Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for imparting an apparent finish to the surface of an article, comprising the steps of: preparing a fine mesh printing screen by hardening an image of a finish to be imparted to the surface onto the screen thereby blocking the openings in certain regions thereof; locating the prepared printing screen over the article surface; pressing a clear, unpigmented UV curable material through the unblocked openings of the prepared printing screen to deposit the UV curable material onto the article surface in a pattern of irregularities defining the apparent finish to be imparted to the surface, the irregularities having heights in the range of between about 5 to 1,000 microinches; and curing the deposited UV material by exposing the same to UV radiation substantially immediately after the material has been deposited onto the article surface to impart the apparent finish to the surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for imparting an apparent finish to the surface of an article, comprising the steps of: preparing a fine mesh printing screen by hardening an image of a finish to be imparted to the surface onto the screen thereby blocking the openings in certain regions thereof; locating the prepared printing screen over the article surface; pressing a clear, unpigmented UV curable material through the unblocked openings of the prepared printing screen to deposit the UV curable material onto the article surface in a pattern of irregularities defining the apparent finish to be imparted to the surface, the irregularities having heights in the range of between about 5 to 1,000 microinches; and curing the deposited UV material by exposing the same to UV radiation substantially immediately after the material has been deposited onto the article surface to impart the apparent finish to the surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein prior to depositing the UV curable material onto the article surface, depositing a substantially smooth protective coating onto the surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein prior to depositing the UV curable material onto the article surface, depositing a primer coating onto the surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the printing screen has a mesh in the range of between about 500 to 100.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the printing screen is formed of polyester fibers and has a mesh in the range of between about 450 to 150.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein the mesh of the screen is about 390.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the printing screen is formed of stainless steel wire and has a mesh in the range of between about 500 to 250.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the UV curable material has a viscosity in the range of between about 1,500 to 4,000 centipoise.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the UV curable material has a viscosity in the range of between about 1,500 to 4,000 centipoise.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the deposited UV curable material is cured within about 5 seconds after the same is deposited onto the article surface.