Abstract: The present invention describes a flocked stretchable design and a process for producing a flocked stretchable design or transfer. The design, when configured as a transfer, includes a carrier layer, a release adhesive applied to the carrier layer, a plurality of flock fibers releasably attached to the release adhesive, an elastic film and a first adhesive layer bonded to the flock fibers and the elastic film, and a second, discontinuously distributed, adhesive layer bonded to the other side of the elastic film. The design, when direct flocked, does not include the carrier and the release adhesive. The present invention also includes methods of producing both the designs.

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 polymer is poly(cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molded article using lamination of a flocked surface onto a backing film is provided. Also provided is a flocked article comprising an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet and then applying the flocking to the release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and hot melt film is not applied to the back of the flock. The transfer (which is essentially a flocked release sheet) is then applied to a substrate (i.e., an item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc.) by positioning a sheet of thermosetting hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt film with the flock in contact with the hot melt film; and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermosetting hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the costs involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A method of decorating a molded article is provided that includes the steps of:

Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet, and then applying the flocking to a release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and thermoplastic hot melt film is applied to the back of the flock. The transfer, which is essentially release sheet, is then applied to a substrate, such as item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc., by positioning a sheet of thermoplastic hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt with the flock in contact with the hot melt film; and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermoplastic hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the cost involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a resin dispersion to form a variety of decorative transfers. The transfers can include a decorative medium such as flock. Primary and secondary carriers are used in some embodiments of the invention. The resin dispersion, when gelled and fused, can provide a free-form design article that can be readily applied to any desirable substrate, such as a textile.

Abstract: A flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet, and then applying the flocking to a release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and thermoplastic hot melt film is applied to the back of the flock. The transfer, which is essentially release sheet, is then applied to a substrate, such as item of clothing, a rubber pad, etc., by positioning a sheet of thermoplastic hot melt film on the substrate; placing the transfer on the hot melt with the flock in contact with the hot melt film; and applying heat and pressure. The heat melts the thermoplastic hot melt film to bind the flock to the substrate and binds the flocking together. This method reduces the cost involved in producing flocked articles, especially for articles produced on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A method of producing an plush transfer applique is disclosed. The method employs and improved diminished bleed or lower density applique border allowing for a reduction or elimination of an impression line at the periphery of the transferred applique caused by the heat transfer process. The diminished bleed applique border is created by arranging a pattern at the edge or periphery of the transferred applique instead of an abrupt line of continuous density fiber, so that the resulting gradual reduction in fiber density causes the fibers to lie flat during the heat transfer process.