Thermal transfer roller apparatus and related usage methods

Abstract

A thermal transfer roller device is disclosed that is configured to transfer at least one design onto a substrate. In at least one embodiment, with the substrate sandwiched between a support frame and a support base of the device, and with a thermal transfer compatible transfer sheet containing at least one design positioned on the substrate within a frame boundary defined by the support frame, at least one heated roller traverses the transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame at a predetermined temperature, pressure, and traverse time set by a controller to adhere the at least one design on the transfer sheet to the substrate, and then a carrier of the device separates the transfer sheet from the substrate while the transfer sheet is still hot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 315816, filed on March 2, 2022, and is entitled to the benefits of its filing date. The content of the above application is incorporated herein by reference into the specification of this application.

[0002] The subject matter of this application generally relates to heat transfer technology, and more particularly, to a heat transfer roller device and related methods of use for more safely and effectively transferring a design onto a substrate.

[0003] The applicant incorporates by reference into this specification any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referenced herein.

Background Art

[0004] In background, thermal transfer printing is a technique for transferring desired decorations (i.e., text, artwork, and other types of two-dimensional designs, hereinafter generally referred to as "designs" for simplicity) onto fabric or other materials, hereinafter generally referred to as "substrates" for simplicity. Traditionally, the design is first printed onto a thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet (e.g., a sheet of paper or plastic coated with a wax and pigment polymer film) using thermal transfer-compatible transfer inks (e.g., inkjet inks, pigment inks, or sublimation inks). The substrate (e.g., a shirt) is then manually positioned on the heating pad of a thermal press. The transfer sheet is manually positioned in the desired location on the substrate. When the heating platen of the heating press reaches the required temperature (typically between approximately 250 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit), the heating press closes by moving the flat heating platen downwards against the heating pad, sandwiching the transfer sheet and substrate between them. The desired pressure of the heating press, along with the pressing time, is set according to the thickness of the substrate, as well as the specific type of transfer sheet and transfer ink used. The heating press adheres the design on the transfer sheet to the substrate. After the pressing time has elapsed, the heating platen is lifted, and the transfer sheet is removed by hand while it is still hot, leaving the design on the substrate.

[0005] While this conventional heat transfer process may be effective for transferring designs onto a substrate, it is extremely time-consuming and requires a great deal of manual labor. As a result, there is room for error in positioning the design on the substrate, determining the required temperature and pressure of the heat press, determining the required pressing time, and subsequently removing the transfer sheet, each of which can lead to a defective final product. The manual labor involved in conventional heat transfer processes also exposes users to potential injury, given that they are in close proximity to extremely hot surfaces.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need for an improved heat transfer apparatus that can shorten manufacturing time while simultaneously eliminating many of the manual steps required in conventional heat transfer technology. Aspects of the present invention satisfy these needs and provide further relevant advantages as described in the following summary.

[0007] It should be noted that the above description of background art contains information that may be useful in understanding aspects of the present invention. The description of background art does not constitute an endorsement that any information provided herein is prior art, or is related to the claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. [Overview of the project]

[0008] Aspects of the present invention teach specific benefits in structure and use that result in the exemplary advantages described below.

[0009] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a thermal transfer roller apparatus and associated methods of use for more safely and effectively transferring a design onto a substrate. In at least one embodiment, a printer is configured to print at least one design onto a thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet using thermal transfer-compatible transfer ink. A thermal transfer assembly is positioned and configured to receive the transfer sheet as it exits the printer. The thermal transfer assembly comprises a support base positioned and configured to support the substrate, and a support frame positioned and configured to selectively sandwich the substrate between substantially the support base and the support frame, the support frame defining a frame boundary that substantially leaves unobstructed a portion of the substrate onto which at least one design is thermally transferred. An articulated carrier is configured to removably engage with the leading edge of the transfer sheet and position the transfer sheet in contact with the substrate at a position within the frame boundary, preventing the transfer sheet from unintentionally shifting relative to the substrate when the design is transferred onto the substrate, and separating the transfer sheet from the substrate after the design has been transferred onto the substrate. At least one heating roller is positioned and configured to selectively roll and contact the transfer sheet when the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary. The controller is configured to automatically control the carrier and at least one heating roller. During use of the apparatus, with the substrate sandwiched between the support frame and the support base and the transfer sheet positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary, at least one heating roller traverses the transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame at a predetermined temperature, pressure, and traverse time set by the controller to adhere at least one design on the transfer sheet to the substrate, and then the carrier separates the transfer sheet from the substrate while the transfer sheet is still hot.

[0010] Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating the principles of aspects of the present invention.

[0011] The attached drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an exemplary thermal transfer roller apparatus according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an exemplary thermal transfer roller apparatus according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows a roller of the apparatus according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a partial perspective view of an exemplary support base of a device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a further partial perspective view of an exemplary heat transfer roller apparatus illustrating an exemplary method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer-compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate. [Figure 6] This is a further partial perspective view of an exemplary heat transfer roller apparatus illustrating an exemplary method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer-compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate. [Figure 7] This is a further partial perspective view of an exemplary heat transfer roller apparatus illustrating an exemplary method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer-compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate. [Figure 8] This is a further partial perspective view of an exemplary heat transfer roller apparatus illustrating an exemplary method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer-compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate. [Figure 9] This is a further partial perspective view of an exemplary heat transfer roller apparatus illustrating an exemplary method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer-compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate. [Figure 10] This is a further partial perspective view of an exemplary heat transfer roller apparatus illustrating an exemplary method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer-compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate. [Figure 11]This is a further partial perspective view of an exemplary heat transfer roller apparatus illustrating an exemplary method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer-compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The drawings above illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of the exemplary embodiments defined in further detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention indicated by the same numbers in different drawings represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects according to one or more embodiments.

[0014] Referring here to Figures 1 and 2, perspective views of exemplary embodiments of the thermal transfer roller apparatus 20 are shown. First, it should be noted that the sizes, shapes, dimensions, and relative positions of the various components of the apparatus 20 shown in the drawings (and described herein) are merely examples and are shown for illustrative purposes only. Thus, in further embodiments, each component of the apparatus 20 may take any other size, shape, dimension, and / or relative position currently known or to be developed, as long as the apparatus 20 can substantially perform the functions described herein.

[0015] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 2, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 comprises a printer 22 and a thermal transfer assembly 24. In at least one embodiment, the printer 22 is configured to print at least one design 26 onto a thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet 28 using a thermal transfer-compatible transfer ink 30. In at least one embodiment, the transfer sheet 28 is a sheet of paper or plastic coated with a wax and pigment polymer film, but in further embodiments, the transfer sheet 28 may consist of any other thermal transfer-compatible material (or combination of materials) currently known or to be developed in the future. In at least one embodiment, the transfer ink 30 is an inkjet ink, a pigment ink, or a sublimation ink, but in further embodiments, the transfer ink 30 may be any other type of thermal transfer-compatible ink currently known or to be developed in the future. In at least one embodiment, the printer 22 is an inkjet printer or a laser printer, but in further embodiments, the printer 22 may be any other type of printer currently known or to be developed in the future that can print at least one design 26 on a thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet 28 using thermal transfer-compatible transfer ink 30.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the thermal transfer assembly 24 is positioned and configured to receive the transfer sheet 28 as it exits the printer 22, i.e., after the printer 22 has printed at least one design 26 onto the transfer sheet 28. In at least one embodiment, the thermal transfer assembly 24 includes a loading ramp 32 extending between the paper exit 34 of the printer 22 and an articulated carrier 36 of the thermal transfer assembly 24, the loading ramp 32 being configured to assist in the movement of the transfer sheet 28 from the paper exit 34 of the printer 22 to the thermal transfer assembly 24. In at least one such embodiment, the carrier 36 is configured to removably engage with the leading edge 40 of the transfer sheet 28 so as to prevent contact with at least one design 26 on the transfer sheet 28 once the transfer sheet 28 reaches the carrier 36. In at least one embodiment, the carrier 36 includes at least one clamp 38 configured to selectively engage with the leading edge 40 of the transfer sheet 28. In at least one such embodiment, the clamp 38 is actuated via a cam, but in further embodiments, the clamp 38 may be actuated via any other mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanism (or combination of mechanisms) currently known or to be developed. In at least one alternative embodiment, the carrier 36 may have any other type of mechanism or technology currently known or to be developed that can selectively engage with the transfer sheet 28 either on the leading edge 40 of the transfer sheet 28 or at any other location on the transfer sheet 28. In at least one alternative embodiment, the loading ramp 32 is omitted, and the carrier 36 is configured to move selectively and automatically between the paper exit 34 of the printer 22 and the thermal transfer assembly 24, so that the carrier 36 can removably engage with the leading edge 40 of the transfer sheet 28 as the transfer sheet 28 exits the paper exit 34 of the printer 22, and then transport the transfer sheet 28 to the thermal transfer assembly 24. In further alternative embodiments, the apparatus 20 may utilize any other mechanisms or technologies currently known or to be developed that can assist in the movement of the transfer sheet 28 from the paper exit 34 of the printer 22 to the thermal transfer assembly 24.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in Figures 4-6, the heat transfer assembly 24 further comprises a support base 42 positioned and configured to support a substrate 44, the substrate 44 being a material or object (e.g., a shirt) onto which at least one design 26 is heat-transferred. In this regard, it should be noted that the substrate 44 may be any material or object currently known or hereafter developed that is suitable for heat transfer. Furthermore, the substrate 44 may take any size, shape or dimensions currently known or hereafter developed, although this depends at least partially on the size of the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the heat transfer assembly 24 further comprises a support frame 46 positioned and configured to selectively sandwich the substrate 44 between itself and the support base 42. The support frame 46 defines a frame boundary 66 such that a portion of the substrate 44 onto which at least one design 26 is heat-transferred is substantially unobstructed. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, each of the first end 58 and the opposing second end 60 of the support frame 46 is configured as a pivotable arm that can selectively rotate between a disengaged position (Figure 5) in which each of the first end 58 and the second end 60 is rotated away from the support base 42, and an engaged position (Figure 6) in which each of the first end 58 and the second end 60 is rotated to contact the support base 42 so as to sandwich the substrate 44 between the first end 58 and the second end 60 of the support frame 46 and the support base 42. Thus, in such an embodiment, the support frame 46 and the support base 42 cooperate to prevent the substrate 44 from moving unintentionally during the thermal transfer process. In at least one alternative embodiment, the support frame 46 extends around the entire circumference of the support base 42 (and consequently, the frame boundary 66). In yet another embodiment, the support frame 46 may take any other size, shape, dimensions and / or configuration currently known or to be developed, insofar as the support frame 46 can substantially perform the functions described herein.In at least one embodiment, the carrier 36 is configured to automatically position the transfer sheet 28 in contact with the substrate 44 at a desired position within the frame boundary 66, as will be further described below.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the support base 42 is made of a heat-resistant material such as foam or silicone rubber. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the support base 42 has a thickness T of approximately 5 to 10 millimeters. However, in further embodiments, the support base 42 may have any other thickness T currently known or to be developed, at least in part depending on the size of one or more of the apparatus 20, the substrate 44, and the transfer sheet 28. In at least one embodiment, the substrate 44 can be manually positioned on the support base 42 by the user, the support base 42 and support frame 46 are slidably or pivotably engaged with the heat transfer assembly 24 so as to allow the user to more easily access the support base 42 and support frame 46, thereby facilitating the manual positioning of the substrate 44, by selectively sliding or pivoting the support base 42 and support frame 46 away from the heat transfer assembly 24. In at least one such embodiment, as best illustrated in Figure 4, the thermal transfer assembly 24 comprises at least one positioning indicator 48, the positioning indicator 48 configured to assist the user in manually positioning the substrate 44 on the support base 42 to better ensure proper placement of the substrate 44 depending on the desired position where at least one design 26 is transferred. In at least one such embodiment, the at least one positioning indicator 48 is a set of printed marks positioned on the upper surface 50 of the support base 42. In at least one alternative such embodiment, the at least one positioning indicator 48 is an optical or laser-based marking system configured to project marks onto the upper surface 50 of the support base 42. In further such embodiments, the at least one positioning indicator 48 may be any other type of positioning indicator currently known or to be developed in the future that can assist the user in manually positioning the substrate 44 on the support base 42.In at least one alternative embodiment, the thermal transfer assembly 24 is configured to automatically position the substrate 44 on the support base 42 via a computer control controller 52 provided by the apparatus 20.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the thermal transfer assembly 24 further includes at least one heating roller 54 positioned and configured to selectively rollingly contact the transfer sheet 28 when the transfer sheet 28 is positioned on the substrate 44 within the frame boundary 66 to adhere at least one design 26 on the transfer sheet 28 to the substrate 44, as further described below. In at least one embodiment, the at least one heating roller 54 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a heat source 56 positioned concentrically within the heating roller 54, and the heat source 56 is configured to selectively heat the heating roller 54 to a desired temperature during use of the apparatus 20. In at least one embodiment, the heat source 56 is manually controlled by a user of the apparatus 20, but in at least one alternative embodiment, the heat source 56 is automatically controlled by the controller 52. Further, in at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the cross-section of the at least one heating roller 54 is substantially circular, but in further embodiments, the at least one heating roller 54 may take on other cross-sectional shapes, now known or later developed, such as hexagonal or octagonal, as long as the apparatus 20 can substantially perform the functions described herein. In at least one embodiment, the at least one heating roller 54 has a diameter D of approximately 1 to 3 inches. However, in further embodiments, the at least one heating roller 54 may have any other diameter D, now known or later developed, that depends at least in part on one or more of the sizes of the apparatus 20, the substrate 44, and the transfer sheet 28. In at least one embodiment, the outer surface of the at least one heating roller 54 is coated with a non-stick material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or is composed of a non-stick material.

