WO2008087674A1

WO2008087674A1 - Decorated coffee-maker and method for decorating it

Info

Publication number: WO2008087674A1
Application number: PCT/IT2007/000063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Ranzoni
Original assignee: Bialetti Industrie S.P.A.
Priority date: 2007-01-20
Filing date: 2007-01-20
Publication date: 2008-07-24

Abstract

This invention relates to a container (1) for producing beverages, or coffee-maker (1), wherein the outer surface of the container (1) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject that is printed by means of sublimation. The invention further relates to a method for decorating the coffee-maker by means of sublimation. The method comprises the steps of : providing a coffee-maker; providing a graphic and/or chromatic subject; printing the graphic and/or chromatic subject on an intermediate backing such as to create a transfer; placing the transfer in contact with the coffee-maker; wrapping the coffee-maker and transfer in a gas-tight sheath; creating a depression within the sheath; placing the coffee -maker and transfer into a heat chamber, both wrapped in the sheath; removing the sheath and transfer from the coffee-maker.

Description

DESCRIPTION "Decorated coffee-maker and method for decorating it"

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal container for domestic use, particularly a container for preparing beverages, which is decorated with a sublimation printing.

[0002] For brevity, this general container will be designated below as "coffee-maker", thus also designating a cappuccino-maker, a barley coffee maker, a pot, a boiler, a shaker, as well as any other kitchen accessory, besides a coffee-maker in the strict sense.

[0003] ^' In the field of household items, and particularly coffee-makers, manufacturers differentiate the aesthetic appearance of the products from a collection to another, in order to meet the market's continuous demand for updated products in line with the ultimate trends.

[0004] In the field of coffee-makers, the production of new models with shapes that are totally different from the previous ones requires completely re-designing the coffee-maker, developing new moulds and new manufacturing lines. Accordingly, these operations imply very important investments and very long technical times. [0005] In view of the above, a strong aesthetic effect is certainly given by the surface treatment, finishing ad colouring of the coffee-maker. Varnishing techniques are currently used, suitable for the operating temperatures typical of coffee-makers, which allow obtaining different colour variations for a same model .

[0006] The varnishing technique, though offering widely appreciated results, is not without drawbacks. In fact, each colour variation of an individual model of coffee-maker requires a dedicated manufacturing line. This line can be adapted to another model and/or another colour variation only at the cost of a prolonged machine idle-time as required to carry out the necessary technical operations. [0007] ^• Beside varnishing, the tampography technique is widely used to reproduce logos, writings, and simple decorations. The tampography technique, though appreciated, is not without drawbacks, too. [0008] Tampography also requires using a dedicated system, though of a simple type, for each individual colour of each individual decoration. Furthermore, tampography allows obtaining prints usually with a small number of colours. Finally, hues between one colour and another can be obtained only by means of a considerable complication of the systems . [0009] The varnishing and tampography techniques, owing to their characteristics as described above, are expensive techniques in terms of manufacturing lines development. Coffee-makers decorated by means of those systems are thus required to be manufactured in relatively large batches in order to amortize the initial investments .

[0010] Furthermore, due to the specific characteristics of varnishing and tampography, the coffee-makers decorated with those systems suffer from several aesthetic limitations. These limitations can be an obstacle to the collocation on the market, at least relatively to the most demanding clientele that is sensitive to the design and customization of products. [0011] From what has been stated above, it should be thus appreciated how the traditional decoration techniques (varnishing and tampography) suffer from drawbacks that are becoming more and more serious for coffee-maker manufacturers. [0012] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a decorating method and a thus- decorated coffee-maker, which at least partially overcome the drawbacks cited with reference to the prior art. [0013] Particularly, a task of the present invention is to provide a decorating method and a thus-decorated coffee-maker that allow reducing the investment, in terms of cost and time, required for renewing the aesthetic appearance of the collections.

[0014] Furthermore, a task of the present invention is to provide a decorating method and a thus-decorated coffee-maker allowing a high printing quality in terms of image definition, number of colours and hues. [0015] Finally, a task of the present invention is to provide a decorating method and a thus-decorated coffee- maker which allow easy aesthetic customization of the latter.

