Process of making thermoformable laminate films and processes
US4976896A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31609
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Thermoformable laminate films with a decorative feature include a polymer carrier film, a paint layer and an optional protective clearcoat and the clearcoat and paint layer have a preconfiguration which produces uniform decorative color appearances following deformation of the laminate by a thermoforming process. To accomplish such results, the laminated film has a carrier film prestretched to orient pigment flakes in the paint layer prior to molding, thereby to reduce strain levels required to mold the laminate with an acceptable surface appearance. The process of manufacture includes the steps of painting a polymeric support or carrier film and prestretching the painted carrier film to control the color hue appearance of the laminate as applied to an underlying relatively rigid substrate or body part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.