Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7344769?dq=5,912,661
Timestamp: 2017-06-24 11:53:53
Document Index: 500817870

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 01814634', 'Application No. 01814634', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§1', '§ 1', 'Application No. 01998050', 'Application No. 2001280771', 'Application No. 2002249810', 'Application No. 2', 'Application No. 2001280771', 'Application No. 01821885', 'Application No. 01998050', 'Application No. 01998050', 'Application No. 01814634']

Patent US7344769 - Flocked transfer and article of manufacture including the flocked transfer - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA flocked transfer is produced by applying a release agent to a release sheet and then applying the flocking to the release agent. Unlike the traditional method, a binder and hot melt film is not applied to the back of the flock. The transfer (which is essentially a flocked release sheet) is then applied...http://www.google.com/patents/US7344769?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7344769 - Flocked transfer and article of manufacture including the flocked transferAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS7344769 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/621,830Publication dateMar 18, 2008Filing dateJul 24, 2000Priority dateJul 24, 2000Fee statusPaidAlso published asCA2415680A1, CA2415680C, CN1649725A, CN101380864A, CN101380864B, EP1309446A1, EP1309446A4, EP1309446B1, US7381284, US7390552, US7402222, US20030186019, US20030211279, US20040058120, WO2002007959A1Publication number09621830, 621830, US 7344769 B1, US 7344769B1, US-B1-7344769, US7344769 B1, US7344769B1InventorsLouis Brown AbramsOriginal AssigneeHigh Voltage Graphics, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (99), Non-Patent Citations (85), Referenced by (22), Classifications (40), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetFlocked transfer and article of manufacture including the flocked transfer
US 7344769 B1Abstract
a plurality of flock fibers on the release agent, the flock fibers being formed in a desired pattern on the release sheet and being substantially perpendicular to the sheet, the release agent holding the flock fibers to the release sheet;
a pre-formed, solid, and self-supporting thermosetting sheet, wherein at least substantially all of the flock fibers oriented substantially perpendicular to the release sheet contact the thermosetting sheet;
and wherein there is no binder adhesive positioned between the thermosetting sheet and the flock.
2. An article of manufacture including the transfer of claim 1, wherein the transfer is adhered to a substrate and wherein there is no hot melt adhesive contacting the thermosetting sheet.
3. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the transfer is adhered to the substrate using the thermosetting sheet.
4. The article of claim 3, wherein the thermosetting sheet is a thermosetting polyurethane film or a thermosetting polyester film.
5. The flocked transfer of claim 1, wherein the thermosetting sheet comprises a thermosetting polyester.
6. The flocked transfer of claim 1, wherein the thermosetting sheet has a substantially uniform thickness and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces.
7. The flocked transfer of claim 1, wherein substantially none of the thermosetting sheet fails to contact the flock.
8. The flocked transfer of claim 1, wherein said flocked transfer does not include a substrate.
9. The flocked transfer of claim 1, wherein there is no hot melt adhesive between the second ends of the flock fibers and the thermosetting sheet.
10. The flocked transfer of claim 1, wherein there is no acrylic adhesive positioned between the thermosetting sheet and the flock.
11. A flocked transfer assembly, comprising:
a pre-formed, solid, continuous, and self-supporting thermosetting sheet engaging the second ends of the flock fibers, the flock fibers being located between the release agent and the thermosetting sheet, wherein the second ends of the flock fibers are in direct physical contact with and adhered to the thermosetting sheet.
12. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein the thermosetting sheet comprises polyurethane.
13. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein the thermosetting sheet is cross-linked and wherein the thermosetting sheet is not in contact with a hot melt adhesive.
14. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein there is no binder adhesive located between the thermosetting sheet and the second ends of the flock fibers.
15. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein the thermosetting sheet is not fully cross-linked.
16. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein the adhesive component of the thermosetting sheet consists essentially of a thermosetting material.
17. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein the thermosetting sheet comprises a thermosetting polyester.
18. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein there is no binder adhesive between the second surface of the flock and the thermosetting sheet.
19. The flocked transfer of claim 11, wherein substantially none of the thermosetting sheet fails to contact the second surface of the flock.
