Patent · US Active

Method of applying indicia onto a surface of a plastic article

US11548191B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by

7References

20Claims

0Family size

Inventors

Michael J. Stevenson · Sedona, US
Robert A. Reeves · Flagstaff, US
Corey R. Dibrom · Cottonwood, US
Darren Gemmill · Clarkdale, US

Key dates

Filing date	Mar 10, 2021
Grant date	Jan 10, 2023
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Jul 24, 2041

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB29L2031/722
WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods, apparatus and system for decorating plastic articles having an uneven surface or hollow structure are disclosed. An assembly comprising a transfer pad and a flexible heat transfer die comprising a thermal interface material (TIM) replace the hard rubber die in a hot-stamping process to fuse indicia into the surface. The assembly modifies ordinary pad printing into a hot-stamping process that transfers indicia onto uneven surfaces. A pad printing machine or other robotics is used to move the assembly from a position of heating to a position of compressing the ink transfer to the surface of the article.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.