Abstract: Various embodiments of an imprintable tape and a preferred method for forming and imprinting the tape are disclosed. Generally, the tape includes an opaque film portion formed from polytetrafluoroethylene and a layer of material of contrasting color laminated to the opaque film so that upon application of compressive force to a selected surface portion of the film, unique characteristics of the polytetrafluoroethylene in the opaque film cause it to become transparent within the selected surface portion and thereby form a contrasting indicia or design by the resulting exposure of the underlying tape or surface. Another embodiment of the tape employs an underlying surface to which the tape is applied for forming the contrasting indicia or design exposed by compressing part of the tape. Various embodiments are disclosed for forming a contrasting colored surface beneath the opaque film.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention are contemplated in combination with a laminated tape including a clear film and a suitable base, an extrudable adhesive being arranged between the clear film and the base along with a color agent adapted for transport with the adhesive during lateral extrusion. Substantial removal of the adhesive from a selected area of the laminated tape thus results in removal of the color agent and exposure of the base within the selected area. The method and apparatus contemplate means for applying heat and pressure to the selected area of the laminated tape within predetermined parameters for causing lateral extrusion of the adhesive layer and corresponding transport of the color agent to expose the base within the selected area. The method and apparatus of the invention preferably contemplate the laminated tape as being of an elongated configuration with a variety of indicia being available for sequentially imprinting different portions of the tape.