Personalized photo process for containers

• US 20030079638A1
• Filed: 10/26/2001
• Published: 05/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Don R. Burnett
• Original Assignee: Don R. Burnett
• Inventors: Burnett, Don R.
• Application Number:
  US10/046,438
• Publication Number:
  US 20030079638A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 101/492
• CPC Class Codes: B41M 5/035 by sublimation or volatilisation of pre-printed design , e.g. sublistatic B41M5/0256 takes precedence; printing on textiles D06P5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/00 Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators see also B65D5/4212, B65D33/004
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 7/02 characterised by shape

Abstract

A system and method for applying a digital image to a metal container. The method includes retrieving a digital image using a computer, adjusting the digital image according to a desired location on a metal container, printing the digital image onto heat transfer paper using dye sublimation ink, and pressing the printed image onto the desired surface of the container.

Claims

1. A method for applying a digital image to a metal container, the method comprising:

retrieving a digital image using a computer;

adjusting the digital image according to a desired location on a metal container;

printing the digital image onto heat transfer paper using dye sublimation ink; and

pressing the printed image onto the desired surface of the container.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting at least one of a textual or graphical object onto the digital image before printing.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

applying a base paint to the surface of the container; and

applying a clear polyester base coat over the applied paint.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein pressing comprises applying heat for a set amount of time based on the type of dye sublimation ink and heat transfer paper used.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital image is at least one of a digital photo or a digitized image.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal container is a tin container.

7. A system for applying a digital image to a metal container, the system comprising:

a user interface;

a processor configured to retrieve a digital image and adjust the digital image according to a desired location on a metal container using the user interface;

a printer coupled to the processor and configured to print the digital image onto heat transfer paper using dye sublimation ink; and

a press configured to press the printed image onto the desired surface of the container.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to insert at least one of a textual or graphical object onto the digital image before printing.

9. The system of claim 7, further comprising:

a component configured to apply a base paint to the surface of the container; and

a component configured to apply a clear polyester base coat over the applied paint.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the digital image is at least one of a digital photo or a digitized image.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the metal container is a tin container.

12. A metal container imprinted by a method comprising:

retrieving a digital image using a computer;

adjusting the digital image according to a desired location on a metal container;

printing the digital image onto heat transfer paper using dye sublimation ink; and

pressing the printed image onto the desired surface of the container.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises inserting at least one of a textual or graphical object onto the digital image before printing.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises:

applying a base paint to the surface of the container; and

applying a clear polyester base coat over the applied paint.

15. The container of claim 12, wherein pressing comprises applying heat for a set amount of time based on the type of dye sublimation ink and heat transfer paper used.

16. The container of claim 12, wherein the digital image is at least one of a digital photo or a digitized image.

17. The container of claim 12, wherein the metal container is a tin container.