[0020] As described above, at least one heating roller 54 is configured to selectively roll and contact the transfer sheet 28 between the support frame 46 and the support base 42 when the transfer sheet 28 is positioned on the substrate 44. In at least one embodiment, the transfer sheet 28, substrate 44, support frame 46, and support base 42 remain substantially stationary, but at least one heating roller 54 is configured to selectively traverse the transfer sheet 28 within the frame boundary 66 from a first end 58 of the support frame 46 to an opposing second end 60 of the support frame 46. In at least one alternative embodiment, at least one heating roller 54 remains substantially stationary within the frame boundary 66, but the support frame 46 and support base 42 are configured to selectively move the transfer sheet 28 and substrate 44 relative to at least one heating roller 54. In any case, in at least one embodiment, the movement of these components is automatically controlled by a controller 52, and the movement is performed by at least one motor 62 that mechanically transmits the movement to the components.

[0021] The use of at least one heating roller 54 offers several advantages compared to a conventional flat heating platen. Since at least one heating roller 54 is configured to selectively roll and contact the transfer sheet 28, it does not need to contact the entire transfer sheet 28 at once, meaning that at least one heating roller 54 can be made relatively smaller and more compact than a conventional flat heating platen. Consequently, the entire apparatus 20 can also be made relatively smaller and more compact. The relatively small size of at least one heating roller 54 also reduces the amount of energy required to selectively heat at least one heating roller 54, while also reducing the time it takes for at least one heating roller 54 to reach the desired temperature. In at least one embodiment, the size and configuration of at least one heating roller 54 allows the apparatus 20 to maintain at least one heating roller 54 at a desired “preheating” temperature when the apparatus 20 is not in use (i.e., when the apparatus 20 is not being used to transfer the design 26 onto the substrate 44), and as a result, when the apparatus 20 is subsequently used, at least one heating roller 54 can reach the desired temperature relatively quickly. Furthermore, since at least one heating roller 54 is configured to selectively roll into contact with the transfer sheet 28, the contact between at least one heating roller 54 and the transfer sheet 28 is tangential (as illustrated in Figure 3), which significantly reduces the amount of pressure between at least one heating roller 54 and the transfer sheet 28 required to successfully transfer at least one design 26 onto the substrate 44. For example, in at least one embodiment, the heat transfer assembly 24 exerts a force of approximately 2 to 10 pounds per square inch on at least one heating roller 54 during use of the apparatus 20, compared to a conventional flat heat platen which typically requires a force of several hundred pounds (if not several thousand pounds).In at least one such embodiment, the tangential contact between at least one heating roller 54 and the transfer sheet 28 also allows for deformation of the transfer sheet 28 and the substrate 44, which makes it more certain that at least one design 26 is properly transferred onto the substrate 44 (especially when the substrate 44 is a fabric or other flexible material). Thus, in such an embodiment, at least one heating roller 54 can access the substrate 44 better than a flat prior art heating platen, and using a relatively small installation area, relatively little thermal energy, and relatively low pressure, it results in a relatively more effective transfer of at least one design 26 onto the substrate 44.

