Abstract: A threadable heat transfer press includes an upper platen, a lower platen below the upper platen, a support head connected to one of the upper platen and the lower platen for moving the platens between an open position, when the platens are spaced away from one another, and a closed position, when the platens are pressed against each other. A vertical line extends from a geometric center of the lower platen and engaging the upper platen when the platens are in the closed position. The press further includes a support plate secured to the lower platen, a plurality of legs positioned below the lower platen, and a vertically extending support structure positioned between at least one of the plurality of legs and the support plate. The vertically extending support structure defines a throat spacing beneath the lower platen, which is spaced away from the geometric center of the lower platen.

Abstract: Exemplary presses, e.g., for applying indicia to garments by application of heat, are disclosed. For example, a press may include an upper platen, and a lower platen disposed below and generally aligned with the upper platen. The press may further include a support head 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. Exemplary presses may further include a stand supporting the press.

Abstract: Exemplary methods of making an applique are disclosed. An exemplary method includes forming a graphic and at least one registration mark on a display side of a fabric layer. An adhesive may be applied to a non-display side of the fabric layer, and a backing carrier may be applied to the adhesive. The methods may further include cutting through the fabric layer and the adhesive, but not the backing carrier, using a cutting tool that is responsive to the at least one registration mark. Exemplary methods may also include applying a topside carrier to the display side of the fabric layer. A bond between the topside carrier and the fabric layer may be stronger than a bond between the backing carrier and the fabric layer.

Abstract: A graphic for application to a textile is disclosed. The graphic includes a front surface configured to be viewable when the graphic is applied to the textile. The graphic further includes a back surface opposite the front surface and configured to contact the textile. The graphic further includes an attachment mechanism, other than stitching, that attaches the graphic to the textile. The graphic also includes a simulated stitching pattern “etched” onto the front surface of the graphic extending around a perimeter of the graphic and includes projections simulating stitch ends.

Abstract: Exemplary presses, e.g., for applying indicia to garments by application of heat, are disclosed. For example, a press may include an upper platen, and a lower platen disposed below and generally aligned with the upper platen. The press may further include a support head 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. Exemplary presses may further include a stand supporting the press.

Abstract: Exemplary presses, e.g., for applying indicia to garments by application of heat, are disclosed. For example, a press may include an upper platen, and a lower platen disposed below and generally aligned with the upper platen. The press may further include a support head 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. In some exemplary approaches, the support head may extend from an axial support of the press. The support head may be configured to rotate about the axial support while maintaining the platens in a parallel alignment with one another as the support head rotates about the axial support. In some examples, the operation of the press is generally automated.

Abstract: A press is described having an upper platen. The press includes one piece base for support an upper rotatable support arm and a lower cantilever support arm. The upper support arm is adapted to selectively move the upper platen between an open position, a partially open position and a closed position with respect to a lower platen. A lower cantilever support arm configured to provide an open working surface around a lower platen. A sliding mechanism disposed on the base to selectively move the lower platen to an open, partially open or closed position.

Abstract: A method for cutting a graphic into a graphic material is disclosed. The method includes automatically controlling a cutting device to cut a desired graphic shape into a graphic material and automatically adjusting the cutting depth of the cutting device between at least a shallower cutting depth and a deeper cutting depth substantially contemporaneously with the cutting the desired graphic shape into the material.

Abstract: A press is described having an upper platen. The press includes a support arm adapted to selectively move the upper platen between an open position, a partially open position and a closed position with respect to a lower platen. An electromagnet is disposed proximate the support arm and configured to selectively secure the upper platen in the closed position. Another electromagnet, which may be disposed proximate a base member, is configured selectively to secure the upper platen in a partially open position.

Abstract: A press is described having an upper platen and a lower platen. A support is adapted to close the upper platen with the lower platen by applying a force therebetween. A sensor is adapted to detect the force and a display is in communication with the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention involves a single layered printed fabric for applying a printed fabric pattern to an object. The printed fabric has a predetermined shape corresponding to the printed fabric pattern. The printed fabric includes first and second portions disposed adjacent each other, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The third portion is printed on the first and second portions, wherein the third portion represents a simulated stitch attaching the first portion to the second portion. The fourth portion is printed on the first portion, wherein the fourth portion represents a simulated stitch hole to simulate an appearance of a hole through which the stitch disposes to simulate an appearance that the first portion is a top layer stitched onto the second portion which is a bottom layer.

