US Patent 9227391 Dual function shoe upper printing jig

A printing jig system that includes a maintaining jig able to maintain an article for a first processing step and that is also used to maintain and align the article for a subsequent printing process step. In order to effectively be used for a first processing step and a second printing process step, a support portion supports the article in locations otherwise left unsupported by a processing aperture of the maintaining jig. The processing aperture is configured to facilitate the first processing step, such as steaming of the article. The print support portion is configured to extend through the processing aperture of the maintaining jig The maintaining jig and the print support portion are aligned and maintained relative to each other and a printing machine by a base plate adapted to removeably secure and align the maintaining jig and the print support portion.