US20040187369A1 - Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making - Google Patents
Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040187369A1 US20040187369A1 US10/822,567 US82256704A US2004187369A1 US 20040187369 A1 US20040187369 A1 US 20040187369A1 US 82256704 A US82256704 A US 82256704A US 2004187369 A1 US2004187369 A1 US 2004187369A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- image
- sheet
- article
- image sheet
- flexible
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims 3
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 abstract description 10
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 abstract description 5
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- LPLLVINFLBSFRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methylamino-1-phenylpropan-1-one Chemical compound CNC(C)C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 LPLLVINFLBSFRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000132539 Cosmos Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005956 Cosmos caudatus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 101100094810 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain ATCC 204508 / S288c) SMX3 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241001074085 Scophthalmus aquosus Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005562 fading Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011253 protective coating Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003678 scratch resistant effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR TOOLS FOR ARTISTIC WORK, e.g. FOR SCULPTURING, GUILLOCHING, CARVING, BRANDING, INLAYING
- B44B5/00—Machines or apparatus for embossing decorations or marks, e.g. embossing coins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/04—Dielectric heating, e.g. high-frequency welding, i.e. radio frequency welding of plastic materials having dielectric properties, e.g. PVC
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
- B29C66/1122—Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
- B29C66/47—Joining single elements to sheets, plates or other substantially flat surfaces
- B29C66/472—Joining single elements to sheets, plates or other substantially flat surfaces said single elements being substantially flat
- B29C66/4724—Joining single elements to sheets, plates or other substantially flat surfaces said single elements being substantially flat said single elements being appliques, e.g. in the form of a text or drawing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
- B29C66/7234—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a barrier layer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C69/00—Combinations of shaping techniques not provided for in a single one of main groups B29C39/00 - B29C67/00, e.g. associations of moulding and joining techniques; Apparatus therefore
- B29C69/005—Combinations of shaping techniques not provided for in a single one of main groups B29C39/00 - B29C67/00, e.g. associations of moulding and joining techniques; Apparatus therefore cutting-off or cutting-out a part of a strip-like or sheet-like material, transferring that part and fixing it to an article
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
- B42F13/00—Filing appliances with means for engaging perforations or slots
- B42F13/0006—Covers for loose-leaf binders
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/705—Books, albums
- B29L2031/7052—Book covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M7/00—After-treatment of prints, e.g. heating, irradiating, setting of the ink, protection of the printed stock
- B41M7/0027—After-treatment of prints, e.g. heating, irradiating, setting of the ink, protection of the printed stock using protective coatings or layers by lamination or by fusion of the coatings or layers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1062—Prior to assembly
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1062—Prior to assembly
- Y10T156/1075—Prior to assembly of plural laminae from single stock and assembling to each other or to additional lamina
- Y10T156/1077—Applying plural cut laminae to single face of additional lamina
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to an article of manufacture, such as a portfolio, desk folder, ring binder, wallet or similar business accessory article having an improved graphic image printed thereon by an image transfer process which includes transferring the image from a source image to a sheet of flexible material, such as vinyl, providing a protective coating or laminate over the image and adhering the image sheet to the article which may include a debossing operation.
- an image transfer process which includes transferring the image from a source image to a sheet of flexible material, such as vinyl, providing a protective coating or laminate over the image and adhering the image sheet to the article which may include a debossing operation.
- a “window” of the cover or other outer surface for example, of an article such as a desk folder or portfolio as described in detail in the patents.
- a “window” may also be provided as a raised or depressed surface of the material of the article and an image placed in the “window” by providing the image on a separate sheet of material and adhering the image sheet so provided to the material of the article within the “window”.
- the window may be simultaneously formed with application of a sheet or substrate bearing the image to the material of the article which is to be decorated with the image.
- the present invention provides an improved article of manufacture, such as a business accessory or gift item, including but not limited to a portfolio, desk folder, wallet, other articles mentioned hereinbefore or a similar article, which includes an improved graphic image placed thereon which is aesthetically pleasing, durable, inexpensive to manufacture and adapted to be easily produced in various quantities.
- the present invention also provides an improved method of making an article of the type referred to hereinabove wherein a pre-selected graphic image is transferred to a flexible sheet or substrate.
- a pre-selected graphic image is transferred to a flexible sheet or substrate.
- Single or multiple images may be transferred to the flexible sheet or substrate. If the images are relatively small, multiple images are printed on relatively large-sheets of substrate material.
- Individual image sheets may then be cut out of the larger sheet preferably to the contours of the images themselves and are applied, respectively, to a surface of an article which is to bear the image, preferably using a debossing die and, preferably using radio frequency (RF) sealing or bonding of the image sheet to the surface of the article.
- RF radio frequency
- a selected image may be generated by copying the image from a photograph or print of the image to a digital processor or computer wherein the image may be adjusted for size, quality and color and the adjusted image is then transferred one or multiple times to an image receiving sheet using a printer including, preferably, a multicolor inkjet type printer.
- a printer including, preferably, a multicolor inkjet type printer.
- a thermal ribbon printer or an electrostatic printer may also be used to provide single or plural images on the sheet. Individual image sheets are then cut out of a larger sheet bearing one or multiple images.
- an improved image is provided for application to an article of the type described herein, which image is provided on a sheet or substrate which is adapted to receive a graphic image in accordance with a method as described herein.
- the image is preferably provided on an opaque flexible sheet of material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), having a suitable coating thereon to allow ink adherence, if required.
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- image “sheet” or image “substrate” refers to the underlying sheetlike member on which the image resides and one or more image sheets may be cut from a larger sheet of the same material on which one or more images are formed.
- the image sheet may be laminated with a clear vinyl overlay or provided with a transparent or “clear” coating to preserve the quality and durability of the image, all in accordance with the present invention.
- an article of the type described hereinabove is provided with an improved graphic image by adhering a prepared flexible sheet or substrate, including the image printed thereon, to a surface of the article using, preferably, radio frequency (RF) bonding or “welding” of the image sheet to the article.
