US4063878A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Applying sublimation indicia to pressure-sensitive adhesive tape
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1975-11-12
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Granted: 1977-12-20
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Expires: 1995-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A method for imprinting permanent indicia on backsized pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes comprising contacting the tape with a heat-sublimable dye source material in conjunction with a stencil or raised relief-imaged heat-conductive platen, and raising the temperature to a point sufficient to vaporize the dye, whereupon at least a portion of the dye penetrates through the backsizing to become absorbed in the flexible tape backing. In this manner, the image contained on the tape is permanent, smudge-proof and abrasion-resistant.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce W. Weeks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:55
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41M; B41M5/00; B41M5/26; B41M5/382; B41M5/38207; B41M1/00; B41M1/12; D; D06; D06P; D06P5/00; D06P5/003; D06P5/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
40 words
A method for imprinting permanent, smudge-proof indicia on backsized pressure-sensitive tape comprising a flexible backing having a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one surface thereof and a dye-permeable backsize coating on the other surface thereof, said process comprising the steps of: a.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
40 words
A method for imprinting permanent, smudge-proof indicia on backsized pressure-sensitive tape comprising a flexible backing having a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one surface thereof and a dye-permeable backsize coating on the other surface thereof, said process comprising the steps of: a.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
123 words
placing a dye source web, comprising a dimensionally stable substrate containing a heat-sublimable dye on said backsize coating of said pressure-sensitive tape; and b. placing a heat conductive relief-imaged platen on the surface of said dye source web such that the relief image contacts said dye source web; and c. pressing the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the dye source web and the relief-imaged platen together such that intimate contact is maintained therebetween; and d. heating the heat-conductive platen to the dye sublimation temperature; and e. the flexible backing of said pressure-sensitive tape to thereby provide a visible image therewithin by maintaining said contact at said temperature for a time sufficient to cause dye to permeate through said backsize coating and into said flexible backing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
123 words
placing a dye source web, comprising a dimensionally stable substrate containing a heat-sublimable dye on said backsize coating of said pressure-sensitive tape; and b. placing a heat conductive relief-imaged platen on the surface of said dye source web such that the relief image contacts said dye source web; and c. pressing the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the dye source web and the relief-imaged platen together such that intimate contact is maintained therebetween; and d. heating the heat-conductive platen to the dye sublimation temperature; and e. the flexible backing of said pressure-sensitive tape to thereby provide a visible image therewithin by maintaining said contact at said temperature for a time sufficient to cause dye to permeate through said backsize coating and into said flexible backing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said heat-conductive platen is metal.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for imprinting permanent, smudge-proof indicia on backsized pressure-sensitive tape comprising a flexible backing having a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one surface thereof and a dye-permeable backsize coating on the other surface thereof, said process comprising the steps of: a. placing a stencil, comprising a substrate having image areas thereon permeable to dye vapor and background areas impermeable to dye vapor, on said backsize coating of said tape; and b. placing a dye source web, comprising a dimensionally stable substrate containing a heat-sublimable dye on said stencil; and c. pressing the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the dye source web and the stencil together such that intimate contact is maintained therebetween; and d. heating the dye source web to the dye sublimation temperature; and e. the flexible backing of said pressure-sensitive tape to thereby provide a visible image therewithin by maintaining said contact at said temperature for a time sufficient to cause dye to permeate through said backsize coating and into said flexible backing.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for imprinting permanent, smudge-proof indicia on backsized pressure-sensitive tape comprising a flexible backing having a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one surface thereof and a dye-permeable backsize coating on the other surface thereof, said process comprising the steps of: a. placing a stencil, comprising a substrate having image areas thereon permeable to dye vapor and background areas impermeable to dye vapor, on said backsize coating of said tape; and b. placing a dye source web, comprising a dimensionally stable substrate containing a heat-sublimable dye on said stencil; and c. pressing the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the dye source web and the stencil together such that intimate contact is maintained therebetween; and d. heating the dye source web to the dye sublimation temperature; and e. the flexible backing of said pressure-sensitive tape to thereby provide a visible image therewithin by maintaining said contact at said temperature for a time sufficient to cause dye to permeate through said backsize coating and into said flexible backing.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-12-19 | 1981-06-20 | 1981-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-19 | 1985-06-20 | 1985-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-19 | 1989-06-20 | 1989-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |