KR20050016745A - Color sample holder to enhance repeatability of instrumental color readings - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus is provided which holds a generally flat color sample with a uniform and repeatable force in a plurality of fixed and repeatable positions in proximity to the light of a portable color instrument. The apparatus includes a platform on which a portable color apparatus is fixed, a sample stage having a plurality of index planes on which color samples are placed, and a device for pressing the presser foot against the color sample to uniformly color sample in place on the stage. And retain with repeatable power.

Description

 Color sample holder to improve repeatability of color readings by instrument {COLOR SAMPLE HOLDER TO ENHANCE REPEATABILITY OF INSTRUMENTAL COLOR READINGS}

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to color reading by an instrument, and more particularly, to an apparatus capable of constantly positioning color samples in a plurality of fixed and repeatable positions by uniform and repeatable forces to improve repeatability of color reading.

The use of portable color measurement instruments, such as spectrophotometers and colorimeters, is well known in the automotive manufacturing and automotive refinish paint industries to measure the color of paint samples.

Shading standards for automotive repaint have very close tolerances. However, the measured color of the sample often changes even when the position or angle of the color sample changes slightly with respect to the optics of the portable spectrophotometer. Another problem in the determination of color sample measurement values is that the measured color value of a particular color may change between readings if the force holding the color sample and color measurement instrument together varies between readings. Since the color measuring instrument operator cannot hold the color sample and the color measuring instrument uniformly with the same uniform force over and over again, the measured color of the sample is likely to be changed by the operator. Therefore, various color measurement instrument operators may obtain various measurement values from the same sample depending on the force applied when color reading is performed and the position of the sample relative to the color measurement instrument light.

Color measurement of metallic paints is further complicated by the inherent nonuniformities of metallic paints. In addition, since metallic flakes in metallic paints can be arranged in a directional manner, they are susceptible to effects known as the "Venetian blind" effect, potentially allowing the orientation of the sample to be associated with a color measurement instrument. Any change will result in a change in the measured color or metallic paint. Due to the inherent nonuniformity and venetian blind effect, repaint paint manufacturers make multiple color measurements with the same sample orientation all at various locations for the color sample, and combine these measurements to produce an average color measurement.

The change in the color reading caused by the difference in position on the color sample where the color measurement is performed and the force applied between the color measuring instrument operators by the color measuring instrument operator or for the same sample is dependent upon the sample being measured. It may exceed acceptable tolerances. Therefore, variations by the operator can produce false rejection or false acceptance of the paint formulation. Error rejection occurs when a color sample that is actually within acceptable color match tolerance is rejected because it is wrong. Error acceptance occurs when a color sample that is actually outside the color conformance tolerance is incorrectly approved. Therefore, the constant positioning of the color measurement instrument on the same spot on the sample by a uniform and repeatable force or on multiple spots in the case of metallic paint is essential to obtain a repeatable color reading, thereby making an error. Acceptance and error rejection are prevented.

In general, the light of a portable color measurement instrument is manually held by the instrument operator against the surface of the color sample. Manually positioning the color measurement instrument adjacent to the color sample results in variations in color reading since the operator may not be able to consistently place the color measurement instrument on the sample over and over again with the same force over and over. It is also generally known that portable color measurement instruments and experimental samples can be secured to a fixture to perform color measurements. Provision of the fixture is useful for retaining the color measurement instrument and the color sample, but the force with which the color sample is fixed to the fixture is susceptible to variations by the operator because it is likely to change between operators. Moreover, providing a retention fixture does not allow the color measurement instrument operator to read multiple colors at multiple repeatable locations on the sample required for the measurement of metallic paint color values.

Automotive manufacturers and repaint paint manufacturers experience similar problems as described above when using large stationary color measurement instruments.

The repaint paint industry can consistently position color samples in a plurality of fixed and repeatable positions adjacent to the light port of a portable or stationary color measurement instrument with uniform and repeatable force, thereby allowing color to be repainted by quality control staff. There is a need for a device that eliminates fluctuations by color measurement instrument operators that are the source of errors in reading. Advantages of improved repeatability and reproducibility of color measurements include reducing or eliminating remixing of improperly mixed paints and reducing or eliminating disposal costs of mixed paint that cannot be remixed.