- RF radio frequency
- the bonding may take place on a surface of the article which has been previously lightly debossed, or the debossing may take place simultaneously with bonding of the image sheet to the article.
- a debossing die may be positioned in a so-called face up orientation to allow an operator to accurately place the image sheet on the debossing die.
- the debossing die may be operated in a face down orientation to lightly deboss the surface of the member to receive the image sheet whereby an indentation is provided to act as a guide for accurate placement of the image sheet on the surface of the article.
- other methods of accurately placing the image sheet on the surface of the article may be used, such as concentrated light beam “pointer” type guides or templates which can be used to place the image sheet accurately on the surface of the article and then moved out of the way prior to the step of sealing the image sheet to the member.
- an important advantage of the present invention is that the process of adhering an image to an article of the type described herein permits decorating or adding images to previously completed products.
- image sheets may be adhered to larger sheets, such as the cover sheet of an article of manufacture and whereby the cover sheet is then further finished to complete the fabrication of the article.
- one advantage of the method of the present invention is that the image transfer or adherence process is adaptable for otherwise finished articles or for component parts of articles.
- FIG. 1 is perspective view of an article bearing a graphic image in accordance with the process of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example of a graphic image printed on an image sheet or substrate and in accordance with the method of the invention
- FIG. 3 is a detail section view of the image sheet of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing certain steps in a process of the present invention.
- FIG. 4A is a detail plan view of a portion of a sheet of material having images and reference or guide marks thereon;
- FIG. 5 is a somewhat schematic representation showing one orientation of a debossing die and associated workpieces in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a somewhat schematic representation of an alternate die and workpiece arrangement according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 there is illustrated an article of manufacture in accordance with the present invention comprising, by way of example, a portfolio or desk folder, generally designated by the numeral 10 .
- the portfolio 10 is characterized by front and back cover parts 12 and 14 which are hinged together at an integral spine portion 16 , not unlike the front and back covers of a hardbound book.
- the front and back covers 12 and 14 may be moved between a folded or closed position and an open position.
- the portfolio 10 may be constructed generally in accordance with the portfolio described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,150 except, primarily, with regard to the configuration of a graphic image sheet 18 , FIG.
- the window 22 for the portfolio 10 may be a lightly debossed outline, impression, indentation in or a raised surface portion of surface 12 a of the front cover 12 and may have an outline substantially corresponding to the outline of the image sheet 18 but slightly larger than such image sheet, at least along portions thereof.
- the graphic image 20 may be further outlined by an outer decorative border 24 formed on the cover 12 and which may simulate stitching or other aesthetically pleasing indicia.
- FIG. 2 also illustrates the image sheet 18 and the graphic image 20 printed thereon in a plan view.
- the integral cover. 12 , 14 may be formed of one of a variety of flexible materials. However, polyvinyl chloride sheet is one useful and preferable example.
- the material for the image sheet or substrate 18 may be furnished in rolls or precut sheets for processing in accordance with the invention and of a material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flexible film having a thickness of about 4.0 mils to 12.0 mils and provided with an ink accepting coating 26 , see FIG. 3, on at least one surface 18 a thereof.
- the coating 26 may be of a type commercially available.
- the image sheet or substrate 18 is preferably an opaque precolored white sheet, although other colors may be provided or the image sheet may be translucent or transparent.
- a layer 28 of ink or other suitable material forming the image 20 , FIG. 3, is applied to coated surface 18 a of the sheet 18 in accordance with the invention.
- the sheet 18 may be calendared on one or both surfaces 18 a and 18 b , FIG. 3.
- an image enhancing or decorative texture can be added to the substrate or sheet 18 during a debossing process to be described further herein.
- a transparent, image protecting overlay or laminate sheet 30 is provided and is, preferably, formed of thin (about 4.0 mils) clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with or without an adhesive backing.
- the laminate sheet 30 may be adhered to the image sheet 18 by adhesive bonding of the laminate sheet 30 to the coated and inked surface of the sheet 18 .
- the laminate sheet 30 may be cold laminated to the sheet 18 by use of a suitable adhesive backing to the laminate sheet or the laminate sheet 30 may be hot laminated to the sheet 18 using suitable heated lamination rollers or the like.
- the ink forming the image layer 28 may be dye based or pigment based, although inks containing carbon black are generally not suitable for use with RF applications or bonding.
- FIG. 4 illustrates, by way of example, apparatus for transferring a graphic image to a sheet of material described above and comprising the image sheet 18 , which material may be provided as a large sheet or as a roll, as indicated by numeral 32 in FIG. 4.
- the roll 32 of image sheet material is operable to be printed by a suitable printer 34 which may be controlled by a central processing unit or CPU 36 of a type commercially available.
- Color artwork comprising a photograph, print or other suitable image bearing article 38 , particularly one having a light reflecting surface thereon may be copied and processed by programs residing on the CPU 36 and by use of a suitable electrostatic photocopier or scanner apparatus 40 to capture an image for processing by the CPU 36 .
- the apparatus 40 is preferably of a type manufactured by Umax Technologies, Inc. as their model SMX3 color scanner.
- a commercially available raster image processing (RIP) program residing on the CPU 36 is operable to receive a digitized multicolor image from the scanner 40 , from a storage medium, such as a diskette or via an email network.
- RIP raster image processing
- the RIP program is operable to separate the image into printable colors, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, green, orange, light cyan, and light magenta, for example, to provide accurate color matching and also match a broad range of Pantone Matching System colors.
- the RIP program may also be used to control the printer 34 .
- the printer 34 is preferably an inkjet printer, such as a model 3000 manufactured by Hewlett Packard Corporation, or a printer manufactured by Roland DGA Corporation as their Cammjet 500 printer/cutter, which is operable to print six colors on fifty-four inch wide media.
- the printer 34 may also be a thermal ribbon printer or an electrostatic printer, if desired.
- Multiple images, such as the image 20 may be printed on the sheet 32 a of the roll of image sheet material 32 when installed on the printer 34 in a known manner.
