Stock material or miscellaneous articles – Surface property or characteristic of web – sheet or block
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-25
2001-10-30
Hess, Bruce H. (Department: 1774)
Stock material or miscellaneous articles
Surface property or characteristic of web, sheet or block
C428S219000, C428S343000, C428S195100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309750
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to adherent notes such as those commonly known as “post-its”. More specifically, the invention concerns adherent plastic notes employing a treated, coated plastic film.
U.S. Ser. No. 09/065,918, titled “Coated Plastic Receipt” and filed Apr. 24, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The use of adhesive paper notes such as “post-its” has become widespread in recent years. These notes employ adhesive glue which allows them to adhere to a variety of surfaces such as PC screens, telephones, walls, mirrors, windows, whiteboards, books, etc. While such adhesive notes are widely used, there are nonetheless problems encountered in their use. One problem is that the adhesive may lose its effect over time, allowing the notes to fall or minimizing their reusability.
This may occur, for example, due to temperature changes or contact with moisture, restricting the notes'use. Outdoor use of such adhesive notes can be very limited.
Another issue is the considerable manufacturing cost associated with the adhesive component of such notes. Also, since all versions of such notes contain some type of adhesive glue, product differentiation is limited to the marketing of relatively minor design and aesthetic differences between notes provided by the different suppliers.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide improved notes which are adherent to a wide range of surfaces, but which do not require an adhesive glue, so that they are more cost-efficient to manufacture.
It is another object to provide a re-usable note with a lengthened life cycle.
It is another object to provide a more durable note which is readily useable outdoors and/or in moist or wet conditions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an adherent note which may provided in several different forms, such as being transparent, translucent, or in a range of colors, both for improved usability and so that it may be more easily differentiated from existing adhesive notes.
DEFINITION OF CLAIM TERMS
The following terms are used in the claims of the patent as filed and are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.
“Plastic” means any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be molded, cast, extruded, drawn or laminated into a film, including blends of plastic with other materials or additives consistent with and suitable for use with the adherent notes of the present invention.
“Relatively smear-proof” refers to printed indicia applied to the surface of a note which are sufficiently smudge-proof and smear-proof so as to not substantially impair the consumer's ability to use and read the printed indicia on the note.
“Adherence mechanism” means any feature, medium, technique or material which may be used to cause the plastic note of the present invention to adhere to a surface, including static electricity, adhesive glue, or other mechanisms.
“Printed indicia” means information provided in at least handwritten, printed or colored form, such as by using writing instruments like pens, pencils, highlighters or markers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are solved by the present invention, which overcomes disadvantages of prior art adhesive paper notes, while providing new advantages not previously obtainable with such adhesive notes.
In one preferred embodiment, an adherent plastic note capable of accepting printed indicia is provided. The adherent plastic note includes at least one layer of a plastic film treated on at least one side of the plastic film so as to tension a surface of the film. An absorbent coating capable of receiving relatively smear-proof printed indicia is then applied to the at least one treated side of the at least one layer of the plastic film. The plastic note is also provided with an adherence mechanism, such as static electricity or adhesives such as adhesive glue, that renders the note capable of being adhered to various surfaces.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the film/film coefficient of friction (CF) level of the plastic note is between about 0.4 and 0.7; the coating is applied to the treated side of the at least one layer of the plastic film within a range of about 2-4 g/m
2
; and the treatment level for the plastic film surface is about equal to or greater than 38 dyne/cm.
The coating may either be solvent-based or water-based. If solvent-based, a nitrocellulose bonding system may be used. If water-based, a suitable acrylic binder may be used.
The plastic film may be transparent. The film or the coated may also be colored using white and/or color pigments.
A method for manufacturing the adherent plastic notes of the present invention also forms part of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of this method, at least one layer of a plastic film is provided, and at least one side of the film is treated so as to tension a surface of the film. An absorbent coating is applied to the at least one treated side of the at least one layer of the plastic film, so that relatively smear-proof printed indicia may be applied to the coating. An adherence mechanism, such as charging the plastic note with static electricity or applying an adhesive such as adhesive glue, may now be imparted or provided to the plastic note which renders the note capable of being adhered to various surfaces.
In another preferred method embodiment of the present invention, both sides of the plastic film may be treated to tension both opposing film surfaces, and then one treated side may then be coated with an absorbent coating permitting the application of relatively smear-proof printed indicia. Information such as advertising information may be provided to the treated, uncoated film side.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided for holding and dispensing the adherent plastic notes. A holder, such as a flat pad which may have metal and rubber sections or layers, may be used to support a notepad of the plastic notes, for example. A mechanism such as a metal weight, weighted roller, or a spring-loaded part, may be used to retain the notes in an initial position, and to create resistance when removing the notes from the holder so as to induce a static charge in the note. The notes may be repeatedly used by re-charging them.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4885352 (1989-12-01), Erickson
patent: 5186499 (1993-02-01), Mason
patent: 5776604 (1998-07-01), Lu et al.
patent: 197 44 609 A1 (1999-04-01), None
International Search Report, Mar. 15, 2001, International Application No. PCT/IB00/01723.
Hess Bruce H.
Niro Scavone Haller & Niro
Shewareged B.
Supernotes AS
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