Object holder for a direct-to-object printer
US10093112B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J3/40731
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
What is disclosed is an object holder for retaining an object in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. The object holder comprises a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead of a direct-to-object print system. An expandable bladder attached to either the shuttle mount or a restraint. The bladder is inserted in a cavity of an object to be printed. A pump then fills the bladder with either a gas or a liquid to cause the bladder to expand. The expanded bladder in the object's cavity enables a surface of the object to be printed. In one embodiment, the filled bladder substantially conforms to a shape of a human foot, and the object being printed is footwear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.