Abstract:
A printing apparatus operatively connectable to a mounting arm that comprises an interchangeable pallet unit with a longitudinal axis and operatively connectable to the mounting arm for movement along the longitudinal axis, an indexing mechanism operatively connected to the interchangeable pallet so as to permit the interchangeable pallet indexed movement in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis, and a bar unit operatively connectable to the mounting arm configured to receive a printing screen.

Description:
[0001]    This invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/064,492 filed on Mar. 7, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate to a printing apparatus, and more particularly, to a screen printing apparatus for printing on, for example garments, fabrics, and accessories. Although embodiments of the invention are suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for repeatedly printing on desired objects in a desired location. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a printing apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
         [0004]    An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a simple printing apparatus. 
         [0005]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide of a simple screen printing apparatus. 
         [0006]    A further object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a simple printing apparatus that allows precise, quick screen printing on a variety of different objects. 
         [0007]    A further object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a compact printing apparatus. 
         [0008]    Still a further object of embodiments of the invention is to improve screen printing, such as that used to print on garments. 
         [0009]    Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0010]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the printing apparatus includes A printing apparatus operatively connectable to a mounting arm, comprising: an interchangeable pallet unit having a longitudinal axis and being operatively connectable to the mounting arm for movement along said longitudinal axis; an indexing mechanism operatively connected to the interchangeable pallet so as to permit the interchangeable pallet indexed movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a bar unit operatively connectable to the mounting arm configured to receive a printing screen. 
         [0011]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of embodiments of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a base unit in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a bar unit and a rack unit in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4A-4E  illustrate an embodiment of a portion of an indexing mechanism in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate an embodiment of an interchangeable pallet unit; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A-6F  illustrate an embodiment of portion of the  FIG. 1  unit; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A-7D ,  8 A- 8 D,  9 A- 9 C and  10 A- 10 D illustrate an embodiment of a slide guide and pivoting unit in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate sectional vies of  FIG. 5D ; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 12A-12D  illustrate a front exploded vies of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13A  is a top view of a cabinet portion of a rack unit of a rack unit  FIG. 12A  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 13B-13C  illustrate a side view  FIGS. 12B and 12C  respectively; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 14A-14B  illustrate bottom and front view of an exemplary pallet for shirts; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 15A-15B  illustrate bottom and front view of an exemplary pallet for 12 inch numbers; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 16A-16C  illustrate bottom, top and end views of an exemplary pallet for jackets; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 17A-17D  illustrate elevation views of an exemplary pallet for hats; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 18A-18B  illustrate bottom and front views of an exemplary pallet for pants; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 19A-19B  illustrate bottom and front views of an exemplary pallet for screen burning; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is an exemplary print screen that can be used in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 21-48  depict segments of an animation sequence illustrating operation of an apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21 ; illustrates a user, ten print screens and a portion of a rotary print machine; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, including an interchangeable pallet with an indexing mechanism, and a bar unit 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  illustrates the bar unit clamped into a typical rotary press print head; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  illustrates an interchangeable pallet unit positioned on a mounting arm of the rotary press machine; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention positioned for a user to use the apparatus; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  illustrates a user preparing to insert print screens into an apparatus embodying the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  illustrates a user preparing to insert a print screen into an apparatus embodying the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  illustrates a user tiling an apparatus embodying the present invention down; 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  illustrates print screens positioned to be placed into a rack unit; 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  illustrates print screens placed into a rack unit and a garment ready for printing; 
           [0042]      FIG. 31  illustrates the bar unit tilted back away from the user; 
           [0043]      FIG. 32  illustrates an interchangeable pallet unit and bar unit ready for a garment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 33  illustrates an interchangeable pallet being tilted up to disengage from an index point, shown central of an indexing bar so as to allow side-to-side movement of the interchangeable pallet; 
           [0045]      FIG. 34  illustrates an interchangeable pallet being moved to the left and the indexing bar being positioned with a different indexing notch aligned with the index point; 
           [0046]      FIG. 35  illustrates an interchangeable pallet positioned with the index point positioned at the 8″ slot/notch; 
           [0047]      FIG. 36  illustrates an interchangeable pallet repositioned in a folded or tilted down position with the index point in the 8″ inch slot/notch; 
           [0048]      FIG. 37  illustrates an interchangeable pallet and bar unit in a position ready for printing; 
           [0049]      FIG. 38  illustrates a garment positioned on an interchangeable pallet and an 8″ numeral screen being readied for printing; 
           [0050]      FIG. 39  illustrates a screen positioned on the garment and in positioning pins; 
           [0051]      FIG. 40  illustrates a position of a screen a garment for application of ink; 
           [0052]      FIG. 41  illustrates a garment after the application of ink in the position shown in  FIG. 40 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 42  illustrates an interchangeable pallet unit with the garment of  FIG. 41 , in a tilted up position such as in  FIGS. 33 and 34 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 43  illustrates an interchangeable pallet unit with the garment of  FIG. 41  moved to that the index point is now on the left hand side of the locator bar; 
           [0055]      FIG. 44  illustrates an interchangeable pallet unit with the garment of  FIG. 41  in a lowered position with the index point in the left had notch/index stop for printing the left portion of the desired graphic; 
           [0056]      FIG. 45  illustrates a garment positioned on an interchangeable pallet and an 8″ numeral screen being readied for printing; 
           [0057]      FIG. 46  illustrates a screen positioned on the garment and in positioning pins; 
           [0058]      FIG. 47  illustrates a garment after the application of ink in the position shown in  FIG. 46 ; and 
           [0059]      FIG. 48  illustrated the completed printed garment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0060]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. 
         [0061]    In the illustrative embodiments of the printing apparatus of the present invention the apparatus includes three units, a base unit, a bar unit, and a rack unit. These units may be an integral structure, or they may be connectable to cooperate and operate together in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention. In these Figures, the illustrated exemplary base unit structure allows a pallet  3  to slide onto a typical textile rotary screen printing press arm  1 . Illustrative examples of such textile rotary screen printing press include but are not limited to the ‘Hopkins/BMW ProLine, Convertible, and Starting Line Series. The base unit can be slid, attached, or integrally constructed to as desired. For example, the base unit can include a mounting sleeve unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1  reference number  8 ,  FIG. 2  reference number  2  and  FIGS. 6A-6F ) over any rotary textile press arm  1 . An example rotary textile press arm is shown in  FIG. 2  reference number  6 . Once in a desired position, the base unit can be locked in place on the rotary textile press arm. Such locking can be accomplished via any suitable manner. For example, front and back lock down knobs as exemplified in  FIG. 1  reference C, and  FIGS. 6A-6C , reference S# 4 ). 
         [0063]    The illustrative structure shown in  FIG. 2  includes an embodiment of a base unit. The  FIG. 2  structure also allows an interchangeable pallet ( FIG. 1  reference number  3 ) to slide from side to side. This side-to-side movement can be accomplished via a variety of mechanisms. For example, the use of a ball bearing tube and a ball bearing shaft (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  9  and  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11 ) can be used to provide side-to-side movement, although any suitable mechanical arrangement can be employed. The side-to-side movement in the illustrative embodiment occurs when the interchangeable pallet unit  3  is released from interchangeable locator bar slots or notches (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  5  for locator bar) and a side force is applied to the interchangeable pallet unit  3 . This movement is also illustrated in an exemplary animation sequence of  FIG. 14 , which depicts an example of the above-noted release, and in  FIG. 15  that illustrates side-to-side movement. Once in position, side-to-side movement can prevented by using a lock down knob for the gliding ball bearing shaft (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1-3  and  FIGS. 11A-11B , reference S# 3 ). 
         [0064]      FIG. 2  also illustrates an example structure of a pivoting head, and gliding unit (e.g., reference numbers  3  and  8  and  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ). The gliding unit allows also allows forward and backward movement along the mounting bar ( FIG. 2  reference number  6 ). In the illustrative embodiment, forward and rearward sliding can occur by moving the unit along glide bars attached to the mounting sleeve unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  2  for both). This movement can be prevented or locked by using lock down knobs for the pivoting head, and gliding unit (see, e.g., FIG.  1 —reference B. 3  and  FIGS. 9B-9C , reference S# 2 ). 
         [0065]    The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  also illustrate an example of an indexing mechanism (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1  reference number  2  and  FIG. 2  reference number  5 ). In this example, the indexing mechanism allows the interchangeable pallet unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  0 ) to be locked into a desired position for screen printing (see, e.g., Animation sequences reference numbers  16  and  17 ). 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the interchangeable pallet unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  0 ) can be locked in any desired indexing position, such as the notches or index stops shown in  FIG. 4A . To do so, the interchangeable pallet  3  is moved in a side-to-side motion (as illustrated by the arrow seen in  FIG. 35 ). In the illustrative embodiment shown in the figures, this side-to-side movement can occur after pivoting or tilting the unit up and away from a user. This releases it from the interchangeable locator bar slots or notches as shown in  FIG. 1  reference number  2 ; and allows the notches in  FIG. 4A  to be moved with respect to the index pin, such as the pin shown in  FIG. 1 , reference L, and identified by the 8″ arrow in  FIG. 35 . In the illustrative example of an interchangeable locator bar (shown in  FIG. 1  reference number  2 ), the slots or notches (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4A ) can be placed as shown in the example of  FIG. 4A . It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the indexing mechanism can employ any suitable indexing scheme including but not limited to detents, a threaded screw assembly that allows side-to-side movement as, for example, the screw is rotated. 
         [0067]    In the  FIG. 4A  example, one of the slots or notches can be used a center point upon which to lock the interchangeable pallet unit ( FIG. 2  reference number  0 ) in a preparation position for screen printing (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 36 and 37 ). In the  FIG. 4A  example, the interchangeable locator bar includes six slots or notches cut to the left of center indicated by the numbers  2 ,  4 ,  6 ,  8 ,  10 , and  12 . It also includes six slots or notches cut on the right side of center indicated by the numbers  2 ,  4 ,  6 ,  8 ,  10 , and  12 , and a center slot indicated by the number  0 . The slots or notches (seen in  FIG. 4A ) can be marked in such a manner as to allow an operator to determine what size text is required for a particular screen printing task. Normal sized numbers that are used for screen printing purposes are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 inch (as indicated by the numbers used in the example on  FIG. 4A ). However, this system is not limited to any size numbers or number of slots or notches upon each locator bar. 
         [0068]    The illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  also includes a locator pin (see, e.g., FIG.  1 —reference L). The locator pin fits into the appropriate slot or notch (see, e.g., FIG.  4 A) on the interchangeable locator bar (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1  reference number  2 ) in order to accommodate the size graphic that a certain screen printing task requires (see, e.g.,  FIG. 36  for an example requiring an 8″ number screen printing task). The exemplary structure allows the interchangeable pallet unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  0 ) to fit be placed in a precise position, and in turn positioning a garment which has been situated upon the interchangeable pallet unit in an appropriate location (see, e.g.,  FIG. 38 ). The object can then be screen printed with an applicably sized graphic upon it (in the Animation sequence example, the graphic was an 8″ number). In the illustrated embodiment, the interchangeable locator bar (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1  reference number  2 ) is in a central area of the pivoting and head gliding unit. While this position is not required, it allows easy and precise alignment of garments during the screen printing process (see, e.g.,  FIG. 40  for an example of an 8″ number being placed on the right side of a typical t-shirt garment). 
         [0069]    The printing apparatus of the present invention allows printing quick, easy and precise s printing of any desired design, numbers, letters, pictures, logos, and other desired graphic design in any application, garment, hat, or material. For example, apparatus embodying the present invention allow a screen printer to easily set up and swap out an interchangeable pallet unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  0 ), and perform simple adjustments with ease and efficiency. Apparatus embodying the present invention can print on any type of garment no matter the size or location upon which a graphic is intended to be printed. Examples of such troublesome issues that the present invention solves, include printing on double ply mesh shorts, hats, and nylon jackets, as well as attempting to place a logo or number on the top of the cowl of a garment or bag. 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the interchangeable pallet design (e.g., reference numbers  3 - 7  and  FIG. 2  reference number  0 ) allow an operator to easily and quickly change the pallet to accommodate a desired object for printing.  FIGS. 14A-14B  illustrate an example of an interchangeable pallet for shirts, which together create the interchangeable pallet unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  0 ). The interchangeable pallet unit slides into the interchangeable pallet mounting bar (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1  reference number  4  and  FIG. 2  reference number  7 ). Once the interchangeable pallet unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  0 ) slides into the bar ( FIG. 2  reference number  7 ), an operator can tighten a pallet lock down element (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 , reference E) to lock the interchangeable pallet unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  0 ) into a precise lock down position in preparation to receive a garment for screen printing. 
         [0071]    The interchangeable pallets can be manufactured to any size or shape, depending upon various requirements for different print jobs. Common sizes interchangeable pallets (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  4 ) include: 14″×14″, 10″×12″, 14″×20″, 6″×6″, 4″×4″, and 1″×3″. 
