WO2022106800A1 - Système de revêtement antimicrobien - Google Patents

Système de revêtement antimicrobien Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022106800A1
WO2022106800A1 PCT/GB2020/052959 GB2020052959W WO2022106800A1 WO 2022106800 A1 WO2022106800 A1 WO 2022106800A1 GB 2020052959 W GB2020052959 W GB 2020052959W WO 2022106800 A1 WO2022106800 A1 WO 2022106800A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
antimicrobial
card
coating
holder
polymeric substrate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2020/052959
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stephen Black
Original Assignee
Formology Holdings Limited
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 Formology Holdings Limited filed Critical Formology Holdings Limited
Priority to PCT/GB2020/052959 priority Critical patent/WO2022106800A1/fr
Publication of WO2022106800A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022106800A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J13/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
    • B41J13/10—Sheet holders, retainers, movable guides, or stationary guides
    • B41J13/12—Sheet holders, retainers, movable guides, or stationary guides specially adapted for small cards, envelopes, or the like, e.g. credit cards, cut visiting cards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
    • A01N25/34—Shaped forms, e.g. sheets, not provided for in any other sub-group of this main group
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C11/18—Ticket-holders or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an antimicrobial coating system for cards and card holders, and an antimicrobial holder for a card, and to a method of providing antimicrobial protection for a card.
  • the present invention relates to the application of antimicrobial agents to polymeric substrates, and in particular, the application of antimicrobial agents to polymeric substrates using sublimation thermal transfer printing.
  • Antimicrobial plastic cards are conventionally protected by using a film laminate that has been treated with an antimicrobial agent. This film laminate is applied to the card, front and reverse. The edges of the card remain exposed and uncovered.
  • the conventional method of applying antimicrobial film laminate to the front and reverse of the card allows for the edges of the film laminate to deteriorate and become scuffed over time by wear and tear, allowing the possibility of the film to curl at the edges and peel away. This renders the card below the surface of the film to be exposed to exterior dirt, grime and bacteria that could grow on the unprotected surface where the film has peeled.
  • plastic cards are manufactured by forming one or more layers. These inner layers are not currently treated with an antimicrobial agent.
  • plastic cards are processed with embedded smart chips, signature strips and magnetic strips etc.
  • these elements cannot be permanently covered by film laminate, either plain or antimicrobial, as this will affect their functionality.
  • the signature strip for example, it cannot always be guaranteed that the user has used antimicrobial ink in order to sign his or her name.
  • the opening slot used to slide the card in or out is such that the card is prone to slipping out, due to wear and tear, frequency of use and regular removal of the card. This weakens the rigidity of the plastic with the consequence that cards can be lost, and new ones need to be issued. Re-issuance costs are extremely high especially in the case of high security areas, such as ports and airports. Notification of loss to the appropriate authorities adds to the time and expense of reissuance.
  • cards which can be overprinted with user details, especially in the context of payment cards, identification cards and security cards. This may be achieved by a thermal transfer process.
  • overprinting on an antimicrobial coating may chemically deactivate it, or a layer of pigment may be formed above the coating layer, rendering it ineffective.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a means of providing antimicrobial protection for a card which obviates the above-referenced problems.
  • an antimicrobial holder for identification comprising: an identification receiver which is at least in part transparent and which is dimensioned to receive a card therein, the identification receiver being closeable to enclose the identification, wherein the identification receiver is formed from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto.
  • a holder for the card which is impregnated with antimicrobial agent ensures that an antimicrobial effect can be achieved on all of the surfaces of the card without needing to apply a coating directly to the card itself. This ensures that all parts of the card are sanitised, including working components such as contact elements.
  • the impregnation of the antimicrobial agent directly into the substrate ensures that there is no risk of the antimicrobial agent being worn or peeled off, as is the case for film coatings applied to the card.
  • a method of providing antimicrobial protection for a card comprising the steps of: a] providing an antimicrobial holder in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and b] inserting the card into the identification receiver of the antimicrobial holder such that the card fully contacts the antimicrobial agent of the polymeric substrate.
  • an antimicrobial holder for a card comprising the step of forming an identification receiver from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto, the identification receiver being dimensioned to receive identification therein, and the identification receiver being closable to enclose the identification.
  • the identification receiver may be formed via extrusion.
  • a method of manufacturing an antimicrobial holder for a card comprising the steps of forming a rigid plastics holder from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto, and forming a transparent overlay from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein and which is receivable on the front of the rigid plastics holder.
  • an antimicrobial identification badge or identification holder formed from a biodegradable polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto.
  • a coating system for applying an antimicrobial coating to a polymeric substrate, the system comprising: a coating module having a feed path, the feed path including an inlet, an outlet, and an application zone between the inlet and the outlet, and an antimicrobial applicator locatable in the application zone of the feed path; a card or card holder module for providing a card or card holder to be coated; a conveyor for transferring the card module to the coating module; and a coating controller in communication with the coating module; wherein upon conveying the card or card holder from the card or card holder module to the coating module, the coating controller automatically activates the antimicrobial applicator to coat and dispense the card or card holder.
  • the coating module may comprise a reservoir for antimicrobial coating material.
  • the antimicrobial coating material may be antimicrobial lacquer.
  • the reservoir may comprise a cartridge, cassette, or plastic pouch of antimicrobial coating material.
  • the antimicrobial applicator may be configured to coat both sides of the card or card holder with the antimicrobial coating material.
  • the card or card holder module may comprise a card printer.
  • the coating system may be provided as a vending machine.
  • the coating module may be provided as a portable device.
  • the antimicrobial coating applicator may be any one of: an antimicrobial coating application ribbon; a coating roller; an inkjet applicator; a spray printing applicator; and a complete flood printing applicator.
  • Figure 1 shows a plan view of first and second embodiments of antimicrobial card holders in accordance with the first aspect of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a plan view of third embodiments of antimicrobial card holders in accordance with the first aspect of the invention
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective representation of further embodiments of antimicrobial card holders in accordance with the first aspect of the invention
  • Figure 4 shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of a coating system
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic cross section of the embodiment of a coating system shown in Figure 4.
  • Figure 6a shows a perspective view of an antimicrobial coating application ribbon
  • Figure 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the antimicrobial coating application ribbon shown in Figure 6a.
  • Figure 7 shows a flow-chart for one implementation of the method of applying an antimicrobial coating
  • Figure 8 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a polymeric substrate with an antimicrobial coating
  • Figure 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a coating system in accordance with the sixth aspect of the invention.
