WO2021168377A1 - Reversible color-changing fabric with hollow fibers and replaceable fluids and solids - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method of reversibly, color-changing a fabric is described, using an interlaced plurality of hollow micro-tubes to form a fabric, the micro-tubes permitting a color placed within it to be viewable from an exterior of the micro-tubes, A first end of at least one input connector is coupled to at least one input end of the plurality of micro-tubes and a second end of the at least one input connector is coupled to at least one dye feed line. A dye is pushed/pulled through the at least one dye feed line into the fabric via the connected at least one input connector. A color of the fabric is altered according to a pattern of the micro-tubes in tire fabric and a dye color input from the at least one dye feed line.

Description

REVERSIBLE COLOR-CHANGING FABRIC WITH HOLLOW FIBERS AND REPLACEABLE FLUIDS AND SOLIDS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application is an International (PCT) Patent application claiming the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/979,998 filed February 21, 2020, titled “Reversible Color-hanging Fabric with Hollow Fibers and ReplaceableFluids,”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field

[0002] This invention relates to color-changeable clothing. More particularly, it relates to methods and apparatuses for reversibly altering the color of a fabric using “color” filled micro-tubing.

Background

[0003] With the rise of e-commerce, consumer demand can come from anywhere, at any time. Fashion brands must now have a more agile production cycle to adapt their supply to the consumer’s changing demands. The standard industry practice has been for fashion brands to purposefully overproduce in fear of missing out on the sales of their #1 best seller. They operate under the assumption that the profits of their top sellers will offset their financial cost of overproduction while marginalizing their environmental impact. Partially because of this strategy, retailers ended up throwing away or burning $15 billion worth of their unsold clothing inventory in the year of 2018.

[0004] Therefore, there has been a long-standing need in the industry for rapid production of desired designs and flexibility therein. Various methods and systems for addressing these and other needs are elucidated in the following description and figures.

SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] The exemplary color-changing fiber technology can reduce the risk of brands overproducing or overstocking their inventories by introducing a versatile fiber for the consumers to customize themselves, directly connecting supply with demand. The flexibility of the present color-changing fiber, achieved through the reversible dyeing process described herein, would decrease the lead time from design to store display.

[0007] In various embodiments, the present system/method provides a reversible color-changing fiber technology with hollow fibers and replaceable fluids by injecting and ejecting colored dye into clear, hollow “micro-tubing” to change the appearance of the fiber. The reversible dyeing process can occur either by replacing colored liquids or solids within the micro-tubing.

[0008] In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a method of reversibly, colorchanging a fabric is provided, comprising: interlacing a plurality of hollow microtubes into a fabric, the micro-tubes permitting a color placed within it to be viewable from an exterior of the micro-tubes; coupling at least one input end of the plurality of micro-tubes to a first end of at least one input connector; coupling a second end of the at least one input connector to at least one dye feed line; and pushing a dye through the at least one dye feed line into the fabric via the connected at least one input connector, wherein a color of the fabric is altered according to a pattern of the micro- tubes in the fabric and a dye color input from the at least one dye feed line.

