CA2066978A1 - Fabric, molded, or coated articles exhibiting color change when exposed to ultraviolet light - Google Patents
Fabric, molded, or coated articles exhibiting color change when exposed to ultraviolet lightInfo
- Publication number
- CA2066978A1 CA2066978A1 CA 2066978 CA2066978A CA2066978A1 CA 2066978 A1 CA2066978 A1 CA 2066978A1 CA 2066978 CA2066978 CA 2066978 CA 2066978 A CA2066978 A CA 2066978A CA 2066978 A1 CA2066978 A1 CA 2066978A1
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- Prior art keywords
- fashion accessory
- accessory
- fashion
- photochromic
- thread
- Prior art date
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fabric, or article made from fabric, woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds which change color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light. The photochromic thread strand may be interwoven with a second thread strand devoid of any photochromic compound. The fabric thus produced can exhibit patterns of areas containing photochromic compound threads and other areas containing threads (not containing photochromic compounds) such as cotton, polyester, nylon threads and the like. The invention requires the forming of fine gauge thread which is thinner than heretofore proposed for purposes of embroidering and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the article is a fashion accessory or item used in forming a fashion accessory made of, at least in part, a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light. The fashion accessory thus produced can exhibit a color change over the entire extent of its body or only in regions containing a photochromic compound, with other areas not containing photochromic compounds and thus not changing color. The invention concerns a molded plastic article or the coating of solid or flexible articles containing the photochormic compound.
A fabric, or article made from fabric, woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds which change color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light. The photochromic thread strand may be interwoven with a second thread strand devoid of any photochromic compound. The fabric thus produced can exhibit patterns of areas containing photochromic compound threads and other areas containing threads (not containing photochromic compounds) such as cotton, polyester, nylon threads and the like. The invention requires the forming of fine gauge thread which is thinner than heretofore proposed for purposes of embroidering and the like. In another aspect of the invention, the article is a fashion accessory or item used in forming a fashion accessory made of, at least in part, a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light. The fashion accessory thus produced can exhibit a color change over the entire extent of its body or only in regions containing a photochromic compound, with other areas not containing photochromic compounds and thus not changing color. The invention concerns a molded plastic article or the coating of solid or flexible articles containing the photochormic compound.
Description
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FABRIC, ~OLDED, OR COATED ARTICLES EXHIBITING COLOR
CH~NGE WHEN EXPOSED TO ULTRAVIOLET LIGH~
B~CKGROUND OF ~HE INVENTION
Field o~ the Invention This invention relates to articles in the field of clothing and fashion accessories, in which the fabric or material used in producing the articles exhibits a color change when exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet light source. The invention also relates to coated items recognized to be fashion accessories, or component parts thereof, in which the material used as a decorative coating exhibits a color change when exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet light source.
Brief Description of the Prior Art Articles which change color when exposed to an energy source are known in the prior art. One visiting a Denny's~
restaurant may have experienced the changing of the colors in a painted figure on a coffee cup as the temperature of the contents of the coffee cup change. When cold, the painted figure has one appearance, and when coffee is poured into the cup and the cup is heated, the figure has a second appearance due to the changing of colors of the pain^ted figure. The paint used is a non-ceramic enamel exhibiting thermochromatic effects.
In the field of fashion, Generra Sportswear, a Seattle-based manufacturer, produces a clothing line with a special dye that creates changes in the color of the clothing when heat is applied. Termed Hypercolor, the company targets the children and teen's casual clothing market, and it is reported that the clothing is well received by the public primarily due to the changing of colors which kids en~oy. As with the painted coffee cup ~2--article described in the previous paragraph, the color changing occurs as a result of applying or withdrawing heat from the article.
Polymeric materials which exhibit a color change when exposed to ultraviolet (U.V.) light are known. Some of the products which have been developed include photochrome screen ink, photochrome polyfilm, photochrome cast-coated paper and cloth (transfer patterns), and photochrome injection-processed yarns and threads.
A variety of screening inks using photochrome powders find use in screen printing such items as paper and cloth.
Both solvent and aqueous emulsion binder types are available in a range of colors a~ter U.V. exposure.
Photochrome polyfilm, made of polyethylene or polypropylene with photochromic properties are most suitable for coating window panes, doors, and food packages.
Photochrome injection-processed yarns and threads are also part of the prior art. Such yarns and threads are generally of a high denier rating (compared to that of woven fabrics) and is produced in the form of nylon alloy yarns with photochromic properties, suitable for single-point embroidery on sweaters, mufflers, and the like. It has also been known to use polymeric thread of rather high gauge to embroidery designs on the outer side surfaces of athletic shoes.
Products which exhibit the photochromic properties are manufactured by a appropriate mixture of high concentration photochrome master pellets with an appropriate base material to form the ink, paint, film, yarn, thread, and the like. The two components are mixed in proper proportion to create the photochrome products described `:
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FABRIC, ~OLDED, OR COATED ARTICLES EXHIBITING COLOR
CH~NGE WHEN EXPOSED TO ULTRAVIOLET LIGH~
B~CKGROUND OF ~HE INVENTION
Field o~ the Invention This invention relates to articles in the field of clothing and fashion accessories, in which the fabric or material used in producing the articles exhibits a color change when exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet light source. The invention also relates to coated items recognized to be fashion accessories, or component parts thereof, in which the material used as a decorative coating exhibits a color change when exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet light source.
Brief Description of the Prior Art Articles which change color when exposed to an energy source are known in the prior art. One visiting a Denny's~
restaurant may have experienced the changing of the colors in a painted figure on a coffee cup as the temperature of the contents of the coffee cup change. When cold, the painted figure has one appearance, and when coffee is poured into the cup and the cup is heated, the figure has a second appearance due to the changing of colors of the pain^ted figure. The paint used is a non-ceramic enamel exhibiting thermochromatic effects.
In the field of fashion, Generra Sportswear, a Seattle-based manufacturer, produces a clothing line with a special dye that creates changes in the color of the clothing when heat is applied. Termed Hypercolor, the company targets the children and teen's casual clothing market, and it is reported that the clothing is well received by the public primarily due to the changing of colors which kids en~oy. As with the painted coffee cup ~2--article described in the previous paragraph, the color changing occurs as a result of applying or withdrawing heat from the article.
Polymeric materials which exhibit a color change when exposed to ultraviolet (U.V.) light are known. Some of the products which have been developed include photochrome screen ink, photochrome polyfilm, photochrome cast-coated paper and cloth (transfer patterns), and photochrome injection-processed yarns and threads.
A variety of screening inks using photochrome powders find use in screen printing such items as paper and cloth.
Both solvent and aqueous emulsion binder types are available in a range of colors a~ter U.V. exposure.
Photochrome polyfilm, made of polyethylene or polypropylene with photochromic properties are most suitable for coating window panes, doors, and food packages.
Photochrome injection-processed yarns and threads are also part of the prior art. Such yarns and threads are generally of a high denier rating (compared to that of woven fabrics) and is produced in the form of nylon alloy yarns with photochromic properties, suitable for single-point embroidery on sweaters, mufflers, and the like. It has also been known to use polymeric thread of rather high gauge to embroidery designs on the outer side surfaces of athletic shoes.
Products which exhibit the photochromic properties are manufactured by a appropriate mixture of high concentration photochrome master pellets with an appropriate base material to form the ink, paint, film, yarn, thread, and the like. The two components are mixed in proper proportion to create the photochrome products described `:
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above. Photochrome polymer pellets themselves, which contain photochromic powder in high concentrations (twenty times concentration level) in various resins can be processed with mixtures of polyethylene, polypropylene, or other resins in a ratio prescribed by the desired results in the finished product as to the intensity of the color change, balanced with the required integrity or texture of the ~inished product from a structural viewpoint.
Photochrome polymer pellets can have, as a base material, polymer materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate propionate, polyacetyl resin, acetyl cellulose, K-resin (styrenebutadiene copolymer), polyurethane rPsin, AS
tAcrylonitrile Styrene), ethylene-vinyl (ethylene vinyl acetate), nylon-12 polyester.
The photochrome products described heretofore exhibit the color change when exposed to irradiation from an ultraviolet ray source, such as sunlight, but the color is reversible. That is, when the product is removed from the ultraviolet radiation environment, the product reverses back to its original color, over a period of time. As is known in the fle]d of photochrome compounds, photochrome products are photoionized under the influence of the irradiated ultraviolet rays and exhibit a visual color change, usually to, but not restricted to, the bluish or reddish purple color spectrum.
