Method for applying print to an elastomeric cushion
OwnerPaul M. Yatesinventor
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Abstract
A decorative elastic cushion is manufactured with an elastomer having the physical properties of flexibility and compressibility in a range of flexibilities and compressibilities of stable elastomeric block polymer gels. A film is provided for encapsulating the elastomer and the film includes physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure and compression of the elastomer by a user. Decorative printing is disposed on a film interior side facing the elastomer in order to provide photo-like logos and decorations to the cushion, while having a film exterior surface resistant to abrasion and enabling cleaning thereof without affecting the decorative pattern. Printing of the film is effected by heat contacting the film with a printed paper.
Claims3
A method of making a decorative cushion comprising the steps of:
- providing an elastomer having the physical properties of flexibility and compressibility in the range of flexibilities and compressibility's of stable elastomer block polymer gels;
- providing a film for encapsulating said elastomer, said film having physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure and compression of said elastomer by a user, said film having an exterior side and an interior side;
- printing a decorative pattern on the film interior side by contacting the film interior side with a printed paper and heating the film and paper in order to transfer ink, disposed on the paper, onto the film interior side;
- disposing the film in a mold with the film exterior side facing the mold;
- applying the elastomer to the film interior side to form an elastic cushion;
- encapsulating the elastomer by wrapping and sealing portions of the film, extending outside of the mold, to a back side of the elastomer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.