Abstract: A printing blanket sleeve is provided having two separable sections including a carcass sleeve and a face sleeve. The face sleeve is mounted over the carcass sleeve such that, when the printing blanket sleeve is installed on a blanket cylinder, the carcass sleeve and the face sleeve form an integral unit in use. The printing blanket sleeve is provided in separable sections so that the printing surface may be replaced in a manner wherein the carcass sleeve, including preferably at least some portion of the inner layers, can be reused with new printing surfaces. Further, the printing blanket sleeve is arranged such that the user of the printing blanket sleeve can change the printing surface of the printing blanket sleeve on-site so that there is no longer a need to discard the entire printing blanket sleeve, or alternatively send the printing blanket sleeve back to the manufacturer to be reconditioned.

Abstract: A printing plate is provided including a support assembly and a relief imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly may be in the form of a cylindrical sleeve or a flat polymeric base. The printing plate is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the support assembly and irradiating the polymer with a source of actinic to form the relief image. The printing plate is reimagable and may be used in flexographic printing processes as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: A printing blanket sleeve is provided having two separable sections including a carcass sleeve and a face sleeve. The face sleeve is mounted over the carcass sleeve such that, when the printing blanket sleeve is installed on a blanket cylinder, the carcass sleeve and the face sleeve form an integral unit in use. The printing blanket sleeve is provided in separable sections so that the printing surface may be replaced in a manner wherein the carcass sleeve, including preferably at least some portion of the inner layers, can be reused with new printing surfaces. Further, the printing blanket sleeve is arranged such that the user of the printing blanket sleeve can change the printing surface of the printing blanket sleeve on-site so that there is no longer a need to discard the entire printing blanket sleeve, or alternatively send the printing blanket sleeve back to the manufacturer to be reconditioned.

Abstract: A flexible image transfer blanket is provided which has a non-extensible backing which is easy to mount onto conventional blanket cylinders, which requires no packing (but which can be used with packing), which does not need to be retensioned during operation, and which prints to the gap better than conventional fabric-reinforced blankets. The image transfer blanket is adapted to be mounted onto a blanket cylinder and includes first and second ends, with at least one of the first and second ends being adapted to be inserted into an axially-extending gap in the blanket cylinder. The blanket includes a image transfer surface layer, at least one woven fabric ply, and a non-extensible base layer. The at least one woven fabric ply includes both warp and weft fibers, with the weft fibers being oriented so that when the blanket is mounted on the blanket cylinder the weft fibers extend circumferentially about the blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A flexible image transfer blanket is provided which has a non-extensible backing which is easy to mount onto conventional blanket cylinders, which requires no packing (but which can be used with packing), which does not need to be retensioned during operation, and which prints to the gap better than conventional fabric-reinforced blankets. The image transfer blanket is adapted to be mounted onto a blanket cylinder and includes first and second ends, with at least one of the first and second ends being adapted to be inserted into an axially-extending gap in the blanket cylinder. The blanket includes a image transfer surface layer, at least one woven fabric ply, and a nonextensible base layer. The at least one woven fabric ply includes both warp and weft fibers, with the weft fibers being oriented so that when the blanket is mounted on the blanket cylinder the weft fibers extend circumferentially about the blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A printing blanket which resists gauge loss throughout its useful life when subjected to printing nip pressures by retaining at least 95% of its original gauge throughout the useful life of the printing blanket. The printing blanket includes at least a printing surface layer and at least one reinforcing woven fabric ply and may also include a compressible layer. At least one, and preferably all, of the reinforcing woven fabric plies in the blanket construction are treated or fabricated to resist permanent deformation when subjected to printing nip pressures.

Abstract: An elongated trim strip is disclosed which includes an elongated mounting portion, an elongated decorative portion extending to one side of the mounting portion and a flexible connection between the two. At least one of the decorative portion and the mounting portion having means for joining the two portions together when the decorative portion is folded down upon the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the decorative portion are preferably configured to snap together.

Abstract: An elongated composite molding strip is disclosed having two laterally offset portions of different character which provide a two-stripe appearance. In this molding strip, a first adherent elastomer tape carries a decorative film positioned to cover one side of the tape with a first side margin of the film projecting beyond one side margin of the first tape, and being folded thereunder. A decorative molding is positioned on the uncovered side of the first tape, one side margin of the molding being coextensive with the other side margin of the first tape, and the other side margin of the molding extending over the adjacent side margin of the film. A second adherent elastomer tape underlies the first elastomer tape and is coextensive therewith so that the second elastomer tape traps the folded under side margin of the film and provides an exposed adherent surface.

Abstract: An elongated trim strip is disclosed which includes an elongated mounting portion, an elongated decorative portion extending to one side of the mounting portion and a flexible connection between the two. At least one of the decorative portion and the mounting portion having means for joining the two portions together when the decorative portion is folded down upon the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the decorative portion are preferably configured to snap together.