Photochrome master pellets are available from Camel Chemical Ltd., #2F, Camel Bldg. 13 3GA, Tosung Dong, Seo Gu, Pusan, Korea, haveing the following formulation: U.V.
pigment (5 wt %); U.V. absorber (2-Hydroxy-4-3-octoxybenzophenone) (0.5 wt %); metalic soap (520 wax) (0.3 wt %); optical brightener (0.1 wt %); T3O2 (0.1 wt %); and polypropylene resin (94 wt %).
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While the products noted above have been enjoyed and appreciated by the purchasing public, there is a total lack in the availability of quality fabric products which exhibit the photochromic characteristic. Attempts have been made to supply fabxic or clothing products which incorporate the photochromic powder, but these prior attempts have been restricted to the use of inks, dyes, and films deposited on fabric material. For example, in order to create a stimulating design on an article of clothing, it has been necessary in the past to provide the finished article of clothin~ and then, through masking techniques and painting techniques, screen, or spray onto the surface of the article of clothing a pattern or design having the photochromic powder mixed with the ink or dye being used.
There is likewise a total lack in the availability of molded and/or coated solid and fabric fashion accessories which exhibit photochromic characteristic. In this description, the term "fashion accessories" is intended to include costume jewelry, hair and nail accessories and any other items recognized to be fashion accessories that are either wholly or partially decorative. The term thus includes rings, bracelets, earrings, key rings, barrettes, necklaces, buttons, brooches, pins, head bands, hair ties, hair combs, hair holders, fashionable head visors, and artificial fingernails. While some of these items are also functional, their primary appeal is to be decorative and visually pleasing.
As indicated earlier, attempts have been made to supply novelty items (e.g. coffee cup) and fabric or clothing products which incorporate photochromic and th~rmochromic powder, ~ut these prior attempts have been restricted to the use of inks, paints and fabric dyes in the case of thermochromic products, or inks, and films applied to the surface of novelty items or fabric material in the case of photochromic and thermochromic products.
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For example, in order to create stimulating visual interest in a particular article of manufacture, it has been generally necessary in the past to first produce (such as by molding) the finished article and then, through mas~ing and transfer techniques, apply to the surface of the article a pattern or design having the photochromic or thermochromic powder mixed with an appropriate carrier.
It is commonly known that an article of manufacture having a thin dye applied to the surface is not only subject to having the imprint removed by wear and cleaning but is also unattractive as compared to an article on which the body of the article itself, or at least portions thereof, is made of the material exhibiting the desired unique properties, and this is no more evident than in the field of fashion accessories where art and visual effects are more important than either form or function.
Moreover, while applying photochromic compounds to articles is generally known in the clothing and novelty item art, it has not been heretofore known to employ these concepts in the field of fashion accessories.
Althou~h forming thread strands from photoshromic materials is known, prior to the present invention the use of such thread strands have been limited to embroidering objects on the surface of an existing material, such as the sides of an athletic shoe. Because of the need for durability in such embroidered designs, the gauge of the thread strand has been relatively large as compared with that ordinarily used in the manufacture of woven fabrics.
.' Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved fabric product exhibiting a photochromic effect and/or incorporating a photochromic design or pattern which is devoid of the disadvantages of such inks and paints discussed above. There is likewise a need in the art for . , , ;
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improved fashion accessory products which exhibit a photochromic effect and/or incorporate a photochromic element or member which, in combination with other parts of the fashion accessory, forms a design or pattern, devoid of the disadvantages resulting from the use of the prior art products discussed above. The present invention satisfies these needs.
SUMMARY ~F THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and objections to the prior art techniques of utilizing photochromic compounds in clothing articles by providing a fabric woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds which change color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a photochromic thread strand is interwoven with a second thread strand devoid of any photochromic compound. In this manner, the fabric can exhibit patterns of areas containing photochromic compound threads and other areas containing standard threads (not containing photochromic compounds) such as cotton, polyester, nylon threads and the like. The invention requires the forming of fine gauge threads, on the order of 100- to 200-denier, and preferably 120- to ~90-denier, which is substantially thinner than heretofore proposed for purposes of em~roidering and the like, the latter threads being of 220-denier gauge and up.
In a specific embodiment of the invention, the fabric is woven into an elongated cord having a pattern comprising alternate areas of photochromic and nonphotochromic threads. More particularly, the fabric may be woven into the form of a shoelace having an interesting diamond, arrowhead, or other design along its length, which design is rather inconspicuous without the influence of 2~a~6 ultraviolet light, and which contrast~ the separate areas of design on the shoelace when outdoors, i.e~ when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
The invention is also suitable for creating interesting effects in other clothing accessories, such as head bands, brooches, belts, purses, and similar clothing articles.
The present invention also fills the need for more interesting and decorative fashlon articles by providing ~0 a fashion accessory made from, at least in part, a solid photochromic compound whch changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fashion accessory is molded from a plastic material consisting of 100% of a photochromic compound. Alternatively, the invention provides a fashion accessory comprising a base support member coated, at least in part, with a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
While the application of the concept underlying the invention is applicable to any fashion accessory, it is particularly useful in the field of forming costume jewelry (such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and the like), hair accessories (such as hair ties, hair combs, hair holders, head bands, and the like), fingernail accessories (such as ar~ificial fingernails), clothing emblems ~such as pins and brooches), and supplementary sports fashionwear (such as head sun visors).
A further embodiment of the invention comprises a fashion accessory item defining at least a decorative first portion of a fashion accessory, the accessory item being made from, at least in part, a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source o-f ultraviolet liyht. In another embodiment, the accessory item comprises -8- ~ 7 ~
a base support member coated, at least in part, with a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
In the latter of the above-noted embodiments, the photochromic coating may be optionally protected by applying a protective layer of an optically clear material such as, but not limited to, glass, plastics, lacquers, epoxys, and enamels.
In this description the term "coating" ~ill be used generically to mean painting on, depositing by spraying or roller printing, dipping, or molding, or any commonly used process for coating items with decorative materials.
In order to not diminish the color changing effects of the photochromic coating, the outer protective layer must be optically clear. Materials which fall into this category include glass and plastics such as polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate, and polyurathane. The plastic materials can be applied as protective layers in the form of optically clear lacquers, epoxys, or enamels.
In forming or assembling fashion accessories, it may be desirable to use a photochromic compound or coating in some portions and a nonphotochromic compound or coating in other portions of the accessory. In such a case, the overall aesthetic appeal of the fashion accessory would include the unique pattern formed by the photochromic and nonphotochromic elements of the accessory. The combined photochromic and nonphotochromic areas or regions can be assembled and attached by ordinary means of fastening, such as glue, heat bonding (including ultrasonic bonding), linking (e.g. intercoupling cooperating elements on each of the portions such as interlinking eyelets), elastic banding, pinning, yarn, string, and thread. Alternatively, the separate photochromic and nonphotochromic areas may be formed by selectively or randomly casting or injecting photochromic compound into the mold used in forming the accessory or accessory item, the base support member being predisposed in the mold, when used. The result could be, for example, a swirling effect or marbling in the finished product, a camouflaged effect, or simply a predetermined design.
The invention is also suitable for creating interesting effects in other fashion accessories not specifically described in this specification, and the foregoing are merely examples of possible applications for the invention.
BRIEF D~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 shows a woven fabric made in accordance with the basic form of the invention;
FIGUR~ 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in the form of a shoestring wherein a pattern is shown defined by different areas of woven thread with and without photochromic properties;
FIGURE 2a shows an alternate design for the different areas on the shoestring;
FIGURE 2b shows yet a further alternate for the design on the shoestring;
FIGURE 3 depicts a clothing accessory in the form of a head band wherein part of the head band is constructed using a woven fabric in accordance with the present invention; and 2 ~ 7 ~
FIGURE 4 depicts a brooch incorporating a fabric made in accordance with the invention~
FIGURE 5 shows a bracelet made in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 6a and 6b show the front and side elevation views of a finger ring made in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 7 illustrates an embodiment of the invention made of a combination of parts, one part having photochromic properties and the other part not having photochromic properties;
FIGUR~ ~ shows a number of artificial fingernails as they would appear just after removal from the mold, the fingernails being made of photochromic material;
: 15 FIGURE 9 shows a hair tie in which the ends have decorative items made of photochromic material;
FIGURE~ lOa and lOb shows the front and side. elevation view of a clothing emblem or an earring made in accordance with the present invention;
FIGUR~B lla and llb illustrate variations of an earring comprising the fashion accessory made in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 12 shows a sun visor representing an alternate form of a fashion accessory made in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 13 is an example of a fashion accessory which includes at least a coated portion thereof;
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FIGURE 14 shows a cross-sectional view of one of the elements of the accessory shown in Figure 13;
FIGURE 15 illustrates another fashion accessory, being of fabric construction, incorporating the invenkion; and FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view of a segment of the accessory shown in Figure 15.
DBTAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Woven Fabric Embodiment Figure 1 shows a piece of woven fabric 1 which represents the basic concept of the prPsent invention, i.e.
that photochromic threads which have been produced in the form of fine thread strands, can be substituted for the threads normally used in the manufacture of textile materials. Heretofore, it has not been known to manufacture fabrics woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds. Although not shown in detail in Figure 1, nor is it necessary to do so, it is to be understood that the woven fabric according to the present invention may be woven with all photochromic thread or with a combination of photochromic thread and nonphotochromic thread. For example, when the fabric 1 is to be used to cover the support for a head band 9, ~igure 3), it may be desirable for the entire fabric product to be wovPn from 100% photochromic thread strands.
Alternatively, the fabric 1 of Figure 1 could be formed by using photochromic thread strands for the warp and nonphotochromic thread strands for the woof. Other combinations are equally desirable, such as using nonphotochromic thread strands for the warp and using alternate strands of photochromic and nonphotochromic thread strands in the woof interlacing the warp.
Obviously, other combinations not mentioned here would equally desirable or effective.
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Alternatively, instead of using a combination of photochromic and nonphotochromic thread strands, it may be desirable to use two different photochromic thread strands, each with its own chemical formulation to produce either a different color or a different intensity of color as compared to the other thread strand used in the manufacture of woven fabric material.
Figure 2 illustrates an example of the invention wherein the fabric is woven into a elongated cord 3 having some areas 5 of nonphotochromic thread strands and other areas 7 of photochromic thread strands, thereby producing a pattern along the longitudinal length of the elongated cord 3. Preferably, the elongated cord 3 is useful as a shoestring, a pull tie for an article of clothing, or a tie string for decorative purposes. Weaving techniques for producing a shoestring with the pattern shown in Figure 2 are known and need not be discussed in this disclosure.
Figures 2a and 2b show variations of the pattern in the elongated cord 3. In Figure 2, for example, the photochromic thread forms an arrowhead shape in Figure 2a as opposed to the diamond shape in Figure 2. In Figure 2b, the pattern comprises outer areas 5 defining longitudinal strips comprised of nonphotochromic thread strands, and an inner area 7 defining a longitudinal strip comprised of photochromic thread strands. An interesting and aesthetic improv~ment to the elongated cord 3 in Figure 2b is to provide an intermediate stripe 8 between the photochromic and nonphotochromic areas 7, 5, respectively. For example, the color for the fabric of a shoestrin~ may be white, and both the nonphotochromic area 5 and photochromic area 7 would appear white in the finished product when not exposed to ultraviolet light. In ultraviolet light, the photochromic area 7 will be become colored, usually in the bluish to reddish-purple color spectrum. Therefore, in sunlight, the shoestring would have an appealing -13- ~3 ~
appearance, and indoors it would revert back to its original coloring (in time) and have a different, more subtle, appeal. By providing, for example, a red or blue stripe 8, a different design on the shoestring is readily apparent indoors than what is observed outdoors in the sunlight.
The designs depicted in Figures 2, 2a, and 2b are merely examples of designs that can be woven into the cord 3, and it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such designs, but that any other conceivable design for an elongated cord would be equally applicable.
It is further to be understood that the separate areas 5 and 7 may be optically contrasted without the need to have one of the areas completely devoid of any photochromic properties, and both areas may be formed of thread strands having different photochromic properties. This would he true in any embodiment of the invention wherein a pattern, or the use two different types of thread strands, are employed. One example of this would be the provision of a decorative article wherein one of the areas is white when not excited by ultraviolet light and the other area is yellow under the same conditions. Then, when exposed to ultraviolet light, the white areas will turn bluish, while the yellow areas will turn greenish due to the color mixing between the yellow pigment of the thread strand and the bluish color resulting from the photoionization of the photochromic compound content of the thread strand.
Further, it may be desirable to create a fabric or textile product which has a multiplicity of different thread characteristics, ranging all the way from totally nonphotochromic to heavily photochromic, and including thread strands containing dye pigments with or without photochromic properties. Such would be the case, for example, if the upper area 5 in Figure 2b comprised -14~ 7,3 photochromic thread strands, the center area 7 comprised photochromic thread strands of a different color characteristic, and the lower area 5 would comprise nonphotochromic thread strands. Obviously, the combinations of designs and interweaving techniques are limitless.
Figure 3 shows, by way of example, an accessory in the form of a head band which has a supporting member 17, made of metal or plastic, covered by a fabric 11 which may have the configuration of any of the aforementioned fabric types, i.e. any arrangement of photochromic and nonphotochromic thread strands, with or without patterns being employed. In the example shown in Figure 3, bows 13 are supported on the head band by any means 15 for holding it to ~he body of the head band g, and additional decorative items 19 are arranged as desirable. The head band example is merely indicative of what can be done with innovative ideas in the incorporation into clothing articles or accessories therefore using the fabric made in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 4 shows another example of an accessory in the form of a brooch 20 employing a support member 23 covered by a fabric 21 made in accordance with the invention.
Decorations 25 (such as gold colored nuggets3 complement the appeal of the brooch 20. A pin 27 attached to the rear by a fastening means 29 may be used to attach the brooch 20 to an article of clothing.
The invention will now be described as being solid and formed by molding a fashion accessory, and then described as a coated fashion accessory or accessory item.
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Solid Constr~lction Embodiment Figure 5 shows a solid monolithic arm bracelet 101 molded from a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
Figures 6a and 6b depict a finger ring 103 similarly constructed. Both of these costume jewelry items are molded from a plastic material consisting of 100% of a photochromic compound. As such, they are simple accessory items but exceptionally interesting and attractive to persons wanting to display heretofore unknown and unavailable unique costume jewelry items.
Figure 7 illustrates a fashion accessory 105 in the form of a hair comb or barrette. In this embodiment of the invention, the main body and decorative portion 107 is made from a photochromic compound, while the comb teeth 109 is devoid of any photochromic compound. For example, the teeth may be transparent plastic. Accordingly, the first part 107 responds to the impingement of ultraviolet light, while the second part 109 does not. The comb teeth lO9 are attached to the main body 107 by any appropriate means such as by gluing or other forms of bonding.
Representing the application of the invention to the ~ingernail art, Figure 8 shows the fashion accessory 111 as it would be sold to consumers, comprising two sets of 25 artificial ~ingernails 113 making up the molded member 11.
The stem portion 115 and mold gate portion 117 are discardable items having temporary usage in the ha~dling of the molded accessory item from the mold to the consuming public.
A second type of combination fashion accessory 119 shown in Figure 9 comprises a pair of stretchable cloth bands 121 on each end of which is tied a grouping of accessory items, a combination of band 121 and accessory item 123 constituting the combination fashion accessory 19.
In this arrangement, the band 121 is not photochromic, while the accessory items 123 are photochromic and moldable into a variety of shapes and sizes as desired.
Figures lOa and lOb illustrate the employment of the invention in the formation of a heart-shaped clothing emblem, e.g. a decorative or symbolic pin, to be worn on the outside of an item of clothing. If small enough, the same access~ry can be used as an earring. In Figures lOa and lOb, the emblem 125 is comprised of a heart-shaped decorative and symbolic item 127 molded from a photochromic compound and carrying a pin 129 which protrudes through the article of clothing or pierced ear and retained thereon by a soft plastic closure 31 which fits over pin 129 in an interference fit.
The earring embodiment of the invention is best shown in Figures lla and llb. The only difference between these two figures is the shape of the design formed by the combination of photochromic and nonphotochromic compounds making up the decorative upper or visible part 37 or 39 of the earring. Thus, the earring 33 shows a random design of photochromic compound 41 and nonphotochromic compound ~3 on the main body 37, while earring 35 shows a predetermined pattern having a photochromic portion 47 and a ~onphotochromic portion 45 in the main body 39. Both earrings 33 and 35 show a pin 49 and retainer clip 51 which are constxucted and used in a normal manner.