[0016] This object and these tasks are achieved by means of a coffee-maker according to claim 1 and by means of a decorating method according to claim 10. [0017] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which: [0018] Fig. 1 is a view of a prior art coffee-maker; [0019] Fig. 2.a to 2.f illustrate the steps of the sublimation printing method;

[0020] Fig. 3. a to 3.e illustrate the steps of an image treating method according to the invention; [0021] Fig. 4. a illustrates an example of graphic subject; [0022] Fig. 4.b illustrates a coffee-maker according to the invention comprising the graphic subject in Pig. 4. a.

[0023] In the annexed drawings, a prior art coffee- maker is generally designated with 1. As stated above, by "coffee-maker" is meant herein and below a general container for preparing beverages, thus also meaning a cappuccino maker, a barley coffee maker, a pot, a boiler, a shaker, and the like, besides a coffee-maker in the strict sense. [0024] The coffee-maker in Fig. 1 comprises, in a manner known per se, a boiler 2 and a collector 3. The collector 3 then comprises a handle 4, a delivery spout 5 and a lid 6 provided with a knob 7.

[0025] The outer surface of the coffee-maker 1 according to the invention (see for example Fig. 4.b attached herein) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject obtained by means of a sublimation printing method.

[0026] The graphic and/or chromatic subject can be a decoration, a photograph, a writing, a mark, a logo, a drawing, a chromatic composition or a mono-chromatic expanse .

[0027] Sublimation printing is a method known per se. First, it comprises a step of intermediate printing on a backing (e.g. paper) with. a suitable ink, the so-called "sublimation ink" . A sheet is thus obtained, which is technically called the "transfer" .

[0028] The sublimation ink is carried by means of suitable resins (e.g. cellulose) which allow the pigments to be printed by means of normal printing machines, while not inhibiting the gasification thereof.

[0029] The desired graphic subject must be reproduced on the transfer with a contrary (mirror-like) orientation relative to the desired final effect. To the purpose, reference should be made to Fig. 3.b, which is an example of an image desired to be obtained, and Fig. 3.c which is the same image but mirror-reversed, as desired to be printed on the transfer.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 2, the sublimation printing is briefly described below of the decoration prepared on the transfer 11 on a generic blank 10 (Fig.

2. a) . ^'

[0031] When, in the case of Fig. 2 and coffee-maker 1 according to the invention, the piece 10 to be decorated is not a flat backing, but a three-dimensional object, the term "three-dimensional sublimation" is used.

[0032] In the step outlined in Fig. 2.b, the transfer

11 is placed in contact with the blank 10 to be decorated. [0033] When the blank 10 to be decorated is not made of polymer material (for example, it is made of glass or metal) , it must be treated with a suitable adhesion- promoting varnish, suitable to adhere to the surface of the blank 10. The adhesion-promoting varnish must be then suitable to receive the sublimation ink.

[0034] Adhesion-promoting varnishes can have, in turn, different colourings. A varnish with an opaque white colouring allows using the varnish as the white in the image colour reconstruction, and adding only the remaining colours by means of sublimation. On the other hand, a transparent varnish (either neutral or tending to any colour) allows using the metal finish of the coffee- maker to obtain a final graphic subject that is particularly bright. [0035] The blank 10 and transfer 11 are then wrapped in a gas-tight sheath 12 (Fig. 2.c).

[0036] A depression of about 0,4 ÷ 0,5 bar is created inside the tight sheath 12, which is suitable to press the transfer 11 to the blank 10, such as to ensure the contact and avoid relative movements therebetween (Fig. 2.d) .

[0037] The blank 10 and transfer 11, wrapped in the sheath 12 are placed within a heating chamber at a temperature ranging between 160° and 21O⁰C. The ink printed on the transfer 11, due to the temperature, sublimates and turns into gas.

[0038] The surface contact and pressure conditions cause the gas to penetrate within the surface layers of the blank 10 or of the adhesion-promoting varnish applied thereto. After the gas has penetrated, it cools down and turns back to the solid state. Thereby, the image is transferred from the transfer 11 (Fig. 2.e) in a permanent and indelible manner to the surface of the decorated piece 10' (Fig. 2.f). [0039] Fig. 3.a to 3.e annexed herein schematically illustrate the steps of a method for treating an image for the decoration of a coffee-maker 1 according to the invention. [0040] An initial step is first to identify the coffee-maker surface that is available for printing. Fig.

3. a schematically shows, for illustrative purposes, the development 30 of the outer side surface of a collector 3 of the same type as that of coffee-maker in Fig. 1.

