Systems For Treating A Garment With Pre-Treatment Solution, And Related Methods

Abstract

A system for treating a garment with a pre-treatment solution includes a fluid application assembly configured to dispense pre-treatment solution onto pre-determined target areas of the garment. A fluid supply and delivery assembly is coupled with the fluid application assembly and configured to provide a supply of pre-treatment solution to the fluid application assembly for dispensing onto the garment at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 30 psig. A garment movement assembly is configured to move the garment with respect to the fluid application assembly so that the target areas of the garment can receive the pre-treatment solution.

Description

REFERENCE TO PRIOR PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/673,746, filed Jul. 20, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to direct-to-garment printing operations, and more particularly to applying a pre-treatment solution to a garment before a printing operation.

BACKGROUND

Direct-to-garment printing is a popular technique for providing garments with graphics, designs, and other decoration. In a typical direct-to-garment printing operation, a printing system is used to dispense inks directly onto a garment. Pre-treatment solutions have been developed that improve the visual appearance of the decoration provided by the printing operation. In particular, pre-treatment solutions can be applied to a garment before the printing operation, and then the ink is applied onto the garment having the pre-treatment solution during a printing operation.

Devices have been used for applying pre-treatment solution onto garments. In a known example, a high-pressure dispensing system is used to apply pre-treatment solution under high pressure to a garment. Under these high pressures, the pre-treatment solution is atomized and is directed by the dispensing system at the garment. There are drawbacks with such an approach, however. First, known dispensing systems tend to apply the pre-treatment solution to a much larger portion of the garment than is required. As an extreme example, some known dispensing systems applied pre-treatment solution to an entire garment. Second, known dispensing systems also dispense the pre-treatment solution in a gross manner so that some of the pre-treatment solution that is directed at a garment is actually oversprayed and misses the garment. Third, known dispensing systems tend to impart so much energy to the pre-treatment solution that the pre-treatment solution hits the garment at a high speed, causing some of the pre-treatment solution to bounce off the garment. Thus, known dispensing systems have problems that tend to waste pre-treatment solution.

Moreover, pre-treatment solutions can be corrosive and tacky, and because of the problems with pre-treatment solution being oversprayed and bouncing off a garment, prior dispensing systems often included enclosure devices within which pre-treatment operations were performed. Some of these known dispensing systems used catch trays to collect pre-treatment solution that would otherwise be wasted (by overspray or bouncing off a garment, for example), but such efforts yielded only mediocre results and did nothing to address the mess created and damage caused by the corrosive and tacky pre-treatment solution.

Further still, known dispensing systems use mechanical components, such as pumps and valves, which come into direct contact with the pre-treatment solution. The corrosive and tacky nature of pre-treatment solutions, however, required that the mechanical components be cleaned and maintained on a relatively frequent basis.

Thus, improvements are needed relating to systems for applying a pre-treatment solution to garments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the invention, a system is provided for treating a garment with a pre-treatment solution before the garment undergoes a direct-to-garment printing operation. The system includes a fluid application assembly configured to dispense pre-treatment solution onto pre-determined target areas of the garment. The system further includes a fluid supply and delivery assembly coupled with the fluid application assembly and configured to provide a supply of pre-treatment solution to the fluid application assembly for dispensing onto the garment at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 30 psig. The system further includes a garment movement assembly configured to move the garment with respect to the fluid application assembly so that the target areas of the garment can receive the pre-treatment solution.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for treating a garment includes moving a pre-treatment solution in a fluid supply and delivery assembly toward a fluid application assembly at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 30 psig, and dispensing the pre-treatment solution from the fluid application assembly onto pre-determined target areas of the garment.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a cleaning assembly is provided for cleaning a nozzle tip having a dispensing opening. The cleaning assembly includes a housing having a socket configured for receiving the nozzle tip, a reservoir configured for holding a volume of cleaning solution, and a cleaning solution conduit system. The cleaning assembly further includes a pump configured for moving the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution conduit system from the reservoir to the socket, through the opening in the nozzle tip in the socket to clean the nozzle tip, and from the socket back to the reservoir.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for cleaning a nozzle tip having an opening. The method includes operating a pump to move cleaning solution in a cleaning solution conduit system from a reservoir toward the nozzle tip. The method further includes moving the cleaning solution through the opening in the nozzle tip, and moving the cleaning solution from the nozzle tip back into the cleaning solution conduit system. The method further includes moving the cleaning solution from the cleaning solution conduit system back into the reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of embodiments of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing a system for treating a garment with a pre-treatment solution according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the system of FIG. 1 showing a platen removed from a platen trolley.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the system of FIG. 1 showing the platen positioned beneath a dispensing nozzle.

