EP0845707A1 - Archival photoprint laminate - Google Patents
Archival photoprint laminate Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0845707A1 EP0845707A1 EP96308578A EP96308578A EP0845707A1 EP 0845707 A1 EP0845707 A1 EP 0845707A1 EP 96308578 A EP96308578 A EP 96308578A EP 96308578 A EP96308578 A EP 96308578A EP 0845707 A1 EP0845707 A1 EP 0845707A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- laminate
- bonding material
- archival
- photoprint
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
- G03C11/00—Auxiliary processes in photography
- G03C11/08—Varnishing, e.g. application of protective layers on finished photographic prints
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
- G03C11/00—Auxiliary processes in photography
- G03C11/14—Pasting; Mounting
Definitions
- This invention relates to the extended life preservation of photographs by using coatings and laminated transparent materials. More specifically, it relates to bonding photographic materials to glass.
- U.S. Patent 4,378,392 shows a photographic preservation laminate composed of a transparent film of ultraviolet-stabilized polyurethane terephthalate or ultraviolet-stabilized acrylonitrile and a transparent silicone or acrylic adhesive bonded to the film, the laminate being adapted to be bonded to the image surface of the photograph by the adhesive.
- This reference also discloses that to provide even greater protection, an additional layer of transparent fluorocarbon polymer may be bonded to the other laminated materials with a silicone or acrylic adhesive.
- the applicant has discovered a unique combination of photographic and laminating materials which have shown surprising and unexpected results in achieving the preservation of photographic prints.
- the applicant has found that by using a dye-bleaching transparent print, laminated on both sides, using a polyurethane bonding material which includes UV inhibitors, and then fusing those three layers between opposing sheets of glass in a standard type heat-laminating process, that superior results can be achieved. While it has been known that glass is an excellent material for preventing moisture and air migration, it has been shown in the art to be detrimental to photographic prints when used alone.
- an aliphatic polyether urethane is also known not to possess the optical quality of other preferred photographic laminates, nor is it particularly effective as a moisture or gas barrier.
- the applicant was the first to discover by using the combination of polyurethane as the bonding element and glass as an additional outer laminated structure, that photographic prints of acceptable optical quality may be preserved for an extraordinarily long time without degradation.
- the use of a dye-bleaching development color film, rather than a chromogenic film, also adds to the permanence of the laminated photoprint.
- an archival photoprint laminate comprising: a photographic print processed using a dye-bleaching development system; a polyurethane bonding material applied to opposing sides of the developed print; and two glass plates applied to the polyurethane bonding material, one on each opposing side, thus creating a 5-piece bonded laminate structure.
- the polyurethane is an aliphatic polyether urethane which contains UV inhibitors.
- the developed print is ILFORD CC.F7 transparent display film developed by the Ilford CIBACHROME II development process.
- the present invention relates to archival quality color photoprints utilizing the laminated structure of a dye-bleaching developed film 5 adhered between opposing glass plates 9a and 9b using a polyurethane bonding material 7a and 7b on opposing sides of the film.
- the materials specifically used are Ilford CC.F7 photographic transparent display film processed by the Ilford CIBACHROME II development process; Morton International PE-399 polyurethane; and ordinary plate glass.
- the polyurethane is in the form of an extruded sheet interlayer which contains UV inhibitors. These elements are then laminated under heat and pressure according to the standard safety glass laminating process. The result is a mechanically-durable and environmentally stable photoprint which has acceptable optical qualities and which in tests has shown superior resistance to degradation when compared to other well-known photoprint preservation systems.
- the table shown in Figure 3 compares the present invention with Diasec PLEXIGLAS and MATAC UV film, the latter two systems being utilized with four different types of photographic materials; namely, ILFORD CC.F7 transparent display film (dye-bleach); FUJI CLEAR SFA film (chromogenic); ILFORD ICRA.F-7 film (chromogenic); and KODAK DURACLEAR film (chromogenic).
