Abstract: A coating applied to substrates such as papers and films yields a haptic sensation of skin, leather, velvety fabric or soft elastomers. Commonly referred to as a ‘soft touch’ coating, it retains the desired haptic appeal after being over-printed by various imaging ink systems. Improved haptic sensations are provided by expandable microspheres that impart a surface topography that is measured in micron and sub-micron undulations that align with the texture of the human finger skin. Non-skid behavior arises from the surface topography having enough undulations of such fine frequency that air is evacuated between the coating and any substantially smooth surface that a strong attraction is caused by a temporary vacuum when the coating is pressed against smooth surfaces.

Abstract: A linerless two-sided adhesive tape made of a translucent vellum that is coated with a primer formulated to bond adhesives tightly to the paper. The adhesive consists of a microsphere formulation applied via a gravure-transfer method. The adhesive is comprised of discreet, internally crosslinked, solid spheres of acrylic adhesive, generally in 20 to 50 microns in diameter. The coating process results in random but consistent patterns of microspheres laid out in short lines. The linerless two-sided tape can also be prepared with different microsphere adhesive formulations for increased tackiness or differential adhesion levels from one side to the other. Color dispersions added to the primer or adhesives may be used to change the appearance of the tape if desired.

Abstract: A multi-ply ticket structure having a thin film layer adhered differentially to an underlying film or paper-based base layer, which supports a thermally-imagable coating between the thin film layer and the base layer. Specified areas of the overlying film are selectively removable, and may include vision-blocking opaque materials thereon, while adjacent areas of the film remain permanently bonded to the base layer. The film layer is of sufficient thinness to allow thermal energy from a thermal printer to penetrate the film layer and any adhesive used to attach the film layer to the base layer and cause imaging of the thermal coating atop the base layer.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprised of a substantially tacky polymer containing a number of prismatic or holographic platelets. When the composition is applied to a substrate, the platelets align themselves in a planar fashion parallel to the broad face of the surface on which the coating is applied. The resulting composition layer is transparent except for the platelets that refract and reflect the light striking the platelets back towards an observer. The color of the reflected light changes as the angle at which the platelets are viewed is changed. In this manner, the platelets in the coating provide an overall aesthetically pleasing appearance for the coated material that adds distinctiveness to decorative labeling, as well as to the objects on which the labeling is placed and other suitable types of laminations in which the adhesive coating may be used.

Abstract: The invention is a holographic thermal transfer ribbon for enabling the transfer of a hologram using a thermal transfer demand printer. The holographic thermal transfer ribbon comprises a holographic hot-stamp foil. This holographic hot-stamp foil has a foil layer and a heat-sealing layer. The heat-sealing layer may include a heat-sensitive adhesive. The holographic thermal transfer ribbon also includes a supplemental polymer layer overlaid upon the heat-sealing layer of the holographic hot-stamp foil.