U.S. patent application number 09/970744 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-13 for process for producing holographic material.
Invention is credited to Weder, Donald E..
Application Number | 20030029554 09/970744 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23468511 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030029554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weder, Donald E. |
February 13, 2003 |
Process for producing holographic material
Abstract
Processes for producing a holographic material involve producing
the holographic image on a polished, substantially smooth surface
and then transferring the holographic image to a substrate. A
metallic coating is applied to a smooth surface of a printing
element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed
to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is
transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby
producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be
used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a
floral grouping or a potted plant.
Inventors: |
Weder, Donald E.; (Highland,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP, CODDING & ROGERS P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73114
US
|
Family ID: |
23468511 |
Appl. No.: |
09/970744 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09970744 |
Oct 4, 2001 |
|
|
|
09372526 |
Aug 11, 1999 |
|
|
|
6372073 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/244.23 ;
156/209; 156/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03H 1/028 20130101;
A47G 7/085 20130101; Y10T 156/1051 20150115; B32B 2451/00 20130101;
B32B 2425/00 20130101; Y10T 156/1023 20150115; B29C 37/0053
20130101; B32B 37/12 20130101; B32B 38/06 20130101; B29L 2031/722
20130101; B65D 85/52 20130101; G03H 2001/0055 20130101; Y10T
156/1039 20150115; G03H 2227/04 20130101; B65D 85/505 20130101;
G03H 2250/10 20130101; B32B 2429/00 20130101; Y10T 156/10
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/244.23 ;
156/209; 156/277 |
International
Class: |
B29C 047/00; B32B
031/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A process for applying a holographic image to a substrate to
produce a holographic material, the process comprising: providing a
printing element having a polished, substantially smooth surface;
applying a metalized coating capable of receiving a holographic
image to the smooth surface of the printing element to provide a
metalized coated surface; embossing the metalized coated surface to
provide a holographic image thereon, the holographic image having a
first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface of
the holographic image is disposed substantially adjacent the smooth
surface of the printing element; applying a bonding material to the
first surface of the holographic image; disposing a substrate
adjacent the first surface of the holographic image containing the
bonding material so as to transfer the holographic image to the
substrate and produce a holographic material; and removing the
holographic material from the smooth surface of the printing
element.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the process is preformed as a
continuous process.
3. The process of claim 2 wherein the printing element is selected
from the group consisting of a cylindrical drum and a roller.
4. The process of claim 2 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
5. The process of claim 2 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
6. The process of claim 2 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
7. The process of claim 1 wherein the process is performed as a
batch process.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein the printing element is selected
from the group consisting of a flat plate and a platen press.
9. The process of claim 7 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
10. The process of claim 7 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
11. The process of claim 7 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
12. The process of claim 1 wherein the coating applied to the
smooth surface of the printing element is selected from the group
consisting of metallic polymeric film, metallic non-polymeric film,
foil, metalized lacquer and combinations thereof.
13. The process of claim 1 wherein the substrate is constructed of
a material selected from the group consisting of polymeric film,
non-polymeric film, foil, paper, tissue and combinations
thereof.
14. The process of claim 13 wherein the substrate has a
substantially rough, textured surface.
15. The process of claim 13 wherein the substrate has a
substantially smooth surface.
16. A process for applying a holographic image to a substrate to
produce a holographic material, the process comprising: providing a
printing element having a polished, substantially smooth surface;
applying a coating capable of receiving a holographic image to the
smooth surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface;
embossing the coated surface to provide an image on the coating;
applying a metallic constituent or component to the image to
provide a holographic image having a first surface and a second
surface wherein the second surface of the holographic image is
disposed substantially adjacent the smooth surface of the printing
element; applying a bonding material to the first surface of the
holographic image; disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface
of the holographic image containing the bonding material so as to
transfer the holographic image to the substrate and produce a
holographic material; and removing the holographic material from
the smooth surface of the printing element.
17. The process of claim 16 wherein the process is a continuous
process.
18. The process of claim 17 wherein the printing element is
selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical drum and a
roller.
19. The process of claim 17 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
20. The process of claim 17 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
21. The process of claim 17 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
22. The process of claim 16 wherein the process is a batch
process.
23. The process of claim 22 wherein the printing element is
selected from the group consisting of a flat plate and a platen
press.
24. The process of claim 22 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
25. The process of claim 22 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
26. The process of claim 22 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
27. The process of claim 16 wherein the coating is selected from
the group consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil,
lacquer and combinations thereof.
