CA2197092C - Image transfer method for one-way vision display panel - Google Patents
Image transfer method for one-way vision display panel Download PDFInfo
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- CA2197092C CA2197092C CA002197092A CA2197092A CA2197092C CA 2197092 C CA2197092 C CA 2197092C CA 002197092 A CA002197092 A CA 002197092A CA 2197092 A CA2197092 A CA 2197092A CA 2197092 C CA2197092 C CA 2197092C
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- Prior art keywords
- image
- perforated
- membrane
- display panel
- viewing
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
- B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
- B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
- B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
- B44C1/17—Dry transfer
- B44C1/1733—Decalcomanias applied under pressure only, e.g. provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
- B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
- B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
- B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
- B44C1/17—Dry transfer
- B44C1/1712—Decalcomanias applied under heat and pressure, e.g. provided with a heat activable adhesive
- B44C1/1716—Decalcomanias provided with a particular decorative layer, e.g. specially adapted to allow the formation of a metallic or dyestuff layer on a substrate unsuitable for direct deposition
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
- B44F1/00—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
- B44F1/08—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects characterised by colour effects
- B44F1/10—Changing, amusing, or secret pictures
Abstract
A method of producing an image (18) onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated membrane (10) having an opaque tight-reflective surface (16) and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, opposite direction. The method includes the steps of: electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium (22) as a reverse image (18'); and transferring the reverse image from the transfer medium using heat and/or pressure in order to form a desired correctly oriented image onto only the solid bar portions of a surface of a perforated membrane (10) without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes (20) of the perforated membrane.
Description
W0 96106745 ~ PCT/US95111146 IE TRAPISFER MFTgOD FQR QNF~-jrpy VTqTON DTSPT Ay PANZ'r ~PECTgTCATTQN
The present invention relates to improvements in one-way vision--display panels of the kind constructed from s perforated Mastic sheet material and which include an image or pattern which is only visible.when the display panel is viewed from one direction and wherein the display panel permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewed from the opposite direction. More particularly, the lo invention relates to a method for transferring a printed image onto a display surface of the perforated membrane material--in such a manner whereby the through-viewing capability of the one-way vision -display panel is not adversely effected.
is pne-way vision display panels of .the type which are constructed from, plastic film material and contain a printed image which is visible-when viewed from one direction and which appears transparent when viewed from a second, opposite direction are known from the prior art. Such one-ao way vision display panels are advantageously used in advertising- since -they may be easily applied to and displayed on any -smooth transparent surface, such as the windows of buildings, buses, streetcars, trucks and the like.
is Tri acc6rdance with conventional one-way vision display panel design, the display image is formed as a pattern of ' two-color opaque dots which are applied by screen, litho or similar printing process along an interface surface between two adjoining transparent plasticpanels. The opaque dots 3o appear white or light in color on one side and black on the - SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26) ~ . ' :. .
R'O 96106745 PCTIUS95111146 2~.~ 7,0~,~ _z_ other. Light incident on the light color side of -the panel is scattered and reflected thereby permitting an image formed by the dot pattern-to-be seen when viewed from this .
direction- Light incident on-the opposite or black side of -s the panel is absorbed such that the light transmitted through the transparent portions of panel permit-through-viewing in the direction from the black color side to the light color side.
A one-way vision display panel constructed as a io perforated plastic panel or- membrane- having a black rear surface and-an white opaque-frontsurface-offers superior optical through-vision--properties as compared to -the conventional-one-way vision display panels of the_prior art mentioned at the outset. The reason for this is that fewer is optical losses due to diffraction _ and refraction are experienced when. light is transmitted virtually unobstructed through the holes of the gerforatad plastic film material as compared to when light is transmitted through the numerous transparentplastic and adhesive layers of the-prior art ao one-way vision panels.
A problem arises, however, when using conventional printing processes, such as liquid ink silk screen, litho or similar inking processes, for printing an image or pattern on the white opaque front side surface -of a-perforated as plastic panel or membrane. -She -ink used in any of these conventional inking processes has a tendency to travel or bleed into the outer and-upper perimeter of the holes of the perforated plastic membrane thereby making the image printed on the opaque white side visible from the rear or black so side. This means that when looking from behind the panel (i.e. when.looking into the rear or black aide ~or viewing through the panel) the presence of the ink in the side walls of the holes creates a corona effect, i.e. the ink in the holes gives rise to an undesirable halo or phantom image which is seen when viewing the display panel from behind, i.e. in the through-viewing direction.
Accordingly, there is a definite need in the art for a method of accurately printing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel constructed as a perforated plastic panel or membrane which overcomes the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for accurately printing a color image or pattern onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type constructed as a perforated plastic panel or membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes of the perforated plastic panel or membrane.
The invention may provide an image transfer method whereby the transferred image is not detectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel from behind the panel, i.e. in the through-viewing direction.
In accordance with a preferred implementation of the invention, the one-way vision display panel onto which an image is transferred comprises an assembly of two or more plastic panels, one of which has a light-reflective coating suitable for receiving a printed image thereon and which is preferably opaque white in color. The other panel has a light-absorbing coating which is preferably black in color. The panels are bonded together by an adhesive and then are provided with a holes therethrough.
The holes can be placed through the panels either before or after they are assembled. Typically, the holes are formed after the panels have been assembled. The holes are preferably ordered in staggered or offset columns and rows such that they provide about a 500 open area for effective light transmission through the panel assembly.
In a first alternate implementation of the image transfer method of the invention, the one-way vision display panel comprises a single plastic sheet or membrane having opposite sides provided with light-reflective and light-absorbing color coatings, respectively. This "double coated" panel is then perforated with a plurality of through-holes as described above.
The purpose of the holes is to allow viewing through the image display panel assembly in one direction without seeing an image which is subsequently printed onto the light-reflective panel (in the case of the multi-panel embodiment) or the light-reflective coating side (in the case of the double coated single panel embodiment), yet the image can be viewed by looking at the image display panel assembly from the opposite direction. Thus, the image is suitable as an advertising medium as applied to the transparent windows of buildings, vehicles and the like. A person sitting in a building or in a vehicle cannot see the image on a window by looking outwardly through the window. Looking in the opposite direction, however, (i.e. looking into the window and image display panel from the outside of the building or vehicle) a person will see the image.
In accordance with the method aspects of the invention, a reverse image is first placed onto a specially prepared substrate or transfer medium. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate or transfer medium comprises paper sheet stock. Toner or powered ink is then deposited on the paper in reverse image in accordance with the known electrostatic printing process.
