3m Innovative Properties Company

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Ernest M Rinehart

Caroline M Ylitalo

David J Kinning

Richard L Severance

Jennifer L Lee

Bret W Ludwig

Richard F Theissen

Oh Sang Woo

Danny Leroy Fleming

Kenneth D Wilson

Rafael M Yasis

Sally J Bull

The present invention relates to an imaged article comprising a substrate having a primed surface layer. The primed surface layer is comprised of a base polymer having a solubility parameter, molecular weight (Mw) and glass transition temperature within a specified range. The presence of the primer improves the overall image quality by improving at least one property including ink uptake, dot gain, color density and/or ink adhesion. Preferred primer compositions are soluble at least in part in the ink composition resulting in an increase in ink layer thickness that further improves the durability and/or day/night color balance. A variety of substrates may be primed including various sheeting for traffic control signage and commercial graphic films for advertising and promotional displays.

Imaged articles comprising a substrate having a primed surface

A method of forming a thermoplastic layer on an adhesive layer is provided. In the steps of the method, a thermoplastic powder is provided having a melt flow index of at least about 0.008 grams/10 minutes, the powder is applied to at least one surface of the adhesive layer to form a particle layer, and the combination is then subjected to elevated heat and pressure until particle layer is fused into a continuous layer and the continuous layer is bonded to the adhesive layer.

Method of forming a thermoplastic layer on a layer of adhesive

The present invention relates to graphic or informational articles that may be applied to a surface of a translucent or substantially clear substrate so that the image may be viewed through the substrate. The present invention is an indoor advertising system or kit that includes two components. The first component is a substantially clear, perforated imageable film layer with a perforated adhesive layer on a surface thereof. The second component is a non-perforated colorant transfer component that includes a removable carrier film with at least one color layer on a surface thereof. The present invention further includes a process for making the graphic articles. In the process of the present invention, an image layer is formed on a first major surface of a substantially clear, perforated imageable film layer. A colorant transfer component with at least one colored layer comprising a pigment is laminated to the imageable film layer such that the at least one colored layer is adhered to the unperforated areas of the image layer. The colorant adheres to the unperforated land areas of the image layer without significant bridging across the apertures of the image layer.

Method for making unidirectional graphic article

A method of forming a thermoplastic layer on a flexible, two-dimensional substrate is provided. In the steps of the method, a thermoplastic powder is provided having a melt flow index of at least 0.008 grams/10 minutes, the powder is applied to at least one surface of the substrate to form a particle layer, and the coated substrate is subjected to elevated heat and pressure until particle layer is fused into a continuous layer and the continuous layer is bonded to the substrate. The invention also includes a powder for preparing the thermoplastic layer and a method of making the powder.

Method of forming a thermoplastic layer on a flexible two-dimensional

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North St. Paul, MN, United States of America

Ernest M Rinehart