Patent Publication Number: US-10766289-B2

Title: Cloth holder, fabric printing apparatus, and heating device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2016-245427, filed on Dec. 19, 2016, and 2017-204326, filed on Oct. 23, 2017, in the Japanese Patent Office, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate to a cloth holder, a fabric printing apparatus, and a heating device, and more particularly, to a cloth holder for holding fabric, a fabric printing apparatus for printing an image on fabric, and a heating device for heating the image on the fabric. 
     Description of the Background 
     Related-art fabric printing apparatuses, such as a fabric printer, print on fabric. The fabric printer includes a support device that supports fabric (e.g., a cloth) onto which an image is formed. The support device includes a holder, a base, and a print face former. The holder is inserted into a tubular body formed by the cloth to hold the cloth. The holder fits in the base in a state in which the holder holds the cloth. The print face former is disposed on at least one of the holder and the base. The print face former defines a print face of the cloth onto which ink is discharged in a state in which the holder fits in the base. 
     However, the support device uses the cloth that has the tubular body. Since one end of the holder is rotatably attached to the base, while the holder covered by the tubular body of the cloth is fitted in the base, the cloth may crease. Accordingly, a user may reset the cloth on the holder repeatedly, degrading usability of the support device. 
     SUMMARY 
     This specification describes below an improved cloth holder. In one embodiment, the cloth holder includes a base and a platen to hold a cloth. The platen is movable and includes a flange. A flange cover sandwiches the cloth together with the flange of the platen. The flange cover includes a supported end in a longitudinal direction of the cloth holder that is pivotally supported by the base. The flange cover is opened and closed relative to the base. A cloth stretcher stretches the cloth placed on the platen while the flange cover is moved. 
     This specification further describes an improved fabric printing apparatus. In one embodiment, the fabric printing apparatus includes a body, a cloth holder, and a receiver. The cloth holder includes a base and a platen to hold a cloth. The platen is movable and includes a flange. A flange cover sandwiches the cloth together with the flange of the platen. The flange cover includes a supported end in a longitudinal direction of the cloth holder that is pivotally supported by the base. The flange cover is opened and closed relative to the base. A cloth stretcher stretches the cloth placed on the platen while the flange cover is moved. The receiver is disposed inside the body and removably receives the cloth holder. 
     This specification further describes an improved heating device. In one embodiment, the heating device heats a cloth bearing an image printed by a fabric printing apparatus. The heating device includes a body, a cloth holder, and a receiver. The cloth holder includes a base and a platen to hold a cloth. The platen is movable and includes a flange. A flange cover sandwiches the cloth together with the flange of the platen. The flange cover includes a supported end in a longitudinal direction of the cloth holder that is pivotally supported by the base. The flange cover is opened and closed relative to the base. A cloth stretcher stretches the cloth placed on the platen while the flange cover is moved. The receiver is disposed inside the body and removably receives the cloth holder. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the embodiments and many of the attendant advantages and features thereof can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a cassette removed from the printer; 
         FIG. 2  is an external perspective view of the printer depicted in  FIG. 1  attached with the cassette; 
         FIG. 3  is an internal perspective view of the printer depicted in  FIG. 2 , illustrating an entire mechanical section thereof seen from a first direction; 
         FIG. 4  is an internal perspective view of the printer depicted in  FIG. 3 , illustrating the entire mechanical section thereof seen from a second direction different from the first direction in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 5 , illustrating a platen flange cover that is lifted; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 5  in a longitudinal direction thereof taken on a cross-section in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a comparative cassette in a longitudinal direction thereof, illustrating the platen flange cover that is lifted; 
         FIG. 9A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the comparative cassette depicted in  FIG. 8 , illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 9B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the comparative cassette depicted in  FIG. 8 , illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 9C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the comparative cassette depicted in  FIG. 8 , illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 1  according to a first embodiment, illustrating the platen flange cover that is lifted; 
         FIG. 11A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 10 , illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 11B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 10 , illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 11C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 10 , illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 10  in the longitudinal direction thereof; 
         FIG. 13A  is a partial cross-sectional view of a cassette according to a second embodiment that is installable in the printer depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 13B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 13A , illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 13C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 13A , illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 14A  is a partial cross-sectional view of a cassette according to a third embodiment that is installable in the printer depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 14B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 14A , illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 14C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 14A , illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cassette according to a fourth embodiment that is installable in the printer depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the platen flange cover that is lifted; 
         FIG. 16A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 15 , illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 16B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 15 , illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 16C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette depicted in  FIG. 15 , illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cassette according to a fifth embodiment that is installable in the printer depicted in  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is an external perspective view of a heating device and the cassette depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , a description is provided of a construction of a printer  1  according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     The printer  1  is a fabric printer serving as a fabric printing apparatus that prints on fabric.  FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of the printer  1  and a cassette  200  serving as a cloth holder removed from the printer  1 .  FIG. 2  is an external perspective view of the printer  1  attached with the cassette  200 .  FIG. 3  is an internal perspective view of the printer  1 , illustrating an entire mechanical section thereof seen from a first direction.  FIG. 4  is an internal perspective view of the printer  1 , illustrating the entire mechanical section thereof seen from a second direction different from the first direction in  FIG. 3 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the printer  1  serving as a fabric printing apparatus includes a body  100 . Inside the body  100  are the cassette  200 , a stage  111 , and a printing device  112 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cassette  200  serving as a cloth holder is a tray that holds a cloth  400 . The stage  111  serves as a receiver that removably receives and holds the cassette  200  and is movable back and forth. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the printing device  112  prints an image on the cloth  400  placed on the cassette  200  held by the stage  111 . 
     For example, the cloth  400  includes a piece of cloth such as a handkerchief and towel, a fabric manufactured as clothes such as a T-shirt and a sweatshirt, and a fabric used as a part of a product such as a tote bag. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the stage  111  is disposed above a conveyer  113  movably supported by the body  100  such that the conveyer  113  is movable in a direction Y in a feed direction. The body  100  includes a bottom frame  114  that mounts a conveyance guide  115  along the direction Y. The conveyance guide  115  movably supports a slider  116  of the conveyer  113 . The stage  111  is disposed on the conveyer  113  through a rod  117  that lifts and lowers the stage  111 . Thus, a gap between the stage  111  and a head  122  of the printing device  112  is adjusted. 
     The printing device  112  includes a carriage  121  and the head  122 . The carriage  121  moves relative to the stage  111  in a direction X, that is, a main scanning direction. The head  122  is mounted on the carriage  121 . The carriage  121  is movably supported by a guide  123  extending in the direction X. A driving motor  124  reciprocally moves the carriage  121  in the direction X via a main scanning mechanical section such as a timing belt  125 . The head  122  is a liquid discharge head that discharges ink onto a surface of the cloth  400  to form an image on the cloth  400 . Alternatively, other types of heads may be employed as the head  122 . 
     The cassette  200  includes a platen  300  on which the cloth  400  is placed. The cassette  200  mounting the cloth  400  is attached to the stage  111  that holds the cassette  200  inside the body  100 . As the stage  111  moves in the direction Y and the head  122  reciprocally moves in the direction X repeatedly, the head  122  prints a desired image on the cloth  400 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 to 7 , a description is provided of a construction of the cassette  200  (e.g., a tray) serving as a cloth holder. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the cassette  200 .  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cassette  200 , illustrating a platen flange cover  202  that is lifted.  FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cassette  200  in a longitudinal direction thereof taken on a cross-section S 1  in  FIG. 6 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the cassette  200  includes a cassette base  201  serving as a base and the platen  300  that holds the cloth  400  and keeps a print portion of the cloth  400  where the image is printed to be planar. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the platen  300  includes a platen base  302  and an insulator  301  that includes a mount face that mounts the cloth  400  and keeps the cloth  400  to be planar. The insulator  301  is resistant against heat generated by a heating device. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the cassette  200  includes the platen flange cover  202  and a hinge  203 . One end, that is, a supported end  202   s  of the platen flange cover  202  serving as a flange cover in the longitudinal direction of the cassette  200  is pivotally attached to and supported by the cassette base  201  through the hinge  203 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the platen flange cover  202  is lifted relative to the cassette base  201  in a direction D 202 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the platen flange cover  202  includes a frame  202   b  defining a slot  202   a , that is, an opening, disposed opposite the platen  300 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the platen  300  includes a flange  300   a  disposed at a rim of the platen  300 . The frame  202   b  of the platen flange cover  202  presses the cloth  400  against the flange  300   a  of the platen  300 . 