20. The flocked transfer of claim 11, wherein said flocked transfer assembly does not include a substrate.
21. The flocked transfer of claim 11, wherein the thermosetting sheet has a substantially uniform thickness and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces and wherein at least most of the flock fibers are substantially perpendicular to planes of the upper and lower surfaces and the release sheet.
22. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein the flock fibers are embedded in the thermosetting sheet.
23. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein at least most of the plurality of flock fibers are in direct physical contact with the thermosetting sheet.
24. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 11, wherein there is no acrylic adhesive in direct physical contact with the second ends of the flock.
25. A flocked article, comprising:
flock contacting the release agent, the flock being formed in a desired pattern on the release sheet and defining opposing first and second surfaces, the release agent contacting the first surface and holding the flock to the release sheet;
a pre-formed, solid, and self-supporting thermosetting sheet having a first side engaging the second surface of the flock and an opposing second side; and
a substrate adhered to a second side of said thermosetting sheet;
wherein at least substantially most of the second surface is adhered to the thermosetting sheet; and
wherein there is no binder adhesive positioned between the flock and the substrate.
26. The article of claim 25, wherein there is no hot melt adhesive between the flock and the substrate.
27. The article of claim 26, wherein the thermosetting sheet is a thermosetting polyurethane film or a thermosetting polyester film.
28. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the thermosetting sheet is in direct contact with the second surface of the flock.
29. The article of claim 26, wherein the thermosetting sheet is cross-linked and wherein the thermosetting sheet is adhered to the second surface of the flock in the absence of a binder adhesive.
30. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein there is no binder adhesive located between the thermosetting sheet and the second surface of the flock.
31. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the second surface of the flock is free of an acrylic adhesive.
32. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the thermosetting adhesive is not fully cross-linked.
33. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the flock comprises a plurality of flock fibers.
34. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the thermosetting sheet comprises polyurethane.
35. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein there is no binder adhesive between the substrate and the second surface of the flock.
36. The article of claim 25, wherein the substrate comprises rubber.
37. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the flock comprises a plurality of flock fibers, and wherein at least most of the plurality of flock fibers are in direct physical contact with the thermosetting sheet.
38. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the second surface of the flock is in direct physical contact with the thermosetting sheet.
39. The flocked article of claim 38, wherein the flock comprises a plurality of flock fibers, and wherein at least most of the plurality of flock fibers are in direct physical contact with the thermosetting sheet.
40. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the adhesive component of the sheet consists essentially of a thermosetting material.
41. The flocked transfer assembly of claim 25, wherein the thermosetting sheet comprises a thermosetting polyester.
42. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein the thermosetting sheet has a substantially uniform thickness and substantially flat upper and lower surfaces.
43. The flocked article of claim 25, wherein substantially none of the thermosetting sheet fails to contact the second surface of the flock.
44. The flocked transfer of claim 25, wherein there is no hot melt adhesive between the second surface of the flock and the first side of the thermosetting sheet.
To form an article of manufacture with the flocked transfer, a thermosetting adhesive film (in the form of a sheet or cut to shape) is positioned on the substrate to which the transfer is to be applied. The thermosetting film is preferably a polyester or polyurethane film, but can be any thermosetting film. The flock with the release adhesive and release sheet (i.e., the transfer) is then placed on the sheet of permanent adhesive film with the release sheet up, so that the flocking is in contact with the permanent adhesive film. Heat is then applied to the transfer. The heat melts the permanent adhesive film, and secures the flock to the substrate. Because the permanent adhesive film is thermosetting in one embodiment, even if it is subsequently subjected to heat, it will not remelt, nor become tacky, and hence, there is no risk of fibers becoming matted down in any of this type of adhesive, which could otherwise ruin the plush pile effect. In addition, it is likely that the use of a thermoset powder could be added to a bond print latex flock adhesive binder, to serve as a method for increasing the adhesion and again reducing the risk of any remelting, or becoming tacky, when the flock transfer is subsequently exposed to heat. It is known that there is a much stronger adhesion with thermosetting materials, because thermoset materials will cross-link with a chemical reaction and thereby adhere the flock fibers to it, which become chemically attached thereto. Through the usage of this invention, the finished flock surface is more plush, soft, because more of the fiber is exposed and extends upwardly out of the adhesive, than with the screen-printed latex, as currently used. Also, this affords better soil release during washing or cleaning because of less fiber/adhesive entanglement occurs with the flock, during application.