FIG. 3B is another isometric view showing additional feature of the view shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of the system of FIG. 1, with housing components removed.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the system of FIG. 1 showing the relationship between the dispensing nozzle, the platen, and the platen trolley.

FIGS. 6A-6B are cross-sectional elevation views showing the relationship between the platen and the platen trolley, including how respective alignment features on each are used to align the platen and the platen trolley.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view showing features of the system of FIG. 1, including the nozzle on a nozzle movement assembly and dispensing pre-treatment solution onto a garment on the platen.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view showing features relating to the nozzle of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are isometric views showing features relating to the nozzle movement assembly.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a further schematic cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1 showing a fluid supply and a reservoir.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing features of the fluid supply and delivery assembly of the system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are isometric views showing a cleaning assembly for cleaning a nozzle tip constructed to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning assembly of FIGS. 14A and 14B.

FIG. 16 is a schematic depiction showing the general relationship and operation of the components of the cleaning assembly of FIGS. 14A and 14B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures, an exemplary system for treating a garment with a pre-treatment solution is shown and is generally indicated by the numeral 10. As will be apparent from the following discussion, the system 10 treats a garment with pre-treatment solution in a pre-treatment operation before the garment undergoes a printing operation.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the system 10 generally includes a fluid application assembly 12 that is configured to dispense pre-treatment solution onto a portion of a garment. In particular, the fluid application assembly 12 is configured to dispense pre-treatment solution onto pre-determined target areas of a garment, such as those areas of the garment that will be printed on during a printing operation.

The system 10 also generally includes a fluid supply and delivery assembly 14. The fluid supply and delivery assembly 14 is configured to provide a supply of pre-treatment solution to the fluid application assembly 12, to which it is operatively coupled. In particular, the fluid supply and delivery assembly 14 is configured to provide a supply of pre-treatment solution at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 30 psig. According to another embodiment, the fluid supply and delivery assembly 14 is configured to provide a supply of pre-treatment solution at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 20 psig. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that variations in the stated pressures may occur during normal operation of a system for treating a garment with a pre-treatment solution, such as the system 10, and which may be due to variations in pre-treatment solution supply pressure, variations in nozzles, or other variables.

Pre-treatment solution is not atomized at the pressures disclosed herein, and the application of pre-treatment solution to a garment can be better controlled than prior art devices that used higher pressures or atomized sprays. Dispensing pre-treatment solution at higher pressures causes the pre-treatment solution to bounce off the garment, thereby leading to an inefficient application of the pre-treatment solution and to waste, which typically spilled over into the environment near the garment. Advantageously, the system 10 avoids the drawbacks associated with high pressure applications. And because of the advantageous operation of the system 10, an enclosure is not required, and the system 10 can provide an open design that permits a user to readily observe a pretreatment operation as it happens.

The system 10 also includes a garment movement assembly 16 that is configured to move a garment with respect to the fluid application assembly 12 so that the target areas of the garment can receive the pre-treatment solution. Particular features of the fluid application assembly 12, the fluid supply and delivery assembly 14, and the garment movement assembly 16 are described in further detail below.

The system 10 includes a base portion 20 and an upper portion 22. Columns 24a, 24b support the upper portion 22 above, and spaced from, the base portion 20. The upper portion 22 includes a housing 26 having pivotable doors 28a, 28b. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the doors 28a, 28b in a closed position, and FIG. 3A shows the doors 28a, 28b in an open position. The fluid application assembly 12 is supported by the upper portion 22, and is generally positioned within the housing 26, as shown in FIG. 3A. The system 10 can include a user interface 27 which, in the embodiment shown, includes a screen for displaying information about the system 10 and for receiving inputs from a user. In addition, the system 10 can include a light source 29 to illuminate the garment undergoing a pre-treatment operation in the system 10, and in the embodiment shown the light source 29 is positioned on the upper portion 22, as shown in FIG. 5.

The garment movement assembly 16 generally includes a platen 30 and a platen trolley 32, which together are moved by a transport assembly 34. The platen 30 is configured to carry or support a garment while it is being treated in the system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 30 is selectively removable from the platen trolley 32, and the relationship between these two components is discussed further below. The platen 30 is carried by the platen trolley 32 and is moved by the transport assembly 34 in the Y-axis direction, as that axis is shown in FIG. 3A. In particular, FIG. 3A shows that the platen 30 can be moved to a position generally below the fluid application assembly 12, where the garment can receive pre-treatment solution.

