Method and apparatus for printing on flat and non-flat objects
OwnerLawrence John Katzerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for printing graphics, text, logos, or other photographic or digital images (collectively, a “picture”) on a flat or non-flat surface. The surface may be spherical, oblate, cylindrical, flat, or a combination of different curves or shapes. Similarly, the photographic or digital image may be of a variety of computer-readable file formats. The embodiment may employ ultraviolet inks to print the picture on the surface. A variety of pictures and surfaces may be combined to create nearly unlimited products.
Claims20
A method for printing on a surface, comprising:
- providing a digital picture;
- providing at least one ultraviolet ink;
- depositing the ultraviolet ink on the surface to form a printed picture corresponding to the digital picture;
- and
- curing the ultraviolet ink.
A method for printing on a surface, comprising:
- placing the surface in a holder;
- moving the holder in a first direction to stop beneath at least one print head;
- depositing an ultraviolet ink from the at least one print head on the surface to form at least a portion of a picture;
- moving the at least one print head;
- and
- depositing the ultraviolet ink from the at least one print head on the surface to form at least a second portion of a picture;
- wherein the surface is a non-flat, sports-related object.
A method for printing a picture on a surface, comprising:
- A method for printing on a surface, comprising:
- providing a digital picture;
- providing at least one ink;
- depositing the ink on the surface in a plurality of ink droplets, each of the plurality of ink droplets corresponding to one of a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels forming a printed picture corresponding to the digital picture;
- and
- curing the ink;
- wherein
- at least a first ink droplet of the plurality of ink droplets is of a first size;
- and
- at least a second ink droplet of the plurality of ink droplets is of a second size.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.