Patent ID: 7563341

Claim:
A method of simultaneously applying a pre-selected dye image to multiple surfaces of a three dimensional object, comprising the steps of: providing a three dimensional object having an outer plastic surface for receiving a dye image, the three dimensional object having a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces adjacent to and not co-planar with the top surface; placing a dye image carrier sheet in registration over the three dimensional object, the image carrier sheet having a pre-selected dye image printed thereon; lowering a flexible membrane over the three dimensional object and the image carrier sheet; pre-heating the flexible membrane; establishing a vacuum under the membrane, after pre-heating the flexible membrane, to cause the image carrier sheet to conform into pressurized communication with the top surface and side surfaces of the three dimensional object; and heating the image carrier sheet with a flexible heating element to cause the dye image to transfer from the carrier sheet onto the top surface and side surfaces of the three dimensional object.