e., the visible spectrum) is transmitted through a particular layer or medium. means.

The base element includes a base sheet and an adhesive layer. Unlike the prior art, Applicants' base sheet may be a light-transmitting or non-light-transmitting polymer film, a retroreflective sheeting, or a combination thereof. The base sheet provides the structural integrity of the entire article of the present invention. Therefore, it must not be too thin or too flexible. Base sheet thickness is at least 0.00
5 inches (0.13 millimeters (mm)), preferably about 0.010
A thickness of 0.030 inches (0.25 to 0.76 mm), but thicker base sheets can be used.

Usually, the retroreflective base sheet is multilayered in the structure. Retroreflection is a mechanism by which light incident on an article is reflected in the direction in which it came. There are essentially two types of retroreflective sheets, microsphere sheets (commonly referred to as "beaded sheets") and cube corner sheets. The retroreflective sheet has a working surface defined as a surface through which incident light enters and is reflected. All retroreflective sheets used in the present invention are supplied with full retroreflection, which does not require further processing of these sheets, e.g. without incident light without the need to attach another element to the sheets. Can be reflected. Any known or undeveloped retroreflective sheeting is useful in the practice of the present invention.

[0020] Beaded sheets use a number of independent glass or ceramic beads (ie, microspheres) to retro-reflect incident light, which are usually at least partially embedded in a binder layer, It is integral with reflective or diffuse reflective materials (eg, pigment particles, metal flakes, or metal vapor coatings). Beads act as optical elements. A representative example of a beaded sheet is U.S. Pat.
No. 0,525 (Bailey). Representative fully retroreflective beaded sheets commercially available from 3M and useful in the practice of the present invention include 3M ^™ Sc
otchlite ^TM High Intensity Grade Refle
active Sheeting Series 2870, 3870, 5870
, And 6870; 3M ^™ Scotchlite ^™ Engineer Gr
ade Reflective Sheeting Series 2200,
3200, 5200, and 3290-I; 3M ^™ Scotchlite ^™
High Intensity Flexible Work Zone Sh
eating Series 3810.

The cube corner retroreflective sheet uses cube corner elements arranged for retroreflection of incident light. A basic cube-corner retroreflective element is generally a tetrahedral structure having a bottom triangle (commonly referred to as the "bottom") and three mutually substantially perpendicular optical surfaces that collectively retroreflect incident light. It is.
These optical surfaces meet at a vertex. The bottom triangle is opposite this vertex. When used, light incident on the bottom surface is transmitted to the cube corner element, reflected from each of the three optical surfaces, and redirected toward the light source. Representative examples of cube corner sheets are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,588,258 (Hoopman) and
, 450, 235 (Smith et al.). Representative fully retroreflective cube-corner sheets commercially available from 3M and useful in the practice of the present invention include 3M ^™ Scotchlite ^™ Diamond Grade ^™ LDP.
Reflective Sheeting Series 3970, 297
0; 3M ^™ Scotchlite ^™ Diamond Grade ^™ Flu
oresent LDP Reflective Sheeting Ser
ies 3960; 3M ^™ Scotchlite ^™ Diamond Gra
de ^TM VIP Reflective Sheeting Series 3
990, 2990; 3M ^™ Scotchlite ^™ Diamond Gra
de ^TM Fluorescent Roll Up Sign Sheetin
g Series RS24.

[0022] The base sheet may be a polymer film. Preferably polymer based
The sheet is flexible and strong enough to impart structural integrity to the article of the invention.
Have a degree. Representative polymer materials suitable for the base sheet of the present invention include:
Nylon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC); α-olefins,
For example, polyethylene, polypropylene, and their mixtures and copolymers
Ethylene modified copolymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA),
Len-acrylic acid, ethylene-methacrylic acid, ethylene-methyl acrylate,
And blends and mixed polymers of these materials, such as ethylene-methyl
Acrylate-acrylic acid terpolymer; polyurethane;
Remers such as ethylene propylene diene monomer terpolymer, rubber modified poly
Olefins (eg, ethylene-propylene rubber, olefins, etc.), and
Styrene-butadiene rubber and the like. The base sheet can be a polymer or
Can be reinforced with fibers or films selected from the group consisting of glass fibers
You. A representative polymer-based sheet commercially available from 3M that is suitable for the practice of the present invention.
3M^TM Panaflex^TM Enhanced Image S
Ign Facing Series 600 EI, 645 EI; and 3M ^TM Panaflex^TM Flexible Substrate 930, 9
45 GPS. Most of these commercial polymer base sheets are
Due to its thickness, electrostatic properties or lack thereof, and heat sensitivity, known techniques (eg,
For example, electrostatic printing, offset printing, inkjet printing, pad printing, and
It is not very suitable for direct imaging using (graphic printing).
Representative useful electrostatic imaging or printing techniques are described in US Pat. No. 5,262,259 (
Chou et al.).

