Image transfer onto non-planar surfaces
View Patent ↗A method for transferring an image onto a non-planar surface in which an image transfer sheet comprising a shape memory polymer or like substance is used to transfer said image.
1. A method for transferring an image onto a non-planar surface in which an image transfer sheet comprising a shape memory polymer or like substance is used to transfer said image, in which the image transfer sheet is brought into contact with the surface under a first set of predetermined conditions comprising the application of heat and the application of a force urging the image transfer sheet into contact with the surface, thereby transferring the image to the surface in which the force is applied by way of the application of a vacuum.
2. A method according to claims 1 in which the shape memory polymer or like substance is caused to resume its original shape under a second set of predetermined conditions.
3. A method according to claim 2 in which the second set of predetermined conditions comprises a reduction in the force.
4. A method according to claim 3 in which the second set of predetermined conditions comprises loss of the vacuum.
5. A method according to claim 1 in which the shape memory polymer or like substance is caused to adopt the shape of the surface under a second set of predetermined conditions.
6. A method according to claim 5 in which the second set of predetermined conditions comprises the provision of an adhesive adhering the SMP or like substance to the surface.
7. A method according to claim 6 in which the force is retained by maintaining the vacuum.
8. An image transfer system comprising:
an image transfer sheet comprising:
a shape memory polymer or like substance; and
an image containing medium; and
an image release system disposed between the shape memory polymer or like substance and image containing medium.
9. An image transfer system according to claim 8 in which the image release system comprises a silicone coating.
10. An image transfer system according to claim 9 further comprising a releasable carrier layer.
11. An image transfer system according to any of claims 8 to 9 in which the image containing medium comprises ink or toner.
12. An image transfer system according to claim 11 further comprising a releasable carrier layer.
13. An image transfer system according to claim 8 further comprising a releasable carrier layer.