U.S. patent application number 14/369927 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for three-dimensional supporting frame.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is David Edmondson, Francois K. Pirayesh, Xiaoqi Zhou. Invention is credited to David Edmondson, Francois K. Pirayesh, Xiaoqi Zhou.
Application Number | 20140363592 14/369927 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48947874 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140363592 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zhou; Xiaoqi ; et
al. |
December 11, 2014 |
THREE-DIMENSIONAL SUPPORTING FRAME
Abstract
A three-dimensional supporting frame includes a blank, including
an image receiving surface, a back surface opposed to the image
receiving surface, a center portion defining a perimeter, and at
least three foldable extensions extending from the perimeter. Each
of the foldable extensions includes no less than four folds to be
folded toward the back surface to form the three-dimensional
supporting frame. An unfilled adhesive is positioned on the image
receiving surface at least at the center portion, and a filled
adhesive is positioned on the image receiving surface at each of
the folds that is furthest from the perimeter.
Inventors: |
Zhou; Xiaoqi; (San Diego,
CA) ; Edmondson; David; (San Diego, CA) ;
Pirayesh; Francois K.; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zhou; Xiaoqi
Edmondson; David
Pirayesh; Francois K. |
San Diego
San Diego
San Diego |
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hewlett-Packard Development Company
L.P.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
48947874 |
Appl. No.: |
14/369927 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
February 10, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/24665 |
371 Date: |
June 30, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/32.22 ;
428/121; 428/40.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/0633 20130101;
Y10T 428/2419 20150115; Y10T 428/1405 20150115; B31D 1/0012
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/32.22 ;
428/121; 428/40.2 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06 |
Claims
1. A three-dimensional supporting frame, comprising: a blank,
including: an image receiving surface; a back surface opposed to
the image receiving surface; a center portion defining a perimeter;
and at least three foldable extensions extending from the
perimeter, each of the foldable extensions including no less than
four folds to be folded toward the back surface to form the
three-dimensional supporting frame; an unfilled adhesive positioned
on the image receiving surface at least at the center portion; and
a filled adhesive positioned on the image receiving surface at each
of the folds that is furthest from the perimeter.
2. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 1
wherein the filled adhesive includes: a polymeric material; a
filler; and a surface treatment agent.
3. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 2
wherein the surface treatment agent is a compound of the following
formula: (RO).sub.3SiR'--R'' wherein: RO is hydrolysable in a
neutral environment or an acidic environment and includes at least
one oxygen atom; R' is chosen from alkyl groups, aromatic groups,
and heteroaromatic groups; and R'' is a group that can be converted
into a cationic functional group.
4. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 3
wherein: RO is chosen from a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, and an
acetoxy group; R'' is chosen from a carboxamide group, a primary
amine group, a secondary amine group, a tertiary amine group, and a
pyridine group.
5. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 2
wherein the surface treatment agent is deposited onto a surface of
the filler or is mixed into the filled adhesive.
6. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 2
wherein the filler is an inorganic particle, an organic particle,
or combinations thereof, and wherein the filler has an average
particle size ranging from about 0.5 .mu.m to about 3.0 .mu.m.
7. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 2
wherein the polymeric material is chosen from a polyacrylate, an
elastic hydrocarbon polymer, and silicone, the polymeric material
being a linear molecule having a weight average molecular weight
ranging from about 200,000 to about 800,000 to about 350,000, or
being a branched or cross-linked molecules having a weight average
molecular weight ranging from about 300,000 to about 1,500,000.
8. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 1
wherein the unfilled adhesive includes a polymeric material chosen
from a polyacrylate, an elastic hydrocarbon polymer, or silicone,
the polymeric material being a linear molecule having a weight
average molecular weight ranging from about 200,000 to about
800,000 to about 350,000, or being a branched or cross-linked
molecules having a weight average molecular weight ranging from
about 300,000 to about 1,500,000.
9. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 1
wherein the filled adhesive forms a bond line having a thickness
ranging from about 35 .mu.m to about 185 .mu.m, and wherein the
unfilled adhesive forms a bond line having a thickness ranging from
about 12 .mu.m to about 60 .mu.m.
10. The three-dimensional supporting frame as defined in claim 1,
further comprising a release liner positioned on each of the filled
adhesive and the unfilled adhesive.
11. An art canvas, comprising: a blank, including: an image
receiving surface; a back surface opposed to the image receiving
surface; a center portion defining a perimeter; and at least three
foldable extensions extending from the perimeter, each of the
foldable extensions including no less than four folds that are
folded toward the back surface; a filled adhesive adhering
respective portions of the back surface and each of the folds that
is furthest from the perimeter; an image receiving medium having an
image printed thereon; and an unfilled adhesive adhering the image
on the image receiving surface at least at the center portion.
12. The art canvas as defined in claim 11 wherein the unfilled
adhesive adheres the image on the image receiving surface at each
of the folds that is closest to the perimeter.
13. The art canvas as defined in claim 11 wherein the filled
adhesive includes: a polymeric material; a filler; and a surface
treatment agent.
14. The art canvas as defined in claim 13 wherein: the filler is an
inorganic particle chosen from ground calcium carbonate,
precipitated calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin clay,
silica, silicates, alumina trihydrate, and mixtures thereof; an
organic particle chosen from polystyrene, copolymers of
polystyrene, polymethacrylate, copolymers of polymethacrylate,
polyolefins, copolymers of polyolefins, wax, paraffin, and mixtures
thereof; or combinations of the inorganic particle and the organic
particle; and the surface treatment agent is a compound of the
following formula: (RO).sub.3SiR'--R'' where: RO is hydrolysable in
a neutral environment or an acidic environment and includes at
least one oxygen atom; R' is chosen from alkyl groups, aromatic
groups, and heteroaromatic groups; and R'' is a group that can be
converted into a cationic functional group.
15. The art canvas as defined in claim 11 wherein the image
receiving medium is a digital inkjet image receiving medium.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a
three-dimensional supporting frame.
[0002] The global print market is in the process of transforming
from analog printing to digital printing. Inkjet printing and
electrophotographic printing are examples of digital printing
techniques. These printing techniques have become increasingly
popular for printing photographs and/or decorative art items. As
examples, an image may be inkjet printed on canvas and then mounted
on a wood frame, or an image may be liquid electro-photographically
printed on a high gloss medium and then mounted on a metal
plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Features and advantages of examples of the present
disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following
detailed description and drawings, in which like reference numerals
correspond to similar, though perhaps not identical, components.
For the sake of brevity, reference numerals or features having a
previously described function may or may not be described in
connection with other drawings in which they appear.
[0004] FIG. 1A is a front view of an example of a blank used to
form an example of a three-dimensional supporting frame;
[0005] FIG. 1B is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view taken along
line 1B-1B in FIG. 1A;
[0006] FIG. 2A is a front view of an example of the blank of FIG.
1A having an image receiving medium adhered thereto;
[0007] FIG. 2B is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view taken along
line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;
[0008] FIG. 3A is a back, perspective view of an example of the
blank and image receiving medium of FIG. 2A after the blank has
been folded to form an example of an art canvas;
[0009] FIG. 3B is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view taken along
line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A;
[0010] FIG. 4A is a front view of another example of a blank used
to form an example of a three-dimensional supporting frame;
[0011] FIG. 4B is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view taken along
line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A;
[0012] FIG. 4C is a back, perspective view of the example of the
three-dimensional supporting frame formed from the blank of FIG. 4A
after it has been folded;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of another example of a blank used to
form an example of a three-dimensional supporting frame; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is a front view of another example of a blank used to
form an example of a three-dimensional supporting frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Examples of the three-dimensional supporting frame are
formed of a blank that, when in its three-dimensional
configuration, is suitable for displaying photographs, art images,
graphics, text, and/or the like, and/or combinations thereof. The
three-dimensional supporting frame includes two different types of
adhesives, one of which is unfilled and the other of which is
filled. The unfilled adhesive is suitable for securing an image
receiving medium to the frame with a thin bond line, ranging from
about 12 .mu.m to about 60 .mu.m. The filled adhesive forms a
strong and durable adhesion joint between components of the blank
with a thicker bond line than the bond line formed using the
unfilled adhesive. The bond line formed with the filled adhesive
ranges from about 35 .mu.m to about 185 .mu.m. The filled adhesive
is suitable for securing the blank in the three-dimensional
configuration.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1A, an example of the blank 12 is
depicted. The blank 12 is pre-cut and scored so that when it is
folded, it forms the three-dimensional supporting frame 10 (see
FIG. 3A). While the blank 12 shown in FIG. 1A is used to make a
rectangular three-dimensional supporting frame 10, it is to be
understood that blank 12 may be pre-cut and scored to have any
desirable shape. As examples, the blank 12 may be shaped so that
when folded, any of the following three-dimensional supporting
frames is formed: a square three-dimensional supporting frame, a
triangular three-dimensional supporting frame (FIG. 4C), a circular
three-dimensional supporting frame, or a polygonal
three-dimensional supporting frame having five or more sides.
[0017] FIG. 1A is a front view of the blank 12, which has a center
portion 14 that includes at least four sides 14.sub.A, 14.sub.B,
14.sub.C, 14.sub.D which define a perimeter P. When the center
portion 14 has four sides 14.sub.A, 14.sub.B, 14.sub.C, 14.sub.D,
the center portion 14 may be square, rectangular, or circular. When
the center portion 14 has three sides, the shape of the center
portion 14 is a triangle, and when the center portion 14 has more
than four sides, the shape of the center portion 14 will depend
upon the number of sides (e.g., five sides correspond with a
pentagon shaped center portion 14, six sides correspond with a
hexagon shaped center portion 14, etc.).
[0018] The blank 12 also has two opposed surfaces, namely an image
receiving surface 13 and a back surface 15 (FIG. 1B) that is
opposed to the image receiving surface 13.
[0019] A foldable extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D
respectively extends from each side 14.sub.A, 14.sub.B, 14.sub.C,
14.sub.D of the center portion 14. The foldable extensions
16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D may be scored with fold
lines 18 that are meant to guide the folding of the foldable
extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D toward the back
surface 15. In an example, each foldable extension 16.sub.A,
16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D has no less than four fold lines 18
defining no less than four respective folds. In the example shown
in FIG. 1A, there are four folds 1, 2, 3, 4. In this example then,
each foldable extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D is
foldable four times, once along each scored fold line 18. In other
examples, it is to be understood that more than four fold lines 18
may be included on any one foldable extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B,
16.sub.C, 16.sub.D so that the foldable extension 16.sub.A,
16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D is foldable more than four times. The
foldable extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D and the
folds 1, 2, 3, 4 may have any suitable shape that allows the folds
1, 2, 3, 4 of the respective foldable extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B,
16.sub.C, 16.sub.D to be folded toward the back surface 15 to form
a three-dimensional frame portion (see 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B,
30.sub.C, and 30.sub.D in FIG. 3A). As shown in FIG. 1A, each of
the foldable extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D is
partially angled at opposed edges so that when the folds 1, 2, 3, 4
are folded (as shown in FIG. 3A), the resulting frame portion
30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30.sub.C, and 30.sub.D abuts an adjacent frame
portion 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30.sub.C, and 30.sub.D at the edges
(e.g., frame portion 30.sub.A abuts both frames portion 30.sub.B
and frame portion 30.sub.D). In an example, the abutting frame
portions 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30c, and 30.sub.D form respective
corners of the three-dimensional supporting frame 10.
[0020] The blank 12 may be made of any foldable material with
suitable stiffness that can be folded over at least 90.degree. with
the assistance of scoring without cracking and/or breaking. The
stiffness of the blank 12 is generally greater than 25 Taber units
(gf-cm). In an example, the stiffness of the blank 12 ranges from
about 100 Taber units to 3000 Taber units (TAPPI method T489-om).
In another example, the stiffness of the blank 12 ranges from about
500 Taber units to 2000 Taber units (TAPPI method T489-om).
Stiffness, k, of a body is a measure of the resistance offered by
an elastic body to deformation. For an elastic body with a single
degree of freedom (for example, stretching or compression of a
rod), the stiffness, k, is defined as
k = F .delta. ##EQU00001##
where F is the force applied on the body and .delta. is the
displacement produced by the force along the same degree of
freedom. Examples of the blank 12 include pure element materials,
such as aluminum foil; compounds of multiple elements, such as
copper-zinc alloy foil; synthetic polymers, such as toughened
polypropylene; natural products, such as cellulose paper (e.g.,
cardboard); or composites, such as polyethylene
terephthalate/calcium carbonate (PET/CaCO.sub.3) coextruded sheets.
Other examples of the foldable material used to make the blank 12
include carton board (e.g., solid bleached board, solid unbleached
board), white lined chipboard, liquid packaging board, folding
boxboard, container board (e.g., liner board), wall paper
substrates, uncoated cover paper, or the like.
[0021] On the image receiving surface 13 of the blank 12, two
different adhesives 20 and 22 are applied at different areas. These
adhesives 20 and 22 are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In FIG. 1A, the
speckles are used to illustrate adhesive 20, and the triangles and
squiggly lines are used to illustrate adhesive 22. The first
adhesive 20 is referred to herein as an unfilled adhesive, and is
applied anywhere on the surface 13 that it is desirable to adhere
an image receiving medium (reference numeral 26 in FIGS. 2A and
2B). As examples, the unfilled adhesive 20 may be applied to the
center portion 14 alone (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), or to the
center portion 14 and each of the folds 1, or to the center portion
14 and each of the folds 1 and 2. The unfilled adhesive 20 may be
applied to the center portion 14 and each of the folds 1 or the
folds 1 and 2 when it is desirable that the image receiving medium
26 be folded with folds 1 and 2. In these instances, the image
receiving medium 26 may have the same shape and size as the center
portion 14 and the folds 1 or the folds 1 and 2 of the blank 12. As
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the unfilled adhesive 20 is applied to
the image receiving surface 13 at the center portion 14 alone.
[0022] The second adhesive 22 is referred to herein as a filled
adhesive, and is applied on the image receiving surface 13 at those
areas that are to be secured to the back surface 15 when the blank
12 is folded. As examples, the filled adhesive 22 may be applied to
each of the folds 4 that is furthest from the perimeter P (as shown
in FIGS. 1A and 1B), or to each of the folds 4 that is furthest
from the perimeter P and to areas of the folds 3 that are
designated to be tabs when the blank is folded (see FIGS. 4A and
4C).
[0023] The adhesives 20 and 22 may be applied to the surface 13 on
the desirable areas using an air knife coater, a rod coater, a slot
die coater, roll coater, or a film transfer coater. In one example,
the adhesives 20 and 22 are respectively applied directly onto
release liners (not shown), and then the glued release liners are
respectively laminated onto the desired areas of the surface 13
using a laminator. The release liners may protect the adhesives 20
and 22 from contamination and from prematurely adhering. If the
release liners were shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is to be
understood that the respective adhesives 20 and 22 would be covered
by the respective liners.