  • the present invention is directed to a method of converting existing cards whether comprised of plastic, paper or other similar substrate i.e. bank cards, loyalty cards, wearable security pass cards, lanyard cards, photo cards, visitor cards, membership cards and similar from being unprotected to being fully protected from bacteria and other pathogens, mould and fungi.
  • existing cards whether comprised of plastic, paper or other similar substrate i.e. bank cards, loyalty cards, wearable security pass cards, lanyard cards, photo cards, visitor cards, membership cards and similar from being unprotected to being fully protected from bacteria and other pathogens, mould and fungi.
  • the method allows for immediate protection of all surfaces and edges of the card via an antimicrobial agent impregnated within a transparent sleeve for those cards that are untreated and have longevity left before being possibly replaced by an antimicrobial card.
  • a card By inserting untreated cards into the antimicrobial transparent sleeve, the card becomes fully protected from exterior bacteria and pollutants.
  • the surfaces of a card preferably a plastic card such as bank cards, loyalty cards, wearable security pass cards, lanyard cards, photo cards, visitor cards, membership cards and similar, include both back and front side, as well as all perimeter edges.
  • Plastic cards are manufactured by forming one or more layers. These inner layers are not currently treated with an antimicrobial agent.
  • an antimicrobial holder or sleeve 10; 10 that covers every single surface of the card. This is advantageous, as the sleeve 10; 10’ protects any card edges from ever becoming damaged or even exposed to exterior elements.
  • a closure mechanism such as a zip-lock, flap, popper, or re-sealable seam could be incorporated into the design of the sleeve 10; 10’ to completely encapsulate the card within the sleeve 10; 10’, without any open edge whatsoever.
  • the integral antimicrobial protection will assist in neutralising and rendering harmless any bacteria or pathogens that have meanwhile accumulated on the surfaces of the exposed card and such bacteria will over time cease to exist.
  • the antimicrobial agent used is based on silver ion technology or similar.
  • One or more antimicrobial layers may be provided, comprising a plurality of antimicrobial agents.
  • the or each antimicrobial layer may contain a single blended mixture of a plurality of antimicrobial agents. Alternatively, if it is desirable to provide distinct areas of different antimicrobial agents on or in a polymeric substrate of the antimicrobial sleeve.
  • Antimicrobial impregnated polymers may also be included in the antimicrobial sleeve itself.
  • Active antimicrobial agents such as silver, gold, copper, arsenic, mercury (and amalgams thereof), 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'- hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), and polyaryl- or polyalkyl- ammonium or phosphonium halides (especially cetrimonium bromide) may be incorporated into various polymers.
  • polymers formed from (meth)acrylic acid monomers may be particularly appropriate, as such polymers are known to retain silver among other heavy metal antimicrobial agents.
  • any such antimicrobial impregnated polymers may be advantageous, due to the provision of sustained release of more potent antimicrobial agents than otherwise could be provided.
  • antimicrobial agents may be selected from the group consisting of: 2-phenylphenol, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'- hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole, cyanoacrylates (especially ethyl-2- cyano-3 ,3 '-diphenyl acrylate), isothiazolinone and derivatives thereof (especially 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3- one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-octyl-4-isothiazlin-3-one, 4,5-dichloro- n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and N-butyl-l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one), halogenated phenols (especially 2,4,6- tribromophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, pentachloropeno
  • nitrophenols especially fatty acids and derivatives thereof (especially octanoic acid, nonanoic acid), triazole fungicides (especially propiconazole, cyproconazole), N-dichlorofhioromethyhhio-N',N'-dimethyl-N-para-tolylsulfamide (tolylfluanid), N- (trihalomethyl-thio)phthalimides (especially N-(trichloromethyl-thio)phthalimide, (benzyloxy)methanol, 2- isopropyl-5-methylphenol, phenylpropanoids (especially 2-methoxy-4-(prop-2-en-l-yl)phenol), organic salicylates (especially phenyl salicylate), and rotenoids (especially rotenone).
  • triazole fungicides especially propiconazole, cyproconazole
  • the antimicrobial agent in this instance could be incorporated directly into the substrate of the antimicrobial holder at the point of manufacture, for example by extrusion.
  • suitable polymeric substrates include polyvinylcholoride or polycarbonate, for instance, and therefore the sleeve could be flexible or rigid.
  • antimicrobial master batch powder could be to incorporate the antimicrobial master batch powder into an anti-glare finish or other finish, such as anti-UV within the transparent material or preferably the antimicrobial powder could simply be incorporated into the substrate at an earlier stage of manufacture.
  • the antimicrobial transparent sleeve 10; 10’ is not restricted to holding a single card, but could be used for containing more than one card. This could be a plurality of cards stacked together, or could be a sleeve having multiple individual card holders in series.
  • the sleeve can be designed in such a way that allows it to be opened on a hinge or seam, in a similar fashion to a book or wallet or card holder, and thereby allowing two or more cards to be contained therein and protected from external conditions and/or infection.
  • Another design could be such that the dimensions of the sleeve 10; 10’ be suitable for protection of any cards, whether of paper or plastic or card that already reside within a wallet, or existing card holder.
  • Wallets, purses, handbags and garment pockets are already proven to harbour bacteria and the use of the sleeve 10; 10’ would provide excellent protection for the card, as well as keeping it clean from dust, grime dirt and other contaminates that could affect the functionality and aesthetics of the card.
  • the sleeve 10; 10’ could be single, or multi-punched in any position to allow attachment of a lanyard or clip or similar attachments.
  • the material used for the substrate is intended to be robust enough for longevity and high usage. It is not intended to be single use or disposable. This long-life and re-usable quality is of environmental benefit. However, it may also be advantageous that the material used for the substrate be biodegradable, compostable, or otherwise recyclable.
  • Biodegradable polymers, in particular biodegradable plastics materials are a special class of polymer capable of degrading, typically via a bacterial decomposition process.
  • the material would be an agro-polymer, derived from biomass, or a biopolyester, such as polylactic acid, either naturally or synthetically formed.
  • a biopolyester such as polylactic acid, either naturally or synthetically formed.
  • Other classes of biodegradable polymers could be considered, however, such as polyanhydrides, polyurethanes, and poly(ester amide)s.