Referring next to FIG. 7, the fluid application assembly 12 generally includes a dispensing nozzle 40 and a nozzle movement assembly 42 for moving the nozzle 40. In particular, the nozzle 40 is indirectly supported by a first nozzle bracket 44, which is operatively coupled with a transport assembly 46 for moving the first nozzle bracket 44 along a track 48. In any event, the nozzle 40 moves with the first nozzle bracket 44. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 7, the nozzle 40 is thereby moved by the transport assembly 46 along the X-axis, which is generally parallel with an axis defined by a substantially planar portion of the garment when the garment is positioned on the platen 30.

A second nozzle bracket 50 is moveably coupled with the first nozzle bracket 44 and the nozzle 40 is supported by the second nozzle bracket 50. In particular, the second nozzle bracket 50 is coupled with a transport assembly 52 for moving the second nozzle bracket 50 in the vertical direction with respect to the first nozzle bracket 44, which is not generally moveable in the vertical direction. In the embodiment shown, the transport assembly 52 is a servomotor 54 coupled with the second nozzle bracket 50 and has an actuator arm 56, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The actuator arm 56 engages the first nozzle bracket 44 so that operation of the servomotor 54 and movement of the actuator arm 56 causes the second nozzle bracket 50 to move with respect to the first nozzle bracket 44. For example, and as shown in FIG. 7, the second nozzle bracket 50 can move in a track 58 coupled with the first nozzle bracket 44. Thus, the nozzle 40 is moved by the transport assembly 52 along the Z-axis, which is generally perpendicular with an axis defined by a substantially planar portion of the garment when the garment is positioned on the platen 30.

Advantageously, the nozzle 40 can include a nozzle tip, or other dispensing device, that is specially designed for applications in the about 5 to about 30 psig range. Such nozzle tips are generally available in the marketplace.

As discussed above, the platen 30 supports a garment while it is being treated in the system 10. Referring next to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, the platen 30 includes a base 60 and a garment support surface 62 supported above the base 60. The garment support surface 62 is configured to support a portion of a garment in a substantially planar configuration. One or more garment retainers 64 are positioned on the platen 30 between the base 60 and the garment support surface 62. In the embodiment shown, the garment retainers 64 include abutting flexible bars 66 that define a jaw 68 into which portions of a garment that do not rest on the garment support surface 62 may be removably inserted so as to retain the garment on the platen 30.

The platen 30 also includes one or more alignment features that are configured to cooperate with a corresponding alignment feature on the platen trolley 32. In the embodiment shown, the platen 30 includes generally spherically-shaped alignment features 70 on the base 60 that are received in alignment sockets 72 on the platen trolley 32. It will be appreciated that the particular configuration of spherically-shaped alignment features and sockets is exemplary, and that other configurations are possible, such as where the platen 30 has the alignment sockets and the platen trolley 32 has the spherically-shaped alignment features. Other shapes and configurations of alignment features are also possible.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the alignment sockets 72 are formed in a deck 74 of the platen trolley 32. The deck 74 is operatively coupled with a drive member 76 of the transport assembly 34. The transport assembly 34 moves the drive member 76 along a track 78 along the Y-axis.

The system 10 controls the transport assembly 34, the transport assembly 46, and the transport assembly 52 to position the dispensing nozzle 40 at appropriate positions relative to a garment on the platen 30. In particular, the transport assembly 34 moves the platen 30 so the garment is generally beneath the dispensing nozzle 40 (Y-axis direction), and the transport assembly 46 moves the nozzle 40 back and forth over regions of the garment on the platen 30 (X-axis direction). The transport assembly 52 moves the nozzle 40 toward or away from the garment on the platen 30 (Z-axis direction), such as to accommodate garments having different thicknesses or to adjust the characteristics of the spray pattern emanating from the nozzle 40. The system 10 also controls the dispensing nozzle 40 to selectively dispense pre-treatment solution therefrom when the dispensing nozzle 40 is at appropriate positions relative to a garment on the platen 30. For example, the fluid application assembly 12 can include a solenoid valve 41 for controlling the flow of pre-treatment solution out of the nozzle 40, as shown in FIG. 13.

The platen 30 being removable from the platen trolley 32 of the system 10 provides several advantages. First, after a garment has received a pre-treatment operation from the system 10, the platen 30 holding the garment can be quickly removed from the trolley 32, and it is not necessary to remove the garment from the platen 30. Another platen 30 having another garment can then be placed onto the trolley 32, and the system 10 can be used for another pre-treatment operation. This cycle can be repeated. Throughput of garments receiving a pre-treatment operation from the system 10 is thereby improved, as time is not spent placing and removing garments on a garment carrier for each pre-treatment operation.

