Abstract: A shoe platen to securely hold a shoe so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the shoe automatically. The platen comprises a shoe plate 102 configured to receive shoes such as high-top shoes or low top shoes. Adjusters 104, 106 can also be used to accommodate shoes of various styles and sizes.

Abstract: A printhead positioning system is provided wherein the shuttle assembly is split up in a printing shuttle, having a high accuracy positioning capability and a utility shuttle needing only a low accuracy positioning system. Due to this split-up the mass of components which have to be positioned accurately is greatly reduced and therefore making it easier to position the lighter load accurately and allowing for use of cheaper drive systems while maintaining the high accuracy in printing.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes the print unit pivotably supported by the chassis, and the pivoting member rotatably supported by the support rod. The print unit has arm portions and the print head element. One of the arm portions has a downward facing portion. The pivoting member has a first side part configured to receive driving force from the motor in first and second rotational directions, and a second side part relatively unrotatably coupled to the first side part. The first side part is integrally provided with a lifting projection, which is configured to engage the downward facing portion of the print unit from below and move the print unit in a direction away from the platen roller while the pivoting member is pivoted in the first rotational direction. It is possible to reduce the number of members for moving the print unit away from the platen roller.