Methods and apparatus for image transfer to multiple articles having non-planar surfaces
OwnerRaul Martinez JR.inventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and Apparatus for Image Transfer to Multiple Articles Having Non-planar Surfaces are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus that utilizes a modified microprocessor-based printer. The apparatus has end portions and at least one intermediate portion for holding two or more three-dimensional articles for printing images thereon. The apparatus further includes holding cups for securely gripping the ends of the three-dimensional articles while the images are being transferred thereto. The apparatus is further adjustable in order to accommodate articles having differing lengths.
Claims20
In combination with a modified microprocessor-based printer that produces copies of computer data based on printing instructions received from a host computer, said printer being of a character having a carriage which carries at least one ink jet cartridge for movement along the length of a print zone of the printer within a first plane and means for controlling firing of a nozzle of the ink jet cartridge, the improvement comprising positioning means for holding within the printer at least two three-dimensional articles, each article having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis and a non-planar surface upon which the computer data is to be imprinted, said positioning means functioning to controllably position the three-dimensional articles within the printer in a manner such that the longitudinal axis of the articles is at all times during the printing operation maintained within a second plane that is parallel to and spaced-apart from the first plane, said positioning means comprising a multiple-article positioning assembly mounted within the modified microprocessor based printer, said multiple-article positioning assembly comprising:
- a first end portion including:
- first gripping means for gripping the first end of one three-dimensional article, said gripping means comprising a first holding cup connected to said first end portion;
- and
- rotating means for controllably rotating one three-dimensional article relative to the ink jet cartridge;
- a second end portion, including second gripping means for gripping a second end of a second three-dimensional article, said gripping means comprising a second holding cup connected to said second end portion;
- and
- an intermediate portion, including third gripping means for gripping a second end of said first three-dimensional article, said gripping means comprising a third holding cup connected to said second end of said first three-dimensional article.
A device for printing an image on a pair of three-dimensional articles, said printing device reproducing computer-based data in response to printing instructions received from a host computer, comprising:
- a base;
- a print head carriage assembly extending from said base, said print head carriage assembly comprising:
- a print head for printing an image in a printing plane;
- and
- a print zone disposed on said printing plane;
- a positioning assembly for positioning at least two three-dimensional articles, said positioning assembly comprising:
- a guide attached to said base in parallel and spaced-apart relation to said printing plane;
- a first end assembly comprising:
- first gripping means for gripping the first end of one three-dimensional article, said gripping means comprising a first holding cup connected to said first end assembly;
- and
- rotating means for controllably rotating said first holding cup relative to said print head;
- a second end assembly, comprising second gripping means for gripping a second end of a second three-dimensional article, said gripping means comprising a second holding cup connected to said second end assembly;
- and
- an intermediate portion, comprising third gripping means for gripping a second end of said first three-dimensional article, said gripping means comprising a third holding cup connected to said second end assembly of said first three-dimensional article.
A method for imprinting images on a portion of the surfaces of a pair of three-dimensional articles by using a modified microprocessor-based printer that includes control circuitry that functions to cause the printer to produce a copy of computer data based on printing instructions received from a host computer, the printer being of a character having a carriage which carries at least one ink jet cartridge having a nozzle for movement along the length of a print zone of the printer within a first plane and means for controlling the firing of a nozzle of the ink jet cartridge, the modified microprocessor-based printer comprising an article positioning assembly for holding the three-dimensional articles within the printer in a manner such that the longitudinal axis of the three-dimensional articles is at all times during the printing operation maintained within a second plane that is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane, said method comprising the steps of:
- analyzing the three-dimensional articles to determine the configuration of the portion of the surfaces thereon that is to be imprinted;
- positioning the three-dimensional articles within the article positioning assembly;
- rotating the three-dimensional articles about their longitudinal axes;
- producing a non-distorted image;
- distorting said non-distorted image in a manner to produce a distorted image that corresponds with the surfaces of the three-dimensional articles that are to be imprinted;
- and
- using the host computer, transmitting the printer instructions to the printer instructing the printer to fire the nozzle of the ink jet cartridge in a manner to print said distorted image on the rotating three-dimensional articles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.