[0024] The unfilled adhesive 20 may be a solvent-based adhesive or
a water-based adhesive. Solvents suitable for the solvent-based
adhesive include heptanes, toluene, ethyl acetate,
pentane-2,4-dione, and alcohols. In some instances, it may be
desirable to utilize an aqueous-based water soluble and/or water
dispersible adhesive. In an example, the unfilled adhesive 20 is
formed of a synthetic polymer with a weight average molecular
weight ranging from about 200,000 to about 800,000 when the
structure is linear, or ranging from about 300,000 to about
1,500,000 when the structure is branched or cross-linked. The
unfilled adhesive 20 may also have a pressure sensitive nature. For
example, the unfilled adhesive 20 may have a glass transition
temperature (T.sub.g) ranging from about -70.degree. C. to about
-40.degree. C., and a peeling strength equal to or greater than 20
Newton/cm.sup.2 (e.g., as measured according to an ASTM (f.k.a. the
American Society for Testing and Materials) test method, namely
ASTM 3330M using an INSTRON.RTM. tester).
[0025] Suitable examples of the unfilled adhesive 20 are
polyacrylates, polyvinyl ethers, silicone resins, polyacrylic
resins, elastic hydrocarbon polymers (e.g., nitrile rubbers, butyl
rubbers, polyisobutylenes, polyisoprenes, etc.), ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymers, or styrene block copolymers (e.g.,
styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene-styrene,
styrene-butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene, or styrene-propylene).
Some suitable examples of unfilled adhesive 20 may be polymers of
acrylate addition monomers, such as C1 to C12 alkyl acrylates and
methacrylates (e.g., methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl
acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate,
sec-butyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate,
octyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl
methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate,
isobutyl methacrylate, sec-butyl methacrylate, and tert-butyl
methacrylate); aromatic monomers (e.g., styrene, phenyl
methacrylate, o-tolyl methacrylate, m-tolyl methacrylate, p-tolyl
methacrylate, and benzyl methacrylate); hydroxyl containing
monomers (e.g., hydroxyethylacrylate and hydroxyethylmethacrylate);
carboxylic acid containing monomers (e.g., acrylic acid and
methacrylic acid); vinyl ester monomers (e.g., vinyl acetate, vinyl
propionate, vinylbenzoate, vinyl pivalate, vinyl-2-ethylhexanoate,
and vinyl-versatate); vinyl benzene monomers; and C1-C12 alkyl
acrylamide and methacrylamide (e.g., t-butyl acrylamide, sec-butyl
acrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide).
[0026] The unfilled adhesive 20 may be a copolymer of at least two
of the monomers listed herein. In an example, the molecular
structure of the formed copolymer has soft segments (T.sub.g
ranging from about -70.degree. C. to about -20.degree. C.) and
small hard segments (T.sub.g ranging from about -10.degree. C. to
about 100.degree. C.). The copolymer may also include functional
monomers, i.e., the chemical groups on the molecular chain can
react to form a cross-linked structure. Examples of functional
monomers include methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, glycidyl
methacrylate, and hydroxyethyl acrylate.
[0027] In another example, the unfilled adhesive 20 includes a
compound having a structure of unsaturated rings. Examples of such
compounds include glycerol ester of abietic acid, pentaerythritol
ester of abietic acid, and terpene resins derived from alfa-pinene
and beta-pinene.
[0028] The unfilled adhesive 20 may be applied to have a coat
weight ranging from 25 gsm to about 60 gsm. If the adhesive layer
coat weight is less than 25 gsm, the bond strength will decrease,
and adhesion failure may result.
[0029] The filled adhesive 22 includes a polymeric material, a
filler, and a surface treatment agent. The filled adhesive 22 may
be applied to have a coat weight ranging from about 30 gsm to about
150 gsm.
[0030] The polymeric material of the filled adhesive 22 may be any
of the polymers described herein for the unfilled adhesive 20. The
polymer material of the filled adhesive 22 may be the same material
that is selected for the unfilled adhesive 20 or may be a different
material than that selected for the unfilled adhesive 20. As
examples, the polymeric material of the filled adhesive may be any
of the previously listed polyacrylates, elastic hydrocarbon
polymers, or silicone resins.
[0031] The filler of the filled adhesive 22 may include inorganic
particles, organic particles, or combination thereof. In an
example, the filler has an average particle size ranging from about
0.5 .mu.m to about 3.0 .mu.m, and the size distribution ranges from
about 1.5 to about 4. Examples of inorganic particles include
ground calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate, titanium
dioxide, kaolin clay, silica, silicates, alumina trihydrate, or
combinations thereof. Examples of organic particles include
polysytrene and copolymers thereof (e.g., styrene-ethylene,
styrene-propylene, styrene-isoprene-styrene,
styrene-ethylene-styrene, styrene-butylene-styrene, and
styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)), polymethacrylate and copolymers
thereof (e.g., copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers,
such as styrene or divinyl benzene, with methyl methacrylate,
t-butylmethacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate,
butyl(meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl(meth)acrylate,
benzyl(meth)acrylate, lauryl(meth)acrylate, oleyl(meth)acrylate,
palmityl(meth)acrylate, stearyl(meth)acrylate,
hydroxyethylmethacrylate and hydroxypropylmethacrylate),
polyolefins and copolymers thereof (e.g., copolymers of
polyethylene and polypropylene).
[0032] The surface treatment agent of the filled adhesive 22 may
either be deposited onto the surface of the filler by pre-mixing
the surface treatment agent with the fillers before adding the
polymeric material, or may be mixed directly into the filled
adhesive 22. The surface treatment agent may be any component that
improves the bonding between the filler, the polymeric material,
and the blank 12. An example of the surface treatment agent is a
compound having the following formula:
(RO).sub.3SiR'--R''
where RO is hydrolysable in a neutral environment (pH=7) or an
acidic environment (pH<7) and includes at least one oxygen atom;
R' is chosen from alkyl groups, aromatic groups, and heteroaromatic
groups; and R'' is a group that can be converted into a functional
group. In an example, R'' is a group that contains nitrogen. As
more specific examples, RO is chosen from alkoxy groups, such as a
methoxy group (CH.sub.3O--), an ethoxy group (CH.sub.3CH.sub.2O--),
and an acetoxy group (CH.sub.3--C(.dbd.O)--O--); and R'' is chosen
from an amino group, a benzylamino group, an epoxy group, a
melamine group, a mercapto group, a chloropropyl group, and a
dissulfido groupo. Some specific examples of R'' include a
carboxamide group (--CO--NH.sub.2), a primary amine group
(--NH.sub.2), a secondary amine group (--NHR'''), a tertiary amine
group (--NR'''.sub.2), and a pyridine group (e.g.,
--C.sub.5H.sub.4N) that can be converted into cationic pyridinium
(e.g., 4-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, and 2-pyridyl).
[0033] It is desirable that the filled adhesive 22 have a glass
transition temperature (T.sub.g) ranging from about -70.degree. C.
to about -40.degree. C., a peeling strength equal to or greater
than 45 Newton/cm.sup.2 (e.g., as measured according to an ASTM
(f.k.a. the American Society for Testing and Materials) test
method, namely ASTM 3330M using an INSTRON.RTM. tester).
[0034] The release liners keeping the adhesives 20 and 22 from
prematurely adhering may include a substrate and a release coating
deposited on the substrate. The substrate may be a cellulose paper
and/or a polymeric film (which may be transparent), such as
polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
The release coating is made of material(s) that is/are readily able
to delaminate from the adhesives 20 and 22, and does not migrate or
transfer to the released material (adhesive 20 and 22) to any
significant degree. Examples of the release coating of the release
liner include polyacrylates, carbamates, polyolefins,
fluorocarbons, chromium stearate complexes and silicones. In one
example, the silicone release coating may be desirable, at least in
part because it can easily be applied on various substrates and can
be cured into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) network, which limits
migration into an adhesive matrix. Silicones may also allow
substantially lower release forces than other materials.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an image receiving medium
26 is shown adhered to the center portion 14 of the blank 12 on the
image receiving surface 13 via the adhesive 20. When it is
desirable to adhere the image receiving medium 26, the release
liner may be removed, and the image receiving medium may be aligned
with and pressed on the adhesive 20. After the image receiving
medium 26 is adhered to the adhesive 20, rubber rollers may be used
to apply force to the adhered materials to remove any air bubbles
entrapped between the adhered materials.
[0036] The image receiving medium 26 may be a foldable material
which has a specific surface that is able to receive a digital
image (e.g., image 28 shown in FIG. 2A) with high print quality.
The specific surface may be made by coating or depositing a digital
ink/toner receiving layer onto the outermost surface of a base
substrate. In this example, coating or depositing refers to the
application of a specifically formulated chemical composition onto
the outermost surface of the base substrate of the image receiving
medium 26 by a suitable process which includes any type of coating
process. The specific surface may also be made by surface treating
the base substrate via a physical and/or chemical process (e.g.,
corona treatment, plasma grafting polymerization and/or acid
etching). In this example, surface treating refers to a method for
altering the surface structure or morphology chemically and/or
physically without applying any foreign composition to cover the
surface of the base substrate. The surface treating method modifies
the nature of the base substrate surface by changing the surface
morphology or changing the surface chemical functional groups.
[0037] In one example, the image receiving medium 26 includes a
cellulose paper base, and the outermost surface of the cellulose
paper base is surface functionalized with a digital ink/toner
receiving layer. The composition of the digital ink/toner receiving
layer may include binder(s) (e.g., water-based binders such as
polyvinyl alcohol, styrene-butadiene emulsion,
acrylonitrile-butadiene latex, or combinations thereof) and
inorganic pigment particle(s) (e.g., clay, kaolin, calcium
carbonate, or combinations thereof). The digital ink/toner
receiving layer may be subjected to an embossing treatment to
create a desirable surface texture which is represented by a lay
pattern. "Lay" is a measure of the direction of the predominant
machining pattern. A lay pattern is a repetitive impression created
on the surface of a part. The lay patterns created on the image
receiving medium 26 include, for example, vertical patterns,
horizontal patterns, radial patterns, circular patterns, isotropic
patterns and cross hatched patterns.