- ILFORD CC.F7 transparent display film die-bleach
- FUJI CLEAR SFA film chromogenic
- ILFORD ICRA.F-7 film chromogenic
- KODAK DURACLEAR film chromogenic
- the present invention not only provides a system for the archival storage of color photography, but may also be used as a graphic structural element in both building interior and exterior architectural applications, such as signage, wall partition systems, graphic windows, and the like.
- Other applications and uses of the present invention are unlimited and the scope of the invention should only be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
Abstract
The invention relates to the extended life preservation of photographs using a
photographic print (5) adhered between opposing glass plates (9a) and (9b)
using a polyurethane bonding material (7a,7b) on opposing sides of the print.
Description
This invention relates to the extended life preservation of photographs by using coatings
and laminated transparent materials. More specifically, it relates to bonding photographic
materials to glass.
As the field of fine color photography becomes more mature, a greater appreciation for
the loss of print quality due to environmental degradation through aging has been realized.
Various print coatings and laminating materials have been tried in an attempt to provide
protection which is effective in extending the life of photographic prints. The fading of
photographic prints is a continuously progressive process, principally caused by ultraviolet
radiation, cycling relative humidity, high temperature, atmospheric pollution, and oxidation. Print
degradation is significant in the two most common processing systems, namely, dye bleaching and
chromogenic development. Photographic degradation is particularly acute with chromogenic
development.
Various specific solutions to the problems of preserving photographic prints have been
developed to achieve a very long life or "archival" storage of photographs. These include the use
of print lacquers, plastic laminates, spray coatings, and UV-absorbing plastic filters. In his book,
entitled "The Permanence and Care of Color Photographs: Traditional and Digital Color Prints,
Color Negatives, Slides, and Motion Pictures" (Preservation Publishing Co., Grinnell, Iowa,
1993), Henry Wilhelm describes the effects of each of these preservation methods in great detail.
As this reference explains, many of the commercially-accepted techniques for extending the life of
photographic prints may actually reduce the light stability of the photographs, rather than
extending it.
Many of the large photographic companies have spent great effort testing materials and
methods for preserving their products. One such study was published by the Ilford Company of
Fribourg, Switzerland, in July of 1987, entitled "Technical Service Information 2-87". This
publication describes the various methods for best preserving their products. These tests indicate
that holding color photographs between glass plates was not effective in preserving the light
stability and that the most effective method was embedding photographic prints in a liquid plastic,
which is then cross-linked by UV or moderate heat to form a solid sheet. The embedding
materials tested were SPECTRALITE and DUROLITE polyester resins. Embedding is not a
readily available technique since special equipment and skill are required and it is only normally
performed by specialized firms. This publication also confirms that without protection, typical
photographic prints, such as the Ilford CIBACHROME II prints, only have a life expectancy in
low light, indoor conditions of from 10-15 years.
While not applicable to photography, it is also known to laminate colored inks printed on
a polyurethane interlayer between glass plates, the polyurethane being both the printing substrate
and the bonding material. This method of creating an architectural graphic glass structure is
described by the applicant in his previously issued U.S. Patent 4,968,553. It is also commonly
known to heat-seal portrait photographs between opposing sheets of plastic, such as polyvinyl
chloride (PVC). This process is used for making personal identification cards, however, it is
unacceptable because the PVC continues to harden as it ages and often cracks and yellows. Such
a process is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,768,811 issued to Oshikoshi et al.
U.S. Patent 4,378,392, issued to Segel, shows a photographic preservation laminate
composed of a transparent film of ultraviolet-stabilized polyurethane terephthalate or ultraviolet-stabilized
acrylonitrile and a transparent silicone or acrylic adhesive bonded to the film, the
laminate being adapted to be bonded to the image surface of the photograph by the adhesive.
This reference also discloses that to provide even greater protection, an additional layer of
transparent fluorocarbon polymer may be bonded to the other laminated materials with a silicone
or acrylic adhesive.
There is therefore a need in the art for a method of obtaining archival preservation of
photographic prints which is effective, readily available, and economical.