The random pattern in Figure lla may be formed by casting or injecting, into a single mold, plastic based materials of both photochromic and nonphotochromic types.
Appropriate techniques for causing swirling patterns of the two different types of compounds would be rather straightforward and need not be described in detail here.
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On the other hand, when a predetermined pattern us desired, the article of manufacture, e.g. the earring 35 of Figure llb, may be formed by casting or injecting, into a single mold, selective amounts of photochromic and nonphotochromic compounds at predetermined mold locations. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure llb, those predetermined locations are around the periphery of the mold producing the "notched wheel" effect illustrated.
In Figure 12, a sun visor 53 has a main body part 54 made of 100% photochromic compound is illustrated. If desired, any number of ornamental and decorative items can be attached to the sun visor 54 for an even more interesting effect and appeal.
Obviously, a nearly inexhaustible variety of fashion accessories can be produced using the concepts of the present invention, and the above-described items are merely exemplary.
Furthermore, for each fashion accessory comprised of both photochromic and nonphotochromic compounds, again an almost endless number of options are available for the fashion designer. For example, the materials chosen for the two portions 45 and 47 of earring 35 could be of the same color, for example white, when not sub~ected to ultraviolet light. Then, in the presence of ultraviolet light, portions 47 would turn color, for example to a blue or a bluish-red, and a very interesting, unexpected, and surprising colorful pattern would be created for the enjoyment and appreciation of both the wearer and those around her.
An alternate prescription for the earring 35 would be the construction thereof by two plastic base materials, both being photochromic but of different responsiveness to the impingement of ultraviolet light. Again, for example, -18 ~ 9 i ~
portion 45 could initially be white turning to blue under the influence of ultraviolet light, while portion 47 could be yellow turning to green upon the impingement of ultraviolet light. In this arrangement, the earring exhibits a multi-colored appearance both indoors and out in the sun, but, again surprisingly, the colors of the multi-colored pattern would be different as between inside and outside.
Carrying this concept even further, a fashion accessory could be made of three or more different types of materials, and the sun visor 53 of Figure 12 is an example of such an arrangement, wherein the main body 54 of the - visor 53 is made of 100% photochromic compound having one color shift characteristic, for example from white to blue.
The ornamental design 55 on each side may be made of a nonphotochromic compound, and the central ornamental design 57 can be made of a second photochromic compound having different color shifting characteristics than that of the body ~4. For example, it could change from a yellow color to a green color due to the color mixing between a yellow pigment added to a photochromic compound which would otherwise produce a bluish color resulting ~rom the photoionization of the compound. If the color of the nonphotochromic designs 55 were, for example red, an exceptionally interesting and visually appealing composite design would be appreciated by all as the wearer of the sun visor is sitting at pool side socializing with friends ; watching the sun set. A continually changing color display will be evident and appreciated by all.
~oated ~onstruction Embodiment Figure 13 shows a segment of a necklace or bracelet 60 in which the decorative items are spherical balls 61 separated and equally spaced along a string or chain 63.
The first ball 61 is shown in partial cross-section to 21~97~
illustrate its layered construction. The layered construction is better observed in Figure 1~ which is a full cross-sectional view of one of the balls 61. Although virtually any fashion accessory item or part thereof can be coated with a photochromic compound in accordance with the invention, only two examples of coated fashion accessories will be described herein. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to coating only spherical balls according to Figures 13 and 14 or the fabric item shown Figures 15 and 16.
One of the advantages of the invention using a photochromic coating is that the portion o~ the fashion accessory that is coated, i.e. that portion which is providing a base support member for the fashion accessory, can be made of inexpensive materials. The photochromic coating then enhances the accessory by providing the color changing feature as described earlier in this specification. Additionally, coating processes can be less expensive than molding processes and can also produce different aesthetically pleasing products than those produced by molding.
In the cross-section of Figure 14, the exemplary necklace ornament (ball) 61 is shown to have a base support member 65 (e.g. of plastic, glass, or metal) upon which a coating 67 of photochromic compound is provided. Generally speaking, although the photochromic compounds used in this invention are rather soft, there may be applications for the invention in which the fashion accessory is simply a combination of a base support member 65 and a photochromic coating 67. Optionally, then, a harder transparent or translucent coating 69 is applied over the photochromic coating 67 to protect the fashion accessory item against abrasion or other damage by coming in contact with harder objects.
97~:~
In one aspect o~ the invention, the outer protective layer 69 is made of a clear, transparent, hard plastic such as ~olycarbonate, PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), polyurathane, or other like available transparent plastic.
An alternative to being transparent is the use of a colored or tinted clear material or a plain or colored translucent material, provided that the amount of light passing through the protective layer to activate and reflect from the photochromic coating 67 is not significantly diminished by the light absorbing properties of whatever protective layer material is selected. Using a transparent protective layer 69, and keeping it as thin as possible to provide the appropriate physical protection while permitting maximum light transfer through it in both directions, the color changing properties of the photochromic coating 67 will be substantially as effective as it would be without a protective layer. With a tinted protective layer 69, both the basic color of photochromic coating 67 and its color after being impinged by light will be somewhat shifted ~ependent upon the color of the tint added to protective layer 69. Obviously, the color of the tint chosen for protective layer 69 is at the whim of the designer/manufacturer and will be selected to provide pleasing and/or uni~ue color combinations which are pleasing to the eye.
Figure 15 illustrates a di~ferent type of fashion accessory 71 utilizing the coated construction embodiment of the invention, the fashion accessory being useful as a fashionable garter, an armband, or a hair holder. The fashion accessory includes an elastic band 73 upon which a wide cloth border 75 is sewn along sew line 74. A lacy frill 76 completes the construction of the item. In this embodiment, a random pattern 77 of photochromic material creates a ~esign pattern on the fashion accessory 71 in the form of a camouflage design pattern. The construction of the coated accessory is better seen in the cross-sectional 3 ~ ~ g view of Figure 16, such cross-section being taken along lines 12-12 in Figure 15. In Figure 16, the pattern 77 is shown to comprise an inner coating 78 of photochromic compound and an outer protective layer 79 of glass or plastic as heretofore described. As with the embodiment of Figure 14, the invention, in its basic form, is completed with the coating of the fashion accessory with a photochromic coating 78. The protective layer 79 is optional. It is also to be understood by reference to Figure 16 that the photochromic coating 78 and optional protective layer 79 are not applied as ink dyes to the fabric, but rather as a coating which could be applied, for example, by means of roller printing, resulting in a thicker, more substantial, coating of color changeable compound then would be possible using an ink dye process.
It is obvious that modifications of the specific embodiments described above are possible without deviating from the scope of the underlying inventive concept, and the invention i5 to be considered as encompassing those variations. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.
above. Photochrome polymer pellets themselves, which contain photochromic powder in high concentrations (twenty times concentration level) in various resins can be processed with mixtures of polyethylene, polypropylene, or other resins in a ratio prescribed by the desired results in the finished product as to the intensity of the color change, balanced with the required integrity or texture of the ~inished product from a structural viewpoint.
Photochrome polymer pellets can have, as a base material, polymer materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate propionate, polyacetyl resin, acetyl cellulose, K-resin (styrenebutadiene copolymer), polyurethane rPsin, AS
tAcrylonitrile Styrene), ethylene-vinyl (ethylene vinyl acetate), nylon-12 polyester.
The photochrome products described heretofore exhibit the color change when exposed to irradiation from an ultraviolet ray source, such as sunlight, but the color is reversible. That is, when the product is removed from the ultraviolet radiation environment, the product reverses back to its original color, over a period of time. As is known in the fle]d of photochrome compounds, photochrome products are photoionized under the influence of the irradiated ultraviolet rays and exhibit a visual color change, usually to, but not restricted to, the bluish or reddish purple color spectrum.
Photochrome master pellets are available from Camel Chemical Ltd., #2F, Camel Bldg. 13 3GA, Tosung Dong, Seo Gu, Pusan, Korea, haveing the following formulation: U.V.
pigment (5 wt %); U.V. absorber (2-Hydroxy-4-3-octoxybenzophenone) (0.5 wt %); metalic soap (520 wax) (0.3 wt %); optical brightener (0.1 wt %); T3O2 (0.1 wt %); and polypropylene resin (94 wt %).
2 ~
While the products noted above have been enjoyed and appreciated by the purchasing public, there is a total lack in the availability of quality fabric products which exhibit the photochromic characteristic. Attempts have been made to supply fabxic or clothing products which incorporate the photochromic powder, but these prior attempts have been restricted to the use of inks, dyes, and films deposited on fabric material. For example, in order to create a stimulating design on an article of clothing, it has been necessary in the past to provide the finished article of clothin~ and then, through masking techniques and painting techniques, screen, or spray onto the surface of the article of clothing a pattern or design having the photochromic powder mixed with the ink or dye being used.
There is likewise a total lack in the availability of molded and/or coated solid and fabric fashion accessories which exhibit photochromic characteristic. In this description, the term "fashion accessories" is intended to include costume jewelry, hair and nail accessories and any other items recognized to be fashion accessories that are either wholly or partially decorative. The term thus includes rings, bracelets, earrings, key rings, barrettes, necklaces, buttons, brooches, pins, head bands, hair ties, hair combs, hair holders, fashionable head visors, and artificial fingernails. While some of these items are also functional, their primary appeal is to be decorative and visually pleasing.
As indicated earlier, attempts have been made to supply novelty items (e.g. coffee cup) and fabric or clothing products which incorporate photochromic and th~rmochromic powder, ~ut these prior attempts have been restricted to the use of inks, paints and fabric dyes in the case of thermochromic products, or inks, and films applied to the surface of novelty items or fabric material in the case of photochromic and thermochromic products.
-5- 2~97~
For example, in order to create stimulating visual interest in a particular article of manufacture, it has been generally necessary in the past to first produce (such as by molding) the finished article and then, through mas~ing and transfer techniques, apply to the surface of the article a pattern or design having the photochromic or thermochromic powder mixed with an appropriate carrier.
It is commonly known that an article of manufacture having a thin dye applied to the surface is not only subject to having the imprint removed by wear and cleaning but is also unattractive as compared to an article on which the body of the article itself, or at least portions thereof, is made of the material exhibiting the desired unique properties, and this is no more evident than in the field of fashion accessories where art and visual effects are more important than either form or function.
Moreover, while applying photochromic compounds to articles is generally known in the clothing and novelty item art, it has not been heretofore known to employ these concepts in the field of fashion accessories.
Althou~h forming thread strands from photoshromic materials is known, prior to the present invention the use of such thread strands have been limited to embroidering objects on the surface of an existing material, such as the sides of an athletic shoe. Because of the need for durability in such embroidered designs, the gauge of the thread strand has been relatively large as compared with that ordinarily used in the manufacture of woven fabrics.
.' Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved fabric product exhibiting a photochromic effect and/or incorporating a photochromic design or pattern which is devoid of the disadvantages of such inks and paints discussed above. There is likewise a need in the art for . , , ;
'~$~7~
improved fashion accessory products which exhibit a photochromic effect and/or incorporate a photochromic element or member which, in combination with other parts of the fashion accessory, forms a design or pattern, devoid of the disadvantages resulting from the use of the prior art products discussed above. The present invention satisfies these needs.
SUMMARY ~F THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and objections to the prior art techniques of utilizing photochromic compounds in clothing articles by providing a fabric woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds which change color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a photochromic thread strand is interwoven with a second thread strand devoid of any photochromic compound. In this manner, the fabric can exhibit patterns of areas containing photochromic compound threads and other areas containing standard threads (not containing photochromic compounds) such as cotton, polyester, nylon threads and the like. The invention requires the forming of fine gauge threads, on the order of 100- to 200-denier, and preferably 120- to ~90-denier, which is substantially thinner than heretofore proposed for purposes of em~roidering and the like, the latter threads being of 220-denier gauge and up.
In a specific embodiment of the invention, the fabric is woven into an elongated cord having a pattern comprising alternate areas of photochromic and nonphotochromic threads. More particularly, the fabric may be woven into the form of a shoelace having an interesting diamond, arrowhead, or other design along its length, which design is rather inconspicuous without the influence of 2~a~6 ultraviolet light, and which contrast~ the separate areas of design on the shoelace when outdoors, i.e~ when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
The invention is also suitable for creating interesting effects in other clothing accessories, such as head bands, brooches, belts, purses, and similar clothing articles.
The present invention also fills the need for more interesting and decorative fashlon articles by providing ~0 a fashion accessory made from, at least in part, a solid photochromic compound whch changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fashion accessory is molded from a plastic material consisting of 100% of a photochromic compound. Alternatively, the invention provides a fashion accessory comprising a base support member coated, at least in part, with a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
While the application of the concept underlying the invention is applicable to any fashion accessory, it is particularly useful in the field of forming costume jewelry (such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and the like), hair accessories (such as hair ties, hair combs, hair holders, head bands, and the like), fingernail accessories (such as ar~ificial fingernails), clothing emblems ~such as pins and brooches), and supplementary sports fashionwear (such as head sun visors).
A further embodiment of the invention comprises a fashion accessory item defining at least a decorative first portion of a fashion accessory, the accessory item being made from, at least in part, a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source o-f ultraviolet liyht. In another embodiment, the accessory item comprises -8- ~ 7 ~
a base support member coated, at least in part, with a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
In the latter of the above-noted embodiments, the photochromic coating may be optionally protected by applying a protective layer of an optically clear material such as, but not limited to, glass, plastics, lacquers, epoxys, and enamels.
In this description the term "coating" ~ill be used generically to mean painting on, depositing by spraying or roller printing, dipping, or molding, or any commonly used process for coating items with decorative materials.
In order to not diminish the color changing effects of the photochromic coating, the outer protective layer must be optically clear. Materials which fall into this category include glass and plastics such as polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate, and polyurathane. The plastic materials can be applied as protective layers in the form of optically clear lacquers, epoxys, or enamels.
In forming or assembling fashion accessories, it may be desirable to use a photochromic compound or coating in some portions and a nonphotochromic compound or coating in other portions of the accessory. In such a case, the overall aesthetic appeal of the fashion accessory would include the unique pattern formed by the photochromic and nonphotochromic elements of the accessory. The combined photochromic and nonphotochromic areas or regions can be assembled and attached by ordinary means of fastening, such as glue, heat bonding (including ultrasonic bonding), linking (e.g. intercoupling cooperating elements on each of the portions such as interlinking eyelets), elastic banding, pinning, yarn, string, and thread. Alternatively, the separate photochromic and nonphotochromic areas may be formed by selectively or randomly casting or injecting photochromic compound into the mold used in forming the accessory or accessory item, the base support member being predisposed in the mold, when used. The result could be, for example, a swirling effect or marbling in the finished product, a camouflaged effect, or simply a predetermined design.
The invention is also suitable for creating interesting effects in other fashion accessories not specifically described in this specification, and the foregoing are merely examples of possible applications for the invention.
BRIEF D~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 shows a woven fabric made in accordance with the basic form of the invention;
FIGUR~ 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in the form of a shoestring wherein a pattern is shown defined by different areas of woven thread with and without photochromic properties;
FIGURE 2a shows an alternate design for the different areas on the shoestring;
FIGURE 2b shows yet a further alternate for the design on the shoestring;
FIGURE 3 depicts a clothing accessory in the form of a head band wherein part of the head band is constructed using a woven fabric in accordance with the present invention; and 2 ~ 7 ~
FIGURE 4 depicts a brooch incorporating a fabric made in accordance with the invention~
FIGURE 5 shows a bracelet made in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 6a and 6b show the front and side elevation views of a finger ring made in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 7 illustrates an embodiment of the invention made of a combination of parts, one part having photochromic properties and the other part not having photochromic properties;
FIGUR~ ~ shows a number of artificial fingernails as they would appear just after removal from the mold, the fingernails being made of photochromic material;
: 15 FIGURE 9 shows a hair tie in which the ends have decorative items made of photochromic material;
FIGURE~ lOa and lOb shows the front and side. elevation view of a clothing emblem or an earring made in accordance with the present invention;
FIGUR~B lla and llb illustrate variations of an earring comprising the fashion accessory made in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 12 shows a sun visor representing an alternate form of a fashion accessory made in accordance with the invention;
FIGURE 13 is an example of a fashion accessory which includes at least a coated portion thereof;
5~'3~37~
FIGURE 14 shows a cross-sectional view of one of the elements of the accessory shown in Figure 13;
FIGURE 15 illustrates another fashion accessory, being of fabric construction, incorporating the invenkion; and FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view of a segment of the accessory shown in Figure 15.
DBTAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Woven Fabric Embodiment Figure 1 shows a piece of woven fabric 1 which represents the basic concept of the prPsent invention, i.e.
that photochromic threads which have been produced in the form of fine thread strands, can be substituted for the threads normally used in the manufacture of textile materials. Heretofore, it has not been known to manufacture fabrics woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds. Although not shown in detail in Figure 1, nor is it necessary to do so, it is to be understood that the woven fabric according to the present invention may be woven with all photochromic thread or with a combination of photochromic thread and nonphotochromic thread. For example, when the fabric 1 is to be used to cover the support for a head band 9, ~igure 3), it may be desirable for the entire fabric product to be wovPn from 100% photochromic thread strands.
Alternatively, the fabric 1 of Figure 1 could be formed by using photochromic thread strands for the warp and nonphotochromic thread strands for the woof. Other combinations are equally desirable, such as using nonphotochromic thread strands for the warp and using alternate strands of photochromic and nonphotochromic thread strands in the woof interlacing the warp.
Obviously, other combinations not mentioned here would equally desirable or effective.
2 ~$~3~ i~
Alternatively, instead of using a combination of photochromic and nonphotochromic thread strands, it may be desirable to use two different photochromic thread strands, each with its own chemical formulation to produce either a different color or a different intensity of color as compared to the other thread strand used in the manufacture of woven fabric material.
Figure 2 illustrates an example of the invention wherein the fabric is woven into a elongated cord 3 having some areas 5 of nonphotochromic thread strands and other areas 7 of photochromic thread strands, thereby producing a pattern along the longitudinal length of the elongated cord 3. Preferably, the elongated cord 3 is useful as a shoestring, a pull tie for an article of clothing, or a tie string for decorative purposes. Weaving techniques for producing a shoestring with the pattern shown in Figure 2 are known and need not be discussed in this disclosure.
Figures 2a and 2b show variations of the pattern in the elongated cord 3. In Figure 2, for example, the photochromic thread forms an arrowhead shape in Figure 2a as opposed to the diamond shape in Figure 2. In Figure 2b, the pattern comprises outer areas 5 defining longitudinal strips comprised of nonphotochromic thread strands, and an inner area 7 defining a longitudinal strip comprised of photochromic thread strands. An interesting and aesthetic improv~ment to the elongated cord 3 in Figure 2b is to provide an intermediate stripe 8 between the photochromic and nonphotochromic areas 7, 5, respectively. For example, the color for the fabric of a shoestrin~ may be white, and both the nonphotochromic area 5 and photochromic area 7 would appear white in the finished product when not exposed to ultraviolet light. In ultraviolet light, the photochromic area 7 will be become colored, usually in the bluish to reddish-purple color spectrum. Therefore, in sunlight, the shoestring would have an appealing -13- ~3 ~
appearance, and indoors it would revert back to its original coloring (in time) and have a different, more subtle, appeal. By providing, for example, a red or blue stripe 8, a different design on the shoestring is readily apparent indoors than what is observed outdoors in the sunlight.
The designs depicted in Figures 2, 2a, and 2b are merely examples of designs that can be woven into the cord 3, and it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such designs, but that any other conceivable design for an elongated cord would be equally applicable.
It is further to be understood that the separate areas 5 and 7 may be optically contrasted without the need to have one of the areas completely devoid of any photochromic properties, and both areas may be formed of thread strands having different photochromic properties. This would he true in any embodiment of the invention wherein a pattern, or the use two different types of thread strands, are employed. One example of this would be the provision of a decorative article wherein one of the areas is white when not excited by ultraviolet light and the other area is yellow under the same conditions. Then, when exposed to ultraviolet light, the white areas will turn bluish, while the yellow areas will turn greenish due to the color mixing between the yellow pigment of the thread strand and the bluish color resulting from the photoionization of the photochromic compound content of the thread strand.
Further, it may be desirable to create a fabric or textile product which has a multiplicity of different thread characteristics, ranging all the way from totally nonphotochromic to heavily photochromic, and including thread strands containing dye pigments with or without photochromic properties. Such would be the case, for example, if the upper area 5 in Figure 2b comprised -14~ 7,3 photochromic thread strands, the center area 7 comprised photochromic thread strands of a different color characteristic, and the lower area 5 would comprise nonphotochromic thread strands. Obviously, the combinations of designs and interweaving techniques are limitless.
Figure 3 shows, by way of example, an accessory in the form of a head band which has a supporting member 17, made of metal or plastic, covered by a fabric 11 which may have the configuration of any of the aforementioned fabric types, i.e. any arrangement of photochromic and nonphotochromic thread strands, with or without patterns being employed. In the example shown in Figure 3, bows 13 are supported on the head band by any means 15 for holding it to ~he body of the head band g, and additional decorative items 19 are arranged as desirable. The head band example is merely indicative of what can be done with innovative ideas in the incorporation into clothing articles or accessories therefore using the fabric made in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 4 shows another example of an accessory in the form of a brooch 20 employing a support member 23 covered by a fabric 21 made in accordance with the invention.
Decorations 25 (such as gold colored nuggets3 complement the appeal of the brooch 20. A pin 27 attached to the rear by a fastening means 29 may be used to attach the brooch 20 to an article of clothing.
The invention will now be described as being solid and formed by molding a fashion accessory, and then described as a coated fashion accessory or accessory item.
-15- ~ '3 i ~
Solid Constr~lction Embodiment Figure 5 shows a solid monolithic arm bracelet 101 molded from a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
Figures 6a and 6b depict a finger ring 103 similarly constructed. Both of these costume jewelry items are molded from a plastic material consisting of 100% of a photochromic compound. As such, they are simple accessory items but exceptionally interesting and attractive to persons wanting to display heretofore unknown and unavailable unique costume jewelry items.
Figure 7 illustrates a fashion accessory 105 in the form of a hair comb or barrette. In this embodiment of the invention, the main body and decorative portion 107 is made from a photochromic compound, while the comb teeth 109 is devoid of any photochromic compound. For example, the teeth may be transparent plastic. Accordingly, the first part 107 responds to the impingement of ultraviolet light, while the second part 109 does not. The comb teeth lO9 are attached to the main body 107 by any appropriate means such as by gluing or other forms of bonding.
Representing the application of the invention to the ~ingernail art, Figure 8 shows the fashion accessory 111 as it would be sold to consumers, comprising two sets of 25 artificial ~ingernails 113 making up the molded member 11.
The stem portion 115 and mold gate portion 117 are discardable items having temporary usage in the ha~dling of the molded accessory item from the mold to the consuming public.
A second type of combination fashion accessory 119 shown in Figure 9 comprises a pair of stretchable cloth bands 121 on each end of which is tied a grouping of accessory items, a combination of band 121 and accessory item 123 constituting the combination fashion accessory 19.
In this arrangement, the band 121 is not photochromic, while the accessory items 123 are photochromic and moldable into a variety of shapes and sizes as desired.
Figures lOa and lOb illustrate the employment of the invention in the formation of a heart-shaped clothing emblem, e.g. a decorative or symbolic pin, to be worn on the outside of an item of clothing. If small enough, the same access~ry can be used as an earring. In Figures lOa and lOb, the emblem 125 is comprised of a heart-shaped decorative and symbolic item 127 molded from a photochromic compound and carrying a pin 129 which protrudes through the article of clothing or pierced ear and retained thereon by a soft plastic closure 31 which fits over pin 129 in an interference fit.
The earring embodiment of the invention is best shown in Figures lla and llb. The only difference between these two figures is the shape of the design formed by the combination of photochromic and nonphotochromic compounds making up the decorative upper or visible part 37 or 39 of the earring. Thus, the earring 33 shows a random design of photochromic compound 41 and nonphotochromic compound ~3 on the main body 37, while earring 35 shows a predetermined pattern having a photochromic portion 47 and a ~onphotochromic portion 45 in the main body 39. Both earrings 33 and 35 show a pin 49 and retainer clip 51 which are constxucted and used in a normal manner.
The random pattern in Figure lla may be formed by casting or injecting, into a single mold, plastic based materials of both photochromic and nonphotochromic types.
