US 2019/0168854 A1 · SAIL PRINTING PROCESS

Abstract

A process of printing an image or images on the sails of a watercraft or other wind powered objects without altering or compromising the efficacy of the sails is described. The process employs a method of printing large-scale, single or multiple panel, continuous, high-resolution photographic and graphic images on wind-catching fabrics. The dynamics and curvatures of a sail are integrated into the manufacturing process when employed for sails, though the process may be applied to any large-scaled fabric print. The process of the present invention produces printed sails providing for the highest resolution photographic, art, and graphic printing with virtually no weight gain, nor effect on the sail's original performance. Modern equipment is employed to achieve printing of realistic, high quality images directly on to the fabric of sails without compromising flexibility or durability, as well as without infringing on the speed and agility of the sailing craft.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A method for printing high-resolution images to wind-catching fabrics without compromising the performance of the wind-catching fabrics comprising:

identifying the size and shape of the wind-catching fabric;
selecting at least one image to print to the wind-catching fabric;
using image editing software to size the image to the proportions of the wind-catching fabric;
using image editing software to edit and prepare the image for three-dimensional software editing;
exporting a two-dimensional copy of the at least one image from the image editing software;
importing a three-dimensional image file with all geometric features of the wind-catching fabric, including a 1:1 dimension ratio and curvature of the wind-catching fabric;
importing the two-dimensional copy of the at least one image on the three-dimensional image file corresponding to the dimensions of the wind-catching fabric;
defining the size of the panels to include overlapping sections and margins for printing;
placing key lines on the at least one image;
exporting the panels as individual digital image files;
printing the image of the individual digital image files to the wind-catching fabric using a large-format digital printer, forming printed panels;
cutting the printed panels;
and
sewing the panels together with a sailmaker's loom.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sail printing process

Life of this patent

Sail printing process

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13