[0009] In another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the above method is provided, further comprising, sealing the at least one input eds of the plurality of micro-tubes; and/or wherein the input connector is removable; and/or wherein the dye is liquid; and/or wherein the at least one dye feed line is connected to a multi-color dye dispenser; and/or wherein the multi-color dye dispenser includes a pressure pump, the pressure pump providing force for pushing the dye. ; and/or wherein the at least one feed line is connected to a syringe’s cannula, the syringe containing dye; and/or further comprising: coupling at least one output end of the plurality of micro-tubes to a first end of at least one output connector; and applying a negative pressure through at least one of a second end of the at least one output connector and a tube, to draw dye through the fabric; and/or wherein the micro-tubes have a diameter greater than 10 micrometers but less than 10 millimeters; and/or wherein the interlacing is through knitting, weaving, sewing, crocheting, or 3D knitting; and/or wherein the fabric includes a non-micro-tube fiber interlaced with the plurality of the hollow micro- tubes. ; and/or wherein the dye is a flexible solid line; and/or further comprising: feeding a wire into the at least one input end of the plurality of micro-tubes; attaching the dye to the wire; pulling or pushing the wire through the micro-tubes to exit at an output end; and detaching the wire from the dye.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a system to reversibly, color-change a fabric used for an article of clothing is provided, comprising: an interlaced plurality of hollow micro-tubes formed into a fabric, the micro- tubes permitting a color placed within it to be viewable from an exterior of the micro-tubes; a first end of at least one input connector attached to at least one input end of the plurality of micro-tubes; a dye feed line attached to a second end of the at least one input connector; and a dye source, connected to the dye fee line, containing dye, wherein a color of the article of clothing is alterable according to a pattern of the micro-tubes in the fabric and a dye color input from the at least one dye feed line.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the above system is provided, wherein the dye source is a syringe; and/or wherein the input connector is removable; and/or further comprising a multi-color dye dispenser connected to the at least one dye feed line; and/or further comprising a pressure pump; and/or further comprising: a first end of at least one output connector coupled to at least one output end of the plurality of micro-tubes; and a negative pressure source coupled through at least one of a second end of the at least one output connector and a draw tube, to draw dye through the fabric; and/or wherein the negative pressure source is a syringe; and/or wherein the micro-tubes have a diameter greater than 10 micrometers but less than 10 millimeters; and/or the fabric includes a non-micro-tube fiber interlaced with the plurality of the hollow micro-tubes; and/or wherein the dye is a flexible solid line; and/or further comprising: an in-line dye changer, comprising: a housing with an input port and output port, the input port having threads to mate to the first end of the at least one input connectors and the output port having threads to mate a first end of at least one output connector coupled to at least one output end of the plurality of micro-tubes; a rotatable spool of a first dye within the housing; and a dye feed path in the housing defining a path from an input (output) port to the spool and to an output (input) port, wherein a second dye in the micro-tubes can be replaced by attaching the second dye to the first dye and rotating the spool; and/or wherein a second end of at least one input connector is larger than the first end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a basic dye dispenser system used for prototyping and testing,

[0013] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing an example of exemplary possible connectors for use with a solid dye.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary solid dye color changing apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an illustration of two approaches for using exemplary connector types when filling, emptying, or replaying fluid via cannulas.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary dye dispenser.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an illustration of various types of fiber combinations and fiber styles which may be created from interlacing various micro-tubing.

[0018] FIG. 7 is an illustration of another exemplary dispensing system utilizing 3 base colors and mixing for clothing input.

[0019] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional illustration of another exemplary dye dispenser with a double-sided pump structure.

[0020] FIG. 8B is a perspective illustration of an exemplary syringe chamber.

[0021] FIG. 9A is an illustration of another exemplary dye dispenser system using a moving plunger platform.

[0022] FIG. 9B is a perspective illustration of an exemplary dye tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the context of this application, the term fiber, hollow fiber, microtubing and micro-tube are interchangeably used, understanding the topic of discussion will determine any differences, if any. Further, it is understood that the fibers (hollow) are of a sufficient smallness to be woven or implemented into a fabric, the appropriate sizes of the fibers (hollow) being stated below. For the examples shown below, a cylindrical fiber (hollow) is used, however the “fibers” may be non- cylindrical in form or otherwise, depending on design preference.

[0024] Various embodiments of the exemplary reversible color-changing fibers are created by injecting and/or ejecting colored dye (liquid) into clear, hollow fibers using microfluidics. Microfluidics is a process used to manipulate fluids on a microscopic scale currently used in fields such as biomedicine. Microfluidics is applied to the dyeing process, only a minimal amount of dye would be pumped into clear, hollow (micro) fibers, allowing for the color to show through without being absorbed into the fiber. A different approach (described later) can be used to insert “solid” dyes into hollow (micro) fibers,

[0025] The hollow fibers do not have to be as continuous as conventional yam because the longer the hollow fiber, the greater the pressure needed to push the liquid through. Thus, the hollow fibers can be first “knitted" into smaller sections of the garment before being combined together with the help of connectors. Coatings may be added to the inner or outer wall of the fibers. For example, a hydrophobic coating may be added to the inner wall of the fibers during extrusion or as a second step (after extrusion) to ensure the flow of liquid throughout the fiber. Further, in some embodiments, some fibers may be pre-colored.

[0026] With respect to size, fibers with an inner diameter ranging from 10 micrometers to 10 millimeters can be used. In some particular embodiments, 0.127 millimeters to 10 millimeters may be more easily used. This diameter includes the inner hollow section of the fiber as well as the outer wall of material.

[0027] Weaving, sewing, crocheting, knitting, 3D knitting, or other methods of combining fibers into textiles may take place. Closing the fiber ends can also be done with a heated sewing tip to fuse fibers together and reseal them upon contact with the heated tip. The cutting of fiber may be performed with a sharp and/or heated instrument to ensure the resealing of fibers after any cut or modification. The method of combining fibers into textiles and fiber may utilize a specialized loom or sewing machine with a high-resolution camera or measuring device to select spaces between fibers for seams or ties in the fiber. Artificial intelligence or another method of automation may be used to find patterns that work most efficiently when turning fibers into textiles and fiber. [0028] Liquid dyes, whether water based, vat dyes, quantum dot based, or composed of a different chemistry, may be used, and optionally may contain anti- freezing and anti- microbial agents to ensure viability in different environments and reduce the risk of any contamination of the interior of the fibers. A surfactant fluid may also be used to minimize air bubbles inside the fibers. Dyes extracted from natural sources such as food waste may be used to further reduce environmental impact. The liquid dye can have low viscosity, high surface tension, and a contact angle of less than 90 degrees to ensure the wetting of the interior of the fiber. Additionally, temperature sensitive dyes, or phase shifting dyes, as well as possibility pre-colored fibers may be used, according to design preference. In some embodiments, the color-changing fabric with hollow fibers may interact with light to produce new patterns, colors, or aesthetics based on scattering, diffusion, or diffraction of light.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment 100 of a basic dye dispenser system used for prototyping and testing. A target clothing 110 is composed of one or more of the tillable “fibers” 120 discussed above, and is “injected" via an input line 130 which is connected to cannula(s) 142 of “syringes” 140 (or dye feed source equivalent) containing one or more dyes 151, 152. The syringes 140 are supported with a base 160 with movable portions that operate to push the dyes 151, 152 into the cannula(s) 142. The rate of dye injection (or extraction) and/or dye choice is determined by a control system 170 containing an analog or digital processor 172 and associated motors or servos 174, 176. The processor 172 may be controlled remotely and as discussed above, artificial intelligence or other automated schemes may be utilized.

[0030] Motors 174, 176, with associated members, may push or pull or rotate on the syringe(s) 140 or other small device (not shown) for dispensing or removing fluid. Here, it is evident the dyes being used are liquid in form,

[0031] In other embodiments, the reversible color-changing fibers can also occur by inserting a solid cylinder or packing solid particles into the micro-tubing. This solid cylinder could include a range of colored inserts including a strand of thread, yam, wire, a polymer, or even a smaller micro-tubing. To get the solid cylinder all the way through the micro-tubing, a lead wire with a diameter much smaller than the diameter of the micro-tubing can be easily inserted into the first couple of inches of the tubing. Upon meeting greater resistance, switch to utilizing the elasticity of the micro-tubing. Stretching the micro-tubing that’s currently covering the lead wire to its maximum length before releasing the pressure on the end of the tubing with the lead wire coming in would allow the tubing to snap back to its original length while moving further along the lead wire. This approach can be repeated until the lead wire comes out on the other end.

[0032] Once the lead wire is completely through the micro-tubing, connect one end of the lead wire (for example, by tying a knot, using glue, searing, etc.) to the solid cylinder with the desired color. The other end of the lead wire can be pulled until the solid cylinder replaces the lead wire inside the tubing. To allow for easier switching of the solid cylinder within the micro-tubing, heat can also be applied to temporarily expand the diameter of the solid cylinder. The now colored hollow fiber can be constructed into a garment. Even after the hollow fiber is fashioned into a garment, the color-changing process can still occur by connecting another solid cylinder with a different color to the one inside the tubing and pulling the new cylinder through the entire micro-tubing.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an illustration 200 showing an example of exemplary possible dual port connectors for allowing a solid dye (e.g., wire, polymer or similarly rigid) as discussed above to be utilized in a piece of clothing 210 having tillable “fibers” 220. A blowup of terminal end(s) of the fibers 220 shows a first connector 262 with inner threads 263 abutted to fiber 230 having a first solid dye 250. A second connector 264 contains outer threads 265 which mate with inner threads 263 of first connector 262; and contains fiber 235 with second (or continuation of first) solid dye 255. The mating of the respective connectors allows for contiguous “flow” of the respective dyes via the joined fibers 230, 235 when the dyes are pushed through the fibers.

[0034] It should be apparent that the disclosed inner/outer threading coupling mechanism can be reversed, as well as replaced with alternative coupling mechanisms known in the art. As non-limiting examples, pressure clips or ffactioned sleeves, and so forth may be utilized. Further, there may be a matrix of such couplers to allow for multiple dyes to be used simultaneously. First coupler 262 may be integrally attached to the respective fibers, or may be removably attached, depending on design preference.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an illustration 300 of an exemplary color changing apparatus 360, This apparatus 360 has a housing with first and second connector structures 365, 363 that mate to the coupler types described in FIG. 2 that are fiber-connected having solid dye(s) lines within. Joint 380 is a transition from a first dye line color to a “second” dye line color. The joint 380 can be formed from a tie joint, glue, welded, sleeved, etc. between dye lines. As a non-limiting example, ends of the dye lines may be tapered and/or have connection elements so that a subsequent dye line or wire can be easily attached to it.

[0036] Pulley/rotating mechanism 370 is connected to a spool 390 of the “second” dye within the apparatus 360. Thus, when the rotating mechanism 370 is turned counterclockwise, via joint 380 the second dye line on spool 390 pulls the first dye line into the apparatus 360 and around spool 390. And eventually exits through second connector structure 363, Conversely, when rotating mechanism 370 is turned clockwise, the “second" dye line on spool 390 can exit out first connector structure 365 (which may be connect to a clothing fabric). As is apparent, the apparatus 360 may be rotated using a winding key or crank, or with a motor (not shown).

[0037] FIG. 4 is an illustration 400 of two approaches for using exemplary dual port connector types when filling, emptying, or replaying fluid via cannulas. In the top illustration, an input syringe cannula 442 with dye 450 is placed within a connector 460 which has within it a micro-tube 430 also connected on its other end to another connector 465, which is in turn fitted with an “output” cannula 445. Pressure from the input cannula 442 forces the dye 450 through the tube 430 into the output cannula 445. Conversely, negative pressure from the “output” cannula 445 can draw dye 450 from the “input” cannula 442 or from the tube 430, to cause passage of the dye 450 from one cannula to the other, as well as draw it into the tube 430. Pressure/vacuum from/to both cannulas (acting as dye feed channels) can provide maximum efficiency of dye transference. Of importance is the configuration, size and shape of the connectors 460, 465, which are sized on one side for fitment of a cannula and sized on the opposite side for fitment of a tube. The appropriate sizing is, of course, cannula and tubing size dependent. These connectors 460, 465 may be removably attached to the tube, according to design preference. In some embodiments, the tube-side profile, as well as the cannula-side profile, may be smoothly (or roughly) tapered to allow a tube or cannula to easily slide into and be secured to the connector. That is, a funnel-like shape may be implemented for fitment purposes.