The paper is treated with a conventional toner receptive coating so that the ink or toner in either powder or liquid form will remain intact on the paper without smudging or smearing so long as the paper is handled with reasonable care. In addition to paper, the transfer medium may also comprise vinyl, or any other suitable substrate, preferably plastic sheet material, which is capable of holding an image from an electrostatic printing mechanism.
The transfer medium with the reverse image printed thereon is then fed into a laminator along with the perforated plastic panel or membrane. The laminator is used for transferring the reverse image initially printed on the transfer medium as a permanent image on a surface of the perforated plastic panel or membrane, the transferred or permanent image being oriented as a mirror image of the reverse image in a desired orientation. In the case where the image is printed text, the transferred image is oriented as a readable text image. The laminator uses heat and pressure to affect image transfer. In one embodiment, the laminator comprises a pair of heated rollers. The transfer medium is fed into the heated rollers, image side down, along with the perforated plastic panel or membrane which is inserted from below with the opaque white surface facing upwards so that the image is transferred across to only the solid bar portions of the opaque white surface of the perforated membrane. Those portions of the reverse image overlying the holes contained in the perforated plastic panel or membrane will remain on the transfer medium and will not penetrate into or through the holes of the perforated plastic panel or membrane. Upon exiting the rollers, the transfer medium along with the untransferred ink portions is then peeled away for disposal.
It is an advantageous feature of the method of the present invention that the image is accurately and rapidly transferred onto only the solid bar portions of the transfer surface of the perforated plastic panel or membrane through the use of well known printing processes without any substantial image transfer into or through the holes of the perforated plastic panel or membrane.
In this way, an undesirable ghost or phantom image of the true image can not readily be seen when viewing the one-way vision image display panel from the darkened back side, i.e. in the through-viewing direction.
Another advantageous feature of the invention is that the image transfer method may be used to transfer an image onto a surface of a perforated membrane for use as either an exterior mount or an interior mount image display panel. In the case of an interior mount panel (for example, a panel which is applied to inside surface of store window, and wherein the image is visible when looking through the store window from the outside) the image is protected from vandalism or graffiti.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction. The method for substantially eliminating a corona effect of the image when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the through-viewing direction, comprises electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated membrane, preparing a membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface, and wherein the membrane is perforated, being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions. The method further involves using pressure to transfer the reverse image from the transfer medium as a desired correctly oriented image onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
Electrostatically transferring ink may include using powdered ink.
The perforated membrane may comprise plastic sheet material and using pressure to transfer the reverse image may include using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
Electrostatically transferring ink may include using liquid ink.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
-7a-In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of applying an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated plastic membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated plastic membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction. The method substantially eliminates a corona effect of the image when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the second through-viewing direction. The method comprises electrostatically transferring toner onto a transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated plastic membrane, preparing a plastic membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light absorbing surface, wherein the plastic membrane is perforated, being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions. The method further involves using heat and pressure to transfer the reverse image from the transfer medium as a desired correctly oriented image onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated plastic membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, opposite through-viewing direction.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
-7 b-In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing an interior mount one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated transparent membrane including a light-reflective image layer and a light-absorbing layer and whereby the image layer is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction. The method substantially eliminates a corona effect of the image layer when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the second, through-viewing direction. The method comprises electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as an image for temporarily holding the image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated transparent membrane, preparing a perforated transparent membrane having a first side surface for mounting to an interior surface of a window and a second side surface for receiving an image layer, the perforated transparent membrane being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions. The method further involves using pressure to transfer the image from the transfer medium as a reverse image layer onto only solid bar portions of the second side surface of the perforated transparent membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes of the perforated transparent membrane, applying a light-absorbing layer over the exposed side surface of the reverse image layer such that when the first side surface of the transparent perforated membrane is mounted on an interior surface of a window, the reverse image layer appears as a desired oriented image when looking at the window from a position outside the window and the reverse image layer is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in a through-viewing direction from a position inside the window.
Electrostatically transferring ink may include using powdered ink.
The perforated transparent membrane may comprise plastic sheet material and using pressure to transfer the image may include using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
Applying a light-absorbing layer may include printing via a liquid ink process.
Applying a light-absorbing layer may include the steps of electrostatically depositing ink of a light-absorbing color onto a second transfer medium and using heat and pressure to transfer the ink deposited on the second transfer medium onto the exposed solid bar portions of the reverse image layer.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a one-way vision display panel comprising a perforated membrane with an image produced thereon, the perforated membrane including a plurality of through holes and a plurality of solid bar portions and the image being oriented only on the plurality of solid bar portions of an opaque light reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer onto or through the plurality of through holes -7d-of the membrane, the one-way vision display panel produced by any of the above methods.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a one-way vision display panel comprising a perforated membrane having an opaque light reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface, an image transferred from a transfer medium onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the image is clearly visible on the opaque light-reflective surface when viewing the panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the panel from a second, through-viewing, direction opposite the one direction, and wherein the image is substantially undetectable when looking at the panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
Features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which by way of illustration, show preferred embodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof and what are now considered to be the best modes contemplated for applying these principles. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention and the purview of the appended claims.
-7e-BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING VIEWS
Fig. 1 shows a one-way vision display panel constructed as a perforated plastic panel as it is being applied to a surface of a window. The perforated plastic panel is shown with an image surface containing in print form the word "SALE" thereon.
Figs. 2A-2B is a two-part series of enlarged fragmentary section views of the portion of the perforated plastic panel of Fig. 1 shown encircled by arrow 2A,B in Fig. 1. The two-part series shows a comparison between a perforated plastic panel having an image layer applied in accordance with a prior art silk screen printing process (Fig. 2A) and a perforated plastic panel having an image layer applied in accordance with the image transfer process of the present invention (Fig. 2B) .
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of a reverse image deposited onto a transfer sheet which is used for temporarily holding the reverse image for subsequent transfer as a desired correctly oriented image onto a surface of a perforated plastic panel.
Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of a perforated plastic panel shown before an image has been printed or transferred thereon.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view which illustrates the process of transferring a reverse image from the transfer sheet to a surface of the perforated plastic panel.
,,..
R'0 96/06745 ~ ~ ~ ' PCTIUS95111146 Fig. 6 is a an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a one-way vision-display panel constructed as a perforated plastic panel having a light-absorbing (or black) layer on oneside surface and an image printed-on or transferred-to s the opposite side surface.
Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view through the ona-way vision display panel- of Fig.- 6-shown in use as an exterior mount panel.
Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view through a second io embodiment for a one-way vision display panel shown in use as an interior mount panel.
