Heat activated transfer for elastomeric materials
OwnerJohn Mahn, Jr.inventor
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Abstract
An article and method for marking elastomeric articles, such as tires, floor mats, and the like, includes an elastomeric sheet which is marked with indicia using a solvent based ink which contrasts with the elastomeric sheet. The indicia is cured with a clear thermoset layer such as a polyurethane. This is then applied to an uncured elastomeric article and the elastomeric article is cured. The heat and the pressure of curing causes the elastomeric sheet to bond to the elastomeric article. The indicia remains discernible and is not easily marred or dulled. After curing, the transfer can be further marked by heat transferring indicia in the form of a sublimation dye through the clear polyurethane layer.
Claims5
An indicia bearing transfer for use on an elastomeric substrate comprising:
- an elastomeric layer compatible with an elastomeric substrate;
- a solvent ink layer providing indicia on said elastomeric layer, said solvent ink layer having a color contrasting with said elastomeric layer;
- and
- a clear thermoset layer covering said solvent ink layer.
A composite material comprising:
- a cured elastomeric base;
- a cured elastomeric sheet bonded to said cured elastomeric base;
- indicia applied to said cured elastomeric sheet;
- a clear thermoset layer coating said indicia wherein said indicia comprises a solvent based ink which contrasts with said cured elastomeric sheet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.