It is the object of the present invention to provide a new polymer coating for low temperature plastics and plastic foams that allows for the application of disperse dyes in a sublimation process that preserves the original properties of the underlying plastic substrate. The composition includes an optically clear synthetic organic polymer base holding two layers, a first reflective layer supported by the low temperature plastic substrate that includes IR radiation reflecting additives, and a second layer supported by the first layer having light scattering particulate additives. The disperse dyes utilized in the invention may include additives to absorb IR radiation provided by an external IR source positioned above the disperse dyes causing the dyes to sublimate and diffuse quickly into the light scattering layer. The combination of these layers allows for diffusion of the disperse dye ink into the light scattering layer while protecting the low temperature plastic below.
B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
B29C 65/20 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tool with direct contact, e.g. using "mirror"
B41M 5/035 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by sublimation or volatilisation of design
A new polymer coating for metal surfaces that allows for the application of disperse dyes in a sublimation process that preserves the luster and metal iridescence naturally occurring in a metal surface, such as occurs on a polished aluminum sheet. The coating includes a combination of natural metal oxide additives having the capability to be prepared in nano-sized particles and combined with an organic polymer coating binder and resin in restricted loading levels to allow for light penetration to and from the polished metal surface. An optimal loading level for the additive that utilizes particles having a size of between 5nm and 15nm of metal oxide additives is approximately 20 percent by weight of solids.
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 15/09 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
B32B 15/095 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin comprising polyurethanes
B32B 37/06 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the heating method
B32B 37/10 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using direct action of vacuum or fluid pressure
B32B 37/14 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
B41M 3/12 - Transfer pictures or the like, e.g. decalcomanias
B41M 5/035 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by sublimation or volatilisation of design
B44C 1/16 - Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
A curved acrylic photographic article and process for making same comprising of an optically clear acrylic layer and an adjacent synthetic organic polymer containing both light scattering particulate and diffused disperse dyes. The layered article being thermodynamically formed into a curved or other shape immediately subsequent to receiving a graphic decoration by dye diffusion thermal transfer.
B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
B29C 65/20 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tool with direct contact, e.g. using "mirror"
B41M 5/035 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by sublimation or volatilisation of design
4.
THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTED POLYMERIC PHONE CASE INSERT
The present invention is a process of producing a decorated case insert suitable for use on a phone or tablet that applies a synthetic organic polymer coating onto a heat stabilized extruded polymeric substrate, and diffuses a set of disperse dyes in the form of an image into the polymer applied coating through the application of heat and pressure. The decorated insert is then cut to match an article or manufacture, such as a phone or tablet case, and affixed onto that case to form a decorated case.
B41M 5/035 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by sublimation or volatilisation of design
B41M 5/50 - Recording sheets characterised by the coating used to improve ink, dye or pigment receptivity, e.g. for ink-jet or thermal dye transfer recording
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