7~RTATT,FD DESCRTPTTON OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS , Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of an-exemplary one is way vision image display panel 10 of the type constructed as a perforated plastic sheet material or membrane and which is shown being applied to a surface of a-window 12. The-one way vision panel-_i0inaludes a first, light-absorbing layer or surface coating 14, preferably black-in color, and a so second, light-reflective layer or -surface coating 16, preferably opaque and white in color. A printed image 18 of the word "SALE" is shown printed onthe light-reflective layer 16.
The one-way vision display-panel10 shown is commonly 2s referred toxin the art as an "exterior mount" panel since, in use, the panel 10 is-applied to the exterior or outer surface of a window on a building or bus, etc. , and -the image 18 is only seen by-a person when looking through the window from -a position outside the outside. In an exterior so mount panel, the light-absorbing or black layer 14 is the "rear" layer or. surface and is oriented adjacent the window's exterior surface while the light-reflective layer R'O 96106745 PCT/U595/11146 16 is the "front" layer or-surface as it is the outermost surface of -the panel-.10. _-The display panel 10is perforated with a plurality of through-holes 20 which extend completely through the panel s 10 from the inner light-absorbing- layer 14 to the outer light-reflective layer 16. The through-holes 20 allow 'viewing through the panel 10 in_a direction looking through the window 12 from a position inside, of or behind the window 12 without seeing the image 18 which is printed on the io light-reflective surface 16, yet the image 18 can be viewed by looking at the.panel 10-from the opposite direction (i.e.
towards the light-reflective surface 16 from a position outside the window 12).
The panel 10 may be adhered to the window 12 by an is adhesive layer (not shown) which preferably attaches only the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic material to the window so as not to cover up the holes 20 and thereby detract from the optical clarity when viewing through the panel in the.direction from the light-absorbing layer 14 to so the light-reflective layer 16. Alternately, the panel 10 may comprise static cling material for adhering the panel 10 directly to the window 12 without need for an intermediate adhesive layer.
Figs. 2A-2B is a two-part series of section views as through the portion of ,the perforated plastic panel 10 of Fig. 1 shown encircled by. arrow 2A,B in Fig. 1. This two-part series of drawing views is useful forillustrating the difference between -aperforated plastic panel having an image applied to one surface thereof.uaing a conventional so ink printing process-(Fig. 2A) and-a- perforated plastic panel-having an image applied-to a anrface thereof by the image transfer method of the present invention (Fig. 2B).
-io-In Fig. 2A there is shown a perforated plastic panel 10 comprising a dark, light-absorbing layer 14, an opaque white light-reflective layer 16, and an image layer 18 which has been applied to the opaque white light-reflective layer in s accordance with a prior art silk screen printing process, or similar liquid ink printing process. Note how the ink of the image layer 18 tends to spill ,over into the upper perimeter .of the through-holes 20. This creates an undesirable ghost or phantom image effect which can be seen io when viewing the image display panel in the through-viewing direction, e-.g., when looking outside-through a building or bus window having an one-way image_display panel thereon.
Fig. 2B shows an image layer i8 which has been applied to the opaque white, light-reflective layer 16 in-accordance is with the image transfer method of the present invention.
Note how substantially no portion of the image-layer 18 penetrates into or through the -through-holes 20 of- the perforated plastic panel 10. -The image transfer process of the presentinvention will ao be explained-in more detail with reference to Figs. 3-6. In Fig. 3 there is shown a transfer medium 22, preferably a paper sheet, which is used for temporarily holding an image 18' for-subsequent transfer to a surface of a perforated plastic panel or membrane. In the example shown, the image as 18' is the--word "SALE" -printed in reverse image. The reverse image 18' has been produced using a conventional electrostatic powder- ink transfer- process or similar electrostatic liquid ink coating process. The reverse image 18' will stay intact on the paper 22 and will notsmudge or ' ao smear so long as the paper it is handled with reasonable care, i.e. by its edges- such that the image 18' is not ~~'t:: : cz R'O 96f06745 ~ - . . _, PCTIUS95111146 subjected to any direct physically touching-or rubbing by a user_ -Fig. 4 shows a plastic panel 1-0 -which has been perforated with- a plurality of- small through-holes 20-and s l which is provided with an upper surface.or-layer 16 which-is suitable for printing or -imaging. Preferably, the upper surface or layer 16 is an opaque -white, light-reflective coating or layer.
Fig. 5 shows a typical laminating process whereby two io --~ollera 24, 26, typically heated-and--under pressure, are used- to transfer the reverse image--18' from the transfer medium or transfer sheet 22 onto the print ready upper surface or layer 16 of the perforated plastic panel 1D.-This is done by feeding the transfer -medium 22 and is perforated plastic panel 10 into- the rollers -24,_ 26 such that the reverse image 18'_ of. the transfer medium 22 faces the print ready upper-layer or-surf-ace l6,of the perforated plastic panel 10. The transfer medium 22 and perforated plastic panel 10-are then.rolled through the heated pressure ao rollers in-the manner as shown. This causes the reverse image 18' to be transferred as a permanent image 18 in a desired readable orientation -onto only the solid bar portions of the upper surface or layer 16 of the perforated plastic panel 10. Those portions of the reverse image 18 2s which overlie the through-holes 2D-- during the laminating process will remain on the transfer medium 22 and-will-not penetrate into or through the- through-holes of the perforated-plastic panel 10_ -Fig. 6 shows a cross-section view of the one-way vision 3o image display panel 1D. upon completion of the lamination process wherein the image or image- layer 18 has been auccessfully transferred to the- light-reflective layer or coating 16 without- bleeding into or otherwise penetrating the through-holes 20.
Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view through the one way vision-display panel-10 of Fig. 6 shown in use as an s exterior mount panel wherein the light-absorbing-layer 14 is disposed-adjacent the exterior surface of the window 12_ An adhesive (not shown) may be used to secure the solid bar portion of the light-absorbing layer. 14 to the exterior-aurface of the window 12. Alternatively, the panel 10 may io comprise static cling material, such as for. example, static clirig PVC film, or may comprise self-adhesive PVC film for adhearing to the window 12.
In the exterior mount panel 1O shown in Fig. 7, the image contained in the image layer-18 is clearly seen when is viewing the panel 10 in the direction from left (exterior) to right (interior).
Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view through a second embodiment for a one-way vision display panel 30 shown in use as an-interior-mount panel wherein an image or image ao layer 34 is disposed between a clear or transparent layer 32 and a light-absorbing layer--36 which,- as before, is prefsrrably black in color.- .Sn.this embodiment, the clear layer 32 is secured to the inside or interior surface of the window 12.
