Process for producing holographic material

Abstract

Processes for producing a holographic material wherein the holographic image is formed on a polished surface of a printing element and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate are disclosed. A coating is applied to the polished surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is engraved to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A continuous process for applying a holographic image to a substrate to produce a holographic material, the continuous process comprising: 
 providing a printing element having a polished surface;    applying a coating capable of receiving a holographic image to the polished surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface;    engraving the coated surface to provide a holographic image thereon, the holographic image having a first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface of the holographic image is disposed substantially adjacent the polished surface of the printing element;    applying a bonding material to the first surface of the holographic image; and    disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface of the holographic image containing the bonding material so as to bondingly connect the holographic image to the substrate, thereby producing the holographic material and thus removing the holographic material from the polished surface of the printing element.    
     
     
         2 . The continuous process of  claim 1  wherein, in the step of providing a printing element, the printing element is selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical drum and a roller.  
     
     
         3 . The continuous process of  claim 2  wherein, in the step of providing a printing element, the printing element is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.  
     
     
         4 . The continuous process of  claim 2  wherein, in the step of providing a printing element, the polished surface of the printing element is resilient.  
     
     
         5 . The continuous process of  claim 2  wherein, in the step of providing a printing element, the polished surface of the printing element is non-resilient.  
     
     
         6 . The continuous process of  claim 1  wherein, in the step of applying a coating, the coating is selected from the group consisting of metallic polymeric film, non-metallic polymer film, foil, metallized lacquer, non-metallized lacquer, iridescent film, ink containing metallized glitter mixed with a lacquer, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The continuous process of  claim 1  wherein, in the step of disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface of the holographic image, the substrate is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of polymeric film, foil, paper, tissue, laminates thereof and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The continuous process of  claim 7  wherein the substrate has a substantially rough, textured surface.  
     
     
         9 . The continuous process of  claim 13  wherein the substrate has a smooth surface.  
     
     
         10 . A continuous process for applying a holographic image to a substrate to produce a holographic material, the process comprising: 
 providing a printing element having a polished surface;    applying a coating capable of receiving a holographic image to the polished surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface;    engraving the coated surface to provide an image on the coating;    applying a metallic constituent or component to the image to provide a holographic image having a first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface of the holographic image is disposed substantially adjacent the polished surface of the printing element;    applying a bonding material to the first surface of the holographic image; and    disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface of the holographic image containing the bonding material so as to bondingly connect the holographic image to the substrate, thereby producing the holographic material and thus removing the holographic material from the polished surface of the printing element.    
     
     
         11 . The continuous process of  claim 10  wherein, in the step of providing a printing element, the printing element is selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical drum and a roller.  
     
     
         12 . The continuous process of  claim 11  wherein, in the step of providing a printing element, the printing element is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.  
     
     
         13 . The continuous process of  claim 11  wherein, in the step of providing a printing element, the polished surface of the printing element is resilient.  
     
     
         14 . The continuous process of  claim 11  wherein, in the step of providing a printing element, the polished surface of the printing element is non-resilient.  
     
     
         15 . The continuous process of  claim 10  wherein, in the step of applying a coating, the coating is selected from the group consisting of polymeric film, foil, lacquer and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         16 . The continuous process of  claim 10  wherein, in the step of disposing a substrate adjacent the first surface of the holographic image, the substrate is selected from the group consisting of polymeric film, foil, paper, tissue, laminates thereof and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         17 . The continuous process of  claim 16  wherein the substrate has a substantially rough, textured surface.  
     
     
         18 . The continuous process of  claim 16  wherein the substrate has a smooth surface.