U.S. patent application number 14/199422 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for method of making multi-colored objects.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Anna Schoborg.
Application Number | 20140250735 14/199422 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50680104 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140250735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schoborg; Anna |
September 11, 2014 |
Method of Making Multi-Colored Objects
Abstract
A method for coloring an article. The article is dipped into a
liquid colorant to a first predetermined depth for first short
period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time. The
article then is removed from the liquid colorant and dried. The
article may be dipped into a liquid colorant to a second
predetermined depth for a second short period, then removed and
dried. The dyeing and drying steps are repeated until the article
is imbued with the selected color and saturation.
Inventors: |
Schoborg; Anna; (Beaverton,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
50680104 |
Appl. No.: |
14/199422 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13791612 |
Mar 8, 2013 |
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14199422 |
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13791643 |
Mar 8, 2013 |
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13791612 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/25R ; 8/504;
8/506 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43D 95/06 20130101;
A43B 1/0027 20130101; D06P 3/241 20130101; D06P 5/12 20130101; D06P
1/0096 20130101; A43B 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/25.R ; 8/506;
8/504 |
International
Class: |
D06P 5/12 20060101
D06P005/12 |
Claims
1. A method for coloring an article, said method comprising: (a)
dipping at least a first portion of the article into a first liquid
colorant having a first color to a first predetermined depth for a
first short period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation
time of the color; (b) removing the article from the liquid
colorant; and (c) drying the article.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (a) dipping at least
a second portion of the dried article into a second liquid colorant
having a second color to a second predetermined depth for a second
short period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time
of the second color, (b) removing the article from the liquid
colorant; and (c) drying the article.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising repeating the dyeing
and drying steps until the article is imbued with the selected
colors and saturations.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the article is a part of an
article of footwear.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein the article is a midsole of an
article of footwear.
6. The method of claim 2 wherein the first portion at least
partially overlaps with the second portion to form a third
color.
7. A method for dyeing an article to a predetermined saturation,
wherein the predetermined saturation is normally achieved by
placing the article in a liquid colorant for a 100 percent single
dip saturation time and then drying the article for a 100 percent
drying time, the method comprising the steps of: (a) placing the
article in the liquid colorant for a first short period, the first
short period being less than the 100 percent single dip saturation
time; (b) removing the article from the liquid colorant for a first
short drying period; (c) placing the article back into the liquid
colorant for a second short period, the second short period being
less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time; and (b)
removing the article from the liquid colorant for a second short
drying period; wherein the first short period plus the first short
drying period plus the second short period plus the second short
drying period, when added together, are cumulatively less than the
100 percent single dip saturation time and 100 percent single dip
saturation drying time added together.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the first short period and the
second short period are independently between about 5 seconds and
about 120 seconds.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the first short period and the
second short period are independently between about 10 seconds and
about 60 seconds.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the first short period and the
second short period are independently less than about 5 percent of
the 100 percent single dip saturation time.
11. The method of claim 7, further comprising dipping the article
into the liquid colorant less than about 40 times with short
periods less than about 2 percent of the 100 percent single dip
saturation time.
12. The method of claim 7, further comprising dipping the article
into the liquid colorant less than about 25 times with short
periods less than about 3 percent of the 100 percent single dip
saturation time.
13. The method of claim 7, further comprising dipping the article
into the liquid colorant less than about 10 times with short
periods less than about 5 percent of the 100 percent single dip
saturation time.
14. A method for dyeing an article to have a first area having a
first predetermined saturation of a first color and a second area
having a second predetermined saturation of a second color, wherein
the first predetermined saturation normally is achieved by placing
the article in a first liquid colorant for a 100 percent single dip
saturation time and then drying the article for a first 100 percent
single dip saturation drying time, and the second predetermined
saturation normally is achieved by placing the article in a second
liquid colorant for a second 100 percent single dip saturation time
and drying the article for a second 100 percent single dip
saturation drying time, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
placing the article in the first liquid colorant for a first short
period, the first short period being less than the 100 percent
single dip saturation time; (b) removing the article from the first
liquid colorant for a first drying time period; (c) placing the
article back into the first liquid colorant for a second short
period, the second short period being less than the first 100
percent single dip saturation time; (d) removing the article from
the first liquid colorant for a second short drying period; (e)
placing the article in the second liquid colorant for a third short
period, the third short period being less than the second 100
percent single dip saturation time; (f) removing the article from
the second liquid colorant for a third short drying period; (g)
placing the article back into the second liquid colorant for a
fourth short period, the fourth short period being less than the
second 100 percent single dip saturation time; (h) removing the
article from the second liquid colorant for a fourth short drying
period; wherein the first short period plus the first short drying
period plus the second short period plus the second short drying
period, when added together, are cumulatively less than the first
100 percent single dip saturation time and first 100 percent single
dip saturation drying time; and wherein the third short period plus
the third short drying period plus the fourth short period plus the
fourth short drying period, when added together, are cumulatively
less than the second 100 percent single dip saturation time and
second 100 percent single dip saturation drying time.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first area is a different
size than the second area.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising dipping the article
of step (d) into a wash bath before dipping the article into the
second liquid colorant.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first short period, the
second short period, the third short period, and the fourth short
period are independently between about 5 seconds and about 120
seconds.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first short period, the
second short period, the third short period, and the fourth short
period are independently between about 10 seconds and about 60
seconds.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first short period and the
second short period are independently less than about 3 percent of
the first 100 percent single dip saturation time, and the third
short period and the fourth short period are independently less
than about 3 percent of the second 100 percent single dip
saturation time.
20. A part of an article of footwear having a colored portion,
wherein the colored portion is formed by (a) dipping at least a
first portion of the article into a first liquid colorant having a
first color to a first predetermined depth for a first short period
less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time of the color;
(b) removing the article from the liquid colorant; and (c) drying
the article.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is continuation-in-part of co-pending
application Ser. No. 13/791,612, filed Mar. 8, 2013, entitled
"Multicolor Sole System" (Attorney Docket No. 51-3248), and is a
continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 13/791,643,
filed Mar. 8, 2013, entitled "System and Method For Coloring
Articles" (Attorney Docked No. 51-3252), the entireties of the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method for
dyeing articles. In particular, the application relates to a method
for dyeing articles to achieve a solid color, a gradient of color,
or multiple colors quickly and efficiently.
[0003] Color change often is used to imbue articles that comprise
multiple pieces of differing compositions with selected color or
colors. For example, an article of footwear may have two primary
elements: an upper and a sole system. The upper is often formed
from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer
sheet layers, foam layers, leather, and synthetic leather) that are
stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the
interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a
foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends
over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral
sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper
may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the
footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from
the void within the upper.
[0004] Sole systems for footwear can include one or more components
or components. These can include outsoles, midsoles, insoles,
inserts, bladders and/or airbags as well as possibly other articles
or components.
[0005] Whereas some of these parts may be inherently colored, other
parts may be clear, white, or another color that may be changed in
accordance with user preferences.
[0006] Dyeing of articles long has been practiced, whether to
satisfy need to have articles available in different colors, to
match one article to another or to provide contrast between
articles, or to decorate an article in a preferred manner. Dyeing
often is an effective way to impart a selected color to an
article.
[0007] Dyeing may be carried out by contacting an article with a
substance such as a dye that will change the color of the article.
Typically, the composition of the dye may be selected based on the
material composition from which the article is made. Dye may impart
color change that is essentially permanent, or may be temporary and
removable, for example, by washing or treating with a solvent.
[0008] Contact between dye and an article to be colored may be
achieved by spraying or pouring dye on the article, for example, or
by immersing the article into a composition of die in a container.
Coloring articles with liquid dye can be a lengthy process, with a
significant period required both to achieve a preselected color and
to dry the colored article. The period lengthens when, for example,
more than one color is to be applied.
[0009] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a method for
coloring articles quickly and efficiently to obtain a solid color,
a gradient of at least one color, a color match, or to combine 2 or
more colors on the same article. In particular, the need for such a
system exists in the manufacture of articles of footwear.
SUMMARY
[0010] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a method for
coloring an article. The article is dipped into a dye bath to a
first predetermined depth for a first short period less than a
dipping time period required to achieve complete saturation. The
article then is removed from the dye bath and dried. The article
may be dipped again into the dye bath to a second predetermined
depth for a second short period, then removed and dried. The dyeing
and drying steps are repeated until the article is imbued with the
selected color and saturation.
[0011] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method wherein
the article is dipped into different color dye baths and dried to
achieve a combination of colors.
[0012] In another aspect of the disclosure, the article is dipped
into a dye bath to different depths and dried to achieve a range of
color saturation, such as a gradient of color, on the article.
[0013] In still another aspect, the disclosure provides a method
wherein the article is dipped repeatedly into a dye bath to imbue
the article with the selected color and saturation.
[0014] The disclosure is directed to a method for coloring an
article. The method may include dipping at least a first portion of
the article into a first liquid colorant having a first color to a
first predetermined depth for a first short period less than the
100 percent single dip saturation time of the color. Then, the
article may be removed from the liquid colorant and dried.
[0015] Alternatively or in addition, the method may include dipping
at least a second portion of the dried article into a second liquid
colorant having a second color to a second predetermined depth for
a second short period less than the 100 percent single dip
saturation time of the second color. The article then is removed
from the liquid colorant and dried. The article may be dipped into
water or another rinse agent between dips.
[0016] The dyeing and drying steps may be repeated until the
article is imbued with the selected colors and saturations. The
article may be a part of an article of footwear, such as a midsole,
an outsole, or an air bladder. The colors on the portions may be
overlapped to form a third color. The portions may be the same size
or may be different sizes. In some embodiments, the portions may be
different sizes.
[0017] The colorants may be metal complex dyes, acid dyes, or other
dyes suitable for the substrate.
