Laminate from which decorative films can be applied to a substrate

• US 20060032580A1
• Filed: 10/20/2005
• Published: 02/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Thunhorst, Kristin L., Pitzen, James F.
• Granted Patent: US 7,311,793 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 156/182
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/472 said single elements being substantially flat
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2023/06 PE, i.e. polyethylene
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2023/12 PP, i.e. polypropylene
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2067/00 Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B44C 1/1725 using an intermediate support
• CPC Class Codes: B44C 1/1745 using an intermediate support
• CPC Class Codes: B44C 1/1758 Decalcomanias applied under pressure only, e.g. provided with a pressure sensitive layer
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2555/30 Multi-axis
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 35/0013 and applying the article or the web by adhesive to a surface B65H35/002 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 37/002 Web delivery apparatus, the web serving as support for articles, material or another web
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 428/914 Transfer or decalcomania
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1089 of discrete laminae to single face of additional lamina
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1405 Capsule or particulate matter containing [e.g., sphere, flake, microballoon, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1448 Coloring agent containing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1467 Coloring agent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1471 Protective layer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1476 Release layer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1481 Dissimilar adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24851 Intermediate layer is discontinuous or differential
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2486 with outer strippable or release layer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24868 : Translucent outer layer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/28 : Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and having an adhesive outermost layer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2848 : Three or more layers

Abstract

A laminate from which decorative films can be precisely applied to a substrate. The laminate includes a polymeric cover sheet having opposite outer and inner major surfaces. A layer of structured pressure sensitive adhesive is adhered to the inner major surface of the cover sheet. The structured pressure sensitive adhesive has a plurality of spaced passageways extending to at least one edge of the layer of structured pressure sensitive adhesive. A decorative film is adhered to the structured pressure sensitive adhesive. A second layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is adhered to the major surfaces of the decorative film opposite the layer of structured pressure sensitive adhesive. A release liner extends substantially across the second layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and a portion of the structured pressure sensitive adhesive.

Claims

1. A method for making a laminate adapted for use to decorate a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a layer of pre-mask material comprising a cover layer and a layer of removable structured pressure sensitive adhesive firmly adhered to one surface of the cover layer;

providing a supply of decorative film having opposite first and second major surfaces with a layer of adhesive along the second major surface;

forming display lengths of a decorative film of predetermined shapes and lengths; and

forming an assembly comprising the first major surface of the decorative film adhered to the structured pressure sensitive adhesive and a release liner extending across the adhesive on the second major surface of the decorative film and across a portion of the structured pressure sensitive adhesive.

2. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of forming the display lengths and end shapes using a tape applicator.

3. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of forming the display lengths and end shapes using a computer operated tape applicator.

4. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of applying the display lengths of decorative film to the first surface of the release liner in a predetermined pattern using a tape applicator.

5. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of applying the display lengths of decorative film to the first surface of the release liner in a predetermined pattern using a computer operated tape applicator.

6. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of positioning the display lengths of decorative film on the release liner using a tape applicator.

7. The method of claim 1 comprising the step of positioning the display lengths of decorative film on the structured pressure sensitive adhesive using a tape applicator.

8. A method of applying the laminate of claim 1 to a substrate comprises the steps of:

removing the release liner;

adhering the adhesive on the second major surface of the decorative film and the structured pressure sensitive adhesive to a substrate;

pressing out a portion of air from between the covering layer and the substrate; and

removing the covering layer and the structured pressure sensitive adhesive to expose the display lengths of decorative film adhered to the substrate.

9. A method of applying the laminate of claim 1 to a substrate comprises the steps of:

applying a lubricating liquid to one or more of the substrate, the structured pressure sensitive adhesive, or the second major surface of the decorative film;

removing the release liner;

adhering the adhesive on the second major surface of the decorative film and the structured pressure sensitive adhesive to a substrate;

pressing out a portion of the lubricating liquid from between the covering layer and the substrate;

allowing the lubricating liquid to at least partially dry; and

removing the covering layer and the structured pressure sensitive adhesive to expose the display lengths of decorative film adhered to the substrate.