Because garments are often dried after receiving a pre-treatment operation, the platen 30 is easily moved away from the system 10 for drying. For example, one or more platens 30 could be moved to a drying location to allow the pre-treatment solution to dry under passive conditions. The platens 30 could be placed on a drying rack, for example. In addition, one or more platens 30 could be put into a drying device, such as a drying press, to dry the pre-treatment solution on the garments. Because the platens 30 include alignment features (such as spherically-shaped alignment features 70), a rack or a drying device could optionally include corresponding alignment features.

Moreover, garments undergo a pre-treatment operation in order to receive ink from a printer in a direct-to-garment printing operation. Platens 30 provide a convenient and efficient option for use in the printing operation, as well. Since the garments may already be on the platens 30 after the pre-treatment operation in the system 10, the platens 30 can be used with a printing system for performing the printing operation. Thereby, it is not necessary to remove the garment from a garment carrier used for the pre-treatment operation and then install the garment on another garment carrier used for the printing operation. And because the platens 30 include alignment features (such as spherically-shaped alignment features 70), a printing system could optionally include corresponding alignment features. For example, a printing system could include a device that has sockets like the platen trolley 32, and that device could be used to move the garment on the platen 30 through the printing system. Thereby, the garment could receive a pre-treatment operation in the system 10 and then receive a printing operation from a printing system without being removed from the platen 30. Thus, a garment could remain on the same platen 30 for a sequence of operations that includes: (1) a pre-treatment operation in the system 10, (2) drying on a rack or in a drying device, and (3) a printing operation in a printer.

And while drying a pre-treatment solution before a printing operation may be employed, the drying step is not absolutely required, and under some circumstances a garment could remain on the same platen 30 for a sequence of operations that includes: (1) a pre-treatment operation in the system 10, and (2) a printing operation in a printer.

In addition, a garment could receive a pre-treatment operation in the system 10 on the platen 30 and then be removed from the platen 30 for drying. After drying, the garment could be reinstalled on the platen 30 (or another similarly shaped platen 30) in the same basic alignment as when the garment received the pre-treatment operation. Once reinstalled on a platen 30, the garment could receive a printing operation from a printing system.

Advantageously, by using a single platen for both pre-treatment and printing operations, the alignment of the garment relative to the platen is maintained. This can allow the system 10 to apply the pre-treatment solution to target areas of a garment that will subsequently be printed on by a printing system. In particular, the system 10 can be configured to communicate with a printing system and to receive from the printing system information about the areas of the garment that will be printed on during a printing operation. Only those areas of the garment that will be printed on require the pre-treatment solution. The system 10 can then determine which areas of the garment should receive pre-treatment solution, and then dispense the pre-treatment solution accordingly. Advantageously, the system 10 may be used to apply pre-treatment solution to selected areas of the garment sufficient to cover the areas that will be printed on during the printing operation. By only applying pre-treatment solution to the areas of the garment where pre-treatment solution is required, the amount of pre-treatment solution used per garment can be minimized. This can present savings in terms of resources used and the amount of time that a pre-treatment operation takes. The system 10 thereby provides improvements over prior art devices that dispensed pre-treatment solution over a larger area of the garment than was necessary.

As discussed above, the fluid supply and delivery assembly 14 provides a supply of pre-treatment solution to the fluid application assembly 12, and in particular to the nozzle 40. Generally, and referring to FIG. 13, the fluid supply and delivery assembly 14 includes a fluid supply 80 containing the pre-treatment solution. In the embodiment shown, the fluid supply 80 includes a bag containing pre-treatment solution, but other forms of fluid supplies could also be used, such as bulk tubs of pre-treatment solution. A fluid conduit system 82 is coupled with, and connects, the fluid supply 80 and the fluid application assembly 12. The fluid supply 80 may be coupled with the fluid conduit system 82 by a quick-connect fitting 83, for example, as shown in FIG. 12. A fluid pump 84 moves pre-treatment solution from the fluid supply 80 toward the fluid application assembly 12. In the embodiment shown, for example, the fluid pump 84 is a peristaltic pump that acts on the fluid conduit system 82 to move the pre-treatment solution contained therein. It will be appreciated that other types of pumps may alternatively be used. A valve 86 and a one-way valve 88 may optionally be included in the fluid conduit system 82 for controlling movement of pre-treatment solution from the fluid supply 80, as shown.

Advantageously, much of the fluid conduit system 82, and the fluid pump 84, can be concealed within the base portion 22 and the columns 24a, 24b, thereby contributing to an uncluttered and organized appearance for the system 10. For example, FIG. 10A shows conduits of the fluid conduit system 82 inside the column 24a.

