TW201505574A - Method of making multi-colored objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for coloring an article. The article is dipped into a liquid colorant to a first predetermined depth for first short period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time. The article then is removed from the liquid colorant and dried. The article may be dipped into a liquid colorant to a second predetermined depth for a second short period, then removed and dried. The dyeing and drying steps are repeated until the article is imbued with the selected color and saturation.

Description

Method of making multicolor items [Cross reference to (several) related applications]

This application is part of the application for the application of the application No. 13/791,612 (Attorney's Archive No. 51-3248) of the application "Multicolor Sole System", which was filed on March 8, 2013, and is the 2013 application. Application for the continuation of the application for the application of the "System and Method For Coloring Articles" on March 8, 2010, in the application No. 13/791,643 (Proxy File No. 51-3252) The disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention generally relates to a method for dyeing articles. In particular, the present application relates to a method for dyeing articles to achieve a pure color, a gradient of color, or multiple colors quickly and efficiently.

Color changes are typically used to dip an object comprising a plurality of different compositions using a selected color or a number of selected colors. For example, an article of footwear can have two main components: an upper and a sole system. The upper is typically formed from a plurality of material elements (eg, fabric, polymer sheets, foam layers, leather, and synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a cavity on the interior of the footwear. Comfortably and safely accommodate one foot. More specifically, the upper forms a structure that extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, along the inside and outside of the foot, and around one of the heel regions of the foot. The upper may also have a strap system to adjust the fit of the footwear and allow the foot to enter the cavity in the upper and remove the cavity from the upper.

The sole system of footwear can include one or more components. Such components may include an outsole, a midsole, an insole, an insert, a bladder, and/or an airbag, and may also include other items or components.

While some of these components may be originally colored, other components may be transparent, white, or another color that may change depending on user preferences.

The dyeing of articles has been practiced for a long period of time, either to satisfy the need to have useful objects in different colors, to match one article to another or to provide contrast between articles, or to decorate an article in a preferred manner. Dyeing is often an effective way to impart a selected color to an object.

The dyeing can be carried out by contacting an object with a substance that will change the color of the object, such as a dye. Generally, the composition of the dye can be selected based on the material composition from which the article is made. The dye can impart a color change that is inherently permanent or can be temporary and removable, for example, by washing or treating with a solvent.

Contact between the dye and one of the items to be colored can be achieved, for example, by spraying or casting a dye onto the article or by immersing the article into a composition of one of the dyes in a container. The use of liquid dyes to color objects can be a lengthy process in which it takes a significant period of time to achieve a pre-selected color and dry the colored object. This period of time is extended when, for example, more than one color is to be applied.

Therefore, there is a method in the art for quickly and efficiently coloring an object to obtain a pure color, at least one color gradient, one color matching, or combining two or more colors on the same object. One of the needs. In particular, there is a need for this system in the manufacture of footwear.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for coloring an article. The article is immersed in a dye bath to a first predetermined depth for less than one of the first short periods of one of the impregnation periods required to achieve full saturation. The article is then removed from the dye bath and the article is dried. Can The article is again immersed in the dye bath to a second predetermined depth for a second short period of time, followed by removal and drying of the article. The dyeing and drying steps are repeated until the article is dip coated with a selected color and saturation.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method in which an article is immersed in a different color dye bath and the article is dried to achieve a color combination.

In another aspect of the invention, the article is dipped into a dye bath to different depths and the article is dried to achieve a series of color saturations (such as a color gradient) on the article.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method in which an article is repeatedly immersed in a dye bath to impart a selected color and saturation to the article.

The present invention relates to a method for coloring an object. The method can include immersing at least a first portion of the article into a first liquid colorant having a first color to a first predetermined depth of less than one of a single immersion saturation time of 100% of the color. Time period. The article can then be removed from the liquid colorant and the article dried.

Alternatively or additionally, the method can include immersing at least a second portion of the dried article into a second liquid colorant having a second color to a second predetermined depth of less than 100 of the second color % One of the single immersion saturation times for a second short period of time. The article is then removed from the liquid colorant and the article is dried. The article can be immersed in water or another rinse between the impregnations.

The dyeing and drying steps can be repeated until the object is dip coated with a selected color and saturation. The article can be part of a footwear item (such as a midsole, an outsole, or an air bag). The colors on the portions can be overlapped to form a third color. The parts may be the same size or may be of different sizes. In some embodiments, the portions can be of different sizes.

The colorant can be a metal complex dye, an acid dye or other dye suitable for the substrate.

The invention also relates to a method for dyeing an article to a predetermined degree of saturation, wherein the predetermined saturation is typically achieved by placing the article in a liquid colorant. This was achieved by a 100% single immersion saturation time and then drying the article for a 100% drying time. According to the method, the article is placed in the liquid colorant for a first short period of time less than one of the 100% single immersion saturation times. The article is then removed from the liquid colorant for a first short drying period.

The article is returned to the liquid colorant for a second short period of less than 100% single immersion saturation time and then removed from the liquid colorant for a second short drying period. When added together, the first short period plus the first short drying period plus the second short period plus the second short drying period cumulative less than 100% single immersion saturation time and 100% single immersion saturation drying time are added together .

Wherein, when added together, the first short period plus the first short drying period plus the second short period plus the second short drying period cumulative less than 100% single immersion saturation time and 100% single immersion saturation drying time are added The method for dyeing an article to a predetermined degree of saturation may be a method in which the temperature of the liquid colorant is higher than the temperature of the liquid colorant which will deform the article when subjected to a 100% single immersion saturation time. . The liquid colorant temperature can be above about 35 °C. The liquid colorant temperature can range from about 35 ° C to 50 ° C, or from 35 ° C to 40 ° C, or from 40 ° C to 50 ° C.

Wherein, when added together, the first short period plus the first short drying period plus the second short period plus the second short drying period cumulative less than 100% single immersion saturation time and 100% single immersion saturation drying time are added The method for dyeing an article to a predetermined degree of saturation may be a method in which the liquid colorant comprises an acid dye. The liquid colorant comprising an acid dye may comprise an anionic dye compound, a quaternary ammonium salt selected from the group consisting of soluble tetrabutylammonium compounds and tetrahexylammonium compounds, and (as appropriate) water-soluble organic solvents. The acid dye may be present in an amount from about 0.001 g/L to about 5.0 g/L or from about 0.01 g/L to about 2 g/L.

Wherein, when added together, the first short period plus the first short drying period plus the second short period plus the second short drying period accumulates less than 100% single immersion saturation time and 100% single time The method for dyeing an article to a predetermined saturation by immersing the saturated drying time may be a method wherein the liquid colorant comprises an acid dye and the temperature of the liquid colorant is higher than when the 100% single impregnation is performed. A method of deforming an object to a liquid colorant temperature at saturation time.

The first short period and the second short period may be independently between about 5 seconds and about 120 seconds, or independently between about 10 seconds and about 60 seconds, or independently less than 100% of a single immersion saturation time of about 5 %.

The article can be immersed into the liquid colorant less than about 40 times using a short period of less than 2% of a single immersion saturation time of less than 100%. Alternatively, the article can be immersed into the liquid colorant less than about 25 times using a short period of less than about 3% of a single immersion saturation time of less than 100%. In yet another alternative, the article can be immersed into the liquid colorant less than about 10 times using a short period of less than about 5% of a single immersion saturation time of less than 100%.

The invention also relates to a method for coloring an object to have a first region and a second region, the first region having a first predetermined saturation of a first color and a second region having a second a second predetermined saturation of color, wherein the first predetermined saturation is typically achieved by placing the article in a first liquid colorant for a first 100% single immersion saturation time and then drying the article A 100% single immersion saturation drying time is achieved, and the second predetermined saturation is usually achieved by placing the article in a second liquid colorant for a second 100% single immersion saturation time and drying the object. A second 100% single immersion saturated drying time is achieved.

The method includes placing an article in the first liquid colorant for a first period of time that is less than 100% of a single immersion saturation time. The article is then removed from the first liquid colorant for a first drying period, and then the article is placed back into the first liquid colorant for a second short period of time less than one of the first 100% single immersion saturation time. The article is removed from the first liquid colorant for a second short drying period.

The article can then be placed in the second liquid colorant for less than the second 100% single time One of the immersion saturation times is for a third short period of time, and then the article is removed from the second liquid colorant for a third short drying period. The article is then placed back into the second liquid colorant for a fourth short period of time less than the second 100% single immersion saturation time, and then the object is removed from the second liquid colorant for a fourth short drying period .

When added together, the first short period plus the first short drying period plus the second short period plus the second short drying period accumulation is less than the first 100% single immersion saturation time and the first 100% single immersion saturation drying time . Furthermore, when added together, the third short period plus the third short drying period plus the fourth short period plus the fourth short drying period accumulation is less than the second 100% single immersion saturation time and the second 100% single immersion Saturated drying time.

The method can further include immersing the article into a wash bath prior to immersing the article again into another liquid colorant.

In the method, the first short period, the second short period, the third short period, and the fourth short period may be independently between about 5 seconds and about 120 seconds. In other embodiments, the first short period, the second short period, the third short period, and the fourth short period are independently between about 10 seconds and about 60 seconds. The first short period and the second short period may be independently less than about 3% of the first 100% single immersion saturation time, and the third short period and the fourth short period may be independently less than the second 100% single immersion saturation time 3%.

The invention also relates to a portion of an article of footwear having a colored portion. The colored portion may be obtained by immersing at least a first portion of the article into a first liquid colorant having a first color to a first predetermined depth of less than one of a single immersion saturation time of 100% of the color It is formed for a short period of time and is removed from the liquid colorant and dried.

The invention may encompass any combination of the various features set forth in this application. Any combination of features disclosed herein is considered part of the invention, and no limitation is desired with respect to the combinable features.

After studying the following figures and [embodiments], the general practitioner will understand or will become clear Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention.

100‧‧‧Multicolor objects/objects

102‧‧‧Front part

104‧‧‧ followed by part

106‧‧‧ top side

108‧‧‧ peripheral edge

110‧‧‧First color/color

112‧‧‧Second color/color

114‧‧‧Transition area

118‧‧‧ bottom side

200‧‧‧ device

202‧‧‧assembly

204‧‧‧ slots

206‧‧‧ Container

208‧‧‧ side wall

210‧‧‧ top wall

211‧‧‧ first end

212‧‧‧Bottom opening/open bottom

213‧‧‧ second end

214‧‧‧Internal

220‧‧‧Actuator

230‧‧‧ objects

232‧‧‧Front part/first forefoot part

234‧‧‧ followed by part

242‧‧‧Uphold components

244‧‧‧ Lower holding member

245‧‧‧Retaining member bracket

246‧‧‧Liquid colorants

248‧‧‧Color/first color

250‧‧‧ air pockets

260‧‧‧Liquid level

262‧‧‧Coloring line/first coloring line

264‧‧‧ slots

266‧‧‧Liquid colorant/second liquid colorant

268‧‧‧Color/second color

272‧‧‧Coloring line

281‧‧‧Color transition part/transition part/transition area

300‧‧‧ objects/multicolor objects

301‧‧‧assembly

302‧‧‧Front part

304‧‧‧ followed by part

306‧‧‧ top side

308‧‧‧Outer peripheral edge portion/outer peripheral edge portion

310‧‧‧ Inner peripheral edge section

362‧‧‧Coloring line

400‧‧‧ objects/multicolor objects

406‧‧‧ top side

408‧‧‧ peripheral edge

418‧‧‧ bottom side

462‧‧‧Coloring line

1004‧‧‧ slot

1006‧‧‧ Container

1042‧‧‧Upholding components

1044‧‧‧ Lower holding member

1046‧‧‧Liquid colorant

1048‧‧‧Color

1068‧‧‧Color

1200‧‧‧assembly

1204‧‧‧ slot

1206‧‧‧ Container

1242‧‧‧Upholding components

1244‧‧‧ Lower holding member

1246‧‧‧Liquid colorants

1248‧‧‧Color

1268‧‧‧Color

1451‧‧‧First fragment

1452‧‧‧Second segment

1453‧‧‧third fragment

1454‧‧‧4th fragment

1455‧‧‧5th fragment

1462‧‧‧Coloring line

1464‧‧‧Coloring line

1466‧‧‧Coloring line

1468‧‧‧Coloring line

1470‧‧‧Coloring line

1550‧‧‧ Gradual section

1551‧‧‧First fragment

1552‧‧‧Second segment

1553‧‧‧ third fragment

1554‧‧‧fourth fragment

1630‧‧‧ objects

1650‧‧‧ color clips

1651‧‧‧Color clips

1652‧‧‧Color clips

1653‧‧‧Color clips

1654‧‧‧Color clips

1655‧‧‧Color clips

1656‧‧‧Color clips

1657‧‧‧Color clips

1662‧‧‧Coloring line

1664‧‧‧Coloring line

1666‧‧‧Coloring line

1668‧‧‧Coloring line

1670‧‧‧Coloring line

1672‧‧‧Coloring line

1674‧‧‧Coloring line

1702‧‧‧Actuator

1704‧‧‧ slots

1730‧‧‧ objects

1742‧‧‧Retaining components

1746‧‧‧Liquid colorants

1802‧‧‧Actuator

1804‧‧‧first slot

1824‧‧‧second slot

1830‧‧‧ objects

1842‧‧‧Retaining components

1844‧‧‧ third slot

1846‧‧‧Liquid colorant

1856‧‧‧ fluid

1864‧‧‧fourth slot

1866‧‧‧ Fluid

1876‧‧‧ Fluid

1896‧‧‧Drive belt

1897‧‧‧ pulley

1898‧‧‧Power Pulley

1899‧‧‧Transport device

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, the In addition, in the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the

Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of one embodiment of a multicolor object; Figure 2 is a different schematic isometric view of one of the embodiments of a multicolor object; Figure 3 is used to produce a multicolor object A schematic isometric cross-sectional view of one of the embodiments of the apparatus; FIG. 4 is a different schematic isometric cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the apparatus for producing a multi-colored object; FIG. 5 is in a different position 3 and 4 are schematic views of one of the embodiments of one of the devices shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is a schematic view of one of the devices shown in FIG. 5 in a different position; FIG. 7 is a view A schematic view of one of the embodiments of a device having an inverted object in a different position; FIG. 8 is a schematic view of one of the embodiments of the device having one of the inverted objects shown in yet another different position Figure 9 is a schematic view showing one of the embodiments of a device having an inverted object in yet another different position; Figure 10 is one of the embodiments of one of the devices for holding an object in a different position; Schematic view; Figure 11 is derived from one of the devices embodied in Figure 10. One embodiment illustrates one embodiment of a multicolor object Figure 12 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a device for holding an object in a different position; Figure 13 is an implementation of one of the multi-colored objects from one of the devices embodied in Figure 12 A schematic view of an example; Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of an object having a color gradient.

Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of a different embodiment of one of the objects having a color gradient; Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of an object having a color gradient; Figure 17 is for production A schematic view of one embodiment of a device for making a multicolor object; Fig. 18 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a device for producing a multicolor object; Fig. 19 is in a different position A schematic view of one of the embodiments of one of the devices of FIG. 18 for producing a multicolor object; FIG. 20 is one of the devices of FIG. 18 for producing a multicolor object in another position. A schematic view of one embodiment; and FIG. 21 is a schematic view of one of the embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 18 for producing a multicolor object in yet another position.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for coloring an article. The article can be immersed in a dye bath to a first predetermined depth for less than one of the first short periods of impregnation period required to achieve full saturation. The article is then removed from the dye bath and the article is dried for a drying period. The article can be immersed again into a dye bath to a second predetermined depth For a second short period of time, the article is then removed and dried for a second drying period. The dyeing and drying steps can be repeated until the article is impregnated with a selected color and saturation.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method in which articles can be immersed in different color dye baths and dried to achieve a color combination.

In embodiments of the invention, the article can be immersed into a dye bath to different depths and the article dried to achieve a series of color saturations (such as a color gradient) on the article.

In an embodiment of the invention, the article may be repeatedly immersed in a dye bath or bath of dyes in a series of dipping/drying cycles to dip the article with a selected color and saturation.

The cycle of immersing in a dye bath once and removing for a drying period can also be referred to as an immersion/drying cycle. According to an embodiment of the invention, the length of time during which an article is held in the dye bath is short, typically less than about two minutes, more typically less than about one minute, and even more typically less than about 50 seconds. In other embodiments, the immersion period is less than about 30 seconds, typically between about 1 second and about 20 seconds, and more typically between about 3 seconds and about 10 seconds. According to an embodiment of the invention, one of the drying periods associated with an impregnation typically has a length that is less than or equal to the length of the impregnation period.

As used herein, "color" means a hue, such as red, green, blue, or any other hue. "Saturation" means the intensity of the hue. Low saturation produces a light color and high saturation provides a vivid color. Thus, an object can have a portion of a color such as red. If the saturation is essentially constant, a constant red color is perceived. However, if the saturation in different portions of the colored portion is different, the red color may appear lighter at lower saturation. Thus, a color gradient on an object is provided by a series of color saturations.

As used herein, a "short" period of length is less than about 10%, typically less than about 5%, more typically less than about 3%, and even more typically the period of time required to achieve 100% saturation in a single impregnation. 2%, and more usually 1% of the time period. The drying time was similarly shortened and identified as a short drying period. For the purposes of the present invention, the selected saturation level will be referred to as "100% saturation", even if a higher saturation level is available. Similarly, the time required to achieve a selected saturation (ie, 100% saturation) in a single impregnation will be referred to herein as "100% single immersion saturation time" and the subsequent drying period will be herein It is called "100% saturated single immersion time drying time".

In embodiments of the present invention, a lesser impregnation and thus less time to achieve a selected saturation level can be achieved as compared to simply using one percent of the immersion time. For example, if a short period of impregnation is used to achieve 2% of a 100% single immersion saturation time of 100% saturation, it is expected that achieving 100% saturation would require 50 immersion/dry cycles. However, in embodiments of the invention, 100% saturation can be achieved with 45 dipping/drying cycles or 90% of 100% time. In some embodiments of the invention, it may be less than about 40 dipping/drying cycles, less than about 35 dipping/drying cycles, typically less than about 30 dipping/drying cycles, more typically less than about 25 dipping/drying cycles, More typically less than about 20 dipping/drying cycles and even more typically less than about 10 dipping/drying cycles achieve 100% saturation.

The short cycle times of the present invention are made possible by the temperature of the dye bath and the increased dye penetration achieved at the selected temperature. For example, for a temperature sensitive article such as an inflatable balloon, the temperature of a dye bath can generally be limited to below about 35 °C, and more typically to between about 35 °C and about 30 °C. Higher temperatures can damage sensitive items during the time period required to achieve a selected color, or can cause an inflatable balloon to deform or rupture. However, limiting the period of exposure to the dye for a short period of time provides the opportunity to increase the temperature of the dye bath without deforming a temperature sensitive article. Additionally, evaporation of the volatile components of the dye solution can cool the article during the drying period. Moreover, higher dye temperatures produce larger and faster penetration of the dye into many substrates.

Any object can be colored in accordance with the method of the present invention. As the user perceives, the dye is generally compatible with the physical composition of the article. For example, if the item is wood, the dye can be a wood stain. Similarly, if the object is metal, one of the metals can be selected to suit the coating. It is also possible to color fabrics and fabrics like colored polymer materials. Generally, dyes for polymeric materials are selected for compatibility with the substrate. If the dye is incompatible with the substrate, or if an immiscible additive, such as an oil in an aqueous composition, is present, it can result in uneven drying (such as streaking and spotting). The user may deliberately seek such inconsistency as a decorative form. Furthermore, if the dye is incompatible with the substrate, the dyeing may not be permanent. Using the guidance provided herein, the user will be able to identify and select suitable dye or colorant compositions.

Articles to be colored in accordance with the present invention may comprise two or more compositions of matter. In this case, the colorant can be selected to be compatible with both compositions. As the user recognizes, the color former used in one embodiment of one of the methods of the present invention can generally impart a saturation to one of the colorants which increases as the contact between the article and the colorant increases. Thus, a typical colorant can be a dye or a colorant (ie, a semi-transparent or transparent composition that is bonded to or infiltrated into a substrate) rather than being converted into an opaque solid on the surface of the substrate. One of the film paints or similar paints. The user recognizes that metallic coatings are usually formed into films. For the purposes of the present invention, although metallic coatings can form films, they are of the type that provide a transparent or translucent color. Using the guidance provided herein, the user will be able to select a dye or colorant that is suitable for one of the items to be colored.

Articles that can be colored in accordance with the present invention comprise articles that can be immersed in a liquid colorant or coloring agent. As used throughout this [embodiment] and in the context of the claims, the terms "liquidant" and "coloring agent" are meant to mean any liquid comprising or in combination with one or more coloring agents. Liquid colorants can include, but are not limited to, liquids having any type of coloring agent (including liquids having dyes, liquids having pigments) and any other liquid based colorants known in the art.

Embodiments of the articles described herein can be combined with dyeing methods as well as specific dye compositions. Some embodiments may use one or more of the features, methods, systems, and/or components disclosed in the following documents: The title of the Tutmark application on March 5, 2013 is "Method for U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 13/786,031 to Dyeing Golf Balls and Dyed Golf Balls, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/786,031, filed on March 5, 2013, to S. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/786,056; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/786,056, filed on March 5, 2013, entitled "Method for Dyeing Golf Balls and Dyed Golf Balls", US Patent Application Publication _______, US Patent Today Application No. 13/786, 547; U.S. Patent No. 7,611,547, entitled "Airbag Dyeing Compositions and Processes", to Bracken et al., issued November 3, 2009. The entire text of each document is incorporated by reference.

In particular, acid dyes can be used in the examples. The acid dye solution is stable and relatively inexpensive relative to the metal complex dye solution used to dye the polyurethane. The procedure for dyeing polyurethane articles with acid dye solutions produces strong color strength. A wide selection of colors can be achieved, including bright colors that are not available with metal complex dyes.

The polyurethane material may be dyed in an acid dye solution comprising an anionic dye compound, a quaternary ammonium salt selected from the group consisting of soluble tetrabutylammonium compound and tetrahexylammonium compound, and (as appropriate) water-soluble organic Solvent.

Acid dyes are water-soluble anionic dyes. Acid dyes are widely available from dim to bright colors. Chemically, acid dyes contain azo, anthracene and triarylmethane compounds.

"Color Index" jointly published by the Society of Dyers and Colourists (UK) and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (USA) (CI) is the most comprehensive summary of dyes and pigments used for large-scale coloring purposes, including 12,000 products under the 2000 CI generic name. In C.I., each compound is represented by two numbers, which are referred to as color classification and chemical classification. "Name" means the application area and/or coloring method, and the other number is "composition number". Non-limiting examples of acid dyes include Acid Yellow 1, 17, 23, 25, 34, 42, 44, 49, 61, 79, 99, 110, 116, 127, 151, 158: 1, 159, 166, 169, 194, 199, 204, 220, 232, 241, 246, and 250; Acid Red 1, 14, 17, 18, 42, 57, 88, 97, 118, 119, 151, 183, 184, 186, 194, 195, 199, 211, 225, 226, 249, 251, 257, 260, 266, 278, 283, 315, 336, 337, 357, 359, 361, 362, 374, 405, 407, 414, 418, 419 and 447; Acid Violet 3, 5, 7, 17, 54, 90 and 92; Acid Brown 4, 14, 15, 45, 50, 58, 75, 97, 98, 147, 160:1 161, 165, 191, 235, 239, 248, 282, 283, 289, 298, 322, 343, 349, 354, 355, 357, 365, 384, 392, 402, 414, 420, 422, 425, 432 and 434; Acid Orange 3, 7, 10, 19, 33, 56, 60, 61, 67, 74, 80, 86, 94, 139, 142, 144, 154 and 162; Acid Blue 1, 7, 9, 15, 92, 133, 158, 185, 193, 277, 277: 1, 314, 324, 335 and 342; Acid Green 1, 12, 68: 1, 73, 80, 104, 1 14 and 119; Acid Black 1, 26, 52, 58, 60, 64, 65, 71, 82, 84, 107, 164, 172, 187, 194, 207, 210, 234, 235; A combination of acidic dyes. The acid dyes can be used alone or in any combination in the dye solution.

Acid dyes are commercially available from many sources, including Dystar LP of Charlotte, NC, under the trade name TELON®, Huntsman, Woodlands, Texas (TX), trademark BASF SE, named ERIONYL® and TECTILON®, Ludwigshafen, Germany, under the trade name BASACID® and Bezema AG of Montlingen, Switzerland, under the trade name Bemacid.

The acid dye solution may comprise a combination of an acid dye compound or an acid dye compound of from about 0.001 g/L to about 5.0 g/L, preferably from about 0.01 g/L to about 2 g/L. The amount of acid dye compound used will determine the color strength and dyeability of the dyed polyurethane. The degree of rapidity of the polyurethane and the ability to optimize the amount of acid dye compound in a simple manner; in general, a higher concentration of dye solution provides a stronger contrast than a lower concentration of dye solution (deeper, darker, more intense) dyed color and more rapid dyeing of polyurethanes.

The dye solution may also comprise a quaternary (tetraalkyl) ammonium salt selected from the group consisting of soluble tetrabutylammonium compounds and tetrahexylammonium compounds. The counter ion of the quaternary ammonium salt can be selected such that the quaternary ammonium salt forms a stable solution with one of the anionic dyes. The quaternary ammonium compound can be, for example, a halide (such as a chloride, bromide or iodide), a hydroxide, a sulfate, a sulfite, a carbonate, a perchlorate, a chlorate, a bromate, Iodate, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, phosphite, hexafluorophosphite, borate, tetrafluoroborate, cyanide, isocyanide, azide, thiosulfate, thiocyanate An acid salt, or a salt of a carboxylic acid such as acetate or oxalate. In certain embodiments, an anion (which is a weaker Lewis base) can be selected for the tetraalkylammonium compound to produce a darker color in the dyed article. In various embodiments, the tetraalkylammonium compound can be or can comprise a tetrabutylammonium halide or a tetrahexylammonium halide, especially tetrabutylammonium bromide or chloride or tetrahexylammonium bromide or chloride.

The acid dye solution may comprise from about 0.1 equivalents to about 5 equivalents of soluble tetraalkylammonium compound per equivalent of dye compound. In various embodiments, the acid dye solution may comprise from about 0.5 equivalents to about 4 equivalents, typically from about 1 equivalent to about 4 equivalents, of a tetraalkylammonium compound per equivalent of dye compound. The amount of tetraalkylammonium compound used in conjunction with a particular acid dye compound depends on the rate at which the dye diffuses into the polyurethane and diffuses in the polyurethane, and the tetraline can be optimized in a simple manner. The amount of the quaternary ammonium compound.

The dye solution may comprise a water soluble organic solvent. The concentration of the organic solvent to be used in the dye solution at 20 ° C and 1 atm. is determined to be used in a specific amount for the water solubility of one of the specific organic solvents in the dye solution. If the organic solvent is completely dissolved in water at a concentration of 20 ° C and 1 atm. of the organic solvent to be used in the dye solution or completely miscible in water and if It does not form any separate phase or layer and is considered to be water soluble. Suitable non-limiting water-soluble organic solvents which can be used include alcohols (such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, propylene glycol). , propylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol, tri-propylglycolate and glycerol); ketones (such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone); esters (such as butyl acetate), which can be dissolved in water in a limited amount; And glycol ethers and glycol ether esters (especially acetates) (such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate). Up to about 50% by volume of the aqueous medium from which the dye solution can be made, or up to about 25% by volume, or from about 1% to about 50% by volume, or from about 5% to about 40% by volume, or from about A water-soluble organic solvent is contained at a concentration of from 10% by volume to about 30% by volume, or from about 15% by volume to about 25% by volume. Whether or not the organic solvent is used and the amount of the organic solvent to be used differ depending on the dye to be used and the method of applying the dye solution to the polyurethane. For example, when dyeing a polyurethane, immersing the polyurethane in one of the dye solutions may not contain or contain a minimum of organic solvent, and when the dye is sprayed or printed onto the polyurethane, It can contain substantially more organic solvents.

For the purposes of the present invention, the method will be described in detail with respect to an article of footwear or a portion of an article of footwear (such as a midsole or an air bag). However, the user understands that articles having different desired uses, sizes, shapes or compositions of matter can be colored according to the methods disclosed herein. For example, toys, balls, key rings, clothing, and other items can be colored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, the invention will be described in detail with respect to a footwear component that is multi-colored or exhibits a color gradient such that the footwear component exhibits an aesthetic appearance. For example, an object colored by one of the methods described in detail herein may be presented adjacent to a second color having a gradient from a light and unsaturated hue to a deep and strongly saturated hue. The deep and saturated hue is one of the first colors of the shallow and unsaturated hue. This effect is very aesthetically pleasing and changes finely from the first color to the second color in a gradient. The colors can also overlap to form a third color.

The appearance of a color can be quantified or determined in a number of ways. One way to make a view The examiner evaluates the color. However, even a well-trained observer may not be able to evaluate colors in order to determine whether other viewers will evaluate the colors in the same manner.

Many color standards or color spaces are known, such as the CIELAB system, the CMC modification of the CIELAB system, the Munsell color system, the Pantone color matching system, the RGB color space, and a CYMK color space. These color standards or color spaces are only a few of the many color standards or color spaces used in color evaluation.

Consumer goods present a number of color issues. Matching a selected color can be important for several reasons. For example, consumers may seek to match the colors of related products, such as shoes, shirts, and pants. Similarly, members of a team may seek shoes or garments that are substantially identically colored. Thus, while quantifying or determining a color can be important, determining the difference in color or determining whether a color is perceived as a match or the same color may be more important.

Therefore, systems for determining and quantifying color differences have been developed. Such color systems can measure hue (ie, perceived color, such as red, yellow, brown, or purple); chromaticity, also known as intensity or saturation; and brightness. The hue can be judged to be one of the colors mixed. Each factor is important in color characterization. Since color matching is important, a system for determining the difference between colors has been developed, and the characterization of color differences is available. For example, in the CIELAB system, the same as a standard is compared, and the difference between the brightness (L*), the red/green color (a*), the yellow/blue color (b*), and the saturation (C*) is determined. The difference in values can be used individually or in combination to evaluate color (i.e., to determine if a color is considered a "match"). A single value DE can also be calculated according to known algorithms to determine a single value that can be used to represent a difference between the two colors. The magnitude of DE is an indicator of the magnitude of the color difference.

The consideration of whether the two colors distinguished by a DE value represent a visually acceptable color difference is conveniently made in the CMC system, the CMC system being particularly suitable for automated evaluation based on pass/fail. In this system that produces a value of DE (CMC), having a DE (CMC) value of 1.0 or less at a fixed ratio of 2:1 brightness to one of chromaticity The variation is considered acceptable. In some cases, larger or smaller DE (CMC) values may be more appropriate.

However, a hue value is calculated in this system. This represents the color recognized by the human eye. Therefore, DH* indicates the difference in hue. Similarly, the difference in C* or chromaticity represents the difference in chromaticity (also known as intensity or saturation). Therefore, a negative DC* indication is less saturated than the sample color. The chromaticity is calculated at a given hue. For convenience herein, one of DE (CMC) of about 1.0 or less is considered an acceptable match, with values between about 0.9 and about 1.0 being considered acceptable, but marginal.

As can be seen, this system also provides a convenient way to identify differences in saturation. C* indicates these differences. Thus, to produce a color gradient with 20% saturation internals, colors having essentially the same hue but having chromaticities of 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% of saturated chromaticity will be selected. Therefore, if the most saturated chromaticity is 30, the chromaticity C* of the gradation color will be 24, 18, 12, and 6, respectively. Alternatively expressed in another way, the DC* values will be -6, -12, -18 and -24.

The DE (CMC) and C* values are just a convenient way to evaluate color and color matching. Any suitable system can be used in accordance with the present invention.

The article of footwear generally comprises two main components: an upper and a sole system. The upper is typically formed from a plurality of material elements (eg, fabric, polymer sheets, foam layers, leather, and synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a cavity on the interior of the footwear. Comfortably and safely accommodate one foot. More specifically, the upper forms a structure that extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, along the outside and inside of the foot, and around one of the heel regions of the foot. The upper may also have a strap system to adjust the fit of the footwear and allow the foot to enter the cavity in the upper and remove the cavity from the upper.

The sole system can include one or more components or several components. Such components may include an outsole, a midsole, an insole, an insert, an air bag, and/or an air bag, and may also include other items or components.

For example, Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of one embodiment of a multicolor object 100. The article 100 can be generally associated with a sole system or sole structure of an article of footwear. For example, in some embodiments, article 100 can include an airbag member or airbag that is incorporated into a sole system. In some embodiments, the article 100 can be further attached to an additional component of a sole system, including an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In addition, it will be appreciated that the article 100 can be used with any type of sole system or any type of footwear (eg, running shoes, basketball shoes, American football shoes, soccer shoes, boots, flats, sandals, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the article 100 can include a forefoot portion 102 and a heel portion 104. In addition, article 100 includes a top side 106 (shown in Figure 1) and a bottom side 118 (shown in Figure 2). The top side 106 of the article 100 will be oriented, for example, in the assembled shoe toward the foot of a wearer. The bottom side 118 can be oriented toward a lower portion of a shoe or a portion that contacts the ground (such as an outsole). The article 100 can further include a peripheral edge 108 of the article 100 that is also partially shown. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge 108 is visible in one of the assembled soles of a sports shoe.

In various embodiments, article 100 can have one or more colors. In this embodiment, the article 100 can have at least two distinct colors, a first color 110 on the heel portion 104 and a second color 112 on the forefoot portion 102. As an example, the first color 110 can be yellow and the second color 112 can be blue. However, this example is only one of many possible color combinations, and it will be appreciated that the first color 110 and the second color 112 can be any color. The sizes of the parts may be the same or different. In some embodiments, the portions are of different sizes.

Some embodiments may have transition regions between portions of different colors. In an embodiment, a transition region 114 can be disposed between the heel portion 104 and the forefoot portion 102. In some embodiments, the transition region 114 can be mixed with one of the colors 110 and the color 112.

As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the first color 110 and the second color 112 permeate through the article 100 for viewing from the top side 106 or the bottom side 118. Similarly, the first color 110 and the second color 112 is visible from the peripheral edge 108. Although only one side of the peripheral edge 108 is shown in Figures 1 and 2, it will be appreciated that the opposite side of the peripheral edge 108 can have a substantially similar color pattern.

In some embodiments, the transition region 114 can be omitted. Alternatively, one of the boundaries between the two colors can be seen. In other embodiments, only one color shading object 100 can be used. In other embodiments, three or more distinct colors may be used with or without transition regions between adjacent distinct colors.

Embodiments may include provisions that facilitate coloring an object to achieve the multicolor effects (and other possible color schemes) shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, in embodiments in which a dye is used to color an article, a system and associated method can include provisions for dyeing an article rather than the entire article.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, object 100 is colored (as illustrated in Figure 3) by dipping the heel portion 104 into the slot 204. 3 is an isometric cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an apparatus 200 for producing a multi-color object 100 such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Device 200 can include assembly 202, slot 204, and provisions for manipulating assembly 202 relative to slot 204. As discussed in further detail below, the assembly 202 is configured to hold an item while the slot 204 can be filled with a liquid colorant to be applied to one of the items.

In some embodiments, the assembly 202 can further include a container 206. The container 206 can include a side wall 208. In some embodiments, the container is closed at a first end portion 211 and is open at a second end portion 213. In an embodiment, the container 206 can include a top wall 210 at the first end portion 211 and a bottom opening 212 at the second end portion 213. The bottom opening 212 can provide an inlet to an interior 214 that is bounded by a sidewall 208 and a top wall 210.

In various embodiments, the geometry of the container 206 can vary. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the container 206 has an approximately cylindrical shape. More specifically, the side wall 208 can be a cylindrical wall and the top wall 210 can be rounded. However, in other embodiments, The container 206 can have any other geometric shape including, but not limited to, a spherical geometry, a tapered geometry, a rectangular 稜鏡 geometry, or any other three-dimensional geometry (including both regular and irregular geometries).

Slot 204 can be configured to hold liquid colorant 246. Here, liquid colorant 246 can be associated with color 248. For purposes of illustration, the slot 204 is shown as having a cylindrical geometry. However, in other embodiments, the geometry of the grooves 204 can vary.

Embodiments may include provisions for positioning the container 206. In some embodiments, device 200 includes an actuator 220 that can be used to adjust the position of container 206 relative to slot 204. In some embodiments, the actuator 220 can be used to raise and lower the container 206 relative to the slot 204. For purposes of illustration, only a portion of the actuator in contact with the container 206 is shown. Any suitable type of mechanism can be used to raise and lower the container 206. Some examples of devices that may be used include, for example, linkages, pulley systems, ropes, and cables that can be mechanized or manually operated.

To secure an article within the container 206, the assembly 202 can include one or more retaining members, which can also be referred to as fastening members. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper retaining member 242 and the lower retaining member 244 are disposed inside the container 206. In particular, the upper retaining member 242 can be secured to the top wall 210 of the container 206. In some embodiments, a retaining member bracket 245 secures the lower retaining member 244 to a lower portion of the sidewall 208. In the example shown, an article 230 is positioned vertically within the container 206. Specifically, the front foot portion 232 of the article 230 is secured in the container 206 by the upper retaining member 242. Further, the article 230 heel portion 234 is secured in the container 206 by the lower retaining member 244.

The first retaining member 242 and the second retaining member 244 can be used with any suitable member for retaining the article 230 in a fixed position within the interior of the container 206. The embodiment illustrated in the drawings is particularly useful for floating object systems. Some embodiments may employ a clamp, a clamp, a tension bar, a hook or a bracket as the retaining member. Still other embodiments may use any other type of retaining member known in the art to temporarily secure or retain an article to the appropriate In the location.

As seen in Figure 3, the container 206 can be configured in an inverted position relative to the slot 204. In particular, the second end portion 213 (which includes the bottom opening 212) is disposed closer to the slot 204 than the first end portion 211. As described in further detail below, this configuration allows the liquid colorant 246 to partially fill the interior 214 when the container 206 is lowered into the trough 204.

In FIG. 3, one embodiment of the assembly 202 prior to introduction of the container 206 into the trough 204 is depicted. The article 230 in an uncolored/undyed state is shown as being disposed inside the inverted container 206. In this particular configuration, the article 230 is held at the forefoot portion 232 and the heel portion 234.

One embodiment of the assembly 202 in the process of lowering the container 206 into the slot 204 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As discussed above, the trough 204 can be filled with a liquid colorant 246. In some embodiments, liquid colorant 246 can include a liquid dye. In some embodiments, liquid colorant 246 can be a liquid dye having one of colors 248.

Referring to Figure 4, actuator 220 lowers container 206 into slot 204 (as indicated by a downward pointing arrow). When the container 206 is lowered, a portion of the container 206 is introduced into the tank 204. The bottom opening 212 of the container 206 allows the liquid colorant 246 to enter the interior 214 of the container 206.

An air pocket 250 is created as the container 206 is lowered into the slot 204. In particular, when the bottom opening 212 of the container 206 is in contact with the liquid colorant 246, the air within the interior 214 of the container 206 is trapped (or sealed) within the container 206. Specifically, the air within the interior 214 is trapped within the volume bounded by the top wall 210, the sidewalls 208, and the surface of the liquid colorant 246.

In the configuration of FIG. 4, article 230 is shown partially immersed in liquid colorant 246. The heel portion 234 (not visible) is submerged in the liquid colorant 246. However, the forefoot portion 232 is disposed above the surface of the liquid colorant 246 and within the air pockets 250.

In some embodiments, the article 100 can be floating. For example, in which the object In an embodiment of the 230 series of airbag members or airbags, the article 230 can be particularly floating and resistant to being immersed in a liquid. Accordingly, the upper retaining member 242 and the lower retaining member 244 can prevent the article 230 from floating when immersed in the liquid colorant 246. This configuration allows the open bottom 212 of the container 206 to be at least partially submerged below one of the liquid levels in the tank 204.

As seen in FIG. 5, the liquid level 260 (also shown in FIG. 4) of the liquid colorant 246 in the container 206 can vary with the volume of the cavitation 250. The volume of the air pocket 250 can vary as the container 206 is submerged within the slot 204. In particular, as the container 206 is further submerged, the volume of the cavitation 250 can be further compressed. In some embodiments, the volume of the cavitation 250 can be controlled independently of the immersion depth by using other provisions that increase the pressure within the cavitation 250 and thereby maintain an approximately constant volume, or the cavitation 250 can be altered in other ways. volume.

In the event that the container 206 is submerged to a predetermined level within the tank 204, the liquid level 260 defines a first portion of the article 230 (which is external to the liquid colorant 246) and a second portion of the article 230 (which is submerged) The transition between liquid colorants 246). Here, the first portion is the forefoot portion 232 and the second portion is the heel portion 234. However, in other embodiments, the first portion and the second portion can be any other portion. The article 230 heel portion 234 can be colored by the liquid colorant 246 by holding the container 206 at this depth for a predetermined short period of time. In this case, the container 206 is shown to be largely, but not completely, submerged within the liquid colorant 246. In other embodiments, the container 206 can be completely submerged within the liquid colorant 246.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a container 206 that is lifted from the slot 204 by use of an actuator 220. Liquid colorant 246 can exit container 206 through bottom opening 212 as container 206 is lifted. The illustrated impregnated article 230 has a color 248 on the heel portion 234 below the colored line 262. In an embodiment of the invention, article 230 is dipped into trough 204 in at least one dipping/drying cycle and article 230 is removed for drying to impart a selected color and saturation to article 230 followed by portion 234.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the article 230 can be immersed in the liquid in the container 206. The toner 246 is of a short period of time sufficient to impart a color with a low saturation and insufficient to completely color the article to a selected saturation. In embodiments of the invention, the period of infiltration of article 230 into liquid colorant 246 is between about 5 seconds and about 120 seconds, more typically between about 10 seconds and about 60 seconds, and even more typically It is between about 15 seconds and about 50 seconds, and most typically between about 15 seconds and about 45 seconds. Object 230 and dried article 230 can then be removed from liquid colorant 246 in container 206. The article 230 can then be re-impregnated and dried in accordance with the impregnation/drying method of the present invention up to the number of times required to achieve the selected saturation.

The user recognizes that the immersion time for coloring according to known methods typically exceeds at least about 5 minutes, more typically at least about 30 minutes, and even more typically at least about 60 minutes to achieve 100% saturation. However, the present invention is practiced in accordance with a single dipping/drying cycle in which the article 230 is repeatedly immersed in the colorant 246 in the container 206 for a short period of time, from the colorant removing article 230 and the dried article 230. For example, the selected color saturation can be achieved in significantly less time.

In an embodiment of the invention, the article 230 may be immersed in the colorant 246 in the container 206 at the same distance in each impregnation of the dipping/drying cycle. In such embodiments of the invention, the object 230 is then colored to achieve a color region (i.e., a color block) having an essentially constant saturation. This color block is illustrated at Figure 6, which shows an object 230 having a color 248 on the heel portion 234.

In other embodiments of the invention, the article 230 can be immersed to a smaller depth with continuous impregnation in a series of dipping/drying cycles. In this series of impregnation/drying cycles, each successive impregnation into the colorant 246 in the vessel 206 can be to a shorter distance or less. Thus, if the first impregnation is one to a depth or distance of X mm, the second impregnation is to Y mm, where Y is less than X. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, one of a single color gradient layer can be imparted to object 230. This embodiment of the invention provides the opportunity to impart a fine or fuzzy gradient by dipping the article 230 into the colorant 246 in the container 206 to a depth which is a significant portion of the previous impregnation depth. In such embodiments of the invention, continuous impregnation is deep The relationship between degrees can be random, linear, proportional, or any associated distance. Using the guidance provided herein, the user can choose to provide a program of selected depths or configurations of impregnation depth.

In an embodiment of the invention, a gradation can be established over a selected distance of an object and the gradation can be applied across the length. For example, a gradient layer can be established over a distance and can have 5 different degrees of saturation, which can be immersed into the colorant 246 in the container 206 five times by the article 230 (where each continuous impregnation reduces the depth of impregnation) ) and reached. Figure 14 illustrates this embodiment. Thus, after a first impregnation for a period of time such as by one of the depths illustrated by color line 1462 in Figure 14 and continuing for a drying period, the second impregnation can be tied to a smaller depth (such as by Figure 14) The depth illustrated by the color line 1464). After a second drying period, the next immersion may last for the same time or a different time to a depth by one of the colored lines 1466 in FIG. The continuous impregnation to the colored lines 1468 and 1470 (with appropriate drying periods between them) completes the 5th step. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this can be achieved using any series of impregnation/drying cycles of different impregnation depths. For example, the article can be immersed twice to each depth or immersed to each depth 5 times to achieve a gradation.

Figure 14 is a 5th step gradient. Using substantially equal immersion time, the gradation range can be 20% of the first segment 1451, 40% of the second segment 1452, 60% of the third segment 1453, 80% of the fourth segment 1454, and the fifth 100% of the fragment 1455. In this embodiment, the percentages are the percentage of the deepest saturation on the object. Thus, the fifth segment 1455 can have a saturation of 45%. In this case, the first segment 1451 will have a saturation of 9%.

Figure 14 illustrates a uniform gradation. In some embodiments of the invention, the number of impregnation/drying cycles for each segment need not be the same. This embodiment will produce a 5th-order gradient with a non-uniform color transition.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a 100-order linear color can be achieved on an object. Gradient to present a gradient and fine color gradient. Using the guidance provided herein, the user will be able to determine the appropriate order in a gradient to provide a selected presentation or appearance.

In some embodiments of the invention, the difference in impregnation depths need not be equal. Although the immersion depth differences in Figure 14 are equal, Figure 15 illustrates unequal immersion depths. The impregnation depth in Figure 15 is related to the equal ratios 1, 3, 9, and 27. Therefore, the gradation section 1550 is divided into a first segment 1551, a second segment 1552, a third segment 1553, and a fourth segment 1554. The relative length of the fourth segment 1554 is 1; the third segment 1553, 3; the second segment 1552, 9; and the first segment 1551, 27. Figure 15 illustrates the same relative number of immersion/dry cycles, thus producing 25% saturation in the first segment 1551, 50% saturation in the second segment 1552, and 75% saturation in the third segment 1553 and 100% saturation in the four segments 1554. Again, the percent saturation here is the percentage of the deepest saturation on the object.

In some embodiments of the invention, the change in color saturation between the segments is not based on a single dipping or equivalent dipping time. For example, an item can be immersed to the same depth more than once and immersed to other depths only once. This difference will change the relationship between the saturations in the color segments. For example, after one of a selected depth to a dipping and a drying period, an impregnation cycle can be performed twice to a lower depth, with the next dipping to a further depth. This will provide a different relationship between the saturation between the color segments.

In embodiments of the invention, the degree of saturation and the number of impregnation/drying cycles may not necessarily be directly proportional. For example, the relationship between saturation and the number of immersion/dry cycles can be linear or any incremental function. The relationship between any combination and dye can be determined by subjecting an article having a selected composition of matter to a series of immersion/drying cycles and measuring the saturation at the end of each cycle. Therefore, using the guidance provided herein, the user can determine the relationship between saturation and the number of immersion/dry cycles.

Figure 16 illustrates one object having a different relationship between the saturations of color segments. The color segment 1650 of the object 1630 is divided into seven color segments, each of which has an equal width on the object 1630. Table 1 below identifies the relative number of impregnation/drying cycles The cumulative number of meshes, dipping/drying cycles, and the percentage of saturation imparted to each of the color segments. The number of impregnation/drying cycles can be multiplied by any number to obtain the actual number of impregnations in each segment. For example, if the color segment 1651 has 5 impregnations, the color segment 1652 has 10 impregnations to that depth. As can be seen in Figure 16 and Table 1, the change in saturation between color segments from a color segment to a subsequent color segment can be different.

Using the guidance provided herein, the user can select the conditions under which a selected gradient is expected to be provided.

In some embodiments of the invention, the article to be colored may be immersed into the color to alternately impart an appearance of a third color. For example, one of the articles to a depth may be first dipped into a first colorant (such as green) to provide a green color segment having one of the low saturations on the article. Thereafter, the article can be immersed to the same or a different depth in a blue colorant to form a blue/green color segment where the article is exposed to the two colorants, and where the colorants do not overlap A blue color segment or a green color segment is formed.

Object 230 can be reversed or reversed from a previous location. For example, in Figures 3 through 6, the object 230 is oriented such that heel portion 234 is downward and colored at that end. In other embodiments of the invention, two separate portions of an article may be immersed in different colors. 7 through 9 illustrate schematic views depicting several additional steps that may be used to produce a multicolor object in accordance with an embodiment. It will be appreciated that such steps are optional and that some embodiments (especially in embodiments where only a single color is desired) may not include such steps.

Referring now to Figure 7, article 230 can be inverted within container 206 relative to the position of article 230 as shown in the previous figures (e.g., Figure 6). Therefore, the rear heel portion 234 is now fixed in the container 206 by the upper retaining member 242. Further, the front foot portion 232 of the article 230 is secured in the container 206 by the lower retaining member 244. The inverted article 230 prepares the colored forefoot portion 232 to be immersed in the next slot 264.

As also shown in FIG. 7, assembly 202 can be moved or transferred from slot 204 toward the next slot 264. This is indicated by a horizontal arrow indicating any component of the moving assembly 202, such as a conveyor device. This may occur before, after, or during the reverse of the object 230 within the container 206. The trough 264 can be filled with a liquid colorant 266 of one of the colors 268. In some embodiments, liquid colorant 266 can be a liquid dye. In an exemplary embodiment, color 268 is different from color 248.

In some embodiments, any type of mechanism capable of transferring assembly 202 from slot 204 to next slot 264 may be employed. Some examples of possible devices include, but are not limited to, for example, mechanically or manually operated linkage sets, pulley systems, ropes, cables, and other devices.

In some embodiments, additional impregnation of the article can be performed in the same or additional tanks. Additional impregnation can be used, for example, to rinse, coat or seal the article. Moreover, some embodiments may include a drying operation in the middle of the impregnation of the article. Such additional impregnation or operation may occur before, during or after impregnation of the article as set forth above. Each impregnation can be associated with a drying period.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of lowering the container 206 to the assembly 202 in the next slot 264. This illustration illustrates immersing the uncolored forefoot portion 232 of the article 230 into the next slot 264. One of the containers 206 is second lowered or impregnated. In this step, the actuator 220 lowers the container 206 into the slot 264 filled with the liquid colorant 266. The open bottom 212 of the container 206 allows the liquid colorant 266 to enter the interior 214 of the container 206. As previously described, air pockets 250 are created as container 206 is lowered into slot 264. In this configuration, the heel portion 234 is shown as being disposed in the air pocket 250. In other words, the heel portion 234 is not in contact with the liquid colorant 266.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front foot portion 232 of the article 230 is shown partially immersed in the liquid colorant 266. In some embodiments, the article 230 can be submerged to a point where the colored line 262 is submerged below the liquid level 260. This allows for the use of liquid colorant 266 to additionally color portions of article 230 that have been tinted with color 248. As discussed above, this produces a color transition region that is mixed with one of the colors 268. However, in other embodiments, the colored line 262 can be disposed above the liquid level 260 such that the article 230 is not colored more than once.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the assembly 202 after the step of immersing the container 206 into the trough 264. Referring to FIG. 9, the impregnated article 230 is shown with a color 268 on the foot portion 232 before the colored line 262, and a color 248 on the heel portion 234 over the colored line 272. A colored line 262 is formed when the article 230 is immersed in the groove 204. A colored line 272 is formed when the article 230 is immersed in the groove 264. According to an exemplary embodiment, the article 230 is immersed into the slot 264 once to dye the front portion 232 of the article 230.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the impregnated article 230 has a color transition portion 281 disposed between the colored line 262 and the colored line 272. The transition portion 281 includes a color 248 mixed with one of the colors 268, as previously described, in some embodiments, the article 230 can be impregnated several times to achieve different coloring effects. Immersion of an article multiple times can be used to achieve the desired result of color saturation to provide a color transition region or the like. In some cases, the volume of the cavitation 250 within the container 206 can vary over successive impregnations to achieve different results.

In embodiments of the invention, the article can be oriented in any position. For example, as shown in Figure 3 As shown in Figure 9, it illustrates a heel and heel portion of an article of footwear. However, FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment with one of the alternative holding positions of the article 300. In the example shown, article 300 (which includes a forefoot portion 302 and a heel portion 304) is positioned horizontally (rather than as vertical as in the previous embodiment). The top side 306 of the article 300 is viewed in the plane of the drawing. In this configuration, one of the outer peripheral edge portions 308 of the article 300 is secured in the container 1006 by the upper retaining member 1042. The inner peripheral edge portion 310 of the article 300 is secured in the container 1006 by a lower retaining member 1044.

Embodiments of the invention with respect to methods are essentially the same for any application of any color to an object. The display assembly 301 is lowered into, for example, a slot 1004 of liquid colorant 1046 that is full of color 1048. The procedure for coloring the article 300 is repeated in accordance with the previously exemplified embodiments discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 3-8. However, it will be appreciated that the article 300 of the present embodiment is inverted (not shown) in the container 1006 in a manner such that the inner peripheral edge portion 310 is secured in the container by the upper retaining member 1042 when inverted. Further, in the inverted position, the outer peripheral peripheral edge portion 308 of the article 300 is fixed in the container by the lower holding member 1044. Next, the container 1006 is transferred and submerged into another tank to apply another color.

These embodiments show some possible orientations of an object relative to the surface of a liquid colorant. In particular, the embodiments depict configurations in which objects can be perpendicular to a surface (eg, Figure 5) or horizontal (eg, Figure 10). In other embodiments, the position of the article can be angled relative to the surface of the liquid colorant rather than being oriented vertically or horizontally.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the resulting article 300 in accordance with the above described production steps. The top side 306 of the display multicolor object 300 is viewed in the plane of the drawing. On one of the inner sides of the colored line 362, the object 300 is colored with a color 1048. On one of the outside of one of the colored lines 362, the article 300 is tinted with another color 1068. Although the transition region is not shown, it will be appreciated that a transition region of mixed color 1048 and color 1068 can be provided to the inside and outside of the colored line 362. In addition, color is visible from the top side 306, the bottom side (not shown), and the peripheral edge (not shown) due to the color infiltrating the object.

FIG. 12 illustrates a variation of one embodiment of another alternative holding position of article 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the article 400 is again positioned horizontally. However, a side view of the object is shown. The peripheral edge 408 is in the plane of the drawing. The top side 406 of the article 400 is secured in the container 1206 by the upper retaining member 1242. The bottom side 418 of the article 400 is secured in the container 1206 by a lower retention member 1244.

Display assembly 1200 is lowered into, for example, slot 1204 of liquid colorant 1246 filled with color 1248. The procedure for dyeing the article 400 is repeated in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment illustrated above and illustrated in FIGS. 3-8. However, it will be appreciated that the article 400 of the present embodiment can be inverted (not shown) in the container 1206 in a manner such that the bottom side 418 is secured in the container 1206 by the upper retaining member 1242. Additionally, the top side 406 of the article is secured in the container 1206 by a lower retention member 1244. The vessel 1206 can then be transferred and submerged into another tank.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the resulting article 400 in accordance with the above steps. The peripheral edge 408 of the display multicolor object 400 is visible. The bottom side 418 of the article 400 is dyed with a color 1248 below the colored line 462. The top side 406 of the article 400 is dyed with a color 1268 above the dye line 462. Although the transition region is not shown, it will be appreciated that a transition region of mixed color 1248 and color 1268 can be provided above and below the colored line 462. In addition, color is visible from the top side 406, the bottom side 418, and the perimeter edge 408 as the dye color penetrates the article.

Embodiments may include provisions for simultaneously coloring a plurality of articles in a single tank of one of the liquid colorants. For example, some embodiments may include provisions for holding a plurality of items at the same height within a container thereby permitting simultaneous coloring of the plurality of items. As another example, some embodiments may incorporate an assembly having stacked containers in which one or more items may be colored within each container, and wherein the entire assembly may be submerged into one of the liquid colorants.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail in Figures 3 through 13 to immerse a single item into a single tank, other impregnation configurations may be used. For example, Figures 3 through 13 illustrate a device that is particularly suitable for holding an impregnated portion of an article below the surface of a liquid colorant. Therefore, the objects in these figures can be floated in the liquid colorant. Floating, but the holder ensures that the item is properly impregnated. These holders may also have a plurality of items for separating the simultaneously immersed so that they are not in contact with each other and avoid proper interaction between the colorant and the article.

Many devices that can have the ability to impregnate and dry an article as described herein practice embodiments of the present invention. This device is described in detail in the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/791,643, filed on Mar.

Figure 17 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which retaining member 1742 can hold article 1730 into liquid colorant 1746 without causing article 1730 to float on liquid colorant 1746 in a manner that retains article 1730 in liquid. Above the colorant 1746. Figure 17 shows at least a portion of article 1730 in liquid colorant 1746 in tank 1704 (which may also be referred to as a dye tank). For example, in some embodiments of the invention, article 1730 may not float in liquid colorant 1746. In some embodiments of the invention, the article 1730 can be floating but rigid enough to not float when held by the retaining member 1742 in the liquid colorant 1746. In some embodiments of the invention, the retaining member 1742 retains the rigid article 1730 by utilizing a force that is substantially sufficient to prevent the article 1730 from floating or otherwise being submerged by the force. Using the guidance provided herein, the user can determine whether an item can be suitably held in a single holding member for coloring in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

One embodiment of Figure 17 is particularly effective for coloring articles that are immersible in the liquid colorant when held at a point above a liquid colorant. FIG. 17 depicts a portion of article 1730 in liquid colorant 1746 that is immersed in tank 1704. The actuator 1702 can be moved vertically downward (as indicated by the arrows) to immerse the article 1730 into the liquid colorant 1746 in the slot 1704. Object 1730 can then be removed from liquid colorant 1746 by vertically moving actuator 1702 (as indicated by the arrows). In some embodiments of the invention, the article 1730 can be repeatedly immersed in the liquid colorant 1746 and the article 1730 dried until a selection is achieved. saturation.

In an embodiment of the invention, an item may be sequentially immersed in a different liquid colorant or a different fluid, such as between immersion in a liquid colorant and a drying period. 18 through 21 illustrate an embodiment of one of the inventions of a sequential impregnation/drying cycle. These figures illustrate the processing of an object associated with a plurality of slots containing a treatment fluid.

Referring now to Figure 18, an actuator 1802 can be attached to the delivery device 1899. The delivery device 1899 includes a drive belt 1896 between the powered pulley 1898 and the pulley 1897 and can convey or translate the actuator 1802 over the first slot 1804, the second slot 1824, the third slot 1844, and the fourth slot 1864 ( As indicated by the arrow). In embodiments of the invention, there may be a number of slots above which the delivery device 1899 can transport, move or translate the actuator 1802 and the devices and articles associated therewith.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, article 1830 is retained in retaining member 1842 on actuator 1802 above liquid colorant 1846 of first slot 1804. Actuator 1802 can then be activated to move retaining member 1842 toward liquid colorant 1846 in the direction of the arrow until article 1830 is at least partially submerged in liquid colorant 1846 (as illustrated in Figure 18). After a selected short period of time, the actuator 1802 moves upwardly in the direction of the arrow with the retention member 1842 of the article 1830 to remove the article 1830 from the liquid colorant 1846. The article 1830 can then be allowed to dry while suspended above the first slot 1804, or the article 1830 can be moved or translated to a position above another slot. In an embodiment of the invention, the article 1830 can be immersed in the liquid colorant 1846 and the dried article 1830 in a plurality of consecutive cycles prior to moving the article 1830 to a position above the other slot.

In an embodiment of the invention, after processing in the first tank 1804, the actuator 1802 having the retaining member 1842 and the article 1830 can be moved to a position above any of the other slots for additional processing. In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator 1802 can be moved in the direction of the arrow to where the article 1730 can be at least partially immersed into one of the second slots 1824 (as illustrated in Figure 19). The second groove 1824 can contain a fluid 1856 that can be colored by a liquid Agent, a wash fluid, water or any other treatment fluid. Once positioned above the slot 1824, the actuator 1802 can then be activated to move the retention member 1842 toward the fluid 1856 in the direction of the arrow until the article 1830 is at least partially submerged in the fluid 1856. After a selected immersion time, the actuator 1802 moves upwardly in the direction of the arrow with the retaining member 1842 of the article 1830 to remove the article 1830 from the fluid 1856. The article 1830 can then be allowed to dry while suspended above the second slot 1824, or the article 1830 can be moved or translated to a position above another slot. In some embodiments of the invention, the article 1830 can be immersed multiple times in the second slot 1824 and the article 1830 can be dried after either of the impregnations.

The actuator 1802 and the equipment and items thereon can then be moved to a position above any of the other slots. In some embodiments of the invention, the item 1830 will be moved back to a position above the first slot 1804 and further processed (as illustrated in Figure 18). In some embodiments of the invention, the article 1830 will be moved to a position above the third slot 1844 for processing (as illustrated in Figure 20). In some embodiments of the invention, the item 1830 will be moved to a position above the fourth slot 1864 for processing (as illustrated in Figure 21).

FIG. 20 illustrates the processing steps associated with the third slot 1844. The article 1830 is retained in the retaining member 1842 on the actuator 1802 and at least partially submerged in the fluid 1866 in the third slot 1844 for processing. Actuator 1802 has been activated to move retaining member 1842 toward fluid 1866 in the direction of the arrow until article 1830 is at least partially submerged in fluid 1866 (as shown in Figure 20). After a selected short period of time, the actuator 1802 moves upwardly in the direction of the arrow with the retaining member 1842 of the article 1830 to remove the article 1830 from the fluid 1866. The article 1830 can then be allowed to dry while suspended above the third slot 1844, or the article 1830 can be moved or translated to a position above any other slot. In an embodiment of the invention, the article 1830 can be immersed into the fluid 1866 and dried the article 1830 in a plurality of consecutive cycles before moving the article 1830 to a position above the other slot.

FIG. 21 illustrates the processing steps associated with the fourth slot 1864. Object 1830 is held in The retaining member 1842 on the actuator 1802 is at least partially submerged in the fluid 1876 in the fourth slot 1864 for processing. Actuator 1802 can then be activated to move retaining member 1842 (as illustrated) toward fluid 1876 in the direction of the arrow until article 1830 is at least partially submerged in fluid 1876 (as illustrated in Figure 21). After a selected short period of time, the actuator 1802 moves upwardly in the direction of the arrow with the retaining member 1842 of the article 1830 to remove the article 1830 from the fluid 1876. The article 1830 can then be allowed to dry while suspended above the fourth slot 1864, or the article 1830 can be moved or translated to a position above another slot. In an embodiment of the invention, the article 1830 can be immersed into the fluid 1876 and dried the article 1830 in a plurality of consecutive cycles before moving the article 1830 to a position above the other slot.

In an embodiment of the invention, the article 1830 can thus be moved to a position above the slot and the article 1830 can be processed by sequentially immersing the article 1830 into the fluid in each slot to apply a color having a selected saturation or Several color dip articles 1830 (as illustrated in Figures 18-21). Using the guidance provided in this article, the user will be able to create a suitable sequence.

For example, in an embodiment of the invention, the third tank 1844 can contain a fluid 1866 that can be a liquid colorant, a wash fluid, water, or any other liquid. If fluid 1866 is a liquid colorant, liquid colorant 1866 can be, for example, the same or different than liquid colorant 1846. Similarly, the fourth tank 1864 can contain a fluid 1876 that can be a liquid colorant, a wash fluid, water, or any other liquid. If fluid 1876 is a liquid colorant, liquid colorant 1876 can be the same or different than liquid colorant 1866 or can be the same or different than liquid colorant 1846.

In an embodiment of the invention, the object may first be immersed only to the shallowest or shortest distance of a desired color segment. Then, after drying, the subsequent impregnation can be deeper into the liquid colorant. Thus, the regions with minimal saturation in such embodiments of the invention are finally colored.

Liquid colorant materials typically include a colorant and a solvent for one of the colorants. In a After the article has been immersed in and removed from the liquid colorant, the article is dried and evaporated or otherwise removed. Other compounds, such as mordants, optical enhancers, thickeners, and other additive compounds are generally present in minor amounts. During drying, excess liquid colorant may be allowed to drip back into the liquid colorant in the container, and the solvent and other volatile materials in the liquid colorant may evaporate to produce a dried colored article.

In an embodiment of the invention, a volatile agent (i.e., a compound having a vapor pressure higher than the vapor pressure of the liquid colorant) may be included in the liquid colorant to reduce drying time. In an embodiment of the invention, drying can be accelerated by blowing a gas at or near any temperature, but typically at least ambient temperature, on or near the item to be dried. In such embodiments, the gas may be any gas that does not adversely react with the color former. Typically, the gas system is nitrogen or air, and more typically air.

In some embodiments of the invention, the liquid colorant in the container is maintained at an elevated temperature (i.e., above ambient temperature). In such embodiments of the invention, the impregnated article can be quickly dried and the article can then be impregnated again. The article can be immersed in the same liquid colorant or can be immersed in another liquid colorant. In embodiments of the invention, any portion of the article can be immersed in another liquid colorant. In an embodiment of the invention, one of the colored objects may be partially immersed in the same color or a different color. In another embodiment of the invention, a second or additional color may be applied to the area of the previously uncolored object. Such embodiments of the invention produce a colored article having two or more colors thereon. Such an object is shown, for example, in Figures 1, 2, 8, and 9.

For example, Figure 9 depicts an article 230 having a heel portion 234, a forefoot portion 234, and a transition portion 281 having a first color portion 248, a forefoot portion 232 having a second color 268 and a transition portion 281 having a third portion a color, the third color being mixed with one of the first color and the second color. The transition portion provides a smooth color transition to provide a visually pleasing transition between the first color and a second color.

In an embodiment of the invention, the article 230 is followed by a portion 234 that is immersed in liquid coloration. The first coloring line 262 is applied to the first coloring line 262 to impart a first color 248 to the heel portion (as illustrated in Figure 6). The article is then dried and inverted (as illustrated in Figure 7), and the heel portion 234 is shown above the forefoot portion 232 in Figure 8. 8 shows the depth at which the forefoot portion 232 is immersed into the second liquid colorant 266 beyond the colored line 262 to the liquid level 260. This dipping imparts a color 268 to the first forefoot portion 232 of the article 230 up to the second colored line 272. Thus, a transition zone 281 has a color that is mixed with one of the first color 268 (as shown in Figure 9). In such embodiments of the invention, the object presents three colors, specifically, a first color 248, a second color 268, and the like, mixed.