[0038] Lower illustration of FIG. 4 shows and embodiment wherein the tube 435 is a sealed 438 wherein two cannulas 447, 449 are adjacent to each other, fitting into a dual cannula-sized connector 468. This embodiment contemplates how to fill or evacuate dye 450 in a sealed end tube 435. Similar to the above approach, the respective cannula 447, 449 can provide pressure, or suction to cause intake/outtake of dye 450 in tube 435. The appropriate sizing for connector 468 is, of course, cannula and tubing size dependent As well as tapering as discussed above.

[0039] FIG. 5 is an illustration 500 of an exemplary dye dispenser 560, Dyes 553 within the dispenser 560 will be replaced (i.e., injected and ejected) into the article of hollow fiber-clothing 510 via one or more input lines 530. Base dye colors dispensed by the dispenser 560 can include at least the three primary colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow) as well as black, white, and metallics to ensure coverage of the entire color spectrum. Additionally, pre-mixed colors may be used, if so desired. Dispenser 560 can have several liquid reservoirs 550 to hold each base color individually, a mixing chamber that allows users to manually combine colors to make new shades or hues. [0040] The interior of the dispenser 560 may be sealed and pressurized, and may include a pressure pump 570 to monitor and maintain the pressure within the device. This controlled pressure may allow for a determined flow of fluid from the device based on a pressure differential or may be used to contain the fluids within their respective reservoirs.

[0041] In various embodiments, the dispenser 560 can include a separate mixing chamber and color preview section, or these two sections may be combined. Also, the dispenser 560 may provide a section of fiber for end users to see the color once fibers are filled, hangers or other clamps or clasps to hold fiber or garments in place, and pumps to transport the dye from the reservoirs and mixing chamber. There can also be additional liquid reservoirs to store the excess dyes created from mixing various combinations of base colors, to filter or separate out the base dye colors from the mixed colors, and to dispose or recycle the used dyes the end user is swapping out. The replacement of liquids within the fiber may use a fluid of another density to remove the initial liquid without risk of mixing old and new liquids together. After the dispensing or replacement of liquid within the fibers, pumps and connection points can be disconnected from the fibers of the fiber.

[0042] This dispenser 560 can attach to several fibers 530 at each specialized connection point on a textile or finished product. Therefore, textiles or finished products may include one pair of connection points, or more than one pair of connection points with the total number of connection points varying based on fiber pattern, product size, total length of fiber used, or other factors. For example, dispenser 560 can have a connection point composed of several fibers closely packed together to allow the flow of liquid from one larger tube into a multitude of fibers.

The connection point may also individually attach to each fiber to allow the flow of liquid to be more closely monitored or administered into each fiber. Commercially available blunt needles may be used as an opening for the dispensing of liquid. Dye may also be replaced by siphoning fluid through the connection point.

[0043] The dispenser 560 may also include digital systems (not shown). These digital systems can utilize artificial intelligence software to discover trends in color choices for a given season and predict future consumer preferences. The data of these digital systems can allow more efficient stocking of component colors and may be useful for other clothing companies to determine what colors to produce for their noncolor- changing garments.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an illustration 600 of various types of fiber combinations and fiber styles which may be created from interlacing various micro-tubing(s), etc. For example, 610 is a non-woven sheet of hollow material that can be globally filled. 620 is an example of an individual hollow fiber; 630 is an example of a woven, interlaced hollow fibers; 640 is an example of a hollow fiber 642 intertwined with a non-hollow “pre-colored” fiber 645; 650 is an example of a fabric knit from interlaced hollow fibers; and 660 is an example of multiple hollow fibers 662, 664 intertwined with non-hollow fiber 665, In this latter example, hollow fibers 662, 664 may be of different sizes or characteristics.

