Decorated laminate

Abstract

A laminate comprising a printed layer, a transparent thermoplastic polyurethane layer and a layer forming a substrate of a thermoplastic material is disclosed. The laminate that is characterized in that the printed layer is interposed between the layer forming a substrate and the polyurethane layer is suitable for the preparation of a variety of articles.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A laminate comprising a printed layer, a transparent thermoplastic polyurethane layer and a layer forming a substrate of a thermoplastic material wherein the printed layer is interposed between the layer forming a substrate and the polyurethane layer.  
     
     
         2 . The laminate according to  claim 1  wherein the printed layer contains a high-temperature resistant colored ink.  
     
     
         3 . The laminate according to  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic material is at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, polyolefin, styrene copolymer, polyphenylene oxide, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, PSO and PEEK.  
     
     
         4 . The laminate according to  claim 1  wherein the transparent thermoplastic polyurethane layer has a softening temperature (according to Kofler) of 140 to 180° C., a Shore A hardness of 50 to 95, and thickness of at least 0.025 mm.  
     
     
         5 . The laminate according to  claim 1  further containing an intermediate layer of thermoplastic material interposed between said substrate and said printed layer, said intermediate layer comprising material that differs from the material of said substrate.  
     
     
         6 . The laminate according to  claim 1  wherein the printed layer has a thickness of 3 to 50 μm.  
     
     
         7 . The laminate according to  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic material is transparent.  
     
     
         8 . The laminate according to  claim 1  wherein the substrate forms the cover layer in respect to the surroundings.  
     
     
         9 . A method of using the laminate of  claim 1  comprising producing an article of manufacture.