Decorative flocking techniques

Details Decorative flocking techniques Decorative flocking techniques

1998-11-02

2001-04-10

Ball, Michael W. (Department: 1733)

Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture

Methods

Surface bonding and/or assembly therefor

C156S082000, C156S279000, C427S206000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06214141

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to flocking, fiber-coatings and the like and, in particular, to methods of applying and modifying flocked surfaces to achieve a decorative effect, particularly with respect to toys such as dolls and other applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flocking has been used for a surprisingly long time to give surfaces a velvet-like texture and appearance. The techniques dates back several decades, and has been used for many years in conjunction with selective application on wallpaper and other surfaces.
Typically, an area to be flocked is coated with an adhesive or glue, and the flocking particles, usually in the form of small elongated fibers, are blown onto the surface, where they become attached. When the glue dries, depending upon the length and composition of the fibers, a soft or fuzzy texture and/or appearance will be result.
Modernly, flocked surfaces are used in a wide variety of applications, including compartment linings in automobiles and other vehicles, where the affect is not only attractive, but also minimizes vibrational noise due to rattling of compartment contents. It is typical, for example, to use flocking in between-seat consoles, and the like, where cassettes tapes and CDs are stored. Flockings are also commonly added to textile substrates for use in clothing, upholstery covers, and packaging.
Other applications of the process have been more limited, since the usual steps to achieve a velvet-like touch and appearance are only suitable to certain types of uses. With respect to toys such as dolls, for example, flocking has been used to simulate hair, but due to limitations in the process, has been relegated to a short, fuzzy presentation, which is predictable if not unappealing. The need remains, therefore, for modifications to the application of flocking so as to achieve a greater range of desired visual and/or textural affects, so as to simulate the feel of natural hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention resides in a method of flocking a surface, and treating the flocking, so as to achieve a decorative effect. The various steps are suited to toys such as dolls in particular, where the treated flocking may be used to simulate different types of hair and hair styles.
Broadly, the method includes the steps of applying an adhesive to a surface to be flocked, directing a group of flocking particles onto the surface, and treating the result using alternative techniques to achieve a desired effect. In one embodiment, the particles are in the form of fibers which “ball up” upon the application of heat, and the outwardly exposed ends of the particles are flame-treated to create a kinky appearance. Nylon fibers are suitable in this case.
In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive is applied to the flocking particles attached to the surface, and additional flocking particles are applied to the adhesive-coated fibers. If the length of the additional flocking particles is substantially shorter than the length of the flocking particles of the first group, a shag-type surface appearance is realized.
According to yet a further alternative embodiment, air pressure is applied to the particles before the adhesive cures, so that the particles assume a preferred orientation with respect to the surface. Using the doll application once again, this approach achieves a laid-down hair style which is quite stable upon curing of the adhesive.
In all cases, two groups of particles having different fiber lengths are preferably directed toward and onto the surface before the adhesive cures so as to fill in gaps following the initial application. Preferably, the first group of flocking particles are electrostatically directed onto the surface, whereas the second group of flocking particles are pneumatically applied. Through the use of variable flock length, fiber type, denier and processing steps according to the invention, a wide range of natural hair styles and other effects may be simulated.


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patent: 5047103 (1991-09-01), Abrams et al.
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patent: 03288638 (1991-12-01), None

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