2s The method steps for transferring an image onto an-interior mount panel 30-as shown in Fig. 8 are as follows.
First, an image is formed onto a transfer medium using the electrostatic printing process as desribed above. For-example, the transfer medium may comprises paper sheet ao material treated with a toner receptive coating- In this case, the orientation ofthe image to be formed on the transfer-medium is not a reverse image but rather is the -R'O 96/06745 _ ~, ~ . PCTlU595111146 desired trueor correct image orientation that a vewer will see when viewing the completed interior. mount display panel 30. _-Next, a clear or transparent perforated-membrane (i.e.
s clear layer 32) is prepared.
The true image printed onthe- transfer medium is then transferred as a reverse image- layer 34 -onto a surface of the clear or-transparent perforated membrane (layer 32) by the heat and pressure-lamination step described above in io- connection with Fig. 5.
The final step involves applying a dark, light-absorbing coating or layer-36-ontothe exposed surface of_-the. image layer 34. One way for applying the dark or light-absorbing -' coating would be by image transfer via the electrostatic ink is deposition and lamination~tepa outlined above. Using this technique ensures that substantialy no ink-from either the light-reflective image layer or the ,light-absorbing layer will penetrate into the holes of--bhe perforated membrane material.
so However, it is found that the presence ofblack or-similar light-absorbing ink in the holes of the perforated does not substantially effect the through vision properties of the display panel- Accordingly, the light-absorbing layer may be applied via a conventional liquid ink transfer as process, such as by silk screen or similar litho process.
While I have illustrated and-described the -preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that these- are capable of variation and modification- For example, while the electrostatic image transfer-process of 3o the present invention has been described by way of a example of a specific application to a perforated plastic sheet material, it is understood that- the principles of the R'O 96/06745 . PCTlUS95111146 -' _l4-present invention-are also,applicable forapplying images to display panels constructed from other, types of perforated membrane materials including, but not limited to, perforated metal sheet, light and medium weight fabrics, etc.- Further, s while in the specific case of perforated plastic sheet material, both heat and pressure are desired for-effecting a good image transfer, it is understood that either heat and/or pressure alone may be sufficient to effect adequate image transfer ~f a reverse image from the transfer medium io onto the perforated membrane material depending upon the specific choice of perforated membrane material which is selected for use in the-construction of the one-way vision display panel.
I therefore --da -not wish - to be limited to the precise is details set forth, but desire to avail ourselves of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.
WO 96/06745 PCfIUS95111146 . . , ., -1ø- i present invention are also applicable for applying images to display panels constructed from other types of perforated membrane materials including, but-not limited to, perforated metal sheet, light and medium weight fabrics, etc. Further, s while in the specific case of perforated plastic sheet material, both heat and pressure-are desired foreffecting a good image transfer, it is understood that either heat and/or=pressure alone may be sufficient to effect adequate image transfer ~f a reverse image from the transfer medium io onto the perforated membrane material depending upon the specific- choice -of perforated membrane material which is selected for use in the-construction of-the one-way vision display panel.
I therefore do -not wish to be .limited to the precise is details set forth, but desire to avail ourselves of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.
The present invention relates to improvements in one-way vision--display panels of the kind constructed from s perforated Mastic sheet material and which include an image or pattern which is only visible.when the display panel is viewed from one direction and wherein the display panel permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewed from the opposite direction. More particularly, the lo invention relates to a method for transferring a printed image onto a display surface of the perforated membrane material--in such a manner whereby the through-viewing capability of the one-way vision -display panel is not adversely effected.
is pne-way vision display panels of .the type which are constructed from, plastic film material and contain a printed image which is visible-when viewed from one direction and which appears transparent when viewed from a second, opposite direction are known from the prior art. Such one-ao way vision display panels are advantageously used in advertising- since -they may be easily applied to and displayed on any -smooth transparent surface, such as the windows of buildings, buses, streetcars, trucks and the like.
is Tri acc6rdance with conventional one-way vision display panel design, the display image is formed as a pattern of ' two-color opaque dots which are applied by screen, litho or similar printing process along an interface surface between two adjoining transparent plasticpanels. The opaque dots 3o appear white or light in color on one side and black on the - SUBSTITUTE SHEET RULE 26) ~ . ' :. .
R'O 96106745 PCTIUS95111146 2~.~ 7,0~,~ _z_ other. Light incident on the light color side of -the panel is scattered and reflected thereby permitting an image formed by the dot pattern-to-be seen when viewed from this .
direction- Light incident on-the opposite or black side of -s the panel is absorbed such that the light transmitted through the transparent portions of panel permit-through-viewing in the direction from the black color side to the light color side.
A one-way vision display panel constructed as a io perforated plastic panel or- membrane- having a black rear surface and-an white opaque-frontsurface-offers superior optical through-vision--properties as compared to -the conventional-one-way vision display panels of the_prior art mentioned at the outset. The reason for this is that fewer is optical losses due to diffraction _ and refraction are experienced when. light is transmitted virtually unobstructed through the holes of the gerforatad plastic film material as compared to when light is transmitted through the numerous transparentplastic and adhesive layers of the-prior art ao one-way vision panels.
A problem arises, however, when using conventional printing processes, such as liquid ink silk screen, litho or similar inking processes, for printing an image or pattern on the white opaque front side surface -of a-perforated as plastic panel or membrane. -She -ink used in any of these conventional inking processes has a tendency to travel or bleed into the outer and-upper perimeter of the holes of the perforated plastic membrane thereby making the image printed on the opaque white side visible from the rear or black so side. This means that when looking from behind the panel (i.e. when.looking into the rear or black aide ~or viewing through the panel) the presence of the ink in the side walls of the holes creates a corona effect, i.e. the ink in the holes gives rise to an undesirable halo or phantom image which is seen when viewing the display panel from behind, i.e. in the through-viewing direction.
Accordingly, there is a definite need in the art for a method of accurately printing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel constructed as a perforated plastic panel or membrane which overcomes the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for accurately printing a color image or pattern onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type constructed as a perforated plastic panel or membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes of the perforated plastic panel or membrane.
The invention may provide an image transfer method whereby the transferred image is not detectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel from behind the panel, i.e. in the through-viewing direction.
In accordance with a preferred implementation of the invention, the one-way vision display panel onto which an image is transferred comprises an assembly of two or more plastic panels, one of which has a light-reflective coating suitable for receiving a printed image thereon and which is preferably opaque white in color. The other panel has a light-absorbing coating which is preferably black in color. The panels are bonded together by an adhesive and then are provided with a holes therethrough.
