Patent Publication Number: US-2004058128-A1

Title: Flexible display panel for application to vehicular or pedestrian surface

Description:
[0001] According to the invention there is provided a flexible display panel (image) for application to a vehicular or pedestrian surface said panel being formed by a laminated assembly, which comprises.  
       [0002] a fibrous backing layer which is capable of carrying a printed image in order to display any required visual material;  
       [0003] a foundation layer united with the backing layer and constituted in such a way that the foundation can adhere the display panel to a concrete or other vehicular or pedestrian surface upon application of a downward pressure to the display panel; and  
       [0004] a transparent wear and weather resistant top coating layer applied to the upper surface of the backing layer in order to protect the backing layer while rendering visible the printed material on the backing layer. 
     
    
    
     [0005] A flexible display panel according to the invention may therefore be printed with any required visual material or information on the upper surface of the fibrous backing layer, and the underlying foundation layer protects the underside of the backing layer while at the same time serving as the sole constituent of the panel, which is utilised to adhere the panel to a concrete or other surface.  
     [0006] With regard to the upper surface of the backing layer, the overlying coating layer protects the backing layer from ambient weather conditions, and also renders the panel resistant to wear damage from vehicle wheels or foot traffic, but the cover layer is transparent so that the printed material remains visible.  
     [0007] Preferably to provide visually distinctive advertising or other material, the fibrous backing layer is capable of receiving, and holding substantially permanently, a digital or printed image.  
     [0008] The foundation layer is preferably a bituminous layer, in the sense that is made of, or includes bitumen, or bitumen-like material (or is adhesively based), and which will preferably be treated in such a way that, in relation to prevailing ambient temperature and conditions, the foundation layer is capable of adhering to the support surface, by diffusion or otherwise, following application of downward pressure e.g. using a heavy roller, to the upper surface of the panel. In addition, the panel should be able thereafter to be capable of remaining adhesively united to or with the support surface, while being exposed to the ambient temperatures. In other words, different pre-treatment of the bituminous or adhesive layer will take place according to the anticipated range of ambient temperatures in the intended place of use. As an alternative material for the foundation layer is any suitable adhesive material.  
     [0009] In some circumstances, it may be desirable to apply a primer to the support surface and/or to the underside of the foundation layer, to improve adhesion, where necessary, to the support surface.  
     [0010] The backing layer is preferably a woven layer of natural and/or synthetic fibres, and optionally with integration of paper compounds.