[0018] The disclosure also is directed to a method for dyeing an
article to a predetermined saturation, wherein the predetermined
saturation is normally achieved by placing the article in a liquid
colorant for a 100 percent single dip saturation time and then
drying the article for a 100 percent drying time. In accordance
with the method, the article is placed in the liquid colorant for a
first short period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation
time. The article then is removed from the liquid colorant for a
first short drying period.
[0019] The article is returned to the liquid colorant for a second
short period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time
then removed from the liquid colorant for a second short drying
period. The first short period plus the first short drying period
plus the second short period plus the second short drying period,
when added together, are cumulatively less than the 100 percent
single dip saturation time and 100 percent single dip saturation
drying time added together.
[0020] The method for dyeing an article to a predetermined
saturation wherein the first short period plus the first short
drying period plus the second short period plus the second short
drying period, when added together, are cumulatively less than the
100 percent single dip saturation time and 100 percent single dip
saturation drying time added together can be a method wherein the
temperature of the liquid colorant is higher than a liquid colorant
temperature which would deform the article when conducted for the
100 percent single dip saturation time. The liquid colorant
temperature can be above about 35.degree. C. The liquid colorant
temperature can be from about 35.degree. C. to 50.degree. C., or
from 35.degree. C. to 40.degree. C., or from 40.degree. C. to
50.degree. C.
[0021] The method for dyeing an article to a predetermined
saturation wherein the first short period plus the first short
drying period plus the second short period plus the second short
drying period, when added together, are cumulatively less than the
100 percent single dip saturation time and 100 percent single dip
saturation drying time added together can be a method wherein the
liquid colorant comprises an acid dye. The liquid colorant
comprising an acid dye can include an anionic dye compound, a
quaternary ammonium salt selected from soluble tetrabutylammonium
compounds and tetrahexylammonium compounds, and, optionally, a
water-soluble organic solvent. The acid dye can be present in an
amount of from about 0.001 g/L to about 5.0 g/L, or from about 0.01
g/L to about 2 g/L.
[0022] The method for dyeing an article to a predetermined
saturation wherein the first short period plus the first short
drying period plus the second short period plus the second short
drying period, when added together, are cumulatively less than the
100 percent single dip saturation time and 100 percent single dip
saturation drying time added together can be a method wherein the
liquid colorant comprises an acid dye and the temperature of the
liquid colorant is higher than a liquid colorant temperature which
would deform the article when conducted for the 100 percent single
dip saturation time.
[0023] The first short period and the second short period may be
independently between about 5 seconds and about 120 seconds, or
independently between about 10 seconds and about 60 seconds, or
independently less than about 5 percent of the 100 percent single
dip saturation time.
[0024] The article may be dipped into the liquid colorant less than
about 40 times with short periods less than about 2 percent of the
100 percent single dip saturation time. Alternatively, the article
may be dipped into the liquid colorant less than about 25 times
with short periods less than about 3 percent of the 100 percent
single dip saturation time. In yet another alternative, the article
may be dipped into the liquid colorant less than about 10 times
with short periods less than about 5 percent of the 100 percent
single dip saturation time.
[0025] The disclosure also is directed to a method for dyeing an
article to have a first area having a first predetermined
saturation of a first color and a second area having a second
predetermined saturation of a second color, wherein the first
predetermined saturation normally is achieved by placing the
article in a first liquid colorant for a 100 percent single dip
saturation time and then drying the article for a first 100 percent
single dip saturation drying time, and the second predetermined
saturation normally is achieved by placing the article in a second
liquid colorant for a second 100 percent single dip saturation time
and drying the article for a second 100 percent single dip
saturation drying time.
[0026] The method includes placing the article in the first liquid
colorant for a first short period than the 100 percent single dip
saturation time. The article then is removed from the first liquid
colorant for a first drying time period, and then placed back into
the first liquid colorant for a second short period less than the
first 100 percent single dip saturation time. The article is
removed the first liquid colorant for a second short drying
period.
[0027] The article then may be placed in the second liquid colorant
for a third short period less than the second 100 percent single
dip saturation time, and then removed from the second liquid
colorant for a third short drying period. The article then is
placed back into the second liquid colorant for a fourth short
period less than the second 100 percent single dip saturation time,
and then removed from the second liquid colorant for a fourth short
drying period.
[0028] The first short period plus the first short drying period
plus the second short period plus the second short drying period,
when added together, are cumulatively less than the first 100
percent single dip saturation time and first 100 percent single dip
saturation drying time. Also, the third short period plus the third
short drying period plus the fourth short period plus the fourth
short drying period, when added together, are cumulatively less
than the second 100 percent single dip saturation time and second
100 percent single dip saturation drying time.
[0029] The method may further comprise dipping the article into a
wash bath before again dipping the article into another liquid
colorant.
[0030] In the method, the first short period, the second short
period, the third short period, and the fourth short period may be
independently between about 5 seconds and about 120 seconds. In
other embodiments, the first short period, the second short period,
the third short period, and the fourth short period are
independently between about 10 seconds and about 60 seconds. The
first short period and the second short period may be independently
less than about 3 percent of the first 100 percent single dip
saturation time, and the third short period and the fourth short
period may be independently less than about 3 percent of the second
100 percent single dip saturation time.
[0031] The disclosure also is directed to a part of an article of
footwear having a colored portion. The colored portion may be
formed by dipping at least a first portion of the article into a
first liquid colorant having a first color to a first predetermined
depth for a first short period less than the 100 percent single dip
saturation time of the color, then removing the article from the
liquid colorant and drying the article.
[0032] The disclosure can include any combination of the various
features set forth in this application. Any combination of
disclosed features herein is considered part of the disclosure, and
no limitation is intended with respect to combinable features.
[0033] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this
description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention,
and be protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
multi-colored article;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a different schematic isometric view of an
embodiment of a multi-colored article;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric cutaway view of an
embodiment of an apparatus used to produce a multicolored
article;
[0038] FIG. 4 is different schematic isometric cutaway view of an
embodiment of an apparatus used to produce a multicolored
article;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a different position;
[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
shown in FIG. 5, in a different position;
[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
shown in a different position, with an inverted article;
[0042] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
shown in yet a different position, with an inverted article;
[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
shown in yet a different position, with an inverted article;
[0044] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
holding an article in a different position;
[0045] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a
multi-colored article resulting from an apparatus embodied in FIG.
10;
[0046] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
holding an article in yet a different position;
[0047] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a
multi-colored article resulting from an apparatus embodied in FIG.
12;
[0048] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an
article having a color gradient;
[0049] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a different embodiment
of an article having a color gradient;
[0050] FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of an
article having a color gradient;
[0051] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
used to produce a multi-colored article;
[0052] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
used to produce a multi-colored article;
[0053] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
of FIG. 18 used to produce a multi-colored article, in a different
position;
[0054] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
of FIG. 18 used to produce a multi-colored article, in another
position; and
[0055] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus
of FIG. 18 used to produce a multi-colored article, in still
another position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a method for
coloring an article. The article may be dipped into a dye bath to a
first predetermined depth for a first short period less than the
dipping time period required to achieve complete saturation. The
article then is removed from the dye bath and dried for a drying
period. The article may be dipped again into a dye bath to a second
predetermined depth for a second short period, then removed and
dried for a second drying period. The dyeing and drying steps may
be repeated until the article is imbued with the selected color and
saturation.
[0057] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method wherein the
article may be dipped into different color dye baths and dried to
achieve a combination of colors.
[0058] In embodiments of the disclosure, the article may be dipped
into a dye bath to different depths and dried to achieve a range of
color saturation, such as a gradient of color, on the article.
[0059] In embodiments of the disclosure, the article may be dipped
repeatedly into a dye bath or baths in a series of dip/dry cycles
to imbue the article with a selected color and saturation.
[0060] The cycle of one dip into a dye bath and removal for a
drying period also may be known as a dip/dry cycle. In accordance
with embodiments of this disclosure, the length of the period
during which an article remains in the dye bath is short, typically
less than about two minutes, more typically less than about one
minute, and even more typically less than about 50 seconds. In
other embodiments, the dip period is less than about 30 seconds,
typically between about 1 second and about 20 seconds, and more
typically between about 3 seconds and about 10 seconds. In
accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, a drying period
associated with a dip typically has a length less than or equal to
the length of the dip period.
[0061] As used herein, "color" means hue, such as red, green, blue,
or any other hue. "Saturation" means intensity of the hue. Low
saturation yields a light color, and high saturation provides a
vivid color. Thus, an article may have a portion having a color,
such as red. A constant red color is perceived if the saturation is
essentially constant. However, if saturation is different in
different parts of the colored portion, the red color may appear to
be pale where saturation is lower. Thus, a gradient of color on an
article is provided by a range of saturation of a color.
[0062] As used herein, a "short" period is a period less than about
10 percent, typically less than about 5 percent, more typically
less than about 3 percent, even more typically 2 percent, and still
more typically 1 percent, as long as the period required to achieve
100 percent saturation in a single dip. Drying times are similarly
shortened and are identified as short drying periods. For the
purposes of this disclosure, the selected saturation level will be
referred to as "100 percent saturation," even though higher
saturation levels may be available. Similarly, the time required to
achieve the selected saturation, i.e., 100 percent saturation, in a
single dip will be referred to herein as the "100 percent single
dip saturation time" and the subsequent drying period will be
referred to herein as the "100 percent saturation single dip time
drying time."
[0063] In embodiments of the disclosure, a selected saturation
level may be achieved with fewer dips and therefore less time than
would be expected by simply taking a ratio with the percentage dip
time. For example, if the short period for the dip is 2 percent of
the 100 percent single dip saturation time for achieving 100
percent saturation, one might expect that 50 dip/dry cycles would
be required to achieve 100 percent saturation. However, in
embodiments of the disclosure, 100 percent saturation may be
achieved in 45 dip/dry cycles, or 90 percent of the 100 percent
time. In some embodiments of the disclosure, 100 percent saturation
may be achieved in less than about 40 dip/dry cycles, less than
about 35 dip/dry cycles, typically less than about 30 dip/dry
cycles, more typically less than about 25 dip/dry cycles, still
more typically less than about 20 dip/dry cycles, and even more
typically less than about 10 dip/dry cycles.
[0064] The short cycle times of the disclosure are made possible by
the temperature of the dye bath and the increased dye penetration
achieved at the chosen temperatures. For example, the temperature
of a dye bath for a temperature-sensitive object, such as an
inflated bladder, typically is limited to below about 35.degree.
C., and more typically between about 30.degree. C. Higher
temperatures may mar sensitive objects, or may cause an inflated
bladder to deform or burst within the period required to obtain the
selected color. However, limiting the period of exposure to the dye
to a short period affords the opportunity to raise the temperature
of the dye bath without deforming a temperature-sensitive object.
Further, evaporation of volatile components of the dye solution may
cool the object during drying periods. Also, the higher dye
temperature yields greater and faster penetration of the dye into
many substrates.
[0065] Any article may be colored in accordance with the method of
the disclosure. As the user recognizes, the dye typically is
compatible with the composition of matter of the article. For
example, if the article is wood, the dye may be a wood stain.
Similarly, if the article is metal, a suitable coating for metal
may be selected. Cloth and fabrics also may be colored, as may
polymeric materials. Typically, the dye for polymeric material is
selected for compatibility with the substrate. Uneven drying, such
as streaking and spotting, may result if the dye is not compatible
with the substrate, or if immiscible additives, such as oil in an
aqueous composition, are present. The user purposefully may seek
such inconsistencies as a form of decoration. Also, dyeing may not
be permanent if the dye is not compatible with the substrate. With
the guidance provided herein, the user will be able to identify and
select suitable dye or colorant compositions.
[0066] The article to be colored in accordance with the disclosure
may comprise two or more compositions of matter. In such a
circumstance, the colorant may selected to be compatible with both
compositions. As the user recognizes, colorant used in an
embodiment of a method of this disclosure typically may be one that
imparts a saturation that increases as contact between the article
and the colorant is increased. Thus, a typical colorant may be a
dye or a stain, i.e., a translucent or transparent composition that
bonds with or penetrates a substrate, rather than a paint or
similar coating that is converted to an opaque solid film on the
surface of the substrate. The user recognizes that metal coatings
typically are film-forming. For the purposes of this disclosure,
metal coatings should be of the type that, although they may form
films, provides a transparent or translucent color. With the
guidance provided herein, the user will be able to select the dye
or colorant suitable for an article to be colored.
[0067] Articles that may be colored in accordance with the
disclosure include articles that can be dipped into a liquid
colorant or liquid coloring agent. The terms "liquid colorant" and
"liquid coloring agent," as used throughout this detailed
description and in the claims, refer to any liquid that includes or
incorporates one or more coloring agents. Liquid coloring agents
can include, but are not limited to: liquids with any kinds of
coloring agents, including liquids with dyes, liquids with
pigments, and any other liquid based coloring agents that are known
in the art.
[0068] The embodiments of the articles described herein may
incorporate dyeing methods as well as particular dye compositions.
Some embodiments may use one or more of the features, methods,
systems and/or components disclosed in the following documents:
Tutmark, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, now U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/786,031, filed Mar. 5, 2013, titled "Method
for Dyeing Golf Balls and Dyed Golf Balls"; Schoborg, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, now U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/786,056, filed Mar. 5, 2013, titled "Acid Dyeing of Polyurethane
Materials"; Tutmark, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, now
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/786,043 filed Mar. 5, 2013,
titled "Method for Dyeing Golf Balls and Dyed Golf Balls"; Bracken
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,611,547, issued Nov. 3, 2009 and titled
"Airbag Dyeing Compositions and Processes." The entirety of each
document is incorporated by reference.
[0069] In particular, acid dyes may be used in embodiments. Acid
dye solutions are stable and less expensive relative to metal
complex dye solutions for dyeing polyurethane. The process of
dyeing polyurethane articles with acid dye solution produces strong
color intensity. A wide selection of colors is available, including
bright colors unavailable using metal complex dyes.
[0070] A polyurethane material may be dyed in an acid dye solution
including an anionic dye compound, a quaternary ammonium salt
selected from soluble tetrabutylammonium compounds and
tetrahexylammonium compounds, and, optionally, a water-soluble
organic solvent.
[0071] Acid dyes are water-soluble anionic dyes. Acid dyes are
available in a wide variety, from dull tones to brilliant shades.
Chemically, acid dyes include azo, anthraquinone and triarylmethane
compounds.
[0072] The "Color Index" (C.I.), published jointly by the Society
of Dyers and Colourists (UK) and by the American Association of
Textile Chemists and Colorists (USA), is the most extensive
compendium of dyes and pigments for large scale coloration
purposes, including 12000 products under 2000 C.I. generic names.
In the C.I., each compound is presented with two numbers referring
to the coloristic and chemical classification. The "generic name"
refers to the field of application and/or method of coloration,
while the other number is the "constitution number." Non-limiting
examples of acid dyes include Acid Yellow 1, 17, 23, 25, 34, 42,
44, 49, 61, 79, 99, 110, 116, 127, 151, 158:1, 159, 166, 169, 194,
199, 204, 220, 232, 241, 246, and 250; Acid Red 1, 14, 17, 18, 42,
57, 88, 97, 118, 119, 151, 183, 184, 186, 194, 195, 199, 211, 225,
226, 249, 251, 257, 260, 266, 278, 283, 315, 336, 337, 357, 359,
361, 362, 374, 405, 407, 414, 418, 419, and 447; Acid Violet 3, 5,
7, 17, 54, 90, and 92; Acid Brown 4, 14, 15, 45, 50, 58, 75, 97,
98, 147, 160:1, 161, 165, 191, 235, 239, 248, 282, 283, 289, 298,
322, 343, 349, 354, 355, 357, 365, 384, 392, 402, 414, 420, 422,
425, 432, and 434; Acid Orange 3, 7, 10, 19, 33, 56, 60, 61, 67,
74, 80, 86, 94, 139, 142, 144, 154, and 162; Acid Blue 1, 7, 9, 15,
92, 133, 158, 185, 193, 277, 277:1, 314, 324, 335, and 342; Acid
Green 1, 12, 68:1, 73, 80, 104, 114, and 119; Acid Black 1, 26, 52,
58, 60, 64, 65, 71, 82, 84, 107, 164, 172, 187, 194, 207, 210, 234,
235; and combinations of these. The acid dyes may be used singly or
in any combination in the dye solution.
[0073] Acid dyes are commercially available from many sources,
including Dystar L.P., Charlotte, N.C. under the trademark
TELON.RTM., Huntsman Corporation, Woodlands, Tex. under the
trademarks ERIONYL.RTM. and TECTILON.RTM., BASF SE, Ludwigshafen,
Germany under the trademark BASACID.RTM., and Bezema AG,
Montlingen, Switzerland under the trade name Bemacid.
[0074] The acid dye solution may include from about 0.001 g/L to
about 5.0 g/L, preferably from about 0.01 g/L to about 2 g/L, of
the acid dye compound or combination of acid dye compounds. The
amount of acid dye compound used will determine the strength of the
color of the dyed polyurethane and how quickly the polyurethane may
be dyed, and may be optimized in a straightforward manner;
generally, a more concentrated dye solution can provide a stronger
(deeper, darker, more intense) dyed color and can more quickly dye
the polyurethane than a less concentrated dye solution.
[0075] The dye solution also may include a quaternary (tetraalkyl)
ammonium salt selected from soluble tetrabutylammonium compounds
and tetrahexylammonium compounds. The counter ion of the quaternary
ammonium salt may be selected so that the quaternary ammonium salt
forms a stable solution with the anionic dye. The quaternary
ammonium compound may be, for example, a halide (such as chloride,
bromide or iodide), hydroxide, sulfate, sulfite, carbonate,
perchlorate, chlorate, bromate, iodate, nitrate, nitrite,
phosphate, phosphite, hexfluorophosphite, borate,
tetrafluoroborate, cyanide, isocyanide, azide, thiosulfate,
thiocyanate, or carboxylate (such as acetate or oxalate). In
certain embodiments, an anion that is a weaker Lewis base may be
selected for the tetraalkylammonium compound to produce a darker
color in the dyed article. In various embodiments, the
tetraalkylammonium compound may be or may include a
tetrabutylammonium halide or tetrahexylammonium halide,
particularly a tetrabutylammonium bromide or chloride or a
tetrahexylammonium bromide or chloride.
[0076] The acid dye solution may include from about 0.1 equivalents
to about 5 equivalents of the soluble tetraalkylammonium compound
per equivalent of dye compound. In various embodiments, the acid
dye solution may include from about 0.5 equivalents to about 4
equivalents, typically from about 1 equivalent to about 4
equivalents of the tetraalkylammonium compound per equivalent of
dye compound. The amount of tetraalkylammonium compound used with a
particular acid dye compound depends upon the rate of diffusion of
the dye into and in the polyurethane and may be optimized in a
straightforward manner.
[0077] The dye solution may include a water-soluble organic
solvent. Water solubility of a particular organic solvent used in a
particular amount in the dye solution is determined at 20.degree.
C. and 1 atm. pressure at the concentration at which the organic
solvent is to be used in the dye solution. An organic solvent is
considered water soluble if it fully dissolves or is fully miscible
in water at 20.degree. C. and 1 atm. pressure at the concentration
at which the organic solvent is to be used in the dye solution and
if it does not form any separate phase or layer. Suitable
non-limiting water-soluble organic solvents that may be used
include alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol,
isopropanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene
glycol, tetraethylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol
monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycols, and
glycerol; ketones, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; esters,
such as butyl acetate, which is soluble in limited amounts in
water; and glycol ethers and glycol ether esters (particularly
acetates), such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene
glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether
acetate. The water-soluble organic solvent may be included in
concentrations of up to about 50 percent by volume, or up to about
25 percent by volume, or from about 1 percent to about 50 percent
by volume, or from about 5 percent to about 40 percent by volume,
or from about 10 percent to about 30 percent by volume, or from
about 15 percent to about 25 percent by volume, of the aqueous
medium used to make the dye solution. Whether an organic solvent is
used and how much organic solvent is used varies according to which
dye is used and to the application method for contacting the dye
solution with the polyurethane. For instance, no or minimal organic
solvent may be included in a dye solution into which the
polyurethane is dipped in dyeing the polyurethane, while
substantially more organic solvent may be included when the dye is
sprayed or printed onto the polyurethane.
[0078] For the purposes of this disclosure, the method will be
described in detail as it relates to an article of footwear or a
part of an article of footwear, such as a midsole or an air
bladder. However, the user understands that articles of different
intended use, size, shape, or composition of matter may be colored
in accordance with the method disclosed herein. For example, toys,
balls, key fobs, clothing, and other objects may be colored in
accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Further, the
disclosure will be described in detail with regard to a footwear
component that is multicolored or exhibits that color gradient so
that the footwear component presents a pleasing appearance. For
example, an article colored by an embodiment of a method described
in detail herein may exhibit a gradient of a first color from a
deep and saturated hue through light and unsaturated hue adjacent
to a second color that has a gradient from a light and unsaturated
hue through a deep and intensely saturated hue. This effect is very
pleasing and subtly changes from the first color to the second
color in a gradient. Colors also may be overlapped to form a third
color.
[0079] The appearance of a color may be quantified or determined in
many ways. One such way is to have an observer evaluate the colors.
However, even a trained observer may not be able to evaluate colors
so as to determine whether other observers will evaluate the colors
in the same way.
[0080] Many color standards or color spaces, such as the CIELAB
system, the CMC modifications of the CIELAB system, the Munsell
Color System, the Pantone Matching System, and RGB color space, and
a CYMK color space, are known. These are but a few of the many
color standards and spaces used in color evaluation.
[0081] Consumer goods present a number of color issues. Matching a
selected color may be important for a number of reasons. For
example, consumers may seek to match colors of related products,
such as shoed, shirts, and pants. Similarly, members of a team may
seek to have essentially identically-colored shoes or clothing.
Therefore, although quantifying or determining a color may be
important, determining differences in colors, or whether colors are
perceived as matching or as the same color, may be more
important.
[0082] Thus, systems for determining and quantifying color
differences have been developed. Such color systems may measure hue
(i.e., perceived color, such as red, yellow, brown, or purple);
chroma, also known as intensity or saturation, and lightness. Hue
may be determined as a blend of shades. Each factor is important in
color characterization. Because color matching is important,
systems for determining differences between colors have been
developed, and characterizations of color differences are
available. For example, in the CIELAB system, a sample is compared
to a standard, and differences in lightness (L*), red/green shade
(a*), yellow/blue shade (b*), and saturation (C*) are determined.
Differences in these values may be used individually or in
combination to evaluate colors, i.e., to determine whether colors
are considered to `match.` A single value, DE, also may be
calculated in accordance with known algorithms to determine a
single value that may be used to represent the differences between
the two colors. The magnitude of DE is an indicator of the
magnitude of the color difference.
[0083] Consideration of whether 2 colors separated by a DE value
represents a visually acceptable color difference can conveniently
be made in the CMC system, which is particularly suited for
automated evaluations on a pass/fail basis. In this system, which
produces a value of DE(CMC), variations having a DE(CMC) value of
1.0 or less at a fixed ratio of lightness to chroma of 2:1 are
considered to be acceptable. Under certain circumstances, larger or
smaller DE(CMC) values may be more appropriate.
[0084] In this system, a hue value however, is calculated. This
represents the color recognized by the human eye. Therefore, DH*
represents the difference in hue. Similarly, C*, or difference in
chroma, is a representation of differences in chromaticity, also
called intensity or saturation. A negative DC* thus indicates that
the compared color is less saturated than the sample color. Chroma
is evaluated at a given hue. For convenience herein, a DE(CMC) of
about 1.0 or less is considered an acceptable match, with values
between about 0.9 and about 1.0 considered acceptable, but
marginal.
[0085] As can be seen, this system also provides a convenient way
of identifying differences in saturation. C* indicates such
differences. Thus, to produce a gradient of color at 20 percent
saturation internals, one would select colors that have essentially
the same hues but have chromas that are 80 percent, 60 percent, 40
percent, and 20 percent of the saturated chroma. Thus, if the most
saturated chroma is 30, the chromas, C*, of the gradient colors
would be 24, 18, 12, and 6, respectively. Expressed alternatively,
DC* values would be -6, -12, -18, and -24.
[0086] DE(CMC) and C* values are but one convenient way to evaluate
colors and color matching. Any suitable system may be used in
relation to this disclosure.
[0087] Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements:
an upper and a sole system. The upper is often formed from a
plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet
layers, foam layers, leather, and synthetic leather) that are
stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the
interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a
foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends
over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral
sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper
may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the
footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from
the void within the upper.
[0088] Sole systems can include one or more components or
components. These can include outsoles, midsoles, insoles, inserts,
bladders and/or airbags as well as possibly other articles or
components.
[0089] For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an
embodiment of a multicolored article 100. Article 100 may generally
be associated with a sole system or sole structure for an article
of footwear. In some embodiments, for example, article 100 could
comprise a bladder member or airbag that is incorporated into a
sole system. In some embodiments, article 100 could be further
attached to additional components of a sole system including an
outsole, midsole, and/or insole. Moreover, it will be understood
that article 100 could be used with any kind of sole system and
type of footwear (e.g., running shoes, basketball shoes, football
shoes, soccer shoes, boots, loafers, sandals, etc.).
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, article 100 may include front
foot portion 102 and heel portion 104. In addition, article 100
includes a top side 106 (shown in FIG. 1) and a bottom side 118
(shown in FIG. 2). Top side 106 of article 100 would for instance
be oriented toward a wearer's foot in an assembled shoe. Bottom
side 108 may be oriented towards a lower or ground contacting
portion of a shoe (such as an outsole). Article 100 may further
include peripheral edge 108 of article 100 is also partially shown.
In some embodiments, peripheral edge 108 may be visible in an
assembled sole of an athletic shoe.
[0091] In different embodiments, article 100 could have one or more
colors. In the present embodiment, article 100 may be provided with
at least two distinct colors, first color 110 on heel portion 104
and second color 112 on front foot portion 102. As an example,
first color 110 could be yellow, while second color 112 could be
blue. However, this example is only one of many possible color
combinations and it will be understood that first color 110 and
second color 112 could be any colors. The sizes of the portions may
be the same or different. In some embodiments, the portions are
different sizes.
[0092] Some embodiments can incorporate transition areas between
portions of different colors. In one embodiment, a transition area
114 can be disposed between heel portion 104 and front foot portion
102. In some embodiments, transition area 114 can be a blend of
color 110 and color 112.
[0093] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, first color 110 and second color
112 permeate through article 100 so as to be visible from top side
106 or bottom side 118. Likewise first color 110 and second color
112 may be visible from peripheral edge 108. Although only one side
of peripheral edge 108 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be
understood that the opposing side of peripheral edge 108 may have a
substantially similar color pattern.
[0094] In some embodiments, transition area 114 can be omitted.
Instead, a line of demarcation between two colors could be visible.
In other embodiments, only one color may be used to color article
100. In still other embodiments, three or more distinct colors
could be used, with or without transition areas between adjacent
distinct colors.
[0095] Embodiments can include provisions to facilitate coloring an
article to achieve the multicolor effect shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (as
well as other possible color schemes). In embodiments where an
article is colored using a dye, for example, a system and
associated method can include provisions to dye portions of the
article, rather than the entire article.
[0096] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, article 100
is colored by dipping heel portion 104 into tank 204, as
illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a cutaway isometric view of an
embodiment of an apparatus 200 used to produce multicolored article
100 such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Apparatus 200 may include
assembly 202, tank 204, and provisions for maneuvering assembly 202
with respect to tank 204. As discussed in further detail below,
assembly 202 is configured to retain an article, while tank 204 may
be filled with a liquid coloring agent to be applied to the
article.
[0097] In some embodiments, assembly 202 may further include a
container 206. Container 206 may include a side wall 208. In some
embodiments, container may be closed at a first end portion 211 and
open at a second end portion 213. In one embodiment, container 206
can include a top wall 210 at first end portion 211 and a bottom
opening 212 at second end portion 213. Bottom opening 212 may
provide access to an interior 214, which is bounded by side wall
208 and top wall 210.
[0098] In different embodiments, the geometry of container 206
could vary. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures,
container 206 has an approximately cylindrical shape. More
specifically, side wall 208 may be a cylindrical wall, while top
wall 210 may be circular. However, in other embodiments, container
206 could have any other geometry including, but not limited to: a
spherical geometry, a pyramidal geometry, a rectangular prism
geometry, or any other three-dimensional geometry (including both
regular and irregular geometries).
[0099] Tank 204 may be configured to retain liquid coloring agent
246. Here, liquid coloring agent 246 may be associated with color
248. For purposes of illustration, tank 204 is shown as having a
cylindrical geometry. However, the geometry of tank 204 may be
different in other embodiments.
[0100] Embodiments may include provisions to position container
206. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes actuator 220 which
may be used to adjust the position of container 206 relative to
tank 204. In some embodiments, actuator 220 could be used to raise
and lower container 206 with respect to tank 204. For purposes of
illustration, only a portion of an actuator that is in contact with
container 206 is shown in the figures. Any suitable type of
mechanism can be used to raise and lower container 206. Some
examples of devices that may be so used include linkages, pulley
system, ropes, and cables, which may be mechanized or operated
manually, for example.
