The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 25, 2005
Filed:
Jun. 03, 2002
Caroline M. Ylitalo, Stillwater, MN (US);
Bret W. Ludwig, Oakdale, MN (US);
David J. Kinning, Woodbury, MN (US);
Ernest M. Rinehart, North St. Paul, MN (US);
Jennifer L. Lee, Eagan, MN (US);
OH Sang Woo, Woodbury, MN (US);
Richard L. Severance, Stillwater, MN (US);
Richard F. Theissen, Maplewood, MN (US);
Caroline M. Ylitalo, Stillwater, MN (US);
Bret W. Ludwig, Oakdale, MN (US);
David J. Kinning, Woodbury, MN (US);
Ernest M. Rinehart, North St. Paul, MN (US);
Jennifer L. Lee, Eagan, MN (US);
Oh Sang Woo, Woodbury, MN (US);
Richard L. Severance, Stillwater, MN (US);
Richard F. Theissen, Maplewood, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
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.