Method and associated apparatus for use with an automated sign generator to produce enhanced graphics

In combination with an automated sign generator of the general type including a controller for directing the operation of the sign generator in accordance with a programmed instruction set stored in a memory for moving a tool head in one coordinate direction across the surface of a laminated sheet material moving in a second coordinate direction whereby the coordinated movements of the tool head and the sheet material trace the shape of a graphic defined by the instruction set, apparatus for producing the defined graphic with an enhanced visual effect, said apparatus comprising:

• paint pen means carried by the tool head for painting a stripe of paint defining the general peripheral outline of the defined graphic;
• means for flexing the laminated sheet material as the sheet material moves back and forth longitudinally of its length to maintain the surface of the sheet material in the region of the tool head in a fixed spacial relationship with the tool head and to prevent paint applied to the surface of the sheet material from becoming smeared as the sheet material moves relative to the tool head, and
• cutting means carried by the tool head for cutting the surface layer of the laminated sheet material along a path falling within the stripe painted on the surface of the sheet material whereby the cut portion of the surface layer is removed from the laminated sheet material and comprises the defined graphic having an enhanced visual special effect.

Method for producing a transfer graphic having an enhanced visual appearance wherein the transfer graphic is cut from a surface layer of a laminated vinyl sheet material using an automated sign generator of the general type including a controller for directing the operation of the sign generator to produce relative coordinate movement between the head of the sign generator and the face of the laminated sheet material in accordance with a programmed instruction set stored in a memory in the sign generator, said method comprising:

• the step of providing a paint pen adapted to be carried by the head of the sign generator for movement therewith;
• the step of painting at least one stripe of paint on the face of the surface layer of the vinyl laminated sheet material along a path defining the desired graphic to be produced wherein the painted stripe has a width and is painted with at least one a number of different style paint nibs in contact with the face of the surface layer;
• the step of moving the laminated sheet material longitudinal of its length in such a manner as not to contact the face of the surface layer to prevent the painted stripe from becoming smeared or smudged;
• the step of providing a cutting tool adapted to be carried by the head of the sign generator for movement therewith, the paint pen and cutting tool being interchangeable;
• the step of cutting the surface layer of the laminated sheet material along the path defining the periphery of the desired graphic wherein the cut is within the width of the painted stripe so that a portion of the painted stripe is left on both sides of the cut path, and
• the step of removing the cut graphic from the laminated sheet material along the cut path wherein the surface of the graphic contains the portion of the painted stripe outlining the periphery of the graphic to provide a graphic having an enhanced visual special effect appearance.