[0022] As described above, in at least one embodiment, the carrier 36 is configured to removably engage with the leading edge 40 of the transfer sheet 28 and position the transfer sheet 28 in contact with the substrate 44 at a desired position within the frame boundary 66. In such an embodiment, the carrier 36 is further configured to prevent the transfer sheet 28 from unintentionally shifting relative to the substrate 44 while at least one heating roller 54 traverses the transfer sheet 28. In at least one such embodiment, the transfer sheet 28, substrate 44, support frame 46, and support base 42 remain substantially stationary, but if at least one heating roller 54 selectively traverses the transfer sheet 28, the carrier 36 is further configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the transfer sheet 28, substrate 44, support frame 46, and support base 42. In at least one alternative embodiment, the carrier 36 is configured to move integrally with the support frame 46 and support base 42, where at least one heating roller 54 remains substantially stationary within the frame boundary 66, but the support frame 46 and support base 42 are configured to selectively move the transfer sheet 28 and substrate 44 relative to the at least one heating roller 54. In at least one embodiment, the carrier 36 is further configured to automatically separate the transfer sheet 28 from the substrate 44 after the at least one heating roller 54 has passed over the transfer sheet 28, while the transfer sheet 28 is still hot, leaving at least one design 26 on the substrate 44. In at least one such embodiment, the carrier 36 separates the transfer sheet 28 from the substrate 44 after the at least one heating roller 54 has passed over the entire transfer sheet 28. In at least one alternative embodiment, as at least one heating roller 54 passes over the transfer sheet 28, the carrier 36 gradually separates the transfer sheet 28 from the substrate 44, and as a result, while the transfer sheet 28 is separated from the substrate 44, at least one heating roller 54 can stabilize the substrate 44.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the thermal transfer assembly 24 further comprises at least one sheet collection container 64 positioned and configured to receive a waste transfer sheet 28 after the transfer sheet 28 has been completely separated from the substrate 44. In at least one such embodiment, the sheet collection container 64 is removably positioned within the thermal transfer assembly 24. In at least one further such embodiment, the sheet collection container 64 is permanently positioned within the thermal transfer assembly 24, and the thermal transfer assembly 24 comprises an access door positioned and configured to allow access to and selective emptying of the sheet collection container 64. In at least one further embodiment, the sheet collection container 64 is positioned outside the thermal transfer assembly 24. Furthermore, it should be noted that the size, shape, dimensions, number, and relative position of at least one sheet collection container 64 shown in the drawings (and described herein) are merely examples, and therefore, in further embodiments, at least one sheet collection container 64 may be of any other size, shape, dimensions, and / or number currently known or to be developed in the future, and may be positioned and / or placed on or elsewhere within the thermal transfer assembly 24, as long as the apparatus 20 can substantially perform the functions described herein. In at least one embodiment, as best illustrated in Figures 1 and 10, the thermal transfer assembly 24 includes a waste ramp 68 extending between the carrier 36 and the sheet collection container 64, the waste ramp 68 being configured to assist in the movement of the transfer sheets 28 from the carrier 36 to the sheet collection container 64.

[0024] During use of the apparatus 20, in at least one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 5-11, the substrate 44 is first positioned on the support base 42 (Figure 5), and the support frame 46 is moved to contact the substrate 44 such that the substrate 44 is sandwiched between the support frame 46 and the support base 42, but the portion of the substrate 44 to which at least one design 26 is heat-transferred is not substantially obstructed (Figure 6). The combination of the support base 42, substrate 44, and support frame 46 is moved to a position within the heat transfer assembly 24 such that at least one heating roller 54 is positioned within the frame boundary 66 (i.e., over the portion of the substrate 44 to which at least one design 26 is heat-transferred) (Figure 7). In at least one embodiment, when the controller 52 determines that at least one heating roller 54 has reached a desired temperature (in at least one embodiment, approximately 300°F, but ultimately depending at least in part on the properties of the transfer sheet 28 and / or substrate 44), the at least one heating roller 54 traverses the substrate 44 at least once from the first end 58 of the support frame 46 to the opposing second end 60 of the support frame 46 in order to dry and preheat the substrate 44. In at least one such embodiment, when the controller 52 determines that the substrate 44 has reached the desired preheating temperature, the printer 22 prints at least one design 26 onto the transfer sheet 28, and the transfer sheet 28 is moved from the paper exit 34 of the printer 22 to the carrier 36 of the thermal transfer assembly 24 (Figure 7). The carrier 36 positions the transfer sheet 28 in contact with the substrate 44 at a desired position within the frame boundary 66 and maintains the position of the transfer sheet 28 relative to the substrate 44.At least one heating roller 54 crosses the transfer sheet 28 at least once from the first end 58 of the support frame 46 to the opposing second end 60 of the support frame 46 at a predetermined pressure (at least partially dependent on the properties of the transfer sheet 28 and / or the substrate 44) and crossing time (in at least one embodiment, approximately 30 to 60 seconds, but ultimately at least partially dependent on the properties of the transfer sheet 28 and / or the substrate 44) set by the controller 52 to bond at least one design 26 on the transfer sheet 28 to the substrate 44 (Figure 8). In at least one embodiment, at least one heating roller 54 crosses the transfer sheet 28 a second time to enhance the adhesion between at least one design 26 and the substrate 44. As at least one heating roller 54 passes over the transfer sheet 28, the carrier 36 separates the transfer sheet 28 from the substrate 44 (Figure 9) while the transfer sheet 28 is still hot, leaving at least one design 26 on the substrate 44. The carrier 36 discards the transfer sheet 28 in the sheet recovery container 64 (Figure 10). In at least one embodiment, at least one heating roller 54 crosses the substrate 44 at least one more time to increase the durability of the design 26 on the substrate 44. In at least one such embodiment, the carrier 36 is configured to position a protective sheet (not shown) on the design 26 before at least one heating roller 54 crosses the substrate 44 to prevent the design 26 from separating from the substrate 44 when at least one heating roller 54 crosses the substrate 44. After the design 26 has been transferred onto the substrate 44 (Figure 11), the support frame 46 can be disengaged from the support base 42 and the substrate 44 can be removed from the heat transfer assembly 24. Again, as described above, in at least one embodiment, each of the above steps can be performed automatically by the apparatus 20 (via the controller 52).

[0025] Aspects of this specification may also be described as the following embodiments.

[0026] 1. A thermal transfer roller apparatus configured to transfer at least one design onto a substrate, the apparatus comprising: a printer configured to print at least one design onto a thermal transfer compatible transfer sheet using thermal transfer compatible transfer ink; and a thermal transfer assembly configured to receive the transfer sheet as it exits the printer, comprising: a support base configured to support the substrate; and a support frame configured to selectively sandwich the substrate substantially between itself and the support base, the support frame defining a frame boundary that substantially prevents obstruction of a portion of the substrate onto which at least one design is thermally transferred; and a support frame that removably engages with the leading edge of the transfer sheet, positions the transfer sheet in contact with the substrate at a position within the frame boundary, prevents the transfer sheet from unintentionally shifting relative to the substrate when the design is transferred onto the substrate, and transfers the design onto the substrate. A thermal transfer roller apparatus comprising a thermal transfer assembly comprising an articulated carrier configured to separate the transfer sheet from the substrate after it has been transferred, at least one heating roller configured to be positioned to selectively roll into contact with the transfer sheet when the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary, and a controller configured to automatically control the carrier and each of the at least one heating roller, wherein during use of the apparatus, with the substrate sandwiched between the support frame and the support base and the transfer sheet positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary, at least one heating roller traverses the transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to a second end on the opposite side of the support frame at a predetermined temperature, pressure, and traverse time set by the controller to adhere at least one design on the transfer sheet to the substrate, and then, while the transfer sheet is still hot, the carrier separates the transfer sheet from the substrate.

[0027] 2. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the transfer sheet is a sheet of paper or plastic coated with a wax and pigment polymer film.

[0028] 3. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to Embodiments 1-2, wherein the printer is an inkjet printer or a laser printer.

[0029] 4. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the transfer ink is an inkjet ink, a pigment ink, or a sublimation ink.

[0030] 5. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the support base is made of a heat-resistant material.

[0031] 6. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the support base has a thickness of approximately 5 to 10 millimeters.

[0032] 7. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 6, wherein at least one heating roller is substantially cylindrical in shape, and at least one heating roller comprises a heat source positioned concentrically within the heating roller, the heat source being configured to selectively heat the heating roller to a desired temperature during use of the apparatus.

[0033] 8. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the cross-section of at least one heating roller is substantially circular.

[0034] 9. A heat transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 8, wherein at least one heating roller has a diameter of approximately 1 to 3 inches.

[0035] 10. A thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the thermal transfer assembly comprises a loading ramp extending between the paper exit of the printer and the carrier of the thermal transfer assembly, the loading ramp being configured to assist in the movement of the transfer sheet from the paper exit of the printer to the thermal transfer assembly.

[0036] 11. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the carrier comprises at least one clamp configured to selectively engage with the leading edge of the transfer sheet.

[0037] 12. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the carrier is further configured to move selectively and automatically between the paper exit of the printer and the thermal transfer assembly, so that the carrier can removably engage with the leading edge of the transfer sheet when the transfer sheet exits the paper exit of the printer, and then transport the transfer sheet to the thermal transfer assembly.

[0038] 13. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the carrier is further configured to automatically position the transfer sheet by bringing it into contact with the substrate at a desired position within the frame boundary.

[0039] 14. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the support base and support frame are slidably or pivotably engaged with the heat transfer assembly so that the support base and support frame can selectively slide or pivot away from the heat transfer assembly to assist in the manual positioning of the substrate onto the support base.

[0040] 15. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the thermal transfer assembly comprises at least one positioning indicator configured to assist in the manual positioning of a substrate on a support base.

[0041] 16. A thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 15, wherein at least one positioning indicator is a set of printed markers positioned on the upper surface of a support base.

[0042] 17. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 16, wherein at least one positioning indicator is an optical or laser-based marking system configured to project a mark onto the upper surface of a support base.

[0043] 18. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 17, further comprising at least one sheet collection container positioned and configured to receive the transfer sheet after the transfer sheet has been completely separated from the substrate by the carrier.

[0044] 19. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the thermal transfer assembly comprises a waste ramp that can extend between the carrier of the thermal transfer assembly and at least one sheet collection container, the waste ramp being configured to assist in the movement of transfer sheets from the carrier to at least one sheet collection container.

[0045] 20. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the support frame extends around the entire circumference of the support base.

[0046] 21. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the first and second ends of the support frame are configured to rotate selectively between a disengaged position in which each of the first and second ends is rotated away from the support base and an engaged position in which each of the first and second ends is rotated to contact the support base so as to sandwich a substrate between the first and second ends of the support frame and the support base.