28. The process of claim 16 wherein the substrate is selected from
the group consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil,
paper, tissue and combinations thereof.
29. The process of claim 28 wherein the substrate has a
substantially rough, textured surface.
30. The process of claim 28 wherein the substrate has a
substantially smooth surface.
31. A method for providing a decorative cover for a floral grouping
comprising: providing a holographic material produced by applying a
holographic image to a substrate, the process comprising: providing
a printing element having a polished, substantially smooth surface,
applying a metalized coating capable of receiving a holographic
image to the smooth surface of the printing element to provide a
metalized coated surface, embossing the metalized coated surface to
provide a holographic image thereon, the holographic image having a
first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface of
the holographic image is disposed substantially adjacent the smooth
surface of the printing element, applying a bonding material to the
first surface of the holographic image, disposing a substrate
adjacent the first surface of the holographic image containing the
bonding material so as to transfer the holographic image to the
substrate and produce a holographic material, and removing the
holographic material from the smooth surface of the printing
element; and wrapping the holographic material about a floral
grouping to provide the decorative cover.
32. The method of claim 31 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the printing element is selected from the
group consisting of a cylindrical drum, a roller, a flat plate and
a platen press.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
34. The method of claim 32 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
35. The method of claim 32 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
36. The method of claim 31 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the coating applied to the smooth surface of
the printing element is selected from the group consisting of
metallic polymeric film, metallic non-polymeric film, foil,
metalized lacquer and combinations thereof.
37. The method of claim 31 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the substrate is constructed of a material
selected from the group consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric
film, foil, paper, tissue and combinations thereof.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein the substrate has a
substantially rough, textured surface.
39. The method of claim 37 wherein the substrate has a
substantially smooth surface.
40. A method for providing a decorative cover for a floral grouping
comprising: providing a holographic material produced by applying a
holographic image to a substrate, the process comprising: providing
a printing element having a polished, substantially smooth surface,
applying a coating capable of receiving a holographic image to the
smooth surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface,
embossing the coated surface to provide an image on the coating,
applying a metallic constituent or component to the image to
provide a holographic image having a first surface and a second
surface wherein the second surface of the holographic image is
disposed substantially adjacent the smooth surface of the printing
element, applying a bonding material to the first surface of the
holographic image, disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface
of the holographic image containing the bonding material so as to
transfer the holographic image to the substrate and produce a
holographic material, and removing the holographic material from
the smooth surface of the printing element; and wrapping the
holographic material about a floral grouping to provide the
decorative cover.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the printing element is selected from the
group consisting of a cylindrical drum, a roller, a flat plate and
a platen press.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
43. The method of claim 41 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
44. The method of claim 41 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
45. The method of claim 40 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the coating is selected from the group
consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, lacquer and
combinations thereof.
46. The method of claim 40 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the substrate is selected from the group
consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, paper,
tissue and combinations thereof.
47. The method of claim 46 wherein the substrate has a
substantially rough, textured surface.
48. The method of claim 46 wherein the substrate has a
substantially smooth surface.
49. A method for providing a decorative cover for a flower pot
comprising: providing a holographic material produced by applying a
holographic image to a substrate, the process comprising: providing
a printing element having a polished, substantially smooth surface,
applying a metalized coating capable of receiving a holographic
image to the smooth surface of the printing element to provide a
metalized coated surface, embossing the metalized coated surface to
provide a holographic image thereon, the holographic image having a
first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface of
the holographic image is disposed substantially adjacent the smooth
surface of the printing element, applying a bonding material to the
first surface of the holographic image, disposing a substrate
adjacent the first surface of the holographic image containing the
bonding material so as to transfer the holographic image to the
substrate and produce a holographic material, and removing the
holographic material from the smooth surface of the printing
element; providing a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface;
and forming the holographic material about the outer peripheral
surface of the flower pot to provide the decorative cover.
50. The method of claim 49 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the printing element is selected from the
group consisting of a cylindrical drum, a roller, a flat plate and
a platen press.
51. The method of claim 50 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
52. The method of claim 50 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
53. The method of claim 50 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
54. The method of claim 49 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the coating applied to the smooth surface of
the printing element is selected from the group consisting of
metallic polymeric film, metallic non-polymeric film, foil,
metalized lacquer and combinations thereof.
55. The method of claim 49 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the substrate is constructed of a material
selected from the group consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric
film, foil, paper, tissue and combinations thereof.
56. The method of claim 55 wherein the substrate has a
substantially rough, textured surface.
57. The method of claim 55 wherein the substrate has a
substantially smooth surface.
