Image printing for non-absorbent fabric

Abstract

The present invention claims and discloses a method of transferring an image to a generally non-absorbent fabric having at least one fiber. The method comprises the steps of providing an image on a transfer sheet or a medium, placing the transfer sheet or the medium against the generally non-absorbent fabric, applying a predetermined amount of heat in a predetermined amount of time to the transfer sheet or the medium, subliming the solid state ink or dye on the transfer sheet or the medium from a solid state to a gaseous state, binding the gaseous ink or dye with the fiber of the generally non-absorbent fabric and condensing the gaseous ink or dye to a sold state, thereby binding the dyes or ink into the fiber of the generally non-absorbent fabric. The fabric may be in the form of a pillow or a clothing article or any item of desire.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A method for printing an image on a generally non-absorbent fabric having at least one fiber, comprising the steps of: 
 providing an image on a transfer sheet;    placing said transfer sheet against said generally non-absorbent fabric;    applying a predetermined heat to said transfer sheet for a predetermined period of time so that ink comprising said image on said transfer sheet is sublimated from a solid to a gas upon application of said heat and said ink permeates at least one fiber of said generally non-absorbent fabric; and    removing said heat from said transfer paper so that gaseous ink condenses back into a solid, thereby bonding with said fibers of said generally non-absorbent fabric.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said predetermined heat is within the range of from about 180° C. to 280° C., and preferably from 200° C. to 240° C.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said predetermined period of time is from about 15 to 20 seconds.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said image is provided on said transfer sheet through a process including a dispersion, scattering or dissipation of oil dye.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said dye is formed of a dispersed dye material, adhesive and solvent.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the ratio of said dye material, adhesive and solvent may be modified based upon environmental conditions.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said dye gas bonds with the core of said fibers of said generally non-absorbent material.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said gaseous dye permeates plural layers of said fibers of said generally non-absorbent fabric.  
     
     
         9 . The pillow of  claim 1 , wherein said image is a color photograph.  
     
     
         10 . A method for printing an image on a generally non-absorbent fabric including a plurality of fibers, comprising the steps of: 
 designing an image to be transferred to said generally non-absorbent fabric    performing a color separation process on said image    setting colors of inks to be employed in said printing process based upon results of said color separation process;    producing a board to be used for printing;    printing said image to a transfer paper;    placing said transfer sheet against said generally non-absorbent fabric;    applying a predetermined heat to said transfer sheet for a predetermined period of time so that ink comprising said image on said transfer sheet is sublimated from a solid to a gas upon application of said heat and said ink permeates a plurality of said fibers of said generally non-absorbent fabric;    removing said heat from said transfer paper so that gaseous ink condenses back into a solid state, thereby binding with said fibers of said generally non-absorbent fabric; and    producing a final product utilizing said printed upon generally non-absorbent fabric.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said predetermined heat is within the range of from about 180° C. to 280° C.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said predetermined heat is within the range of from about 180° C. to 280° C.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said predetermined period of time is from about 15 to 20 seconds.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said final product is a pillow.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said final product is a clothing article.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said board to be used for printing may be generated in accordance with an electrical, laser or etching engraving process.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said generally non-absorbent fabric is roll feed to said printing procedure.  
     
     
         18 . A pillow having an image, produced according to the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing an image on a transfer sheet;    placing said transfer sheet against a generally non-absorbent fabric;    applying a predetermined heat to said transfer sheet for a predetermined period of time so that ink comprising said image on said transfer sheet is sublimated from a solid state to a gaseous state upon application of said heat and said ink permeates at least one fiber of said generally non-absorbent fabric;    removing said heat from said transfer paper so that gaseous ink condenses back into a solid state, thereby binding with said fiber of said generally non-absorbent fabric; and    forming said image-bearing generally non-absorbent fabric into a pillow and stuffing the insider thereof.    
     
     
         19 . The pillow of  claim 18 , wherein said image can be a color or black and white photograph.  
     
     
         20 . The pillow of  claim 18 , wherein said predetermined heat is within the range of from about 200° C. to 240° C., and wherein said predetermined period of time is from about 15 to 20 seconds.