The holes can be placed through the panels either before or after they are assembled. Typically, the holes are formed after the panels have been assembled. The holes are preferably ordered in staggered or offset columns and rows such that they provide about a 500 open area for effective light transmission through the panel assembly.
In a first alternate implementation of the image transfer method of the invention, the one-way vision display panel comprises a single plastic sheet or membrane having opposite sides provided with light-reflective and light-absorbing color coatings, respectively. This "double coated" panel is then perforated with a plurality of through-holes as described above.
The purpose of the holes is to allow viewing through the image display panel assembly in one direction without seeing an image which is subsequently printed onto the light-reflective panel (in the case of the multi-panel embodiment) or the light-reflective coating side (in the case of the double coated single panel embodiment), yet the image can be viewed by looking at the image display panel assembly from the opposite direction. Thus, the image is suitable as an advertising medium as applied to the transparent windows of buildings, vehicles and the like. A person sitting in a building or in a vehicle cannot see the image on a window by looking outwardly through the window. Looking in the opposite direction, however, (i.e. looking into the window and image display panel from the outside of the building or vehicle) a person will see the image.
In accordance with the method aspects of the invention, a reverse image is first placed onto a specially prepared substrate or transfer medium. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate or transfer medium comprises paper sheet stock. Toner or powered ink is then deposited on the paper in reverse image in accordance with the known electrostatic printing process.
The paper is treated with a conventional toner receptive coating so that the ink or toner in either powder or liquid form will remain intact on the paper without smudging or smearing so long as the paper is handled with reasonable care. In addition to paper, the transfer medium may also comprise vinyl, or any other suitable substrate, preferably plastic sheet material, which is capable of holding an image from an electrostatic printing mechanism.
The transfer medium with the reverse image printed thereon is then fed into a laminator along with the perforated plastic panel or membrane. The laminator is used for transferring the reverse image initially printed on the transfer medium as a permanent image on a surface of the perforated plastic panel or membrane, the transferred or permanent image being oriented as a mirror image of the reverse image in a desired orientation. In the case where the image is printed text, the transferred image is oriented as a readable text image. The laminator uses heat and pressure to affect image transfer. In one embodiment, the laminator comprises a pair of heated rollers. The transfer medium is fed into the heated rollers, image side down, along with the perforated plastic panel or membrane which is inserted from below with the opaque white surface facing upwards so that the image is transferred across to only the solid bar portions of the opaque white surface of the perforated membrane. Those portions of the reverse image overlying the holes contained in the perforated plastic panel or membrane will remain on the transfer medium and will not penetrate into or through the holes of the perforated plastic panel or membrane. Upon exiting the rollers, the transfer medium along with the untransferred ink portions is then peeled away for disposal.
It is an advantageous feature of the method of the present invention that the image is accurately and rapidly transferred onto only the solid bar portions of the transfer surface of the perforated plastic panel or membrane through the use of well known printing processes without any substantial image transfer into or through the holes of the perforated plastic panel or membrane.
In this way, an undesirable ghost or phantom image of the true image can not readily be seen when viewing the one-way vision image display panel from the darkened back side, i.e. in the through-viewing direction.
Another advantageous feature of the invention is that the image transfer method may be used to transfer an image onto a surface of a perforated membrane for use as either an exterior mount or an interior mount image display panel. In the case of an interior mount panel (for example, a panel which is applied to inside surface of store window, and wherein the image is visible when looking through the store window from the outside) the image is protected from vandalism or graffiti.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction. The method for substantially eliminating a corona effect of the image when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the through-viewing direction, comprises electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated membrane, preparing a membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface, and wherein the membrane is perforated, being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions. The method further involves using pressure to transfer the reverse image from the transfer medium as a desired correctly oriented image onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
Electrostatically transferring ink may include using powdered ink.
The perforated membrane may comprise plastic sheet material and using pressure to transfer the reverse image may include using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
Electrostatically transferring ink may include using liquid ink.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
-7a-In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of applying an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated plastic membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated plastic membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction. The method substantially eliminates a corona effect of the image when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the second through-viewing direction. The method comprises electrostatically transferring toner onto a transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated plastic membrane, preparing a plastic membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light absorbing surface, wherein the plastic membrane is perforated, being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions. The method further involves using heat and pressure to transfer the reverse image from the transfer medium as a desired correctly oriented image onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated plastic membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, opposite through-viewing direction.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
-7 b-In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing an interior mount one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated transparent membrane including a light-reflective image layer and a light-absorbing layer and whereby the image layer is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction. The method substantially eliminates a corona effect of the image layer when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the second, through-viewing direction. The method comprises electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as an image for temporarily holding the image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated transparent membrane, preparing a perforated transparent membrane having a first side surface for mounting to an interior surface of a window and a second side surface for receiving an image layer, the perforated transparent membrane being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions. The method further involves using pressure to transfer the image from the transfer medium as a reverse image layer onto only solid bar portions of the second side surface of the perforated transparent membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes of the perforated transparent membrane, applying a light-absorbing layer over the exposed side surface of the reverse image layer such that when the first side surface of the transparent perforated membrane is mounted on an interior surface of a window, the reverse image layer appears as a desired oriented image when looking at the window from a position outside the window and the reverse image layer is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in a through-viewing direction from a position inside the window.
Electrostatically transferring ink may include using powdered ink.
The perforated transparent membrane may comprise plastic sheet material and using pressure to transfer the image may include using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
Applying a light-absorbing layer may include printing via a liquid ink process.
Applying a light-absorbing layer may include the steps of electrostatically depositing ink of a light-absorbing color onto a second transfer medium and using heat and pressure to transfer the ink deposited on the second transfer medium onto the exposed solid bar portions of the reverse image layer.
The transfer medium may comprise paper sheet material.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a one-way vision display panel comprising a perforated membrane with an image produced thereon, the perforated membrane including a plurality of through holes and a plurality of solid bar portions and the image being oriented only on the plurality of solid bar portions of an opaque light reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer onto or through the plurality of through holes -7d-of the membrane, the one-way vision display panel produced by any of the above methods.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a one-way vision display panel comprising a perforated membrane having an opaque light reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface, an image transferred from a transfer medium onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the image is clearly visible on the opaque light-reflective surface when viewing the panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the panel from a second, through-viewing, direction opposite the one direction, and wherein the image is substantially undetectable when looking at the panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
Features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which by way of illustration, show preferred embodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof and what are now considered to be the best modes contemplated for applying these principles. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention and the purview of the appended claims.