  • the material used for the substrate can be of a thickness that allows for the transmission of radio frequency signals, such as RFID, and other circuitry contained within the plastic card to remain effective without the need for removing the card from the sleeve.
  • radio frequency signals such as RFID
  • Examples of such cards include contactless bank cards, smart cards, hotel key cards, travel cars, and similar. Other possible arrangements will be apparent to the skilled person.
  • Suggested uses for the antimicrobial card sleeve include the protection of transport cards, passenger cards, door access cards and any other plastic cards, wearable security pass cards, medical cards, bank & smart cards, and membership cards, event tickets, business cards made of paper or card or any substrate that has not previously been treated with any sort of antimicrobial protection.
  • antimicrobial card sleeves 10; 10 such as hospitals, clinics and medical institutions. Clean room environments such as laboratories, food preparation, catering and hospitality areas would also benefit from the use of antimicrobial card sleeves.
  • the sleeves would also be useful in schools, and any other educational establishment where there is high risk of bacterial contamination.
  • Trade exhibitions and entertainment events where high volumes of people congregate would benefit from the use of antimicrobial card sleeves 10; 10’ and also Passenger Cruise Ships where cards are used exclusively for passenger identification, payment, and door access on board, where the risk of the spread of infectious disease, such as flu, norovirus and other gastro-intestinal bacteria and pathogens can all be minimised with the use of antimicrobial card sleeves.
  • an antimicrobial fascia film that is positioned inside the sleeve. This addition not only firmly secures the card in place, preventing it from slipping out, but also provides an antimicrobial barrier for the ID card within.
  • the antimicrobial fascia film may be integrally formed with the sleeve, and may be at least in part tacky or adhesive.
  • Insertion of a card or ID is simply a matter of sliding the card between the rigid plastic holder 110, such as those illustrated in Figure 2, and the transparent overlay on the front (or if double sided, the reverse).
  • Said overlay, or indeed any transparent sleeve film, having an antimicrobial coating could have a die cut area around certain areas of the film or overlay which, when temporarily removed, will expose, for example, a chip or magnetic strip, fingerprint, or other smart card technology recognition areas which require direct contact with a reading or scanning device.
  • the removable die cut section may include a releasable or resealable adhesive to allow it to be reattached thereby maintaining a full antimicrobial area or surface when replaced in the die cut area.
  • a flap or similar exposable portion could also be provided.
  • the rigid plastic holder 110 could also readily be formed from a polymeric substrate having at least one antimicrobial agent impregnated therein or applied thereto, and preferably also being formed from a biodegradable polymer material.
  • a double locking mechanism is therefore achieved, by the existing raised frame with overlapped plastic, and also the additional transparent antimicrobial “window” that now covers the open face.
  • Another option would be to make the card holders without any lanyard holes, in order to create a badge or ID sleeve that can be worn by means of a clip, or not worn at all.
  • a suitable badge which could be formed from a polymeric material impregnated with at least one antimicrobial agent, preferably being formed from a biodegradable polymer such as polylactic acid, is shown in Figure 3 at reference 210.
  • the badge 210 may have a rear rigid or semi-rigid portion 212 which is formed from the polymeric material impregnated with at least one antimicrobial agent, into which an at least in part transparent identification portion 214, formed from the same or a different polymeric material impregnated with at least one antimicrobial agent is provided.
  • This identification portion 214 could be formed with the identification information, or the identification information could be sandwiched into the badge 210.
  • This construction again creates a badge 210 in which all surfaces are antimicrobial, thereby minimising the risk of contamination.
  • the system 310 may be used to apply an antimicrobial coating 312 to a card in a commercial or industrial context, and the card may be a payment card, or security card, among other possibilities.
  • the coating system 310 may preferably comprise a sublimation thermal transfer printer 316 and an antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318, the sublimation thermal transfer printer 316 having a feed path 320, the feed path 320 including an inlet 322, an outlet 324 and a printing zone 326 therebetween.
  • the feed path 320 may be non-linear, as shown in Figure 5 of the drawings, but it may also be linear, tortuous, serpentine, or self-intersecting.
  • the sublimation thermal transfer printer may be contained entirely within a housing unit 325, and the feed path 320 may occupy the majority of the volume of the housing unit 325.
  • the sublimation thermal transfer printer 316 may be a conventional dye sublimation thermal transfer printer, with appropriate modifications as necessary, or a custom-prepared sublimation thermal transfer printer.
  • the sublimation thermal transfer printer 16 may preferably comprise, in the printing zone 326, a heat source 328, a pressure application element 330, and an actuator 332 for driving one or more rollers 334 and/or the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318.
  • the sublimation thermal transfer printer 316 may also preferably comprise a microcontroller 336, a userinterface output module 338 displaying printing indicia, and an input module 340 which allows a user to configure the sublimation thermal transfer printer 316 with respect to the technical specifications of printing operations, including, but not limited to, the durations of stages of the printing process, temperature and pressure applied to the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 and/or polymeric substrate 314, the position of the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318, and the composition and surface properties of the polymeric substrate 314.
  • the sublimation thermal transfer printer 316 may also be activatable via a remote signal over a wireless communications protocol.
  • the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 may advantageously be provided on one or more reels or spools 342, to allows fast replacement and compact storage of used antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318.
  • the reels or spools 342 of the antimicrobial coating ribbon may be mountable on one or more pins or other mounting elements located in the printing zone 326, and most preferably may be drivable by one or more reel-drive motors 344 via the rotation of the said pins or other similar mounting elements.
  • the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 preferably includes a backing layer 346, and one or more antimicrobial layers 348, comprising a plurality of antimicrobial agents. Possible compositions of the backing layer 346 and choices of antimicrobial agents are hereinafter provided.
  • the or each antimicrobial layer may contain a single blended mixture of a plurality of antimicrobial agents.
  • the or each antimicrobial layer 348 of the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 18 may be subdivided into a plurality of distinct sections with varying antimicrobial agent compositions.
  • the concentration of any given antimicrobial agent may be distributed in a gradient across the surface of the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318, by asymmetric distribution of the antimicrobial agent on the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318.
  • the inlet 322 preferably defines the entrance of the feed path 320, and the polymeric substrate 314 may be manually or automatically inserted therein.
  • a plurality of motor-driven rollers 34 may be provided within, at or without the inlet 322 and throughout the feed path 320, to allow automated transfer of the polymeric substrate 314 along the feed path, although other similar mechanical means for transferring the polymeric substrate 314 along the feed path 320 may be considered.