[0101] In order to fasten an article within container 206, assembly
202 may include one or more retaining members, which may also be
referred to as fastening members. In the exemplary embodiment,
upper retaining member 242 and lower retaining member 244 are
provided inside container 206. In particular, upper retaining
member 242 may be secured to top wall 210 of container 206. In some
embodiments, a retaining member bracket 245 secures lower retaining
member 244 to a lower portion of side wall 208. In the example
shown, an article 230 is positioned vertically within container
206. Specifically, front foot portion 232 of article 230 is secured
in container 206 by upper retaining member 242. Also, heel portion
234 of article 230 is secured in container 206 by lower retaining
member 244.
[0102] First retaining member 242 and second retaining member 244
may be any suitable means for retaining article 230 inside
container 206 in a secure position. The embodiment illustrated in
the drawing figures is particularly useful for buoyant articles.
Some embodiments may employ clips, clamps, tension rods, hooks, or
brackets as retaining members. Still other embodiments may use any
other kinds of retaining members known in the art for temporarily
fixing or holding an article in place.
[0103] As seen in FIG. 3, container 206 may be arranged in an
inverted position with respect to tank 204. In particular, second
end portion 213, which includes bottom opening 212, is disposed
closer to tank 204 than first end portion 211. As described in
further detail below, this arrangement allows liquid coloring agent
246 to partially fill interior 214 as container 206 is lowered into
tank 204.
[0104] In FIG. 3, an embodiment of the assembly 202 is depicted
before introducing container 206 into tank 204. Article 230, in an
uncolored/un-dyed state, is shown disposed inside inverted
container 206. In this particular configuration, article 230 is
retained at front foot portion 232 and at heel portion 234.
[0105] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of assembly 202 in a
process of lowering container 206 into tank 204. As discussed
above, tank 204 may be filled with liquid coloring agent 246. In
some embodiments, liquid coloring agent 246 may comprise a liquid
dye. In some embodiments, liquid coloring agent 246 may be a liquid
dye with color 248.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 4, actuator 220 lowers container 206 into
tank 204 as indicated by a downward pointing arrow. As container
206 is lowered, a portion of container 206 is introduced into tank
204. Bottom opening 212 of container 206 allows for liquid coloring
agent 246 to enter interior 214 of container 206.
[0107] Air pocket 250 is created as container 206 is lowered into
tank 204. In particular, as bottom opening 212 of container 206
comes into contact with liquid coloring agent 246, air within
interior 214 of container 206 becomes trapped (or sealed) within
container 206. Specifically, the air within interior 214 is
captured within the volume bounded by top wall 210, side wall 208,
and the surface of liquid coloring agent 246.
[0108] In the configuration of FIG. 4, article 230 is shown as
partially dipped into liquid coloring agent 246. Heel portion 234
(not visible) is submersed in the liquid coloring agent 246.
However, front foot portion 232 in disposed above the surface of
liquid coloring agent 246 and within air pocket 250.
[0109] In some embodiments, article 100 may be buoyant. For
example, in embodiments where article 230 is a bladder member or
airbag, article 230 may be especially buoyant and resist being
submerged in a liquid. Therefore, upper retaining member 242 and
lower retaining member 244 may prevent article 230 from floating
while being dipped into liquid coloring agent 246. This arrangement
allows open bottom 212 of container 206 to be at least partially
submersed below a liquid level in tank 204.
[0110] As seen in FIG. 5, the liquid level 260 (also shown in FIG.
4) of liquid coloring agent 246 within the container 206 may vary
with the volume of air pocket 250. The volume of air pocket 250 may
vary with the depth of submersion of container 206 within tank 204.
In particular, as container 206 is further submerged, the volume of
air pocket 250 may be further compressed. In some embodiments, the
volume of air pocket 250 may be controlled independently from the
submersion depth by using other provisions to increase the pressure
within air pocket 250 and thereby maintain an approximately
constant volume, or may otherwise change the volume of air pocket
250.
[0111] With container 206 submerged to a predetermined level within
tank 204, liquid level 260 defines the transition between a first
portion of article 230 that is outside of liquid coloring agent 246
and a second portion of article 230 submerged within liquid
coloring agent 246. Here, the first portion is front foot portion
232 while the second portion is heel portion 234. In other
embodiments, however, the first portion and the second portion
could be any other portions. By holding container 206 at this depth
for a predetermined short period, heel portion 234 of article 230
can be colored by liquid coloring agent 246. In this case,
container 206 is shown as mostly, but not entirely submerged within
liquid coloring agent 246. In other embodiments, container 206
could be completely submerged within liquid coloring agent 246.
[0112] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of container 206 being
raised from tank 204 through the use of actuator 220. As container
206 is raised, liquid coloring agent 246 can exit container 206
through bottom opening 212. Dipped article 230 is shown having
color 248 on heel portion 234 below coloring line 262. In
embodiments of the disclosure, article 230 is dipped into tank 204
and removed to dry in at least 1 dip/dry cycle, to impart a
selected color and saturation to heel portion 234 of article
230.
[0113] In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, article
230 may be dipped into liquid colorant 246 in container 206 for a
short period sufficient to impart color having a low saturation and
insufficient to fully color the article to the selected saturation.
In embodiments of the disclosure, the period for which the article
230 is immersed into liquid colorant 246 is between about 5 seconds
and about 120 seconds, more typically between about 10 seconds and
about 60 seconds, and even more typically between about 15 seconds
and about 50 seconds, and most typically between about 15 seconds
and about 45 seconds. Article 230 then may be removed from liquid
colorant 246 in container 206 and dried. Article 230 then may be
again dipped and dried for as many times as is necessary to achieve
the selected saturation in accordance with the dip/dry method of
the disclosure.
[0114] The user recognizes that dip time for coloring under known
methods typically exceeds at least about 5 minutes, more typically
at least about 30 minutes, and even more typically at least about
60 min, to achieve 100 percent saturation. However, in accordance
with embodiments of the disclosure, wherein article 230 is
repeatedly dipped into colorant 246 in container 206 for a short
period, removed from the colorant, and dried, may achieve the
selected color saturation in significantly less time than a single
dip/dry cycle.
[0115] In embodiments of the disclosure, article 230 may be dipped
the same distance in the colorant 246 in container 206 in each dip
of a dip/dry cycle. In such embodiments of the disclosure, article
230 then may be colored to achieve an area of color having an
essentially constant saturation, i.e., a block of color. Such a
block of color is illustrated at FIG. 6, which shows article 230
having color 248 on heel portion 234.
[0116] In other embodiments of the disclosure, article 230 may be
dipped to a lesser depth with successive dips in a series of
dip/dry cycles. Each successive dip into colorant 246 in tank 206
may be to a shorter distance or lesser depth in such a series of
drip/dry cycles. Thus, if the first dip is to a depth or distance
of X millimeters, the second dip is to Y millimeters, wherein Y is
less than X. In accordance with this embodiment of the disclosure,
a gradient in a single color is imparted to article 230. This
embodiment of the disclosure affords the opportunity to impart a
subtle or indistinct gradient by dipping the article 230 into
colorant 246 in container 206 to a depth that is a significant
fraction of the previous dip depths. In such embodiments of the
invention, the relationship of successive dip depths may be random,
linear, geometric, or any relative distances. With the guidance
provided herein, the user can select a program of dip depths that
provide a selected pattern or arrangement.
[0117] In embodiments of the invention, a gradient may be
established over selected distance of an article and may be applied
over that length. For example, a gradient may be established over
distance and may have 5 different saturations such a gradient may
be achieved by dipping article 230 into colorants 246 in container
206 five times, reducing the dip depth with each successive dip.
FIG. 14 illustrates such an embodiment. Thus, after a first dip for
a time to a depth such as that illustrated by color line 1462 in
FIG. 14 and a drying period, the second dip may be to a lesser
depth, such as that illustrated by color line 1464 in FIG. 14.
After a second the drying period, the next dip may be for the same
or a different time to a depth illustrated by color line 1466 in
FIG. 14. Successive dips to color lines 1468 and 1470, with
appropriate drying periods therebetween, complete the 5 step
gradient. As the skilled practitioner recognizes, this result may
be achieved in any series of dip/dry cycles wherein different dip
depths may be used. For example the article may be dipped twice to
each depth, or 5 times to each depth, to achieve a gradient.
[0118] FIG. 14 illustrates a 5 step gradient. With essentially
equal dip times, the gradient may range from 20 percent in first
segment 1451, 40 percent in second segment 1452, 60 percent in
third segment 1453, 80 percent in fourth segment 1454, and 100
percent in fifth segment 1455. In such an embodiment, these
percentages are the percent of the deepest saturation on the
article. Thus, fifth segment 1455 may have a saturation of 45
percent. In that case, first segment 1451 would have a saturation
of 9 percent.
[0119] FIG. 14 illustrates an even gradient. In some embodiments of
the disclosure, the number of dip/dry cycles for each segment need
not be the same. Such an embodiment would yield a 5 step gradient
with uneven color transition.
[0120] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a 100-step linear
color gradient may be implemented on an article to present a
gradual and subtle color gradient. With the guidance provided
herein, the user will be able to determine the number of steps
appropriate in a gradient to provide a selected presentation or
appearance.
[0121] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the difference of dip
depths need not be equal. Whereas dip depth differences are equal
in FIG. 14, FIG. 15 illustrates unequal dip depths. The dip depths
in FIG. 15 are related as the geometric progression 1, 3, 9, and
27. Thus, gradient section 1550 is divided into first segment 1551,
second segment 1552, third segment 1553, and fourth segment 1554.
The relative length of fourth segment 1554 is 1; third segment
1553, 3; second segment 1552, 9; and first segment 1551, 27. FIG.