The second element of the substrate element is an adhesive layer disposed on the active surface of the base sheet.
Useful and suitable adhesives useful in the practice of the present invention include pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and hot melt adhesives. PSAs are typically solvent-based or water-based materials, which are cast onto a substrate, such as a liner, and subsequently dried and cured, usually in a series of ovens. Exemplary casting methods include, but are not limited to, notch bar coating and knife coating. The cast PSA can be laminated to the active surface of the base sheet to make a base element. One of the advantages of this casting and laminating method is that those skilled in the art can select a liner that can directly wind the substrate element. Alternatively, the PSA can be cast directly onto the active surface of the basesheet and then dried and cured. This method is useful if the base sheet can withstand the temperatures required for drying and curing the cast PSA.

In general, components containing a solventless polymer and additives such as a tackifying resin and a plasticizer are used in the hot melt adhesive. The components of the hot melt adhesive are processed to flow or creep under stress. Usually, hot melt adhesives are processed by extrusion. U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,491 (Rouyer et al.) Discloses a method of packaging an adhesive composition, particularly a thermoplastic or thermoset hot melt adhesive, useful in the practice of Applicants' invention. I have. Royer supplies adhesive components in the form of pillows. The packaging material becomes an integral part of the adhesive. R
Oyer lists useful thermoplastics, thermosets, and various tackifying resins and plasticizers. When Royer's hot melt adhesive is used in Applicants' invention, the hot melt can be extruded and cured directly onto the active surface of the base sheet. Alternatively, the hot melt adhesive can be extruded onto a liner, cured, and then laminated to the working surface of the base sheet. Depending on the chemical composition of the hot melt adhesive, the hot melt adhesive can be cured by ultraviolet light or electron beam. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,033 and 5,550,175, both issued to Bredahl et al., Describe a non-thermosetting pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) useful in the practice of the present invention. Yet another solventless hot melt processing method is disclosed.

The adhesive may be light transmissive or opaque. The adhesive must have sufficient thickness to provide sufficient adhesion between the base sheet and the imageable element. However, using an excessively thick adhesive layer increases costs.

If the base sheet is a retroreflective sheet and the user desires the benefits of retroreflection, some of the incident light will pass through the adhesive layer and reach optical elements such as beads or cube corner elements of the base sheet. To be able, the adhesive layer should be light transmissive. When used with a retroreflective base sheet, the refractive index of the adhesive should be equivalent to the refractive index of the elements used in the retroreflective base sheet. For example,
Many retroreflective sheets have a polymer top film with a refractive index of about 1.5 (the outermost layer on the active surface of the sheet). In such a case, in addition to being light transmissive, the adhesive should have a refractive index near 1.5.

When the article of the present invention is used for a backlight sign, the adhesive layer is preferably light transmissive, but may be translucent so that some light is transmitted. Generally, a backlight sign is a sign that has a light source behind the article containing the graphic image and the entire assembly is conventionally mounted on a structure such as a box. If the article of the present invention is used as a decorative or advertising graphic on one side of a vehicle, wall, window, billboard, the base sheet is not a retroreflective sheet, and the structure is not used in a backlight sign, The opacity of the adhesive layer is not important. In this latter case, the adhesive can be colored for color contrast or to improve the color scheme of the entire article. Preferably, the adhesive is light transmissive.

The same type of adhesive used in the adhesive layer 106 of FIG. 2 is used for the second adhesive layer on the second surface 104 b for attaching the article of the present invention directly to a substrate. be able to. The second adhesive layer need not be light transmissive, but may be
And good adhesion to the surface to which the article of the invention is ultimately attached. One skilled in the art should take care in choosing the second adhesive layer in view of these needs.