  • the inlet 322, as well as the outlet 324, may most preferably be formed as a slot on an exterior surface of the sublimation thermal transfer printer 316.
  • the polymeric substrate 314 may be manually or automatically inserted into the inlet 322.
  • a pre-treatment zone 350 in the feed path 320 wherein the polymeric substrate 314 may be heated to achieve surface activation.
  • the pre-treatment zone 350 may simply be defined as a section of the feed path 320 in which pre-treatment occurs, or it may be provided as a dedicated chamber in the sublimation thermal transfer printer 316, which the feed path 320 passes through, whereat the polymeric substrate 314 might be retained for pre-treatment.
  • Appropriate heating temperatures and times required to activate the surface of a given polymeric substrate 314 may be highly variable, depending on the composition of the polymeric substrate 314. Surface activation preferably may result in sufficiently high surface energy of the polymeric substrate 314 that vaporised antimicrobial agents, dyes and any other vaporisable additives may substantially penetrate the surface of the substrate during the sublimation thermal transfer printing process.
  • the heating temperature must be below the melting point of the polymeric substrate 314, and any relevant temperature threshold for chemical degradation, to avoid undesirable physical or chemical modification of the surface of the polymeric substrate 314.
  • the heating temperature may be between 60 and 275 degrees Celsius, and most preferably, the heating temperature may be between 175 and 250 degrees Celsius. Suitable heating temperatures and times may also vary with the type of heat source 352 used. Only one surface of the polymeric substrate 314 may be activated, or a plurality of the surfaces of the polymeric substrate 314 may be activated.
  • the polymeric substrate 314 may preferably be transferred along the feed path 320, by the rollers 334 to the printing zone 326. At the printing zone 326, an activated surface of the polymeric substrate 314 may be placed in contact with the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318.
  • a pressure may be imposed between a layer of the polymeric substrate 314, especially an activated layer of the polymeric substrate 314, if surface activation has occurred in pre-treatment, and the antimicrobial layer 348 of the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318, by one or more pressure application elements 330.
  • the pressure application elements 330 may be press elements in engagement with one of, or alternatively both of, the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 and polymeric substrate 314, although various other options may be evident to the person skilled in the art.
  • the applied pressure may preferably lie between 150 kPa and 600 kPa, and most preferably between 300 kPa and 400 kPa. The application of pressure reduces the temperature required to vaporise the or each antimicrobial agent, and thus allows a wider range of antimicrobial agents to be used at lower temperatures, which are less likely to cause physical or chemical degradation of the polymeric substrate 314.
  • Heat may then be applied to the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 using the heat source 328, to achieve thermal transfer of the or each antimicrobial agent, by the vaporisation of the or each antimicrobial agent and migration to the polymeric substrate 314.
  • the heat source 328 may preferably be a heated metallic printing element applicable to the antimicrobial coating ribbon
  • other heat sources may be considered by the person skilled in the art; for example, infrared flash heating, photonic sintering or laser heating may be used.
  • Other heading techniques may include hot air drying, UV or UV-LED heating. If laser heating is adopted, the backing layer or the antimicrobial layer may include one or more laser absorbing additives, such as pulverized titanium dioxide or carbon black.
  • the application of heat may be across the entire contacted surface, or alternatively, it may be topical, to achieve topical transfer of the or each antimicrobial agent.
  • one or more antimicrobial agents are distributed asymmetrically on the antimicrobial coating application ribbon, for instance so as to form a concentration gradient of the antimicrobial agents across the ribbon, on thermal transfer of the antimicrobial agents to the polymeric substrate, areas which experience the most friction and/or abrasion in normal use of the polymeric substrate may receive greater concentrations of antimicrobial agent, due to the asymmetric distribution of the antimicrobial agents on the antimicrobial coating application ribbon .
  • the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 may be heated to any temperature between 60 and 550 degrees Celsius, to achieve thermal transfer of the or each antimicrobial agent.
  • the heating temperature may be between 90 and 250 degrees Celsius, and most preferably between 180 and 230 degrees Celsius.
  • a lower heating temperature is advantageous, as it allows the coating system 310 and method to be applied to a variety of polymeric substrates 314, including those which might experience physical or chemical degradation, or at least surface deterioration, on heating to higher temperatures. Additionally, a lower heating temperature may reduce thermal expansion and contraction of a metallic heating element in use, increasing its lifetime. However, higher heating temperatures may be required to transfer specific antimicrobial agents with high vaporisation points, and may also beneficially reduce the time required for thermal transfer. The preferred heating time may vary between 1 millisecond to 0.1 seconds, depending on the composition of the antimicrobial agents, and the polymeric substrate 314.
  • thermal transfer of further antimicrobial agents, dyes, and other functional coating agents may occur.
  • Thermal transfer of said further agents may be achieved via different application ribbons 318; alternatively, such further agents may be located in the antimicrobial layer 348 of the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318, but at a different position to the first antimicrobial agents, so that subsequent to the application of the first antimicrobial agents, the antimicrobial coating ribbon may be removed from contact with the polymeric substrate 314, and appropriately repositioned by driving one or more of the reels, so that a new section of the antimicrobial coating ribbon 318 containing the different further agents may be placed in contact with the polymeric substrate 314, so that thermal transfer of the further agents may be achieved.
  • One or more antimicrobial agents may optionally be distributed asymmetrically on the antimicrobial coating application ribbon, so that on application of the coating to the polymeric substrate, areas which experience the most friction and/or abrasion in normal use of the polymeric substrate may contain greater concentrations of antimicrobial agent.
  • the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 may be interchangeable with a standard colour application ribbon.
  • the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 may be interchangeable with the key ribbon, to provide a CMY printer with antimicrobial coating application.
  • a four-colour sublimation thermal transfer printer 316 may be used as a RGB printer with antimicrobial coating application functionality.
  • a CYMK four colour printer may be provided with one or more antimicrobial coating application ribbons 318 in addition to standard colour application ribbons. It may be possible for the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 to be configured to print an antimicrobial coating with security features such as watermarks, holograms, and similar protective devices, either in addition to or instead of using coloured ink.
  • CMYO otherwise known as dye fusion thermal transfer
  • YMCKO otherwise known as dye fusion thermal transfer
  • YMCKOK otherwise known as dye fusion thermal transfer
  • the coated polymeric substrate 314’ may now be removed from the printing zone 326, and transferred along the feed path 320 to an optional post-treatment zone 354.
