Heat activated applique with upper stretch fabric layer

Abstract

The heat activated appliqué for providing in particular decorative elements providing contrast in texture or color including graphical images, logos, numbers and letters for apparel and other textile products, specifically but not limited to those made out of stretch fabrics (typically knit or woven fabrics) comprised of synthetic or natural fiber yarns constructed with spandex fibers and yarns. The appliqué includes an upper stretchable fabric layer bonded to a substrate by a thermoplastic adhesive. Preferably, the stretchable fabric layer is a knit or woven fabric comprised of at least 3% and preferably between 3% to 33% spandex and polyester or nylon threads and the thermoplastic adhesive is a urethane-based thermoplastic adhesive with suitable stretch and recovery characteristics. The appliqué can be layered to provide three-dimensional characteristics. The stretchable fabric layer can be embossed to provide surface characteristics to the heat activated appliqué, either prior to or during application. This is also suitable for applying additional indicia in the form of direct printing or sublimation dye heat transferred into the stretchable fabric layer. The above appliqué may bear a combination of digitally-printed elements such as letters, logo graphics and numbers or other indicia, and may include a simulated embroidery-stitched appearance from either said printing or laser-etching or some combination of both, all in a form that is easily heat-sealed to a garment or other textile.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.