This process is described in my prior patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,549, as well as in my co-pending application Ser. No. 09/548,839 filed Apr. 13, 2000, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,549, a plush textured multicolored flock is disclosed in which differing colors of flock having a length greater than 0.3 mm are applied sequentially to a release adhesive coated base sheet through predetermined areas of masked screens. The applied flock is thereafter coated with a binder adhesive, such as a liquid water-based acrylic (40-60% water), which binds the flock into a unit. In one configuration, the binder adhesive contains an additional adhesive, such as a hot melt, for binding the transfer to a substrate. In an alternative configuration, the hot melt adhesive (which is usually a granular polyester or nylon) is formed as a separate layer. U.S. application Ser. No. 09/548,839, filed Apr. 13, 2000, discloses a mouse pad produced by applying differently colored flock (having a length of 1 mm and 3.3 Dtex) electrostatically through a screen to a release adhesive-coated paper sheet. A binder adhesive, such as a water-based acrylic, is screen printed to the flock after contacting the release adhesive. The binder adhesive may contain a hot melt or the hot melt may be applied to the free surface of the binder adhesive. The hot melt adhesive is bonded to a surface, such as a rubber pad, using heat and pressure. The release adhesive and paper sheet are then removed. In one process configuration, a flock-coated adhesive carrier sheet, a solid pre-formed binder adhesive film or heat seal film, and the rubber base material are thermally fused together in a drying oven.
An article of manufacture, such as an item of clothing having a transfer 1 applied thereto, a mouse pad, coaster, or other item having a flocked surface is easily produced using the transfer 1. The article of manufacture 11 is produced by positioning a thermosetting permanent adhesive sheet 13 between a substrate 15 and the flocked release sheet. The sheet is, for example, a sheet of thermosetting polyester, available from Bostik, Inc. The sheet can also be made from a thermosetting polyurethane. Any other thermosetting film should also work well. The substrate can be an item of clothing, a rubber pad (for producing a mouse pad or coaster), etc. The sheet can be precut to correspond to the shape of the transfer 1. The transfer 1 is then positioned on the sheet with the flock 5 against the sheet 13. Heat is applied to the transfer through the release sheet to activate the permanent adhesive sheet. The sheet then acts to both bind the flock 5 together and to adhere the flock 5 to the substrate 15. Preferably, to assemble the article, the flocked release sheet, the permanent adhesive sheet (which is preferably the thermosetting film), and the substrate are brought together and passed through a heat-laminating press where the three parts are subject to temperature of about 300° F. (about 150° C.) and pressure (about 40-50 psi) for about 30 seconds. It has been found that a medium-to-firm pressure has been most advantageous in providing for assembly of this type of plush flocked transfer. The pressure and heat will cause the permanent adhesive sheet to adhere to the flock and the substrate. Additionally, the thermosetting film will cross-link or cure, to give a strong attachment of the flock to the substrate.
Articles, such as mouse pads or coasters, in which the entire top surface of the article is covered with the flocking can be produced on a continuous basis, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Rolls 21, 23, and 25 of a flocked release sheet 1, the thermoplastic hot melt film 13, and the substrate 15, are provided. The three parts are brought together at a lamination station 33. Rollers can be provided in front of the station 33 so that the three elements are adjacent each other as they enter the lamination station. Rollers can be provided in front of the station 33 so that the three elements are adjacent as they enter the lamination station. In the lamination station, heat and pressure are applied to the three sheets (the flocked release sheet, the hot melt film, and the substrate) to melt the hot melt film. The melted hot melt film will then cure or cross-link, as noted above, to adhere the flock to the substrate. A web 35 exits the laminating station. The web 35 is then allowed to cool. The web 35 is ultimately directed to a cutting station where it is cut into individual articles. Once the web 35 is cooled, it can be directed immediately to a cutting station (after the sheet 35 cools), or can it can be wound up on an uptake roller to be cut into individual articles at a later time, or at a different location. At the cutting station, the release sheet 3 is removed from the flock and gathered on a take-up roll or is otherwise disposed of. After the release sheet has been removed from the flock, the substrate with the flock adhered thereto is cut to for the articles 11. It is also likely that one could remove the release liner either before or after the die cutting procedure. As shown in FIG. 3, a fringe material 50 can be applied to one pair but not the other pair of opposed peripheral edges of the flocked release sheet 1 during this manufacturing process.