The present invention provides a means for a color measuring instrument operator to quickly and consistently position a color sample in a number of separate repeatable positions associated with a light port of a portable color measuring instrument and to hold the color sample in place with uniform and repeatable force. Providing advantages over conventional devices in that it eliminates fluctuations by the operator, the source of error, when comparing color samples to known criteria or for measuring samples later for comparison with other samples. .

1 is an assembled isometric view of the sample stage, colorimetric platform, and platen in an elevated position.

1A shows an alternative shape of a color sample stage that uses multiple pins 52 to form an index surface that is used to repeatedly position a color sample on the color sample stage.

2 is an exploded isometric view of the present invention.

2A is an exploded isometric view of the present invention formed as an integral part of a colorimetric system, which may be stationary or portable.

3 is an isometric view of a sample holder.

4 is a front view of a colorimetric support plate 5 showing a color sample stage 7 and a color sample 2 arranged in parallel with the first and second color sample index planes 8, 9.

5 is a front view of the colorimetric support plate 5 showing the color sample stage 7 and the color sample 2 arranged in parallel with the second and third color sample index planes 9, 10.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the colorimetric support plate 5 showing the color sample stage 7 and the color sample 2 arranged in parallel with the third and fourth color sample index planes 10, 11.

7 is a front view of a colorimetric support plate 5 showing a color sample stage 7 and a color sample 2 arranged in parallel with the first and fourth color sample index planes 8, 11.

While the present invention can be used with all color measurement instruments, as well as spectrophotometers and colorimeters, the present invention is now described with reference to colorimeters as good instruments. The present invention is a device for holding a generally flat color sample in a parallel arrangement with a light port of a colorimetric system, comprising a colorimetric support plate having a color sample stage forming an opening capable of receiving a colorimetric optical shoe, and an optical sugar opening Means for removably securing the colorimeter support plate to the colorimeter in a coupled state, and placing the color sample in a plurality of fixed and repeatable positions on the color sample stage such that the optical ports are in separate positions on the color sample at each position. And means for ensuring that the opening is completely covered by the color sample at all positions, and means for removably securing the color sample to the color sample stage with a uniform and repeatable force.

Colorimetric and color sample holders constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. Portable colorimeters 1, which are generally known in the art, have a colorimetric bottom surface 20, a light port 22 through which the plane travels with colorimetric light, and projections 51 from the colorimetric bottom surface 20. A colorimeter light shoe 21, at least one colorimeter foot 23, and a colorimeter top surface 24 are included.

As shown in FIG. 2, the present invention includes a colorimetric retention assembly 3 and a color sample retention assembly 35. As shown in FIG. The colorimeter retaining assembly 3 includes a base plate 4, a colorimeter support plate 5, a first retaining arm 25, and a second retaining arm 26. The colorimetric support plate 5 comprises a colorimetric mounting surface 6, an opening 34, a colorimetric foot receiving groove 12, a color sample stage 7, and first, second, third and fourth color sample index planes ( 8, 9, 10, 11).

Figure 2 also shows a base plate 4 supported by two base support members 14 and four foots 15, but with a support member of any configuration that provides sufficient stability to operate the colorimeter. Foots can be used. Base support member 14 may be, for example, a single plate or a multi-plate, and the number of feet 15 may be, for example, two long feet or three or more small feet. The base support member 14 is preferably a light metal such as aluminum, but any known material may be used that can provide the required strength and stability. The feet 15 are elastomeric materials, preferably with a table or other working surface, that have a high coefficient of friction to prevent unintentional movement of the holder. The feet 15 are firmly attached to the base support member 14 by attachment means such as screws 16 and nuts 17. The base plate 4 is firmly attached to the base support member 14 by attachment means such as a screw 18.

The colorimetric support plate 5 is firmly perpendicularly attached to the base plate 4 by attachment means such as a screw 19. The base plate 4 and the colorimetric support plate 5 are preferably light metals such as aluminum with a smooth machining surface, but any material can be used that can provide the required rigidity, strength and stability.

The colorimeter 1 is removably retained in contact with the colorimeter mounting surface 6 by holding means. 1 shows, for example, a first retaining arm 25 and a second retaining arm 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the first retaining arm 25 includes a first retaining arm body 27 and a first retaining screw 28. The first retaining arm body 27 is firmly attached to the colorimetric support plate 5 by attachment means such as a screw 29, for example a retaining means such as the first retaining screw 28 and the colorimetric upper surface 24. It extends beyond the colorimeter top surface 24 from the mounting surface 6 and to a sufficient distance around the colorimeter top surface 24 to allow for engagement. 2 also shows a second retaining arm 26 comprising a first retaining arm body 30 and a second retaining means such as for example a first retaining screw 31. The second retaining arm body 30 is firmly attached to the base plate 4 by attachment means such as a screw 33, from which the second retaining screw 31 is attached to the colorimeter top surface 24. Extend a sufficient distance to allow engagement with the. The present invention shown in the figures includes a first and a retaining screw pad 32 which prevents damage to the colorimetric top surface 24 when the colorimetric retaining screws 28, 31 are tightened with respect to the colorimetric top surface 24. Second retaining screws 28, 31. The first retaining arm body 27 and the second retaining arm body 30 are preferably light metals such as aluminum with a smooth working surface, but any material that provides sufficient rigidity and strength may be used. The pad 32 is preferably a plastic or elastomeric material, but any material may be used that will not compromise the colorimetric face 24.

The present invention is a portable colorimeter 1 held in place by first and second retaining arms 25, 26 and first and second retaining screws 28, 31 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Is shown, but the colorimetric light shoe is coupled within the opening 34 by a spring that presses the retaining screw pad 32 against the colorimeter top surface 24, or an elastic or inelastic strap or band wound around the colorimeter. Other means of removing but firmly retaining (21) are also suitable.

The color sample retention assembly 35 removably retains the color sample stage 7, which is part of the colorimetric support plate 5, and the color sample 2 in a plurality of fixed and repeatable positions on the color sample stage 7. Means;

As shown in FIG. 2, the color sample stage 7 is defined by a width defined by the first and third color sample index planes 8, 10 and a second and fourth color sample index planes 9, 11. It includes a plane having a defined length. An opening 34 for receiving the colorimetric light shoe 21 of the portable colorimeter 1 is located substantially in the center of the color sample stage 7. Fig. 2 intersects and is substantially perpendicular to the color sample stage 7 so that the colorimetric operator can easily place the color sample on the color sample stage 7 and place the color sample 2 several times in a single sample 2. Four color sample index planes 8, 9, 10, 11 are shown as planes extending a sufficient distance from the color sample stage 7 that can slide to contact the appropriately close color sample index for measurement. 1 and 2 also show a sample removal notch 53 in the third and fourth color sample index planes 10, 11 for easily removing the color sample 2 from the color sample stage 7. An alternative embodiment of the color sample index plane is shown in FIG. 1A. In this figure, the color sample index plane is formed by a plurality of protrusions 52 that define the index plane. These protrusions can be machined from the material forming the color sample stage 7 or manufactured separately and attached.

The first color sample index plane 8 is substantially perpendicular to the second color sample index plane 9, and the third color sample index plane 10 is substantially perpendicular to the fourth color sample index plane 11. The third color sample index plane 10 is preferably substantially parallel to the first color sample index plane 8, and the fourth color sample index plane 11 is preferably with the second color sample index plane 9. In fact parallel, the means for positioning the sample has a substantially rectangular peripheral edge.

The width and length of the color sample stage 7 is greater than the corresponding width and length of the color sample 2, as defined by the color sample planes 8, 9, 10, 11. Therefore, colorimetric light port 22 is used when color sample 2 is in linear contact with any two adjacent color sample index planes as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7. Are positioned at completely different positions on The width and length of the color sample stage 7 are also small enough that the color sample completely covers the opening 34 when the color sample 2 is in substantially linear contact with two adjacent color sample index planes.

The opening 34 has substantially the same size and shape as the colorimetric light shoe 21 and receives the colorimetric light shoe 21. The opening 34 and the colorimeter foot receiving groove 12 are positioned to receive the colorimeter light shoe 21 and the colorimeter foot 23 when the colorimeter is secured in place within the colorimeter holding assembly 3.

