A printing pad machine that can print a 360 degree image on a cylindrical object. That objective is achieved by modifying a conventional printing pad machine having a support member—interconnected to an overhead gantry—and an adjustable and moveable actuator system and power source. The modifications include using a single angled print pad having a contact wall having a first height, a lower wall having a second height that is less than the first height, an angled surface interconnecting the contact wall's distal end and the lower wall's distal end, and a base wall (a) interconnecting the contact wall's proximal end and the lower wall's proximal end and (b) connectable to a base. Another modification includes a flexion-extension hinge positioned between (a) the support member and the base or (b) the support member and the overhead gantry and controlled by the adjustable and moveable actuator system and power source. That objective can be accomplished with the conventional printing pad machine using the single angled print pad. Both objectives can also be accomplished by adding ridges to the single angled print pad.

A lower mandrel for a cap logo applicator includes a structure having a curved surface and a first end and a second end, an extension extending from the first end to the second end, and a first pad positioned on an upper surface of the structure. The first pad extends radially beyond both the first end and the second end and below a lower surface of the structure.

An apparatus is disclosed for printing images on generally cylindrical objects. The apparatus comprises an impression station that includes a movable imaging surface for bearing an ink image; and a transport mechanism for advancing the objects through the impression station, comprising a drive member rotatably connected to a plurality of rotatable mandrels, each for mounting a respective one of the objects, the transport mechanism being configured to cause each object to rotate during passage through the impression station such that, within a nip region of the impression station, the surface of the object makes rolling contact with the imaging surface, thereby causing the ink image to be impressed on the object. An impression platen is provided opposite the imaging surface within the nip region, the impression platen being configured to apply a force, directly or indirectly, to the objects to ensure rolling contact between the objects and the imaging surface.

A coated panel may include at least a substrate and a top layer with a printed motif. The top layer may be provided on the substrate. The top layer may also include a transparent or translucent synthetic material layer, which is provided above the printed motif. The top layer and preferably at least the transparent or translucent synthetic material layer may include a foamable or foamed synthetic material.

A coated panel may include at least a substrate and a top layer with a printed motif. The top layer may be provided on the substrate. The top layer may also include a transparent or translucent synthetic material layer, which is provided above the printed motif. The top layer and preferably at least the transparent or translucent synthetic material layer may include a foamable or foamed synthetic material.

A heat press docking station base (52) comprises a nest portion (75) and one or more legs (58). The nest portion (52) includes a body shell (60, 62) and a perforated floor (54). The body shell (60, 62) includes a lower surface (63). The perforated floor (54) is connected to the body shell (60, 62). The one or more legs (58) extend from a lower surface (63) of the body shell (60, 62).

A heat press docking station base (52) comprises a nest portion (75) and one or more legs (58). The nest portion (52) includes a body shell (60, 62) and a perforated floor (54). The body shell (60, 62) includes a lower surface (63). The perforated floor (54) is connected to the body shell (60, 62). The one or more legs (58) extend from a lower surface (63) of the body shell (60, 62).

A printing pad (2) having a double structure comprising a roughly quadrangular pyramid-shaped elastic body (2a) and a coating layer (2d) which covers a definite range of a side face (2b) including an apex (2c) of the elastic body (2a), wherein said elastic body (2a) and the coating layer (2d) contain a silicone oil to ensure ink transfer (receiving and delivering) and impart elasticity (flexibility), and the coating layer (2d) is made harder (i.e., containing the silicone oil in a smaller amount) than the elastic body (2a).

A platen is disclosed. In an example, the platen may include a shirtboard configured to receive a garment. A backing is coupled to the shirtboard. The backing and the shirtboard are compressible to selectively compress the shirtboard against the backing during a printing operation. An example method of printing on a garment includes threading a garment onto a board so that the board is wearing the garment, supporting the board against a backing during compression, and printing on the garment. In an example, a fabric of the garment is pretreated, heat-pressed, and printed on, all without removing the garment from the board.

A method for fabricating a composite timepiece or jewellery component: a base is made in a substrate with an apparent surface remaining visible; each visible apparent surface is mirror polished; each polished apparent surface is coated with a first transparent or coloured semi-transparent layer of a first material in a dry process, or PVD or CVD or ALD process, or lacquering or zapon varnish process; a decorative element is affixed and bonded to an external surface of the first layer; the first layer and each decorative element is coated with a second layer of a transparent treatment material in a dry process, or PVD or CVD or ALD process, or lacquering or zapon varnish process.