- the roll of image sheet material 32 is, of course, according to the specification given hereinabove for the image sheet 18 .
- Images of a minimal dots per inch (DPI) of 300 by 300 to 540 by 540 are preferred, but may be greater if higher resolution color quality is desired.
- the image 20 is also preferably printed to a desired size and shape on the sheet 32 a together with suitable register or reference marks printed outside the image areas.
- the resulting register or reference marks are shown in the alternate position of the material roll 32 in FIG. 4 and in the detail view of FIG. 4A and are indicate by numerals 39 , respectively.
- Multiple rows of images 20 are shown printed on sheet 32 a.
- the material of image sheet 18 be provided in rolls, such as the roll 32 , without any backing or adhesive applied thereto. If necessary a backing sheet, not shown, can be accommodated if it is adhered to the image sheet 18 by static “cling” or an adhesive that allows the backing sheet to be easily removed and is compatible with radio frequency (RF) sealing processes.
- RF radio frequency
- the image sheet 18 provide an image that is waterproof, fade resistant and scratch resistant so that it requires no further surface coating or lamination.
- the image sheet roll 32 after having a suitable number of images 20 printed thereon, be re-rolled and operably applied to a laminator or coating application apparatus, generally designated by the numeral 42 in FIG. 4.
- the laminator or coating apparatus 42 is adapted to support a roll 44 of the laminate sheet 30 as well as the roll 32 upon which images 20 and register marks 39 have been printed. Material from the rolls 32 and 44 is then fed through the laminator or coating apparatus 42 .
- a suitable laminator apparatus 42 may be of a type commercially available, such as a model 600 laminator available from Hunt Graphics Americas, Beacon Falls, Conn., for example.
- the clear laminate sheet 30 preferably backed with a permanent adhesive is applied very smoothly to the printed surface 18 a of the image sheet 18 at an elevated temperature of about 180° F., for example, but may also be applied at lower temperatures in the range of 100° F. to 111° F. or even at room temperature.
- the clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC) laminate sheet 30 provides a protective barrier to the color image 20 , minimizes fading from ultraviolet light sources, prevents scratching and provides water resistance.
- the image sheets 18 After laminating, the image sheets 18 , still in roll form on the roll 32 , are transferred to a cutter apparatus 48 , see FIG. 4, which may be controlled by a suitable processor to cut the outline of the image sheet 18 multiple times from the sheet 32 a of roll 32 .
- the optical register marks 39 are used as reference points for a suitable camera, not shown, mounted on the apparatus 48 . Images of any desired shape may be cut in a very exacting manner.
- the apparatus 48 may be a microprocessor controlled cutter, such as a model M-800 manufactured by Zund North America Inc., Racine, Wis., which may be used to cut multiple images 20 from sheet 32 a , each residing on an image sheet 18 , as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, such operations may be carried out by a printer/cutter available from Roland DGA as their Cammjet model 500.
- the cover member for the portfolio 10 may also be fabricated of PVC, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,150.
- a flexible PVC member comprising a portfolio cover sheet 50 , which may form the outer surface of portfolio cover 12 , 14 , is illustrated.
- a completed article, such as a portfolio 10 itself may be unfolded and positioned for applying an image 20 and its associated image sheet 18 using a radio frequency (RF) sealing apparatus 52 as will be explained in further detail herein.
- RF radio frequency
- An image sheet 18 may be sealed to the cover member 50 (or directly to a finished article, such as cover 12 of portfolio 10 ) utilizing RF sealing apparatus 52 which includes a base 53 supporting a platen 54 and a head 56 which is movable relative to the platen to engage a debossing die with the member 50 .
- the aforementioned debossing die may be provided with an outline of substantially the same shape as the image 20 and image sheet 18 , but preferably slightly larger.
- the outline of the debossing die may correspond to the “window” 22 shown in FIG. 1 and may be about ⁇ fraction (1/64) ⁇ to ⁇ fraction (1/16) ⁇ inch oversized with respect to the image sheet 18 around the perimeter of the image sheet.
- the debossing die may also be configured to provide the decorative border 24 , if desired.
- the portfolio cover sheet 50 may be placed on the platen 54 using appropriate guide marks on the platen to locate the article.
- One or more focused light beams 55 may be provided by suitable light sources, such as laser light sources mounted on or near the head 56 , and directed onto the cover sheet 50 or the cover 12 of the portfolio 10 once it is in position on the platen 54 to serve as a guide for placing an image sheet 18 in the proper location on the article to which the image sheet is to be adhered.
- suitable guide or template 57 FIG.
- the guide 57 may be mounted adjacent the platen 54 and “flipped”. into and out of a working position for use in locating the aforementioned image sheet 18 properly on the article to which the image sheet is to be adhered.
- FIG. 5 illustrates one preferred arrangement of the apparatus 52 wherein the platen 54 is supported on the base 53 of apparatus 52 and supports the cover member 50 (or the portfolio 10 ) and the image sheet 18 .
- a debossing die, indicated by numeral 58 is suitably mounted on the head 56 .
- This arrangement requires rather precise positioning of the member 50 and the image sheet 18 on the member 50 or other surface of the article to which the image is to be adhered.
- a template or guide marks, not shown, on the platen 54 may be used to precisely locate the member 50 relative to the platen and the head 56 .
- the head 56 is moved to forcibly engage the die 58 with the image sheet 18 and RF energy is applied to deboss the member 50 and seal or bond the image sheet 18 to the member 50 .
- the base 53 of the apparatus 52 may be adapted to support the debossinq die 58 , or a similar debossing die, and the image sheet 18 placed accurately on the die, as shown.
- the cover member 50 may then be located accurately with respect to the image sheet 18 and the head 56 actuated to forcibly engage the member 50 with the debossing die and the image sheet 18 followed by application of RF energy to suitably bond or seal the image sheet 18 to the cover member 50 and simultaneously deboss the cover member 50 .
- the depth of debossing which creates the window 22 is preferably about equal to the thickness of the image sheet 18 .
