Patent ID: 8002931

Claim:
A method of applying a sublimation transfer to a container having a periphery with a handle, wherein the handle is connected to the container at least at one connection area on the outer surface of the container and extends along a portion of the container, the outer surface of the container coated with a polymeric coating, the method comprising: placing a sublimation transfer around the container with a dye image of the sublimation transfer facing an outer surface of the container; providing an elastic clamp comprising a sheet of elastomeric material that is stretched along a length of the material during use, the clamp having a first and second end joined by opposing sides and forming a body portion which is longer than a circumference of the container when the clamp is wrapped around the container, the clamp having at least one elongated opening adjacent one of the ends which opening is configured to allow the handle to pass through the opening, the opening having a closed periphery completely enclosed within the clamp before the wrapping step; wrapping the clamp around the entire periphery of the outer surface of the container but beneath the handle and stretching the clamp along a length of the clamp an amount sufficient to increase the length of the clamp and cause the clamp to press the dye image inward against the outer surface of the container with a force sufficient to allow a sublimation transfer; placing the opening over the handle; applying heat to the wrapped sublimation transfer sufficient to cause a sublimation transfer of the dye image to the container.