Patent ID: 8985012
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: B41F,B41J,B41M,C14B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for printing leather comprising: an ink acceptor applicator that applies ink acceptor directly onto a surface of the leather; an ink applicator that applies ink to the ink acceptor and/or the leather surface; an additive applicator that applies additive onto the ink acceptor, the ink and/or the leather surface; a barrier having a surface configured to contact the ink acceptor, ink and additive on the leather surface; and a heater that heats the surface of the barrier to a predetermined temperature or a temperature within a selected temperature range such that the barrier, which is substantially impervious to the ink and has a melting point higher than the select temperature range, contacts at least the ink acceptor, ink and additive on the leather surface directly to soften the ink acceptor, ink and additive into the leather and the ink acceptor, ink and additive soften and penetrate into the leather.