[0038] In another example, the image receiving medium 26 is made of
a foldable material based on a polymeric film. Examples of suitable
polymeric films include polyolefin films (e.g., polyethylene and
polypropylene films), polycarbonate films, polyamide films,
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films. These polymeric films can be
used alone, or they can be co-extruded with another material, such
as cellulose paper, to form a foldable image receiving medium. In
some examples, the polymeric film surface is pre-coated with an
example of the digital ink/toner receiving layer disclosed herein
and/or is surface treated to improve the ink reception and toner
adhesion.
[0039] In yet another example, the image receiving medium 26 is
made of a foldable ductile metal foil. The metal foil may be a pure
metal and/or a metal alloy. In some examples, the metal foil
surface is pre-coated with an example of the digital ink/toner
receiving layer disclosed herein and/or is surface treated to
improve the ink reception and toner adhesion.
[0040] Any of the digital ink/toner receiving layers disclosed
herein may include components that absorb light in the ultraviolet
(UV) and violet region (200 nm to 380 nm) of the electromagnetic
spectrum, and re-emit light in the blue region (400 nm to 490 nm).
The chemical compounds which are able to absorb and then re-emit
include those that have the structure of any of the following:
triazine-stilbenes (di-, tetra- or hexa-sulfonated); coumarins;
imidazolines; diazoles; triazoles, benzoxazolines; or
biphenyl-stilbenes. Any of the digital ink/toner receiving layers
disclosed herein may also include luminous materials. As an
example, when illuminated by the particular wavelength(s) of light
for a particular amount of time, the luminous materials will
exhibit a specific light effect (e.g., photoluminescence) after the
light is removed. Some examples of the luminous materials include
Tritium, LumiNova, and Super LumiNova.
[0041] As mentioned above, the image 28 may be created using any
suitable digital printing technique. It is believed that the
durability of the printed image 28 may be the result of the
combination of the medium 26 and the ink or toner that is used. For
example, a medium including a digital ink/toner receiving layer or
having been surface treated may be desirable when digital
electrophotographic printing is used with toners that contain a
durable colorant and UV, light and ozone fastness resin binders. In
another example, a durable printed image is formed when a pigment
inkjet ink is printed, using inkjet technology, onto a micro-porous
image receiving medium. In this example, a pigment or any number of
pigment blends may be provided in the inkjet ink formulation to
impart color to the ink. As such, the pigment may be any number of
desired pigments dispersed throughout the resulting inkjet ink.
More particularly, the pigment included in the inkjet ink may
include self-dispersed (surface modified) pigments, or pigments
accompanied by a dispersant.
[0042] FIG. 2A illustrates the front view of the blank 12 having
the image receiving medium 26 (with the image 28 printed thereon)
adhered thereto. Since the image receiving medium 26 is the same
shape and size as the center portion 14, the foldable extensions
16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D are visible in this view, as
the image receiving medium 26 does not overly any part of the
foldable extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D. In
other examples, it is to be understood that the image receiving
medium 26 may be the same shape and size as the center portion 14
and the folds 1, or as the center portion 14 and the folds 1 and 2.
In either of these instances, the image receiving medium 26
includes an image receiving portion that is shaped and sized in the
same manner as the center portion 14 of the blank 12, and also
includes image receiving extensions (including one fold or two
folds) that respectively extend from each side of the image
receiving portion and correspond with the folds 1 or folds 1 and 2
of the blank 12. The extensions of the image receiving medium may
be scored with fold lines so that the folds of the image receiving
extension may be folded with the fold 1 or folds 1 and 2 of the
blank 12. In instances where the image receiving medium 26 extends
onto the fold 1, when folded, the image receiving medium 26 may be
seen on the outer wall of the art canvas. In instances where the
image receiving medium 26 extends onto the folds 1 and 2, when
folded, the image receiving medium 26 may be seen on the outer wall
and on the back wall of the art canvas.
[0043] In FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is to be understood that each of the
folds 4 of the blank 12 has the adhesive 22 thereon, which may be
covered by a release liner.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the blank 12 having the
image receiving medium 26 attached thereto is folded to form the
art canvas 100. The folded blank 12 forms the three-dimensional
supporting frame 10, and when the image receiving medium 26 is
attached thereto, the art canvas 100 is formed.
[0045] When the foldable extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C,
16.sub.D of the blank 12 are folded, respective three-dimensional
frame portions 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30.sub.C, 30.sub.D are formed.
As depicted in FIG. 3A, each frame portion 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B,
30.sub.C, 30.sub.D abuts another frame portion 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B,
30.sub.C, 30.sub.D to form the three-dimensional supporting frame
10. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3B illustrates the walls
that are formed when the folds 1, 2, 3, 4 are folded.
[0046] To construct the three-dimensional supporting frame 10 and
the art canvas 100, fold 1 of each of the extensions 16.sub.A,
16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D is folded inward (i.e., towards the
surface 15). The fold 1 of a respective extension 16.sub.A, or
16.sub.B, or 16.sub.C, or 16.sub.D forms an outer wall of the
respective frame portion 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30.sub.C, or 30.sub.D.
