Method for printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object

Details Method for printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object Method for printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object

2007-09-11

2007-09-11

Sells, James (Department: 1734)

Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture

Methods

Surface bonding and/or assembly therefor

C156S272200, C156S499000, C156S540000

Reexamination Certificate

active

11276624

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 the object to produce the preselected image thereon.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3549446 (1970-12-01), Bennett et al.
patent: 4157931 (1979-06-01), Bricot et al.
patent: 4662966 (1987-05-01), Sumi et al.
patent: 4670084 (1987-06-01), Durand
patent: 5152861 (1992-10-01), Hann
patent: 5641372 (1997-06-01), Okuno
patent: 6136126 (2000-10-01), Fenzi
patent: 0119548 (1983-03-01), None
patent: 0511605 (1992-04-01), None
patent: 2364130 (1978-04-01), None
patent: WO 01/96123 (2001-12-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Method for printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Method for printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method for printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3778510