- a third embodiment of the process of applying the image sheet 18 to the cover member 50 may be carried out with the arrangement according to FIG. 5 whereupon the cover member 50 is placed on the base 53 and supported by platen 54 and the head 56 is moved with the die 58 to lightly deboss a “window” or indentation in the cover member 50 followed by retraction of the head 56 , placement of the image sheet 18 in the window or debossed indentation in the cover member 50 and then extension of the head 56 and die 58 into forcible engagement with the image sheet 18 and the cover member 50 to carry out the process of sealing the image sheet to the member 50 with a possibly further deepened or debossed “window” in the member to which the image sheet is securely adhered.
- the debossing die 58 may include a textured surface or a layer of textured paper may be interposed the die and the image sheet 18 at the time of debossing the image sheet onto the member 50 , for example, to provide an image enhancing or decorative texture to the image 20 .
- the RF sealing or bonding apparatus 52 may be of a type commercially available, such as manufactured by Cosmos Electronic Machine Co., Farmingdale, N.Y. or Thermex-Thermatron Co., Hauppauge, N.Y.
- the RF sealing process forms the debossed or indented “window” 22 , for example, as shown in FIG. 1, as well as creating a very strong bond between the image sheet 18 and the vinyl cover member 50 .
- the printed image substrate or sheet 18 together with the laminate sheet 30 if used, is thus permanently sealed to the member 50 or a similar member.
- the cover member 50 is then available for further decorating or fabrication into the portfolio 10 , for example, or other article of manufacture, as desired.
- the image application process may be the last step in the manufacture of the article and the article is then ready for distribution.
- many types of articles generally of the type described hereinabove, may be prefabricated and held in inventory until an order for a particular article bearing a particular image is received and the images are then applied directly to the otherwise finished articles using the process of the present invention whereupon the finished article is then ready for shipment to a customer.
- the accurate positioning of the image sheet 18 is somewhat critical since it is required that it register very closely with the debossing die 58 .
- the process according to the arrangement of FIG. 6 may be preferred whereby an operator of the apparatus 52 may accurately position each image sheet 18 on the debossing die 58 .
- the positional relationship between the debossed area or window 22 and the image sheet 18 is perhaps more critical than the positional relationship between the image sheet 18 and the cover member 50 , for example. In other words positioning tolerances between the image sheet 18 and the cover member 50 may be as great as 0.125 inches without affecting the aesthetics or other preferred features of the final product, such as the portfolio 10 .
- the arrangement according to FIG. 5 may be suitable, however, if the debossing die 58 is first struck lightly against the cover member 50 and RF energy applied briefly to provide the lightly indented “window” 22 for subsequently receiving the image sheet 18 or if the other image sheet locating methods mentioned above are used.
- the material used for the image sheet, inlay or “windowpane” described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,150 may be also used as the image sheet or printed image substrate and applied to a member, such as a cover member 50 , generally in the manner described above in conjunction with the bonding process carried out by the apparatus 52 .
- the member comprising the cover member 50 may be quite flexible or somewhat rigid, but should be compatible with the material of the image sheet 18 to provide proper bonding, preferably by application of RF energy thereto.
Abstract
An article of manufacture such as a soft cover portfolio, desk folder, or similar article, includes a graphic image provided thereon by transferring an image from a source to a processor which is operable to control a printer to print multiple images on a sheet of polyvinyl chloride or the like. The printed images may be protected by laminating a transparent vinyl sheet over the larger image sheet and the images are then precut to final size. The final individual image sheets are applied directly to the article of manufacture or to a member of flexible material to be used in forming an article of manufacture by, preferably, RF sealing the image sheet to the member which will form a part of the article. The precisely cut image sheet may be supported on a debossing die or placed on the member which will form the article, then struck by the debossing die. Accurate positioning of the image sheet on the member may be carried out by use of a guide device, focused light beams or by a light debossing operation to form an indentation in the member prior to locating the image sheet on the member. A virtually infinite range of graphic images may be rapidly and permanently placed on members which are then used to form articles of manufacture, such as portfolios, desk folders, luggage tags, memo pads and similar articles in relatively large quantities.
Description
- The present invention pertains to an article of manufacture, such as a portfolio, desk folder, ring binder, wallet or similar business accessory article having an improved graphic image printed thereon by an image transfer process which includes transferring the image from a source image to a sheet of flexible material, such as vinyl, providing a protective coating or laminate over the image and adhering the image sheet to the article which may include a debossing operation.
- Business accessory and gift articles, such as portfolios, desk folders, ring binders, wallets, luggage tags, keyfobs, memo pads and similar articles, are typically fabricated of a soft, durable material such as fabrics, vinyl, leather or other synthetic leather-like materials. The application of ornamental designs with graphic images or other pictorial features on the surface of the leather or synthetic leather-like material of the article is important and certain developments in the production of promotional and gift articles of the general type discussed above have been carried out. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,762,375 and 5,961,140, both to Randy A. Kogutt and Michael A. Kogutt, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, are directed to important advancements in the art of manufacturing articles of the type described herein. The subject matter of both of the above-mentioned patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The above mentioned patents provide an article having a graphic image disposed in a “window” of the cover or other outer surface, for example, of an article such as a desk folder or portfolio as described in detail in the patents. However, such a “window” may also be provided as a raised or depressed surface of the material of the article and an image placed in the “window” by providing the image on a separate sheet of material and adhering the image sheet so provided to the material of the article within the “window”. Alternatively, the window may be simultaneously formed with application of a sheet or substrate bearing the image to the material of the article which is to be decorated with the image.
- There is also a desire in the manufacture of articles of the type in question to be able to conveniently provide a virtually infinite variety of images to be placed on the article and to make the images aesthetically pleasing and durable as well as economical to produce when applied to relatively large quantities of articles of the type in question. It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.
- The present invention provides an improved article of manufacture, such as a business accessory or gift item, including but not limited to a portfolio, desk folder, wallet, other articles mentioned hereinbefore or a similar article, which includes an improved graphic image placed thereon which is aesthetically pleasing, durable, inexpensive to manufacture and adapted to be easily produced in various quantities.