  • the polymeric substrate 314’ may be actively cooled, by one or more active cooling elements 356 located in the posttreatment zone 354, such as an air blower or refrigerated gas releaser, in order to improve the quality of application of the antimicrobial coating, by preventing unwanted chemical reactions between constituents of the antimicrobial composition, which may occur due to the high temperature of the newly applied coating.
  • active cooling elements 356 located in the posttreatment zone 354, such as an air blower or refrigerated gas releaser, in order to improve the quality of application of the antimicrobial coating, by preventing unwanted chemical reactions between constituents of the antimicrobial composition, which may occur due to the high temperature of the newly applied coating.
  • anomalous coating properties may occur at microirregularities on the substrate surface, for example, due to prolonged high-surface activity during cooling.
  • the cooled polymeric substrate 314’ may then be ejected from the feed path 320 via the outlet 324, for immediate use. The completion of this final step is considered the end of one sublimation thermal transfer printing cycle.
  • the polymeric substrate 314 is introduced to the feed path 320 via the inlet 322.
  • the substrate 314 is transferred to a pre-treatment zone 350 and heated to increase its surface energy.
  • the polymeric substrate 314 is then transferred to the printing zone 326, in a step SI 06.
  • the polymeric substrate 314 is placed in contact with an antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318, in a step S108.
  • the antimicrobial coating application ribbon 318 is heated to apply vaporisable antimicrobial agents to the polymeric substrate 314.
  • the polymeric substrate 314 is transferred to a post-treatment zone 354 and actively cooled.
  • the polymeric substrate 314’ is removed from the feed path 320 and ejected via the outlet 324.
  • a topcoat may be formed on the polymer substrate, in the first pre-treatment zone, the topcoat being formed from a polymer with suitable physical and chemical properties.
  • the topcoat may be surface-activated by heating, such that subsequently the antimicrobial coating is applied onto and/or into the topcoat of the polymeric substrate, in the printing zone.
  • the topcoat is surface-activatable by heating at a temperature below common melting points of plastics materials (for instance, at a temperature between 90 and 120 degrees Celsius), this method may be suitable for the application of an antimicrobial coating to a wide variety of plastic substrates.
  • the polymeric substrate in a pre-treatment step, may be surface activated by heating, in a pre-treatment zone. Subsequently, in the printing zone, dyes may be applied to the polymeric substrate by sublimation thermal transfer printing, in a first printing zone.
  • the polymeric substrate in a first, optional, post-treatment step, may be cooled, in a first post-treatment zone.
  • a polymeric topcoat may be applied to the polymeric substrate, in the first or a second posttreatment zone.
  • the polymeric topcoat may then be surface-activated by heating, in the first, second, or in a third post-treatment zone, or alternatively, in the pre-treatment zone.
  • an antimicrobial coating may be applied to the polymeric topcoat by sublimation thermal transfer printing.
  • the polymeric topcoat may be cooled in the first or a fourth post-treatment zone.
  • a polymeric topcoat with an antimicrobial coating may be applied over the polymeric substrate, so that the dye applied to the polymeric substrate is protected from friction and/or abrasion by the polymeric topcoat, and the polymeric substrate has an antimicrobial coating.
  • an antimicrobial coating may be applied directly to the polymeric substrate as well as to the polymeric topcoat, so that the polymeric substrate retains antimicrobial surface activity even if the polymeric topcoat is substantially degraded by friction and/or abrasion, leading to the exposure of the polymeric substrate.
  • the feed path may have non-linear directionality, especially if it is self-intersecting, with zones thereof having multiple functionalities, or the same functionality but applied multiple times in each sublimation thermal transfer printing cycle.
  • the feed path may follow the route: pre-treatment zone printing zone posttreatment zone pre-treatment zone printing zone post-treatment zone, with topcoat application and pre-treatment heating on the second visit of the polymeric substrate to the same pre-treatment zone, and printing onto the polymeric substrate and topcoat in the same printing zone.
  • Any zone on the feed path may advantageously adopt any compatible functionality of any other adjacent zone, while additionally or alternatively, any zone on the feed path with multiple functionalities may be replaced by a plurality of zones, each having one or more of the functionalities of the said zone; a zone which has one functionality, applied in multiple distinct stages of a sublimation thermal transfer printing cycle, may be considered to have a plurality of functionalities, one corresponding to each distinct application of the functionality over the sublimation thermal transfer printing cycle.
  • a plurality of printing zones may be daisy- chained, which advantageously negates the requirement to surface-activate the polymeric substrate prior to every printing step.
  • the composition used in the polymeric substrate 314 may be any thermosetting, thermoplastic or other polymer, preferably such that the surface of substrate is activatable at a temperature at or below 275 degrees Celsius and a pressure of below 600 kPa.
  • this results in the antimicrobial coating application method being suitable for the coating of polymeric substrates 14 formed from a wide variety of known commodity, speciality and fine plastics materials.
  • the composition may include one or more of the following polymers, or one or more polymers selected from the following groups of polymers: polyamides (especially nylon 66), polyacrylates, polypropylene, polyurethane.
  • antimicrobial polymers may also be considered, especially for surface coating (including topcoats) of the polymeric substrate.
  • the composition thus may include one or more of n- alkylated polyethyleneimines (especially quaternary ammonium polyethyleneimine), quaternary phosphonium modified epoxidized natural rubber, poly-(D)glucosamine, guanylated polymethacrylate, lactone-modified poly(N-vinylamine) (especially with y-butyrolactone), and ammonium ethyl methacrylate homopolymers.
  • n- alkylated polyethyleneimines especially quaternary ammonium polyethyleneimine
  • quaternary phosphonium modified epoxidized natural rubber poly-(D)glucosamine
  • guanylated polymethacrylate especially lactone-modified poly(N-vinylamine) (especially with y-butyrolactone)
  • ammonium ethyl methacrylate homopolymers
  • Antimicrobial impregnated polymers may also be included in the composition.
  • Active antimicrobial agents such as silver, gold, copper, arsenic, mercury (and amalgams thereof), 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), and polyaryl- or polyalkyl- ammonium or phosphonium halides (especially cetrimonium bromide) may be incorporated into various polymers.
  • polymers formed from (meth)acrylic acid monomers may be particularly appropriate, as such polymers are known to retain silver among other heavy metal antimicrobial agents.
