Patent ID: 8833248
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: B41F

Abstract:
1. A support assembly comprising: a lid with a first deformable body configured to engage a target object having an exterior surface on which an image is to be printed; a plug body with a second deformable body coupled with and spaced apart from the lid, the plug body configured to be disposed in an interior volume of the target object when the lid is engaged with the target object, the plug body configured to engage an interior surface of the target object; a sealed chamber disposed inside the target object, the sealed chamber defined and bounded by the lid, the interior surface of the target object, and the plug body when the first deformable body and the second deformable body form seals with the target body at the same time; a conduit extending through the lid to an orifice disposed within the sealed chamber between the lid and the plug body, the conduit configured to deliver a pressurizing fluid into the sealed chamber in order to increase a pressure inside the sealed chamber in the target object, wherein the pressure inside the sealed chamber provides a resistive force that prevents the exterior surface of the target object from changing shape when the image is printed on the exterior surface of the target object; and a piston coupled to the plug body and configured to move through the lid to move the plug body relative to the lid, wherein the piston is configured to move the plug body away from the lid when the lid engages the target object to a location inside the interior volume of the target object such that the plug body engages the interior surface of the target object.