US4667594A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for printing the interior of hollow articles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-04-29
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Granted: 1987-05-26
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Expires: 2005-04-29
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for applying a printed image to an interior surface of a hollow article is disclosed. The method involves using a mandrel with an expansible block having an outer surface for transferring an image, and means for exerting a force on the block to cause the block to expand in the cavity of the hollow article to effect image transfer. Use of mechanical compression and fluid pressure as alternatives for expanding the block are disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Albert W. Eddy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:55
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41F; B41F17/00; B41F17/006; B41P; B41P2217/00; B41P2217/50; B41P2217/53
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of applying a printed image to an interior surface of a cavity in a hollow article to be printed, comprising the steps of: (a) applying the image to an expansible outer surface on a block having a pair of opposed cavities along one axis, the block sized smaller than the cavity yet conforming closely to the cavity surface; (b) inserting the block into the cavity into alignment with the surface to be printed; (c) controllably expanding the block outer surface in a manner which minimizes distortion to contact the interior surface so that the image is transferred thereto, the controllable expansion of the block involving mechanically compressing the block along the axis thereof by moving a pair of plates with conical sections into contact with said cavities; and (d) contracting the block outer surface to permit withdrawal of the block from the cavity.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of applying a printed image to an interior surface of a cavity in a hollow article to be printed, comprising the steps of: (a) applying the image to an expansible outer surface on a block having a pair of opposed cavities along one axis, the block sized smaller than the cavity yet conforming closely to the cavity surface; (b) inserting the block into the cavity into alignment with the surface to be printed; (c) controllably expanding the block outer surface in a manner which minimizes distortion to contact the interior surface so that the image is transferred thereto, the controllable expansion of the block involving mechanically compressing the block along the axis thereof by moving a pair of plates with conical sections into contact with said cavities; and (d) contracting the block outer surface to permit withdrawal of the block from the cavity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the conical sections are frustums of right circular cones.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the conical sections are frustums of tetrahedral conical sections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
149 words
Apparatus for applying a printed image to an interior surface of a cavity in an article to be printed, comprising: (a) an expansible block having an outer surface capable of transferring an image, the block including a pair of cavities, each of which is proximate an associated one of a pair of opposed plates which contact opposite sides of the block along a force axis, each plate including a mating conical section which extends inwardly of an associated cavity; (b) means for exerting a force on the block to expand the outer surface into contact with said interior surface, said means for exerting a force including said pair of opposed plates; (c) means for applying an image to be transferred to said outer surface; and (d) means for releasing said force to eliminate said expansion so that said block may be removed from said cavity without interior surface contact.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
149 words
Apparatus for applying a printed image to an interior surface of a cavity in an article to be printed, comprising: (a) an expansible block having an outer surface capable of transferring an image, the block including a pair of cavities, each of which is proximate an associated one of a pair of opposed plates which contact opposite sides of the block along a force axis, each plate including a mating conical section which extends inwardly of an associated cavity; (b) means for exerting a force on the block to expand the outer surface into contact with said interior surface, said means for exerting a force including said pair of opposed plates; (c) means for applying an image to be transferred to said outer surface; and (d) means for releasing said force to eliminate said expansion so that said block may be removed from said cavity without interior surface contact.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said block includes a plurality of relatively rigid shaping rods which extend generally parallel to the force axis and are embedded in the block spaced about the periphery of said cavities.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said block is formed of silicone rubber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said silicone rubber has a durometer range of 30 to 60.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-05-25 | 1990-11-24 | 1991-05-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-05-25 | 1994-11-24 | 1995-05-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-05-25 | 1998-11-24 | 1999-05-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |