Method for printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object
US7267737B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2006 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1705
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for applying preselected dye images to three dimensional objects, having plastic outer surfaces, utilizing flexible carrier sheets bearing dyes in the mirror images of the preselected images, where the sheets are overlaid in registration with the objects and maintained in pressurized engagement therewith while the sheets and the objects are heated. The present invention includes a bed for receiving at least one three-dimensional object member thereon with a flexible dye bearing carrier sheet placed in registration on the object and a resiliently flexible membrane, which is positionable over the sheet on the member. A vacuum assembly of the apparatus is operable to evacuate the area between the membrane and the bed in order to draw the membrane into pressurized engagement with the flexible sheet on the member thereby drawing the flexible sheet around the various surfaces of the three dimensional object. Radiant heating elements are operable both to preheat the carrier sheet, improving its flexibility and to heat the membrane after the vacuum assembly has been actuated, whereby the dye on the sheet is applied to the surfaces of t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.