Patent ID: 6393988
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: B41F,B41M,B44C,D06Q

Abstract:
A method of producing a registrable visible image on two or more substantially flat articles, which method comprises:(a) providing said substantially flat articles each having at least one major face of substantially uniform pale color and of predetermined shape, said shape having at least two edges each of which edges defines a respective step when the article is laid on a support surface; (b) providing a sublimation transfer carrier sheet for a first one of said articles having a predetermined mirror image on an area of said carrier sheet, such that said mirror image is adapted to substantially cover said predetermined shape of said one article; (c) providing edge templates adjacent said area, each of said edge templates being arranged to abut a corresponding edge of said predetermined shape; (d) placing said one article and its sublimation transfer carrier sheet on said support surface and arranging said area of said carrier sheet in contact with said major face such that said mirror image substantially covers said predetermined shape with each of said two edges abutting a respective one of said edge templates; (e) allowing sublimation transfer of said image from said carrier sheet to said face; (f) removing said carrier sheet and said edge templates from said face so as to leave a predetermined visible image on said face within said shape; and (g) carrying out steps (b) to (f) at least one further time on at least a further one of said articles which can be arranged in register with the images extending continuously across a plurality of said articles.