US 2017/0321999 A1 · LAYERED GRAPHIC DECAL ARROW AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

Abstract

The layered graphic decal arrow consists of an arrow base, decal, and a finishing layer. Two separate curing processes are used to create the arrow to prevent adhesive from penetrating the decal thereby degrading the visual appeal of the arrow. The decal is applied to the arrow base, or printed on the arrow base, then flashed at a first temperature then cured at a second temperature. After cooling the arrow, a finishing layer is applied to the arrow. A uniform pressure is applied around the finishing layer to hold it in place while curing. After curing, the uniform pressure is removed, the arrow is polished to remove undesired markings and the arrow is cut to the desired length. In an alternative embodiment, the finish layer is a polymer coating applied to the arrow without the need for uniform pressure.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of manufacturing a layered graphic decal arrow comprising the steps of:

selecting an arrow base;
providing a decal mounted to a decal backing;
attaching said decal to said arrow base;
removing said decal attached to said arrow base from said decal backing;
removing imperfections from said decal attached to said arrow base;
flashing said decal attached to said arrow base at a first temperature for a first time period;
curing said decal attached to said arrow base at a second temperature for a second time period;
cooling said decal attached to said arrow base to a first ambient temperature;
and
providing a finishing to said decal attached to said arrow base.

7 more elements

A method of manufacturing a layered graphic decal arrow comprising the steps of:

selecting an arrow base;
modifying said arrow base to meet desired physical properties;
removing surface irregularities from said arrow base;
wetting a decal mounted to said decal backing with a solvent solution;
aligning said arrow base with said decal mounted to said decal backing;
attaching said decal to said arrow base;
removing said decal attached to said arrow base from said decal backing;
flashing said decal attached to said arrow base at a first temperature for a first time period;
curing said decal attached to said arrow base at a second temperature for a second time period;
cooling said decal attached to said arrow base to a first ambient temperature;
attaching a finishing layer to said arrow base with attached decal;
providing pressure on said finishing layer attached to said arrow base with attached decal;
curing said finishing layer attached to said arrow base with attached decal at a third temperature for a third time period;
cooling said finishing layer attached to said arrow base with attached decal to a second ambient temperature;
removing said pressure on said finishing layer attached to said arrow base with attached decal;
and
polishing said finishing layer attached to said arrow shaft with attached decal.

14 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Layered graphic decal arrow and method of manufacture

Life of this patent

Layered graphic decal arrow and method of manufacture

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20