[0047] 22. A thermal transfer roller device configured to transfer at least one design onto a substrate, wherein the device comprises a thermal transfer assembly configured to receive a thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet as the thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet exits a printer, the printer configured to print at least one design onto the thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet using thermal transfer-compatible transfer ink, the thermal transfer assembly comprising a support base configured to support the substrate, and a support frame configured to selectively sandwich the substrate substantially between itself and the support base, the support frame defining a frame boundary that substantially prevents obstruction of a portion of the substrate onto which at least one design is thermally transferred, and a removably engaged support frame that positions the transfer sheet in contact with the substrate at a position within the frame boundary, preventing the transfer sheet from unintentionally shifting relative to the substrate when the design is transferred onto the substrate. A thermal transfer roller apparatus comprising a thermal transfer assembly comprising: an articulated carrier configured to stop and separate the transfer sheet from the substrate after the design has been transferred onto the substrate; at least one heating roller configured to be positioned to selectively roll into contact with the transfer sheet when the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary; and a controller configured to automatically control the carrier and each of the at least one heating roller, wherein during use of the apparatus, with the substrate sandwiched between the support frame and the support base and the transfer sheet positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary, at least one heating roller traverses the transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to a second end on the opposite side of the support frame at a predetermined temperature, pressure, and traverse time set by the controller to adhere at least one design on the transfer sheet to the substrate, and then, while the transfer sheet is still hot, the carrier separates the transfer sheet from the substrate.

[0048] 23. A method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate using the heat transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: positioning the substrate on a support base; moving the support frame to contact the substrate such that the substrate is sandwiched between the support frame and the support base, but a portion of the substrate to which at least one design is to be heat transferred is not substantially obstructed; printing at least one design onto the transfer sheet using a printer; moving the transfer sheet from the paper exit of the printer to the carrier of the heat transfer assembly; and within the frame boundary of the support frame A method comprising the steps of: positioning a transfer sheet by bringing it into contact with a substrate via a carrier at a desired position; moving at least one heating roller to roll into contact with the transfer sheet at a predetermined pressure when the controller determines that at least one heating roller has reached a desired temperature; rolling at least one heating roller over the entire transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame for a predetermined transverse time to adhere at least one design on the transfer sheet to the substrate; and separating the transfer sheet from the substrate via a carrier while the transfer sheet is still hot.

[0049] 24. The method according to Embodiment 23, further comprising the steps of moving at least one heating roller to make rolling contact with the substrate before the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate, and rolling at least one heating roller over the entire substrate from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame for drying and preheating the substrate before the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate.

[0050] 25. The method according to embodiments 23-24, further comprising the step of rolling at least one heated roller again over the entire transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame for a predetermined transverse time in order to enhance adhesion between at least one design and the substrate.

[0051] 26. The method according to embodiments 23 to 25, further comprising the steps of moving at least one heating roller to make rolling contact with the substrate after at least one design has adhered to the substrate and the transfer sheet has separated from the substrate, and rolling at least one heating roller over the entire substrate from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame in order to increase the durability of at least one design on the substrate.

[0052] 27. The method according to embodiments 23 to 26, comprising the steps of disengaging the support frame from the support base and removing the substrate from the heat transfer assembly.

[0053] Finally, with respect to exemplary embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein, it will be understood that thermal transfer roller apparatuses and related methods are disclosed and configured to transfer designs onto a substrate more safely and effectively. Since the principles of the present invention can be implemented in many configurations other than those illustrated and described, it should be understood that the present invention is by no means limited to exemplary embodiments, but generally applies to thermal transfer roller apparatuses and can take many forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While the present invention is not limited to specific shapes and materials of the disclosed structures, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, instead, other functionally equivalent structures or materials known or hereafter developed can be included without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0054] Specific embodiments of the Invention, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the Invention, are described herein. Naturally, variations of these described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the above description. The inventor(s) expect that those skilled in the art will adopt such variations as needed, and the inventor(s) intend that the Invention may be carried out in ways other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, the Invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the claims appended herein, as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated herein, or unless clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of the above embodiments in all possible variations thereof is incorporated into the Invention.

[0055] Any grouping of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention should not be construed as limiting. Each group component may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group components disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more components of a group may be included in or removed from that group for convenience and / or patentability. In the event of any such inclusion or removal, this specification shall be deemed to include the modified groups and thus realize the description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0056] Unless otherwise indicated, all figures used herein and in the claims to represent features, items, quantities, parameters, characteristics, periods, etc., should be understood in all cases to be modified by the terms “about” and “approximately.” Where used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” mean that the thus limited feature, item, quantity, parameter, characteristic, or period encompasses a range of plus or minus 10 percent of the stated value of the feature, item, quantity, parameter, characteristic, or period. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters described herein and in the appended claims are variable approximations. Not to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, at least, each numerical expression should be interpreted by taking into account the reported significant figures and by applying common rounding techniques. While the numerical ranges and values ​​representing the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values ​​shown in specific examples are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical range or value inherently contains certain errors that inevitably arise from the standard deviations observed in their respective test measurements. The enumeration of numerical ranges of values ​​in this specification is intended solely to serve as a simple way of referring to the individual numerical values ​​within those ranges. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the individual values ​​within a numerical range are incorporated herein as if they were individually enumerated herein. Similarly, where used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term “substantially” is a term for the degree to which a feature, item, quantity, parameter, characteristic, or period is so limited that it encompasses a range that can be understood and interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[0057] The use of the terms “may” or “may” with respect to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment also carries the alternative meaning of “may not” or “cannot.” Therefore, where this specification discloses that an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment may or may be included as part of the subject matter of the invention, a negative limitation or exclusive condition is also expressly expressed, meaning that an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment may or may not be included as part of the subject matter of the invention. Similarly, the use of the term “optionally” with respect to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment means that such an embodiment or aspect of such an embodiment may or may not be included as part of the subject matter of the invention. Whether such a negative limitation or exclusive condition applies depends on whether the negative limitation or exclusive condition is enumerated in the claimed subject matter.