-7e-BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING VIEWS
Fig. 1 shows a one-way vision display panel constructed as a perforated plastic panel as it is being applied to a surface of a window. The perforated plastic panel is shown with an image surface containing in print form the word "SALE" thereon.
Figs. 2A-2B is a two-part series of enlarged fragmentary section views of the portion of the perforated plastic panel of Fig. 1 shown encircled by arrow 2A,B in Fig. 1. The two-part series shows a comparison between a perforated plastic panel having an image layer applied in accordance with a prior art silk screen printing process (Fig. 2A) and a perforated plastic panel having an image layer applied in accordance with the image transfer process of the present invention (Fig. 2B) .
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of a reverse image deposited onto a transfer sheet which is used for temporarily holding the reverse image for subsequent transfer as a desired correctly oriented image onto a surface of a perforated plastic panel.
Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of a perforated plastic panel shown before an image has been printed or transferred thereon.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view which illustrates the process of transferring a reverse image from the transfer sheet to a surface of the perforated plastic panel.
,,..
R'0 96/06745 ~ ~ ~ ' PCTIUS95111146 Fig. 6 is a an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a one-way vision-display panel constructed as a perforated plastic panel having a light-absorbing (or black) layer on oneside surface and an image printed-on or transferred-to s the opposite side surface.
Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view through the ona-way vision display panel- of Fig.- 6-shown in use as an exterior mount panel.
Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view through a second io embodiment for a one-way vision display panel shown in use as an interior mount panel.
7~RTATT,FD DESCRTPTTON OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS , Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of an-exemplary one is way vision image display panel 10 of the type constructed as a perforated plastic sheet material or membrane and which is shown being applied to a surface of a-window 12. The-one way vision panel-_i0inaludes a first, light-absorbing layer or surface coating 14, preferably black-in color, and a so second, light-reflective layer or -surface coating 16, preferably opaque and white in color. A printed image 18 of the word "SALE" is shown printed onthe light-reflective layer 16.
The one-way vision display-panel10 shown is commonly 2s referred toxin the art as an "exterior mount" panel since, in use, the panel 10 is-applied to the exterior or outer surface of a window on a building or bus, etc. , and -the image 18 is only seen by-a person when looking through the window from -a position outside the outside. In an exterior so mount panel, the light-absorbing or black layer 14 is the "rear" layer or. surface and is oriented adjacent the window's exterior surface while the light-reflective layer R'O 96106745 PCT/U595/11146 16 is the "front" layer or-surface as it is the outermost surface of -the panel-.10. _-The display panel 10is perforated with a plurality of through-holes 20 which extend completely through the panel s 10 from the inner light-absorbing- layer 14 to the outer light-reflective layer 16. The through-holes 20 allow 'viewing through the panel 10 in_a direction looking through the window 12 from a position inside, of or behind the window 12 without seeing the image 18 which is printed on the io light-reflective surface 16, yet the image 18 can be viewed by looking at the.panel 10-from the opposite direction (i.e.
towards the light-reflective surface 16 from a position outside the window 12).
The panel 10 may be adhered to the window 12 by an is adhesive layer (not shown) which preferably attaches only the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic material to the window so as not to cover up the holes 20 and thereby detract from the optical clarity when viewing through the panel in the.direction from the light-absorbing layer 14 to so the light-reflective layer 16. Alternately, the panel 10 may comprise static cling material for adhering the panel 10 directly to the window 12 without need for an intermediate adhesive layer.
Figs. 2A-2B is a two-part series of section views as through the portion of ,the perforated plastic panel 10 of Fig. 1 shown encircled by. arrow 2A,B in Fig. 1. This two-part series of drawing views is useful forillustrating the difference between -aperforated plastic panel having an image applied to one surface thereof.uaing a conventional so ink printing process-(Fig. 2A) and-a- perforated plastic panel-having an image applied-to a anrface thereof by the image transfer method of the present invention (Fig. 2B).
-io-In Fig. 2A there is shown a perforated plastic panel 10 comprising a dark, light-absorbing layer 14, an opaque white light-reflective layer 16, and an image layer 18 which has been applied to the opaque white light-reflective layer in s accordance with a prior art silk screen printing process, or similar liquid ink printing process. Note how the ink of the image layer 18 tends to spill ,over into the upper perimeter .of the through-holes 20. This creates an undesirable ghost or phantom image effect which can be seen io when viewing the image display panel in the through-viewing direction, e-.g., when looking outside-through a building or bus window having an one-way image_display panel thereon.
Fig. 2B shows an image layer i8 which has been applied to the opaque white, light-reflective layer 16 in-accordance is with the image transfer method of the present invention.
Note how substantially no portion of the image-layer 18 penetrates into or through the -through-holes 20 of- the perforated plastic panel 10. -The image transfer process of the presentinvention will ao be explained-in more detail with reference to Figs. 3-6. In Fig. 3 there is shown a transfer medium 22, preferably a paper sheet, which is used for temporarily holding an image 18' for-subsequent transfer to a surface of a perforated plastic panel or membrane. In the example shown, the image as 18' is the--word "SALE" -printed in reverse image. The reverse image 18' has been produced using a conventional electrostatic powder- ink transfer- process or similar electrostatic liquid ink coating process. The reverse image 18' will stay intact on the paper 22 and will notsmudge or ' ao smear so long as the paper it is handled with reasonable care, i.e. by its edges- such that the image 18' is not ~~'t:: : cz R'O 96f06745 ~ - . . _, PCTIUS95111146 subjected to any direct physically touching-or rubbing by a user_ -Fig. 4 shows a plastic panel 1-0 -which has been perforated with- a plurality of- small through-holes 20-and s l which is provided with an upper surface.or-layer 16 which-is suitable for printing or -imaging. Preferably, the upper surface or layer 16 is an opaque -white, light-reflective coating or layer.
Fig. 5 shows a typical laminating process whereby two io --~ollera 24, 26, typically heated-and--under pressure, are used- to transfer the reverse image--18' from the transfer medium or transfer sheet 22 onto the print ready upper surface or layer 16 of the perforated plastic panel 1D.-This is done by feeding the transfer -medium 22 and is perforated plastic panel 10 into- the rollers -24,_ 26 such that the reverse image 18'_ of. the transfer medium 22 faces the print ready upper-layer or-surf-ace l6,of the perforated plastic panel 10. The transfer medium 22 and perforated plastic panel 10-are then.rolled through the heated pressure ao rollers in-the manner as shown. This causes the reverse image 18' to be transferred as a permanent image 18 in a desired readable orientation -onto only the solid bar portions of the upper surface or layer 16 of the perforated plastic panel 10. Those portions of the reverse image 18 2s which overlie the through-holes 2D-- during the laminating process will remain on the transfer medium 22 and-will-not penetrate into or through the- through-holes of the perforated-plastic panel 10_ -Fig. 6 shows a cross-section view of the one-way vision 3o image display panel 1D. upon completion of the lamination process wherein the image or image- layer 18 has been auccessfully transferred to the- light-reflective layer or coating 16 without- bleeding into or otherwise penetrating the through-holes 20.
Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view through the one way vision-display panel-10 of Fig. 6 shown in use as an s exterior mount panel wherein the light-absorbing-layer 14 is disposed-adjacent the exterior surface of the window 12_ An adhesive (not shown) may be used to secure the solid bar portion of the light-absorbing layer. 14 to the exterior-aurface of the window 12. Alternatively, the panel 10 may io comprise static cling material, such as for. example, static clirig PVC film, or may comprise self-adhesive PVC film for adhearing to the window 12.
In the exterior mount panel 1O shown in Fig. 7, the image contained in the image layer-18 is clearly seen when is viewing the panel 10 in the direction from left (exterior) to right (interior).
Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view through a second embodiment for a one-way vision display panel 30 shown in use as an-interior-mount panel wherein an image or image ao layer 34 is disposed between a clear or transparent layer 32 and a light-absorbing layer--36 which,- as before, is prefsrrably black in color.- .Sn.this embodiment, the clear layer 32 is secured to the inside or interior surface of the window 12.
2s The method steps for transferring an image onto an-interior mount panel 30-as shown in Fig. 8 are as follows.
First, an image is formed onto a transfer medium using the electrostatic printing process as desribed above. For-example, the transfer medium may comprises paper sheet ao material treated with a toner receptive coating- In this case, the orientation ofthe image to be formed on the transfer-medium is not a reverse image but rather is the -R'O 96/06745 _ ~, ~ . PCTlU595111146 desired trueor correct image orientation that a vewer will see when viewing the completed interior. mount display panel 30. _-Next, a clear or transparent perforated-membrane (i.e.
s clear layer 32) is prepared.
The true image printed onthe- transfer medium is then transferred as a reverse image- layer 34 -onto a surface of the clear or-transparent perforated membrane (layer 32) by the heat and pressure-lamination step described above in io- connection with Fig. 5.
The final step involves applying a dark, light-absorbing coating or layer-36-ontothe exposed surface of_-the. image layer 34. One way for applying the dark or light-absorbing -' coating would be by image transfer via the electrostatic ink is deposition and lamination~tepa outlined above. Using this technique ensures that substantialy no ink-from either the light-reflective image layer or the ,light-absorbing layer will penetrate into the holes of--bhe perforated membrane material.
so However, it is found that the presence ofblack or-similar light-absorbing ink in the holes of the perforated does not substantially effect the through vision properties of the display panel- Accordingly, the light-absorbing layer may be applied via a conventional liquid ink transfer as process, such as by silk screen or similar litho process.
While I have illustrated and-described the -preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that these- are capable of variation and modification- For example, while the electrostatic image transfer-process of 3o the present invention has been described by way of a example of a specific application to a perforated plastic sheet material, it is understood that- the principles of the R'O 96/06745 . PCTlUS95111146 -' _l4-present invention-are also,applicable forapplying images to display panels constructed from other, types of perforated membrane materials including, but not limited to, perforated metal sheet, light and medium weight fabrics, etc.- Further, s while in the specific case of perforated plastic sheet material, both heat and pressure are desired for-effecting a good image transfer, it is understood that either heat and/or pressure alone may be sufficient to effect adequate image transfer ~f a reverse image from the transfer medium io onto the perforated membrane material depending upon the specific choice of perforated membrane material which is selected for use in the-construction of the one-way vision display panel.
I therefore --da -not wish - to be limited to the precise is details set forth, but desire to avail ourselves of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.
WO 96/06745 PCfIUS95111146 . . , ., -1ø- i present invention are also applicable for applying images to display panels constructed from other types of perforated membrane materials including, but-not limited to, perforated metal sheet, light and medium weight fabrics, etc. Further, s while in the specific case of perforated plastic sheet material, both heat and pressure-are desired foreffecting a good image transfer, it is understood that either heat and/or=pressure alone may be sufficient to effect adequate image transfer ~f a reverse image from the transfer medium io onto the perforated membrane material depending upon the specific- choice -of perforated membrane material which is selected for use in the-construction of-the one-way vision display panel.
I therefore do -not wish to be .limited to the precise is details set forth, but desire to avail ourselves of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.
Claims (18)
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. ~A method of producing an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction, said method for substantially eliminating a corona effect of the image when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the second, through-viewing direction, comprising the steps of:
a) ~electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated membrane;
b) ~preparing a membrane having an opaque light reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface, and wherein the membrane is perforated, being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions; and c) ~using pressure to transfer the reverse image from the transfer medium as a desired correctly -16-~
oriented image onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
a) ~electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated membrane;
b) ~preparing a membrane having an opaque light reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface, and wherein the membrane is perforated, being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions; and c) ~using pressure to transfer the reverse image from the transfer medium as a desired correctly -16-~
oriented image onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
2. ~The method of claim 1 wherein the step of electrostatically transferring ink includes using powdered ink.
3. ~The method of claim 2 wherein:
a) the perforated membrane comprises plastic sheet material; and b) the step of using pressure to transfer the reverse image includes using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
a) the perforated membrane comprises plastic sheet material; and b) the step of using pressure to transfer the reverse image includes using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
4. ~The method of claim 3 wherein the transfer medium comprises paper sheet material.
5. ~The method of claim 1 wherein the step of electrostatically transferring ink includes using liquid ink.
6. ~The method of claim 5 wherein:
a) ~the perforated membrane comprises plastic sheet material; and b) ~the step of using pressure to transfer the reverse image includes using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
a) ~the perforated membrane comprises plastic sheet material; and b) ~the step of using pressure to transfer the reverse image includes using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
7. ~The method of claim 6 wherein the transfer medium comprises paper sheet material.
8. ~A method of applying an image onto a surface of a one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated plastic membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface and whereby the image is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated plastic membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction, said method for substantially eliminating a corona effect of the image when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the second, through-viewing direction, comprising the steps of:
a) electrostatically transferring toner onto a~
transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated plastic membrane;
b) preparing a plastic membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light absorbing surface, and wherein the plastic membrane is perforated, being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions; and c) using heat and pressure to transfer the reverse image from the transfer medium as a desired correctly oriented image onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated plastic membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
a) electrostatically transferring toner onto a~
transfer medium as a reverse image for temporarily holding the reverse image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated plastic membrane;
b) preparing a plastic membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light absorbing surface, and wherein the plastic membrane is perforated, being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions; and c) using heat and pressure to transfer the reverse image from the transfer medium as a desired correctly oriented image onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated plastic membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the correctly oriented image is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the transfer medium comprises paper sheet material.