All together, the folds 1 form the perimeter wall of the
three-dimensional supporting frame 10 and the art canvas 100. In
some instances, the perimeter wall may be covered by a portion of
the image receiving medium 26. Fold 2 of each of the extensions
16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D is folded inward (i.e.,
towards the surface 15). The fold 2 of a respective extension
16.sub.A, or 16.sub.B, or 16.sub.C, or 16.sub.D forms a back wall
of the respective frame portion 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30.sub.C, or
30.sub.D. All together, the folds 2 form the back wall of the
three-dimensional supporting frame 10 and the art canvas 100. In
some instances, the back wall may be covered by a portion of the
image receiving medium 26. Fold 3 of each of the extensions
16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C, 16.sub.D is then folded inward (i.e.,
towards the surface 15). The fold 3 of a respective extension
16.sub.A, or 16.sub.B, or 16.sub.C, or 16.sub.D forms an inner wall
of the respective frame portion 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30c, or
30.sub.D. All together, these folds 3 form the inner perimeter wall
of the three-dimensional supporting frame 10 and the art canvas
100. Finally, fold 4 of each of the extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B,
16.sub.C, 16.sub.D is then folded inward (i.e., towards the surface
15). These folds 4 are adhered to the surface 15 of the blank 12 at
the center portion 14 via the adhesive 22. When folding the blank
12, any release liner on the adhesives 22 would be removed prior to
contacting the adhesive 22 with the surface 15.
[0047] While not shown, it is to be understood that a support
material may be inserted into the three-dimensional supporting
frame 10 adjacent to the surface 15 at the center portion 14. The
support material may be the same material as the blank 12, or may
be another strengthening material that adds support, but not
significant weight, to the art canvas 100. The support material may
or may not be adhered to the center portion 14.
[0048] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict another example of the blank 12.sub.T
with the adhesives 20 and 22 applied thereon in desirable areas. In
FIG. 4A, the speckles are again used to illustrate adhesive 20 and
the triangles and squiggly lines are again used to illustrate
adhesive 22. FIG. 4C depicts another example of the
three-dimensional supporting frame 10.sub.T formed from the folded
blank 12.sub.T.
[0049] FIG. 4A depicts a front view of the triangularly shaped
blank 12.sub.T. This blank 12.sub.T has the center portion 14 with
three sides 14.sub.A, 14.sub.B, 14.sub.C, and the opposed surfaces,
namely image receiving surface 13 and the opposed back surface 15
(shown in FIG. 4C).
[0050] A foldable extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C
respectively extends from each side 14.sub.A, 14.sub.B, 14.sub.C of
the center portion 14. The foldable extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B,
16.sub.C, may be scored with fold lines 18 that are meant to guide
the folding of the foldable extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C
toward the back surface 15. In an example, each foldable extension
16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C has four fold lines 18 defining four
respective folds 1, 2, 3, 4. In this example then, each foldable
extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C is foldable four times, once
along each scored fold line 18. In other examples, it is to be
understood that more than four fold lines 18 may be included on any
one foldable extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C so that the
foldable extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C is foldable more
than four times.
[0051] In this example, the outermost fold line 18 defining the
fold 4 and part of the fold 3 also includes a tab fold line 18'.
The tab fold line 18' may be scored so that when the folds 4 are
folded, a tab 32 disconnects (either automatically or with
application of a small force) along the tab fold line 18'. The tab
32 can then be folded toward and secured to the surface 15 (see
FIG. 4C). While not shown in all of the examples, it is to be
understood that the tab fold lines 18' and tabs 32 may be used in
any of the blanks (e.g., 12, 12.sub.C, 12.sub.H) and
three-dimensional supporting frames (e.g., 10 and those formed from
the blanks in FIGS. 5 and 6) disclosed herein.
[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adhesive 20 is
applied to the center portion 14 and the folds 1 and 2 of each
foldable extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C. The application of
adhesive 20 in this manner will enable an image receiving medium 26
(not shown in this series of figures) to be adhered to the image
receiving surface 13 on the center portion 14 and on each of the
folds 1 and 2. In this example, when the blank 12.sub.T having the
image receiving medium 26 thereon is folded, the image receiving
medium 26 will cover the outer perimeter wall (formed of folds 1)
and the back wall (formed of folds 2) of the three-dimensional
supporting frame 10.sub.T (which is shown in FIG. 4C).
[0053] Also as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adhesive 22 is
applied to the folds 4 and to areas of the folds 3 that are within
the tab fold lines 18'. The adhesive 22 applied in this manner may
be desirable to secure the folds 4 to the back surface 15 and to
secure the punched-out tabs 32 to the back surface 15 after the
blank 12.sub.T has been folded.
[0054] The foldable extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C and the
folds 1, 2, 3, 4 of the blank 12.sub.T may have any suitable shape
that allows the folds 1, 2, 3, 4 of the respective foldable
extension 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C to be folded toward the back
surface 15 to form a three-dimensional frame portion (see reference
numerals 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30.sub.C in FIG. 4C). In the example
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the foldable extensions 16.sub.A,
16.sub.B, 16.sub.C are angled so that when folded, the abutting
frame portions 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, 30.sub.C form corners of the
triangular three-dimensional supporting frame 10.sub.T.