The imageable element includes a light transmissible imageable film having first and second surfaces, and an image layer disposed on the second surface of the imageable film. . Imageable films can also be colored provided that at least a portion of the incident light in the visible spectrum (between about 400 and 700 nm) can pass through the film. Usually, the imageable film is a polymer film. Representative examples of images that can be imaged include polyester, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), which can accept images. Glycol-modified polyester (PETG), cellulose butyrate, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (EFTE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), ethylene vinyl acetate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyketone, transparent thermoplastic rubber and elastomer, and acid-modified polyolefin and ionomer Is mentioned. Some of the commercially available films useful in the practice of this invention include Kodak Co. (
Rochester, NY, USA) Spectar, a PETG film
(Registered trademark); Du Pont Co. (Willimington, DE, U
Tefzel ^™ , an EFTE film from SA); and DuPont Co
. Surlyn (registered trademark), which is an acid-modified polyolefin.

It is generally desirable to apply a layer on the second side of the imageable film to promote the attachment of ink, toner, and / or dye to the film. In order to sufficiently adhere the image layer, one skilled in the art should take care in selecting and making an imageable film. Preferably, this adhesion promoting layer is also light transmissive.

[0031] The imageable film should have sufficient thickness and sufficient flexibility to allow processing in the equipment applying the image layer. The thickness of the imageable film should be about 0.001 to 0.010 inches (about 0.025 to 0.25 mm). However, films of any thickness can be used as long as they can be handled and processed by the imaging device. The film must also be able to accept the inks, pigments, binders, and / or toners used to make the image layers. The imageable film may be supplied in roll form or may be supplied in sheets of conventional dimensions. Such a versatile format facilitates adaptation to various available imaging devices.

If desired, a light transmissive protective coating can be applied to the first surface 122a of the imageable film of FIG. If necessary, this coating improves the durability of the imageable film and image layer. The protective coating may be an extruded polymer film or a solution cast film. After the protective coating is made on the liner, it can be laminated to the second side of the imageable film, such as by lamination. Alternatively, the protective coating can be applied directly to the second side of the imageable film by casting from a solution or emulsion or mounting with an adhesive. Representative protective coatings suitable for the practice of Applicants' invention include, but are not limited to, aliphatic polyurethanes and acrylics (either solvent-based or water-based), Tefzel.
And fluoropolymer coatings such as Tedlar® and silicone alkyd coatings. A preferred solvent-based acrylic resin solution is Rohm & Haas Co. (Philadelphia, P
A, USA) Acryloid® A11.

The image layer is arranged as a reversal image on one side of the imageable film. The image layer may be continuous or discontinuous. The image layer may cover the entire second surface 122b of the imageable film or may cover a portion thereof. Multiple image layers can be applied to the imageable film using several different means. Representative means that are useful for applying the image layer include imaging and solution coating. Imaging methods include, for example, electrostatic printing, electrostatic transfer, offset printing, inkjet printing, and pad printing. Solution coating methods include, for example, gravure printing, screen printing, notch bar coating, and combinations thereof.

Digital imaging techniques are preferred because computer generated graphics are used extensively. An advantage of using imaging techniques in the present invention is that complex and specialized graphic images can be easily produced by using an imageable film and supplying it to a color printer or the like connected to a computer. The imageable film is advantageously supplied in cut size,
It can be supplied to a commercially available color printer. Given the variety of imaging technologies available, those skilled in the art will recognize the need for film thickness, flexibility, inks, pigments, binders, and / or toners used in printing or imaging systems, as well as film requirements. Care should be taken in selecting an imageable film suitable for the imaging technique, taking into account factors such as thermal sensitivity. One skilled in the art can also make an imageable film suitable for the desired imaging technique.

The method of making an article containing a graphic image comprises: (a) (i) a base sheet that is an integral part of the article, has a working surface and a thickness of at least 0.10 mm;
i) providing a base element comprising an adhesive layer having first and second surfaces and having a second surface disposed on a working surface of the base sheet; and (b) first and second. Providing an imageable element comprising a light transmissive imageable film having a surface of (c); and (c) applying the image layer as a reversal image on a second surface of the imageable film. (D) laminating the substrate element to the imageable element or consisting essentially thereof, whereby the image layer is disposed near the first surface of the adhesive layer.

The laminating step can be performed by any means of combining the substrate element and the imageable element together. A typical lamination technique uses two rolls that are close enough together to form a nip. One of the rolls is brought into contact with the imageable element such that the imageable film is adjacent to the roll surface and the image layer is exposed. The second roll and the substrate element are contacted such that the adhesive layer is exposed when the base sheet enters the nip adjacent to the surface of the second roll. Using pressure and heat, if necessary, the two elements between the nip formed between the rolls to minimize wrinkles, air bubbles, and similar defects that impair the overall appearance of the article Laminate each other.