- The present invention also provides an improved method of making an article of the type referred to hereinabove wherein a pre-selected graphic image is transferred to a flexible sheet or substrate. Single or multiple images may be transferred to the flexible sheet or substrate. If the images are relatively small, multiple images are printed on relatively large-sheets of substrate material. Individual image sheets may then be cut out of the larger sheet preferably to the contours of the images themselves and are applied, respectively, to a surface of an article which is to bear the image, preferably using a debossing die and, preferably using radio frequency (RF) sealing or bonding of the image sheet to the surface of the article.
- In accordance with one aspect of the invention a selected image may be generated by copying the image from a photograph or print of the image to a digital processor or computer wherein the image may be adjusted for size, quality and color and the adjusted image is then transferred one or multiple times to an image receiving sheet using a printer including, preferably, a multicolor inkjet type printer. However, a thermal ribbon printer or an electrostatic printer may also be used to provide single or plural images on the sheet. Individual image sheets are then cut out of a larger sheet bearing one or multiple images.
- In accordance with another aspect of the invention an improved image is provided for application to an article of the type described herein, which image is provided on a sheet or substrate which is adapted to receive a graphic image in accordance with a method as described herein. The image is preferably provided on an opaque flexible sheet of material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), having a suitable coating thereon to allow ink adherence, if required. For purposes of discussion herein, the term image “sheet” or image “substrate” refers to the underlying sheetlike member on which the image resides and one or more image sheets may be cut from a larger sheet of the same material on which one or more images are formed. Still further, the image sheet may be laminated with a clear vinyl overlay or provided with a transparent or “clear” coating to preserve the quality and durability of the image, all in accordance with the present invention.
- In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, an article of the type described hereinabove is provided with an improved graphic image by adhering a prepared flexible sheet or substrate, including the image printed thereon, to a surface of the article using, preferably, radio frequency (RF) bonding or “welding” of the image sheet to the article. The bonding may take place on a surface of the article which has been previously lightly debossed, or the debossing may take place simultaneously with bonding of the image sheet to the article. A debossing die may be positioned in a so-called face up orientation to allow an operator to accurately place the image sheet on the debossing die. Alternatively, the debossing die may be operated in a face down orientation to lightly deboss the surface of the member to receive the image sheet whereby an indentation is provided to act as a guide for accurate placement of the image sheet on the surface of the article. Still further, other methods of accurately placing the image sheet on the surface of the article may be used, such as concentrated light beam “pointer” type guides or templates which can be used to place the image sheet accurately on the surface of the article and then moved out of the way prior to the step of sealing the image sheet to the member.
- The image sheet is then permanently adhered or sealed to the member which will form at least part of the article preferably using a debossing die and an RF sealing apparatus. Accordingly, an important advantage of the present invention is that the process of adhering an image to an article of the type described herein permits decorating or adding images to previously completed products. Of course, image sheets may be adhered to larger sheets, such as the cover sheet of an article of manufacture and whereby the cover sheet is then further finished to complete the fabrication of the article. Accordingly, one advantage of the method of the present invention is that the image transfer or adherence process is adaptable for otherwise finished articles or for component parts of articles.
- Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the above mentioned features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description which follows in conjunction with the drawing.
- FIG. 1 is perspective view of an article bearing a graphic image in accordance with the process of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example of a graphic image printed on an image sheet or substrate and in accordance with the method of the invention;
- FIG. 3 is a detail section view of the image sheet of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing certain steps in a process of the present invention;
- FIG. 4A is a detail plan view of a portion of a sheet of material having images and reference or guide marks thereon;
- FIG. 5 is a somewhat schematic representation showing one orientation of a debossing die and associated workpieces in accordance with the invention; and
- FIG. 6 is a somewhat schematic representation of an alternate die and workpiece arrangement according to the invention.
- In the description which follows like components are marked throughout the specification and drawing with the same reference numbers, respectively. The drawing figures are not to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhat generalized or schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
- Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an article of manufacture in accordance with the present invention comprising, by way of example, a portfolio or desk folder, generally designated by the
numeral 10. Theportfolio 10 is characterized by front andback cover parts integral spine portion 16, not unlike the front and back covers of a hardbound book. The front and back covers 12 and 14 may be moved between a folded or closed position and an open position. Theportfolio 10 may be constructed generally in accordance with the portfolio described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,150 except, primarily, with regard to the configuration of agraphic image sheet 18, FIG. 1, bearing agraphic image 20 thereon and which has been applied to the outer surface 12 a of a member making up at least thefront cover 12, preferably in a window formed therein and generally designated by thenumeral 22. Thewindow 22 for theportfolio 10 may be a lightly debossed outline, impression, indentation in or a raised surface portion of surface 12 a of thefront cover 12 and may have an outline substantially corresponding to the outline of theimage sheet 18 but slightly larger than such image sheet, at least along portions thereof. Additionally, thegraphic image 20 may be further outlined by an outerdecorative border 24 formed on thecover 12 and which may simulate stitching or other aesthetically pleasing indicia. FIG. 2 also illustrates theimage sheet 18 and thegraphic image 20 printed thereon in a plan view. The integral cover. 12, 14 may be formed of one of a variety of flexible materials. However, polyvinyl chloride sheet is one useful and preferable example. - In accordance with this invention the material for the image sheet or
substrate 18 may be furnished in rolls or precut sheets for processing in accordance with the invention and of a material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flexible film having a thickness of about 4.0 mils to 12.0 mils and provided with anink accepting coating 26, see FIG. 3, on at least one surface 18 a thereof. Thecoating 26 may be of a type commercially available. The image sheet orsubstrate 18 is preferably an opaque precolored white sheet, although other colors may be provided or the image sheet may be translucent or transparent. Alayer 28 of ink or other suitable material forming theimage 20, FIG. 3, is applied to coated surface 18 a of thesheet 18 in accordance with the invention. Thesheet 18 may be calendared on one or bothsurfaces 18 a and 18 b, FIG. 3. Alternatively, an image enhancing or decorative texture can be added to the substrate orsheet 18 during a debossing process to be described further herein. - Referring further to FIG. 3, a transparent, image protecting overlay or