15 illustrates the same relative number of dip/dry cycles, thus
yielding a saturation in first segment 1551 of 25 percent, with 50
percent saturation in second segment 1552, 75 percent saturation in
third segment 1553, and 100 percent saturation in fourth segment
1554. Again, the saturation percentages here are the percent of the
deepest saturation on the article.
[0122] In some embodiments of the disclosure, changes in color
saturation between segments are not based on single dips or equal
dip times. For example, an article may be dipped to the same depth
more than once while being dipped to other depths only once. This
difference will change the relationships between the saturations in
color segments. For example, after a dip to a selected depth and a
drying period, the next dip cycle to a lesser depth may be carried
out twice, with the next dip to a still lesser depth. This will
provide a different relationship in saturation between color
segments.
[0123] In embodiments of the disclosure, the saturation may not be
directly proportional to the number of dip/dry cycles. For example,
the relationship between saturation and number of dip/dry cycles
may be linear or any increasing function. The relationship for any
combination and dye can be determined by subjecting an article
having the selected composition of matter to a series of dip/dry
cycles and measuring saturation at the end of each cycle. Thus,
with the guidance provided herein, the user can determine the
relationship between saturation and number of dip/dry cycles.
[0124] FIG. 16 illustrates an article that has varying
relationships between saturations of color segments. Color segment
1650 of article 1630 is divided into seven color segments, each
having an equal width on article 1630. Table 1 below identifies the
relative number of dip/dry cycles, cumulative numbers of dip/dry
cycles, and the percent saturation imparted to each of the color
segments. The number of dip/dry cycles can be multiplied by any
number to obtain the actual number of dips in each segment. For
example, if color segment 1651 had 5 dips, color segment 1652 has
10 dips to that depth. As can be seen in FIG. 16 and Table 1, the
change in saturation from a color segment to a succeeding color
segment may vary between the color segments.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Upper color Lower color Color Number of dips
% line line segment Relative Cumulative Saturation 1662 1664 1651 1
1 10 1664 1666 1652 2 3 30 1666 1668 1653 1 4 40 1668 1670 1654 2 6
60 1670 1672 1655 1 7 70 1672 1674 1656 2 9 90 1674 End 1657 1 10
100
[0125] With the guidance provided herein, the user can select
conditions expected to provide a selected gradient.
[0126] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the article to be
colored may be dipped into colors in alternate dip/drying cycles to
impart the look of a third color. For example, a first dip of an
article to a depth may be into a first colorant, such as green, to
provide a green color section with low saturation on the article.
Thereafter, the article may be dipped to the same or a different
depth in a blue colorant to form a blue/green color segment where
the article was exposed to both colorants, and to a blue color
segment or a green color segment where the colorants do not
overlap.
[0127] Article 230 may be inverted or reversed from the previous
position. For example, in FIGS. 3-6, article 230 was oriented with
heel portion 234 down and colored at that end. In other embodiments
of the disclosure, two separate portions of an article may be
dipped into different colors. FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate
schematic views depicting several additional steps that may be used
to produce a multicolored article, according to an embodiment. It
will be understood that these steps are optional and some
embodiments may not include them, especially in embodiments where
only a single color is desired.
[0128] Referring now to FIG. 7, article 230 may be inverted within
container 206, with respect to the position of article 230 shown in
the previous figures (e.g., FIG. 6). Thus, heel portion 234 is now
secured in container 206 by upper retaining member 242. Also front
foot portion 232 of article 230 is secured in container 206 by
lower retaining member 244. Inverting the article 230 prepares the
un-colored front foot portion 232 for dipping into next tank
264.
[0129] As also shown in FIG. 7, assembly 202 may be
moved/transferred from tank 204 toward next tank 264. This is
indicated by the horizontal arrow that is representative of any
means for moving assembly 202, such as a conveyer device. This can
occur before, after, or during the inversion of article 230 within
container 206. Tank 264 may be filled with a liquid coloring agent
266 of color 268. In some embodiments, liquid coloring agent 266
may be a liquid dye. In an exemplary embodiment, color 268 is
different from color 248.
[0130] In some embodiments any type of mechanism capable of
transferring assembly 202 from tank 204 to next tank 264 can be
employed. Some examples of possible of devices include, but are not
limited to, linkages, pulley systems, ropes, cables, and other
devices, which may be mechanized or manually operated, for
example.
[0131] In some embodiments, additional dips of the article may be
performed in the same or additional tanks. Additional dips can be
for rinsing, coating, or sealing the article, for example.
Furthermore, some embodiments can include drying operations in
between dips of the article. These additional dips or operations
can occur before, between, or after the dips of the articles as set
forth above. Each dip may be associated with a drying period.
[0132] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of assembly 202 lowering
container 206 into next tank 264. This illustrates a second
lowering or dipping of container 206 to dip the un-colored front
foot portion 232 of article 230 into next tank 264. In this step,
actuator 220 lowers container 206 into tank 264 that is filled with
liquid coloring agent 266. Open bottom 212 of container 206 allows
for liquid coloring agent 266 to enter interior 214 of container
206. As described previously, air pocket 250 is created as
container 206 is lowered into tank 264. In this arrangement, heel
portion 234 is shown as being disposed in air pocket 250. In other
words, heel portion 234 is not in contact with liquid coloring
agent 266.
[0133] In the embodiment shown, front foot portion 232 of article
230 is shown as partially dipped into liquid coloring agent 266. In
some embodiments, article 230 could be submerged to a point where
coloring line 262 is submerged below liquid level 260. This allows
some portions of article 230 that have already been colored with
color 248 to be additionally colored with liquid coloring agent
266. As discussed below, this creates a color transition region
that is a blend of color 248 and color 268. However, in other
embodiments, coloring line 262 could be disposed above liquid level
260, such that no portion of article 230 is colored more than
once.
[0134] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of assembly 202 after the
step of dipping container 206 into tank 264. Referring to FIG. 9,
dipped article 230 is shown having color 268 on front foot portion
232 below coloring line 262, and color 248 on heel portion 234
above coloring line 272. Coloring line 262 is made while dipping
article 230 in tank 204. Coloring line 272 was made when dipping
article 230 in tank 264. According to an exemplary embodiment,
article 230 is dipped once into tank 264 to dye front foot portion
232 of article 230.
[0135] Additionally, in this embodiment, dipped article 230 has a
color transition portion 281, which is disposed between coloring
line 262 and coloring line 272. Transition portion 281 comprises a
blend of color 248 and color 268.
[0136] As previously described, in some embodiments article 230 can
be dipped any number of times to achieve different coloring
effects. Dipping an article multiple times can be used to achieve
desired results in color saturation, to provide color transition
areas, etc. In some cases, the volume of air pocket 250 within
container 206 can be varied in successive multiple dips to achieve
varying results.
[0137] In embodiments of the disclosure, articles may be oriented
in any position. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-9, the heel
portion and the toe portion of a footwear article are illustrated.
However, FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment having an alternative
retaining position of article 300. In the example shown, article
300, which includes a front foot portion 302 and a heel portion
304, is positioned horizontally, rather than vertically as in the
previous embodiment. Top side 306 of article 300 is viewed in the
plane of the drawing. In this configuration, a lateral peripheral
edge portion 308 of article 300 is secured in container 1006 by
upper retaining member 1042. Medial peripheral edge portion 310 of
article 300 is secured in container 1006 by lower retaining member
244.
[0138] Embodiments of the disclosure relating to the method are
essentially the same for any application of any color to an
article. Assembly 301 is shown being lowered into tank 1004 filled
with liquid coloring agent 1046 of color 1048 for example. The
process for coloring article 300 is repeated according to the
previous exemplary embodiment discussed above and shown in FIGS. 3
through 8. However, it will be understood that article 300 in the
present embodiment is inverted in the container 1006 in a manner
(not shown) such that when inverted medial peripheral edge portion
310 is secured in container by upper retaining member 1042.
Further, lateral side peripheral edge portion 308 of article 300 is
secured in container by lower retaining member 1044 in the inverted
position. Container 1006 is then transferred and submerged into
another tank for applying another color.
[0139] These embodiments show some possible orientations for an
article with respect to the surface of a liquid coloring agent. In
particular, the embodiments depict configurations where the article
may be vertical to the surface (e.g., FIG. 5) or horizontal (e.g.,
FIG. 10). In other embodiments, the position of the article can be
angled relative to the liquid coloring agent surface, rather than
being vertically or horizontally oriented.
[0140] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of resulting article 300
according to the above described production steps. Multi-colored
article 300 is shown with top side 306 viewed in the plane of the
drawing. On a medial side of coloring line 362, article 300 is dyed
with color 1048. On a lateral side of coloring line 362, article
300 is dyed with another color 1068. Although no transition area is
shown, it will be understood that a transition area blending color
1048 and color 1068 could be provided to the medial and lateral
sides of coloring line 362. Furthermore, since the colors permeate
the article, the colors are visible from the top side 306, bottom
side (not shown), and peripheral edges (not shown).
[0141] FIG. 12 illustrates a variation for an embodiment having
another alternative retaining position of article 400. In the
example shown, the article 400 is again positioned horizontally.
However, a side view of article is shown. Peripheral edge 408 is in
the plane of the drawing. Top side 406 of article 400 is secured in
container 1206 by upper retaining member 1242. Bottom side 418 of
article 400 is secured in container 1206 by lower retaining member
1244.
[0142] Assembly 1200 is shown lowered into tank 1204 filled with
liquid coloring agent 1246 of color 1248, for example. The process
for dying article 400 is repeated according to the first exemplary
embodiment discussed above and shown in FIGS. 3 through 8. However,
it will be understood that article 400 in the present embodiment is
inverted in container 1206 in a manner (not shown) such that bottom
side 418 is secured in container 1206 by upper retaining member
1242. Further, top side 406 of article is secured in container 1206
by lower retaining member 1244. Container 1206 can then transferred
and submerged into another tank.
