Resinous polymer sheet materials having selective, decorative effects

Abstract

Resinous polymer sheet materials having selective, decorative effects comprising: a first layer of a resinous polymer composition; a pattern or design printed on and adhered to the surface of the first layer of resinous polymer composition and having a relatively dark colored printed portions and relatively light colored printed portions; and a second layer of a resinous polymer composition applied on and adhered to the printed pattern or design and to the first layer of resinous polymer composition, the second layer of resinous polymer composition having a refractive index of from about 1.3 to about 1.7 and having included or embedded substantially uniformly therein a layer of relatively small, flat, decorative chips or flakes comprising a very thin layer of translucent or transparent platelets provided with a coating having a refractive index of at least about 1.8 and at least 0.2 greater than the refractive index of any surrounding, contacting material, and a thickness of from about 0.05 micron to about 2 microns, such that light wave interference and color absorptive effects are created in light waves striking and reflecting from the second layer of resinous polymer composition, whereby those decorative chips or flakes located over the relatively dark colored printed portions are discernible from eye-level or a distance of about five feet, whereas those decorative chips or flakes located over the relatively light colored printed portions are indiscernible from eye-level or a distance of about five feet. Methods of making such resinous polymer sheet materials having such selective, decorative effects are also included.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.