When the portable colorimeter 1 is fixed in the colorimeter support assembly 3, the plane of the color sample stage 7 substantially coincides with the plane of the colorimeter light shoe 21. Therefore, the generally flat color sample 2 fixed on the color sample stage 7 will substantially contact both the color sample stage 7 and the colorimetric light shoe 21.

As shown in Figures 4-7, the colorimetric operator places the color sample 2 on the color sample stage 7 and places the color sample in any two adjacent index planes, e. Second color sample index planes 8 and 9, with reference to FIG. 5, second and third color sample index planes 9 and 10, and with reference to FIG. 6, third and fourth color sample index planes 10 and 11. Referring to FIG. 7, it is possible to constantly perform color measurement at four separate repeatable positions on the color sample 2 by moving in contact with the first and fourth color sample index planes 8, 11. .

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the means for removably retaining the color sample on the color sample stage 7 is a support which is firmly attached to the colorimetric support plate 5 by an attachment means such as a screw 45. An arm 41, a cylindrical journal 42 rigidly supported by a support arm 41, a cylindrical shaft 38 slidably coupled within the cylindrical journal 42, and fixedly to the handle end of the cylindrical shaft 38. Color sample 2 or color sample, such as an attached handle 43 and a helical compression spring 37 that is coaxially mounted and compressed coaxially on a cylindrical shaft 38 between the pressure foot 36 and the cylindrical journal 42. Means for pressing the pressing foot 36 against the stage 7. The dimension of the pressing foot surface in contact with the color sample is preferably at least as large as the light port 22 of the colorimeter 1. Pressing foot 36 is preferably a light metal such as aluminum with a smooth working surface, but any material that provides sufficient strength and rigidity can be used. Support arm 41 and handle 43 are preferably a light metal such as aluminum, but any material that provides sufficient strength and rigidity can be used. The cylindrical shaft 38 and the cylindrical journal 42 are preferably metals, but any material may be used that provides sufficient strength and rigidity and allows the cylindrical shaft 38 to slide within the cylindrical journal 42.

The cylindrical shaft 38 of FIGS. 2 and 3 has a sufficient length, the compression spring has a sufficient relaxation and compression length, and the spring coefficient of the spring compression means is colored in the required position on the sample stage 7 without operator intervention. It has sufficient force to hold the sample 2. By pulling the handle, the colorimetric operator removes the sample 2 from the color sample stage 7 from the color sample 2 or from the color sample stage to place the color sample 2 on the color sample stage 7. The presser foot 36 can be released.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the driving force for holding the color sample 2 against the color sample stage 7 is by the helical compression spring 37 but against the color sample stage 7 with a uniform and repeatable force. Other means for pressing the pressure foot 36 are also suitable. Examples of alternative motive forces include, but are not limited to, other forms or shapes of springs, electric solenoids, or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. Due to the complexity, cost and weight added by these alternative means for operating the presser foot 35 for the present invention, these examples are undesirable.

In order to facilitate the placement of the color sample 2 on the color sample stage 7, the cylindrical shaft 38 comprises means for securing the pressing foot 36 in an optionally raised position, thereby pressing the pressure foot 36. Is not in contact with the color sample 2, the color sample stage 7 or the colorimetric light shoe 21. Means for securing the pressing foot 36 in the raised position are known to those skilled in the art and are sometimes referred to as "camlocks".

1 and 2 show a portable colorimeter 1 in a horizontal position and a color sample 2 in a vertical position, but the spatial orientation of the present invention is not critical and the present invention will operate in any orientation. An alternative orientation for the example includes an orientation in which the colorimeter light port 21 is facing up and the color sample stage 7 and the color sample 2 are horizontal, with the colorimeter in place. The orientation shown in the figure is preferred because it facilitates the placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage 7 and reduces the likelihood that dirt and dust will accumulate on the colorimetric light port 21.

Any conventional color samples used in the automotive manufacturers and repaint paint industry of the present invention will be accepted. While Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the invention configured to hold a portable colorimeter of a particular model and brand, the present invention also relates to portable colorimeters and spectrometers when configured with appropriate dimensions to accommodate the dimensions and shapes of the particular colorimeter and spectrophotometer model. It will work with other brands and models of photometers.

The present invention also provides a means of firmly contacting the colorimeter with a colorimeter mounting surface 6, for example by screw, from the retaining arms 25, 26 to contact the colorimeter or spectrophotometer. By retaining the color sample retaining assembly 35 in a removable manner and changing it into an alternative means that can be permanently attached to a portable or stationary colorimeter or spectrophotometer or included as an integral and nonremovable part as shown in FIG. 2A. It will accept a colorimeter or spectrophotometer.

Claims (32)

A device having a light port having a geometric center and a color measurement instrument comprising a color sample, a) a color measuring instrument support plate comprising a color measuring instrument support surface and a color sample stage, said color measuring instrument support plate defining an opening substantially aligned with said geometric center of said light port; b) means for removably securing said portable color measurement instrument to said portable color measurement instrument support surface with said light port substantially aligned with said opening; c) a color sample is placed in a plurality of fixed and repeatable positions on the color sample stage such that the optical port is disposed on a separate position on the color sample at each said position and the opening is at all positions the color Means for being completely covered by the sample, d) means for removably securing the color sample to the color sample stage with a uniform and repeatable force. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the color measuring instrument further comprises a color measuring instrument light shoe with a plane, the color sample stage being substantially in parallel with the plane of the color measuring instrument light shoe when the light shoe is engaged with the opening. The device further comprises a matching plane. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the color measurement instrument further comprises an upper surface, The means for removably securing the color measurement instrument to the color measurement instrument support surface, a) a base plate firmly attached to the portable color measurement support plate, b) a first retaining arm firmly attached to said base plate, c) a second retaining arm firmly attached to said color measurement instrument support plate, d) the first support arm further comprises a first retaining screw disposed on the top surface of the color measurement instrument, e) the second support arm further comprises a second retaining screw disposed on the top surface of the color measurement instrument. The method of claim 3, wherein the means for positioning the color sample is: a) a first color sample index plane firmly attached to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the color sample stage, b) a second color sample index plane firmly attached to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the first color sample index plane; c) a third color sample index plane firmly attached to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the second color sample index plane; d) a fourth color sample index plane firmly attached to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the third color sample index plane and substantially perpendicular to the first color sample index plane; e) located at a predetermined position between the first and third color sample index planes and between the second and fourth color sample index planes such that the color sample is located in the first and second color sample index planes; The color measuring instrument optical port is distinct on the color sample when disposed in parallel with a second and third color sample index plane, the third and fourth color sample index planes, and the first and fourth color sample index planes. Said opening to be disposed in position; f) the opening positioned on the color sample stage such that the color sample is disposed completely on the color sample when placed in parallel with any adjacent pair of color sample index planes. And a substantially rectangular perimeter of the color sample stage formed by the apparatus. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said means for removably securing said color sample to said color sample stage comprises compression means. 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for removably securing said color sample to said color sample stage comprises a helical compression spring. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the means for removably securing the color sample to the color sample stage comprises: a) a support arm fixedly attached to said base plate, b) a cylindrical journal fixedly attached to said support arm, c) a cylindrical shaft slidably coupled within said cylindrical journal, said cylindrical foot having an urging foot end and an axis substantially perpendicular to said plane of said color sample stage and substantially coincident with said geometric center of said light port; d) a press foot fixedly attached to the press foot end, e) a helical compression spring mounted coaxially on said shaft between said cylindrical journal and said pressing foot, f) the helical compression spring has a spring coefficient large enough to loosen the press foot against the color sample stage with a force sufficient to hold the color sample in a fixed position on the color sample stage and a sufficiently long relaxed length, And a compressed length short enough to allow the presser foot to be released a sufficient distance from the color sample stage to allow placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage. The device of claim 4, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage comprises: a) a support arm fixedly attached to said base plate, b) a cylindrical journal fixedly attached to said support arm, c) a cylindrical shaft slidably coupled within the cylindrical journal, the cylindrical foot having an urging foot end and an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the color sample stage and substantially coincident with the geometric center of the light port; d) a press foot fixedly attached to the press foot end, e) a helical compression spring mounted coaxially on said shaft between said cylindrical journal and said pressing foot, f) the helical compression spring has a spring coefficient large enough to loosen the press foot against the color sample stage with a force sufficient to hold the color sample in a fixed position on the color sample stage and a sufficiently long relaxed length, And a compressed length short enough to allow the presser foot to be released a sufficient distance from the color sample stage to allow placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage further comprises means for securing the pressure foot in a predetermined position that does not engage the color sample stage. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage further comprises means for securing the pressure foot in a predetermined position that does not engage the color sample stage. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said means for removably securing said color sample to said color sample stage comprises compression means. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the means for removably securing the color sample to the color sample stage comprises a helical compression spring. The method of claim 3, wherein the means for removably securing the color sample to the color sample stage comprises: a) a support arm fixedly attached to said base plate, b) a cylindrical journal fixedly attached to said support arm, c) a cylindrical shaft slidably coupled within the cylindrical journal, the cylindrical foot having an urging foot end and an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the color sample stage and substantially coincident with the geometric center of the light port; d) a press foot fixedly attached to the press foot end, e) a helical compression spring mounted coaxially on said shaft between said cylindrical journal and said pressing foot, f) the helical compression spring has a spring coefficient large enough to loosen the press foot against the color sample stage with a force sufficient to hold the color sample in a fixed position on the color sample stage and a sufficiently long relaxed length, And a compressed length short enough to allow the presser foot to be released a sufficient distance from the color sample stage to allow placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage is a) a support arm fixedly attached to said base plate, b) a cylindrical journal fixedly attached to said support arm, c) a cylindrical shaft slidably coupled within the cylindrical journal, the cylindrical foot having an urging foot end and an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the color sample stage and substantially coincident with the geometric center of the light port; d) a press foot fixedly attached to the press foot end, e) a helical compression spring mounted coaxially on said shaft between said cylindrical journal and said pressing foot, f) the helical compression spring has a spring coefficient large enough to loosen the press foot against the color sample stage with a force sufficient to hold the color sample in a fixed position on the color sample stage and a sufficiently long relaxed length, And a compressed length short enough to allow the presser foot to be released a sufficient distance from the color sample stage to allow placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage further comprises means for securing the pressure foot in a predetermined position that does not engage the color sample stage. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage further comprises means for securing the pressure foot in a predetermined position that does not engage the color sample stage. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said means for removably securing said color sample to said color sample stage comprises compression means. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said means for removably securing said color sample to said color sample stage comprises a helical compression spring. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the means for removably securing the color sample to the color sample stage comprises: a) a support arm fixedly attached to said base plate, b) a cylindrical journal fixedly attached to said support arm, c) a cylindrical shaft slidably coupled within the cylindrical journal, the cylindrical foot having an urging foot end and an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the color sample stage and substantially coincident with the geometric center of the light port; d) a press foot fixedly attached to the press foot end, e) a helical compression spring mounted coaxially on said shaft between said cylindrical journal and said pressing foot, f) the helical compression spring has a spring coefficient large enough to loosen the press foot against the color sample stage with a force sufficient to hold the color sample in a fixed position on the color sample stage and a sufficiently long relaxed length, And a compressed length short enough to allow the presser foot to be released a sufficient distance from the color sample stage to allow placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage. The method of claim 2, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage is: a) a support arm fixedly attached to said base plate, b) a cylindrical journal fixedly attached to said support arm, c) a cylindrical shaft slidably coupled within the cylindrical journal, the cylindrical foot having an urging foot end and an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the color sample stage and substantially coincident with the geometric center of the light port; d) a press foot fixedly attached to the press foot end, e) a helical compression spring mounted coaxially on said shaft between said cylindrical journal and said pressing foot, f) the helical compression spring has a spring coefficient large enough to loosen the press foot against the color sample stage with a force sufficient to hold the color sample in a fixed position on the color sample stage and a sufficiently long relaxed length, And a compressed length short enough to allow the presser foot to be released a sufficient distance from the color sample stage to allow placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage further comprises means for securing the pressure foot in a predetermined position that does not engage the color sample stage. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage further comprises means for securing the pressure foot in a predetermined position that does not engage the color sample stage. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for removably securing said color sample to said color sample stage comprises compression means. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for removably securing said color sample to said color sample stage comprises a helical compression spring. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for removably securing the color sample to the color sample stage comprises: a) a support arm fixedly attached to said base plate, b) a cylindrical journal fixedly attached to said support arm, c) a cylindrical shaft slidably coupled within the cylindrical journal, the cylindrical foot having an urging foot end and an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the color sample stage and substantially coincident with the geometric center of the light port; d) a press foot fixedly attached to the press foot end, e) a helical compression spring mounted coaxially on said shaft between said cylindrical journal and said pressing foot, f) the helical compression spring has a spring coefficient large enough to loosen the press foot against the color sample stage with a force sufficient to hold the color sample in a fixed position on the color sample stage and a sufficiently long relaxed length, And a compressed length short enough to allow the presser foot to be released a sufficient distance from the color sample stage to allow placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage comprises: a) a support arm fixedly attached to said base plate, b) a cylindrical journal fixedly attached to said support arm, c) a cylindrical shaft slidably coupled within the cylindrical journal, the cylindrical foot having an urging foot end and an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the color sample stage and substantially coincident with the geometric center of the light port; d) a press foot fixedly attached to the press foot end, e) a helical compression spring mounted coaxially on said shaft between said cylindrical journal and said pressing foot, f) the helical compression spring has a spring coefficient large enough to loosen the press foot against the color sample stage with a force sufficient to hold the color sample in a fixed position on the color sample stage and a sufficiently long relaxed length, And a compressed length short enough to allow the presser foot to be released a sufficient distance from the color sample stage to allow placement and removal of the color sample on the color sample stage. 27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage further comprises means for securing the pressure foot in a predetermined position that does not engage the color sample stage. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the means for securing the color sample to the color sample stage further comprises means for securing the pressure foot in a predetermined position that does not engage the color sample stage. A device that holds color samples in parallel with the optical port of the color measurement instrument, a) a color sample stage fixedly attached to said color measurement instrument, said color sample stage forming an opening coaxially aligned with said light port comprising a geometric center of said color measurement instrument; b) placing the color sample in a plurality of fixed and repeatable locations on the color sample stage such that the optical port is disposed on a separate location on the color sample at each of the locations and the optical port is at all locations Means for completely covering by the color sample. A device that holds color samples in parallel with the optical shoe of a color measurement instrument, a) a color measurement comprising a color sample stage defining a portable color measurement instrument support surface and an opening to receive a color measurement instrument light shoe having a light port comprising a plane and a geometric center of the color measurement instrument; An instrument support plate, b) the color measuring instrument support plate is fixed to the color measuring instrument with the optical shoe coupled in the opening, c) placing the color sample in a plurality of fixed and repeatable locations on the color sample stage such that the optical port is disposed on a separate location on the color sample at each of the locations and the optical port is at all locations Means for completely covering by the color sample. 31. The device of claim 29 or 30, wherein the means for positioning the color sample is a) a first color sample index plane firmly attached to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the color sample stage, b) a second color sample index plane firmly attached to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the first color sample index plane; c) a third color sample index plane firmly attached to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the second color sample index plane; d) a fourth color sample index plane firmly attached to the color sample stage and substantially perpendicular to the third color sample index plane and substantially perpendicular to the first color sample index plane; e) located at a predetermined position between the first and third color sample index planes and between the second and fourth color sample index planes such that the color sample is located in the first and second color sample index planes; The color measuring instrument optical port is distinct on the color sample when disposed in parallel with a second and third color sample index plane, the third and fourth color sample index planes, and the first and fourth color sample index planes. The color measuring instrument optical port for positioning on position; f) the color measurement instrument light port, which is also located on the color sample stage, such that the color sample is placed completely on the color sample when placed in parallel with any adjacent pair of color sample index planes. And a substantially rectangular perimeter of the color sample stage formed by the apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the color measurement instrument is a portable colorimeter.