Abstract: An informational card is disclosed incorporating a plurality of separable, functional articles that are removable from such card and capable of being applied to a separate article or articles, either independently of, or in conjunction with each other. The removable articles, such as a patch, embroidered emblem, heat transfer or the like, may be removed from the card and adhesively or heat applied to a separate article, with indicia that bears some relation to the information conveyed on the card. One of the removable articles has a cutout to accommodate the placement of a first removable article during the conjunctive application of a series of removable articles to an article separate and distinct from the informational card.

Abstract: A decorative wrapping film for application to a three-dimensional substrate includes a biaxially-oriented polyester layer which has a first surface for adhering to a three-dimensional substrate and a second surface. A decorative layer is coated on the second surface of the polyester layer, and a protective layer is coated on the decorative layer.

Abstract: A laminate for use in computerized automated sign making machines and the method for making the same are disclosed. The laminate is formed by adhesively laminating a clear polyester sheet to any suitable decorative backing sheet. The polyester sheet has a release coating on a surface thereof which adhesively receives a decorative face sheet. When introduced to an automated sign making machine, a movable knife cuts only through the face sheet, allowing selected portions of the face sheet to be removed to provide a sign of two decorative features, one defined by the face sheet, and the other by the backing sheet.

Abstract: A marking film exhibiting good ability for tracing curved surfaces when it is to be stuck to steeply curved three-dimensional portions without entrapping air bubbles at the film edges when an over-clear coating is applied thereon after it has been stuck. The marking film has a marking component to be transferred onto an article via an adhesive layer, wherein the total thickness of the marking film is in the A range of from about 50 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m, and the modulus of elasticity thereof is in the range of from about 2 kgf/mm2 to about 25 kgf/mm2 as measured under a condition where the marking film is elongated at a tension speed of 300 mm/min. into an elongation percentage in the range of 0 to about 10%.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transfer body including at least a peelable layer, a transparent conductive layer and an adhesive layer all sequentially laminated on a supporting body, wherein the supporting body has a heat resisting property enough to withstand heat treatment to the layers on the supporting body and a large rigidity compared with an opponent member to which the layers are to be transferred, and wherein the peelable layer is formed to have a pull strength of 100 g/cm or more.

Abstract: A multi-layer extended text resealable label comprising a first base layer and a second layer selectively secured thereto. The label is constructed in such a way so that when the second layer is completely separated from the first layer, the second layer is devoid of any adhesive material thereon so that the second layer may be conveniently handled without the same sticking to other materials. The second layer is also resealable onto the first layer.

Abstract: A self-adhesive label for displaying information includes a leaflet, a tab member, and an adhesive layer. The leaflet has a lower surface and an end edge. The tab member is separately formed from the leaflet. An exposed portion of the tab member is disposed alongside the leaflet adjacent the end edge. The tab member has a lower surface. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the leaflet and a second adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the tab member. At least a portion of the leaflet does not overlie the tab member. The label may include a laminate cover overlying the upper surface of the leaflet and including a laminate tab portion overlying the exposed portion of the tab member.

Abstract: A device is formed by transferring a film onto a substrate when the film requires but the substrate is not adapted to a high temperature heat treatment process. The film having layers and formed on a first substrate having layers is transferred onto a second substrate having layers. The method of transferring the film comprises a first step of forming a lift-off layer and the film to be transferred on the first substrate, a second step of bonding the film to be transferred to the second substrate and a third step of separating the film to be transferred from the first substrate by etching the lift-off layer and transferring it onto the second substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoformable multilayer film comprising in succession: a protective layer (A); a transparent layer (B) comprising (by weight the total amount being 100%) 0 to 100% of a fluoropolymer (B1) and 100 to 0% of a polymer (B2) essentially consisting of alkyl (meth)acrylate units; a layer (C) based on a polyamide with amine terminal groups; a layer (D) consisting of a polyolefin functionalized by an unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride; a bonding layer (E) made of a polyolefin, said film being obtained by coextruding the various layers, said film being used to cover various substrates, for example by injection-moulding the substrate in the melt onto the multilayer film placed in the bottom of an injection mould, the layer (A) of the film being placed against the wall of the mould.