  • any such antimicrobial impregnated polymers may be advantageous, due to the provision of sustained release of more potent antimicrobial agents than otherwise could be provided.
  • the polymeric substrate 314 may be prepared with one or more data storage elements 358.
  • the data storage elements may include, by way of example, a magnetic strip, an RFID tag, or a microchip.
  • data storage elements 358 may be pre-coated with one or more appropriate antimicrobial agents, as sublimation thermal transfer of antimicrobial agents thereon, especially at high temperature, may risk damaging the said data storage elements.
  • the polymeric substrate 314 may therefore be provided so as to form a card having a contact element, such as that present in debit or credit payment cards.
  • a contact element may not necessarily be coated with the antimicrobial coating 12, since this may interfere with the operation of the contact element.
  • the antimicrobial coating 312 may be provided so as to be at least in part electrically conductive. It may therefore be possible to provide a card arrangement that, if the contact element is brought into contact with an electrical supply, for example, when inserted into a card reader which is engagable with the contact element, that a small electrical current is passed through the antimicrobial coating 312. This further improves the antimicrobial properties of the antimicrobial coating 312, since the small electrical charge can effectively kill in excess of 95% of the microbes on the card. In this manner, the insertion of the card into a card reader creates an additional antimicrobial effect.
  • thermal printing process could also be included as part of the thermal printing process, such as an overlay or topcoat to prevent damage to the polymeric substrate, a laminate layer that could applied over the top of the polymeric substrate, a fluorescent or ultraviolet layer, typically for security purposes, a holographic element, a scratch-off element, and/or a dedicated signature panel region. Any or all of these features could be provided as reels for the thermal printer.
  • Another option might be to provide an inhibitor panel or film which is suitable for covering elements of the polymeric substrate during the thermal printing process. This is useful for, for example, polymeric substrates having magnetic stripes thereon, but more importantly, and as illustrated above, may be most significant where an electrically-conductive contact element is provided on the surface of the polymeric substrate, where printing of an antimicrobial layer thereover may otherwise inhibit the conductivity.
  • thermal printing ribbons including inhibitor panels may be CYMKI or YMCIKH type four- or five-colour ribbons, allowing for a full colour spectrum to be produced on the polymeric substrate whilst also excluding high-definition printing over, for example, signature panels, integrated circuit chips, surface holograms, magnetic stripes and/or the contact elements as described above.
  • a polymeric substrate with one surface pre-prepared with an antimicrobial agent, and one uncoated surface would allow the sublimation thermal transfer printing of an antimicrobial layer, either directly on the uncoated layer of the polymeric substrate, or on a topcoat applied to the uncoated layer of the polymeric substrate.
  • This may be advantageous, as it would allow the preparation of polymeric substrate with antimicrobial coatings and custom printed designs on a simple sublimation thermal transfer printer, which may only be capable of printing one side of a polymeric substrate during any one printing cycle.
  • such a polymeric substrate may be used for a hotel guest card, business conference card, or library card, where identifying details of a user may be printed on a polymeric card substrate.
  • the antimicrobially coated polymeric substrate 314’ may beneficially have an antimicrobial coating which has a depth of at least 5pm into the surface of the polymeric substrate 314’, although the penetration of the antimicrobial coating into the surface of the polymeric substrate may be highly variable, dependent on the antimicrobial coating composition, the temperature and pressure used in thermal transfer, and the composition of the polymeric substrate.
  • Antimicrobial coating depths of between 0.5 pm and 30 pm may also be considered advantageous; preferably the antimicrobial coating may be sufficiently deep that it is not worn away by friction and/or abrasion during the lifetime of the polymeric substrate, with normal use.
  • the suitability of any given depth may be dependent on a desired use of the polymeric substrate, and the activity and/or toxicity of the active antimicrobial agent.
  • the concentration of active antimicrobial agents in the coated polymeric substrate 314’ is preferably no less than 1 ppm, although much higher concentrations of antimicrobial agents may be considered.
  • the coatings constitute 1% of the volume of the coated polymeric substrate.
  • the concentration of antimicrobial agents in the coating may be approximately 20000 ppm
  • the concentration of antimicrobial agents in the polymeric substrate will be 200 ppm.
  • the polymeric substrate is a topcoat applied to a second polymeric substrate, an even higher concentration of antimicrobial agents may be appropriate, such as 3500 ppm or even 5000 ppm.
  • the card is thinner than 0.1 mm (typical thickness of 80 gsm paper), the coating may conceivably penetrate the entire volume of the card, resulting in extremely high concentrations of antimicrobial agents, such as 20000 ppm to 50000 ppm.
  • the coated polymeric substrate 314’ may have a plurality of graphical elements 360 printed thereon in addition to the antimicrobial coating.
  • graphical elements 360 may be printed with antimicrobial dyes, either through the same or a different sublimation thermal transfer printing cycle. If it is desirable for the graphical elements to be raised with respect to the polymeric substrate, the graphical elements may be embossed on the polymeric substrate subsequent to the application of the antimicrobial coating.
  • the antimicrobially coated polymeric substrate 314’ may be a magnetic strip card, a proximity card, or an integrated circuit card. Such a card may be applied as an identification card, a payment card, a loyalty card, an insurance card, a public services card or a security card.
  • the antimicrobially coated polymeric substrate may alternatively be a means of exchange, and preferably, a banknote, or a token.
  • the antimicrobially coated polymeric substrate may also be a textile or laminate, especially a textile suitable for use in clothing or furnishing.
  • the antimicrobially coated polymeric substrate may alternatively be a wearable badge.
  • overprinted plastic cards might be useful, as examples only, where each passenger is issued with a personalised passenger card for access to their cabins or similar functions.
  • Cross-contamination of pathogens on cruise ships is rife, in view of the close proximity of the many passengers, and therefore limiting the prospect of microbial growth on the cards may be very useful.
  • Similar cards may be useful in a hospital environment, and may be useful in combating the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA.
  • the backing layer 346 of the antimicrobial agent application ribbon 318 most preferably comprises polyethylene terephthalate film.
  • other flexible polymeric materials may also be appropriate, such as polypropylene, polyamides, polyurethanes, polysiloxane elastomer, or polydimethylsiloxane elastomer.
  • the backing layer 346 may also include a thermally resistant coating 362, to prevent physical or chemical deterioration of the backing layer 346 upon heat treatment, which may cause the antimicrobial agent application ribbon 318 to split, deform or stick to a heating element.