58. A method for providing a decorative cover for a flower pot
comprising: providing a holographic material produced by applying a
holographic image to a substrate, the process comprising: providing
a printing element having a polished, substantially smooth surface,
applying a coating capable of receiving a holographic image to the
smooth surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface,
embossing the coated surface to provide an image on the coating,
applying a metallic constituent or component to the image to
provide a holographic image having a first surface and a second
surface wherein the second surface of the holographic image is
disposed substantially adjacent the smooth surface of the printing
element, applying a bonding material to the first surface of the
holographic image, disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface
of the holographic image containing the bonding material so as to
transfer the holographic image to the substrate and produce a
holographic material, and removing the holographic material from
the smooth surface of the printing element; providing a flower pot
having an outer peripheral surface; and forming the holographic
material about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to
provide the decorative cover.
59. The method of claim 58 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the printing element is selected from the
group consisting of a cylindrical drum, a roller, a flat plate and
a platen press.
60. The method of claim 59 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
61. The method of claim 59 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
62. The method of claim 59 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
63. The method of claim 58 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the coating is selected from the group
consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, lacquer and
combinations thereof.
64. The method of claim 58 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the substrate is selected from the group
consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, paper,
tissue and combinations thereof.
65. The method of claim 64 wherein the substrate has a
substantially rough, textured surface.
66. The method of claim 64 wherein the substrate has a
substantially smooth surface.
67. A method for providing a decorative cover for a flower pot
comprising: providing a holographic material produced by applying a
holographic image to a substrate, the process comprising: providing
a printing element having a polished, substantially smooth surface,
applying a metalized coating capable of receiving a holographic
image to the smooth surface of the printing element to provide a
metalized coated surface, embossing the metalized coated surface to
provide a holographic image thereon, the holographic image having a
first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface of
the holographic image is disposed substantially adjacent the smooth
surface of the printing element, applying a bonding material to the
first surface of the holographic image, disposing a substrate
adjacent the first surface of the holographic image containing the
bonding material so as to transfer the holographic image to the
substrate and produce a holographic material, and removing the
holographic material from the smooth surface of the printing
element; forming the holographic material into a decorative cover
having a plurality of overlapping folds therein wherein the
overlapping folds extend at various angles and at various
instances, the decorative cover having an object opening formed
through an upper end thereof sized to receive a flower pot;
providing a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface; and
disposing the flower pot in the object opening of the decorative
cover with the decorative cover encompassing a substantial portion
of the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.
68. The method of claim 67 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the printing element is selected from the
group consisting of a cylindrical drum, a roller, a flat plate and
a platen press.
69. The method of claim 68 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
70. The method of claim 68 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
71. The method of claim 68 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
72. The method of claim 67 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the coating applied to the smooth surface of
the printing element is selected from the group consisting of
metallic polymeric film, metallic non-polymeric film, foil,
metalized lacquer and combinations thereof.
73. The method of claim 67 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the substrate is constructed of a material
selected from the group consisting of polymeric film, nonpolymeric
film, foil, paper, tissue and combinations thereof.
74. The method of claim 73 wherein the substrate has a
substantially rough, textured surface.
75. The method of claim 73 wherein the substrate has a
substantially smooth surface.
76. A method for providing a decorative cover for a flower pot
comprising: providing a holographic material produced by applying a
holographic image to a substrate, the process comprising: providing
a printing element having a polished, substantially smooth surface,
applying a coating capable of receiving a holographic image to the
smooth surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface,
embossing the coated surface to provide an image on the coating,
applying a metallic constituent or component to the image to
provide a holographic image having a first surface and a second
surface wherein the second surface of the holographic image is
disposed substantially adjacent the smooth surface of the printing
element, applying a bonding material to the first surface of the
holographic image, disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface
of the holographic image containing the bonding material so as to
transfer the holographic image to the substrate and produce a
holographic material, and removing the holographic material from
the smooth surface of the printing element; forming the holographic
material into a decorative cover having a plurality of overlapping
folds therein wherein the overlapping folds extend at various
angles and at various instances, the decorative cover having an
object opening formed through an upper end thereof sized to receive
a flower pot; providing a flower pot having an outer peripheral
surface; and disposing the flower pot in the object opening of the
decorative cover with the decorative cover encompassing a
substantial portion of the outer peripheral surface of the flower
pot.
77. The method of claim 76 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the printing element is selected from the
group consisting of a cylindrical drum, a roller, a flat plate and
a platen press.
78. The method of claim 77 wherein the printing element is
constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of
chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.
79. The method of claim 77 wherein the surface of the printing
element is resilient.
80. The method of claim 77 wherein the surface of the printing
element is non-resilient.
81. The method of claim 76 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the coating is selected from the group
consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, lacquer and
combinations thereof.
82. The method of claim 76 wherein in the step of providing a
holographic material, the substrate is selected from the group
consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, paper,
tissue and combinations thereof.
83. The method of claim 82 wherein the substrate has a
substantially rough, textured surface.
84. The method of claim 82 wherein the substrate has a
substantially smooth surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention:
[0004] The present invention relates generally to processes for
producing decorative material, and more particularly, but not by
way of limitation, to processes for producing holographic
material.
[0005] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Processes for producing holographic materials are well known
in the art. One process involves passing a layer of plastic, for
example, through a machine which imparts an image within the
covering or upper strata of the plastic layer. A powdered metallic
constituent or component (e.g. aluminum) is then applied thereon by
a metalizing process. After metalizing, a holographic or
3-dimensional image is imparted on the metalized layer of plastic.
This image is extremely pleasing and is widely used within the
credit card and security industries since the resulting image is
difficult to duplicate and thus assists in the prevention of fraud
by counterfeiting, for example. However, images produced by this
process can be quite expensive since the machines required for
production of the images are complicated and costly in and of
themselves. Additionally, holographic images produced by this
process are usually small in size, and larger holographic images
cannot be imprinted by this process. Thus, this process of
producing holographic images has not been widely used outside of
the credit card and novelty industry.
[0007] A process for producing large sheets of holographic material
at a lower cost than the process described above involves producing
the holographic image laminated to a polymeric support, contacting
the holographic image on the polymeric support to a substrate such
as tissue paper or foil via an adhesive, and delaminating the
polymeric support, thereby transferring the holographic image from
the polymeric support to the tissue paper or foil substrate. The
image cannot be directly applied to a substrate having a rough
surface because the rough surface of the substrate will refract
light and will not have a highly reflective finish, thereby
disrupting the holographic image.
[0008] Therefore, new and improved methods for producing
holographic material requiring less time and expense are being
sought. It is to such a process for producing holographic material
that the present invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to the present invention, processes for producing
holographic material are provided which avoid the disadvantages and
defects of the prior art, making the processes more economically
feasible. Broadly, processes are provided for transferring
holographic images to a substrate to produce a holographic
material. These processes involve producing the holographic image
on a polished, substantially smooth surface and then transferring
the holographic image to a substrate, thereby bypassing the need
for the polymeric support used in the prior art.
[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a printing element
having a polished, substantially smooth surface is provided, and a
metallic coating is applied to the smooth surface of the printing
element to provide a coated surface. The coated surface is embossed
to provide the holographic image on the coating, and the
holographic image is then transferred to a substrate, thereby
producing a holographic material.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a non-metallic
coating may be applied to the smooth surface of the printing
element to provide a coated surface, which is then embossed to
provide an image. The embossed coated surface is then metalized to
provide a holographic image on the coating, and the holographic
image is transferred to a substrate to produce the holographic
material.
[0012] The production of holographic materials in accordance with
the present invention may be performed as a continuous process or
as a batch process. Applications of the holographic materials
produced in accordance with the present invention include wrapping
a floral grouping and providing a decorative cover for an object
such as a flower pot or a potted plant, as well as decorative
wrappings for various food and gift items.
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide improved
processes for producing holographic materials.
[0014] Another object of the present invention, while achieving the
before-stated object, is to provide processes for producing
holographic materials which do not suffer from the disadvantages of
the prior art processes.
[0015] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a holographic
material produced by a continuous process in accordance with the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a partial schematic representation of a continuous
process for producing holographic material utilizing a cylindrical
drum.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial schematic representation of another
continuous process for producing holographic material utilizing a
cylindrical drum.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side plan view illustrating a holographic
material produced by a batch process in accordance with the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a flat plate used
to produce holographic materials in accordance with the present
invention, the flat plate having a coating disposed on a surface
thereof.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the flat plate
with a coated surface of FIG. 5 and an embossing plate for
embossing the coated surface of the flat plate to provide an
embossed coated surface with a holographic image thereon.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the flat plate of
FIG. 6 having an embossed coated surface and a holographic image
thereon, the embossed coated surface of the flat plate having an
adhesive applied thereto.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the flat plate of
FIG. 7 having an embossed coated surface with a holographic image
thereon and an adhesive applied thereto, the adhesive bondingly
connecting the embossed coated surface to a substrate to produce a
holographic material constructed from the coating containing a
holographic image and the substrate.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a floral grouping
wrapped with a sheet of holographic material constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a decorative pot
cover formed from a holographic material constructed in accordance
with the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the decorative
pot cover of FIG. 10 wherein the pre-formed pot cover has a potted
plant disposed therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, shown in FIG. 1 and
designated therein by the reference numeral 10 is a holographic
material constructed in accordance with the present invention by a
continuous process. The holographic material 10 comprises a
substrate 12 having a holographic design or image 14 formed
thereon. The holographic image 14 provides the holographic material
10 with a holographic or 3-dimensional appearance.
