US4491494A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Decorating methods
Assignee: Hallmark Cards Inc
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Filing: 1983-05-31
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Granted: 1985-01-01
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Expires: 2003-05-31
Abstract
Abstract An article is decorated by applying a coating to the surface of the article to be decorated, placing over and around the coated article a shrinkable film carrying a desired decoration, shrinking the film over the coated article to transfer the decoration to the article and then removing the shrinkable film leaving on the surface of the article the desired decoration or ornamentation.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas H. Davis, Jr.
- 👤 Stephen D. Glasscock
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:07
CPC Classifications
B; B44; B44C; B44C1/00; B44C1/16; B44C1/165; B44C1/17; B44C1/1712
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A process for decorating an article which comprises: applying to said article a base coating adapted for receiving inked ornamentation, placing over and around the coated article a heat shrinkable plastic material carrying a decorative pattern formed from a thermoplastic ink, heating the shrinkable plastic material to a temperature sufficient to shrink the material and to cause it to conform to the surface of the article and to transfer the thermoplastic ink to the base coating on the article, and removing the shrinkable plastic material from the article leaving a decorated inked surface on the article.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A process for decorating an article which comprises: applying to said article a base coating adapted for receiving inked ornamentation, placing over and around the coated article a heat shrinkable plastic material carrying a decorative pattern formed from a thermoplastic ink, heating the shrinkable plastic material to a temperature sufficient to shrink the material and to cause it to conform to the surface of the article and to transfer the thermoplastic ink to the base coating on the article, and removing the shrinkable plastic material from the article leaving a decorated inked surface on the article.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the heat shrinkable plastic material carries a plurality of decorative pattern layers separated by an opaque backing member whereby a multi-layered ornamentation is applied to the article.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic ink has a melting point not above the melting point of the shrinkable material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the base coating has a melting point above the melting point of the thermoplastic ink.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the article is generally spherical in shape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the surface of the article carrying the decoration is irregular.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the article is an ornamental ball.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic ink melts at a temperature of from about 190° to 250° F.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process in accordance with claim 8 wherein the heat shrinkable material is one which shrinks at a temperature of about 250° F.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A process in accordance with claim 8 wherein the thermoplastic ink contains a polyamide resin having a melting point of from about 190° to 210° F.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3647503A
Cited
GB2101530A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-01-01 | 1988-07-02 | 1989-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-01-01 | 1992-07-02 | 1993-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-01-01 | 1996-07-02 | 1997-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |