Protective member for graphic transfer process
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsN. Scot Hull, Elizabeth Langvin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of applying graphics to a set of articles with a graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The method includes a step of selecting an article from a set of articles comprising different types of articles. After selecting a last that may be associated with the article, the last may be attached to a last assembly of the graphic transfer assembly. With the article attached to the graphic transfer assembly, a deformable membrane may apply graphics to curved portions of the article. A protective member can be used to protect a portion of the article during the graphic transfer process.
Claims16
A method of applying a graphic to an article, comprising:
- associating the graphic with a curved surface on a first portion of the article;
- applying a protective member to a second portion of the article, wherein the protective member is configured to cover at least a portion of the second portion of the article;
- pressing a deformable membrane against one or more portions of the article so that the deformable membrane conforms to the curved surface;
- wherein the deformable membrane contacts (a) the first portion of the article including the curved surface, and (b) the protective member applied onto the second portion of the article;
- heating the deformable membrane;
- and
- thereby transferring the graphic to the curved surface.
A method of applying a graphic to an article, comprising:
- placing the article on a last assembly of a graphic transfer assembly;
- associating a graphic with a first portion of the article;
- placing a protective member over a second portion of the article, the second portion of the article being different than the first portion;
- pressing a first deformable membrane and a second deformable membrane of the graphic transfer assembly against the article and the protective member;
- wherein the protective member prevents the first deformable membrane and the second deformable membrane from contacting the second portion of the article covered by the protective member;
- and
- applying the graphic to the first portion of the article.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.