[0028] The term "holographic image" as used herein is to be
understood to mean a three-dimensional image most visible from an
oblique angle. The unique properties of holographic images are that
they appear to float in space, are true-to-life and can change
perspective, that is, permit one to look around corners and watch
hidden features of the image come to light.
[0029] Further, the "holographic image" can be in any geometric
form, or any combination of geometric forms, for example, squares,
round spots, triangles, rectangles, octagonals, or the like, or any
non-geometric, asymmetrical or fanciful forms, or any combination
thereof, for example, but not by way of limitation, hearts,
balloons, flowers, lace, slogans, logos, print (any combination of
letters and/or numbers), signs, human forms (real and fictional),
animal forms (real and fictional), cartoon characters, and/or plant
forms. Such holographic images may include a color, or a portion of
a color, or a combination of colors and designs. Alternatively, at
least a portion of the holographic image may be colorless,
translucent, transparent, opaque, pearlescent, iridescent, or the
like.
[0030] The term "substrate" when used herein means a sheet of
material which provides stability to the holographic image 14. The
substrate 12 of the holographic material 10 may be flexible or
non-flexible. The substrate 12 can be constructed of any suitable
material capable of receiving a holographic image, such as
polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, paper, tissue and
combinations thereof. The substrate 12 includes a surface 16 which
may be substantially rough and textured or substantially smooth.
For example, tissue paper, kraft paper and high density
polyethylene film often have rough surfaces, while foil and
chromecoat paper typically have smooth surfaces.
[0031] The thickness of the substrate 12 can vary widely.
Generally, however, the substrate 12 has a thickness in a range
from about 0.0002 mil to about 30 mils, and more desirably from
about 0.1 mil to about 20 mils.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a continuous process 17 for
producing the holographic material 10 is schematically illustrated.
As will be more fully described hereinafter, the holographic
material 10 is produced using a printing element 18. The printing
element 18 may be provided with a smooth surface or a rough
surface. When the printing element 18 is provided with a smooth
surface, the need to produce the holographic image on a substrate
having a smooth surface, such as required by the prior art methods,
is substantially eliminated.
[0033] The term "printing element" as used herein means any element
having a surface capable of having a holographic image produced
thereon whereby the holographic image can be transferred to a
substrate without substantially distorting the holographic image.
Thus, the printing element 18 for producing the holographic
material 10 by a continuous process 17 may be, for example, but not
limited to, a cylindrical drum, a roller and the like. The printing
element 18 may be constructed of any suitable material capable of
having a polished, substantially smooth surface and which is
capable of having the holographic image formed thereon for transfer
to a desired substrate. The printing element 18 may be constructed
of chrome, stainless steel, tool steel and the like. The printing
element 18 may also be constructed in part of a resilient or
non-resilient material such that the printing element 18 is
provided with a resilient or non-resilient surface.
[0034] The printing element 18 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a
cylindrical drum 20 having a smooth surface 22. The cylindrical
drum 20 permits the holographic material 10 to be continuously
produced. A coating 30 capable of receiving a holographic image is
applied to the smooth surface 22 of the cylindrical drum 20 by a
coating assembly 32, thereby providing a coated surface 34 of the
cylindrical drum 20. The coating assembly 32 is illustrated as
comprising a coating pan 36 and a reverse gravure doctor blade 38.
The thickness of the coating 30 on the coated surface 34 of the
cylindrical drum 20 can be controlled and maintained within
preselected limits by the reverse gravure doctor blade 38 of the
coating assembly 32.
[0035] It will be understood that other methods of applying the
coating 30 to the smooth surface 22 of the cylindrical drum 20 may
be employed, such as spraying, brushing, etc.