Abstract: A multilayer card is described. The multilayer card includes a base layer, a watermark layer, an image layer, and an opaque layer. The watermark layer is provided on the base layer and is at least partially transparent. The image layer is provided on the watermark layer. The opaque layer is provided on the image layer.

Abstract: An adhesive transfer device and method for selectively making a repositionably adherable substrate from a selected substrate are disclosed. The device comprises a base substrate, a layer of repositionable adhesive disposed on the base substrate, a layer of permanent adhesive adjacent to the repositionable layer opposite the base substrate, and structure providing a release surface. The base substrate and the structure providing the release surface can be moved apart so as to leave both of the adhesive layers on the base substrate with the permanent layer exposed, thereby enabling the selected substrate to be adhered to the exposed permanent layer. The base substrate and the selected substrate can be moved apart from one another so as to separate the base substrate from the repositionable layer and leaving both the adhesive layers on the selected substrate with the repositionable layer exposed, thereby allowing the selected substrate to be repositionably adhered.

Abstract: An adhesive layer is provided on a base material in the shape of an elongated film, powder particles are adhered thereon, and then other powder particles and media vibrated in a container are contacted with this adhesive layer. Next, the powder particles are embedded on the surface of the adhesive layer as a monolayer in which part of the powder particle protrudes, so as to form a laminate, and excess powder particles adhered to the laminate are removed. Therefore, a monolayer powder film, consisting of many powder particles embedded as a monolayer so that part thereof protrudes, is produced.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optically transparent pressure sensitive adhesive sheet for heat transfer image pattern formation comprising an optically transparent film which has a first side constituting a heat transfer image pattern-receiving side and a second side opposite to the first side, an antistatic release sheet provided on the second side of the optically transparent film, via a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. Also disclosed is a first embodiment of an optically transparent decorative pressure sensitive adhesive sheet comprising the optically transparent pressure sensitive adhesive sheet and an image pattern formed by heat transfer method on the first side of the optically transparent film.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for preparing a pressure and/or heat applied image transfer sheet and applying an image therefrom to a target surface comprising: applying an image layer to an image area of an image release system on a support, the image release system comprising an image release surface; applying a pressure and/or heat activated adhesive layer over i) the image release system including the image area, and/or ii) at least a portion of the target surface, which adhesive layer adheres more strongly to the image layer than the image layer does to the release surface; contacting, with the application of pressure and/or heat, the target surface and the image transfer sheet such that the dried adhesive layer attaches only in the image area to i) the target surface and/or ii) the image transfer sheet; and peeling off the support together with the adhesive layer except for the image area which is left attached to the target surface.

Abstract: A high temperature resistant masking device (10) comprising a substrate having a top surface (26) and a bottom surface (28) with an adhesive applied to the bottom surface (28) of the substrate for removable attachment to a masking surface. The masking device (10) includes a pull tab (12) extending upwardly from the device's center portion for facilitating easy placement and removal of the masking device (10) from the masking surface. The masking devices (10) are die-cut into various shapes and sizes, and placed on rolls of release liner so that they may be readily applied to parts requiring masking during a painting or coating process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate and an article comprising a retroreflective layer having a retroreflective viewing surface and an opposing surface and a tear resistant film disposed on the retroreflective layer. The finished article is preferably flexible and suitable for use as roll-up signs, flags, banners and other retroreflective articles requiring similar flexibility including other traffic warning and personal safety items.

