Abstract: A seam tape for waterproof fabrics includes a thermoplastic adhesive layer and bonded to a waterproof film layer. Thermoplastic adhesive layer is preferably a polyamide adhesive having a melt index of at least about 200-400 and a melting temperature less than about 150° C. The waterproof film layer is a high strength thermoplastic material preferably a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate. The waterproof film layer should have a thickness of from about 0.25 mils up to about 2 mils. This tape can be applied at higher temperatures than prior seam tapes without damaging the waterproof layer. Thus application speeds can be increased and costs reduced. Further this eliminates any need to post treat crossover seams.

Abstract: A laminate suitable for formation of athletic lettering and other decoratives which has improved adhesion and reduced curling is formed by forming a laminate from a pigmented polyurethane and a polyester adhesive layer. Either the individual lamina prior to lamination, or the formed laminate are annealed for 1 to 100 hours at a temperature from 100° to 250° F. to relieve stress and prevent curling. Preferably, the polyurethane layer does not include any external lubricants and has a high durometer which, in turn, permits formation of letters on letters without bleedthrough and with improved adhesion.

Abstract: A label or transfer adapted to mark an elastomeric article includes a cured elastomeric sheet which is overcoated with a heat resistant polymer preferably a thermoset polyurethane. Indicia is then applied to this heat resistant polymer layer using a thermal transfer printer. The indicia is then overcoated with a second protective layer preferably a clear thermoset polyurethane. The backside of the cured elastomeric film is applied to a surface of the elastomeric article which is being marked. The elastomeric article is then subjected to a cure cycle bonding the elastomeric sheet to the surface of the elastomeric article and permanently marking the article with the indicia. In a preferred embodiment, the indicia is a bar code.

Abstract: Thermoplastic articles such as splash guards, in particular polyethylene splash guards, are decorated using a heat-activated decorative which includes a layer of a compatible thermoplastic adhesive which bonds an intermediate support sheet to the surface of the article. An indicia layer is then bonded to the support sheet. The support sheet is either a nonwoven web, a metal film, or a metalized cloth. The indicia layer can be an outer reflective or polymeric film bonded to the polyester nonwoven web using a compatible adhesive such as a linear alkyl polyester. If the support sheet is a metal film or metalized cloth, it can provide the indicia without a separate layer. However, a clear protective film may be required. This material remains tightly adhered to the surface of the article, even splash guards subjected to road conditions.

Abstract: Thermoplastic articles such as splash guards, in particular polyethylene splash guards, are decorated using a heat-activated decorative which includes a layer of a compatible thermoplastic adhesive which bonds an intermediate support sheet to the surface of the article. An indicia layer is then bonded to the support sheet. The support sheet is either a nonwoven web, a metal film, or a metalized cloth. The indicia layer can be an outer reflective or polymeric film bonded to the polyester nonwoven web using a compatible adhesive such as a linear alkyl polyester. If the support sheet is a metal film or metalized cloth, it can provide the indicia without a separate layer. However, a clear protective film may be required. This material remains tightly adhered to the surface of the article, even splash guards subjected to road conditions.

Abstract: A laminate suitable for formation of athletic lettering and other decoratives which has improved adhesion and reduced curling is formed by forming a laminate from a pigmented polyurethane and a polyester adhesive layer. Either the individual lamina prior to lamination, or the formed laminate are annealed for 1 to 100 hours at a temperature from 100.degree. to 250.degree. F. to relieve stress and prevent curling. Preferably, the polyurethane layer does not include any external lubricants and has a high durometer which, in turn, permits formation of letters on letters without bleedthrough and with improved adhesion.

Abstract: An article and method for marking elastomeric articles, such as tires, floor mats, and the like, includes an elastomeric sheet which is marked with indicia using a solvent based ink which contrasts with the elastomeric sheet. The indicia is cured with a clear thermoset layer such as a polyurethane. This is then applied to an uncured elastomeric article and the elastomeric article is cured. The heat and the pressure of curing causes the elastomeric sheet to bond to the elastomeric article. The indicia remains discernible and is not easily marred or dulled. After curing, the transfer can be further marked by heat transferring indicia in the form of a sublimation dye through the clear polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A reflective transfer includes a lower adhesive layer, an upper clear layer, and an intermediate reflective layer such as a metal foil. Indicia is imprinted on the transfer using a sublimation dye which is transferred into the upper clear layer. This provides a transfer which retains its reflective characteristic while at the same time includes printed indicia.

Abstract: SBR and natural rubber articles which can be marked with indicia are formed by curing the SBR or natural rubber under heat and pressure in contact with a fabric material. The curing conditions force the fabric into the cured rubber article. The fabric can then be marked with a heat-activated, indicia-bearing transfer. This provides for unique decoration of articles such as mud flaps and the like, and also permits providing identification for other rubber articles such as tires and the like.

Abstract: SBR and natural rubber articles which can be marked with indicia are formed by curing the SBR or natural rubber under heat and pressure in contact with a fabric material. The curing conditions force the fabric into the cured rubber article. The fabric can then be marked with a heat-activated, indicia-bearing transfer. This provides for unique decoration of articles such as mud flaps and the like, and also permits providing identification for other rubber articles such as tires and the like.

Abstract: A heat activated applique is formed by forming a heat activated laminate. The heat activated laminate includes, for example, a thermoplastic layer bonded to an indicia-bearing layer such as a pigmented polymeric film or twill. This indicia-bearing layer is bonded to a support layer by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive has a preferential adhesion to the support layer. The applique is formed by cutting through the heat activated laminate but not through the support layer to thereby form the desired ornamental applique. Waste portions are separated while the applique itself remains attached to the support layer bonded by the pressure sensitive adhesive. This is then bonded to a substrate while still attached to the support layer by applying heat and pressure through the support layer against the heat activated applique and against a cloth substrate.

Abstract: Cloth transfers such as twill numbers and letters include a cloth layer coated with a plastic layer which is, in turn, coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The intermediate plastic layer permits the cloth transfer to be temporarily bonded to a cloth substrate by a very thin film of pressure sensitive adhesive as it is sewn onto the substrate. The intermediate plastic layer prevents the sewing needle from being gummed up with the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: An ornamental heat transfer is described which is especially adapted for application to nylon fabrics. The ornamental heat activated transfer includes an upper layer which is generally a thermoset layer, cloth such as twill or flock which is bonded to a lower layer. The lower layer is an uncured linear saturated polyester film which includes a heat activatable isocyanate curing agent. Upon application of the transfer to nylon the transfer is heated which melts the uncured saturated polyester and activates the curing agent. Thus while the linear saturated alkyl polyester is in a molten state the curing agent causes the polyester to cure in tight confinement with the nylon fabric.

Abstract: The heat activated applique for providing in particular numbers and letter for sports jerseys includes an upper colored thermoplastic elastomer layer bonded to a cloth substrate by a thermoplastic adhesive. Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer is a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer and the thermoplastic adhesive is a polyester-based thermoplastic adhesive. The applique is suitable for forming a letter on a letter to provide three-dimensional characteristics to an alpha-numeric character. The thermoplastic elastomer layer can be debossed to provide surface characteristics to the heat activated applique, either prior to or during application. This is also suitable for applying additional indicia in the form of sublimation dye heat transferred into the thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: An article and method for marking elastomeric articles, such as tires, floor mats, and the like, includes an elastomeric sheet which is marked with indicia using a solvent based ink which contrasts with the elastomeric sheet. The indicia is cured with a clear thermoset layer such as a polyurethane. This is then applied to an uncured elastomeric article and the elastomeric article is cured. The heat and the pressure of curing causes the elastomeric sheet to bond to the elastomeric article. The indicia remains discernible and is not easily marred or dulled. After curing, the transfer can be further marked by heat transferring indicia in the form of a sublimation dye through the clear polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A heat activated transfer which is particularly suitable for marking elastomeric articles comprises a lower elastomeric layer bonded to an upper polyester layer. The upper polyester layer in turn carries indicia which is a sublimation dye heat transferred into the polyester layer. The polyester is preferably a high temperature saturated polyester resin, preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The lower layer is preferably a thermoplastic elastomeric layer. The two layers are bonded together by a thermoplastic adhesive, preferably a polyester.

Abstract: A method of applying a heat activated ornamental transfer to a foraminous substrate such as a mesh shirt employs an absorbent layer to absorb portions of the transfer which cover holes in the foraminous surface. The heat activated transfer is positioned on the substrate with an absorbent material underneath the substrate. Heat and pressure is applied to the heat activated transfer causing it to bond to the foraminous substrate. This same heat and pressure also causes that portion of the transfer covering holes to bond to the absorbent material beneath the substrate. While still warm, the absorbent material is separated from the material pulling with it the portions of the transfer which cover holes. This leaves the holes clear providing an extremely pleasant aesthetic appearance.