Abstract: A system includes a transfer press that includes upper and lower platens, and a support head that moves the upper platen between an open and closed position. The system includes a set of sensors for sensing a pressure and a temperature during operation of the transfer press. The system includes a controller that receives the pressure and the temperature, and the controller includes a transceiver communicatively connected to a network to transmit the pressure and temperature. The system includes a first hardware processor communicatively connected to the transfer press via a network, configured to receive the transmitted pressure and temperature from the controller and store in a database. The system includes a second hardware processor communicatively connected to the transfer press and to the database, the second hardware processor configured to revise a temperature and a pressure setting for the transfer press based on data from the database.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for transferring an image to a substrate that includes providing a transfer medium having at least one registration mark; printing an image on the transfer medium; covering the image with a backing layer, the backing layer not covering the registration mark; covering the backing layer with an adhesive layer; penetrating the adhesive layer and the backing layer with a cutting device at locations around the image, the penetrating of the adhesive layer and backing layer not penetrating the transfer medium; removing portions of the adhesive layer and backing layer from the locations around the image; and transferring the image to the substrate.

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: 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: An exemplary applique may include an adhesive layer having a first contour, and at least one fabric layer defining a second contour. The first contour may be inset from the second contour, with the second contour defining an outer perimeter of the applique. Exemplary appliques may further include a stitching securing the fabric layer to the adhesive layer along a third contour, where the third contour is inset from the first contour.

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: Exemplary appliques and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary applique may include an adhesive layer having a first contour, and at least one fabric layer defining a second contour. The first contour may be inset from the second contour, with the second contour defining an outer perimeter of the applique. Exemplary appliques may further include a stitching securing the fabric layer to the adhesive layer along a third contour, where the third contour is inset from the first contour. Exemplary methods of making an applique may facilitate creation of a distressed outer edge of the applique.

Abstract: Exemplary methods of making an applique are disclosed. Exemplary methods may include providing a fabric layer, and transferring a graphic onto the fabric layer, the graphic having a plurality of registration marks configured to align an embroidery contour. The methods may further include creating an adjusted embroidery contour using at least the registration marks, and applying an embroidery along the adjusted embroidery contour.

Abstract: A set of graphical data is stored, the set of graphical data including a first representation of an image in each of a first format and a second format. A set of processes that are organized according to a specified order is stored. The processes are applied, in the specified order, to the graphical data, thereby generating a second representation of the image in each of the first format and the second format.

Abstract: Exemplary methods of making an applique are disclosed. Exemplary methods may include providing a fabric layer, and transferring a graphic onto the fabric layer, the graphic having a plurality of registration marks configured to align an embroidery contour. The methods may further include creating an adjusted embroidery contour using at least the registration marks, and applying an embroidery along the adjusted embroidery contour.

Abstract: Exemplary appliques and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary applique may include an adhesive layer having a first contour, and at least one fabric layer defining a second contour. The first contour may be inset from the second contour, with the second contour defining an outer perimeter of the applique. Exemplary appliques may further include a stitching securing the fabric layer to the adhesive layer along a third contour, where the third contour is inset from the first contour. Exemplary methods of making an applique may facilitate creation of a distressed outer edge of the applique.

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: 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.