Method for thermally printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object using flexible heating elements

A method of simultaneously applying a pre-selected dye image to multiple surfaces of a three dimensional object, comprising the steps of:

• providing a three dimensional object having an outer plastic surface for receiving a dye image, the three dimensional object having a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces adjacent to and not co-planar with the top surface;
• placing a dye image carrier sheet in registration over the three dimensional object, the image carrier sheet having a pre-selected dye image printed thereon;
• lowering a flexible membrane over the three dimensional object and the image carrier sheet;
• pre-heating the flexible membrane;
• establishing a vacuum under the membrane, after pre-heating the flexible membrane, to cause the image carrier sheet to conform into pressurized communication with the top surface and side surfaces of the three dimensional object;
• and
• heating the image carrier sheet with a flexible heating element to cause the dye image to transfer from the carrier sheet onto the top surface and side surfaces of the three dimensional object.