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No. 29/058,551, filed Aug. 19, 1996, Abrams.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8007889Apr 28, 2006Aug 30, 2011High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked multi-colored adhesive article with bright lustered flock and methods for making the sameUS8168262Jun 14, 2010May 1, 2012High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked elastomeric articlesUS8354050Jan 14, 2008Jan 15, 2013High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Co-molded direct flock and flock transfer and methods of making sameUS8475905Feb 14, 2008Jul 2, 2013High Voltage Graphics, IncSublimation dye printed textileUS9012005Feb 16, 2010Apr 21, 2015High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked stretchable design or transfer including thermoplastic film and method for making the sameUS9175436Mar 11, 2011Nov 3, 2015High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked articles having a resistance to splitting and methods for making the sameUS9180728Jun 20, 2011Nov 10, 2015High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Dimensional, patterned heat applied applique or transfer made from knit textileUS9180729Jun 20, 2011Nov 10, 2015High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Heat applied appliqué or transfer with enhanced elastomeric functionalityUS9193214Oct 14, 2013Nov 24, 2015High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flexible heat sealable decorative articles and method for making the sameUS20080150186 *Jan 14, 2008Jun 26, 2008High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Co-molded direct flock and flock transfer and methods of making sameUS20090075075 *Feb 14, 2008Mar 19, 2009High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Sublimation dye printed textileUS20090239025 *Mar 4, 2009Sep 24, 2009High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked articles having a woven graphic design insert and methods of making the sameUS20100068447 *Nov 23, 2009Mar 18, 2010High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked slurried thermosetting adhesive articleUS20100092719 *Dec 11, 2009Apr 15, 2010High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked transfer and article of manufacture including the application of the transfer by thermoplastic polymer filmUS20100143669 *Nov 4, 2009Jun 10, 2010High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Sublimation dye printed textile design having metallic appearance and article of manufacture thereofUS20100209654 *Feb 16, 2010Aug 19, 2010High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked stretchable design or transfer including thermoplastic film and method for making the sameUS20100233410 *May 26, 2010Sep 16, 2010High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Wet-on-wet method for forming flocked adhesive articleUS20100276060 *Jun 14, 2010Nov 4, 2010High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked elastomeric articlesUS20100316832 *Apr 12, 2010Dec 16, 2010High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked article having a woven insert and method for making the sameUS20110052859 *Sep 2, 2010Mar 3, 2011High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Processes for precutting laminated flocked articlesUS20110223373 *Mar 11, 2011Sep 15, 2011High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked articles having a resistance to splitting and methods for making the sameUSRE45802Sep 21, 2012Nov 17, 2015High Voltage Graphics, Inc.Flocked articles having noncompatible insert and porous film* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification428/90, 428/97, 428/86, 428/914International ClassificationB32B7/06, B29L9/00, B44C1/17, B29L7/00, B29C65/40, D06Q1/14, D04H11/00, B32B33/00Cooperative ClassificationY10T428/23993, Y10T428/23914, Y10T428/23979, Y10T428/2395, Y10T428/23943, Y10T156/1052, Y10T428/1352, Y10T428/1359, Y10S428/914, B32B37/04, B44C1/1716, D04H11/00, B44C1/1725, B32B37/203, B32B37/025, B32B2451/00, B44C1/172, B44C1/1712, D06Q1/14, B32B2037/1223European ClassificationD04H11/00, B44C1/17F, B44C1/17F2, B32B37/04, B44C1/17F4, D06Q1/14, B44C1/17F6, B32B37/02BLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 1, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: HIGH VOLTAGE GRAPHICS, INC., COLORADOFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ABRAMS, L. BROWN;REEL/FRAME:012776/0791Effective date: 20020321Sep 19, 2011FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Sep 2, 2015FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services