[0045] It is apparent from the above that various type of fabric and be fabricated from combinations of hollow fibers, as well as various types of non-hollow fibers, according to design preference. Thus, a fabric or piece of clothing (completely or partially) may be composed of one or more of the above types of material, being interlaced in woven, knit, or combined pattern to produce desired capabilities.

[0046] As a non- limiting example, the production of hollow fibers capable of holding fluid, having fluids removed, having fluids added, or otherwise displaying a variety of colors can be accomplished with additive or subtractive processes. Additive processes include but are not limited to the extrusion of a moldable material into a particular shape using a nozzle or opening, or the construction of a fiber around a particularly shaped rod or bar. [0047] FIG. 7 is an illustration 700 of another exemplary dispensing system utilizing 3 base colors and mixing for clothing input. Color storage 750 can use a gravity feed process to flow (under metered control from controller 754) into a central color mixer 752. From there, a selected mixed color can exit into lower color reservoirs 770 which have appropriate connectors 760 attached to them. One or more connectors 760 is coupled to clothing piece 710 and the resultant dye 720 is drawn in (via gravity or pressure from reservoirs 770). Excess (or non-used) dye from reservoirs 770 is held in storage chambers 780 which may be recycled/filtered back 785 into color storage 760 or central color mixer 752.

[0048] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional illustration 800 of another exemplary dye dispenser 860 with a double-sided 864, 868 pump structure. A central driving threaded rod 812 is connected to O-ringed plungers 865, 866 which are connected to individual dye chambers 875, 878 within sides 864, 868, respectively. Section 869 represents a complete “syringe” chamber with inlet/outlet 867 (also duplicated as inlet/outlet 866 in side 864). Each syringe chamber may be, in some embodiments, separated from the dispenser 860 via releasing of screws 822 and a new syringe chamber may be easily re-fitted. In operation, rod 812 is actuated to push the respective plunger into its respective syringe chamber, thus causing any dye in the dye chamber to be injected into a connected linen or fabric via the respective inlet. A reverse motion is automatically occurring on the opposite side to cause a suction to draw in any dye or act as an assistive force.

[0049] FIG. 8B is a prespective illustration 900 of an exemplary syringe chamber 960 detached from the dispenser 860 of FIG. 8A. Mounting holes 921 and inlet/outlet 963 are easily seen here, and is understood to be self-descriptive. It is noted that inlet/outlet 963 may be threaded, etc. to accommodate a connector or other dye conveyance mechanism.

[0050] FIG. 9A is an illustration 1000 of another exemplary dye dispenser system using a threaded rod 1020 but with a moving plunger platform 1090. This system has a handle 1020 attached to threaded rod 1020, which is coupled to a plunger 1050 that is coupled to moving plunger platform 1090. A supporting and alignment lattice is formed by a threaded top support 1030 joined to walls or legs 1070 via fixed connectors 1080. Top support 1030 is fixed in position but provides an anchoring reference when rod 1020 is turned, pushing down (or up) plunger platform 1090. Plunger platform 1090 slides along legs 1070 and pushes/pulls plunger 1050 into/out of dye tray 1060 which is fixed to legs 1070 and contains a dye canister 1068 held within canister support 1065. Canister support 1065 will have an exit/inlet at its bottom for passage of the dye. Dye canister 1068 can be easily replenished by raising the plunger platform 1090 and exposing the dye canister 1068 in dye tray 1060 for access. This embodiment illustrates a handle-driven dispenser, however, it is understood that rod 1020 may be automatically advanced or retracted via a motor, according to design preference.

