Contents Preface... xi PART A: OVERVIEW 1 Introduction... 1 1.1 Scope...1 1.2 Innovation and Patents...1 1.3 Prediction of Trends...1 1.4 Innovators...2 1.5 Comments on Presentation...3 1.5.1 Subject Classification...3 1.5.2 Year-to-year Analyses...3 1.5.3 Text Formatting...3 1.5.4 Definition of Patents...4 1.6 Disclaimers...4 2 Sources... 5 2.1 Commercial Developments...5 2.2 Patenting Authorities and Obtaining Copies of Patents...5 2.3 Approaches to Patents...5 2.4 Patent Coding...6 2.5 How Patent Searches Were Carried Out...6 2.5.1 Method 1...6 2.5.2 Method 2...6 2.5.3 Search Results...7 3 Decorative Effects on Plastics... 8 3.1 Introduction to Decorative Effects...10 3.1.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...10 3.1.2 Acoustic Effects...13 3.1.3 Colour Effects...13 3.1.4 Definition, Detail and Contrast...15 3.1.5 Gloss and Matte Effects...16 3.1.6 Interference Effects...17 3.1.7 Metallic or Reflective Effects...18 3.1.8 Olfactory Effects...19 3.1.9 Selective Coating Deposition...20 3.1.10 Surface Quality Improvement...20 3.2 Functional Properties of Inks, Coatings, Films and Substrate Materials...22 References...24 PART B: MATERIALS 4 Materials and Additives for Colour or Reflectivity Changes... 25 4.1 Background...25 4.2 Recent Commercial Developments...25 4.2.1 Colour Change Materials...25 i
4.2.2 General Subjects...25 4.2.3 Laser Additives...26 4.3 Patent Trends...26 4.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...26 4.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...28 4.3.3 Principal Trends...28 4.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...28 4.4.1 Colour Effects...28 4.4.2 Definition, Detail and Contrast...30 4.4.3 Metallic or Reflective Effects...32 References...32 5 Materials for Effects and Other Special Colours... 33 5.1 Background...33 5.2 Recent Commercial Developments...33 5.3 Patent Trends...35 5.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...35 5.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...36 5.3.3 Principal Trends...36 5.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...36 5.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...36 5.4.2 Colour Effects...36 5.4.3 Interference and Refraction Effects...36 5.4.4 Metallic or Reflective Effects...39 5.4.5 Surface Quality Improvement...41 References...42 6 Films, Foils and Labels... 43 6.1 Background...43 6.2 Recent Commercial Developments...44 6.2.1 In-mould Films...44 6.2.2 Labels and Sleeves...45 6.2.3 Smart Labels...45 6.2.4 Transfer Foils...46 6.3 Patent Trends...46 6.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...46 6.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...47 6.3.3 Principal Trends...47 6.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...47 6.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...47 6.4.2 Definition, Detail and Contrast...49 6.4.3 Gloss and Matte Effects...50 6.4.4 Interference Effects...50 6.4.5 Metallic or Reflective Effects...51 6.4.6 Olfactory Effects...51 6.4.7 Surface Quality Improvement...52 References...53 7 Inks, Paints, Coatings (Excluding Colour Change or Effect Materials)... 56 7.1 Background...56 ii
7.2 Recent Commercial Developments...58 7.2.1 Three-dimensional Tactile and Depth Effects...58 7.2.2 Olfactory Effects...58 7.2.3 Surface Quality Improvement...58 7.3 Patent Trends...58 7.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...58 7.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...59 7.3.3 Principal Trends...60 7.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...60 7.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...60 7.4.2 Acoustic Effects...61 7.4.3 Colour Effects...61 7.4.4 Definition, Detail and Contrast...61 7.4.5 Gloss and Matte Effects...61 7.4.6 Olfactory Effects...62 7.4.7 Surface Quality Improvement...62 References...64 8 Substrate Polymer Resins, Blends and Additives... 66 8.1 Background...66 8.2 Recent Commercial Developments...66 8.2.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...66 8.2.2 Acoustic Effects...67 8.2.3 Olfactory Effects...67 8.2.4 Surface Improvement...67 8.3 Patent Trends...67 8.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...67 8.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...68 8.3.3 Principal Trends...68 8.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...68 8.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...68 8.4.2 Acoustic Effects...70 8.4.3 Gloss and Matte Effects...70 8.4.4 Olfactory Effects...70 8.4.5 Surface Quality Improvement...70 References...72 PART C: IN-MOULD PROCESSES 9 Coloration, Co-injection, Multilayer Moulding and Multiple Material Moulding... 75 9.1 Background...75 9.2 Recent Commercial Developments...76 9.2.1 Colouring Processes...76 9.2.2 Processing...76 9.3 Patent Trends...77 9.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...77 9.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...78 9.3.3 Principal Trends...78 9.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...78 iii