Also in the embodiment shown, the fluid supply and delivery assembly 14 includes a fluid reservoir 90 between the fluid supply 80 and the fluid application assembly 12. The fluid reservoir 90 is in the form of an upstanding or vertical column positioned between the base portion 20 and the upper portion 22, as shown in FIG. 5. The fluid reservoir 90 may be transparent in order to provide a visual indication of the level of pre-treatment solution contained in the fluid reservoir 90. In addition, the fluid reservoir may include a light source for illuminating the pre-treatment solution contained in the fluid reservoir 90.

An additional fluid pump 92 is provided for moving pre-treatment solution from the fluid reservoir 90 toward the fluid application assembly 12. In the embodiment shown, the fluid pump 92 is an air-over-fluid style pump, which uses air pressure to act on and move pre-treatment solution from the fluid reservoir 90 toward the fluid application assembly 12. Referring again to FIG. 13, the fluid pump 92 uses air provided by a gas source 94, such as shop air, for example. A pressure relief device 96 and a pressure regulator 98 may be used to regulate the air pressure provided from the gas source 94. A gauge 100 presents information about the air pressure being applied by the fluid pump 92. In particular, pressurized air is provided by the fluid pump 92 through an air line 101 to the head space 102 above the pre-treatment solution in the fluid reservoir 90. The gauge 100 provides an indication of the air pressure in the air line 101. Optionally, a pressure relief device 103 can be provided in the air line 101 for regulating the air pressure therein. The fluid pump 92 may be configured to operate in response to the air pressure in the air line 101 to maintain an appropriate fluid pressure in the fluid conduit system 82.

A valve 104 may optionally be positioned in the fluid conduit system 82 between the fluid supply 80 and the fluid application assembly 12, including the nozzle 40, as shown. In particular, the valve 104 may be positioned between the fluid reservoir 90 and the fluid application assembly 12.

In addition, a fluid pressure sensor 106 may optionally be positioned in the fluid conduit system 82 between the fluid supply 80 and the fluid application assembly 12, including the nozzle 40, as shown. As shown, the fluid pressure sensor 106 is positioned between the fluid reservoir 90 and the fluid application assembly 12. The fluid pressure sensor 106 may be operatively coupled with the pumps 84, 92, and the pumps 84, 92 can be configured to operate in response to signals received from the fluid pressure sensor 106 to maintain an appropriate fluid pressure in the fluid conduit system 82.

Advantageously, the fluid reservoir 90 can include one or more fluid level sensors 110, which can be operatively coupled with the fluid pump 84. The fluid pump 84, in turn, can be configured to operate in response to signals received from the fluid level sensor 110 in order to maintain an appropriate level of pre-treatment solution in the fluid reservoir 90. In the embodiment shown, the fluid level sensor 110 includes a float 112 that floats on the pre-treatment solution in the reservoir 90 and a reading bar 114, which may operate by magnetic means. The position of the float 112 along the reading bar 114 provides a measure of the fluid level in the reservoir 90.

The fluid supply and delivery assembly 14 can optionally include a recirculation circuit 120 for circulating the pre-treatment solution between the fluid reservoir 90 and the fluid supply 80, as shown in FIG. 13. In the embodiment shown, a recirculation line 122 is operatively coupled with the fluid conduit system 82 and is configured to receive pre-treatment solution flowing therein. The recirculation line 122 is also operatively coupled with the fluid supply 80. A return valve 124 is positioned in the recirculation line 122 and is configured to control the flow of pre-treatment solution therein. A waste valve 126 and a recycle valve 128 can also be included in the recirculation line 122 for selectively directing pre-treatment solution to waste, as at 130, and back to the fluid supply 80, respectively.

It will be appreciated that the system 10 can be configured to use any number of fluid supplies, such as those containing different formulations of pre-treatment solutions. For example, and as shown in FIG. 13, the system 10 includes two fluid supplies 80, each of which is coupled with the fluid application assembly 12. Each of the fluid supplies 80 is associated with a respective fluid reservoir 90, as shown, and only one of the fluid supplies 80 is associated with the recirculation circuit 120 (although each fluid supply 80 could be associated with its own recirculation circuit 120). For example, the two fluid supplies 80 could have different formulations of a pre-treatment solution for use on differing types of garments.

Referring next to FIG. 8B, particular valve structures are shown which may be used in the system 10. Because the embodiment shown in the figures has two fluid supplies 80, two fluid conduit systems 82 are shown in FIG. 8B, along with two valves 104. Because the valves 104 are generally similar, a description of one of them is also applicable to the other.