[0143] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of resulting article 400
according to the above described steps. Multi-colored article 400
is shown with peripheral edge 408 visible. Bottom side 418 of
article 400 is dyed with color 1248 below coloring line 462. Top
side 406 of article 400 is dyed with color 1268 above dye line 462.
Although no transition area is shown, it will be understood that a
transition area blending color 1248 and color 1268 could be
provided above and below coloring line 462. Furthermore, since the
dye colors permeate the article, the colors are visible from the
top side 406, bottom side 418, and peripheral edge 408.
[0144] Embodiments can include provisions for coloring multiple
articles simultaneously within a single tank of liquid coloring
agent. For example, some embodiments could include provisions for
retaining multiple articles at the same height within a container,
thereby allowing the multiple articles to be colored
simultaneously. As another example, some embodiments could
incorporate assemblies with stacked containers, where one or more
articles can be colored within each container, and where the entire
assembly could be submerged into a tank of liquid coloring
agent.
[0145] Although embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated
with detail in FIGS. 3-13 as dipping a single article into a single
tank, other dipping arrangements may be used. For example, FIGS.
3-13 illustrate an apparatus particularly suitable for retaining
the dipped portion of an article below the surface of a liquid
colorant. Thus, the article in these drawings may be buoyant in
liquid colorant, but the retainers ensure that the article is
properly dipped. Such retainers also may be useful for separating
multiple items dipped simultaneously so that they do not contact
each other and preclude appropriate interaction between colorant
and article.
[0146] Embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in many
apparatus having the ability to dip and the dry and article as
described herein. One such apparatus is described in detail in
copending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/791,643, entitled SYSTEM AND
METHOD FOR COLORING ARTICLES, and filed Mar. 8, 2013, the entirety
of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0147] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the disclosure in
which retaining member 1742 may retain article 1730 above liquid
colorant 1746 in a manner that enables dipping of article 1730 into
liquid colorant 1746 without having article 1730 float on liquid
colorant 1746. FIG. 17 shows at least part of article 1730 in
liquid colorant 1746 in tank 1704, which also may be called a dye
tank. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, article
1730 may not be buoyant in liquid colorant 1746. In some
embodiments of the disclosure, article 1730 may be buoyant but
sufficiently rigid as to not float when held in liquid colorant
1746 by retaining member 1742. In some embodiments of the
disclosure, retaining member 1742 retains rigid article 1730 by
gripping with force sufficient to essentially preclude article 1730
from floating or otherwise be unsatisfactorily dipped. With the
guidance provided herein, the user can determine whether an article
may be suitably retained in a single retaining member for coloring
in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
[0148] An embodiment of FIG. 17 is particularly effective for
coloring articles that may be dipped into a liquid colorant when
held at a point above the liquid colorant. FIG. 17 depicts part of
article 1730 dipped into liquid colorant 1746 in tank 1704.
Actuator 1702 may be moved vertically downward, as indicated by the
arrow, to dip article 1730 into liquid colorant 1746 in tank 1704.
Article 1730 then may be removed from liquid colorant 1746 by
moving actuator 1702 vertically upward, as indicated by the arrow.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, article 1730 may be dipped
repeatedly into liquid colorant 1746 and dried until a selected
saturation is achieved.
[0149] In embodiments of the disclosure, an article may be dipped
sequentially in different liquid colorants or in different fluids,
such as washes between dips in liquid colorant and drying periods.
FIGS. 18-21 illustrate an embodiment of a disclosure of sequential
dip/dry cycles. These figures illustrate the processing of an
article in relationship to a plurality of tanks containing
processing fluid.
[0150] Turning now to FIG. 18, actuator 1802 may be attached to
conveying device 1899. Conveying device 1899 comprises continuous
belt 1896 between powered pulley 1898 and pulley 1897 and may
convey or translate actuator 1802 above first tank 1804, second
tank 1824, third tank 1844, and fourth tank 1864, as indicated by
the arrow. In embodiments of the disclosure, there may be any
number of tanks over which conveying device 1899 may convey, move,
or translate actuator 1802 and equipment and articles associated
therewith.
[0151] In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, article
1830 is held in retaining member 1842 on actuator 1802 above liquid
colorant 1846 in first tank 1804. Actuator 1802 then may be
activated to move retaining member 1842 in the direction of the
arrow toward liquid colorant 1846 until article 1830 is at least
partially submersed in liquid colorant 1846, as illustrated in FIG.
18. After a selected short period, actuator 1802 moves retaining
member 1842 with article 1830 therein upwardly in the direction of
the arrow to remove article 1830 from liquid colorant 1846. Article
1830 then may be allowed to dry while suspended over first tank
1804 or may be moved or translated to a position over another tank.
In embodiments of the disclosure, article 1830 may be dipped into
liquid colorant 1846 and dried in a plurality of sequential cycles
before being moved to a position over another tank.
[0152] In embodiments of the disclosure, after processing in first
tank 1804, actuator 1802 with retaining member 1842 and article
1830 may be moved to a position over any other tank for additional
processing. In embodiments of the disclosure, actuator 1802 may be
moved in the direction of the arrow to a position where article
1730 may be at least partially dipped into second tank 1824, as
illustrated in FIG. 19. Second tank 1824 may contain fluid 1856,
which may be a liquid colorant, a washing fluid, water, or any
other processing fluid. Once positioned over tank 1824, actuator
1802 then may be activated to move retaining member 1842 in the
direction of the arrow toward fluid 1856 until article 1830 is at
least partially submersed in fluid 1856. After a selected dip time,
actuator 1802 moves retaining member 1842 with article 1830 therein
upwardly in the direction of the arrow to remove article 1830 from
fluid 1856. Article 1830 then may be allowed to dry while suspended
over second tank 1824 or may be moved or translated to a position
over another tank. In some embodiments of the disclosure, article
1830 may be dipped a plurality of times in second tank 1824, and
may be dried after any of the dips.
[0153] Actuator 1802 and equipment and articles thereon then may be
moved to a position over any other tank. In some embodiments of the
disclosure, article 1830 will be moved back to a position over
first tank 1804 and further processed, as illustrated in FIG. 18.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, article 1830 will be moved
to a position over third tank 1844 for processing, as illustrated
in FIG. 20. In some embodiments of the disclosure, article 1830
will be moved to a position over fourth tank 1864 for processing,
as illustrated in FIG. 21.
[0154] FIG. 20 illustrates processing steps related to third tank
1844. Article 1830 is held in retaining member 1842 on actuator
1802 at least partly submerged in fluid 1866 in third tank 1844 for
processing. Actuator 1802 has been activated to move retaining
member 1842 in the direction of the arrow toward fluid 1866 until
article 1830 is at least partially submersed in fluid 1866, as
shown in FIG. 20. After a selected short period, actuator 1802
moves retaining member 1842 with article 1830 therein upwardly in
the direction of the arrow to remove article 1830 from fluid 1866.
Article 1830 then may be allowed to dry while suspended over third
tank 1844 or may be moved or translated to a position over any
other tank. In embodiments of the disclosure, article 1830 may be
dipped into fluid 1866 and dried in a plurality of sequential
cycles before being moved to a position over another tank.
[0155] FIG. 21 illustrates processing steps related to fourth tank
1864. Article 1830 is held in retaining member 1842 on actuator
1802 at least partly submerged in fluid 1876 in fourth tank 1864
for processing. Actuator 1802 then may be activated to move
retaining member 1842 in the direction of the arrow toward fluid
1876, as illustrated until article 1830 is at least partially
submersed in fluid 1876, as illustrated in FIG. 21. After a
selected short period, actuator 1802 moves retaining member 1842
with article 1830 therein upwardly in the direction of the arrow to
remove article 1830 from fluid 1876. Article 1830 then may be
allowed to dry while suspended over fourth tank 1864 or may be
moved or translated to a position over another tank. In embodiments
of the disclosure, article 1830 may be dipped into fluid 1846 and
dried in a plurality of sequential cycles before being moved to a
position over another tank.
[0156] In embodiments of the disclosure, article 1830 thus may be
moved to positions over tanks and processed by being dipped into
fluid in each tank in any sequence to imbue article 1830 with color
or colors having selected saturation, as illustrated in FIGS.
18-21. With the guidance provided herein, the user will be able to
establish a suitable sequence.
[0157] For example, in embodiments of the disclosure, third tank
1844 may contain fluid 1866, which may be a liquid colorant, a
washing fluid, water, or any other liquid. If fluid 1866 is a
liquid colorant, liquid colorant 1866 may be the same as or
different from liquid colorant 1846, for example. Similarly, fourth
tank 1864 may contain fluid 1876, which may be a liquid colorant, a
washing fluid, water, or any other liquid. If fluid 1876 is a
liquid colorant, liquid colorant 1876 may be the same as or
different from liquid colorant 1866 and may be the same as or
different from liquid colorant 1846.
[0158] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the article may first
be dipped only to the shallowest depth, or shortest distance, of a
color segment contemplated. Then, after drying, subsequent dips may
be deeper into the liquid colorant. Thus, the area of least
saturation is colored last in these embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0159] Liquid colorant material typically comprises colorant and a
solvent for the colorant. After an article has been dipped into the
liquid colorant and removed therefrom, the article is dried and the
solvent is evaporated or otherwise removed. Other compounds, such
as mordants, optical enhancing agents, viscosity agents, and other
additive compounds may be present, typically in minor amounts.
During drying, excess liquid colorant may be allowed to drip back
into the liquid colorant in the container, and the solvent and
other volatile materials in the liquid colorant may evaporate to
yield a dry colored article.
[0160] In embodiments of the disclosure, a volatile agent, i.e., a
compound having vapor pressure higher than the vapor pressure of
the liquid colorant, may be included in the liquid colorant to
shorten drying time. In embodiments of the disclosure, drying may
be accelerated by blowing gas, which may be at any temperature but
typically is at least ambient temperature, on or in the vicinity of
the article to be dried. In such embodiments, the gas may be any
gas that does not react adversely with colorant. Typically, the gas
is nitrogen or air, and more typically is air.