laminate sheet 30 is provided and is, preferably, formed of thin (about 4.0 mils) clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with or without an adhesive backing. Thelaminate sheet 30 may be adhered to theimage sheet 18 by adhesive bonding of thelaminate sheet 30 to the coated and inked surface of thesheet 18. Thelaminate sheet 30 may be cold laminated to thesheet 18 by use of a suitable adhesive backing to the laminate sheet or thelaminate sheet 30 may be hot laminated to thesheet 18 using suitable heated lamination rollers or the like. The ink forming theimage layer 28 may be dye based or pigment based, although inks containing carbon black are generally not suitable for use with RF applications or bonding. - Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated in somewhat schematic form certain apparatus preferred for carrying out a process of providing the
article 10 with theimage 20 affixed thereto in accordance with the invention. FIG. 4 illustrates, by way of example, apparatus for transferring a graphic image to a sheet of material described above and comprising theimage sheet 18, which material may be provided as a large sheet or as a roll, as indicated by numeral 32 in FIG. 4. Theroll 32 of image sheet material is operable to be printed by asuitable printer 34 which may be controlled by a central processing unit orCPU 36 of a type commercially available. Color artwork comprising a photograph, print or other suitableimage bearing article 38, particularly one having a light reflecting surface thereon may be copied and processed by programs residing on theCPU 36 and by use of a suitable electrostatic photocopier orscanner apparatus 40 to capture an image for processing by theCPU 36. Theapparatus 40 is preferably of a type manufactured by Umax Technologies, Inc. as their model SMX3 color scanner. A commercially available raster image processing (RIP) program residing on theCPU 36 is operable to receive a digitized multicolor image from thescanner 40, from a storage medium, such as a diskette or via an email network. The RIP program is operable to separate the image into printable colors, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, green, orange, light cyan, and light magenta, for example, to provide accurate color matching and also match a broad range of Pantone Matching System colors. The RIP program may also be used to control theprinter 34. - The
printer 34 is preferably an inkjet printer, such as a model 3000 manufactured by Hewlett Packard Corporation, or a printer manufactured by Roland DGA Corporation as their Cammjet 500 printer/cutter, which is operable to print six colors on fifty-four inch wide media. However, theprinter 34 may also be a thermal ribbon printer or an electrostatic printer, if desired. Multiple images, such as theimage 20, may be printed on thesheet 32 a of the roll ofimage sheet material 32 when installed on theprinter 34 in a known manner. The roll ofimage sheet material 32 is, of course, according to the specification given hereinabove for theimage sheet 18. Images of a minimal dots per inch (DPI) of 300 by 300 to 540 by 540 are preferred, but may be greater if higher resolution color quality is desired. Theimage 20 is also preferably printed to a desired size and shape on thesheet 32 a together with suitable register or reference marks printed outside the image areas. The resulting register or reference marks are shown in the alternate position of thematerial roll 32 in FIG. 4 and in the detail view of FIG. 4A and are indicate bynumerals 39, respectively. Multiple rows ofimages 20 are shown printed onsheet 32 a. - It is preferable that the material of
image sheet 18 be provided in rolls, such as theroll 32, without any backing or adhesive applied thereto. If necessary a backing sheet, not shown, can be accommodated if it is adhered to theimage sheet 18 by static “cling” or an adhesive that allows the backing sheet to be easily removed and is compatible with radio frequency (RF) sealing processes. A graphic image provided on theimage sheet 18 in accordance with the above described process produces a very high quality image as compared with other processes and is comparable to lithographic printing, for example. - It is also particularly desirable that the
image sheet 18 provide an image that is waterproof, fade resistant and scratch resistant so that it requires no further surface coating or lamination. However, to insure image fade resistance and scratch resistance it is contemplated that theimage sheet roll 32, after having a suitable number ofimages 20 printed thereon, be re-rolled and operably applied to a laminator or coating application apparatus, generally designated by the numeral 42 in FIG. 4. The laminator orcoating apparatus 42 is adapted to support aroll 44 of thelaminate sheet 30 as well as theroll 32 upon whichimages 20 and registermarks 39 have been printed. Material from therolls coating apparatus 42. Asuitable laminator apparatus 42 may be of a type commercially available, such as a model 600 laminator available from Hunt Graphics Americas, Beacon Falls, Conn., for example. Theclear laminate sheet 30, preferably backed with a permanent adhesive is applied very smoothly to the printed surface 18 a of theimage sheet 18 at an elevated temperature of about 180° F., for example, but may also be applied at lower temperatures in the range of 100° F. to 111° F. or even at room temperature. The clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC)laminate sheet 30 provides a protective barrier to thecolor image 20, minimizes fading from ultraviolet light sources, prevents scratching and provides water resistance. - After laminating, the
image sheets 18, still in roll form on theroll 32, are transferred to acutter apparatus 48, see FIG. 4, which may be controlled by a suitable processor to cut the outline of theimage sheet 18 multiple times from thesheet 32 a ofroll 32. The optical register marks 39 are used as reference points for a suitable camera, not shown, mounted on theapparatus 48. Images of any desired shape may be cut in a very exacting manner. Theapparatus 48 may be a microprocessor controlled cutter, such as a model M-800 manufactured by Zund North America Inc., Racine, Wis., which may be used to cutmultiple images 20 fromsheet 32 a, each residing on animage sheet 18, as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, such operations may be carried out by a printer/cutter available from Roland DGA as their Cammjet model 500. - The printed, protective laminated or coated (if required), and precisely cut
images 20, each residing on itsown image sheet 18, are now ready to be applied to a suitable article, such as a flexible member forming at least part of thecover portfolio 10, for example. The cover member for theportfolio 10 may also be fabricated of PVC, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,150. Referring further to FIG. 4, a flexible PVC member comprising aportfolio cover sheet 50, which may form the outer surface ofportfolio cover portfolio 10 itself, may be unfolded and positioned for applying animage 20 and its associatedimage sheet 18 using a radio frequency (RF) sealingapparatus 52 as will be explained in further detail herein. - An
image sheet 18 may be sealed to the cover member 50 (or directly to a finished article, such ascover 12 of portfolio 10) utilizingRF sealing apparatus 52 which includes a base 53 supporting aplaten 54 and ahead 56 which is movable relative to the platen to engage a debossing die with themember 50. The aforementioned debossing die may be provided with an outline of substantially the same shape as theimage 20 andimage sheet 18, but preferably slightly larger. For example, the outline of the debossing die may correspond to the “window” 22 shown in FIG. 1 and may be about {fraction (1/64)} to {fraction (1/16)} inch oversized with respect to theimage sheet 18 around the perimeter of the image sheet. The debossing die may also be configured to provide thedecorative border 24, if desired. - Referring further to FIG. 4, the