[0041] Due to the particular geometry of the collector 3, the development 30 is planar and substantially consists of eight trapeziums placed beside each other. The trapeziums alternate with narrow triangles not available for printing. The trapeziums are thus drawn near by the vertexes of the large bases, such as to hold all the bases oriented only in one direction. This direction, at the end of the decoration method, will be parallel to the horizontal one.

[0042] Other areas that are considered as not available for printing can be seen on the planar development 30. In the embodiment as illustrated herein, for example, the areas 34 in which the handle 4 is fitted to the wall of collector 3 and the areas 35 from which the delivery spout 5 is projected are considered as not available . [0043] In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the outer side surface of the collector 3 can have a non-planar development. This is the case of collectors having a side surface characterized by a double curvature. In these cases, the development 30 of the surface available for printing is a planar approximation of the theoretical development. In these cases, again, the transfer 11 will be preferably made of a material that, unlike paper, allows an easy deformation in the plane thereof. To the purpose, a so-called non- woven fabric can be advantageously used.

[0044] The step of identifying the surface of the coffee-maker which is available for printing can be, for example, carried out once and for all for each individual model of the coffee-maker according to the invention. This identification can advantageously originate data, being stored in digital form, which identify the characteristics of the coffee-maker surface that is available for printing.

[0045] Another step of the method provides selecting a desired image to be used as a decoration on the coffee- maker. Exemplary images 31 are illustrated in fig. 3.b (schematically) and in Fig. 4.a.

[0046] This step can be carried out by the manufacturer of the coffee-maker 1, such as by the designer and/or art director who decides the aesthetic appearance of the collections intended to be sold already decorated.

[0047] Alternatively, this step can be carried out by the end user, who can select a model from a catalogue, and decide the aesthetic appearance in accordance with his/her particular requirements. Only one specimen will be decorated with this aesthetic appearance, which will thus be a unique and dedicated product .

[0048] . The image 31, either selected by the manufacturer or final user, can be advantageously provided in the form of data stored in digital form.

[0049] A further step is to mirror-reverse the image

31. As stated above, the image 31 must be mirror-reversed in order to result properly reproduced on the final piece. After the image 31 in Fig. 3.b has been mirror- reversed, it originates the mirror-like image 31' in Fig. 3.c.

[0050] A subsequent step of the method according to the invention provides superimposing the development 30 of the surface available for printing to the selected mirror-like image 31' . The superimposition 32 illustrated in Fig. 3.d is thus originated.

[0051] As may be seen in Fig. 3.d, during this step, the horizontal direction of the mirror-like image 31' runs in the main direction of the planar development 30. This allows the horizontal direction of the image 31 to coincide with the horizontal direction of the collector 3 placed in the usage orientation thereof, after the decoration has been completed. [0052] In this step, the final positioning of the graphic elements of the selected mirror-like image 31' can be further checked, at least in an indicative manner. After this check has been carried out, the mirror-like image 31' can be optionally adjusted such as to position the graphic elements in a satisfactory manner.

[0053] A further step of processing the superimposition 32 allows, by eliminating the areas not available for printing, to turn the development 30 into a continuous development 33. A mechanically continuous transfer 11 can be thus obtained, independently of the empty spaces previously outlined in the development 30. [0054] Fig. 3.e clearly shows the final result of the treatment of image 31 for preparation to printing. Those skilled in the art will particularly appreciate how the method described above allows maintaining the horizontal direction of the image parallel to the final horizontal direction of the collector 3 in a configuration of use. This possibility is not given, a priori, by directly superimposing the mirror-like image 31' to the continuous development 33 in Fig. 3.e in which the areas not available for printing have been eliminated. With reference to fig. 3.e, it may be seen, in fact how the bases of the eight trapeziums no longer identify a single direction. [0055] With particular reference to the step of mirror-reversing the image 31 to obtain the mirror-like image 31' , to the step of superimposing the mirror-like image 31' to the development 30, to the step of processing the superimposition 32 to form the continuous development 33, those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate how they can be preferably carried out by means of operations on the data stored in digital form.

[0056] According to the various embodiments, the surfaces of the coffee-maker 1 comprising the decoration by means of sublimation can be, for example, the outer surface of the collector 3, that of spout 5, that of handle 4, that of lid 6, that of knob 7 and/or that of boiler 2.