[0036] The term "coating" as used herein is to be understood to
mean a maleable film which is able to be embossed to receive a
holographic image on at least a portion thereof. For example, the
coating 30 may be a metallic material such as metallic polymeric
film, metallic non-polymeric film, foil, metalized lacquer and
combinations thereof. The coating 30 may also be a nonmetallic
material such as polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, lacquer
and combinations thereof. Wherein the coating 30 is a nonmetallic
material, the process for producing the holographic material 10 in
accordance with the present invention includes an additional step
of metalizing the coated surface 34 of the cylindrical drum 20,
which will be described in detail below.
[0037] The term "lacquer" as used herein means a coating substance
consisting of resinous materials, such as cellulose esters,
cellulose ethers, shellac, gum, alkyd resins and the like, which
are dissolved in a solvent that evaporates rapidly on application
such as ethyl alcohol, thereby leaving a tough, adherent film.
Lacquers which are useful in the present invention are mixtures,
such as, but not limited to, lacquers produced by mixing
styrene-acrylic emulsions, such as Lucidene 603 and Lucidene 395
(Morton International, Inc., 100 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago,
Ill. 60606) with a non-ionic surfactant, such as Surfynol 465 (Air
Products and Chemicals, Inc., 7201 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown,
Pa. 18195-1501) and ammonia (G.S. Robbins and Company, 126 Chouteau
Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 63102). The lacquer produced as described
above may also contain a wax emulsion in water, such as Liquitron
440 (Carrol Scientific, Inc., 5401 S. Dansher Road, Countryside,
Ill. 60525).
[0038] The coated surface 34 of the cylindrical drum 20 is then
embossed by an embossing element 40, such as an embossing drum 42.
Embossing elements are used to produce materials to decorate or
cover articles by depressing, carving, raising, or printing
designs, patterns, etc. so that at least a portion of the design,
pattern, etc. is raised above the surface of the material.
Embossing elements are well known in the art; thus, no further
discussion of embossing methods need be required.
[0039] Embossing of the coated surface 34 of the cylindrical drum
20 produces a holographic image 14 on the coated surface 34 of the
cylindrical drum 20. The holographic image 14 is provided with a
first surface 44 and a second surface 46 which is substantially
adjacent the smooth surface 22 of the cylindrical drum 20.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, if the coating 30 used to provide the
coated surface 34 of the cylindrical drum 20 is formed of a
non-metallic material, a metallic constituent or component 48 is
applied to the embossed coated surface 34 of the cylindrical drum
20 to provide the holographic image 14. The metallic constituent or
component 48 can be applied to the embossed coated surface 34 of
the cylindrical drum 20 by any suitable means, such as by
discharging the metallic constituent or component 48 from a
reservoir 50. Metallic constituents or components which may be
employed to metallize the embossed coated surface 34 of the
cylindrical drum 20 are known in the art and include powdered
metals such as powdered aluminum.
[0041] Once the holographic image has been produced, a bonding
material 54 is applied to the holographic image 14 by a bonding
material applicator 56. The bonding material applicator 56
comprises a pan 58 and a reverse gravure doctor blade 60 for
removing excess bonding material 54 and controlling the thickness
of the bonding material 54 so as to insure a substantially uniform
coating of bonding material 54 on the holographic image 14 present
on the cylindrical drum 20. The bonding material 54 applied to the
holographic image 14 is contacted with the substrate 12, thereby
bondingly contacting the holographic image 14 to the substrate 12
and producing the holographic material 10.
[0042] The term "bonding material" when used herein may be an
adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive.
Where the bonding material is a cohesive, a similar cohesive
material must be placed on the adjacent surface for bondingly
contacting and bondingly engaging with the cohesive material. The
term "bonding material" may also be materials which are heat
sealable and, in this instance, the adjacent portions of the
materials must be brought into contact and then heat must be
applied to effect the seal. The term "bonding material" when used
herein also means a lacquer, which may be the coating 30 described
above. In this instance, heat, sound waves, or vibrations may be
applied to effect the sealing of the lacquer. In this way, the
coating 30 may both receive the holographic image 14 and effect
sealing of the holographic image 14 to the substrate 12, thereby
producing the holographic material 10.
[0043] To bondingly secure the holographic image 14 to the
substrate 12 and to transfer the holographic image 14 from the
smooth surface 22 of the cylindrical drum 20 to the substrate 12,
various methods may be employed. For example, heat and/or pressure
may be applied to effect the seal between the holographic image 14
and the substrate 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a nip formed by
opposing rollers of the cylindrical drum 20 and a sealing drum 62
may sandwich the holographic image 14 and the substrate 12 to
effect a seal between the substrate 12 and the holographic image
14. In addition, the sealing drum 62 may be a heated roller to aid
in effecting the seal between the holographic image 14 and the
substrate 12.
