Method for adhering indicia to a flexible substrate

Abstract

A method for adhering a label, lettering, ink, a tattoo, sketch, design or color (“indicia”) to a substrate comprising the steps of: providing an indicia-bearing backing paper; moistening the indicia-bearing backing paper to form a moistened indicia-bearing layer; providing an adhesive layer between the moistened indicia-bearing layer and the substrate; placing the moistened indicia-bearing layer on the adhesive layer; allowing the indicia to become separated from the backing paper, leaving the indicia upon the substrate; and drying on the substrate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for adhering a label, lettering, ink, a tattoo, sketch, design or color (“indicia”) to a substrate, the method comprising:
 providing an indicia-bearing backing paper; 
 moistening the indicia-bearing backing paper to form a moistened indicia-bearing layer; 
 providing an adhesive layer between the moistened indicia-bearing layer and the substrate; 
 placing the moistened indicia-bearing layer on the adhesive layer; 
 allowing the indicia to become separated from the backing paper, leaving the indicia upon the substrate; and 
 drying the substrate, the substrate being selected from the group consisting of a sausage-shaped foam noodle, a boogie board, a theatrical prop, a costume piece, a vest for military personnel or first responders, and moveable armor. 
 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 separating the backing paper from the indicia.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes a polyethylene foam. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the polyethylene foam embodies a swimming pool foam noodle. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the substrate is flexible and elongated and has ends, the ends being bent backwards so that the ends are juxtaposed. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive layer is activated so that it sticks to the substrate after the moistening step, the moistening step releasing the backing paper and leaving the ink and adhesive on the substrate. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the indicia have a coefficient of expansion or contraction that is compatible with that of the substrate so that expansion or contraction of the substrate will not wrinkle or otherwise cause the indicia to separate. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the indicia layer is stretched before applying it to the substrate, thereby minimizing creasing the indicia, while improving adhesion and peel-resistance between the indicia and the substrate.