GB2563940A

GB2563940A - Apparatus for dyeing items

Info

Publication number: GB2563940A
Application number: GB1710554.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mann Miles; Hearndon Joe
Original assignee: Robovision Ltd
Current assignee: Robovision Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-30
Filing date: 2017-06-30
Publication date: 2019-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-30
Also published as: GB2563940B; GB201710554D0

Abstract

Apparatus for dying fabric items comprises two parts 5 detachably connectable to form a container and which are preferably generally hemi-spherical. A retainers 15 secure the parts together in a connected condition such that they define an internal space arranged to contain an item to be dyed. At least one of the parts comprises a dye inlet port 10 to allow fabric dye to be introduced into the internal space of the container. Each inlet port 10 may comprise a one-way valve. Each part may comprise complimentary extension portions 7 which together form opposed externally threaded extensions with hollow innards in communication with the internal space. Retainers 15 may be screwed onto the extensions to hold the parts 5 together and caps 19 may close the hollow innards and may be removed to rinse and drain the container of dye. The container may comprise a mount 20 with a grip 20b, and a handle 25 for rotating the container. The container may be used for tie-dying.

Description

APPARATUS FOR DYEING ITEMS

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to dyeing items, in particular, although not exclusively to tie-dyeing garments.

Background

Apparatus for producing dyed items, such as garments, are known. These may be tie-dyed clothes, for example. The known apparatus typically comprise a kit for home use. However, the known apparatus can be cumbersome to use, and can have the disadvantage that there is a risk that coloured dye may become exposed to other items inadvertently. Therefore known arrangements can be messy to use.

We have devised an improved apparatus for dyeing items.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for dying fabric items, the apparatus comprising two parts, arranged to be detachably connectable to form a container, and the apparatus further comprising a retainer or fastener to secure the parts together in a connected condition, and when in a connected condition the container formed by the two connected parts defines an internal space arranged to contain an item to be dyed, and at least one of the parts comprises a dye inlet port to allow fabric dye to be introduced into the internal space of the container.

The retainer is preferably configured to maintain the two parts together and to ensure a substantially fluid-tight seal at an interface between the two parts.

Each of the parts may be termed housing parts.

The retainer could take any of various different realisations.

The retainer may be wholly detachable/separable from the two parts.

The retainer may be arranged to be rotated into a retaining position. The retainer may comprise a threaded portion.

The retainer may comprise a ring, or locking nut.

The apparatus may comprise two retainers. Each retainer may be arranged to be used at different respective regions of the container (formed by the two parts). The apparatus may be such that a retainer is arranged to be used at substantially opposite distal end regions of the container.

The retainer may comprise a resilient or elastomeric component arranged to be placed around the two parts. This is an alternative to use of a (rigid) ring or locking nut.

An extension portion or outward formation may be provided on each part, which extends generally away from the internal space defined by the respective part. The extension portion may be substantially part cylindrical. The extension portion may comprise a threaded region provided on an outward surface.

The extension portion of one part, may be arranged to be complementary to the extension portion of the other part, such that they preferably form a threaded extension when the two parts are brought together. The retainer may comprise a lock ring, arranged to threadably engage with the pair of threaded portions, such as to retain the parts together (in a closed condition).

The extension portions of the parts, when brought together, may define a hollow innard, or passageway, which is in communication with the internal space of the container.

Each part may comprise two extension portions, located at opposite end regions of the part, and which are preferably diametrically aligned/opposed.

Each part may comprise a substantially hemispherical region. More generally, each part may be of dished, bowled or rounded shape.

When in a connected condition, the two parts may form a shape which comprises a substantially spherical formation. The two parts may form a substantially orb shape.

The interface region defined by the two parts when in a connected condition may comprise complementary formations which form a substantially fluid seal.

Each, or at least one, of the parts may be substantially transparent. Each, or at least one, of the parts may be substantially wholly transparent.

The two parts preferably form two halves of the container. The container maybe viewed as a two-piece housing.

The two parts may be of substantially identical shape.

The container may comprise a rinse inlet and a rinse outlet, such that, in use, rinsing fluid can be directed into the rinse inlet, through the container and exit from the rinse outlet. This may be viewed as conveniently allowing a pathway for rinsing fluid/liquid to flow through the internal space of the container. In this way, any excess or residue dye can be flushed away.

The rinse inlet and rinse outlet may be provided by an inner space defined by the extension portions which serve to allow the two parts to be retained together.

The dye inlet port may comprise a valve. The valve may comprise a one-way valve.

The valve is preferably incorporated into the respective part.

Each, or at least one of, the parts may comprise multiple inlet ports. The multiple inlet ports may be provided at different respective regions of the or each part. The dye inlet ports may be distributed across the or each part.

The apparatus may comprise two closures or end caps, which are arranged to be detachably connectable to close the rinse inlet and close the rinse outlet. The closures may be arranged to be fitted onto the extension portions. The closures may be arranged to be rotated into a closure position. The closures may be arranged to form a substantially fluid tight closure.

