Apparatus for applying transfers to fabrics
OwnerLeon L. Douglasinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed which is particularly designed for applying transfers or appliques comprised of thermosetting inks to garments such as T-shirts and sweat shirts. The apparatus includes an upper and lower platen for applying heat and pressure. The upper platen includes heating elements and a temperature control mechanism to heat it to a particular desired temperature. The apparatus is designed so that the pressure between the two platens is uniform and of the proper magnitude. The apparatus is also designed so that when the garment and transfer have been subjected to the appropriate amount of pressure and heat for a desired amount of time, the platens automatically disengage. Upon disengaging, a timer which is included in the apparatus automatically resets itself to the originally selected time period.
Claims10
An apparatus for applying designs comprised of thermosetting ink from a carrier material to a fabric which comprises:
- a frame;
- a lower platen connected to said frame by means for permitting the variation of the vertical and angular position between said platen and said frame;
- an upper platen, including means for heating said upper platen to a particular temperature, connected to an arm by means for permitting the variation of the vertical and angular position between said platen and said arm when said arm is substantially horizontal, said arm being pivotally connected to said frame at a point spaced between its opposite ends;
- and
- actuation means pivotally connected to said arm and to said frame for compressing said upper platen against said lower platen to a fully engaged position said actuation means including;
- a manually operative member, operation of which causes said upper platen to change its position with respect to said lower platen;
- a timer having a range of settings which may be set at a pre-selected time within the range;
- and
- an automatic means acting in response to the timer for partially moving said upper platen with respect to said lower platen to a partially open position in between said fully engaged position and a fully open position when the pre-selected time has passed,
- thereby permitting disengagement of said platens at said pre-selected time in such a manner so as to avoid smearing of said thermosetting inks of said fabric;
- thereby providing an apparatus for applying heat and pressure to the fabric, design and its carrier material placed therebetween, and moving said upper platen away from said lower platen to said fully open position, and positions therebetween including said partially open position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.