Patent ID: 8293054
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: A43B,A43D,B32B,B44C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of applying a graphic to an article, comprising the steps of: disposing the article onto a last configured to fit the article; associating the graphic with a curved surface of the article; attaching the last including the article to a last assembly of a graphic transfer assembly, the last assembly being disposed between a first moveable portion of the graphic transfer assembly and a second moveable portion of the graphic transfer assembly; pressing a first deformable membrane associated with the first moveable portion and a second deformable membrane associated with the second moveable portion against a portion of the article so that at least one of the first deformable membrane and the second deformable membrane conforms to the curved surface; applying a vacuum between the first deformable membrane and the second deformable membrane; heating at least one of the first deformable membrane and the second deformable membrane; and thereby transferring the graphic to the curved surface.