[0051] FIG. 9B is a perspective illustration 1100 of an exemplary dye tray 1130, suitable for use with the dispenser of FIG. 9A. Canister support 1160 is shown in dotted lines being held in tray body 1140, Guide and support legs 1170 are also shown in dotted lines. An optional supporting flange 1150 may be affixed to a top of the canister support 1160. Dye canisters (not shown) are inserted into the canister support 1160, to supply the desired dye which exits the bottom of the cannister support 1160.

[0052] Reference has been made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed invention, one or more examples of which have been illustrated in the accompanying figures. Each example has been provided by way of explanation of the present technology, not as a limitation of the present technology. In fact, while the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers all such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0053] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of reversibly, color-changing a fabric, comprising: interlacing a plurality of hollow micro-tubes into a fabric, the microtubes permitting a color placed within it to be viewable from an exterior of the micro-tubes; coupling at least one input end of the plurality of micro-tubes to a first end of at least one input connector; coupling a second end of the at least one input connector to at least one dye feed line; and pushing a dye through the at least one dye feed line into the fabric via the connected at least one input connector, wherein a color of the fabric is altered according to a pattern of the micro-tubes in the fabric and a dye color input from the at least one dye feed line.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, sealing the at least one input eds of the plurality of micro-tubes.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the input connector is removable,

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the dye is liquid.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one dye feed line is connected to a multi-color dye dispenser.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the multi-color dye dispenser includes a pressure pump, the pressure pump providing force for pushing the dye,

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one feed line is connected to a syringe’s cannula, the syringe containing dye.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: coupling at least one output end of the plurality of micro-tubes to a first end of at least one output connector; and applying a negative pressure through at least one of a second end of the at least one output connector and a tube, to draw dye through the fabric.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the micro-tubes have a diameter greater than 10 micrometers but less than 10 millimeters.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the interlacing is through knitting, eaving, sewing, crocheting, or 3D knitting.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the fabric includes a non-micro- tube fiber interlaced with the plurality of the hollow micro-tubes.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the dye is a flexible solid line,

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: feeding a wire into the at least one input end of the plurality of microtubes; attaching the dye to the wire; pulling or pushing the wire through the micro-tubes to exit at an output end; and detaching the wire from the dye.

14. A system to reversibly, color-change a fabric used for an article of clothing, comprising: an interlaced plurality of hollow micro-tubes formed into a fabric, the micro-tubes permitting a color placed within it to be viewable from an exterior of the micro-tubes; a first end of at least one input connector attached to at least one input end of the plurality of micro-tubes; a dye feed line attached to a second end of the at least one input connector; and a dye source, connected to the dye fee line, containing dye, wherein a color of the article of clothing is alterable according to a pattern of the micro-tubes in the fabric and a dye color input from the at least one dye feed line.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the dye source is a syringe.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the input connector is removable.

17. The system of claim 14, further comprising a multi-color dye dispenser connected to the at least one dye feed line.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a pressure pump.

19. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a first end of at least one output connector coupled to at least one output end of the plurality of micro-tubes; and a negative pressure source coupled through at least one of a second end of the at least one output connector and a draw tube, to draw dye through the fabric.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the negative pressure source is a syringe.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein the micro-tubes have a diameter greater than 10 micrometers but less than 10 millimeters.

22. The system of claim 14, the fabric includes a non-micro-tube fiber interlaced with the plurality of the hollow micro-tubes.

23. The system of claim 14, wherein the dye is a flexible solid line,

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising: an in-line dye changer, comprising: a housing with an input port and output port, the input port having threads to mate to the first end of the at least one input connectors and the output port having threads to mate a first end of at least one output connector coupled to at least one output end of the plurality of micro-tubes; a rotatable spool of a first dye within the housing; and a dye feed path in the housing defining a path from an input (output) port to the spool and to an output (input) port, wherein a second dye in the micro- tubes can be replaced by attaching the second dye to the first dye and rotating the spool.

25. The system of claim 14, wherein a second end of at least one input connector is larger than the first end.