[0044] It will be understood that other methods of bondingly
securing and sealing the holographic image 14 and the substrate 12
in the continuous process 17 of producing the holographic material
10 as described herein may be employed in this process, and is not
limited to the method described herein.
[0045] The holographic material 10 is then removed from the smooth
surface 22 of the cylindrical drum 20. Methods of removing the
holographic material 10 from the cylindrical drum 20 are known in
the art. The holographic material 10 produced by the continuous
process 17 may be present in different forms such as a roll or
sheets of holographic material 10.
[0046] Shown in FIG. 4 is a holographic material 10a constructed in
accordance with the present invention by a batch process 68. The
holographic material 10a is similar to the holographic material 10
described hereinbefore, and comprises a substrate 12a having a
holographic image 14a formed thereon. The batch process 68 for
producing the holographic material 10a is illustrated in FIGS. 5,
6, 7 and 8 and described in detail hereinafter.
[0047] The holographic material 10a is produced using a printing
element 70. The printing element 70 may be provided with a smooth
surface or a rough surface. When the printing element 70 is
provided with a smooth surface, the need to produce the holographic
image on a substrate having a smooth surface, such as required by
the prior art methods, is substantially eliminated. The printing
element 70 for producing the holographic material 10a by the batch
process 68 may be a plate, a platen press and the like. The
printing element 70 may be constructed of any suitable material
capable of having a polished, substantially smooth surface and
which is capable of having the holographic image formed thereon for
transfer to a desired substrate. The printing element 70 may be
constructed of chrome, stainless steel, tool steel and the like.
The printing element 70 may also be constructed in part of a
resilient or non-resilient material such that the printing element
70 is provided with a resilient or non-resilient surface.
[0048] The printing element 70 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a flat
plate 72 having a smooth surface 74, the flat plate 72 permitting
the holographic material 10a to be produced in the batch process
68. A coating 30a, which is substantially identical to the coating
30 as described hereinbefore, is applied to the smooth surface 74
of the flat plate 72 by a coating assembly 76, thereby providing a
coated surface 78 of the flat plate 72. The coating assembly 76 is
illustrated as a coating brush 80. However, it should be understood
that other methods of applying the coating 30a to the smooth
surface 74 of the flat plate 72 may be employed, such as spraying,
dipping, and the like.
[0049] The coated surface 78 of the flat plate 72 is then embossed
by an embossing element 82, such as an embossing plate 84 shown in
FIG. 6. Embossing of the coated surface 78 of the flat plate 72
provides a holographic image 14a on the coated surface 78 of the
flat plate 72. The holographic image 14a is provided with a first
surface 44a and a second surface 46a which is substantially
adjacent the smooth surface 74 of the flat plate 72.
[0050] If the coating 30a used to provide the coated surface 78 of
the flat plate 72 is formed of a non-metallic material, a metallic
constituent or component is applied to the embossed coated surface
78 of the flat plate 72 to provide the holographic image 14a. This
process is substantially identical to the metalizing of the
embossed coated surface 34 of the cylindrical drum 20 by a
metalizing constituent or component 50 to provide the holographic
image 10 as described in detail above.
[0051] Once the holographic image 14a has been produced, a bonding
material 54a, which is substantially identical to the bonding
material 54 as described hereinbefore, is applied to the
holographic image 14a by a bonding material applicator 86, as shown
in FIG. 7. It will be understood that other methods of applying the
bonding material 54a to the holographic image 14a on the flat plate
72 may be employed, such as spraying, brushing, etc.
[0052] The bonding material 54a applied to the holographic image
14a is contacted with the substrate 12a, thereby bondingly
connecting the holographic image 14a to the substrate 12a and
producing the holographic material 10a (FIG. 8).
[0053] To bondingly connect the holographic image 14a to the
substrate 12a and to transfer the holographic image 14a from the
smooth surface 74 of the flat plate 72 to the substrate 12a,
various methods may be employed. For example, heat and/or pressure
may be applied to effect the seal between the substrate 12a and the
holographic image 14a. As shown in FIG. 8, the holographic image
14a and the substrate 12a may be sandwiched between the flat plate
72 and a sealing plate 88 to effect a seal between the substrate
12a and the holographic image 14a. In addition, the sealing plate
88 may be heated to aid in effecting the seal between the
holographic image 14a and the substrate 12a.
[0054] It will be understood that other methods of bondingly
connecting and sealing the holographic image 14a and the substrate
12a in the batch process 68 for producing the holographic material
10a as described herein may be employed.