[0055] To construct the three-dimensional supporting frame
10.sub.T, fold 1 of each of the extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B,
16.sub.C is folded inward (i.e., towards the surface 15). The fold
1 of a respective extension 16.sub.A, or 16.sub.B, or 16.sub.C
forms an outer wall of the respective frame portion 30.sub.A,
30.sub.B, 30.sub.C. All together, the folds 1 form the perimeter
wall of the three-dimensional supporting frame 10.sub.T. Fold 2 of
each of the extensions 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C is folded
inward (i.e., towards the surface 15). The fold 2 of a respective
extension 16.sub.A, or 16.sub.B, or 16.sub.C forms a back wall of
the respective frame portion 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, or 30.sub.C. All
together, the folds 2 form the back wall of the three-dimensional
supporting frame 10.sub.T. Fold 3 of each of the extensions
16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C is then folded inward (i.e., towards
the surface 15). The fold 3 of a respective extension 16.sub.A, or
16.sub.B, or 16.sub.C forms an inner wall of the respective frame
portion 30.sub.A, 30.sub.B, or 30.sub.C. All together, these folds
3 form the inner perimeter wall of the three-dimensional supporting
frame 10.sub.T. Finally, fold 4 of each of the extensions 16.sub.A,
16.sub.B, 16.sub.C is then folded inward (i.e., towards the surface
15). When fold 4 is folded, the tab fold line 18' may be punched
out to detach the tab 32 along the tab fold line 18'. The folds 4
and the tab 32 are adhered via adhesive 22 to the surface 15 at the
center portion 14 of the blank 12.sub.T.
[0056] It is to be understood that any release liners that may be
present on the adhesive 20 may be removed prior to adhering an
image receiving medium to the adhesive 20. Furthermore, any release
liners that may be present on the adhesive 22 may be removed prior
to adhering the folds 4 and tabs 32 to the back surface 15.
[0057] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict different blanks 12.sub.C and 12.sub.H
that may be used to form different shaped three-dimensional
supporting frames. Each of these blanks 12.sub.C and 12.sub.H
includes a center portion 14, image receiving surface 13 and back
surface 15 (which is not visible in these figures because they are
front views), and foldable extensions (e.g., 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B,
16.sub.C, 16.sub.D in FIGS. 5 and 16.sub.A, 16.sub.B, 16.sub.C,
16.sub.D, 16.sub.E, 16.sub.F in FIG. 6). The foldable extensions
include fold lines 18 (with or without tab fold lines 18') and four
folds 1, 2, 3, 4.
[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the adhesives 20 and 22 are
applied to the image receiving surface 13 of the blanks 12.sub.C
and 12.sub.H in desirable areas so that i) an image receiving
medium 26 may be adhered to the blank 12.sub.C and 12.sub.H (via
adhesive 20), and ii) the folds 4, and in some instances tabs 32,
may be secured to the back surface 15 (via adhesive 22).
Specifically in FIG. 5, adhesive 20 is applied to the center
portion 14 on surface 13, and adhesive 22 is applied to the fold 4
and the portion of fold 3 within the tab fold lines 18' on surface
13. Specifically in FIG. 6, the adhesive 20 is applied to the
center portion 14 and the folds 1 on surface 13, and adhesive 22 is
applied to the folds 4. In each of these figures, the speckles are
again used to illustrate adhesive 20 and the triangles and squiggly
lines are again used to illustrate adhesive 22.
[0059] FIG. 5 depicts a circular shaped blank 12.sub.C that when
folded forms a circular shaped three-dimensional supporting frame
(not shown). FIG. 6 depicts a hexagon shaped blank 12.sub.H that
when folded forms a hexagon shaped three-dimensional supporting
frame (also not shown). While a hexagon is shown, it is to be
understood that the blank 12.sub.H may be any desirable polygon.
The folding of these blanks 12.sub.C, 12.sub.H may be accomplished
in the manner previous described herein where each fold 1, 2, 3, 4
is folded towards the back surface 15 to form frame portions that
abut one another. In FIG. 5, four frame portions will be formed
that abut one another to create the circular three-dimensional
supporting frame. In FIG. 6, six frame portions will be formed that
abut one another to create the hexagon shaped three-dimensional
supporting frame.
[0060] It is to be understood that the ranges provided herein
include the stated range and any value or sub-range within the
stated range. For example, a range from about 12 .mu.m to about 60
.mu.m should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly
recited limits of about 12 .mu.m to about 60 .mu.m, but also to
include individual values, such as 15 .mu.m, 45 .mu.m, etc., and
sub-ranges, such as from about 15 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m, from
about 20 .mu.m to about 30 .mu.m, etc. Furthermore, when "about" is
utilized to describe a value, this is meant to encompass minor
variations (up to +/-10%) from the stated value.
[0061] In describing and claiming the examples disclosed herein,
the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0062] While several examples have been described in detail, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed
examples may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is
to be considered non-limiting.
* * * * *