The valve 104 is a pinch valve that generally includes a valve body 140. The valve body 140 includes a through-bore 142 sized to accommodate a conduit section 144 of the fluid conduit system 82, as shown. The valve body 140 includes a ledge surface 146 and a wall 148 extending upwardly from the ledge surface 144. The through-bore 142 is positioned near the wall 148. A valve member 150 is configured to block the flow of pre-treatment solution through the conduit section 144 in the vicinity of the valve 104. In particular, the valve member 150 is movably connected with the valve body 140, as at 152, and is configured for movement both toward and away from the valve body 140. When the valve member 150 is moved toward the valve body 140, the valve member 150 impinges the outer surface of the conduit section 144, as shown with respect to one of the valves 104. Continued movement of the valve member 150 toward the valve body 140 causes the valve member 150 to pinch the conduit section 144. The valve member 150 may be biased away from the valve body 140, such that it tends to not pinch the conduit section 144 unless it is moved toward the valve body 140, as shown with respect to the other of the valves 104.

FIG. 8B shows the two valves 104 positioned generally next to one another, and the two valves 104 are selectively actuated by a single actuator 160. The actuator 160 includes a servomotor 162 and an actuation member 164. The actuation member 164 includes two arms 166, 168. The arms 166, 168 are for engaging and moving the valve members 150 of the two valves 104, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8B, the arm 166 has engaged and moved the valve member 150 of one of the valves 104 to the closed position, so that the conduit section 144 going through the same valve 104 is pinched closed. In that position, the arm 168 is not engaging the valve member 150 of the other valve 104, and the conduit section 144 going through that other valve 104 is open. Actuation of the servomotor 162 causes rotation of the actuation member 164. Rotation of the actuation member 164 will cause the arm 168 to move into engagement with the valve member 150 of the other valve 104, which will close the conduit section 144 going through that other valve 104. At the same time, the arm 166 will be moved out of engagement with the valve member 150 of the valve 104 that was previously closed, and the valve member 150 of the valve 104 that was previously closed will be biased away from the valve body, which will open the conduit section 144 going through that valve 104.

Because the valves 104 are pinch valves, and given their construction, none of the components of the valves 104 come into contact with the pre-treatment solution flowing through the conduit sections 144 and the fluid conduit system 82. Moreover, because servomotors only move when actuated, even if electric power to the valves 104 is interrupted, the valves 104 will remain in the same position as before the electric power was interrupted. And, for the arrangement shown in FIG. 8B, the single actuator 160 operates both valves 104.

FIG. 8B also shows the return valve 124. The return valve 124 may have a similar structure and operate in a generally similar manner as the valves 104. An actuator 170 associated with the return valve 124 includes a servomotor 172 and an actuation member 174. The actuation member 174 has a single arm 176 for engaging the valve member of the return valve 124. Rotation of the arm 176 selectively opens and closes the valve 124.

Advantageously, the system 10 may be constructed so the pre-treatment solution only contacts the fluid conduit system 82 and the fluid reservoir 90 as it moves between the fluid supply 80 and the fluid application assembly 12. In particular, the peristaltic pump 84 and the air-over-fluid pump 92, and the various valves, which can be like valves 104, 124, do not have any mechanical components that come into contact with the pre-treatment solution.

Referring next to FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15, and 16, a cleaning assembly 180 is shown for cleaning a nozzle tip 182, such as those used with the nozzle 40 for dispensing pre-treatment solution. The nozzle tip 182 includes a dispensing opening 184, and during a pre-treatment operation, pre-treatment solution is dispensed through the dispensing opening.

The cleaning assembly 180 includes a housing 186 for receiving the nozzle tip 182. In particular, a socket 188 is formed in the housing 186 and the nozzle tip 182 fits in the socket 188. The housing 186 includes a housing base 190 and a housing closure 192, which can be selectively separated from one another to place the nozzle tip 182 in the socket 188, as shown in FIG. 14B. Particularly, posts 189 extend upwardly from the housing base 190 and are received in bores 191 in the housing closure 192. Fasteners 193 engage the posts 189 to secure the housing closure 192 to the housing base 190. The fasteners 193 are removable from the posts 189, and the housing closure 192 can be separated from the housing base 190 and removed from the posts 189.

A housing fluid pathway 194 is provided in the housing 186 and generally includes three sections. A first section 196 extends upwardly through the housing base 190. A second section 198 extends upwardly in the housing closure 192 from adjacent the first section 196, extends laterally over, and extends downwardly toward the socket 188. A third section 200 extends downwardly from the socket in the housing base 190.

The cleaning assembly 180 also includes a reservoir 202 that holds a volume of cleaning solution. In the embodiment shown, the reservoir 202 is a bottle 204 having a removable lid 206. The bottle 204 has a first port 208 and a second port 210. For example, the cleaning solution can be acetone or an organic acetone replacement.