The apparatus may comprise a mount or mounting structure to hold or carry the container. The mount may be arranged to receive respective end regions of the container. When held in the mount, the mount may be arranged to allow rotation of the container relative to the mount. The mount may comprise a rigid arm, which connects regions of the mount which receive respective end regions of the container. The rigid arm may be of curved shape. The arm may be arranged to serve as a handle for a user to grip during use of the device.

We use ‘dye’ to include any coloured substance or pigment, which may be in liquid form, suitable for use with the apparatus to impart coloration to one or more items held within the container. Dye preferably includes fabric dye.

By ‘fabric items’, we include a wide variety of relevant possibilities, such as clothes, bags, garments, apparel, soft toys, material/fabric jewellery, fabric sheets, etc.

Another aspect of the invention may comprise a dyeing kit, which comprises the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention and one or more quantities of dye.

The invention may comprise one or more features disclosed in the description and/or shown in the Figures, either individually or in combination.

Brief Description of the drawings

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a dyeing apparatus,

Figure 2 is a view of the container of the apparatus in an assembled condition, and

Figure 3 is a view of the container provided with a mount.

Detailed Description

There is now described an apparatus 1 for use in dyeing garments, such as clothes. In overview, the apparatus comprises two hemispherical parts 2 and 3, which connect together to form a container for dyeing items, such as items of fabric or clothing. Items are placed in the container formed by the two parts, and the parts and are then secured together by a retainer. Dye can then be introduced into the container to provide a desired decorative effect to the item.

Each hemispherical part 2 and 3, comprises a domed or hemispherical portion, which forms a major surface portion (shown generally by the reference numeral 5) of each part 2 and 3. Each hemispherical part 2 and 3, comprises two interface surfaces (shown generally by the reference numeral 6) which are arranged to interface with opposed complementary interface surfaces 6 of the other part. These surfaces may be of stepped cross-sectional profile, and so locate one onto or into the other. These may comprise two interfaceable and complementary shoulders. Alternatively, these could be tongue-and-groove type connections, with a tongue (or male) formation on one part, and a groove (or female) formation on the other.

When interfacing one part against the other, the inter-engagement of the interface surfaces ensures a substantially fluid tight seal.

Each of the parts 2 and 3 comprises two extension portions 7. Each extension portion extends generally away from the major internal space defined by each of the parts. Each extension portion is of substantially part cylindrical shape, and its outward surface comprises a threaded portion 8. For each part, the extension portions 7 are diametrically opposed, with each portion provided at an opposite end region. Each of the extension portions is arranged to fit with a counterpart extension portion of the other part, so as to form a threaded shaft or stub.

Each of the extension portions 7 defines an internal space, which communicates with the major internal space defined by the part, ie. that defined by the hemispherical or domed wall. As will be described in more detail below, the extension portions form a means to allow the two parts to be secured together, as well as providing a rinse fluid inlet and a rinse fluid outlet.

Turning to the hemispherical portions of the parts, each of these comprises a number of one-way valves 10. The valves form inlet ports to allow a user to introduce dye into the space defined by the two parts, and thereby apply a coloration to the item which is in the container.

The valves are distributed within the surface of the parts, such that dye can be applied to different parts of the item. Each of the valves 10 is configured to allow dye to pass into the internal item-containing space, but to prevent it from flowing from inside to outside. The one-way valve may comprise a resilient component or resilient assembly to allow this to be achieved.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of one-way valves, closures, such as threaded caps, may be used to close off a dye inlet port (which is provided with a complimentary threaded portion), and allow removal or detachment thereof to allow access to the inlet port when the user needs to introduce dye into the container.

The apparatus further comprises two retainer rings, 15. Each ring 15 comprises an external grip configuration 16 to allow a user to grip the retainer ring and rotate it in a required sense. An internal surface of the ring comprises a formation arranged to threadably engage with the threaded portions 8 of the extension portions. The internal surface of the retainer ring may itself comprise a threaded portion.

The apparatus 1 further comprises two end caps 19. The end caps 19 are also arranged to be rotated onto the (respective pair of) extension portions 7, and are provided with an internal formation which threadably engages with the respective pair of extension portions 7. When rotated into position on the extension portions, each of the caps closes off (such as to be substantially liquid tight or liquid sealed) the rinse inlet, and the rinse outlet, formed by the extension portions 7.

One or both of the end caps may comprise a key way or shaped recess 19a for engageably receiving a handle 25. As will be described below, the handle 25 allows a user to rotate the container when the mount 20 is used. The mount 20 comprises a handle 20b, of curved shape. At each end of the handle 20b there is provided a locating feature 20a which is arranged to receive and retain the extension portions 7, and the cap 19 and the ring 15 therein. In other terms, each locating feature is arranged to receive a distal end region of the container formed by the two parts 2 and 3. Each locating feature 20a comprises an opening and a slot into which a respective distal end region of the container is received.

