Method for providing a decorative cover formed of holographic material

Abstract

Processes for producing a holographic material involve producing the holographic image on a polished, substantially smooth surface and then transferring the holographic image to a substrate. A metallic coating is applied to a smooth surface of a printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is 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 method for providing a decorative cover for a floral grouping comprising the steps of: 
 providing a holographic material produced by a process for applying a holographic image to a substrate, the process comprising the steps of: 
 providing a printing element having a polished surface;  
 applying a metalized coating capable of receiving a holographic image to the polished surface of the printing element to provide a metalized coated surface;  
 embossing the metalized 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;  
 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 a holographic material; and  
 removing the holographic material from the polished surface of the printing element;  
   providing a floral grouping; and    wrapping the holographic material about the floral grouping to provide the decorative cover.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein in the step of providing a holographic material, the printing element is selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical drum, a roller, a flat plate and a platen press.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the printing element is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of chrome, stainless steel and tool steel.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the surface of the printing element is resilient or non-resilient.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein in the step of providing a holographic material, the coating applied to the smooth surface of the printing element is selected from the group consisting of metallic polymeric film, metallic non-polymeric film, foil, metalized lacquer and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein in the step of providing a holographic material, the substrate is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of polymeric film, non-polymeric film, foil, paper, tissue and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The method of claim  36  wherein the substrate has a substantially rough, textured surface or a substantially smooth surface.