US 4,846,058 A · Multiple registered image screen printing method and apparatus with removable platens

Abstract

A method and apparatus for screen printing a sequence of accurately registered images on a plurality of sheets or objects such as T-shirts use a primary register platen supported by a platen support table. The primary register platen may be moved in a horizontal plane relative to the platen support table, and repositionably secured thereto. Each object to be printed is temporarily fastened to separate secondary register platen, which may be quickly placed in a precisely repeatable overlying relationship to the primary register platen, and quickly removed therefrom. The apparatus includes a transparent register plate which may be quickly placed in an overlaying relationship to an object on a secondary register platen, in a precisely repeatable position relative to said platen support table, and quickly removed therefrom. A screen frame pivotable in vertical plane and fastened to the platen support table is pivoted down into overlying contact with the upper surface of the transparent register plate, and a test image printed on the surface. The screen frame is then tilted away, permitting repositioning and securing the primary register platen to align the image with a desired printing position on the surface of the object affixed to a secondary register platen attached to the primary support platen. The transparent register plate is then removed, permitting the surface of the object to be printed. Since each secondary platen bearing an object is removably installable on the apparatus in a precisely repeatable position, each object may be printed with a precisely registered image.

Claims11

Dependent claims

An apparatus for printing a sequence of multiple images each accurately registered with one another on each object of a plurality of any number of objects comprising:

(a) a stationary platen support table having a generally smooth upper surface,
(b) a single primary register platen having a generally smooth upper surface,
(c) means for repositionably fastening said primary register platen to said platen support table in overlying relationship thereto, said fastening means holding said upper surface of said primary register platen parallel to the underlying surface of said platen support table, while permitting adjustment by translational and rotational movement of said primary register platen relative to said platen support table, and said fastening means being capable of being tightened to hold said primary register platen in a desired position, relative to said platen support table,
(d) a separate secondary register platen means having a generally smooth upper surface for each object,
(e) means for holding said secondary register platen means in overlying relationship to said primary register platen, stationary to respect to said primary register platen, said holding means permitting repeated removal and replacement of a said secondary register platen means in a repeatable overlying relationship to said primary register platen,
(f) a transparent register plate made of transparent material having generally flat and parallel upper and lower surfaces, and
(g) means for holding said transparent register plate in overlying relationship to said secondary register platen means stationary with respect to said platen support table, said holding means permitting repeated removal and replacement of said transparent register plate in a repeatable overlying relationship relative to said platen support table, whereby any arbitrary number of said objects may each be printed with a sequence of accurately registered different color images while requiring adjustment of said apparatus only once for each color.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiple registered image screen printing method and apparatus with removable platens

Life of this patent

Multiple registered image screen printing method and apparatus with removable platens

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11