The apparatus 1 is used as follows. The example will be given of a garment, such as a T-shirt to be dyed. As is well known with the tie dye process, the garment is first folded into a particular configuration. String or similar is then used to tie the garment in a required configuration so as to maintain the same during the dyeing process. As is well understood, the configuration in which the garment is tied will impact on the decorative outcome, such as the pattern, or the way that added colour is distributed.

The garment is then placed into one of the parts 2 and 3. The other part is then brought into engagement with the first part, by way of bringing the interface surfaces 6 of the parts together. Thus, a container is formed by the two parts, and the garment to be dyed is held within the internal space of the container.

One at a time, each retainer ring 15 is then rotated onto the pair of conjoined extension portions 7. If the apparatus is to be used without the handle 20, then the end caps 19 are then rotated onto the extension portions. With the end caps in position, the volume contained by the two parts is then substantially fluid/liquid sealed, such that no dye which is fed into the container can escape therefrom. Reference is made to Figure 2.

The user then uses a vessel containing dye, and urges the outlet to nozzle of the vessel into engagement with a selected one-way valve. This may cause the valve to be in an open condition. The user then causes a quantity of the dye into the internal volume of the container. On withdrawal of the nozzle from the valve, the valve may then automatically adopt a closed position, such as by way of the resilient nature of the valve. In other embodiments, the valve may be arranged to open in response to the incoming fluid pressure of the dye, and adopt a closed position in the absence of such fluid pressure.

The user may repeat this process as required for any of the other dye inlets and/or may select a different colour dye to introduce at the same inlet or any of the others, so as to achieve a desired colour scheme or combination.

Once all of the required dye has been added by the user, the user then physically shakes or agitates the container to thereby distribute the dye onto the garment.

Once a drying time has elapsed, the item can be rinsed. This can conveniently be done whilst the item is in the container. To do so, the user first removes each of the end caps 19. This then exposes a rinse inlet and a rinse outlet. The user then holds the device under a flow of water, such that the water flows into the inlet, comes into contact with the dyed item inside the container, and exits through the rinse outlet. In this way any excess or residue dye can be flushed away.

Once this is done, the item can be left in the container to allow to dry. Once the garment has dried, each of the retainer rings is then removed, and the dyed item can be removed.

If the mount 20 is used, use is as follows. Reference is made to Figures 1 and 3. Having secured the retainer rings 15 in place, the container is located into the mount, with each pair of extension portions received and located by a respective locating feature 20a. Each of the end caps 19a is then rotated into position on a respective pair of extension formations. At least one of the end caps 19 is arranged to receive a handle 25, by way of a protrusion 25a being inserted into the shaped recess 19a of the cap 19. This is by way of a push or interference fit, and the handle being held in place by way of frictional engagement. The opposite end of the mount 20 is arranged to be supported on a surface, and the grip portion 20b arranged to be manually held by a user. The user can then rotate the handle 25, so as to rotate the container. In doing so, the die is distributed onto the garment. In a similar way as described above, each of the end caps 19 can be removed, so as to allow the flow of rinsing fluid therethrough. The garment can then be allowed to dry in the container.

It is readily apparent from the above description that the apparatus 1 provides a convenient and substantially mess-free way to dye garments, and other items. The apparatus is straightforward to use, in particular for children who wish to do so.

Claims

1. Apparatus for dying fabric items, the apparatus comprising two parts, arranged to be detachably connectable to form a container, and the apparatus further comprising a retainer to secure the parts together in a connected condition, and when in a connected condition the container formed by the two connected parts defines an internal space arranged to contain an item to be dyed, and at least one of the parts comprises a dye inlet port to allow fabric dye to be introduced into the internal space of the container.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the retainer is configured to maintain the two parts together and to ensure a substantially fluid-tight seal at an interface between the two parts.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the retainer is arranged to be rotated into a retaining position.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the retainer comprises a threaded portion.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the retainer comprises a ring.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises two retainers, each retainer arranged to be used at different respective regions of the container formed by the two parts.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which a retainer is arranged to be used at each of substantially opposite distal end regions of the container.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each part comprises an extension portion or outward formation, which extends generally away from the internal space defined by the respective parts.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the extension portion of one part, is arranged to be complementary to the extension portion of the other part, such that they preferably form a threaded extension when the two parts are brought together.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the extension portions of the parts, when brought together, define a hollow innard, or passageway, which is in communication with the internal space of the container.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which each part comprises two extension portions, located at opposite end regions of the part.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each part comprises a substantially hemispherical region.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the parts comprises an interface portion, and each interface portion parts comprising complementary formation which when the two parts are brought together form a substantially fluid seal.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises a rinse inlet and a rinse outlet, such that, in use, rinsing fluid can be directed into the rinse inlet, through the internal volume of the container and exit from the rinse outlet.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the dye inlet port comprises a one-way valve.