US 6,872,268 B2 · Method of conforming an adherent film to a substrate by application of vacuum

Abstract

Films are closely conformed to substrates by reducing the air pressure to a subatmospheric level in at least one airflow pathway that is present in the film or the substrate. The reduced air pressure enables the film to tightly contact the substrate in locations where protrusions or depressions on the substrate are present. The method is particularly useful for conforming film containing graphics to a variety of substrates such as the sides of semi-trailers or concrete block walls, even in instances where the semi-trailer sides include rivets and/or grooves and where the concrete block wall is relatively rough.

Claims41

Dependent claims

A method of conforming an adherent film to a substrate comprising:

providing a film having a backing and an adherent layer, wherein the adherent layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive;
applying at least a portion of the adherent layer to a substrate, wherein the film includes at least one airflow pathway presenting an unobstructed channel extending in directions along the backing between the backing and the substrate;
and
reducing the air pressure in the at least one airflow pathway to a subatmospheric pressure sufficient to remove air from one or more interfacial spaces between the film and the substrate and urge the film into conforming relation with the substrate.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

10/167,347Filed 11 Jun 2002

Published

US 2003/0226637 A111 Dec 2003

Granted

29 Mar 2005

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification15 codes

B44C 1/10
Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects: applying flat materials, e.g. leaflets, pieces of…
B32B 37/003
Involving treatment or provisions in order to avoid deformation or air inclusion, e.g. to improve surface quality: to avoid air inclusion
C04B 41/009
After-treatment of mortars, concrete, artificial stone or ceramics; Treatment of natural stone: characterised by the material treated
C04B 41/4503
With preformed sheet-like elements: having an adhesive layer

Method of conforming an adherent film to a substrate by application of vacuum

Life of this patent

Method of conforming an adherent film to a substrate by application of vacuum

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims41