Changeable graphics and methods of making and using same
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorWilliam T. Schwietz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A backlit sign and its method of making and usage is disclosed. The sign has a translucent film with a first image, of color, a light-filtering film with a second image of color or of a graphic, and a masking film with a third image of a graphic. The order of assembly of the films determines whether a change of color or a change in graphics or both is achieved when the assembled sign is backlit.
Claims10
A signage article, comprising at least one translucent film having a first image thereon, an optional supporting film or sheet, at least one light-filtering film having a second image thereon, and at least one masking film having a third image thereon, wherein the films are assembled by lamination in the order of the translucent film, the supporting film or sheet if present, the light-filtering film, and the masking film or in the other of the translucent film, the masking film, the supporting film or sheet if present, and the light-filtering film.
A method of making a signage article, comprising the steps of:
- (a) laminating a translucent film having a first image thereon to one major surface of a supporting film,
- (b) laminating a light-filtering film having a second image thereon to an opposing major surface of the supporting film, and
- (c) laminating a masking film having a third image thereon to an exposed surface of the light-filtering film.
A method of making a signage article, comprising the steps of:
- (a) laminating a translucent film having a first image thereon to one major surface of a masking film,
- (b) laminating a supporting film thereon to an opposing major surface of the masking film, and
- (c) laminating a light-filtering film having a second image thereon to an exposed surface of the supporting film,
- wherein the masking film has a third image thereon.
A method of using a signage article, comprising the steps of:
- (a) assembling a sign comprising at least one translucent film having a first image thereon, an optional supporting film or sheet, at least one light-filtering film having a second image thereon, and at least one masking film having a third image thereon, wherein the films are assembled in the order of the translucent film, the supporting film or sheet if present, the light-filtering film, and the masking film or in the order of the translucent film, the masking film, the supporting film or sheet if present, and the light-filtering film, and
- (b) lighting the sign from behind the translucent film, and wherein the light-filtering film is a perforated film.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.