3M Innovative Properties Company

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Sally J Bull

Kenneth D Wilson

Ernest M Rinehart

David J Murphy

Lois A McCray

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 graphic articles of the present invention include a perforated imageable component and a non-perforated attachment component. The imageable component includes an opaque, perforated imageable film layer that accepts an image layer on its first major surface. On the second major surface of the imageable film layer, a perforated, opaque light absorbing film is applied.

Multi-component unidirectional graphic article

An optically clear, transparent, protective layer is disclosed for transfer from a release liner (not shown) to an imaged substrate. The layer has a composition including vinyl resin, optional acrylic resin, optional plasticizer, and an optional stabilizer. The layer optionally includes a pressure sensitive adhesive which adheres to the imaged substrate and image with pressure, followed by removal of the release liner. The release liner has a Sheffield smoothness value of from 1 to 10. A method of making is also disclosed. An image may also be present between the protective layer and the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Protective clear layer for images

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 transparent, protective layer is disclosed for transfer from a release liner to a imaged substrate. The layer has a composition including vinyl resin, acrylic resin, optional plasticizer, and optional stabilizer. The layer is transferred at melt temperatures to the imaged substrate, followed by removal of the release liner. The melt temperatures do not harm the image or the substrate.

Growing community of inventors

North St. Paul, MN, United States of America

Sally J Bull