9.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...78 9.4.2 Colour Effects...79 9.4.3 Metallic or Reflective Effects...80 9.4.4 Surface Quality Improvement...80 References...81 10 In-mould Coating and On-mould Painting... 83 10.1 Background...83 10.2 Recent Commercial Developments...83 10.3 Patent Trends...84 10.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...84 10.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...84 10.3.3 Principal Trends...84 10.4 List of Patent Literature 2011-2103...84 10.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects In-mould Coating...85 10.4.2 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects On-mould Painting...85 10.4.3 Surface Quality Improvement...86 References...86 11 In-mould Film Techniques... 87 11.1 Background...87 11.2 Recent Commercial Developments...88 11.2.1 In-mould Film Processes...88 11.2.2 In-mould Labelling...88 11.3 Patent Trends...89 11.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...89 11.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...90 11.3.3 Principal Trends...90 11.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...90 11.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...90 11.4.2 Definition, Detail and Contrast...95 11.4.3 Gloss and Matte Effects...95 11.4.4 Metallic or Reflective Effects...95 11.4.5 Surface Quality Improvement...96 References...98 12 In-mould Printing, Marking, or Use of Engraved Cavities... 100 12.1 Background...100 12.2 Recent Commercial Developments...100 12.3 Patent Trends...100 12.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...100 12.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...101 12.3.3 Principal Trends...101 12.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...101 12.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...101 12.4.2 Colour Effects...102 12.4.3 Gloss and Matte Effects...102 12.4.4 Interference Effects...102 References...103 iv
13 In-mould Surface Improvement... 104 13.1 Background...104 13.2 Recent Commercial Developments...105 13.2.1 Cooling Improvements...105 13.2.2 Other Surface Improvement Process Techniques...105 13.2.3 Rapid Heat Cycle Moulding Techniques...106 13.2.4 Tool Surface Polishing and Treatment...106 13.3 Patent Trends...106 13.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...106 13.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...107 13.3.3 Principal Trends...107 13.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...107 13.4.1 Surface Quality Improvement...107 References...110 Part D: Stand-alone or In-line Processes 14 Atmospheric Plasma Deposition or Thermal Spray... 113 14.1 Background...113 14.2 Recent Commercial Developments...114 14.3 Patent Trends...114 14.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...114 14.3.2 Principal Trends...114 14.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...114 14.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...114 14.4.2 Colour Effects...115 14.4.3 Metallic or Reflective Effects...115 References...115 15 Dry Offset and Flexographic Printing... 116 15.1 Background...116 15.2 Recent Commercial Developments...117 15.3 Patent Trends...117 15.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...117 15.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...118 15.3.3 Principal Trends...118 15.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...118 15.4.1 Definition, Detail and Contrast...118 15.4.2 Surface Quality Improvement...119 References...119 16 Embossing... 121 16.1 Background...121 16.2 Recent Commercial Developments...121 16.3 Patent Trends...121 16.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...121 16.3.2 Principal Trends...122 16.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...122 v
16.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...122 16.4.2 Gloss and Matte Effects...122 17 Flocking... 124 17.1 Background...124 17.2 Recent Commercial Developments...125 17.3 Patent Trends...125 17.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...125 17.4.1 Selective Coating Deposition...125 References...125 18 Foil Transfer Processes... 126 18.1 Background...126 18.2 Recent Commercial Developments...129 18.3 Patent Trends...130 18.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...130 18.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...131 18.3.3 Principal Trends...131 18.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...131 18.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...131 18.4.2 Definition, Detail and Contrast...131 18.4.3 Metallic Effects...131 18.4.4 Surface Quality Improvement...131 References...132 19 Inkjet and Droplet Printing... 133 19.1 Background...133 19.2 Recent Commercial Developments...137 19.2.1 Conveyor/Single Pass Machines...137 19.2.2 Flatbed Machines...137 19.2.3 Inks and Effects...137 19.2.4 Machines for Three-dimensional Objects...137 19.2.5 Printing Heads...138 19.2.6 Products...138 19.3 Patent Trends...138 19.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...138 19.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...138 19.3.3 Principal Trends...139 19.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...139 19.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...139 19.4.2 Definition, Detail and Contrast...140 19.4.3 Gloss and Matte Effects...140 19.4.4 Metallic or Reflective Effects...141 19.4.5 Surface Quality Improvement...141 References...142 20 Labelling, Sleeving and Form Over Part... 145 20.1 Background...145 20.2 Recent Commercial Developments...146 vi