portfolio cover sheet 50, or theportfolio 10 itself in an unfolded position, may be placed on theplaten 54 using appropriate guide marks on the platen to locate the article. One or more focused light beams 55, for example, may be provided by suitable light sources, such as laser light sources mounted on or near thehead 56, and directed onto thecover sheet 50 or thecover 12 of theportfolio 10 once it is in position on theplaten 54 to serve as a guide for placing animage sheet 18 in the proper location on the article to which the image sheet is to be adhered. Alternatively, a suitable guide ortemplate 57, FIG. 4, may be placed on the article, such as thesheet 50 or theportfolio cover 12, to serve as a locating guide for locating theimage sheet 18 and its image properly on the article to which the image sheet is to be adhered. Theguide 57 may be mounted adjacent theplaten 54 and “flipped”. into and out of a working position for use in locating theaforementioned image sheet 18 properly on the article to which the image sheet is to be adhered. - FIG. 5 illustrates one preferred arrangement of the
apparatus 52 wherein theplaten 54 is supported on thebase 53 ofapparatus 52 and supports the cover member 50 (or the portfolio 10) and theimage sheet 18. A debossing die, indicated bynumeral 58, is suitably mounted on thehead 56. This arrangement requires rather precise positioning of themember 50 and theimage sheet 18 on themember 50 or other surface of the article to which the image is to be adhered. A template or guide marks, not shown, on theplaten 54 may be used to precisely locate themember 50 relative to the platen and thehead 56. Once themember 50 has been properly positioned on theplaten 54, and the image sheet positioned onmember 50, using one or more of the light beams 55 or theguide 57, for example, thehead 56 is moved to forcibly engage the die 58 with theimage sheet 18 and RF energy is applied to deboss themember 50 and seal or bond theimage sheet 18 to themember 50. - Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the
base 53 of theapparatus 52 may be adapted to support the debossinq die 58, or a similar debossing die, and theimage sheet 18 placed accurately on the die, as shown. Thecover member 50 may then be located accurately with respect to theimage sheet 18 and thehead 56 actuated to forcibly engage themember 50 with the debossing die and theimage sheet 18 followed by application of RF energy to suitably bond or seal theimage sheet 18 to thecover member 50 and simultaneously deboss thecover member 50. The depth of debossing which creates thewindow 22 is preferably about equal to the thickness of theimage sheet 18. - A third embodiment of the process of applying the
image sheet 18 to thecover member 50 may be carried out with the arrangement according to FIG. 5 whereupon thecover member 50 is placed on thebase 53 and supported byplaten 54 and thehead 56 is moved with the die 58 to lightly deboss a “window” or indentation in thecover member 50 followed by retraction of thehead 56, placement of theimage sheet 18 in the window or debossed indentation in thecover member 50 and then extension of thehead 56 and die 58 into forcible engagement with theimage sheet 18 and thecover member 50 to carry out the process of sealing the image sheet to themember 50 with a possibly further deepened or debossed “window” in the member to which the image sheet is securely adhered. - The debossing die58 may include a textured surface or a layer of textured paper may be interposed the die and the
image sheet 18 at the time of debossing the image sheet onto themember 50, for example, to provide an image enhancing or decorative texture to theimage 20. - The RF sealing or
bonding apparatus 52 may be of a type commercially available, such as manufactured by Cosmos Electronic Machine Co., Farmingdale, N.Y. or Thermex-Thermatron Co., Hauppauge, N.Y. The RF sealing process forms the debossed or indented “window” 22, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, as well as creating a very strong bond between theimage sheet 18 and thevinyl cover member 50. The printed image substrate orsheet 18 together with thelaminate sheet 30, if used, is thus permanently sealed to themember 50 or a similar member. Thecover member 50 is then available for further decorating or fabrication into theportfolio 10, for example, or other article of manufacture, as desired. Of course, if theimage sheets 18 are to be applied directly to an otherwise finished product, such as theportfolio 10, the image application process may be the last step in the manufacture of the article and the article is then ready for distribution. In this way, many types of articles, generally of the type described hereinabove, may be prefabricated and held in inventory until an order for a particular article bearing a particular image is received and the images are then applied directly to the otherwise finished articles using the process of the present invention whereupon the finished article is then ready for shipment to a customer. - Accordingly, the accurate positioning of the
image sheet 18 is somewhat critical since it is required that it register very closely with the debossing die 58. In this regard, the process according to the arrangement of FIG. 6 may be preferred whereby an operator of theapparatus 52 may accurately position eachimage sheet 18 on the debossing die 58. The positional relationship between the debossed area orwindow 22 and theimage sheet 18 is perhaps more critical than the positional relationship between theimage sheet 18 and thecover member 50, for example. In other words positioning tolerances between theimage sheet 18 and thecover member 50 may be as great as 0.125 inches without affecting the aesthetics or other preferred features of the final product, such as theportfolio 10. However, improper positioning between theimage sheet 18 and the debossing die 58 will result in a poor quality, poorly adhered image and a mislocated border or outline of thewindow 22. The arrangement according to FIG. 5 may be suitable, however, if the debossing die 58 is first struck lightly against thecover member 50 and RF energy applied briefly to provide the lightly indented “window” 22 for subsequently receiving theimage sheet 18 or if the other image sheet locating methods mentioned above are used. - Although a preferred material for the
image sheet 18 is described hereinbefore, other materials may be used. For example, the material used for the image sheet, inlay or “windowpane” described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,150 may be also used as the image sheet or printed image substrate and applied to a member, such as acover member 50, generally in the manner described above in conjunction with the bonding process carried out by theapparatus 52. The member comprising thecover member 50 may be quite flexible or somewhat rigid, but should be compatible with the material of theimage sheet 18 to provide proper bonding, preferably by application of RF energy thereto. - Although preferred embodiments of an article of manufacture and a process of manufacturing same have been described in accordance with the present invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, such artisans will appreciate that the embodiments described are not limiting and that various substitutions and modifications may be made to the article and process without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
Claims (13)
1-26. (canceled)
27. An article of manufacture, such as a folder, portfolio, luggage tag, keyfob, memo pad and the like having a printed image thereon and manufactured by a process comprising the steps of:
providing a flexible member to be formed as or forming at least part of said article;
providing a flexible sheet of plastic material adapted to be receptive to one or more printed images on one side of said sheet of flexible material;
transferring an image to be applied to said sheet of flexible material to a processor;
causing said processor to control a printer for printing at least one image on said sheet of flexible material;
cutting at least one image sheet from said sheet of said flexible material along predetermined contours of said image;
placing said at least one image sheet in contact with said flexible member; and
bonding said at least one image sheet to said flexible member.