         [0072]    Embodiments of printing apparatus including the present invention can also easily accommodate and use the off contact adjustments found on a typical textile rotary press. In addition, a stabilizer adjustment knob (See, e.g.,  FIG. 1-F ), provides an operator with the ability to easily adjust the off contact height of the press, accommodating any thickness of material. 
         [0073]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a bar unit and a rack unit in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In  FIG. 3 , the arm unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  6  and  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) is designed to lock-in and hold the desired size screen (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 38 and 39 ) into a precise printing location. 
         [0074]    In  FIG. 3  embodiment, the arm unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  6 ) can be easily mounted and locked into place (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 22 and 23 ) on to a typical manual textile screen printing press print head (see, e.g.,  FIG. 22 , C)(examples of such presses could include, but are not limited to Hopkins/BWM-Modesto Calif., Antec Screen Printing Equitment-Charlottesville, Va., Workhorse Products-Phoenix, Ariz., Riley Hopkins Promotions Limited-Gig Harbor Wash., and Hix Corporation-Pittsburg, Kans.). 
         [0075]    The arm unit (see, e.g., Bar Unit  FIG. 3  reference number  6 ) can be adjusted, centered, and locked into a desire placement by the lock down devise on a typical textile rotary press. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 22 , B for an example of such a device). 
         [0076]    The illustrative structure shown in  FIG. 3  further depicts an embodiment of a rack unit (e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  0  and  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) which attaches to the support frame bracket (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  1 ) through the use of the storage unit lock-down knobs (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  2  and  FIG. 12B , reference # 15 ), thus locking it into place. The support frame bracket (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  1 ) attaches to the arm unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  6 ) through the use of the Frame Bracket Fasteners (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  3  and  FIGS. 12 and 13 ), thereby locking it into place. 
         [0077]    In the  FIG. 3  example, the screen storage unit or rack unit can accommodate up to 10 screens (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 29 and 30 ). The design is not limited to accommodating more or less said screens as required. The number and size of printing screens (see, e.g.,  FIG. 21 ) will vary, depending upon the size of the graphics required for printing. 
         [0078]    The  FIG. 3  embodiment also includes the screen locator pins (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  10 ), which allow the arm unit (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  6  and  FIGS. 12 and 13 , reference # 16 ) to be able to hold the screen (see, e.g.,  FIG. 21 ) in a precise position in preparation for screen printing. In this example, the bottom of the screens have precise pre-drilled holes, such as the holes at the corners of the lower frame of the screen in  FIG. 20 , that will allow the screen to drop onto the locator pins (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  10 ) to provide a precise lock-down position. 
         [0079]    The  FIG. 3  embodiment also includes an off contact adjustment rod (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  11 ) which will allow the printing screens (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 ) to move up or down to the desire height above the interchangeable pallet (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2  reference number  4  and  FIG. 39 ). The off contact adjustment rods (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  11  and  FIGS. 12 and 13  reference # 16 ) will be able to be locked into place by fastening them with the off contact adjustment rod lock-down knobs (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  9  and  FIGS. 12 and 13  at reference # 16 ). 
         [0080]    In addition, the illustrative structure depicted in  FIG. 3  includes front adjustment bars (see, e.g., Bar Unit  FIG. 3  reference number  8  and  FIG. 12D  at reference # 16 ) which will allow the printing screens (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 ) to be adjusted freely on a plane parallel to that of the interchangeable pallet (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1  reference number  3 ) to a desired precise lock-down position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 39 ). These adjustment bars (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  8 ) are able to pivot in said manner due to their rotational and expandable ability (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  8  and  FIG. 12D  at reference # 16 ). This feature allows the bars to be locked-down when needed by fastening the front adjustment bar lock down knobs. (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  7 ). 
         [0081]    The  FIG. 3  embodiment also includes a rear off contact adjustment bar (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  5 , and  FIGS. 12 and 13  at reference # 18 ) which allows printing screens (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 ) to sit upon and acquire a position parallel with the interchangeable pallet (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1  reference number  3 ). In this example, this can be accomplished using the front and rear off contact adjustment rods (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference numbers  11  and  5 ) working in conjunction with one another to acquire a level position in preparation for screen printing (see, e.g.,  FIG. 39 ). The rear off contact adjustment bars (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  5 ) can be locked-down into a precise position by fastening the rear off contact adjustment bar lock-down knobs (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3  reference number  4  and  FIG. 12C  at reference # 18 ). 
         [0082]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the of embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.