[0055] The holographic material 10a is then removed from the smooth
surface 74 of the flat plate 72. Methods of removing the
holographic material 10a from the flat plate 72 are known in the
art. The holographic material 10a produced by the batch process 68
may be present in different forms such as a roll or sheets of
holographic material 10a.
[0056] For the sake of brevity, only the use of the holographic
material 10 for providing decorative covers for floral groupings
such as cut flowers and potted plants will be described
hereinafter. However, it will be understood that the holographic
material 10a may be used in the same manner.
[0057] The term "floral grouping" as used herein means cut fresh
flowers, artificial flowers, a single flower as well as fresh
and/or artificial plants or other floral materials, and such term
includes other secondary plants and/or ornamentation or artificial
or natural materials which add to the aesthetics of the overall
floral arrangement. The floral grouping may comprise a bloom (or
foliage) portion and a stem portion. However, it will be
appreciated that the floral grouping may consist of only a single
bloom or only foliage. The term "floral grouping" may be used
interchangeably herein with the terms "plant", "flower" and/or
"floral arrangement". The term "floral grouping" may also be used
interchangeably herein with the terms "botanical item" and/or
"propagule".
[0058] The term "botanical item" when used herein means a natural
herbaceous or woody plant, taken singly or in combination. The term
"botanical item" also means any portion or portions of natural
herbaceous or woody plants, taken singly or in combination. The
term "botanical item" also means any portion or portions of natural
herbaceous or woody plants including stems, leaves, flowers,
blossoms, buds, blooms, cones, or roots, taken singly or in
combination, or in groupings of such portions such as a bouquet or
floral grouping.
[0059] The term "propagule" when used herein means any structure
capable of being propagated or acting as an agent of reproduction
including seeds, shoots, stems, runners, tubers, plants, leaves,
roots or spores.
[0060] The term "flower pot" refers to any type of container used
for holding a floral grouping or a potted plant. Examples of flower
pots are clay pots, plastic pots, wooden pots, pots made from
natural and/or synthetic fiber, and the like.
[0061] Shown in FIG. 9 is the holographic material 10 wrapped about
a floral grouping 90 wherein the floral grouping is cut flowers 90a
to provide a decorative cover 92. In this way, the holographic
image 14 of the holographic material 10 is readily visible and
provides a desired optical effect to the decorative cover 92. Thus,
the holographic image 14 constitutes at least a portion of the
decor of the decorative cover 92.
[0062] The holographic material 10 may also be used to provide a
decorative cover 92a for an object or item, such as the floral
grouping 90 wherein the floral grouping is a flower pot or a potted
plant 90b. The decorative cover 92a illustrated in FIG. 10 is
constructed from the holographic material 10, and the decorative
covering 92a illustrated in FIG. 11 has the potted plant 90b
disposed therein.
[0063] A flower pot 96 having an outer peripheral surface 98 and a
floral grouping retaining space 100 is provided, and the
holographic material 10 is formed about the outer peripheral
surface 98 of the flower pot 96 to provide the decorative cover
92a. The potted plant 90b is then disposed in the floral grouping
retaining space 100 of the flower pot 94 provided in the decorative
cover 92a.
[0064] In another method of providing the decorative cover 92a for
the flower pot 96, the holographic material 10 is provided and
formed into the decorative cover 92a prior to disposing the flower
pot 96 into the decorative cover 92a. The decorative cover 92a
formed in this manner has a plurality of overlapping folds which
extend at various angles and at various instances. The decorative
cover 92a is also provided with an object opening 102 which is
formed through an upper end 104 of the decorative cover 92a. The
object opening 102 is sized to receive the flower pot 96.
[0065] The system for forming the decorative cover 92a by this
method is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,182, entitled,
"Article Forming System", issued Sep. 27, 1988, which is hereby
expressly incorporated herein by reference.
[0066] Once the decorative covering 92 is constructed, the flower
pot 96 is disposed in the object opening 102 of the decorative
covering 92 so that the decorative covering 92 encompasses a
substantial portion of the outer peripheral surface 98 of the
flower pot 96 to provide the decorative covering 92.
[0067] Now it will be understood that other applications of the
holographic materials 10 and 10a will become apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art and include, but not by way of
limitation, decorative wrappings for various food and gift items.
Thus, uses of the holographic materials 10 and 10a are not limited
to those described herein.
[0068] From the above description, it is clear that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain
the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the
invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be
understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily
suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are
accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed and as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *