Patents by Inventor Robert LaFave

Robert LaFave has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20120073734
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: ROBERT LAFAVE, ROBERT BOWLING
  • Patent number: 8021754
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Laminate Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert LaFave, Robert Bowling
  • Patent number: 7833380
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Laminate Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert LaFave, Robert Bowling
  • Publication number: 20080268241
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Robert LaFave, Robert Bowling
  • Patent number: 7399506
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Laminate Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert LaFave, Robert Bowling
  • Publication number: 20080110564
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Robert LaFave, Robert Bowling
  • Patent number: 7144612
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Laminate Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert LaFave, Robert Bowling
  • Publication number: 20060257592
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Inventors: Robert LaFave, Robert Bowling
  • Publication number: 20060122860
    Abstract: Methods for producing decorative laminate composites are described. The method includes the owner of intellectual property covering the use and manufacture of paint film technology selectively licensing the technology to various automotive component suppliers and manufacturers. In this manner, the total number of suppliers in the supply chain can be either reduced and/or more carefully controlled, thus leading to increased levels of finished component quality control. By way of a non-limiting example, a single licensee/supplier can produce the finished component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventor: Robert LaFave
  • Publication number: 20040247876
    Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Robert LaFave, Robert Bowling
  • Publication number: 20020009598
    Abstract: A laminate product for use as a protective and decorative sheet material for application to a substrate is described. The laminate product is comprised of: (1) a base coat layer comprising a colorant-containing thermoplastic resin system, the colorant being substantially uniformly distributed throughout the colorant-containing thermoplastic resin system; (2) a top coat layer; and (3) an adhesion promoting layer disposed between the base coat layer and the top coat layer. The colored base coat layer permits deeper draws for the formation of highly contoured components such as automotive bumpers and fascias, without the loss of color intensity or scratch resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: ROBERT LAFAVE, ROBERT BOWLING