28. The article set forth in claim 27 wherein:
said at least one image sheet is bonded to said flexible member by engaging said at least one image sheet with a debossing die and applying energy to bond said at least one image sheet to said flexible member.
29. An article with a printed image thereon, said article comprising one of a portfolio, desk folder, binder, wallet, luggage tag, memo pad or keyfob having a cover part formed of a flexible and indentable material, said article including:
a member formed of said flexible and indentable material and comprising at least a portion of said cover part of said article;
an image sheet of a flexible material bonded to said member, including a printed image on a first side thereof;
said image sheet being in contact with said member at a second and opposite side of said image sheet;
said image sheet being bonded to said member by pressing said image sheet to said member to adhere said image sheet to said member, and
said member having a planar indentation formed therein while bonding said image sheet to said member in said planar indentation, said planar indentation having a depth at least as great as the thickness of said image sheet so as to recess said image sheet in said member.
30. The article set forth in claim 29 wherein:
said image sheet and said member are each formed of a flexible plastic material.
31. The article set forth in claim 30 wherein:
said image sheet is bonded to said member by pressing said image sheet to said member and applying RF energy to adhere said image sheet to said member.
32. The article set forth in claim 29 wherein:
said image sheet includes an ink receptive coating thereon.
33. The article set forth in claim 32 including:
a textured surface of said image sheet under said coating.
34. The article set forth in claim 29 including:
a transparent laminate sheet on said image sheet covering said image.
35. The article set forth in claim 34 wherein:
said image sheet is formed of polyvinyl chloride.
36. The article set forth in claim 35 including the step of:
said laminate sheet if formed of polyvinyl chloride.
37. An article with a printed image thereon, said article comprising one of a portfolio, desk folder, binder, wallet, luggage tag, memo pad or keyfob having a cover part formed of a flexible and indentable material, said article further comprising:
a member formed of said flexible and indentable material and comprising at least a portion of said cover part of said article;
an image sheet of a flexible material adapted to be bonded to said member and including an image printed on a first side thereof;
a substantially planar indentation in said member having a depth at least about equal to the thickness of said image sheet; and
said image sheet is bonded to said member within said indentation by pressing said image sheet to said member and applying RF energy to adhere said image sheet to said member.
38. An article with a printed image thereon, said article comprising one of a portfolio, desk folder, binder, wallet, luggage tag, memo pad or keyfob having a cover part formed of a flexible and indentable material, said article further comprising:
a member formed of said flexible and indentable material and comprising at least a portion of said cover part;
an image sheet of a flexible material having an image printed on a first side of said image sheet;
a substantially planar debossed indentation on said member; and
said image sheet being bonded to said member by RF energy to adhere said image sheet to said member at said indentation.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/822,567 US20040187369A1 (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2004-04-12 | Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/656,258 US6740189B1 (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2000-09-06 | Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making |
US10/822,567 US20040187369A1 (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2004-04-12 | Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/656,258 Division US6740189B1 (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2000-09-06 | Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040187369A1 true US20040187369A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
Family
ID=32313300
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/656,258 Expired - Fee Related US6740189B1 (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2000-09-06 | Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making |
US10/822,567 Abandoned US20040187369A1 (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2004-04-12 | Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/656,258 Expired - Fee Related US6740189B1 (en) | 2000-09-06 | 2000-09-06 | Business accessory article with graphic image and method of making |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US6740189B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106004149A (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2016-10-12 | 汕头市东和机械有限公司 | Inner page installation method and device for automatic data book production line |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060226235A1 (en) * | 2005-04-08 | 2006-10-12 | Shepherd John D | Durable photo card |
US8684182B2 (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2014-04-01 | Meadwestvaco Corporation | Package standing feature utilizing blister and paperboard |
CN102985045A (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2013-03-20 | 米德韦斯瓦科公司 | Blister package with adhered curved surface |
US10414124B2 (en) | 2016-09-15 | 2019-09-17 | Blank Acquisition, LLC | Assembly and method for creating folder pockets from printable blank sheets |
CN111136923B (en) * | 2019-12-31 | 2021-09-28 | 北新禹王防水科技(四川)有限公司 | Waterproofing membrane compression fittings |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106004149A (en) * | 2016-07-26 | 2016-10-12 | 汕头市东和机械有限公司 | Inner page installation method and device for automatic data book production line |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US6740189B1 (en) | 2004-05-25 |
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