Process for manufacturing a metal container having a plastic exterior susceptable to receiving indicia using dye sublimation

Abstract

A process is disclosed to encapsulate the exterior surface of a metal drinking cup or other similar heat resistant container with plastic material such as polybutylene terephthalate in an injection molding process. A fixture holds a metal container in place and is inserted within a mold. Plastic material is then injected into the mold and surrounds the exterior surface of the container and allowed to cool. The container includes various physical features on its exterior to prevent the slipping of the plastic material off of the cup after cooling. Using an injection molding process to surround and encapsulate the exterior surface of a metal container with plastic results in a thicker surface over the container, and creates an ideal platform for receiving high resolution images and designs for impregnation using a further dye sublimation process.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.