In such embodiments of the invention, only one dipping/drying cycle is used in each color. However, in other embodiments of the invention, multiple impregnation/drying cycles may be performed using each liquid colorant or using any liquid colorant. In embodiments of the invention in which more than one color is used, the number of immersion/dry cycles in each color may be the same. In other embodiments of the invention in which more than one color is used, the number of impregnation/drying cycles in each color may vary. Using the guidance provided herein, the user will be able to obtain the desired saturation level for each color in a multi-color system or any overlapping portion thereof.

In some embodiments of the invention, a color or colors may be applied to an object in a separate area that is in contact but not overlapping. In other embodiments of the invention, a color or colors may be applied to an object in a separate area that is not in contact. In such embodiments of the invention, uncolored areas will be visible between the colored regions.

Instance

The following examples are intended to illustrate the subject matter of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

Example 1

An article associated with one of the footwear sole systems that is dyed to have a color gradient from a toe portion to a heel portion. Starting from the heel portion, the entire article is immersed in a suitable dye for up to 30 seconds, followed by removal and drying of the article. Dip the dried object Remove and dry the object by placing it in the same dye to a depth of 99% of its length for 30 seconds. The dried article was immersed in the same dye to a depth of 98% of its length for 30 seconds to remove and dry the article. This immersion/drying cycle in which the immersion depth was reduced by 1% in each successive cycle was repeated such that the final cycle dyed 1% of the length of the article.

The resulting article exhibits a fascinating appearance of a color gradient that has increasing saturation from the toe portion (its color is only slightly saturated) to the heel portion (which is heavily saturated).

Example 2

An article associated with a sole system of footwear that is dyed to have a gradient of red color from about one heel portion to about 60% of the length of the article (approximately in a midfoot region). The same sole system is dyed to have a gradient of yellow color from about one toe portion to about 60% of the length of the article (similarly ending in the midfoot region). The article was colored using one of the 30 second impregnation/drying cycles of each step and repeated 20 times. The resulting article was aesthetically colored in 3 discrete bands. From about the toe portion to about 40% of the length of the article, the article is yellow. 20% of the length of the object (in the midfoot portion) is orange, and the remaining 40% of the object (in the heel portion) is red.

Example 3

An article that is dyed to have a gradient of green color across the entire object. For this combination of substrate and dye, the relationship between saturation and the number of impregnations is not linear. In fact, the saturation is related to the number of impregnation as explained in Table 2, as follows:

The object exhibits an aesthetically gradation of green color, which begins to fade at one end, is less than 50% saturated at the midpoint, and rapidly increases to the full saturation across the remainder of the object.

Example 4

An article that is dyed to have a gradient of purple color across the entire object. For this combination of substrate and dye, the relationship between saturation and the number of impregnations is not linear. In fact, the saturation is related to the number of impregnation as explained in Table 3, as follows:

The object exhibits an aesthetically gradual layer of purple color that begins to fade at one end. And rapidly increases to a saturation of greater than 50% at the midpoint, and then gradually increases to the full saturation across the remainder of the object.

Example 5, Example 6 and Example 7

The thermoplastic polyurethane portion of an article of footwear was dyed in various protocols using dyes from Huntsman Inc. of Woodlands, Texas, USA and Bezema AG, Monterrey, Switzerland. A tetrabutylammonium salt is used, and a n-propanol-based organic solvent is used. Deionized water is used throughout.

A dye solution is prepared by adding a predetermined amount of dye to a mixture of between about 70 vol% and about 85 vol% water and between about 30 vol% to about 15 vol% of n-propanol. The dye is dissolved by stirring while heating the solution to between about 45 ° C and about 50 ° C. After the dye has dissolved, the ammonium salt is added as a solid or concentrated aqueous solution.

The fraction was washed in a mixture of 60 vol% n-propanol and 40 vol of water at 50 ° C for 2.5 minutes. The washed pieces were then dyed on three different machines according to the following protocol:

The results in Example 5, Example 6, and Example 7 were obtained. As can be seen, each part experienced 22 impregnations in the dye with an immersion time of 5 seconds.

Example 5 - Single Axis Impregnator

A single-axis impregnator is used to color the portion to blue. The table below indicates the results of the impregnation:

DE (CMC) is 0.63, so this part is considered to pass the color comparison test.

Example 6 - Multi-axis impregnator

A multi-axis impregnator is used to color the two sections in each of seven colors in individual run lengths. The following table indicates the results of the impregnation.

The above-mentioned bold DC (CMC) values are acceptable but can be considered marginal. As can be seen, each of the comparisons is acceptable.

Example 7 - Improved immersion impregnator

This machine is used to color multiple parts into orange. The average difference between the factors is as follows:

As can be seen, this comparison is acceptable.

While the invention has been described with respect to the embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention For example, the invention relates in detail to footwear, but the methods described herein can be applied to any article. Other articles that may be suitably colored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, for example, a key ring. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof. Further, various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

100‧‧‧Multicolor objects/objects

102‧‧‧Front part

104‧‧‧ followed by part

106‧‧‧ top side

108‧‧‧ peripheral edge

110‧‧‧First color/color

112‧‧‧Second color/color

114‧‧‧Transition area

Claims (20)

A method for coloring an object, the method comprising: (a) immersing at least a first portion of the article into a first liquid colorant having a first color to a first predetermined depth of less than the color One of a first short period of 100% single immersion saturation time; (b) removing the item from the liquid colorant; and (c) drying the item. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (a) immersing at least a second portion of the dried article into a second liquid colorant having a second color to a second predetermined depth of less than the first One of a second short period of 100% single immersion saturation time of two colors, (b) removing the object from the liquid colorant; and (c) drying the object. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising repeating the dyeing and drying steps until the article is impregnated with the selected color and saturation. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the object is part of a footwear item. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the object is a midsole of an article of footwear. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion at least partially overlap to form a third color. A method for dyeing an article to a predetermined degree of saturation, wherein the predetermined saturation is typically achieved by placing the article in a liquid colorant for a single 100% immersion saturation time and then drying the article to a level of 100. % dry time is achieved, the method comprises the following steps: (a) placing the article in the liquid colorant for a first short period of time, the first short period of time being less than the 100% single immersion saturation time; (b) removing the object from the liquid colorant a short drying period; (c) placing the article back into the liquid colorant for a second short period of time, the second short period of time being less than the 100% single immersion saturation time; and (d) from the liquid colorant Removing the object for a second short drying period; wherein, when added together, the first short period plus the first short drying period plus the second short period plus the second short drying period accumulating less than the 100% The single immersion saturation time and the 100% single immersion saturation drying time are added together. The method of claim 7, wherein the first short period of time and the second short period of time are independently between about 5 seconds and about 120 seconds. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first short period and the second short period are independently between about 10 seconds and about 60 seconds. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first short period and the second short period are independently less than about 5% of the 100% single immersion saturation time. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising immersing the article into the liquid colorant less than about 40 times, wherein the short period of time is less than about 2% of the 100% single immersion saturation time. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising immersing the article into the liquid colorant less than about 25 times, wherein the short period of time is less than about 3% of the 100% single immersion saturation time. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising immersing the article into the liquid colorant less than about 10 times, wherein the short period of time is less than about 5% of the 100% single immersion saturation time. A method for dyeing an object to have a first region and a second region, the first region having a first predetermined saturation of the first color and the second region Having a second predetermined saturation of a second color, wherein the first predetermined saturation is typically achieved by placing the article in a first liquid colorant for a single 100% immersion saturation time and then drying the object A first 100% single immersion saturation drying time is achieved, and the second predetermined saturation is typically obtained by placing the article in a second liquid colorant for a second 100% single immersion saturation time and drying the The article is achieved by a second 100% single immersion saturation drying time, the method comprising the steps of: (a) placing the article in the first liquid colorant for a first short period of time, the first short period of time being less than The 100% single immersion saturation time; (b) removing the article from the first liquid colorant for a first drying period; (c) placing the article back into the first liquid colorant for a second For a short period of time, the second short period of time is less than the first 100% single immersion saturation time; (d) removing the object from the first liquid colorant for a second short drying period; (e) placing the object at The second liquid colorant reaches a third short period, the third short The segment is less than the second 100% single immersion saturation time; (f) removing the article from the second liquid colorant for a third short drying period; (g) placing the article back to the second liquid colorant a fourth short period of time, the fourth short period of time being less than the second 100% single immersion saturation time; (h) removing the object from the second liquid colorant for a fourth short drying period; When added together, the first short period plus the first short drying period plus the second short period plus the second short drying period accumulation is less than the first 100% single immersion saturation time and the first 100% single impregnation a saturated drying time; and wherein when added together, the third short period plus the third short drying period plus the fourth short period plus the fourth short drying period accumulation is less than the second 100% single immersion saturation time And a second 100% single impregnation saturated drying time. The method of claim 14, wherein the first area is different from the second area small. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising immersing the article of step (d) into a wash bath prior to immersing the article in the second liquid colorant. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the first short period, the second short period, the third short period, and the fourth short period are independently between about 5 seconds and about 120 seconds. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the first short period, the second short period, the third short period, and the fourth short period are independently between about 10 seconds and about 60 seconds. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the first short period and the second short period are independently less than about 3% of the 100% single immersion saturation time, and the third short period and the fourth short period Independently less than about 3% of the second 100% single immersion saturation time. A portion of an article of footwear having a colored portion, wherein the colored portion is formed by: (a) immersing at least a first portion of the article into a first liquid colorant having a first color to a first predetermined depth of less than one of a first short period of 100% single immersion saturation time of the color; (b) removing the item from the liquid colorant; and (c) drying the item.