  • the thermally resistant coating 362 may include a lubricant, such as silicone or a fatty acid, to prevent the heating element from sticking to the heating element, and may also include a polymeric binder.
  • the or each antimicrobial layer 348 contains one or more antimicrobial agents, and may also contain various other compositions, including a binder, fillers, plasticizers or tackifiers. Such additives should be carefully chosen to avoid inadvertent contamination of the polymeric substrate 314 on thermal transfer of the antimicrobial agents, as well as intercompatibility of the antimicrobial agents.
  • the or each antimicrobial layer 348 most preferably comprises a plurality of active antimicrobial agents with specific activity against different categories of microorganisms.
  • the active antimicrobial agents may preferably be sufficiently volatile to be vaporisable at a maximum pressure of 600 kPa at 250 degrees Celsius.
  • the active antimicrobial agents may also have low flammability and human/environmental toxicity, and most preferably may be identified as presenting a low risk to human health and/or the environment by a relevant national or international authority, e.g. by the European Chemicals Agency under the Biocidal Products Regulation or Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 or Directive 98/8/EC, or by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
  • the or each antimicrobial layer 348 may contain antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, antifungal agents, antiprotozoal agents and antiamoebic agents.
  • the antimicrobial layer 48 may contain one or more of the following active antimicrobial agents, and/or members of one or more of the following groups of active antimicrobial agents, and/or structural or functional analogues thereof, and/or mixtures thereof: 2- phenylphenol, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole, cyanoacrylates (especially ethyl-2-cyano-3,3 z -diphenyl acrylate), isothiazolinone and derivatives thereof (especially 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2- octyl-4-isothiazlin-3-one
  • the or each antimicrobial layer 348 may additionally or alternatively contain one or more dyes with antimicrobial activity, such as anthraquinone dyes (especially polyfluorinated or perfluorinated anthraquinone dyes), or N-halamine dyes, so that said dyes are applicable to the polymeric substrate in concentrations high enough to have significant antimicrobial activity in the absence of other antimicrobial agents.
  • anthraquinone dyes especially polyfluorinated or perfluorinated anthraquinone dyes
  • N-halamine dyes so that said dyes are applicable to the polymeric substrate in concentrations high enough to have significant antimicrobial activity in the absence of other antimicrobial agents.
  • dyes with antimicrobial activity may be applied to whichever parts of the polymeric substrate require graphical elements 360, and non-dye antimicrobial agents may be applied to the remainder of the surface area of the polymeric substrate for which antimicrobial coating is desired, most preferably the entire surface area of the polymeric substrate, or the entirety of a plurality of surfaces of the polymeric substrate which together constitute 90% or more of the surface area of the polymeric substrate.
  • a system and method for applying an antimicrobial coating to a polymeric substrate using sublimation thermal transfer printing.
  • This method may advantageously result in the possibility of preparation of a polymeric substrate with application of a custom colour printed design and an antimicrobial coating in the same printing cycle.
  • the system and method may be applied to a wide range of polymeric substrate and antimicrobial coating compositions.
  • An antimicrobial coating application ribbon for the system may be compatible with commercially available conventional sublimation thermal transfer printers, to facilitate adoption of the method.
  • the resulting antimicrobially coated polymeric substrate may have an antimicrobial coating with substantial depth in the polymeric substrate, so that the antimicrobial coating is protected from abrasive or frictional deterioration.
  • polymeric substrate herein with reference to the present invention may be understood as referring to any substrate formed substantially from a polymeric material on which sublimation thermal transfer printing may be performed, and therefore may be understood to include a topcoat of a polymeric substrate, as well as the polymeric substrate.
  • coating is not limited to the application of a composition on any one surface of a substrate, but also includes the application of the composition into the substrate, such that a sub-surface portion of the substrate is impregnated with the composition.
  • thermodynamic sublimation does not necessarily imply thermodynamic sublimation; as commonly understood in the art, “sublimation” may be achieved by the vaporisation of a solid via a liquid phase, or the vaporisation of a liquid, or one or more components of a gel, directly, as well as the thermodynamic sublimation of a solid.
  • antimicrobial coating could be considered, other than by using sublimation thermal transfer printing.
  • Inkjet application of the antimicrobial coating could also be considered, either directly onto the card, or indirectly onto the rollers for the roller coating process.
  • an antimicrobial coating could therefore be provided in a manner which allows for complementary effect with existing card printer machines, in order to directly coat the card at the point of production or activation.
  • Existing lamination arrangements will laminate a large, for example Al size, base card which can then be cut into smaller card sizes suitable for individual use. This leaves the edges of the cards exposed.
  • Figure 9 shows a coating system comprising a coating module 510, which could be provided which has a feed path 550 having an inlet 552 an outlet 554, and an application zone 556 between the inlet 552 and the outlet 554.
  • An antimicrobial coating applicator 558 is provided which can apply an antimicrobial coating to a card, or indeed card holder such as a sleeve or rigid holder previously described.
  • a roller applicator can be seen to be the best option for accurate application of the antimicrobial coating, and this may preferably be a squeegee-type and/or soft roller.
  • This applicator 558 can advantageously be configured to provide duplex printing to the card.
  • the coating module 510 may have a coating reservoir 560 in communication with the applicator 558, which allows for the application of a complete coating layer onto an individual card or card holder, without needing to provide a laminate.
  • the coating reservoir 560 may preferably comprise antimicrobial lacquer.
  • the lacquer is preferably an LED UV clear lacquer.
  • Equivalent containers of the antimicrobial coating reservoir may include a cartridge, cassette, or plastic pouch of antimicrobial material, and these components will be apparent as being equivalent to the above-described coating reservoir.
  • the coating module 510 may further comprise a heating means 562, such as a hot air blower, infra-red heater, UV heater or UV-LED heater, for instance. This allows the coating layer to be set before the card or card holder is ejected from the coating module 510 from the outlet 554.
  • a heating means 562 such as a hot air blower, infra-red heater, UV heater or UV-LED heater, for instance. This allows the coating layer to be set before the card or card holder is ejected from the coating module 510 from the outlet 554.
  • the complete coating system 500 may include a card or card holder module which feeds directly into the coating module 510, preferably via a conveyor 564, such as rollers or a card hopper.
  • a card can be printed directly and then fed into the feed path 550 of the coating module 510 to ensure no contamination is possible.
