Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flocked article and method for forming the flocked article in which a surface to be flocked is first roughened to provide a stronger bond with the flock adhesive. The flocked article includes a plurality of flock fibers adhered directly, or as an assembly containing flock, to an adhesive that is also adhered to a roughened surface of a material. The method of forming the flocked article can include forming a flocked article by contacting a laser-ablated roughened surface of a material with an adhesive that binds the material to a plurality of flock fibers or a flocked containing assembly containing a plurality of flock fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flocked articles comprising a control shrinkage carrier film to absorb thermally induced shrinkage of other layers in the flocked article.

Abstract: A method of decorating a molded article is provided in which a mold insert, the mold insert, comprising a plurality of flock fibers, a heat resistant release sheet, a release adhesive, a permanent adhesive layer, and a forming film is thermoformed. During thermoforming, the heat resistant release sheet is positioned between a surface of a forming mold and the flock fibers to protect the flock fibers from overheating.

Abstract: A flocked article in which multiple adhesive layers or regions are formed by wet-on-wet printing techniques.

Abstract: A process for forming a flocked article is provided that includes the steps of: (a) cutting a pre-formed or solid adhesive film into a desired shape; (b) removing a first portion of the cut pre-formed adhesive film from a second portion of the cut pre-formed adhesive film; and (c) heating and applying pressure to the cut pre-formed adhesive film to adhere the film to flock to form a flocked article.

Abstract: A design and process are provided in which a plurality of differently colored adhesives underlie differently colored flock fibers.

Abstract: A design and process are provided in which a fully activated thermoset adhesive layer is positioned between a flock layer and a thermoplastic adhesive layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flocked article is provided that includes an elastomeric film and a plurality of flock fibers on a flocked surface of the film. The flock fibers are embedded in the film.

Abstract: The processes and articles of the present invention use thermally stable and loft retentive polymers in sublimation printed flock fibers, which are particularly attractive for forming molded and heat laminated articles. The process and articles use high, medium and low energy dyes on the fibers. A preferred polymer for use in the fibers is poly(cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate). The fibers are heat set before sublimation printing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flocked articles comprising a metallized film and methods of manufacturing such articles.

Abstract: A multi-colored flocked article is provided having a plurality of flock and adhesive regions. Each flock region is defined by a plurality of flock fibers that are substantially the same in color and are substantially free of light dispersants, such as titanium dioxide. Further, each flock region is of a different color relative to an adjacent flock region to form a patterned, multi-colored design. Each of the plurality of adhesive regions corresponds to a flock region and includes a colored adhesive. The color of the adhesive is at least similar or substantially similar in color to the flock fibers in the corresponding flock region.

Abstract: The processes and articles of the present invention use thermally stable and loft retentive polymers in sublimation printed flock fibers, which are particularly attractive for forming molded and heat laminated articles. The process and articles use high, medium and low energy dyes on the fibers. A preferred polymer for use in the fibers is poly(cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: The processes and articles of the present invention use thermally stable and loft retentive polymers in sublimation printed flock fibers, which are particularly attractive for forming molded articles. A preferred fiber is a multi-component (composite) fiber, such as a bicomponent fiber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for producing a decorative article, comprising: (a) providing a flocked surface, the flocked surface comprising a plurality of flock fibers and an activatable adhesive, wherein the activatable adhesive is less than 50% activated; (b) dimensionalizing the plurality of flock fibers, such that a first set of fibers is embedded to a greater distance in the activatable adhesive than a second set of fibers; and (c) after dimensionalizing, at least substantially fully activating the activatable adhesive to form the decorative article.

Abstract: A process for forming a flocked article is provided that includes the steps of: (a) cutting a pre-formed adhesive film into a desired shape; (b) removing a first portion of the cut pre-formed adhesive film from a second portion of the cut pre-formed adhesive film; and (c) heating and applying pressure to the cut pre-formed adhesive film to adhere the film to flock to form a flocked article.