Abstract: The present invention involves an applique for applying a fabric pattern to an object. The applique comprises a laminate having an outer periphery to define a first predetermined shape corresponding to the fabric pattern and has etches formed adjacent the periphery to simulate an appearance of stitching. In one embodiment, the laminate comprises a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer with a periphery, wherein the bottom fabric layer periphery corresponds to the outer periphery. The top fabric layer is a strip attached to the bottom layer, wherein the top fabric layer is disposed adjacent the outer periphery. The laminate has etches formed on the top fabric layer so that the top fabric layer simulates the appearance of stitching. In another embodiment, the laminate comprises a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer, wherein the top fabric layer has a second predetermined shape. The top fabric layer is attached to the bottom fabric layer and disposed inward from the outer periphery.

Abstract: Transfers, suitable for applying complex designs to articles by the application of heat and pressure, are prepared simply and economically by printing the design onto plain paper or other fusible polymer-free substrate from a conventional ink-jet printer. The avoidance of polymer-coated paper allows the design to be transferred to fabric articles without altering the hand and feel of fabric in non-printed areas without the necessity of cutting the transfer from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention involves a single layered printed fabric for applying a printed fabric pattern to an object. The printed fabric has a predetermined shape corresponding to the printed fabric pattern. The printed fabric includes first and second portions disposed adjacent each other, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The third portion is printed on the first and second portions, wherein the third portion represents a simulated stitch attaching the first portion to the second portion. The fourth portion is printed on the first portion, wherein the fourth portion represents a simulated stitch hole to simulate an appearance of a hole through which the stitch disposes to simulate an appearance that the first portion is a top layer stitched onto the second portion which is a bottom layer.

Abstract: The present invention involves a single layered printed fabric for applying a printed fabric pattern to an object. The printed fabric has a predetermined shape corresponding to the printed fabric pattern. The printed fabric includes first and second portions disposed adjacent each other, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The third portion is printed on the first and second portions, wherein the third portion represents a simulated stitch attaching the first portion to the second portion. The fourth portion is printed on the first portion, wherein the fourth portion represents a simulated stitch hole to simulate an appearance of a hole through which the stitch disposes to simulate an appearance that the first portion is a top layer stitched onto the second portion which is a bottom layer.

Abstract: An emblem for embroidery stitching directly to a substrate is disclosed which provides an emblem which can be readily embroidered. The emblem includes a fabric layer with a thermoplastic adhesive coating one side of the fabric layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive coating the thermoplastic adhesive to provide an emblem which can temporarily adhere to a substrate. The emblem can thus be temporarily secured during embroidery and prevent distortion of the emblem. Following embroidery, the emblem is heat-sealed to a substrate and the thermoplastic adhesive coating penetrates through the pressure sensitive adhesive for attachment of the emblem to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot peel carrier for decorative graphics and lettering applied to a substrate wherein the carrier has a film having opposite surfaces and an adhesive having a peel strength which decreases with increasing temperature, the adhesive being on a surface of the plastic film. The invention also provides a laminate for use in applying graphics to a substrate which incorporates the carrier, methods of using and methods of using the carrier and laminate disclosed herein. The various embodiments disclosed herein incorporating the aforementioned hot peel carrier have significant advantages stemming from the fact that immediate after a graphic is heat applied to a substrate, the adhesive of the carrier has substantially no adhesion to either the substrate or to the heated adhered graphic.

Abstract: The present invention involves a single layered printed fabric for applying a printed fabric pattern to an object. The printed fabric has a predetermined shape corresponding to the printed fabric pattern. The printed fabric includes first and second portions disposed adjacent each other, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The third portion is printed on the first and second portions, wherein the third portion represents a simulated stitch attaching the first portion to the second portion. The fourth portion is printed on the first portion, wherein the fourth portion represents a simulated stitch hole to simulate an appearance of a hole through which the stitch disposes to simulate an appearance that the first portion is a top layer stitched onto the second portion which is a bottom layer.

Abstract: The present invention involves an applique for applying a fabric pattern to an object. The applique comprises a laminate having an outer periphery to define a first predetermined shape corresponding to the fabric pattern and has etches formed adjacent the periphery to simulate an appearance of stitching. In one embodiment, the laminate comprises a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer with a periphery, wherein the bottom fabric layer periphery corresponds to the outer periphery. The top fabric layer is a strip attached to the bottom layer, wherein the top fabric layer is disposed adjacent the outer periphery. The laminate has etches formed on the top fabric layer so that the top fabric layer simulates the appearance of stitching. In another embodiment, the laminate comprises a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer, wherein the top fabric layer has a second predetermined shape. The top fabric layer is attached to the bottom fabric layer and disposed inward from the outer periphery.

Abstract: An impressed emblem is disclosed which includes a cover sheet which is used together with heat and pressure to impress a desired pattern on an emblem. The emblem can also be impressed with a pattern and simultaneously heat-sealed onto a desired substrate.