One of the main advantages of the present invention is that the components can be stored separately or as a kit. At any point where an individual image is required, the imageable element is imaged and combined with the substrate element, such as by the lamination steps described above, to produce an article containing a graphic image. Kits for making articles containing graphic images are available at (
a) (i) a base sheet that is an integral part of the article, has an active surface and has a thickness of at least 0.10 mm; and (ii) has a second surface on the active surface of the base sheet having first and second surfaces. A substrate element comprising an adhesive layer having a surface disposed thereon; and (b) an imageable element comprising a light transmissive imageable film having first and second surfaces. The substrate element can be made so that it can be wound up itself. in this case,
The back surface of the base sheet shown at 104b in FIG. 2 can have a release agent to prevent the adhesive layer 106 from adhering to the back surface. However, the release agent should not adversely affect the adhesion between the adhesive layer and the image layer. In a preferred embodiment, an additional liner (not shown in FIG. 2) is placed on the first side 106a of the adhesive layer to protect the adhesive layer and allow winding of the substrate element It becomes.

If an article containing a graphic image is desired, an image layer is applied as a reverse image to the second surface of the imageable film. An article comprising a graphic image is made by laminating the imaged imageable element and the substrate element such that the image layer is located near the first surface of the adhesive layer. Thereby, the image layer is incorporated into the structure of the article of the present invention.

[0039] The following examples are provided to illustrate the embodiments and details of the present invention.
The examples are used for such purposes, but the individual components and amounts used and other conditions and details are not constructed in a manner that would unduly limit the scope of the invention. .

Example 1 A base element was prepared as follows. 3M ^™ Scotch ^™ Lamin
An acrylic adhesive commercially available from 3M, known as atting Adhesive 467 MP, was obtained with first and second liners on each side of the adhesive layer. This adhesive layer was about 0.002 inches (about 0.05 mm). 3
M ^™ Panaflex ^™ Enhanced Image 645 EIS
Known as "ign Facing", about 0.015 inch thick
A base sheet commercially available from 3M having a working surface was obtained. Second of adhesive layer
The second liner of adhesive was exposed by peeling off the liner. This surface was laminated to the working surface of the Panaflex ^™ basesheet using a conventional nip roll apparatus to make a substrate element. Substantially, this device places the first rollers sufficiently close to each other on top of the second roller, so that a nip is formed between the two rollers.
Pressure was applied to the second roll by the first roll. During lamination, a second liner of adhesive is brought into contact with the roll surface. The substrate element is a multilayer form of a Panaflex ^™ base sheet, an adhesive layer, and a first liner.

The imageable element was produced as follows. 3M ^™ Clear Imaging Media 850 CP, an imageable film commercially available from 3M
A polyester film having a thickness of about 0.004 inches (about 0.10 mm) was obtained. This film had first and second surfaces.
Hewlett-Packard thermal inkjet printer model Deskj
A four color graphic image layer was printed on the second surface of the imageable film using et 1200C. The image layer was printed with the reverse image and covered only a portion of the imageable film.

A monolithic article containing a graphic image was made by laminating a substrate element to an imageable element as follows. The first liner on the substrate element was peeled off to expose a first surface of the adhesive. This surface was laminated to the imageable element such that the image layer was located near the first surface of the adhesive layer. Also, a portion of the second surface of the imageable film (the portion not covered by the image layer) was in contact with the first surface of the adhesive. The combined article contained an image layer that was face up when viewed from the front or imaging side of the article of the present invention.

The entire contents of all documents cited in this specification are cited herein.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art graphic article before being assembled.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cross-sectional view of various elements of the article of the present invention before being assembled.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G09F 7/18 G09F 7/18 F 13/16 13/16 F (72) Inventor: Earling, Ellen Oh. United States, Minnesota 55133-3427, St. Paul, P. Oh. Box 33427 F term (reference) 2H113 AA01 AA03 AA06 BA03 BA05 BA09 BB08 CA15 DA43 DA47 DA49 DA50 DA54 DA57 DA58 DA59 DA63 EA07 5C096 AA11 AA25 BA03 BB34 BC15 CA02 CA14 CA28 CE03 CE12 EB18 FA05 FA08

