Method and apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article

Abstract

Disclosed is an embosser for producing matte finish photographs from a glossy finish photograph. The embosser receives a sheet of glossy prints as generated by an inkjet printer with a clear laminate over the print to protect the inkjet generated photographic image. Pressure and embossing rollers biased to spaced apart positions within the embosser are selectively operable to move one against the other to create a nip through which the laminated print passes. At the option of an operator the laminated print may be allowed to pass between the spaced apart rollers undisturbed thereby generating a glossy photograph. At the option of the operator the rollers are moved one against the other to create the nip so that passage of the print now results in an embossment of the lamination thereby producing a matte finish photograph. Also disclosed is a method for alternatively generating a glossy or matte finish print and a matte finished print wherein the matte finish is formed in situ.

Having described the invention in detail, what is claimed as new is:  
     
         1 . A method for producing a matte finish photographic print comprising: 
 a) providing a photographic image having a glossy finish surface;    b) laminating a clear protecting laminate having smooth surfaces to the glossy finish surface to produce a laminated glossy finish photograph; and    c) selectively embossing a textured pattern into the clear protective laminate to produce a laminated matte finish photograph.    
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1  comprising: 
 a) passing the laminated glossy finish photograph along a path of travel extending between a pressure roller and an embossing roller having a textured surface;  
 b) maintaining a space between the pressure roller and the embossing roller to prevent engagement of the embossing roller with the laminate so as not to disturb the glossy finish of the laminated glossy finish photograph;  
 c) selectively closing the pressure roller and the embossing roller one against the other so as to create a nip; and  
 d) passing the laminated glossy finish photograph through the nip to emboss a texture in the laminate and create a laminated matte finish photograph.  
 
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 2  comprising: 
 a) maintaining a space between the pressure roller and the embossing roller with a bias means urging the pressure roller in a direction away from the embossing roller; and  
 b) selectively moving the pressure roller against the bias and towards the embossing roller to create the nip between the pressure roller and the embossing roller.  
 
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 1  comprising providing the embossing roller with a textured surface having surface features at least 0.1 inches high.  
     
     
         5 . A method as in  claim 1  comprising heating the embossing roller.  
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 1  comprising maintaining the space between the pressure roller and the embossing roller to provide a photograph having a glossy finish that generates between 60 and 70 on a 20° reflectivity scale and selectively closing the pressure roller and the embossing roller one against the other to provide a photograph having a matte finish that generates values below about 40 on a 20° reflectivity scale.  
     
     
         7 . A matte finish photograph comprising: 
 a) a first layer comprising a sheet of photographic paper having a glossy finish surface and a printed image on the glossy finish surface to provide a glossy finish photograph;    b) a second layer comprising a clear protective laminate applied to and extending over the printed image; and    c) the laminate having a textured outer surface and the textured surface being formed in situ to provide the glossy finish photograph with a matte finish appearance.    
     
     
         8 . A matte finish photograph as in  claim 7  wherein the matte finish generates values below about 40 on a 20° reflectivity scale.  
     
     
         9 . A matte finish photograph as in  claim 7  wherein the glossy finish photograph generates values of between 60 and 70 on a 20° reflectivity scale and the matte finish formed in situ generates values of below about 40 on a 20° reflectivity scale.