In order to meet the above-described need in the photographic arts, the applicant has
discovered a unique combination of photographic and laminating materials which have shown
surprising and unexpected results in achieving the preservation of photographic prints. The
applicant has found that by using a dye-bleaching transparent print, laminated on both sides, using
a polyurethane bonding material which includes UV inhibitors, and then fusing those three layers
between opposing sheets of glass in a standard type heat-laminating process, that superior results
can be achieved. While it has been known that glass is an excellent material for preventing
moisture and air migration, it has been shown in the art to be detrimental to photographic prints
when used alone. Similarly, an aliphatic polyether urethane is also known not to possess the
optical quality of other preferred photographic laminates, nor is it particularly effective as a
moisture or gas barrier. The applicant was the first to discover by using the combination of
polyurethane as the bonding element and glass as an additional outer laminated structure, that
photographic prints of acceptable optical quality may be preserved for an extraordinarily long time
without degradation. The use of a dye-bleaching development color film, rather than a
chromogenic film, also adds to the permanence of the laminated photoprint.
More specifically, the applicant has invented an archival photoprint laminate, comprising:
a photographic print processed using a dye-bleaching development system; a polyurethane
bonding material applied to opposing sides of the developed print; and two glass plates applied to
the polyurethane bonding material, one on each opposing side, thus creating a 5-piece bonded
laminate structure. The polyurethane is an aliphatic polyether urethane which contains UV
inhibitors. The developed print is ILFORD CC.F7 transparent display film developed by the
Ilford CIBACHROME II development process.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a photographic print
preservation laminate and laminating process which is readily available and economical.
It is a further object of the present invention to create the archival preservation of
photographic prints which provides resistance to mechanical damage, as well as resistance to
adverse environmental effects of light and moisture.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the present invention relates to archival quality color
photoprints utilizing the laminated structure of a dye-bleaching developed film 5 adhered between
opposing glass plates 9a and 9b using a polyurethane bonding material 7a and 7b on opposing
sides of the film. The materials specifically used are Ilford CC.F7 photographic transparent display
film processed by the Ilford CIBACHROME II development process; Morton International PE-399
polyurethane; and ordinary plate glass. The polyurethane is in the form of an extruded sheet
interlayer which contains UV inhibitors. These elements are then laminated under heat and
pressure according to the standard safety glass laminating process. The result is a mechanically-durable
and environmentally stable photoprint which has acceptable optical qualities and which in
tests has shown superior resistance to degradation when compared to other well-known
photoprint preservation systems.
The table shown in Figure 3 compares the present invention with Diasec PLEXIGLAS and
MATAC UV film, the latter two systems being utilized with four different types of photographic
materials; namely, ILFORD CC.F7 transparent display film (dye-bleach); FUJI CLEAR SFA film
(chromogenic); ILFORD ICRA.F-7 film (chromogenic); and KODAK DURACLEAR film
(chromogenic). As this table indicates, all the chromogenic materials have unacceptable light
stability behind the PLEXIGLAS and MATAC film, whereas the CC.F7 material laminated
according to the present invention has excellent light stability and remains almost unchanged. The
specific reasons for the excellent performance of the present invention is not entirely known,
however, it is speculated that the prior art materials may leak out some chemical products which
destabilize the photoprint dyes. These results are both surprising and unexpected, and the
particular types of materials used in the preferred embodiment have shown to be critical to the
performance of the present invention.
The present invention not only provides a system for the archival storage of color
photography, but may also be used as a graphic structural element in both building interior and
exterior architectural applications, such as signage, wall partition systems, graphic windows, and
the like. Other applications and uses of the present invention are unlimited and the scope of the
invention should only be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims (5)
- An archival photoprint laminate, comprising:a photographic print;a polyurethane bonding material applied to opposing sides of said print; andtwo glass plates fused to said polyurethane bonding material, one on each of said opposing sides, thus creating a 5-piece bonded laminate structure.
- The laminate of claim 1, wherein said polyurethane is an aliphatic polyether urethane which contains UV inhibitors.
- The laminate of claim 2, wherein said photographic print is transparent.