Appropriate techniques for causing swirling patterns of the two different types of compounds would be rather straightforward and need not be described in detail here.
-17- 2~ 7~
On the other hand, when a predetermined pattern us desired, the article of manufacture, e.g. the earring 35 of Figure llb, may be formed by casting or injecting, into a single mold, selective amounts of photochromic and nonphotochromic compounds at predetermined mold locations. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure llb, those predetermined locations are around the periphery of the mold producing the "notched wheel" effect illustrated.
In Figure 12, a sun visor 53 has a main body part 54 made of 100% photochromic compound is illustrated. If desired, any number of ornamental and decorative items can be attached to the sun visor 54 for an even more interesting effect and appeal.
Obviously, a nearly inexhaustible variety of fashion accessories can be produced using the concepts of the present invention, and the above-described items are merely exemplary.
Furthermore, for each fashion accessory comprised of both photochromic and nonphotochromic compounds, again an almost endless number of options are available for the fashion designer. For example, the materials chosen for the two portions 45 and 47 of earring 35 could be of the same color, for example white, when not sub~ected to ultraviolet light. Then, in the presence of ultraviolet light, portions 47 would turn color, for example to a blue or a bluish-red, and a very interesting, unexpected, and surprising colorful pattern would be created for the enjoyment and appreciation of both the wearer and those around her.
An alternate prescription for the earring 35 would be the construction thereof by two plastic base materials, both being photochromic but of different responsiveness to the impingement of ultraviolet light. Again, for example, -18 ~ 9 i ~
portion 45 could initially be white turning to blue under the influence of ultraviolet light, while portion 47 could be yellow turning to green upon the impingement of ultraviolet light. In this arrangement, the earring exhibits a multi-colored appearance both indoors and out in the sun, but, again surprisingly, the colors of the multi-colored pattern would be different as between inside and outside.
Carrying this concept even further, a fashion accessory could be made of three or more different types of materials, and the sun visor 53 of Figure 12 is an example of such an arrangement, wherein the main body 54 of the - visor 53 is made of 100% photochromic compound having one color shift characteristic, for example from white to blue.
The ornamental design 55 on each side may be made of a nonphotochromic compound, and the central ornamental design 57 can be made of a second photochromic compound having different color shifting characteristics than that of the body ~4. For example, it could change from a yellow color to a green color due to the color mixing between a yellow pigment added to a photochromic compound which would otherwise produce a bluish color resulting ~rom the photoionization of the compound. If the color of the nonphotochromic designs 55 were, for example red, an exceptionally interesting and visually appealing composite design would be appreciated by all as the wearer of the sun visor is sitting at pool side socializing with friends ; watching the sun set. A continually changing color display will be evident and appreciated by all.
~oated ~onstruction Embodiment Figure 13 shows a segment of a necklace or bracelet 60 in which the decorative items are spherical balls 61 separated and equally spaced along a string or chain 63.
The first ball 61 is shown in partial cross-section to 21~97~
illustrate its layered construction. The layered construction is better observed in Figure 1~ which is a full cross-sectional view of one of the balls 61. Although virtually any fashion accessory item or part thereof can be coated with a photochromic compound in accordance with the invention, only two examples of coated fashion accessories will be described herein. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to coating only spherical balls according to Figures 13 and 14 or the fabric item shown Figures 15 and 16.
One of the advantages of the invention using a photochromic coating is that the portion o~ the fashion accessory that is coated, i.e. that portion which is providing a base support member for the fashion accessory, can be made of inexpensive materials. The photochromic coating then enhances the accessory by providing the color changing feature as described earlier in this specification. Additionally, coating processes can be less expensive than molding processes and can also produce different aesthetically pleasing products than those produced by molding.
In the cross-section of Figure 14, the exemplary necklace ornament (ball) 61 is shown to have a base support member 65 (e.g. of plastic, glass, or metal) upon which a coating 67 of photochromic compound is provided. Generally speaking, although the photochromic compounds used in this invention are rather soft, there may be applications for the invention in which the fashion accessory is simply a combination of a base support member 65 and a photochromic coating 67. Optionally, then, a harder transparent or translucent coating 69 is applied over the photochromic coating 67 to protect the fashion accessory item against abrasion or other damage by coming in contact with harder objects.
97~:~
In one aspect o~ the invention, the outer protective layer 69 is made of a clear, transparent, hard plastic such as ~olycarbonate, PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), polyurathane, or other like available transparent plastic.
An alternative to being transparent is the use of a colored or tinted clear material or a plain or colored translucent material, provided that the amount of light passing through the protective layer to activate and reflect from the photochromic coating 67 is not significantly diminished by the light absorbing properties of whatever protective layer material is selected. Using a transparent protective layer 69, and keeping it as thin as possible to provide the appropriate physical protection while permitting maximum light transfer through it in both directions, the color changing properties of the photochromic coating 67 will be substantially as effective as it would be without a protective layer. With a tinted protective layer 69, both the basic color of photochromic coating 67 and its color after being impinged by light will be somewhat shifted ~ependent upon the color of the tint added to protective layer 69. Obviously, the color of the tint chosen for protective layer 69 is at the whim of the designer/manufacturer and will be selected to provide pleasing and/or uni~ue color combinations which are pleasing to the eye.
Figure 15 illustrates a di~ferent type of fashion accessory 71 utilizing the coated construction embodiment of the invention, the fashion accessory being useful as a fashionable garter, an armband, or a hair holder. The fashion accessory includes an elastic band 73 upon which a wide cloth border 75 is sewn along sew line 74. A lacy frill 76 completes the construction of the item. In this embodiment, a random pattern 77 of photochromic material creates a ~esign pattern on the fashion accessory 71 in the form of a camouflage design pattern. The construction of the coated accessory is better seen in the cross-sectional 3 ~ ~ g view of Figure 16, such cross-section being taken along lines 12-12 in Figure 15. In Figure 16, the pattern 77 is shown to comprise an inner coating 78 of photochromic compound and an outer protective layer 79 of glass or plastic as heretofore described. As with the embodiment of Figure 14, the invention, in its basic form, is completed with the coating of the fashion accessory with a photochromic coating 78. The protective layer 79 is optional. It is also to be understood by reference to Figure 16 that the photochromic coating 78 and optional protective layer 79 are not applied as ink dyes to the fabric, but rather as a coating which could be applied, for example, by means of roller printing, resulting in a thicker, more substantial, coating of color changeable compound then would be possible using an ink dye process.
It is obvious that modifications of the specific embodiments described above are possible without deviating from the scope of the underlying inventive concept, and the invention i5 to be considered as encompassing those variations. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.
Claims (63)
1. A fabric woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds which change color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
2. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 1, including a second fine thread strand interwoven with said first-mentioned thread strand, said second thread strand devoid of any photochromic compound.
3. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said first thread comprises the warp, and said second thread comprises the woof in the woven fabric.
4. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said first and second threads are woven alternatively within the fabric to form patterns therein.
5. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 1, including a second fine thread interwoven with said first-mentioned thread, said second thread made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds which change color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light, the color change for said second thread being different than the color change for said first-mentioned thread.
6. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said first and second threads are interwoven to form a pattern in said fabric, some areas of said woven fabric having both warp and woof comprised of said first thread, and other areas of said woven fabric having both warp and woof comprised of said second thread.
7. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said fabric is woven into an elongated cord, and said pattern comprises alternate areas of said first and second threads along the length of said cord.
8. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said fabric is woven into a cord, and said pattern comprises outer areas defining longitudinal strips comprised of said second thread along the longitudinal edges of said cord, and an inner area, intermediate said outer areas, defining a longitudinal strip comprised of said first thread along the length of said cord.
9. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said cord is a shoestring.
10. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said cord is a pull string for an article of clothing.
11. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said cord is a decorative tie string.
12. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said cord is a shoestring.
13. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said cord is a pullstring for an article of clothing.
14. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said cord is a decorative tie string.
15. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said first-mentioned thread strands are finer 190-denier.
16. The woven fabric as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said thread strands comprise a polymer material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate propionate, polycetyl resin, acetyl cellulose, K-resin (styrenebutadiene copolymer), polyurethane resin, AS, ethylene-vinyl, and nylon 12 polyester.