The cleaning assembly 180 also includes a pump 212 for moving the cleaning solution in a cleaning solution conduit system 214. In particular, the cleaning solution conduit system 214 includes a first conduit section 216 extending between the first port 208 of the bottle 204 and the first section 196 of the housing fluid pathway 194. The cleaning solution conduit system 214 also includes a second conduit section 218 extending between the third section 200 of the housing fluid pathway 194 and the pump 212. Finally, the cleaning solution conduit system 214 includes a third conduit section 220 extending between the pump 212 and the second port 210 of the bottle 204. The pump 212 can be a peristaltic pump that acts on the cleaning solution conduit system 214 to move the cleaning solution contained therein. In such a case, the second and third conduit sections 218, 220 may be integrally formed.

In use, and with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the pump 212 directs cleaning solution from the bottle to the housing 186 through the cleaning solution conduit system 214. In particular, cleaning fluid is moved from the bottle 204 through the first port 208 and into the first conduit section 216. The pump further directs the cleaning solution through the housing fluid pathway 194 of the housing 186. The cleaning fluid is directed from the first conduit section 216 into the first section 196 in the housing 186, and then into the second section 198. The cleaning fluid is then directed through the nozzle tip 182 in the socket 188, including through the dispensing opening 184. The cleaning fluid is then directed from the socket 188 into the third section 200 in the housing 186. The cleaning fluid is further directed out of the housing 186 and into the second conduit section 218 to the pump 212. Finally, the cleaning fluid is directed from the pump 212 into the third conduit section 220 and back into the bottle 204 through the second port 210. Optionally, the pump 212 can be configured to reverse the direction of flow at the end of a cleaning operation to move air through the cleaning solution conduit system 214, through the housing fluid pathway 194, and through the nozzle tip 182, including the dispensing opening 184.

Advantageously, the pump 212 moves the cleaning solution under vacuum pressure rather than positive pressure. That way, if the housing 186 were to be opened during a cleaning operation, pressurized cleaning solution would not escape from the housing 186, which could be hazardous depending on the cleaning solution and pressures involved.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Various features shown and described herein can be used individually or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A system for treating a garment with a pre-treatment solution before the garment undergoes a direct-to-garment printing operation, the system comprising:

a fluid application assembly configured to dispense pre-treatment solution onto pre-determined target areas of the garment,

a fluid supply and delivery assembly coupled with the fluid application assembly and configured to provide a supply of pre-treatment solution to the fluid application assembly for dispensing onto the garment at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 30 psig, and

a garment movement assembly configured to move the garment with respect to the fluid application assembly so that the target areas of the garment can receive the pre-treatment solution.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid application assembly comprises:

a dispensing nozzle for dispensing the pre-treatment solution, and a nozzle movement assembly for moving the dispensing nozzle.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the nozzle movement assembly comprises:

a first transport assembly for moving the dispensing nozzle along a first axis generally parallel with a garment axis defined by a substantially planar portion of the garment.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the nozzle movement assembly further comprises:

a second transport assembly for moving the dispensing nozzle along a second axis generally perpendicular with the garment axis.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the garment movement assembly comprises:

a platen for supporting the garment, and

a platen trolley for receiving the platen and for moving the garment with respect to the fluid application assembly.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the platen comprises:

a garment support surface for supporting a portion of the garment in a substantially planar configuration and a first alignment feature,

and wherein the platen trolley includes:

a second alignment feature configured to cooperate with the first alignment feature to align the platen with respect to the platen trolley.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first alignment feature of the platen is a spherically-shaped alignment feature and the second alignment feature of the platen trolley is a socket configured to receive the spherically-shaped alignment feature.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid supply and delivery assembly comprises:

a fluid supply containing pre-treatment solution,

a fluid conduit system coupled with the fluid supply and the fluid application assembly, and

a first fluid pump configured for moving pre-treatment solution from the fluid supply toward the fluid application assembly.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the fluid supply and delivery assembly further comprises:

a fluid reservoir between the fluid supply and the fluid application assembly, and

a second fluid pump configured for moving pre-treatment solution from the fluid reservoir toward the fluid application assembly.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the fluid supply and delivery assembly comprises:

a recirculation circuit for circulating pre-treatment solution between the fluid reservoir and the fluid supply.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the fluid reservoir has a substantially vertical column shape and provides a visual indication of the level of pre-treatment solution contained in the fluid reservoir.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the fluid reservoir comprises:

a light source for illuminating the pre-treatment solution contained in the fluid reservoir.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the fluid reservoir comprises:

a fluid level sensor operatively coupled with the first fluid pump, the first fluid pump being configured to move pre-treatment solution from the fluid reservoir to the fluid reservoir in response to a signal from the fluid level sensor.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the first fluid pump is a peristaltic pump and the second fluid pump is an air-over-fluid pump.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the fluid supply and delivery assembly is configured so that pre-treatment solution only contacts the fluid conduit system and the fluid reservoir between the fluid supply and the fluid application assembly.