Abstract: An image forming method for forming an image on an optical disk includes forming the image on an intermediate transfer medium or on an image receptive layer separably formed on one surface of the intermediate transfer medium. The intermediate transfer medium and the optical disk are laid so that the surface of the intermediate transfer medium carrying the image and the surface of the optical disk are in close contact with each other. Heat and/or pressure is applied to the intermediate transfer medium to transfer the image or the image receptive layer carrying the image to the optical disk to form a label on the optical disk.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for coating a web by applying a coating layer comprising pigment particles to the surface of the web. According to the invention, the coating layer is contacted at a preselected stage with a smooth surface, the coating layer is at least partially dried while being contacted with said surface to provide a smooth outer surface of the layer with densely packed particles, and the coating layer is separated from the smooth surface. The smooth surface of the web provided by the invention is ideal for printing or for secondary coating with polymers. Paper and board products according to the invention are easily reclaimed and can be treated in a normal pulper, because they do not contain any metal foils or polymer films.

Abstract: There are provided a method of forming an image on a card and an apparatus therefor, which are capable of properly carrying out printing of an image on a card and protection of the printed image in a simplified manner without changing the size of the card. A card is used which has an ink-fixing layer laminated on a surface of a substrate layer and an ink image-receiving layer peelably laminated on a surface of the ink-fixing layer. An image is printed on the card, while feeding the card, by an ink jet printing method using a sublimable dye ink. The card printed with the image is conveyed to a heating source, and subjected to heat treatment by the heating source to cause diffusion of the sublimable dye ink held in the ink image-receiving layer in the ink-fixing layer, and color development to form an image. The ink image-receiving layer is peeled off the card after the heat treatment.

Abstract: It is described an ink-jet transfer system or transfer print respectively, having a high degree of washproofness and unfadeability as well as good ecological properties, as well as a process for its preparation and its use for a printing process by means of the ink-jet transfer system according to the invention. The inventive ink-jet transfer system comprises a carrier material, a hot-melt layer being applied onto said carrier material and at least one ink-receiving layer whereby the at least one ink-receiving layer comprises a mixture of a high porous pigment and of a binder, whereby the molecules of the pigment and optionally of the binder and optionally of the hot-melt are capable to form chemical bonds with the ink-dyestuff molecules.

Abstract: A laminating film has at least a surface layer and an adhesive layer deposited on a substrate, wherein the surface layer is provided by applying a coating made by blending together at least two types of emulsions. Emulsion polymers included in the emulsions may have different glass transition temperatures. A laminating method using the laminating film includes the steps of press-bonding the laminating film to a printed matter at a temperature not less than the glass transition temperature of the emulsion polymer with the higher glass transition temperature, and separating the laminating film from the printed matter thereafter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of immobilizing the fingers of circuitry. A coating is formed of a liquid adhesive on the surface of a release film in a pattern of strips in positions perpendicular to and across the positions the fingers of the circuitry will have when the pattern of adhesive is bonded to it. The coating is rendered non-tacky and is bonded across and between the fingers and the release film is removed from the coating.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a decorated substrate comprising the steps of: submitting the substrate to a treatment to prepare its surface for the application of a coating; applying a coating to the surface of the substrate in one or more cycles; covering the surface of the substrate with a sheet comprising a decoration which is to be transferred to the surface of the substrate; and heating the substrate and the sheet comprising the decoration to effect the transfer of the decoration from the sheet onto the substrate. In this process, the coating is cured using electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength shorter than 400 nm, until a coating is obtained having a Tg between 50 and 130° C. and a scar resistance at 200° C. of at least 3N and wherein the temperature during the transfer of the decoration to the substrate is from 180 to 220° C. The process is particularly suited to the decoration of heat sensitive substrates, like MDF or wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a decorative laminate lay-up including a decorative laminate sheet assembly having a top layer and a polypropylene release sheet applied to the top layer of the decorative laminate sheet assembly. The polypropylene release sheet is a cast polypropylene release sheet formed with a holographic transfer image.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: An in-mold decorating label, which comprises a thermoplastic resin film substrate layer (I) having provided on its backside a heat-sealable resin layer (II), the heat-sealable resin layer (II) containing a polyethylenic resin and at least one of (i) a fatty acid amide having a molecular weight of 300 or more and (ii) an organic or inorganic fine powder having an average particle size larger than thickness of the heat-sealable resin layer (II). This label for use in in-mold decorating has excellent feeding and discharging properties upon printing and workability during sheeting, which facilitates insertion of the label into a metal mold during in-mold decorating, and provides a label-laminated container which does not suffer from blister generation and has a large welding force between the container and the label.

Abstract: Adhesive labels are manufactured by cutting windows in an upper layer of a support web (2) through to a lower silicon coated material. Folded leaflets (15) are then adhered by lines of adhesive (11, 12, 13) to the support web (2) and the combination is die-cut to form individual adhesive labels with part of the die-cut folded leaflet extending beyond an edge of a base label formed from the window in the support web. This method of manufacture permits more complex label structures to be constructed without pre-cutting individual base labels.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermally transferable image protective sheet and a method for protective layer formation that can provide a protective layer which can protect an image of a record produced by a nonsilver photographic color hard copy recording method, can impart lightfastness and other properties to the record, and can realize a record having a glossy impression comparable to silver salt photographs. The thermally transferable image protective sheet comprises a support and a thermally transferable resin layer having a single-layer or multilayer structure stacked on the support so as to be separable from the support.

Abstract: A unitary label adapted for affixation to an object such as a product container. The label includes a first portion which is affixable to an object to be labeled and a second portion contiguous with the first portion. The label is wrapped about the target object and the combined length of the label is greater than the circumference of the object whereby the second portion functions as a resealable and/or removable flap which offers additional available print areas on both its top and bottom surfaces. A method for making the unitary label is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot peel carrier for decorative graphics and lettering applied to a substrate wherein the carrier has a film having opposite surfaces and an adhesive having a peel strength which decreases with increasing temperature, the adhesive being on a surface of the plastic film. The invention also provides a laminate for use in applying graphics to a substrate which incorporates the carrier, methods of using and methods of using the carrier and laminate disclosed herein. The various embodiments disclosed herein incorporating the aforementioned hot peel carrier have significant advantages stemming from the fact that immediate after a graphic is heat applied to a substrate, the adhesive of the carrier has substantially no adhesion to either the substrate or to the heated adhered graphic.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of selectively coating wood composites in a single step, while maintaining registration of the coating to the design of the molded or contoured wood composite. The invention also is directed to a structure provided by preparing a wood composite according to the inventive method.

Abstract: There are provided a method for image formation which can produce an image formed object possessing excellent fastness or resistance properties such as excellent abrasion resistance, lightfastness, and alteration preventive properties, is less likely to cause damage to an object, is free from a deterioration in image quality, and does not incur an increase in production cost, and an image formed object. In the method for image formation, an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a substrate and a light transparent protective layer provided on the substrate, and a first thermal transfer recording medium comprising a substrate and a light transparent ink layer provided on the substrate are first provided. The intermediate transfer recording medium and the first thermal transfer recording medium are put on top of each other. The assembly is imagewise heated to form a light transparent image on the light transparent protective layer in the intermediate transfer recording medium.

Abstract: A thin film thermometer has multiple temperature sensors that individually appear within certain concealing features of the decal under different temperature ranges, otherwise blending into the concealing features and thereby disappearing into the design. Among other uses, this thermometer may be implemented as an adhesive bandage or refrigerator magnet, and may include special features such as a hologram, heat blocking backing, and ink-preserving adhesive tie coat. Also, enhanced visual effects are achieved through the coordinated multiple activation of temperature sensors.

Abstract: A wall mural painting kit for painting a mural on a wall or other flat surface. The kit has multiple pattern transfer sheets. Each pattern transfer sheet has first and second opposite faces. A layer of transfer material is on the first face and a pattern of a mural is on the second face. One or more alignment markings is provided on the second face for use in placing said sheet in correct position on said wall or other flat surface. The kit may include a supply of adhesive tape having a non-aggressive adhesive. The tape is marked at regular intervals along the length of the tape so that the tape may be torn or cut from said supply in appropriately-sized segments to allow each pattern transfer sheet to be affixed to a wall or other flat surface with a desired number of said segments.