[0161] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the liquid colorant
in the container is maintained at an elevated temperature, i.e.,
above ambient temperature. In such embodiments of the disclosure, a
dipped article may be dried quickly, and then may be dipped again.
The article may be dipped in the same liquid colorant, or maybe
dipped in another liquid colorant. In embodiments of the
disclosure, any portion of the article maybe dipped into another
liquid colorant. In embodiments of the disclosure, a portion of the
article that has already been colored may be dipped in the same
color or in a different color. In another embodiment of the
disclosure, the second or additional colors may be applied to areas
of the article that have not been colored previously. These
embodiments of the disclosure create a colored article having two
or more colors thereon. Such an article is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8,
and 9, for example.
[0162] For example, FIG. 9 depicts article 230 having heel portion
234 having first color portion 268, front foot portion 234 having a
first color 248, and transition portion 281 having a third color
that is a blend of the first color and the second color. The
transition portion provides a smooth color transition to provide a
visually pleasing transition between first color and a second
color.
[0163] In embodiments of the disclosure, heel portion 234 of
article 230 is dipped into liquid colorant 246 up to first color
line 262 to impart first color 248 to the heel portion, as
illustrated in FIG. 6. The article then is dried and inverted, as
illustrated in FIG. 7, and is shown in FIG. 8 with heel portion 234
above front foot portion 232. FIG. 8 shows front foot portion 232
dipped into second liquid colorant 266 past color line 262 to the
depth of liquid level 260. This dip imparts color 268 to first
front foot portion 232 of article 230, up to second color line 272.
Thus, a transition zone 281 having a color that is a blend of first
color 248 and second color 268, as shown in FIG. 9. In such
embodiments of the disclosure, three colors are present on the
article, specifically, first color 248, second color 268, and a
blend thereof.
[0164] In such embodiments of this disclosure, only one dip/dry
cycle in each color was used. However, in other embodiments of the
disclosure, multiple dip/dry cycles may be carried out with each
liquid colorant, or with any liquid colorant. In embodiments of the
disclosure using more than one color, the number of dip/dry cycles
in each color may be the same. In other embodiments of the
disclosure using more than one color, the number of dip/dry cycles
in each color may be different. With the guidance provided herein,
the user will be able to obtain the desired saturation level of
each color in a multicolor system and any overlapping portions
thereof.
[0165] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a color or colors may
be applied to an article in separate regions that touch but do not
overlap. In other embodiments of the disclosure, a color colors may
be applied to an article in separate regions that do not touch. In
such embodiments of the disclosure, uncolored regions will be
visible between the colored regions.
EXAMPLES
[0166] The following examples are intended to illustrate the
subject matter of the disclosure, not to limit it in any way.
Example 1
[0167] An article that may be associated with a sole system for
footwear is dyed to have a gradient of color from a toe portion to
a heel portion. The entire article is dipped, heel portion first,
in suitable colored dye for 30 seconds, then removed and dried. The
dried article is dipped in the same dye to a depth of 99 percent of
its length for 30 seconds, removed, and dried. The dried article is
dipped in the same dye to a depth of 98 percent of its length for
30 seconds, removed, and dried. This dip/dry cycle wherein the dip
depth is reduced 1 percent in each successive cycle is repeated,
with the last cycle dyeing 1 percent of the length of the
article.
[0168] The resultant article presents a pleasing appearance of a
color gradient having increasing saturation from the toe portion,
which is only lightly saturated in color, to the heel portion,
which is richly saturated.
Example 2
[0169] An article that may be associated with a sole system for
footwear is died to have a gradient of red color from a heel
portion to about 60 percent of the length of the article,
approximately in a midfoot region. The same sole system is died to
have a gradient of yellow color from a toe portion to about 60
percent of the length of the article, ending similarly
approximately in the midfoot region. The article is colored using a
dip/dry cycle of 30 seconds each step, repeated 20 times. The
resultant article is pleasingly colored in 3 discrete bands. From
the toe portion to about 40 percent of the length of the article,
the article is yellow. Twenty percent of the length of the article
in the midfoot portion is orange, and the remaining 40 percent of
the article, in the heel portion, is red.
Example 3
[0170] An article is dyed to have a gradient of green color across
the entirety of the article. The relationship between the
saturation and the number of dips is not linear for this
combination of substrate and dye. Rather, saturation is related to
number of dips as set forth in Table 2, as follows:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Color segment Number of dips % Saturation C*
at same hue 1 1 3 1.5 2 2 6 3.0 3 3 10 5.0 4 4 15 7.5 5 5 21 10.5 6
6 28 14.0 7 7 38 19.0 8 8 51 25.5 9 9 68 34.0 10 10 100 50.0
[0171] The article exhibits a pleasing gradient of green color that
starts pale at one end, is less than 50 percent saturated at the
midpoint, and increases rapidly to full saturation across the
remainder of the article.
Example 4
[0172] An article is dyed to have a gradient of purple color across
the entirety of the article. The relationship between the
saturation and the number of dips is not linear for this
combination of substrate and dye. Rather, saturation is related to
number of dips as set forth in Table 3, as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Color segment Number of dips % Saturation 1
1 22 2 2 40 3 3 52 4 4 62 5 5 72 6 6 80 7 7 88 8 8 94 9 9 97 10 10
100
[0173] The article exhibits a pleasing gradient of purple color
that starts pale at one end and increases rapidly to a saturation
greater than 50 percent at the midpoint, and then increases
gradually to full saturation across the remainder of the
article.
Examples 5, 6, and 7
[0174] Thermoplastic polyurethane parts of an article of footwear
were dyed in various schemes using dyes from Huntsman Corp., The
Woodlands, Tex., USA, and Bezema AG, Monlingen, Switzerland.
Tetrabutylammonium salts were used, and n-propanol was the organic
solvent. Deionized water was used throughout.
[0175] Dye solution was prepared by adding a pre-determined amount
of dye to a mixture of between about 70 vol percent and about 85
vol percent water and between about 30 vol percent to about 15 vol
percent n-propanol. The dye was dissolved with agitation as the
solution was heated to between about 45.degree. C. and about
50.degree. C. After the dye was dissolved, the ammonium salt was
added, as either a solid or a concentrated aqueous solution.
[0176] The parts were washed in a mixture of 60 vol percent
n-propanol and 40 vol percent water at 50.degree. C. for 2.5
minutes. The washed pieces then were dyed on three different
machines in accordance with the following protocol:
TABLE-US-00004 Dye Dye Dye Dye Rinse Tank #1 Tank #2 Tank #3 Tank
#4 Tank Delay before cycle starts 0.5 sec 0.5 sec 0.5 sec 0.5 sec
0.5 sec Time for part to reach 0.3 sec 0.3 sec 0.3 sec 0.3 sec 0.3
sec liquid Dip distance, mm 2 4 5 8 10 Number of dips 6 6 6 4 3
Dwell (dip) time 5 sec 5 sec 5 sec 5 sec 5 sec Part rotated before
dips? No No No 30.degree. 30.degree. Time before returned to -- --
-- 3 sec 3 sec original position
[0177] The results in Examples 5, 6, and 7 were obtained. As can be
seen, each part was subjected to 22 dips in dye with 5 second dip
times.
Example 5
Single Axis Dipping Machine
[0178] A single axis dipping machine was used to color the part
blue. The following table indicates the results of the dip:
TABLE-US-00005 L* a* b* C* h Standard 47.31 -12.91 -25.5 28.59
243.15 DL* Da* Db* DC* DH Dipped part 0.24 -0.92 -0.51 0.88
-0.58
[0179] The DE(CMC) is 0.63, so the part is considered to pass the
color comparison test.
Example 6
Multi-Axis Dipping Machine
[0180] A multi-axis dipping machine was used to color 2 parts in
each of 7 colors in individual runs. The following table indicates
the results of the dips.
TABLE-US-00006 DL* Da* Db* DC* DH* DE(CMC) Bright Red #1 0.22 -2.22
-0.20 -2.21 0.27 0.85 Bright Red #2 0.41 -1.40 0.19 -1.33 0.49 0.6
Green #1 -1.19 -0.48 0.89 0.75 -0.67 0.82 Green #2 -0.49 0.89 0.46
-0.68 -0.74 0.7 Fuchsia #1 -0.48 -1.19 -0.19 -1.20 -0.06 0.57
Fuchsia #2 -0.50 -1.06 -0.53 -1.11 -0.41 0.6 Red #1 0.60 0.33 1.24
0.79 1.02 0.93 Red #2 0.52 0.01 1.14 0.45 1.04 0.88 Bright Green #1
-0.23 0.92 0.78 -0.39 -1.14 0.95 Bright Green #2 -1.32 -0.59 0.97
1.00 -0.55 0.92 Jade #1 -1.36 -1.00 0.25 0.98 -0.33 0.85 Jade #2
-1.48 -1.25 0.04 1.24 -0.16 0.97 Metallic Silver #1 -0.03 -0.26
0.36 0.44 -0.09 0.59 Metallic Silver #2 0.38 -0.43 0.50 0.66 -0.09
0.88
[0181] The DC(CMC) values in bold above are acceptable but may be
considered marginal. As can be seen, each of the comparisons was
acceptable.
Example 7
Modified Submersion Dipping Machine
[0182] This machine was used to color a plurality of parts orange.
The average difference values for the various factors were as
follows:
TABLE-US-00007 DL* Da* Db* DC* DH* DE(CMC) Orange - avg. -0.29 -1.4
-0.25 -1.1 0.9 0.87
[0183] As can be seen, this comparison is acceptable.
[0184] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than
limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
that are within the scope of the invention. For example, the
disclosure is directed in detail to footwear, but the method
described herein can be used on any article. Other articles that
can be suitably colored in accordance with embodiments of the
disclosure include key fobs, for example. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached
claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and
changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
* * * * *