16. The system of claim 8, wherein the fluid supply and delivery assembly comprises:

a secondary fluid supply separate from the fluid supply and containing pre-treatment solution, the secondary fluid supply coupled with the fluid conduit system and the fluid application assembly.

17. The system of claim 8, wherein the fluid supply comprises:

a bag containing pre-treatment solution, and the bag is coupled with the fluid conduit system by a quick-connect fitting.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid supply and delivery assembly is configured for dispensing onto the garment at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 20 psig.

19. A method for treating a garment, comprising:

moving a pre-treatment solution in a fluid supply and delivery assembly toward a fluid application assembly at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 30 psig, and

dispensing the pre-treatment solution from the fluid application assembly onto pre-determined target areas of the garment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the fluid application assembly includes a dispensing nozzle for dispensing the pre-treatment solution, and further comprising:

moving the dispensing nozzle.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein moving comprises movement along an axis generally parallel with a garment axis defined by a substantially planar portion of the garment.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein moving comprises movement along an axis generally perpendicular with a garment axis defined by a substantially planar portion of the garment.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

moving the garment on a garment movement assembly with respect to the fluid application assembly while dispensing the pre-treatment solution.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

positioning the garment on a platen of the garment movement assembly, and

positioning the platen on a platen trolley of the garment movement assembly before moving the garment.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein positioning the platen comprises:

placing a first alignment feature on the platen into cooperating alignment with a second alignment feature on the platen trolley.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first alignment feature of the platen includes a spherically-shaped alignment feature and the second alignment feature of the platen trolley includes a socket, and wherein placing the first alignment feature into cooperating alignment comprises:

placing the spherically-shaped alignment feature into the socket.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

removing the platen from the platen trolley after dispensing the pre-treatment solution.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

performing a printing operation on the garment on the platen.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:

drying the pre-treatment solution on the garment before performing a printing operation.

30. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

adjusting a distance between the garment and the fluid application assembly.

31. The method of claim 19, wherein moving a pre-treatment solution comprises:

moving the pre-treatment solution in a fluid conduit system from a fluid supply toward the fluid application assembly.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein moving a pre-treatment solution comprises:

moving the pre-treatment solution to a fluid reservoir separate from the fluid conduit system between the fluid supply and the fluid application assembly.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein moving a pre-treatment solution comprises:

circulating the pre-treatment solution between the fluid reservoir and the fluid supply.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

providing a visual indication of the level of pre-treatment solution contained in the fluid reservoir.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein moving a pre-treatment solution further comprises:

moving the pre-treatment solution from the fluid reservoir to the fluid application assembly using an air-over-fluid pump.

36. The method of claim 19, wherein moving a pre-treatment solution comprises:

selectively moving the pre-treatment solution in a fluid conduit system from a first fluid supply or a second fluid supply toward the fluid application assembly.

37. The method of claim 19, wherein moving a pre-treatment solution is at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 20 psig.

38. The method of claim 19, wherein the fluid supply and delivery assembly includes a fluid supply and a fluid conduit system, and wherein moving pre-treatment solution comprises:

moving pre-treatment solution in the fluid conduit system.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising:

coupling the fluid supply with the fluid conduit system before moving pre-treatment solution.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the fluid supply includes a bag, and wherein coupling comprises:

coupling the bag with the fluid conduit system using a quick-connect fitting.

41. A cleaning assembly for cleaning a nozzle tip having a dispensing opening, comprising:

a housing having a socket configured for receiving the nozzle tip,

a reservoir configured for holding a volume of cleaning solution,

a cleaning solution conduit system, and

a pump configured for moving the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution conduit system from the reservoir to the socket, through the opening in the nozzle tip in the socket to clean the nozzle tip, and from the socket back to the reservoir.

42. The cleaning assembly of claim 41, wherein the pump is further configured to move the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution conduit system under vacuum pressure.

43. A method of cleaning a nozzle tip having an opening, comprising:

operating a pump to move cleaning solution in a cleaning solution conduit system from a reservoir toward the nozzle tip,

moving the cleaning solution through the opening in the nozzle tip,

moving the cleaning solution from the nozzle tip back into the cleaning solution conduit system, and

moving the cleaning solution from the cleaning solution conduit system back into the reservoir.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein moving the cleaning solution includes moving the cleaning solution under vacuum pressure.