Abstract: The present application discloses a film comprising a first layer formed from a first extruded and solidified material and a second layer formed from a second extruded and solidified material. The first material has a lower coefficient of friction when solidified than the second material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for transferring a molded element onto a textile material comprising the steps of: (a) heating a liquid polymeric material inside a mold to transform the liquid polymeric material from a liquid to a gel to form a molded element; (b) applying the molded element in the mold to the textile material with heat and pressure in order to transfer the molded element from the mold onto the textile material; and, (c) cooling the molded element on the textile material by applying cold and pressure to the molded element in the mold in order to adhere the molded element to the textile material.

Abstract: A resealable label flap including a tamper indicating tab that remains in contact with the package body to indicate that the label flap has been removed from the package body. The label flap includes a main body portion having a first adhesive applied to its bottom face surface. The first adhesive is a removable adhesive that allows the label flap to be repeatedly removed and reapplied to the package body. The label flap further includes a starting tab that does not adhere to the top surface of the package body. A tamper indicating tab is formed as part of the starting tab and includes the first adhesive applied to its bottom face surface. The tamper indicating tab is defined by a series of perforations such that when the label flap is initially removed from the product package, the tamper indicating tab separates from the starting tab along the perforations to indicate that the product package has been opened.

Abstract: A card with removable stickers includes a sticker assembly including a first layer of small stickers on which are printed different pictures and are cut to facilitate their removal, a second layer of backing paper having a back side which is colored with an opaque, reflective, copper-colored material, a third layer of adhesive, a fourth layer of double-sided release paper, a fifth layer of removable film made of transparent resin, and a sixth layer of adhesive, and a card adhered to the six layer of adhesive, whereby when in use, the backing paper is first removed, and then the double-sided release paper is removed from the transparent removable film leaving the transparent removable film on the card, thereby enabling illustration of the card to be completely seen and the stickers be adhered on the removable film, and writing can also be done on the film.

Abstract: A pattern-transferring film having a print pattern provided on an upper surface thereof is floated on a liquid surface within a transferring bath and an objective body is immersed into a liquid within the transferring bath together with the pattern transferring film under a liquid pressure so as to transfer the print pattern onto the objective body. The print pattern is obtained by being printed by using an optional printing ink or inks of blue, yellow, red black and white inks or an ink or inks prepared by blending the printing inks. The liquid pressure pattern-transferring ink or inks comprise at least a resin ingredient and a color pigment. The resin ingredient of each of the color inks is composed of a fluoropolymer resin and the color pigment of each of the color inks is an inorganic pigment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ink-jet transfer media that can be printed with images using ink-jet printers. The printed image can be thermally transferred to fabric materials such as black or white colored T-shirts. The ink-jet transfer media of this invention comprise a support paper containing independently removable panels. Each removable panel is capable of being peeled away from the film coating. The removable panels are divided by means of a peel line in the paper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an optical waveguide, capable of easily manufacturing an optical waveguide which can hold an excellent light propagating characteristic irrespective of the kind of a supporting substrate. On a transparent substrate, a peelability promoting film obtained by setting silicone oil and an optical waveguide made of an epoxy resin are sequentially formed. The peelability promoting film promotes the peelability between the transparent substrate and the optical waveguide with sufficient adhesion that it is not peeled off from the transparent substrate during formation of the optical waveguide. Subsequently, after adhering a multilayer wiring board to the optical waveguide via an adhering layer made of a photosetting resin, the adhering layer is irradiated with light so as to be set, thereby fixing the multilayer wiring board to the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A process for forming an inorganic material layer pattern on a substrate. The process includes the steps of transferring an inorganic powder dispersed paste layer supported on a support film to the surface of the substrate to form the inorganic powder dispersed paste layer on the substrate; forming a resist film on the inorganic powder dispersed paste layer transferred to the surface of the substrate; exposing the resist film to light through a mask to form a latent image of a resist pattern; developing the exposed resist film to form the resist pattern; etching exposed portions of the inorganic powder dispersed paste layer to form an inorganic powder dispersed paste layer pattern corresponding to the resist pattern; and baking the pattern to form an inorganic material layer pattern.

Abstract: A transfer material for the ink-jet printing process comprising a support and a heat-activatable polymer layer wherein the polymer of the polymer layer is a mixture of nonionic water soluble polyethylene oxide polymers with the general formula H—[—O—CH2—CH2—]nOH, and wherein the degree of polymerization n is in the range of from 1,000 to 200,000.

Abstract: A method allowing high definition printing of images including photographic prints and computer images onto a variety of natural and man made substrates to create unique art objects and articles of manufacture that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to create. The process can even be utilized to transfer high definition images to such unlikely materials as tree leaves, making it possible to create highly unique art objects, and utilitarian objects such as place marker “leaves” at a dinner table.

Abstract: Laminating a pre-press proof (200) onto a coated metal plate (340), consisting of the steps of: laminating a pre-laminate sheet (240) to a coated metal plate (340). Removing the first support layer (150) forming a pre-laminated receiver stock (230). Creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) laminating the imaged receiver sheet (140) to the pre-laminated receiver stock (230) thereby encapsulating the representative image (290) and removing the second support layer (170) forming a pre-press proof (200) onto a coated metal plate (340).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating a mould-imparted texture including applying a textured skin to a moulding from a pre-textured mould.

Abstract: A method for decorating a vitreous substrate with a radiation curable ink composition, comprising applying an ink composition comprised of an N-vinyl lactam to the glass in a predetermined design, the ink being operable when cured to bond to the vitreous substrate, curing the ink on the vitreous substrate by exposing it to the radiation by which it is curable, thereby bonding the ink composition to the substrate; and a method for decorating a vitreous substrate with hot stamping foil comprising applying an ink composition comprised of an N-vinyl lactam to the glass in a predetermined design, the ink being operable when cured to bond to the vitreous substrate, curing the ink on the vitreous substrate by exposing it to the radiation by which it is curable, thereby bonding the ink composition to the substrate, pressing a sheet of hot stamping foil against the substrate with a die heated to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the hot stamping foil to adhere to the heated, cured, ink design but not to t

Abstract: A method of applying a decorative color to a thermoplastic strip suited for use to produce slats for blinds is characterized by the use of a heat sensitive printing paper of the type normally used to color the fabric material from which valances are generally made. By using that type of color transferring medium to color the thermoplastic slats it becomes possible, for instance, to manufacture blind slats having the same color as the fabric valance to be hung decoratively from the window for which the blind is to be installed. There is also disclosed a blind structure for attenuating the flapping noise produced when the slats enter in contact with each other.

Abstract: A reverse image printer that has a backing web carrying a laminate layer upon which a reverse image is printed. The laminate layer is laminated onto a card. The backing web carrying the transfer layer is separated from the laminate layer after the laminate layer and card have been laminated together using a peel-off assembly that guides the backing web at a selected desired separation angle relative to the plane of movement of the card and the laminate layer after lamination. The peel-off assembly uses two guide members to maintain the desired separation angle regardless of changes in diameter of a take-up roller used for the backing web.

Abstract: A pattern-transferring film having a print pattern provided on an upper surface thereof is floated on a liquid surface within a transferring bath and an objective body is immersed into a liquid within the transferring bath together with the pattern transferring film under a liquid pressure so as to transfer the print pattern onto the objective body. The print pattern is obtained by being printed by using an optional printing ink or inks of blue, yellow, red black and white inks or an ink or inks prepared by blending the printing inks. The liquid pressure pattern-transferring ink or inks comprise at least a resin ingredient and a color pigment. The resin ingredient of each of the color inks is composed of a fluoropolymer resin and the color pigment of each of the color inks is an inorganic pigment.