10. A method of producing an interior mount one-way vision display panel of the type which is constructed as a perforated transparent membrane including a light-reflective image layer and a light-absorbing layer and whereby the image layer is clearly visible when viewing the display panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the display panel from a second, through-viewing direction opposite said one direction, said method for substantially eliminating a corona effect of the image layer when the one-way vision display panel is viewed in the second through-viewing direction, comprising the steps of:
a) electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as an image for temporarily holding the image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated transparent membrane;
b) preparing a perforated transparent membrane having a first side surface for mounting to an interior surface of a window and a second side surface for receiving an image layer, said perforated transparent membrane being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions; and c) using pressure to transfer the image from the transfer medium as a reverse image layer onto only solid bar portions of the second side surface of the perforated transparent membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes of the perforated transparent membrane;
d) applying a light-absorbing layer over the exposed side surface of the reverse image layer such that:
i) when the first side surface of the transparent perforated membrane is mounted on an interior surface of a window, the reverse image layer appears as a desired oriented image when looking at the window from a position outside the window; and ii) ~the reverse image layer is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in a through-viewing direction from a position inside the window.
a) electrostatically transferring ink onto a transfer medium as an image for temporarily holding the image for later transfer to a surface of a perforated transparent membrane;
b) preparing a perforated transparent membrane having a first side surface for mounting to an interior surface of a window and a second side surface for receiving an image layer, said perforated transparent membrane being defined by a plurality of spaced through-holes separated by solid bar portions; and c) using pressure to transfer the image from the transfer medium as a reverse image layer onto only solid bar portions of the second side surface of the perforated transparent membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes of the perforated transparent membrane;
d) applying a light-absorbing layer over the exposed side surface of the reverse image layer such that:
i) when the first side surface of the transparent perforated membrane is mounted on an interior surface of a window, the reverse image layer appears as a desired oriented image when looking at the window from a position outside the window; and ii) ~the reverse image layer is substantially undetectable when looking at the one-way vision display panel in a through-viewing direction from a position inside the window.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of electrostatically transferring ink includes using powdered ink.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein:
a) the perforated transparent membrane comprises plastic sheet material; and b) the step of using pressure to transfer the image includes using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
a) the perforated transparent membrane comprises plastic sheet material; and b) the step of using pressure to transfer the image includes using heat to fuse the reverse image onto the solid bar portions of the perforated plastic sheet material.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the transfer medium comprises paper sheet material.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of applying a light-absorbing layer includes printing via a liquid ink process.
15. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of applying a light-absorbing layer includes the steps of:
a) electrostatically depositing ink of a light-absorbing color onto a second transfer medium;
and b) using heat and pressure to transfer the ink deposited on the second transfer medium onto the exposed solid bar portions of the reverse image layer.
a) electrostatically depositing ink of a light-absorbing color onto a second transfer medium;
and b) using heat and pressure to transfer the ink deposited on the second transfer medium onto the exposed solid bar portions of the reverse image layer.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the transfer medium comprises paper sheet material.
17. A one-way vision display panel comprising a perforated membrane with an image produced thereon, the perforated membrane including a plurality of through holes and a plurality of solid bar portions and the image being oriented only on the plurality of solid bar portions of an opaque light reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer onto or through the plurality of through holes of the membrane, the one-way vision display panel produced by the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. A one-way vision display panel comprising a perforated membrane having an opaque light-reflective surface and a light-absorbing surface, an image transferred from a transfer medium onto only solid bar portions of the opaque light-reflective surface of the perforated membrane without any substantial image transfer into or through the through-holes such that the image is clearly visible on the opaque light-reflective surface when viewing the panel from one direction and wherein the perforated membrane permits substantially unobstructed through-viewing when viewing the panel from a second, through-viewing, direction opposite said one direction, and wherein the image is substantially undetectable when looking at the panel in the second, through-viewing direction.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/299,500 | 1994-09-01 | ||
| US08/299,500 US5525177A (en) | 1994-09-01 | 1994-09-01 | Image transfer method for one way vision display panel |
| PCT/US1995/011146 WO1996006745A1 (en) | 1994-09-01 | 1995-09-01 | Image transfer method for one-way vision display panel |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2197092A1 CA2197092A1 (en) | 1996-03-07 |
| CA2197092C true CA2197092C (en) | 2007-01-16 |
Family
ID=23155079
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002197092A Expired - Fee Related CA2197092C (en) | 1994-09-01 | 1995-09-01 | Image transfer method for one-way vision display panel |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5525177A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0778802B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10505018A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE215455T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU698329B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2197092C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69526231T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0778802T3 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ293747A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996006745A1 (en) |
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- 1994-09-01 US US08/299,500 patent/US5525177A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1995
- 1995-09-01 DK DK95933726T patent/DK0778802T3/en active
- 1995-09-01 AU AU36263/95A patent/AU698329B2/en not_active Expired
- 1995-09-01 WO PCT/US1995/011146 patent/WO1996006745A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1995-09-01 EP EP95933726A patent/EP0778802B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-09-01 JP JP8508982A patent/JPH10505018A/en active Pending
- 1995-09-01 DE DE69526231T patent/DE69526231T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-09-01 AT AT95933726T patent/ATE215455T1/en active
- 1995-09-01 NZ NZ293747A patent/NZ293747A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1995-09-01 CA CA002197092A patent/CA2197092C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
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|---|---|
| DE69526231T2 (en) | 2002-10-24 |
| EP0778802B1 (en) | 2002-04-03 |
| EP0778802A1 (en) | 1997-06-18 |
| JPH10505018A (en) | 1998-05-19 |
| AU3626395A (en) | 1996-03-22 |
| DK0778802T3 (en) | 2002-07-29 |
| WO1996006745A1 (en) | 1996-03-07 |
| CA2197092A1 (en) | 1996-03-07 |
| DE69526231D1 (en) | 2002-05-08 |
| EP0778802A4 (en) | 1999-01-20 |
| US5525177A (en) | 1996-06-11 |
| NZ293747A (en) | 1998-10-28 |
| AU698329B2 (en) | 1998-10-29 |
| ATE215455T1 (en) | 2002-04-15 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150901 |