- An archival photoprint laminate, comprising:a transparent photographic print;two sheets of polyurethane bonding material fused to opposite sides of said print, one on each side; andtwo glass plates fused to said bonding material, one on each of said opposing sides, thus providing a permanently bonded five-piece laminate structure.
- A method for producing an archival photoprint laminate, comprising the steps of providing a photographic print, applying a polyurethane bonding material to opposing sides of said print, and fusing two glass plates to said polyurethane bonding material, one on each of said opposing sides thus creating a 5-piece bonded laminate structure.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP96308578A EP0845707A1 (en) | 1996-11-27 | 1996-11-27 | Archival photoprint laminate |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP96308578A EP0845707A1 (en) | 1996-11-27 | 1996-11-27 | Archival photoprint laminate |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0845707A1 true EP0845707A1 (en) | 1998-06-03 |
Family
ID=8225163
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96308578A Withdrawn EP0845707A1 (en) | 1996-11-27 | 1996-11-27 | Archival photoprint laminate |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP0845707A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003025671A1 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2003-03-27 | Ilford Imaging Switzerland Gmbh | Laminated unit |
ITPI20110094A1 (en) * | 2011-09-01 | 2013-03-02 | Vetreria Durgoni & C Snc | "A TRANSPARENT FRAME WITH AN IMAGE IN VISIBLE TRANSPARENCY FROM BOTH FACE OF THE FRAME" |
US10121214B2 (en) | 2015-04-09 | 2018-11-06 | James R. Nelson | Survey plat documents and method for making survey plat documents |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4378392A (en) | 1980-12-30 | 1983-03-29 | Segel Joseph M | Laminate to extend the life of photographs |
GB2121812A (en) * | 1982-05-18 | 1984-01-04 | Agfa Gevaert Nv | Sealing coating for a hydrophilic colloid layer |
US4768811A (en) | 1985-08-30 | 1988-09-06 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Card with photograph |
US4968553A (en) | 1988-09-16 | 1990-11-06 | Claudio Cesar | Graphic architectural glass |
WO1993022137A1 (en) * | 1992-04-29 | 1993-11-11 | Nicholas John Murray | Laminates |
US5595794A (en) * | 1995-05-11 | 1997-01-21 | Cesar; Claudio | Archival photoprint laminate |
-
1996
- 1996-11-27 EP EP96308578A patent/EP0845707A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4378392A (en) | 1980-12-30 | 1983-03-29 | Segel Joseph M | Laminate to extend the life of photographs |
GB2121812A (en) * | 1982-05-18 | 1984-01-04 | Agfa Gevaert Nv | Sealing coating for a hydrophilic colloid layer |
US4768811A (en) | 1985-08-30 | 1988-09-06 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Card with photograph |
US4968553A (en) | 1988-09-16 | 1990-11-06 | Claudio Cesar | Graphic architectural glass |
WO1993022137A1 (en) * | 1992-04-29 | 1993-11-11 | Nicholas John Murray | Laminates |
US5595794A (en) * | 1995-05-11 | 1997-01-21 | Cesar; Claudio | Archival photoprint laminate |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
"Technical Service Information 2-87", July 1987, ILFORD COMPANY OF FRIBOURG, SWITZERLAND |
"The Permanence and Care of Color Photographs: Traditional and Digital Color Prints, Color Negatives, Slides, and Motion Pictures", 1993, PRESERVATION PUBLISHING CO., GRINNELL, IOWA, article HENRY WILHELM |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003025671A1 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2003-03-27 | Ilford Imaging Switzerland Gmbh | Laminated unit |
ITPI20110094A1 (en) * | 2011-09-01 | 2013-03-02 | Vetreria Durgoni & C Snc | "A TRANSPARENT FRAME WITH AN IMAGE IN VISIBLE TRANSPARENCY FROM BOTH FACE OF THE FRAME" |
US10121214B2 (en) | 2015-04-09 | 2018-11-06 | James R. Nelson | Survey plat documents and method for making survey plat documents |
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Effective date: 19981205 |