[0058] In the context describing the present invention (in particular in the context of the following claims), the terms “one,” “it,” and similar references should be interpreted as encompassing both singular and plural unless otherwise indicated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context. Furthermore, ordinal markers such as “first,” “second,” and “third” of identified elements are used to distinguish elements and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number of such elements, nor do they indicate a particular location or order of such elements unless specifically stated. All methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context. The use of any and all examples or illustrative words provided herein (e.g., “such as”) is intended merely to further illustrate the present invention and does not otherwise limit the scope of the claimed invention. No language in this specification should be interpreted as indicating any unclaimed element essential to the practice of the present invention.

[0059] When used in the claims, whether filed or added with each amendment, the non-restrictive transitional term “composes” (along with equivalent non-restrictive transitional phrases such as “includes,” “contains,” and “has”) encompasses all of the explicitly enumerated elements, limitations, steps, and / or features, either alone or in combination with unenumerated subject matter, where the specified elements, limitations, and / or features are mandatory, but other unenumerated elements, limitations, and / or features may be added to still form a construct within the claims. Certain embodiments disclosed herein may be further restricted in the claims by using the restrictive transitional phrases “consist of” or “essentially consisting of” instead of, or as a modification of “compose of.” When used in the claims, whether filed or added with each amendment, the restrictive transitional phrase “consist of” excludes any elements, limitations, steps, or features not explicitly enumerated in the claims. The restrictive transitional clause "essentially consists of" limits the claims to any other elements, limitations, steps, and / or features that do not substantially affect the elements, limitations, steps, and / or features explicitly enumerated, and any other elements, limitations, steps, and / or features that do not substantially affect the basic and novel features(singular or plural) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning of the non-restrictive transitional clause "comprising of" is defined to include all of the elements, limitations, steps, and / or features specifically enumerated in the claims, as well as any additional unspecified elements of any choice. The restrictive transitional clause "consisting of" is defined to include only those elements, limitations, steps, and / or features that are specifically enumerated in the claims, as well as any other elements, limitations, steps, and / or features that do not substantially affect the elements, limitations, steps, and / or features that are specifically enumerated in the claims, and any other elements, limitations, steps, and / or features that do not substantially affect the basic and novel features(singular or plural) of the claimed subject matter.Accordingly, the non-restrictive transitional phrase "equipment" (and its equivalent non-restrictive transitional phrases) in extreme cases include, in its meaning, claimed subject matter identified by the restrictive transitional phrase "consisting of" or "essentially consisting of." Thus, embodiments described herein using the phrase "equipment" or claimed in that manner are explicitly or essentially clearly described, usable, and supported herein with respect to the phrases "essentially consisting of" and "consisting of."

[0060] Any claim intended to be treated under Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act shall begin with the phrase “means for,” but the use of the term “for” in any other context shall not be intended to invoke treatment under Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after the filing of this application, either in this application or in a continuation application.

[0061] It should be understood that the methods disclosed herein, along with the order in which each element of any such method is performed, are merely examples. Depending on the implementation, they may be performed in any order or in parallel unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0062] All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified herein are incorporated herein individually and expressly by reference in their entirety, for example, to describe and disclose compositions and methodologies described in such publications that may be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of this application. In this regard, this should not be construed as an admission by the inventors that they have no prior right to such disclosure for the sake of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements regarding dates or expressions regarding the contents of these documents are based on information available to the applicant and do not constitute an admission of accuracy regarding the dates or contents of these documents.

[0063] While aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention should be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims, and it is made clear here that the inventor(s) are convinced that the claimed subject matter is the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal transfer roller apparatus configured to transfer at least one design onto a substrate, wherein the apparatus is A printer configured to print the at least one design onto a heat-transfer-compatible transfer sheet using heat-transfer-compatible transfer ink, A thermal transfer assembly is configured to be positioned to receive the transfer sheet when it exits the printer, wherein the thermal transfer assembly is A support base positioned and configured to support the aforementioned substrate, A support frame positioned and configured to selectively sandwich the substrate between itself and the support base, wherein the support frame defines a frame boundary that substantially leaves a portion of the substrate onto which the at least one design is heat-transferred unobstructed. An articulated carrier configured to removably engage with the leading edge of the transfer sheet, position the transfer sheet in contact with the substrate at a position within the frame boundary, prevent the transfer sheet from unintentionally shifting relative to the substrate when the design is transferred onto the substrate, and separate the transfer sheet from the substrate after the design has been transferred onto the substrate, At least one heating roller is configured to be positioned to selectively roll into contact with the transfer sheet when the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary, A controller configured to automatically control each of the carrier and the at least one heating roller, A heat transfer assembly comprising, Equipped with, A thermal transfer roller apparatus wherein, during use of the apparatus, the substrate is sandwiched between the support frame and the support base, and the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary, and at least one heating roller traverses the transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame at a predetermined temperature, pressure, and traverse time set by the controller in order to adhere at least one design on the transfer sheet to the substrate, and then the carrier separates the transfer sheet from the substrate while the transfer sheet is still hot.

2. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support base is made of a heat-resistant material.

3. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support base has a thickness of approximately 5 to 10 millimeters.

4. The at least one heating roller is substantially cylindrical in shape. The at least one heating roller is equipped with a heat source positioned concentrically within the heating roller, and the heat source is configured to selectively heat the heating roller to a desired temperature during use of the apparatus. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cross-section of at least one heating roller is substantially circular.

6. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the at least one heating roller has a diameter of approximately 1 to 3 inches.

7. The thermal transfer roller device according to claim 1, wherein the thermal transfer assembly comprises a loading lamp extending between the paper exit of the printer and the carrier of the thermal transfer assembly, the loading lamp being configured to assist in the movement of the transfer sheet from the paper exit of the printer to the thermal transfer assembly.

8. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises at least one clamp configured to selectively engage with the leading edge of the transfer sheet.

9. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carrier is further configured to move selectively and automatically between the paper exit of the printer and the thermal transfer assembly, so that the carrier can removably engage with the leading edge of the transfer sheet when the transfer sheet exits the paper exit of the printer, and then transport the transfer sheet to the thermal transfer assembly.

10. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carrier is further configured to automatically position the transfer sheet by bringing it into contact with the substrate at a desired position within the frame boundary.

11. The heat transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support base and the support frame are slidably or pivotably engaged with the heat transfer assembly so that the support base and the support frame can selectively slide or pivot away from the heat transfer assembly to assist in the manual positioning of the substrate on the support base.

12. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal transfer assembly comprises at least one positioning indicator configured to assist in the manual positioning of a substrate on the support base.

13. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sheet collection container positioned and configured to receive the transfer sheet after the transfer sheet has been completely separated from the substrate by the carrier.

14. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the thermal transfer assembly comprises a waste lamp that can extend between the carrier of the thermal transfer assembly and the at least one sheet collection container, the waste lamp being configured to assist in the movement of the transfer sheets from the carrier to the at least one sheet collection container.

15. The thermal transfer roller apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the support frame are configured to rotate selectively between a disengaged position in which each of the first and second ends is rotated away from the support base and an engaged position in which each of the first and second ends is rotated to contact the support base so as to sandwich the substrate between the first and second ends of the support frame and the support base.

16. A thermal transfer roller apparatus configured to transfer at least one design onto a substrate, wherein the apparatus is A thermal transfer assembly configured to receive a thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet as the thermal transfer-compatible transfer sheet exits the printer, wherein the printer is configured to print the at least one design onto the transfer sheet using thermal transfer-compatible transfer ink, and the thermal transfer assembly is A support base positioned and configured to support the aforementioned substrate, A support frame positioned and configured to selectively sandwich the substrate between itself and the support base, wherein the support frame defines a frame boundary that substantially leaves a portion of the substrate onto which the at least one design is heat-transferred unobstructed. An articulated carrier configured to removably engage with the leading edge of the transfer sheet, position the transfer sheet in contact with the substrate at a position within the frame boundary, prevent the transfer sheet from unintentionally shifting relative to the substrate when the design is transferred onto the substrate, and separate the transfer sheet from the substrate after the design has been transferred onto the substrate, At least one heating roller is configured to be positioned to selectively roll into contact with the transfer sheet when the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary, A controller configured to automatically control each of the carrier and the at least one heating roller, A thermal transfer assembly comprising Equipped with, A thermal transfer roller apparatus wherein, during use of the apparatus, the substrate is sandwiched between the support frame and the support base, and the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate within the frame boundary, and at least one heating roller traverses the transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame at a predetermined temperature, pressure, and traverse time set by the controller in order to adhere at least one design on the transfer sheet to the substrate, and then the carrier separates the transfer sheet from the substrate while the transfer sheet is still hot.

17. A method for transferring at least one design from a heat transfer-compatible transfer sheet onto a substrate using the heat transfer roller apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the method is: The steps include positioning the substrate on the support base, The support frame is moved to bring it into contact with the substrate such that the substrate is sandwiched between the support frame and the support base, but a portion of the substrate on which the at least one design is heat-transferred is not substantially obstructed. The steps include printing the at least one design onto the transfer sheet using the printer, The steps include moving the transfer sheet from the paper exit of the printer to the carrier of the thermal transfer assembly, The steps include positioning the transfer sheet by bringing it into contact with the substrate at a desired position within the frame boundary of the support frame via the carrier, When the controller determines that at least one of the heating rollers has reached a desired temperature, Move the at least one heating roller to bring it into rolling contact with the transfer sheet at a predetermined pressure. To adhere at least one design on the transfer sheet to the substrate, the at least one heating roller is rolled over the entire transfer sheet from the first end of the support frame to the opposing second end of the support frame for a predetermined transverse time. While the transfer sheet is still hot, the transfer sheet is separated from the substrate via the carrier. Steps and Methods that include...

18. Before the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate, the step of moving the at least one heating roller to bring it into rolling contact with the substrate, The steps include: rolling the at least one heating roller over the entire substrate from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame in order to dry and preheat the substrate before the transfer sheet is positioned on the substrate; The method according to claim 17, further comprising:

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of rolling the at least one heating roller again over the entire transfer sheet from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame for a predetermined transverse time, in order to enhance adhesion between the at least one design and the substrate.

20. The steps include: adhering the at least one design to the substrate and, after the transfer sheet is separated from the substrate, moving the at least one heating roller to bring it into rolling contact with the substrate; To enhance the durability of at least one design on the substrate, the step of rolling the at least one heating roller across the entire substrate from a first end of the support frame to an opposing second end of the support frame, The method according to claim 17, further comprising:

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