20.3 Patent Trends...146 20.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...146 20.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...147 20.3.3 Principal Trends...147 20.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...147 20.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...147 20.4.2 Interference Effects...147 20.4.3 Metallic and Reflective Effects...147 20.4.4 Surface Quality Improvement...148 References...148 21 Laser and Irradiative Marking, Engraving or Transfer... 149 21.1 Background...149 21.2 Recent Commercial Developments...151 21.3 Patent Trends...152 21.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...152 21.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...153 21.3.3 Principal Trends...153 21.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...153 21.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...153 21.4.2 Colour Effects...153 21.4.3 Definition, Detail and Contrast...154 21.4.4 Gloss and Matte Effects...155 21.4.5 Metallic or Reflective Effects...155 21.4.6 Olfactory Effects...155 21.4.7 Surface Quality Improvement...155 References...156 22 Liquid Coating Techniques... 157 22.1 Background...157 22.2 Recent Commercial Developments...161 22.2.1 Materials...161 22.2.2 Miscellaneous...161 22.2.3 Processes...162 22.2.4 Spray Booths...162 22.2.5 Spray and Coating Feed Equipment...162 22.3 Patent Trends...162 22.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...162 22.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...164 22.3.3 Principal Trends...164 22.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...164 22.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...164 22.4.2 Colour Effects...164 22.4.3 Gloss and Matte Effects...165 22.4.4 Metallic or Reflective Effects...165 22.4.5 Selective Coating Deposition...166 22.4.6 Surface Quality Improvement...166 References...168 23 Pad Printing... 170 vii
23.1 Background...170 23.2 Recent Commercial Developments...171 23.3 Patent Trends...171 23.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...172 23.4.1 Definition, Detail and Contrast...172 23.4.2 Surface Improvement...172 References...172 24 Pigment Orientation Techniques... 174 24.1 Background...174 24.2 Recent Commercial Developments...174 24.3 Patent Trends...174 24.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...174 24.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...175 24.3.3 Principal Trends...175 24.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...175 24.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...175 24.4.2 Colour Effects...176 References...176 25 Plating, Electroplating and Chemical Deposition... 177 25.1 Background...177 25.2 Recent Commercial Developments...179 25.3 Patent Trends...180 25.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...180 25.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...180 25.3.3 Principal Trends...181 25.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...181 25.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...181 25.4.2 Colour Effects...181 25.4.3 Gloss and Matte Effects...181 25.4.4 Metallic or Reflective Effects...181 25.4.5 Selective Coating Deposition...182 References...184 26 Powder or Particulate Coating... 185 26.1 Background...185 26.2 Recent Commercial Developments...185 26.3 Patent Trends...186 26.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...186 26.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...186 26.3.3 Principal Trends...186 26.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...186 26.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...186 26.4.2 Metallic and Reflective Effects...186 26.4.3 Selective Coating Deposition...187 26.4.4 Surface Quality Improvement...187 References...187 viii
27 Screen Printing... 188 27.1 Background...188 27.2 Recent Commercial Developments...190 27.2.1 Artwork and Screen-making...190 27.2.2 Equipment for Moulded Substrates...190 27.2.3 Effects...191 27.3 Patent Trends...191 27.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...191 27.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...192 27.3.3 Principal Trends...192 27.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...192 27.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...192 27.4.2 Definition, Detail and Contrast...192 27.4.3 Metallic or Reflective Effects...192 27.4.4 Olfactory Effects...192 References...192 28 Sublimation Printing, and Dye Infusion... 194 28.1 Background...194 28.2 Recent Commercial Developments...195 28.3 Patent Trends...195 28.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...196 28.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...196 28.4.2 Colour Effects...196 28.4.3 Selective Coating Deposition...196 References...196 29 Vacuum Deposition... 197 29.1 Background...197 29.2 Recent Commercial Developments in Decorative Deposition...200 29.3 Patent Trends...201 29.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...201 29.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...203 29.3.3 Principal Trends...203 29.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...203 29.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...203 29.4.2 Colour Effects...203 29.4.3 Gloss and Matte Effects...204 29.4.4 Interference Effects...204 29.4.5 Metallic or Reflective Effects...204 29.4.6 Selective Coating Deposition...205 29.4.7 Surface Quality Improvement...206 References...206 30 Water Transfer Printing... 208 30.1 Background...208 30.2 Recent Commercial Developments...208 30.3 Patent Trends...208 ix
30.3.1 Subjects, Ranking and Innovators...208 30.3.2 Items of Particular Interest...209 30.3.3 Principal Trends...209 30.4 Listed Patent Literature 2011-2103...209 30.4.1 Three-dimensional, Tactile and Depth Effects...209 30.4.2 Gloss and Matte Effects...209 30.4.3 Metallic or Reflective Effects...210 30.4.4 Surface Quality Improvement...210 References...210 Abbreviations... 211 Index... 213 x