US4511602A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal imprinting of substrates
Assignee: Dennison Manufacturing Co
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Filing: 1983-07-05
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Granted: 1985-04-16
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Expires: 2003-07-05
Abstract
Abstract Thermal imprinting of substrates, for example one or more surfaces of multi-dimensional objects, using a heat transfer film formed by a carrier and a release layer of pigmented, low molecular weight polyolefin. The imprint is made by bringing the transfer layer into contact with the surface of an object and applying heat. This releases the transfer layer to the surface being imprinted. When the transfer layer is required to have any significant thickness, it desirably includes a low melting point wax or resin to provide flexibility. The release characteristic can be improved by the inclusion of a further crystalline wax layer between the transfer layer and the carrier.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward S. Margerum
- 👤 Norman A. Hiatt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 13:02
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41M; B41M5/00; B41M5/26; B41M5/40; B41M5/42; B41M5/423; B41M5/382; B41M5/392; B41M5/395
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
33 words
The method of producing a heat transfer film comprising forming a single layer heat transfer coating consisting of a uniform blend of a pigmented polyolefin and a rosin ester on a carrier film.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
33 words
The method of producing a heat transfer film comprising forming a single layer heat transfer coating consisting of a uniform blend of a pigmented polyolefin and a rosin ester on a carrier film.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of producing a heat transfer film in accordance with claim 1 wherein the transfer layer is formed from a polyethylene having a molecular weight below about 10,000.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
54 words
The method of preparing a heat transfer film comprising the steps of (a) preparing a dispersion consisting of a low molecular weight polyethylene mixture with a pigment and a rosin ester; (b) extruding the dispersion on a plastic film; (c) slitting the film with its extruded layer; and (d) forming rolls of the slittings.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
54 words
The method of preparing a heat transfer film comprising the steps of (a) preparing a dispersion consisting of a low molecular weight polyethylene mixture with a pigment and a rosin ester; (b) extruding the dispersion on a plastic film; (c) slitting the film with its extruded layer; and (d) forming rolls of the slittings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of preparing a heat transfer film in accordance with claim 3 wherein the rolls are used in forming an imprint on an object.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of preparing a heat transfer film in accordance with claim 3 wherein an imprint is formed by applying heat to the film with the extruded coating in contact with the object to be imprinted.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of preparing a heat transfer film in accordance with claim 5 further including the step of mixing the resin or wax with the low molecular weight polyethylene before the pigment is dispersed therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of preparing a heat transfer film in accordance with claim 5 wherein a dye is substituted for the pigment.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
74 words
The method of imprinting the surface of an object comprising the steps of (a) positioning a heat transfer film, including a carrier and a transfer layer thereon, with respect to a surface of the object; (b) bringing a printhead into contact with said film to cause the selective release of the transfer layer onto said surface, said transfer layer consisting of a low molecular weight polyolefin with a dispersed pigment and a rosin ester.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
74 words
The method of imprinting the surface of an object comprising the steps of (a) positioning a heat transfer film, including a carrier and a transfer layer thereon, with respect to a surface of the object; (b) bringing a printhead into contact with said film to cause the selective release of the transfer layer onto said surface, said transfer layer consisting of a low molecular weight polyolefin with a dispersed pigment and a rosin ester.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 8 wherein said printhead is in the form of a type face and said transfer layer is released onto said surface in a printed pattern according to the setting of the type in said type face.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 8 where said transfer film includes a carrier for said transfer layer and said printhead is brought into contact with said carrier.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the transfer layer is selectively released on a sheet of flexible material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 11 wherein said sheet is a thin film.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-04-15 | 1988-10-15 | 1989-04-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-04-15 | 1992-10-15 | 1993-04-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-04-15 | 1996-10-15 | 1997-04-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |