Patent Description:
Heat applied transfers include a variety of indicia with inks, material layers, and adhesives that become bonded to material layers, for example, apparel such as shirts, jackets, or the like, upon pressurized contact and heating of the transfers and apparel between press platens. Graphic images and lettering may generally be accurately and quickly transferred to the apparel without bleeding or partial interruptions in the bonding of the transfer, as long as the presses can be operated at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time and at a predetermined pressure.

From <CIT> a "dual pressure clam press" comprising a base, a handle pivotally coupled to the base ,a heater arm pivotally coupled to the base, a controller with a display, is known.

The presses must be able to accommodate many variations in the arrangement of transfers and apparel, as well as the types of transfers and apparel materials available. Moreover, the presses accommodate a wide variety of temperatures, pressures, and time intervals associated with application of indicia to a garment. Due to the desire for flexibility and economic factors, presses have traditionally been manually operated, i.e., they often rely on a user (e.g., an operator) to control at least (a) the force applied through the platens and (b) the length of time the force is applied with a mechanical apparatus.

The accuracy and precision of the temperature, and the pressure and the time duration for which these parameters are applied to the transfers, are particularly important to complete an efficient bonding of the transfers to materials and can be difficult to accomplish in an accurate and repeatable manner. The foregoing parameters are set and/or controlled via a heat press controller. Often, the heat press controllers are not viewable by the user during certain portions of the heat transfer process. For example, the user's view of the heat press controller may be blocked by a portion of the heat press when the heat press is opened and/or closed. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved heat press.

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of the various aspects is best gained through a discussion of various examples thereof. Referring now to the drawings, exemplary illustrations are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent the illustrations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent the embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an embodiment. Further, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the invention to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

Various exemplary illustrations are provided herein of exemplary presses, e.g., for applying indicia to garments by application of heat. According to one exemplary illustration, a press includes an upper platen, and a lower platen disposed below and generally aligned with the upper platen. The press is adapted to move the upper platen between an open position, wherein the upper and lower platens are spaced away from one another, and a closed position, wherein the upper platen is pressed against the lower platen.

A heat press includes a base, a handle, a heater arm, a controller, a lower platen, and an upper platen. The handle is pivotally coupled to the base. The heater arm is pivotally coupled to the base. The controller is pivotally coupled to the handle and the heater arm such that the controller pivots from a first position to a second position during a pivotal movement of the handle from an open position to a closed position. The lower platen is connected to base. The upper platen is connected to the heater arm. A surface of the upper platen is separated from a surface of the lower platen in the open position. The surface of the upper platen is in contact with the surface of the lower platen in the closed position.

Exemplary illustrations are described in detail below. General discussion applies to all the figures as follows, with discussion specific to each figure later provided.

Referring generally to the figures, an exemplary heat press <NUM> is shown according to the disclosure. The heat press <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, a heater arm <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, a lower platen <NUM>, and/or an upper platen <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM><NUM>, a second portion <NUM><NUM>, and/or a third portion <NUM><NUM>. The second portion <NUM><NUM> and/or the third portion <NUM><NUM> may extend from the first portion <NUM><NUM>. The second portion <NUM><NUM> may be spaced apart from the third portion <NUM><NUM>. In some examples, the second portion <NUM><NUM> and the third portion <NUM><NUM> may include geometries (e.g., shapes) that are substantially similar.

The handle <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the base <NUM>. In some examples, the handle <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM><NUM> spaced apart from a second portion <NUM><NUM>, and/or a third portion <NUM><NUM> extending between and/or connecting the first portion <NUM><NUM> and the second portion <NUM><NUM>. In some instances, the first portion <NUM><NUM> and the second portion <NUM><NUM> may include geometries that are substantially similar (e.g., elongated). In some examples, the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM>.

In this regard, the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM> may include a first clevis <NUM><NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM> may include a second clevis <NUM><NUM>. The second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> may be at least partially disposed within the first clevis <NUM><NUM>, such that portions of the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM> may be disposed on either side of the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM>. The third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> may be at least partially disposed within the second clevis <NUM><NUM>, such that portions of the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM> may be disposed on either side of the third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM>.

In some examples, the first portion <NUM><NUM> of handle <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM><NUM> that may be aligned with a through hole <NUM><NUM> of the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM><NUM> of handle <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM><NUM>, that may be aligned with a through hole <NUM><NUM> of the third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM>. In some examples, a first coupler <NUM><NUM> including a bolt <NUM> (e.g., a pin, a rod, a screw, among others) and a fastener <NUM> (e.g., a nut, etc.) may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, and/or the first clevis <NUM><NUM>. A second coupler <NUM><NUM> may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, and/or the second clevis <NUM><NUM>. In some example configurations, the first coupler <NUM><NUM> and/or the second coupler <NUM><NUM> may be configured to, at least in part, pivotally couple the handle <NUM> to the base <NUM>, such that the handle <NUM> rotates relative to the base <NUM> about a first axis A1.

The heater arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the base <NUM>. The heater arm <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM><NUM> and/or a second portion <NUM><NUM>. The first portion <NUM><NUM> and the second portion <NUM><NUM> may include substantially similar geometries. In some examples, the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater element <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM>.

In this regard, the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM> may include a first clevis <NUM><NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM> may include a second clevis <NUM><NUM>. The second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base may be at least partially disposed with the first clevis <NUM><NUM>, such that portions of the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM> may be disposed on either side of the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base. The third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> may be at least partially disposed within the second clevis <NUM><NUM>, such that portions of the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM> may be disposed on either side of the third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM>.

In some examples, the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM><NUM> that be aligned with an additional through hole <NUM><NUM> of the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM><NUM> of heater arm <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM><NUM>, that may be aligned with an additional through hole <NUM><NUM> of the third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM>. In some examples, a third coupler <NUM><NUM> may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, and/or the first clevis <NUM><NUM>. A fourth coupler <NUM><NUM> may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, and/or the second clevis <NUM><NUM>. In some example configurations, the third coupler <NUM><NUM> and/or the fourth coupler 38a may be configured to, at least in part, pivotally couple the heater arm <NUM> to the base <NUM>, such that the heater arm <NUM> rotates relative to the base <NUM> about a second axis A2. In some instances, the second axis A2 may extend in a direction that may be substantially parallel to the first axis A1.

The controller <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the handle <NUM> and/or the heater arm <NUM>. In some examples, the controller <NUM> may include a plurality of brackets <NUM>, such as a first bracket <NUM><NUM>, a second bracket <NUM><NUM>, a third bracket <NUM><NUM>, and/or a fourth bracket <NUM><NUM>. The plurality of brackets <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the controller <NUM>. In some examples, the first bracket <NUM><NUM> and the second bracket <NUM><NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the handle <NUM>, and/or the third bracket <NUM><NUM> and the fourth bracket <NUM><NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the heater arm <NUM>. In some instances, the first bracket <NUM><NUM> and the second bracket <NUM><NUM> may include geometries (e.g., shapes) that are substantially similar, and/or the third bracket <NUM><NUM> and the fourth bracket <NUM><NUM> may include geometries that are substantially similar.

In some implementations, the first bracket <NUM><NUM> may include a first through hole <NUM><NUM> that may be aligned with an additional through hole <NUM><NUM> of the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM>, and/or the second bracket <NUM><NUM> may include a second through hole <NUM><NUM> that may be aligned with an additional through hole <NUM><NUM> of the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM>. In some examples, a fifth coupler <NUM><NUM> may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, and/or a sixth coupler <NUM><NUM> may be disposed, at least partially within the through holes <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>.

In some implementations, the third bracket <NUM><NUM> may include a third through hole <NUM><NUM> that may be aligned with an additional through hole <NUM><NUM> of the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM>, and/or the fourth bracket <NUM><NUM> may include a fourth through hole <NUM><NUM> that may be aligned with an additional through hole <NUM><NUM> of the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM>. In some examples, a seventh coupler <NUM><NUM> may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, and/or a eighth coupler <NUM> may be disposed, at least partially within the through holes <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM>.

In some example configurations, the fifth coupler <NUM> and/or the sixth coupler <NUM><NUM> may be configured to, at least in part, pivotally couple the controller <NUM> to the handle <NUM>, such that the controller <NUM> rotates about a third axis A3. The seventh coupler <NUM><NUM> and/or the eight coupler <NUM> may be configured to, at least in part, pivotally couple the controller <NUM> to the heater arm <NUM>, such that the controller <NUM> rotates about a fourth axis A4. In some instances, the first axis A1, the second axis A2, the third axis A3, and/or the fourth axis A4 may extend in directions that are substantially parallel. In some examples, the heater arm <NUM> may be coupled to the handle <NUM> via the controller <NUM>.

In some implementations, the lower platen <NUM> may be fixed directly (e.g., screwed, fastened, etc.) to the base <NUM>. In some instances, the lower platen <NUM> may be fixed directly to the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM>. In some example configurations, the upper platen <NUM> may be coupled to the heater arm <NUM>. In some instances, the upper platen <NUM> may be coupled to the heater arm <NUM> via an adjustment component <NUM>. The adjustment component <NUM> may include a threaded portion <NUM> connected to a handle <NUM>. The adjustment component <NUM> may be configured to move the upper platen <NUM> closer to and/or further away from the heater arm <NUM>. In this regard, an operator of the heat press <NUM> may rotate the handle <NUM> about a fifth axis A5 which may move the upper platen <NUM> relative to the heater arm <NUM>.

In some example configurations, a heater <NUM> may be disposed within at least one of the lower platen <NUM> and/or the upper platen <NUM>. In some examples, the heater <NUM> may be disposed within the upper platen <NUM>. In some examples, the heater <NUM> may be disposed within the lower platen <NUM>. In some instances, the heater <NUM> may include conventional electrically resistive heating elements and the like, which may be formed as serpentine or otherwise wound throughout surface areas of the upper platen <NUM> and/or the lower platen <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may be coupled to a typical power supply (not depicted) through a switch and/or a controller and may be configured for adjusting the temperature of heater <NUM>, e.g., by way of the controller <NUM>. The temperature of the heater <NUM> may be adjusted by adjusting power to the heat elements. In some instances, the upper platen <NUM> and/or the lower platen <NUM> may carry a thermo-couple sensor, RTD probe, NTC thermistor or similar device (not shown) which may be wired in a conventional manner to generate temperature information for the controller <NUM>, which displays information (e.g., heat press parameters) via a display <NUM> and/or a controller readout. The display <NUM> may be disposed on a viewing surface S<NUM> of the controller <NUM>, such that the display <NUM> is viewable by an operator (e.g., a user) of the heat press <NUM>. An electrical circuit for the heater <NUM> may also include a temperature control such as a thermostat.

In some implementations, the controller <NUM> may generally include computational and/or control elements (e.g., a microprocessor and/or a microcontroller). The controller <NUM> may be electrically connected to the heater <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may generally provide time monitoring, temperature monitoring, pressure monitoring, and control, as examples. The display <NUM> of the controller <NUM> may further include various readout displays, e.g., to allow display of a force, temperature, or time associated with operation of the heat press <NUM>. In some examples, the display <NUM> may allow for manipulation of the controller <NUM> by an operator, e.g., by way of a touchscreen interface (not shown). In some examples, the controller <NUM> may include input capabilities, to set time, temperature, and the like, via for instance, a touch screen or via push buttons <NUM>, as examples.

In some instances, the heat press <NUM> may include a first shock <NUM><NUM> and/or a second shock <NUM><NUM>. In some examples, the first shock <NUM><NUM> and/or the second shock <NUM><NUM> may be connected to the base <NUM> and the heater arm <NUM>. In this regard, the first shock <NUM><NUM> may be connected to the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> and the first portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm, and/or the second shock <NUM><NUM> may be connected to the third portion <NUM><NUM> of the base <NUM> and the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the heater arm <NUM>. The first shock <NUM><NUM> and/or the second shock <NUM><NUM> may be configured to counterbalance (e.g., dampen the movement of) the upper platen <NUM> (e.g., when the upper platen <NUM> includes the weight of the heater <NUM>) when the operator manipulates (e.g., pivotal mov the handle <NUM> to move the upper platen <NUM>. The first shock <NUM><NUM> and/or the second shock <NUM><NUM> may include gas springs and/or other conventional shocks.

Referring now to <FIG>, the heat press <NUM> is shown in an open position. When the heat press <NUM> is in the open position, an engagement surface S<NUM> of the upper platen <NUM> may be separated from an engagement surface S<NUM> of the lower platen <NUM>. In some examples, when the heat press <NUM> is in the open position, the controller <NUM> may be in a first position. When in the controller <NUM> is in the first position a viewing surface S<NUM> of the controller <NUM> may be disposed at an angle (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> degrees) relative to an upper surface S<NUM> of the upper platen <NUM>, such that an operator of the heat press <NUM> may have an unobstructed view of the controller <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of the controller <NUM> and/or the push buttons <NUM> of the controller <NUM>).

Referring now to <FIG>, the heat press <NUM> is shown in a closed position (e.g., a second position). In the closed position, the engagement surface S<NUM> of the upper platen <NUM> may be in contact with (e.g., engage) the engagement surface S<NUM> of the lower platen <NUM>. In some examples, when the heat press <NUM> is in the closed position, the controller <NUM> may be in a second position. For example, when the controller <NUM> is in the second position, the viewing surface S<NUM> of the controller <NUM> may be disposed substantially parallel to the upper surface S<NUM> of the upper platen <NUM>. In some instances, when the controller <NUM> is in the second position, the viewing surface S<NUM> may be disposed between and/or below the first portion <NUM><NUM> and the second portion <NUM><NUM> of the handle <NUM>. When the controller <NUM> is the second position, the operator may have an unobstructed view of the controller <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of the controller <NUM> and/or the push buttons <NUM> of the controller <NUM>).

In some implementation, manipulation (e.g., pivotal movement) of the handle <NUM> may cause the controller <NUM> to simultaneously move (e.g., from the first position to the second position), such that operator has a continuously unobstructed view of the controller <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of the controller <NUM> and/or the push buttons <NUM> of the controller <NUM>) during the entire operation of the heat press <NUM>. For example, when the operator manipulates the handle <NUM>, the controller <NUM> and the upper platen <NUM> move simultaneously. In this regard, when the operator manipulates the handle <NUM>, the handle <NUM> will rotate relative to the base <NUM> about the first axis A1. The controller <NUM> will rotate relative to the handle <NUM> about the third axis A3, and/or the controller <NUM> will rotate relative to the heater arm <NUM> about the fourth axis A4. The heater arm <NUM> will rotate relative to the base <NUM> about the second axis A2, which causes the upper platen <NUM> to move relative to the lower platen <NUM>.

In some example configurations, the heat press <NUM> may include a low profile. As such, the heat press <NUM> may be able to operate in a variety of tight environments due to its low profile. The disclosed subject matter therefore includes minimal gap between the upper platen <NUM> (e.g., when the heater <NUM> is disposed within the upper platen <NUM>) and the heater arm <NUM> (e.g., all the compliance structure is under the platen <NUM> where more space for garment clearance is beneficial, instead of above the heater <NUM>). The handle <NUM> positions maintain low profile (i.e., the handle <NUM> does not stick straight up making it more difficult to store).

In some examples, the heat press <NUM> may include a total height of approximately <NUM>", a width of approximately <NUM>", a depth of approximately <NUM>", a platen height of approximately <NUM>", and a clearance around the platen of approximately <NUM>". This is in contrast to known heat presses that occupy a larger profile or volume (e.g., bulky) and are generally much taller. The low profile or volume is obtained due to, at least in part, the compact nature of engagement of the base <NUM> with the lower platen <NUM>. In addition, the overall package height is minimized due to the additional impact of the handle <NUM> and its operation to raise and lower the upper platen <NUM>.

Known heat presses typically include both a controller and a four-bar linkage, which links the handle to the base and via at least one intermediate linkage. Thus, according to the disclosure, these functions are combined and a controller (e.g., controller <NUM>) also serves as a linkage. That is, where two components may be used in known devices, only one component is now used according to the disclosure. Not only does this reduce the number of components, but it also results in a compact arrangement and the controller <NUM> is captured within the profile of the heat press <NUM> when it is closed, convenient for both operation and for moving the heat press <NUM> from location to location. Also, the controller <NUM> is still accessible for operation and changing settings, etc., when closed, but also conveniently pivots when the heat press <NUM> is opened, conveniently facing the operator and allowing settings to be changed when the heat press <NUM> is in the open position as well.

Thus, according to the disclosure and as illustrated in the drawings, a heat press <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, a heater arm <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, a lower platen <NUM>, and an upper platen <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the base <NUM>. The heater arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the base <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the handle <NUM> and the heater arm <NUM> such that the controller <NUM> pivots from a first position to a second position during a pivotal movement of the handle <NUM> from an open position to a closed position. The lower platen <NUM> is connected to base <NUM>. The upper platen <NUM> is connected to the heater arm <NUM>. A surface S<NUM> of the upper platen <NUM> is separated from a surface S<NUM> of the lower platen <NUM> in the open position. The surface S<NUM> of the upper platen <NUM> is in contact with the surface S<NUM> of the lower platen <NUM> in the closed position.

Additionally, according to the disclosure, and as illustrated in the drawings, a method of fabricating a heat press <NUM> includes attaching a lower platen <NUM> to a base <NUM>, attaching a heater arm <NUM> to the base <NUM>, providing at least one of the upper platen <NUM> and/or the lower platen <NUM> with a heater <NUM>, the heater <NUM> is electrically connected to a controller <NUM>, attaching a handle <NUM> to the base <NUM>, coupling the controller <NUM> to the heater arm <NUM> and the handle <NUM> such that the controller <NUM> pivots from a first position to a second position during a pivotal movement of the handle <NUM> from an open position to a closed position, and moving the upper platen relative to the lower platen via the pivotal movement of the handle, coupling the upper platen <NUM> to the heater arm <NUM> and configuring the controller <NUM> to control at least one parameter of the heat press <NUM>, the controller <NUM> including: a viewing surface S<NUM> that is visible to an operator of the heat press <NUM> during movement of the controller <NUM> from the first position to the second position; a display <NUM> disposed on the viewing surface S<NUM>; and at least one button <NUM> configured to set the at least one parameter of the heat press; wherein, when the controller <NUM> is in the first position, the viewing surface S<NUM> of the controller <NUM> is disposed at an angle relative to an upper surface S<NUM> of the upper platen <NUM>, and wherein, when the controller <NUM> is in the second position, the viewing surface S<NUM> of the controller <NUM> is disposed substantially parallel to an upper surface S<NUM> of the upper platen <NUM>.

The exemplary illustrations are not limited to the previously described examples. Rather, a plurality of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the ideas of the exemplary illustrations and therefore fall within the protective scope. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claimed invention.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.

Claim 1:
A heat press (<NUM>) comprising:
base (<NUM>);
a handle (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the base;
a heater arm (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the base;
a controller (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the handle and the heater arm such that the controller pivots from a first position to a second position during a pivotal movement of the handle from an open position to a closed position;
a lower platen (<NUM>) connected to the base; and
an upper platen (<NUM>) connected to the heater arm,
wherein the controller is configured to control at least one parameter of the heat press, the controller including:
a viewing surface (S<NUM>) that is visible to an operator of the heat press during movement of the controller from the first position to the second position;
a display (<NUM>) disposed on the viewing surface; and
at least one button (<NUM>) configured to set the at least one parameter of the heat press,
wherein the pivotal movement of the handle causes the controller to move such that the display and the at least one button are unobstructed while the controller pivots from the first position to the second position,
wherein, when the controller is in the first position, the viewing surface of the controller is disposed at an angle relative to an upper surface of the upper platen, and wherein, when the controller is in the second position, the viewing surface of the controller is disposed substantially parallel to an upper surface of the upper platen,
wherein a surface of the upper platen is separated from a surface of the lower platen in the open position, and the surface of the upper platen is in contact with the surface of the lower platen in the closed position.