Method of customizing an article and apparatus

摘要

A method of applying graphics to a set of articles with a graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The method includes a step of selecting an article from a set of articles comprising different types of articles. After selecting a last that may be associated with the article, the last may be attached to a last assembly of the graphic transfer assembly. With the article attached to the graphic transfer assembly, a deformable membrane may apply graphics to curved portions of the article.

主权项

1. A method of applying a graphic to an article, comprising the steps of:
placing the article onto a last assembly configured to fit the article; associating the graphic with a curved surface of the article using a temporary attachment layer; orienting the last assembly including the article so that the curved surface of the article is adjacent to a chamber of the graphic transfer assembly, wherein the chamber is attached to a first housing portion, and wherein the first housing portion includes a heating element, and wherein the chamber is filled with a liquid; heating the liquid with the heating element to conductively heat a deformable membrane of the chamber; pressing the curved surface of the article with the graphic against the deformable membrane using the last assembly, thereby applying heat and pressure to the graphic; and transferring the graphic to the curved surface of the article.