Patent ID: 6277157
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: B44C

Abstract:
A method for providing an image on a wall plate and an electrical component comprising:providing an electrical component having a front contoured surface containing an image receiving coating;providing a wall plate having an opening for receiving the electrical component therein and a front surface adjacent thereto, the front surface having an image receiving coating thereon;placing the wall plate over the electrical component;placing the wall plate and electrical component in a holding tool;providing an image on a transfer sheet having a size sufficient to cover the wall plate and the electrical component;placing the transfer sheet on the front contoured surface of the electrical component and the front surface of the wall plate;providing a heating tool containing a collapsible thermally conductive pressing means having a corresponding size for transferring the image to both the wall plate and the electrical component; andmoving the heating tool towards the wall plate and electrical component, contacting the transfer sheet and pressing the transfer sheet against the front contoured surface using the collapsible thermally conductive pressing means to conform the transfer sheet to the front contoured surface, the heating tool moved until a selected pressure and heat are applied to the transfer sheet; andtransferring the image to the front contoured surface of the electrical component and the front surface of the wall plate.