Abstract: A system for stretching a surface of a shoe for digitally printing onto the surface by an external device, the system comprising an apparatus and a controller in electrical communication, the system having: a main plate to receive and support the shoe; a side arm to traverse longitudinally along an edge of a medial portion of the main plate and to engage with at least a portion of the tongue of the shoe; and a driver causing the longitudinal traversal of the side arm, having: an end bearing and an end connector; a rotary band; an end bracket opposite the end bearing and beneath the main plate; a driving screw between the end bracket and the end bearing, and associated with the side arm; and a motor adapted to receive an electrical signal from the controller selectively causing a rotation of a rotary shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A direct heat vacuum platen having a main case with an open top portion, a print surface having a main top configured to fit over the open top portion of the main case, the main top having a rectangular arrangement of suction ports configured to secure an above print substrate using suction provided from vacuum fans attached to the main case, heating elements attached to a bottom portion of the main top, a thermoregulator having a thermostat controller attached to temperature sensors and the heating elements within the main case, and a power controller having a power slot attached to a power switch and main fuse holder, a fan fuse holder, the thermostat controller and the suction fans. The suction ports are configured to hold a print substrate of a desired size. The usage of the internal vacuum fans reduces noise and power usage when compared to external vacuum apparatuses.

Abstract: A system for stretching a surface of a shoe for digitally printing onto the surface by an external device, the system comprising an apparatus and a controller in electrical communication, the system having: a main plate to receive and support the shoe; a side arm to traverse longitudinally along an edge of a medial portion of the main plate and to engage with at least a portion of the tongue of the shoe; and a driver causing the longitudinal traversal of the side arm, having: an end bearing and an end connector; a rotary band; an end bracket opposite the end bearing and beneath the main plate; a driving screw between the end bracket and the end bearing, and associated with the side arm; and a motor adapted to receive an electrical signal from the controller selectively causing a rotation of a rotary shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A direct heat vacuum platen having a main case with an open top portion, a print surface having a main top configured to fit over the open top portion of the main case, the main top having a rectangular arrangement of suction ports configured to secure an above print substrate using suction provided from vacuum fans attached to the main case, heating elements attached to a bottom portion of the main top, a thermoregulator having a thermostat controller attached to temperature sensors and the heating elements within the main case, and a power controller having a power slot attached to a power switch and main fuse holder, a fan fuse holder, the thermostat controller and the suction fans. The suction ports are configured to hold a print substrate of a desired size. The usage of the internal vacuum fans reduces noise and power usage when compared to external vacuum apparatuses.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching a surface of a pair of shoes for digitally printing onto the surface by an external device, the apparatus comprising: a main plate configured to receive the pair of shoes, the main plate comprising a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a medial portion extending between the front and the rear ends, the medial portion being laterally offset from an outer edge of each of the front and the rear ends, a pair of curved grooves disposed at the rear end and being adapted to receive an interior of the heel of each shoe of the pair of shoes; a pair of side arms each being adapted to traverse longitudinally along an edge of the medial portion, and having a V-shaped groove; and a pair of motors each configured to independently cause a longitudinal movement of the pair of side arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching a surface of a pair of shoes for digitally printing onto the surface by an external device, the apparatus comprising: a main plate configured to receive the pair of shoes, the main plate comprising a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a medial portion extending between the front and the rear ends, the medial portion being laterally offset from an outer edge of each of the front and the rear ends, a pair of curved grooves disposed at the rear end and being adapted to receive an interior of the heel of each shoe of the pair of shoes; a pair of side arms each being adapted to traverse longitudinally along an edge of the medial portion, and having a V-shaped groove; and a pair of motors each configured to independently cause a longitudinal movement of the pair of side arms.