  • This process may be automatically controlled by a coating controller 566, which automatically activates the antimicrobial applicator 558 to coat and dispense the card.
  • a single card or card holder can be coated individually as required. This may be performed manually, where individual cards are fed into the coating module 510, or, where a card hopper is provided, the cards may be sifted and automatically directed onto the feed path 550 without human intervention.
  • the coating module 510 may be retrospectively attached to an existing card printer 568, for instance, via a card-printer engagement mount, thus allowing the coating module 510 to be directly or indirectly engaged with the card printer 568.
  • the inlet 552 would be positioned so as to couple to or otherwise receive from an outlet 570 of the card printer 568, for dispensing a card 572 towards the inlet 552 of the coating module 510.
  • the coating module 510 may be portable, rather than being a large immovable machine.
  • the coating module 510 would have a weight of no more than 10 to 15kg, so as to be liftable by a user of any gender.
  • an onboard power source such as a, preferably rechargeable, battery, will assist with the portability of the coating module 510. This would also allow the coating module 510 to be used in outdoor contexts.
  • a further advantageous feature of the present invention would be to provide a drainage system where applicators 558 are provided on both sides of the card application region. This may be in the form of paired rollers either side of the card which dip into respective lacquer feed trays. The drainage system would then empty the lacquer feeding trays back into the coating reservoir 560 after a short period of time. This may be a pre-determined period of inactivity, which may be pre-programmed into the coating controller 566, or could be manually input by a user. This will limit the possibility of lacquer spill during non-use or transit.
  • a vending machine would be another possible construction for the coating module, in which the card printer capabilities were housed within a larger housing unit in conjunction with the coating module 510. This would be a highly suitable unit for dispensing coated cards or card holders, for instance, on a cruise ship for accessing rooms without risk of contamination.
  • a coating system could be provided which allows for the total coating of an individual card or card holder which is introduced to the system with an antimicrobial coating. This advantageously ensures that there are no exposed edges of the card or card holder where microbial growth or transmission could occur, and the cards or holders can be generated in situ at the location where required.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de revêtement (500) permettant d'appliquer un revêtement antimicrobien sur un substrat polymère, le système (500) comprenant : un module de revêtement (510) ayant un trajet d'alimentation (550), le trajet d'alimentation (550) comprenant une entrée (552), une sortie (554) et une zone d'application (556) située entre l'entrée (552) et la sortie (554) et un applicateur antimicrobien (558) localisable dans la zone d'application (556) du trajet d'alimentation ; un module de carte ou de porte-carte conçu pour fournir une carte ou un porte-carte à revêtir ; un transporteur conçu pour transférer la carte ou le porte-carte vers le module de revêtement (510) ; et un dispositif de commande de revêtement en communication avec le module de revêtement (510) ; lors du transport de la carte ou du porte-carte depuis le module de carte ou de porte-carte vers le module de revêtement (510), le dispositif de commande de revêtement active automatiquement l'applicateur antimicrobien pour revêtir et distribuer la carte ou le porte-carte.
PCT/GB2020/052959 2020-11-19 2020-11-19 Système de revêtement antimicrobien WO2022106800A1 (fr)

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Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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JP2000300327A (ja) * 1999-04-26 2000-10-31 Toppan Printing Co Ltd 生分解性抗菌カードケース
JP2000309070A (ja) * 1999-04-26 2000-11-07 Toppan Printing Co Ltd 生分解性抗菌カード
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US20090255460A1 (en) * 2008-04-15 2009-10-15 Xerox Corporation Applying a protective coating to marked media in a print engine
US20090260731A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 Id Armor Inc. Dielectric smart card protector sleeve
US20130248606A1 (en) * 2011-11-22 2013-09-26 Robert Beadles Reusable Card and Envelope
JP5523716B2 (ja) * 2009-02-10 2014-06-18 株式会社エイエヌオフセット 抗菌ｏｐニス剤、抗菌印刷物および抗菌印刷方法
US20150269873A1 (en) * 2014-03-21 2015-09-24 Michael Graves & Associates Clinical Signage System with Reversible Information Cards and Associated Method for Use
WO2018215731A1 (fr) * 2017-05-22 2018-11-29 Formology Holdings Limited Système et procédé de revêtement antimicrobien de substrats polymères
US10232638B2 (en) * 2013-11-28 2019-03-19 Palram Industries (1990) Ltd System and method for applying thin coating on large area surface
CN209436483U (zh) * 2018-06-22 2019-09-27 安徽师范大学 多功能校园卡
US20200214411A1 (en) * 2019-01-07 2020-07-09 Samsonite Ip Holdings S.Àr.L. Wallet for mobile electronic device or mobile electronic device case

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2000309070A (ja) * 1999-04-26 2000-11-07 Toppan Printing Co Ltd 生分解性抗菌カード
JP2000300327A (ja) * 1999-04-26 2000-10-31 Toppan Printing Co Ltd 生分解性抗菌カードケース
US20020036374A1 (en) * 2000-09-28 2002-03-28 Kenichi Yui Card processing apparatus
JP2003047516A (ja) * 2001-08-07 2003-02-18 Okamoto Ind Inc 合成樹脂製カードケース
US20090255460A1 (en) * 2008-04-15 2009-10-15 Xerox Corporation Applying a protective coating to marked media in a print engine
US20090260731A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 Id Armor Inc. Dielectric smart card protector sleeve
JP5523716B2 (ja) * 2009-02-10 2014-06-18 株式会社エイエヌオフセット 抗菌ｏｐニス剤、抗菌印刷物および抗菌印刷方法
US20130248606A1 (en) * 2011-11-22 2013-09-26 Robert Beadles Reusable Card and Envelope
US10232638B2 (en) * 2013-11-28 2019-03-19 Palram Industries (1990) Ltd System and method for applying thin coating on large area surface
US20150269873A1 (en) * 2014-03-21 2015-09-24 Michael Graves & Associates Clinical Signage System with Reversible Information Cards and Associated Method for Use
WO2018215731A1 (fr) * 2017-05-22 2018-11-29 Formology Holdings Limited Système et procédé de revêtement antimicrobien de substrats polymères
CN209436483U (zh) * 2018-06-22 2019-09-27 安徽师范大学 多功能校园卡
US20200214411A1 (en) * 2019-01-07 2020-07-09 Samsonite Ip Holdings S.Àr.L. Wallet for mobile electronic device or mobile electronic device case

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