     A plurality of supports  311  mounted on the cassette base  201  supports the platen  300 . The platen  300  and the cassette base  201  define an accommodation chamber  312  (e.g., an accommodation space) that accommodates a surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400 . For example, the surplus portion  400   a  may be sleeves, a neck, a hem, and the like of a T-shirt, if an image is printed on a front of the T-shirt. 
     The platen  300  is removably attached to the cassette base  201  and is replaceable. Accordingly, a plurality of platens  300  may be used for printing. While a first platen  300  is used for a print job, a user wraps a cloth  400  (e.g., a garment) around a second platen  300  to be used for a next print job. After the print job and a fixing job are finished, the first platen  300  is replaced with the second platen  300  to start the next print job quickly. 
     In order to set the cloth  400  on the cassette  200 , the user lifts and opens the platen flange cover  202  as illustrated in  FIG. 6  and places the cloth  400  on the platen  300 . In a state in which the accommodation chamber  312  accommodates the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the user lowers and closes the platen flange cover  202  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     In order to cause the printer  1  to print on the cloth  400 , the user attaches or sets the cassette  200  mounting the cloth  400  onto the stage  111  disposed inside the body  100  of the printer  1  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     As described above, the user removes the cassette  200  entirely from the body  100  and sets the cloth  400 , onto which the image is to be printed, on the platen  300  readily. 
     After the printer  1  finishes printing on the cloth  400 , the user moves the cassette  200  mounting the cloth  400  from the printer  1  to the heating device and sets the cassette  200  inside the heating device. The heating device fixes the image on the cloth  400  under heat. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , each of the supports  311  that supports the platen  300  includes a plurality of hollow columns  231  and  331  and a compression spring  332 . The hollow column  231  is mounted on the cassette base  201 . The hollow column  331  contacts the platen  300  and movably engages the hollow column  231 . The compression spring  332  is disposed between or housed by the hollow columns  231  and  331 . 
     Thus, the supports  311  support the platen  300  such that the platen  300  is displaceable or movable relative to the cassette base  201  serving as a base. 
     The platen flange cover  202  mounts a lock claw  204   a . The lock claw  204   a  is disposed at another end of the platen flange cover  202  in the longitudinal direction of the cassette  200 , which is opposite the one end of the platen flange cover  202 , which is held by the hinge  203  about which the platen flange cover  202  is pivotable relative to the cassette base  201 . 
     The cassette base  201  is provided with a lock claw holder  204   b  that releasably holds the lock claw  204   a . The lock claw  204   a  and the lock claw holder  204   b  construct a lock  204  that restricts the height of the platen flange cover  202  covering the flange  300   a  of the platen  300  relative to the cassette base  201 . 
     Accordingly, when the thickness of the cloth  400  changes, the platen  300  lowers against a restoring force of the compression spring  332  to change a clearance between the platen  300  and the cassette base  201 . Thus, the cassette  200  holds the clothes  400  of various thicknesses precisely. 
     Since the platen  300  is constantly pressed against the platen flange cover  202  with a constant force, even when the user carries the cassette  200 , the cloth  400  does not shift or slip easily. 
     Additionally, even if the thickness of the cloth  400  changes, the platen  300  lowers to secure a clearance between the platen flange cover  202  and the platen  300 . Accordingly, even if the thickness of the cloth  400  changes, the height of the platen flange cover  202  relative to the cassette base  201  does not change. 
     That is, the height of the surface of the cloth  400  held by the platen  300  is based on the height of the platen flange cover  202  relative to the cassette base  201 . 
     A lock position where the lock  204  locks the platen flange cover  202  relative to the cassette base  201  is fixed, simplifying the construction of the cassette  200 . Since the lock position does not change, the user operates the cassette  200  readily. 
     If a liquid discharge head is used as the head  122 , as the distance from the head  122  to a surface of an object that receives liquid discharged from the head  122  decreases, the head  122  discharges the liquid onto the object more precisely to form an image with higher quality. 
     In this case, the platen  300  is displaceable or movable and the flange  300   a  of the platen  300  is pressed against the platen flange cover  202 . Accordingly, even if the thickness of the cloth  400  changes, the platen flange cover  202  restricts the height of the surface of the cloth  400 , improving quality of the image formed on the cloth  400 . 
     If the platen  300  is configured to be displaceable or movable, in order to retain parallelism between a surface of the platen  300  and a surface of the head  122  as it moves, the support  311  preferably supports the platen  300  at the flange  300   a  of the platen  300 . However, the support  311  may make it difficult for the accommodation chamber  312  to accommodate the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400 . 
     To address this circumstance, the height of the platen flange cover  202  defines the height of the surface of the cloth  400  held by the platen  300 , allowing the support  311  to contact an inward portion of the platen  300  and decreasing the number of the supports  311 . Accordingly, the accommodation chamber  312  accommodates the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  readily. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8, 9A, 9B, and 9C , a description is provided of a construction of a comparative cassette  200 C. 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the comparative cassette  200 C in a longitudinal direction thereof, illustrating the platen flange cover  202  that is lifted.  FIG. 9A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the comparative cassette  200 C, illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 9B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the comparative cassette  200 C, illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 9C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the comparative cassette  200 C, illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 . In  FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C , identical reference numerals are assigned to components of the comparative cassette  200 C that are equivalent to the components of the cassette  200  depicted in  FIG. 7 . The hinge  203  is simplified in  FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , while the platen flange cover  202  is lifted, the platen  300  retains parallelism with the cassette base  201 . For example, a clearance H 1  between the platen  300  and the cassette base  201  at one lateral end of the platen  300  and the cassette base  201  in a longitudinal direction thereof is equivalent to a clearance H 2  between the platen  300  and the cassette base  201  at another lateral end of the platen  300  and the cassette base  201  in the longitudinal direction thereof. The thickness of the platen  300  in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction of the platen  300 . 
     With a configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8  in which one end of the platen flange cover  202  in a longitudinal direction thereof is pivotally supported by the cassette base  201 , the hinge  203  serving as a fulcrum about which the platen flange cover  202  pivots or rotates is preferably situated at a position lower than an upper face of the platen  300 . 
     If the hinge  203  is disposed in proximity to the upper face of the platen  300  vertically, a clearance between the hinge  203  and the platen  300  decreases. Accordingly, when the user sets the cloth  400  having a great area on the platen  300 , the user may not insert the cloth  400  into the accommodation chamber  312  below the platen  300  easily. 
     To address this circumstance, if the hinge  203  about which the platen flange cover  202  pivots is lower than the platen  300  vertically, when the user sets the cloth  400  on the platen  300 , the cloth  400  is susceptible to creasing. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C , a description is provided of processes for setting the cloth  400  on the platen  300 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9A , the user places the cloth  400  on the platen  300  and places the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  that protrudes from the platen  300  into the accommodation chamber  312  below the platen  300 . In order to allow the user to place the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  into the accommodation chamber  312  readily, the hinge  203  is lower than the platen  300  to increase a clearance between the platen flange cover  202  and the platen  300 . 
     Subsequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 9B , the user closes the platen flange cover  202  to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 . The frame  202   b  of the platen flange cover  202  disposed above the hinge  203  serving as the fulcrum includes a rim  202   b   1  disposed in proximity to the hinge  203 . Immediately before the rim  202   b   1  presses the cloth  400  against the platen  300 , the rim  202   b   1  moves substantially horizontally in parallel to the platen  300  in a direction B, thus pressing the cloth  400  placed on the platen  300  inward in the longitudinal direction of the platen  300 . Accordingly, the cloth  400  may be bent to produce a bulge  400   b.    
     Subsequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 9C , after the user closes the platen flange cover  202 , the bulge  400   b  of the cloth  400  set on the platen  300  may remain as a crease. 
     If the cloth  400  set on the platen  300  creases, the print portion of the cloth  400  may have surface irregularities that degrade quality of an image printed on the cloth  400 . Further, as the cloth  400  having the surface irregularities comes into contact with the head  122 , the head  122  may stain the cloth  400  or may suffer from malfunction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a description is provided of a construction of the cassette  200  serving as a cloth holder according to a first embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cassette  200  according to the first embodiment in the longitudinal direction thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a support  311 B is disposed farther from the supported end  202   s  of the platen flange cover  202  in the longitudinal direction of the cassette  200  than a support  311 A is. While the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, a height of the support  311 A is different from a height of the support  311 B in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cassette  200 . For example, the height of the support  311 B is greater than the height of the support  311 A. Accordingly, while the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, the platen  300  tilts relative to the cassette base  201 . Hence, the clearance H 2  is greater than the clearance H 1 . 
     Conversely, while the platen flange cover  202  is lowered or closed, the platen  300  is parallel to the cassette base  201  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Hence, the clearance H 2  is equivalent to the clearance H 1 . 
     While the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, the platen  300  tilts such that one end of the platen  300  in the longitudinal direction thereof, that is, a proximal end  300   p  of the platen  300  that is in proximity to the hinge  203  is lower than another end of the platen  300  in the longitudinal direction thereof, that is, a distal end  300   d  of the platen  300  that is distal from the hinge  203  and opposite the proximal end  300   p . In other words, the distal end  300   d  of the platen  300  is higher than the proximal end  300   p  of the platen  300 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C , a description is provided of processes for setting the cloth  400  on the platen  300  of the cassette  200  according to the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 11A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 , illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 11B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 , illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 11C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 , illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11A , while the platen flange cover  202  is opened, the user places the cloth  400  on the platen  300  and places the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  that protrudes from the platen  300  into the accommodation chamber  312  below the platen  300 . As described above with reference to  FIG. 10 , the distal end  300   d  of the platen  300  is higher than the proximal end  300   p  of the platen  300 . Thus, the platen  300  tilts. 
     Subsequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 11B , as the user lowers and closes the platen flange cover  202 , unlike the rim  202   b   1  of the platen flange cover  202  of the comparative cassette  200 C depicted in  FIG. 9B  described above, the rim  202   b   1  of the platen flange cover  202  of the cassette  200  does not move in substantially parallel to the platen  300 . For example, the rim  202   b   1  moves in a direction C obliquely downward toward the platen  300  and hangs over the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400 . 
     That is, the platen flange cover  202  does not press the cloth  400  placed on the platen  300  toward a center of the platen  300  in the longitudinal direction thereof. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 11C , after the user closes the platen flange cover  202 , the platen flange cover  202  produces the appropriate, planar print portion of the cloth  400  without creases and irregularities when the cloth  400  is set on the platen  300 . Thus, the supports  311 A and  311 B that tilt the platen  300  as illustrated in  FIG. 10  serve as a cloth stretcher  2  that stretches the cloth  400  placed on the platen  300 . 
     As described above, while the user sets the cloth  400  on the platen  300  of the cassette  200 , the tilted platen  300  reduces creasing of the cloth  400  and resetting of the cloth  400 , allowing the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300  readily and efficiently. 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cassette  200  in the longitudinal direction thereof. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , according to the first embodiment, the height of the support  311 A is different from the height of the support  311 B to tilt the platen  300 . For example, the height of the support  311 B that supports the distal end  300   d  of the platen  300  that is disposed in proximity to the lock  204  is higher than the height of the support  311 A that supports the proximal end  300   p  of the platen  300  that is disposed in proximity to the hinge  203 . 
     The lock  204  is disposed in proximity to the distal end  300   d  of the platen  300  that is opposite the proximal end  300   p  of the platen  300  that is disposed in proximity to the hinge  203 . The lock  204  couples the platen flange cover  202  with the cassette base  201  and retains coupling of the platen flange cover  202  with the cassette base  201  to keep the platen flange cover  202  closed. 
     When the user opens the platen flange cover  202  that has been closed, since the distal end  300   d  of the platen  300  that is disposed in proximity to the lock  204  is lifted higher than the proximal end  300   p , the user visually checks that the lock  204  is released readily. Additionally, when the user lifts the platen flange cover  202  further with his or her hand, the user accesses the platen flange cover  202  readily. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C , a description is provided of a construction of a cassette  200 S serving as a cloth holder according to a second embodiment. 
       FIG. 13A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 S, illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 13B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 S, illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 13C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 S, illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C , the cassette  200 S according to the second embodiment includes a presser  241  mounted on an interior face  202   c  of the platen flange cover  202 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13C , when the platen flange cover  202  is lowered or closed, the presser  241  moves to a position where the presser  241  is interposed between the platen  300  and the cassette base  201 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13A , while the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, the user places the cloth  400  on the platen  300  and places the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  that protrudes from the platen  300  into the accommodation chamber  312  below the platen  300 . 
     Subsequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 13B , when the platen flange cover  202  is lowered or closed, the presser  241  moves to the position where the presser  241  is interposed between the platen  300  and the cassette base  201 . Accordingly, the presser  241  presses the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  toward the accommodation chamber  312 . 
     While the platen flange cover  202  is lowered or closed, a front end  241   a  of the presser  241  and the platen  300  define a space therebetween toward which the presser  241  presses the cloth  400 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13B , the presser  241  stretches the cloth  400  placed on the platen  300  in a direction D, suppressing creasing of the cloth  400 . 
     Subsequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 13C , after the user closes the platen flange cover  202 , the cloth  400  set on the platen  300  is immune from creasing and has a plane without irregularities. 
     That is, as the presser  241  presses the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  into the accommodation chamber  312 , the presser  241  serving as a cloth stretcher stretches the cloth  400  placed on the platen  300 , suppressing creasing of the cloth  400 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C , a description is provided of a construction of a cassette  200 T serving as a cloth holder according to a third embodiment. 
       FIG. 14A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  2001 , illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 14B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  2001 , illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 14C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  2001 , illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C , the cassette  200 T according to the third embodiment includes a shaft  242 , a roller  243 , and a resilient member  244 . The shaft  242  is mounted on the interior face  202   c  of the platen flange cover  202 . The shaft  242  pivotally supports the presser  241  such that the presser  241  is displaceable or movable relative to the platen flange cover  202 . The front end  241   a  of the presser  241  rotatably supports the roller  243 . The resilient member  244  (e.g., a compression spring) is anchored to and interposed between the presser  241  and the interior face  202   c  of the platen flange cover  202 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14A , while the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, the user places the cloth  400  on the platen  300  and places the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  that protrudes from the platen  300  into the accommodation chamber  312  below the platen  300 . 
     Subsequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 14B , when the platen flange cover  202  is lowered or closed, the roller  243  mounted on the front end  241   a  of the presser  241  enters the accommodation chamber  312  defined between the platen  300  and the cassette base  201  and presses the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  toward the accommodation chamber  312 . The roller  243  stretches and pulls the cloth  400  placed on the platen  300  to the accommodation chamber  312 , suppressing creasing of the cloth  400 . 
     While the platen flange cover  202  is lowered and closed, the roller  243  mounted on the front end  241   a  of the presser  241  and the platen  300  define a space therebetween toward which the roller  243  presses the cloth  400 . 
     Subsequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 14C , after the user closes the platen flange cover  202 , the cloth  400  set on the platen  300  is immune from creasing and has a plane without irregularities. 
     The presser  241  is displaceable or movable relative to the platen flange cover  202 . The resilient member  244  exerts resilience to the presser  241  in a displacement direction thereof. Accordingly, when the presser  241  contacts the cloth  400  and presses the surplus portion  400   a  of the cloth  400  toward the center of the platen  300 , that is, the accommodation chamber  312 , even if the cloth  400  is thick and made of a material having a substantial reaction force, the presser  241  moves toward the interior face  202   c  of the platen flange cover  202  and escapes from the cloth  400 . 
     When the cloth  400  is thick and imposes a substantial load on the presser  241  as the presser  241  presses the cloth  400  toward the accommodation chamber  312 , the presser  241  displaces to avoid damage. 
     According to the third embodiment, the resilient member  244  exerts resilience to the presser  241 . Alternatively, the presser  241  may be a flat spring that has resilience, for example. 
     When the platen flange cover  202  is lowered or closed, the front end  241   a  of the presser  241  may press the cloth  400  further after the front end  241   a  of the presser  241  comes into contact with the cloth  400  if the cassette  200 T does not incorporate the roller  243 . To address this circumstance, the cassette  200 T incorporates the roller  243  that slides over the cloth  400 , preventing the cloth  400  from being damaged. 
     As the roller  243  rotatably supported by the presser  241  comes into contact with the cloth  400 , the roller  243  rotates. The roller  243  presses against the cloth  400  evenly throughout the entire width of the roller  243  in an axial direction thereof without catching the cloth  400 , thus suppressing creasing of the cloth  400 . 
     Alternatively, instead of mounting the roller  243 , the presser  241  may have a shape having a curvature. For example, the presser  241  may include a round front end or a curved front end that comes into contact with the cloth  400 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15, 16A, 16B, and 16C , a description is provided of a construction of a cassette  200 U serving as a cloth holder according to a fourth embodiment. 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 U according to the fourth embodiment in a longitudinal direction thereof.  FIG. 16A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 U, illustrating a first position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 16B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 U, illustrating a second position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 .  FIG. 16C  is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 U, illustrating a third position of the platen flange cover  202  moved for the user to set the cloth  400  on the platen  300 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , while the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, a height of the support  311 A is equivalent to a height of the support  311 B. Accordingly, whether the platen flange cover  202  is opened or closed, the platen  300  is parallel to the cassette base  201 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16C , like the cassette  200 S according to the second embodiment depicted in  FIG. 13C , the cassette  200 U includes the presser  241  mounted on the interior face  202   c  of the platen flange cover  202 . When the platen flange cover  202  is lowered or closed, the presser  241  moves to a position where the presser  241  is interposed between the platen  300  and the cassette base  201 . 
     Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C , like the presser  241  of the cassette  200 S according to the second embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C , the presser  241  presses the cloth  400  toward the accommodation chamber  312 , rendering the cloth  400  set on the platen  300  to be planar without creases and irregularities. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , while the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, the platen  300  is configured to be parallel to the cassette base  201 . Accordingly, the support  311 A and the support  311 B that support the platen  300  have an identical construction, simplifying the cassette  200 U compared to the cassette  200 S according to the second embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , a description is provided of a construction of a cassette  200 V serving as a cloth holder according to a fifth embodiment. 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cassette  200 V according to the fifth embodiment in a longitudinal direction thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , while the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, a height of the support  311 A is equivalent to a height of the support  311 B. Accordingly, whether the platen flange cover  202  is opened or closed, the platen  300  is parallel to the cassette base  201 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , like the cassette  200 T according to the third embodiment depicted in  FIG. 14C , the cassette  200 V includes the presser  241  mounted on the interior face  202   c  of the platen flange cover  202 . The shaft  242  is mounted on the interior face  202   c  of the platen flange cover  202 . The shaft  242  pivotally supports the presser  241  such that the presser  241  is displaceable or movable. The front end  241   a  of the presser  241  rotatably supports the roller  243 . The resilient member  244  (e.g., a compression spring) is anchored to and interposed between the presser  241  and the interior face  202   c  of the platen flange cover  202 . 
     Accordingly, the cassette  200 V according to the fifth embodiment attains advantages equivalent to those attained by the cassette  200 T according to the third embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , while the platen flange cover  202  is lifted or opened, the platen  300  is configured to be parallel to the cassette base  201 . Accordingly, the support  311 A and the support  311 B that support the platen  300  have an identical construction, simplifying the cassette  200 V compared to the cassette  200 T according to the third embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , a description is provided of one example of a construction of a heating device  500  that heats the cloth  400 . 
       FIG. 18  is an external perspective view of the heating device  500 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the heating device  500  includes a body  501 , a door  502 , a receiver  503 , and a heater  504 . The receiver  503  and the heater  504  are disposed inside the body  501 . The cassette  200  that holds the cloth  400  is removably attached to the receiver  503 . The heater  504  heats the cloth  400 . 
