# US 2012/0073734 A1 · Decorative system composite and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2012/0073734 A1 - Document ID: US20120073734A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/207,840 - Filed: 2011-08-11 - Published: 2012-03-29 - Earliest claimed: 2003-01-27 - Inventors: ROBERT LAFAVE; ROBERT BOWLING - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20120073734A1 ## CPC - B32B 37/26: with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the lamination process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers - B29C 48/08: flexible, e.g. films - B32B 37/025: {Transfer laminating} - B32B 38/12: Deep-drawing - B29C 48/00: Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor (extrusion blow-moulding B29C49/04) - B29C 51/00: Shaping by thermoforming {, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating}, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor {(blow moulding of tubular preforms B29C49/00, deforming of tubular or hollow preforms B29C67/0014)} - B29K 2105/256: {Sheets, plates, blanks or films} - B29L 2009/005: {coated} - B32B 37/1018: {using only vacuum} - B32B 37/153: {at least one layer is extruded and immediately laminated while in semi-molten state} - B32B 37/206: {Laminating a continuous layer between two continuous plastic layers} - B32B 38/0004: {Cutting, tearing or severing, e.g. bursting; Cutter details (cutting in general B26D; laminating combined with punching or perforating B32B38/04; removing all or part of the layers B32B38/10; cutting in combination with laying up and registration B32B38/185 takes precedence)} - B32B 2037/268: {Release layers} - B32B 2307/54: Yield strength; Tensile strength - B32B 2309/105: Thickness - B32B 2605/003: Interior finishings - Y10T 156/1028: by bending, drawing or stretch forming sheet to assume shape of configured lamina while in contact therewith - Y10T 156/103: Encasing or enveloping the configured lamina - Y10T 156/1075: of plural laminae from single stock and assembling to each other or to additional lamina - Y10T 428/2486: with outer strippable or release layer - Y10T 428/2839: with release or antistick coating - Y10T 428/31504: Composite [nonstructural laminate] - Y10T 428/3154: Of fluorinated addition polymer from unsaturated monomers - Y10T 428/31544: Addition polymer is perhalogenated - Y10T 428/31931: Polyene monomer-containing - Y10T 428/31935: Ester, halide or nitrile of addition polymer - Y10T 428/31938: Polymer of monoethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon - B32B: LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) - B29K: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR {MOULDS, } REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS - B29L: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics. ## Claims ### Claim at position 1 -109. (canceled) ### Claim 110 A method for forming a laminate system, comprising: providing a thermoformable support film; providing a paint or color-containing film system, wherein the paint or color-containing film system includes a clear coat layer disposed on a surface thereof; providing a substrate, wherein the substrate is translucent or opaque, wherein the paint or color-containing film system is disposed between the support film and the substrate, wherein the substrate is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic polyolefin, ABS, and combinations thereof; and subjecting the support film, paint or color-containing film system, and substrate to a vacuum thermoforming process; wherein the support film is releasably adhered to the paint or color-containing film system during the vacuum thermoforming process; wherein the support film supports the substrate during the vacuum thermoforming process; wherein the clear coat layer is disposed on the surface of the paint or color-containing film system prior to the vacuum thermoforming process. ### Claim 111 (depends on 110) The invention according to claim 110, wherein the support film is comprised of a material having a tensile strength greater than 0.5 pli at 300° F. ### Claim 112 (depends on 110) The invention according to claim 110, further comprising providing a second thermoformable film having a tensile strength greater than 0.5 pli at 300° F., wherein the second support film is operable to releasably adhere to and support a substrate during a vacuum thermoforming process, wherein the second support film is spaced and opposed from the support film. ### Claim 113 (depends on 110) The invention according to claim 110, wherein the support film is operable to be peeled away from the paint or color-containing film system after completion of the vacuum thermoforming process. ### Claim 114 (depends on 110) The invention according to claim 110, further comprising providing an adhesive film disposed between the paint or color-containing film system and the substrate. ### Claim 115 (depends on 110) The invention according to claim 110, wherein the substrate is formed into an automotive component. ### Claim 116 (depends on 110) The invention according to claim 110, wherein the support film is comprised of a fluoropolymer material. ### Claim 117 (depends on 116) The invention according to claim 116, wherein the fluoropolymer material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, and combinations thereof. ### Claim 118 (depends on 110) The invention according to claim 110, wherein the clear coat layer is permanently adhered to the surface of the paint or color-containing film system prior to the vacuum thermoforming process. ### Claim 119 A method for forming a laminate system, comprising: providing a thermoformable support film; providing a paint or color-containing film system, wherein the paint or color-containing film system includes a clear coat layer disposed on a surface thereof; providing an adhesive film system; providing a substrate, wherein the substrate is translucent or opaque, wherein the adhesive film system is disposed between the paint or color-containing film system and the substrate, wherein the paint or color-containing film system is disposed between the support film and the adhesive film system, wherein the substrate is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic polyolefin, ABS, and combinations thereof; and subjecting the support film, paint or color-containing film system, adhesive film system, and substrate to a vacuum thermoforming process; wherein the support film releasably adheres to the paint or color-containing film system during the vacuum thermoforming process; wherein the support film supports the substrate during the vacuum thermoforming process; wherein the clear coat layer is disposed on the surface of the paint or color-containing film system prior to the vacuum thermoforming process. ### Claim 120 (depends on 119) The invention according to claim 119, wherein the support film is comprised of a material having a tensile strength greater than 0.5 pli at 300° F. ### Claim 121 (depends on 119) The invention according to claim 119, further comprising a second thermoformable support film having a tensile strength greater than 0.5 phi at 300° F., wherein the second support film is operable to releasably adhere to and support a substrate during a vacuum thermoforming process, wherein the second support film is spaced and opposed from the support film. ### Claim 122 (depends on 119) The invention according to claim 119, wherein the support film is operable to be peeled away from the paint or color-containing film system after completion of the vacuum thermoforming process. ### Claim 123 (depends on 119) The invention according to claim 119, wherein the substrate is formed into an automotive component. ### Claim 124 (depends on 119) The invention according to claim 119, wherein the support film is comprised of a fluoropolymer material. ### Claim 125 (depends on 124) The invention according to claim 124, wherein the fluoropolymer material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, and combinations thereof. ### Claim 126 (depends on 119) The invention according to claim 119, wherein the clear coat layer is permanently adhered to the surface of the paint or color-containing film system prior to the vacuum thermoforming process.