Method for applying graphics to leather surfaces and the like
OwnerLarry S. Mitchellinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system, including an apparatus and method, for on-site application of graphics to synthetic and non-synthetic cushion backed surfaces, such as leather, vinyl and the like, as found on vehicle seats, without removing the surface from the seat or requiring insertion of a rigid backing surface. The apparatus including a registration means, an adjustable clamping means, a pressure guage, an electrically heated tool having a removable tool head with a thermally conductive working surface and a graphic impression die mounted thereon. The method including the application of graphic designs to leather like surfaces utilizing the disclosed apparatus.
Claims9
A method for applying heat transfer graphics to vehicle seats and the like comprising the steps of:
- (a) positioning a registration plate on an application surface such as an automobile seat, said registration plate defining a window for framing a portion of the application surface to receive heat transfer graphics;
- (b) heating a tool head surface having an embossed design thereon;
- (c) inserting a layer of thermally sensitive graphic marking material within said registration plate window such that the portion of the application surface to receive heat transfer graphics is overlaid;
- (d) inserting said heated tool head within the registration plate window such that said embossed design contacts said graphic marking material;
- (e) removing the said tool head, said thermally sensitive graphic marking material, and said registration plate, from said application surface, whereby a graphic design corresponding to said embossed design remains permanently affixed to said surface.
A method for applying heat transfer graphics to vehicle seats and the like comprising the steps of:
- (a) positioning a rigid registration plate on a cushioned application surface such as an automobile seat, said registration plate defining a registration window;
- (b) securing said registration plate in place utilizing an adjustable clamping device;
- (c) inserting a depth gauge within said registration plate window;
- (d) adjusting the pressure exerted by the clamping device on the registration plate until said depth gauge is flushly disposed within said registration plate window;
- (e) mounting an embossed design on a contoured tool head surface such that the embossed design is centered and aligned;
- (f) mounting said tool head to a heat generating tool handle and heating said tool head;
- (g) inserting a layer of thermally sensitive graphic marking material within said registration plate window such that the application surface within said window is overlaid;
- (h) inserting said tool head within the registration plate window to a controlled, predetermined, depth, for a predetermined time period;
- (i) removing said tool head, said thermally sensitive graphic marking material, said clamping means, and said registration means, from said application surface, whereby a graphic design corresponding to said embossed design remains permanently affixed to said application surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.