     The receiver  503  has a construction equivalent to the above-described construction of the stage  111  of the printer  1 . After the printer  1  finishes printing on the cloth  400 , the user attaches the cassette  200  mounting the cloth  400  to the receiver  503  inside the heating device  500 . 
     With the above-described construction of the heating device  500 , after the printer  1  finishes printing on the cloth  400 , the user removes the cassette  200  mounting the cloth  400  from the printer  1 . The user sets the cassette  200  mounting the cloth  400  onto the receiver  503  disposed inside the heating device  500 . While the door  502  is closed, as power is supplied to the heater  504  to generate heat, the heater  504  heats the cloth  400  set on the cassette  200  and fixes an image on the cloth  400 . 
     A description is provided of processes for forming an image on a cloth  400 . 
     In a holding process, the cassette  200  holds a cloth  400  onto which an image is to be formed. In a printing process, the cassette  200  mounting the cloth  400  is attached to the stage  111  of the printer  1  and the printer  1  prints the image on the cloth  400 . In a heating process, after the printing process, the cassette  200  mounting the cloth  400  is removed from the printer  1  and attached to the heating device  500 . The heating device  500  heats the cloth  400  and fixes the image on the cloth  400 . 
     While the cassette  200  keeps mounting the cloth  400 , the printer  1  prints the image on the cloth  400  and the heating device  500  fixes the image on the cloth  400  under heat, enhancing usability in forming the image on the cloth  400 . 
     According to the embodiments described above, each of the cassettes  200 ,  200 S,  200 T,  200 U, and  200 V that has a box shape serves as a cloth holder. Alternatively, the cloth holder may have other shapes as long as the cloth holder is removably attached to a printer and a heating device. For example, the cloth holder may be a single platy platen to be inserted into the printer and the heating device. 
     As a method to enhance usability for printing, in order to eliminate a process in which the user sets a cloth (e.g., a T-shirt) on the cloth holder every time during printing, the user may use the cloth holder on which the cloth has been set. In this case, the cloth holder after use is collected and the cloth holder on which another cloth has been set is supplied. 
     Alternatively, in order to attain similar advantages, the user may use a platen on which a cloth (e.g., a T-shirt) has been set. The platen is removably attachable to the cloth holder. For example, the user attaches the platen mounting the cloth to the cloth holder. After printing and fixing are finished, the user removes the platen mounting the cloth from the cloth holder. The user attaches a next platen on which a cloth has been set to the cloth holder. Printing and fixing are performed on the cloth set on the next platen. In this case, the platen after use is collected and the platen on which another cloth has been set is supplied. 
     Accordingly, since the user need not set a cloth (e.g., a T-shirt) on the platen every time, the user readily handles a plurality of clothes continuously. Alternatively, the plurality of clothes may be automatically handled continuously. 
     The embodiments described above use fabric such as a T-shirt as the cloth  400 . Alternatively, the embodiments described above are applicable to media including fabric on which an image is printed and heated. In this case, the cloth  400  used in the embodiments described above serves as a medium. 
     A description is provided of advantages of a cloth holder (e.g., the cassettes  200 ,  200 S,  200 T,  200 U, and  200 V). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the cloth holder holds a cloth (e.g., the cloth  400 ) onto which an image is formed. The cloth holder includes a base (e.g., the cassette base  201 ), a platen (e.g., the platen  300 ), a flange cover (e.g., the platen flange cover  202 ), and a cloth stretcher (e.g., the cloth stretcher  2  constructed of the supports  311 A and  311 B and the presser  241 ). The platen holds the cloth and keeps a print portion of the cloth where the image is to be printed to be planar. The platen includes a flange (e.g., the flange  300   a ) that sandwiches the cloth together with the flange cover. The base pivotally supports one end of the flange cover in a longitudinal direction of the cloth holder. The flange cover is opened and closed relative to the base. The cloth stretcher stretches the cloth placed on the platen while the flange cover is moved. For example, while the flange cover is opened, the platen tilts relative to the base. 
     Accordingly, the cloth holder facilitates setting of the cloth on the platen. 
     The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present disclosure. Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, elements and features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and substituted for each other within the scope of the present invention. 
     Any one of the above-described operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from the one described above.