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. An article carrying a graphic image, the article comprising: (a) (i) an integral part of the article, having an active surface and having a thickness of at least 0
. A base element comprising: a base sheet that is 10 mm; and (ii) an adhesive layer having first and second surfaces, wherein the second surface is disposed on the working surface of the base sheet. (B) (i) a light transmissible imageable film having first and second surfaces, and (ii) disposed in an inverted image on the second surface of the imageable film. An imageable element comprising: an imageable element, wherein the imageable element is disposed on the base element such that the image layer is located near the first surface of the adhesive layer. Goods with graphic images. 2. The article of claim 1, wherein said imageable element further comprises a light transmissive protective coating disposed on said first surface of said imageable film. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the imageable film is an image-accepting polyester, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyamide, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polypropylene, glycol-modified polyester, cellulose butyrate, The article of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyketone, and polymethyl methacrylate. 4. The article of claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer is selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensitive adhesive and a hot melt adhesive. 5. The article of claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer is light transmissive. 6. The article of claim 1, further comprising a second adhesive layer disposed opposite the working surface of the base sheet. 7. The article of claim 1 applied to a surface selected from the group consisting of architectural glass, structural surfaces, and combinations thereof. 8. The article of claim 1, wherein said base sheet is selected from the group consisting of a retroreflective sheet and a polymer film. 9. The article of claim 8, wherein said retroreflective sheet is selected from the group consisting of a microsphere sheet and a cube corner sheet. 10. The method according to claim 10, wherein the polymer film is nylon, polycarbonate,
From the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene-acrylic acid, ethylene-methacrylic acid, ethylene-methyl acrylate, ethylene propylene diene monomer terpolymer, ethylene-propylene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber An article according to claim 8, which is selected. 11. A kit for producing an article bearing graphic images, the kit comprising: (a) (i) an integral part of the article, having an active surface and having a thickness of at least 0.
. (B) a base element comprising: a base sheet having a length of 10 mm; and (ii) an adhesive layer having first and second surfaces and having the second surface disposed on the working surface of the base sheet. C.) An imageable element comprising a light transmissive imageable film having first and second surfaces. 12. The kit of claim 11, further comprising an image layer disposed on said second surface of said imageable film. 13. The imageable element further comprises a light transmissive protective coating disposed on the first surface of the imageable film.
The kit of 1. 14. The imageable film of claim 14, wherein said imageable film is an image-acceptable polyester, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyamide,
The polyethylene according to claim 11, which is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polypropylene, glycol-modified polyester, cellulose butyrate, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyketone, and polymethyl methacrylate. kit. 15. The kit of claim 11, wherein said adhesive layer is selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensitive adhesive and a hot melt adhesive. 16. The kit of claim 11, wherein said adhesive layer is light transmissive. 17. The kit according to claim 11, further comprising a second adhesive layer disposed opposite the working surface of the base sheet. 18. The kit of claim 11, further comprising a liner disposed on said first side of said adhesive layer. 19. The kit of claim 11, wherein said base sheet is selected from the group consisting of a retroreflective sheet and a polymer film. 20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the retroreflective sheet is selected from the group consisting of a microsphere sheet and a cube corner sheet. 21. The method according to claim 21, wherein the polymer film is nylon, polycarbonate,
From the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene-acrylic acid, ethylene-methacrylic acid, ethylene-methyl acrylate, ethylene propylene diene monomer terpolymer, ethylene-propylene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber 20. The kit of claim 19, which is selected. 22. A method of making an article bearing a graphic image, the method comprising: (a) (i) an integral part of the article, having an active surface and having a thickness of at least 0.
. A base element is provided that includes a base sheet that is 10 mm, and (ii) an adhesive layer having first and second surfaces and the second surface disposed on the working surface of the base sheet. (B) providing an imageable element comprising a light transmissive and imageable film having first and second surfaces; and (c) providing an imageable element of the imageable film. Means for applying an image layer as a reverse image on a second surface; and (d) laminating said substrate element to said imageable element, whereby said first of said adhesive layer is A method in which the image layer is arranged near the surface of the image layer. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said means for applying said image layer is selected from the group consisting of an imaging means and a solution coating means. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein said imaging means is selected from the group consisting of electrostatic printing, electrostatic transfer, offset printing, and ink jet printing. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein said solution coating means is selected from the group consisting of gravure printing, screen printing, notch bar coating, and combinations thereof.