17. A clothing accessory comprising:
a support member;
a fabric covering at least a part of said support, said fabric woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds which change color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
a support member;
a fabric covering at least a part of said support, said fabric woven from fine thread strands made of, at least in part, photochromic compounds which change color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
18. The clothing accessory as claimed in Claim 17, comprising decorative accessary items mounted on said support member and covering some areas of said woven fabric, said decorative accessory items being devoid of any photochromic compound, thereby exposing areas of said woven fabric between said decorative accessory items, which exposed areas will exhibit color change upon exposure to ultraviolet light in contrast to said decorative accessory items which will not.
19. The clothing accessary as claimed in Claim 17, wherein said support member is in the shape of a head band.
20. The clothing accessory as claimed in Claim 17, wherein:
said support member includes means for clipping said accessory to a piece of clothing; and said support member is in the shape of a decorative brooch.
said support member includes means for clipping said accessory to a piece of clothing; and said support member is in the shape of a decorative brooch.
21. A fashion accessory made from, at least in part, a solid photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
22. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 21, including a portion thereof which is devoid of any photochromic compound.
23. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 21, molded from a plastic material consisting of 100% of a photochromic compound.
24. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 21, in the form of a hair accessory.
25. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 21, in the form of a fingernail accessory.
26. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 21, in the form of a clothing emblem.
27. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 21, in the form of a costume jewelry accessory.
28. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 27, wherein said costume jewelry accessory is a necklace.
29. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said photochromic compound comprises a polymer material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate propionate, polycetyl resin, acetyl cellulose, K-resin (styrenebutadiene copolymer), polyurethane resin, AS, ethylene-vinyl, and nylon 12 polyester.
30. A fashion accessory item defining at least a decorative first portion of a fashion accessory, said accessory item being made from, at least in part, a solid photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
31. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 30, wherein at least a part of said fashion accessory is devoid of any photochromic compound thereby defining a second portion thereof.
32. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 31, wherein said first and second portions are arranged in a pattern, and said fashion accessory therefore displays said pattern as alternate regions of said first and second portions responsive to and not responsive to the impingement of ultraviolet light, respectively.
33. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 32, wherein said pattern is random and formed by casting or injecting, into a single mold, plastic base materials of both said first and second portion types.
34. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 32, wherein said pattern is predetermined and formed by casting or injecting, into a single mold, selected amounts of said first and second portion types at predetermined mold locations.
35. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 32, wherein said first and second portions are attached by at least one of a number of known means for fastening, including gluing, heat bonding, linking, elastic thread, pinning, yarn, string and thread.
36. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 32, wherein said photochromic compound comprises a polymer material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate propionate, polycetyl resin, acetyl cellulose, K-resin (styrenebutadiene copolymer), polyurethane resin, AS, ethylene-vinyl, and nylon 12 polyester.
37. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 30, wherein at least a part of said fashion accessory is made of a photochromic compound having different color changing properties than those of said first portion, thereby defining a second portion thereof.
38. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 37, wherein said first and second portions are arranged in a pattern, and said fashion accessory therefore displays said pattern as alternate regions having distinctive color changing properties.
39. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 38, wherein at least a part of said fashion accessory is made of a non-photochromic compound.
40. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 30, comprising a plurality of portions making up the whole of said fashion accessory, each portion having a different degree of intensity of color change selected from a range of intensities including no color change, and a different color changing characteristic for those portions which exhibit a color change.
41. A fashion accessory comprising a base support member coated, at least in part, with a photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
42. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, including a portion thereof which is devoid of any photochromic compound.
43. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, coated with a photochromic material covering 100% of the fashion accessory.
44. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, in the form of a hair accessory.
45. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, in the form of a fingernail accessory.
46. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, in the form of a clothing emblem.
47. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, in the form of a costume jewelry accessory.
48. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 47, wherein said costume jewelry accessory is a necklace.
49. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, wherein said photochromic compound comprises a polymer material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate propionate, polycetyl resin, acetyl cellulose, K-resin (styrenebutadiene copolymer), polyurethane resin, AS, ethylene-vinyl, and nylon 12 polyester.
50. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, wherein said base support member is a solid material.
51. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, wherein said base support member is flexible.
52. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 51, wherein said flexible support member is made of fabric.
53. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 51, wherein said flexible support member is made of thin gauge plastic film.
54. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 41, comprising an outer protective layer covering said coated part of said base support member, said protective layer comprising a material which passes light therethrough.
55. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 54, wherein said protective layer is colored so as to display a color which is different than the color of said photochromic compound.
56. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 54, wherein said protective layer is a clear outer layer.
57. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 56, wherein said clear outer layer is polycarbonate.
58. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 56, wherein said clear outer layer is polymethylmethacrylate.
59. The fashion accessory as claimed in Claim 56, wherein said clear outer layer is selected from the group consisting of epoxys, enamels, and lacquers.
60. A fashion accessory item defining at least a decorative first portion of a fashion accessory, said accessory item comprising a base support member coated, at least in part, with a solid photochromic compound which changes color when exposed to a source of ultraviolet light.
61. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 60, wherein:
at least a part of said fashion accessory is devoid of any photochromic compound thereby defining a second portion thereof;
and said first and second portions are arranged in a pattern, and said fashion accessory therefore displays said pattern as alternate regions of said first and second portions responsive to and not responsive to the impingement of ultraviolet light, respectively.
at least a part of said fashion accessory is devoid of any photochromic compound thereby defining a second portion thereof;
and said first and second portions are arranged in a pattern, and said fashion accessory therefore displays said pattern as alternate regions of said first and second portions responsive to and not responsive to the impingement of ultraviolet light, respectively.
62. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 61, wherein said pattern is formed by casting or injecting, into a single mold and about the outer surface of said base support member, plastic base materials of both said first and second portion types.
63. The fashion accessory item as claimed in Claim 60, wherein:
at least a part of said fashion accessory is made of a photochromic compound having different color changing properties than those of said first portion, thereby defining a second portion thereof; and said first and second portions are arranged in a pattern, and said fashion accessory therefore displays said pattern as alternate regions having distinctive color changing properties.
at least a part of said fashion accessory is made of a photochromic compound having different color changing properties than those of said first portion, thereby defining a second portion thereof; and said first and second portions are arranged in a pattern, and said fashion accessory therefore displays said pattern as alternate regions having distinctive color changing properties.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US80289591A | 1991-12-06 | 1991-12-06 | |
| US07/802,895 | 1991-12-06 | ||
| US80970691A | 1991-12-16 | 1991-12-16 | |
| US07/809,706 | 1991-12-16 | ||
| US85056792A | 1992-03-13 | 1992-03-13 | |
| US07/850,567 | 1992-03-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2066978A1 true CA2066978A1 (en) | 1993-06-07 |
Family
ID=27419993
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2066978 Abandoned CA2066978A1 (en) | 1991-12-06 | 1992-04-24 | Fabric, molded, or coated articles exhibiting color change when exposed to ultraviolet light |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2066978A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1631161A2 (en) * | 2003-06-02 | 2006-03-08 | Lauren M. Aperfine | Thermochromic waterproof apparel |
| CN102677276A (en) * | 2012-05-29 | 2012-09-19 | 蔡紫林 | Fabric |
| CN103541113A (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2014-01-29 | 苏州工业园区友顺制衣厂 | Photochromic fabric |
| WO2018076259A1 (en) * | 2016-10-28 | 2018-05-03 | 冯李荣 | Textile fabric having stealth function |
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1992
- 1992-04-24 CA CA 2066978 patent/CA2066978A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| EP1631161A2 (en) * | 2003-06-02 | 2006-03-08 | Lauren M. Aperfine | Thermochromic waterproof apparel |
| EP1631161A4 (en) * | 2003-06-02 | 2007-05-23 | Debra B Aperfine | Thermochromic waterproof apparel |
| USRE42628E1 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2011-08-23 | Debra B. Aperfine | Thermochromic water proof apparel |
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| CN103541113A (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2014-01-29 | 苏州工业园区友顺制衣厂 | Photochromic fabric |
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| US11313072B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2022-04-26 | Levi Strauss & Co. | On-demand manufacturing of laser-finished apparel |
| US11680366B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2023-06-20 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Laser finishing design tool |
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| US11925227B2 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2024-03-12 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Shadow neutral 3-D visualization of garment |
| US11612203B2 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2023-03-28 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Laser finishing design tool with shadow neutral 3-D garment rendering |
| US11484080B2 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2022-11-01 | Levi Strauss & Co. | Shadow neutral 3-D garment rendering |
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