US 5,383,996 A · Method and web for applying graphics to framing substrate

Abstract

A novel adhesive web or sheet having a carrier backing and an adhesive layer which can be cut with intricate graphic patterns and peeled to leave a reverse image of the desired graphic, as an adhesive on the carrier backing. The adhesive pattern is then transferred to the display or framing substrate, by the application of relatively low heat and pressure. After transfer, the adhesive pattern is right-reading, and serves as the bonding foundation for the ultimate graphic. A graphic sheet having a decorative upper surface, is placed with its lower surface on the adhesive pattern. Relatively low levels of heat and pressure are applied through the top, or decorative surface, thereby attaching the lower surface of the graphic sheet to the adhesive pattern, but not to the remainder of the framing substrate. After cooling, the graphic sheet is peeled away, leaving behind only that portion which bonded to the adhesive pattern. Thus, the observer sees the desired decorative graphic pattern with a raised surface consisting of a portion of the graphic sheet. Preferably, the carrier backing of the adhesive sheet is a transparent plastic, such as 500-700 gauge polyester film, on which a solution coated layer of adhesive including colorant has been applied. Preferably, the coated adhesive layer is a water-based dispersion of ethylene acrylic acid and urethane.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A method for applying a graphic to a display substrate comprising:

selecting an adhesive sheet having a carrier backing and an adhesive layer;
cutting a pattern through the adhesive layer but not the backing of the adhesive sheet;
peeling some of the cut adhesive layer from the carrier backing while leaving the remainder on the carrier backing as an adhesive pattern that is a reverse image of the desired graphic;
placing the adhesive sheet so that the reverse image adhesive pattern contacts the display substrate;
applying heat and pressure to the carrier backing for a first period of time, thereby bonding the reverse image adhesive pattern to the display substrate;
after said first period of time, peeling the carrier backing away from the adhesive pattern, which remains bonded to the display substrate such that the adhesive pattern appears right-reading with respect to the desired graphic;
selecting a graphics sheet having a lower side and an upper, decorative side;
placing the graphics sheet on the display substrate, with said lower side in contact with said right-reading adhesive pattern;
applying heat and pressure to the graphics sheet for a second period of time, thereby bonding the graphics sheet only to the right-reading adhesive pattern;
after said second period of time, pulling the graphics sheet from the display substrate, thereby leaving a portion of the graphics sheet bonded to the right-reading adhesive pattern and constituting the desired graphic on said display substrate.

7 more elements

A method for applying graphics on framing paper, comprising:

selecting an adhesive sheet having a carrier backing and an adhesive layer;
cutting a pattern through the adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet;
peeling some of the cut adhesive layer from the carrier backing while leaving the remainder on the carrier backing as an adhesive pattern that is a reverse image of the desired graphic;
placing the adhesive sheet so that the reverse image adhesive pattern contacts the framing paper;
applying heat and pressure to the carrier backing for a first period of time, thereby bonding the reverse image adhesive pattern to the framing paper;
after said first period of time, peeling the carrier backing away from the adhesive pattern, which remains bonded to the framing paper such that the adhesive pattern appears right-reading with respect to the desired graphic;
selecting a graphics sheet having a lower side and an upper, decorative side;
placing the graphics sheet on the framing paper, with said lower side in contact with said right-reading adhesive pattern;
applying heat and pressure to the graphics sheet for a second period of time, thereby bonding the graphics sheet only to the right-reading adhesive pattern;
after said second period of time, pulling the graphics sheet from the framing paper, thereby leaving a portion of the graphics sheet bonded to the right-reading adhesive pattern and constituting the desired graphic on said framing paper.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and web for applying graphics to framing substrate

Life of this patent

Method and web for applying graphics to framing substrate

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17