[0057] From what has been stated above, those skilled in the art will appreciate how the coffee-maker and decorating method according to the invention overcome the drawbacks cited relative to the prior art .

[0058] Particularly, the decorating method of the coffee-maker according to the invention does not require any dedicated manufacturing line and allows obtaining a number ' of different aesthetic solutions using an individual system.

[0059] The cost and time required for preparing traditional manufacturing lines to carry out the aesthetic differentiation from a collection to another can be thus eliminated. The coffee-maker according to the invention thus allows the manufacturer to considerably reduce the investments required for updating the products and keeping them in line with the ultimate trends. [0060] Obviously, to the coffee-maker and decorating method .according to the present invention, those skilled in the art, aiming at satisfying contingent and specific requirements, may carry out a number of modifications and variations, all being however contemplated within the scope of protection of the invention, such as defined in the annexed claims .

Claims

1. A container (1) for producing beverages, or coffee- maker (1) , wherein the outer surface of the container (1) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject that is printed by means of sublimation.

2. The coffee-maker (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the graphic and/or chromatic subject can be a decoration, a photograph, a writing, a mark, a logo, a drawing, a chromatic composition or a mono-chromatic expanse .

3. The coffee-maker (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein- the graphic and/or chromatic subject is printed by means of three-dimensional sublimation.

4. The coffee-maker (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a boiler (2) wherein the outer surface of the boiler (2) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject printed by means of sublimation.

5. The coffee-maker (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a collector (3) wherein the outer surface of the collector (3) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject printed by means of sublimation.

6. The coffee-maker (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a handle (4) wherein the outer surface of the handle (4) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject printed by means of sublimation.

7. The coffee-maker (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a delivery spout (5) wherein the outer surface of the delivery spout (5) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject printed by means of sublimation.

8. The coffee-maker (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a lid (6) wherein the outer surface of the lid (6) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject printed by means of sublimation.

9. The coffee-maker (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a knob (7) wherein the outer surface of the knob (7) comprises a graphic and/or chromatic subject printed by means of sublimation.

10. A method for decorating a coffee-maker (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising the steps of: - providing a coffee-maker (1) suitable to be decorated;

- providing a graphic and/or chromatic subject suitable to decorate the coffee-maker (1) ;

- printing said graphic and/or chromatic subject on an intermediate backing such as to create a transfer (11) ; - placing the transfer (11) in contact with the coffee- maker;

- wrapping the coffee-maker (1) and transfer (11) in a gas-tight sheath (12) ;

- creating a depression within the sheath (12) ; - placing the coffee-maker (1) and transfer (11) both wrapped in the sheath (12) into a heat chamber;

- removing the sheath (12) and transfer (11) from the coffee-maker (1) .

11. The method (1) according to the preceding claim, further comprising the step of mirror-reversing the graphic and/or chromatic subject before printing the latter on the transfer (11) .

12. The method (1) according to any claim 10 or 11, further comprising the step of treating the surface of the coffee-maker (1) with an adhesion-promoting varnish before contacting the coffee-maker (1) with the transfer (11) •

13. The method (1) according to any claim 10 to 12, wherein- the step of creating a depression within the sheath (12) comprises the step of maintaining a depression of about 0,4 ÷ 0,5 bar within the sheath (12) .

14. The method (1) according to any claim 10 to 13, wherein the step of placing the coffee-maker (1) and transfer (11) both wrapped in the sheath (12) within a heat chamber, comprises the step of maintaining a temperature between 160⁰C and 210⁰C within the heat chamber.

15. The method (1) according to any claim 10 to 14, further comprising the step of identifying the surface of the coffee-maker (1) that is available for printing and providing for the planar development (30) of the latter or an approximation thereof.

16. The method (1) according to any claim 10 to 15, wherein the step of providing the graphic and/or chromatic subject is carried out by the manufacturer of the coffee-maker (1) .

17. The method (1) according to any claim 10 to 16, wherein the step of providing the graphic and/or chromatic subject is carried out by the final user of the coffee-maker (1) .

18. The method (1) according to any claim 10 to 17, further comprising the step of obtaining a superimposition (32) of the development (30) of the surface available for printing and the graphic and/or chromatic subject.

19. The method (1) according to the preceding claim, further comprising the step of processing the superimposition (32) , such as to eliminate the areas not available for printing and transforming the development (30) into a mechanically continuous development (33) .