System and method for coloring articles of footwear.

Description of equivalent WO 2014138576 A2

SYSTEM AND METHOD

FOR COLORING ARTICLES

BACKGROUND

0004[0001] The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear, and in particular to articles of footwear with sole systems.

0005[0002] Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole system. The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper.

0006[0003] Sole systems can include one or more components or components. These can include outsoles, midsoles, insoles, inserts, bladders and/or airbags as well as possibly other articles or components.

SUMMARY

0008[0004] In one aspect, a method of coloring an article includes fastening an article to a container, inserting at least a portion of the container into a liquid including a coloring agent associated with a color, creating an air pocket within the container, where a first portion of the article is disposed within the air pocket of the container and introducing a second portion of the article into the liquid, thereby coloring the second portion of the article with the color.

0009[0005] In another aspect, a method of making a colored article includes positioning an article relative to a first liquid, the first liquid including a first coloring agent associated with a first color, inserting a first portion of the article into the liquid, thereby coloring the first portion of the article with the color, removing the first portion of the article from the liquid, allowing the first portion to dry and inverting an orientation of the article. The method also includes inserting a second portion of the article into a second liquid, the second liquid including a second coloring agent associated with a second color, thereby coloring the second portion of the article with the second color, removing the second portion of the article from the second liquid and allowing the second portion to dry.

0010[0006] In another aspect, an apparatus for making a colored article includes a container having an open end, at least one fastening member configured to fasten an article within the container in a fixed position and an actuator introducing the container into a liquid including a coloring agent, where the open end allows the liquid to contact a first portion of the article, while suspending a second portion of the article above the liquid.

0011[0007] In another aspect, the first portion may be the same size as the second portion. In still another aspect, the size of first portion may be different from the size of the second portion.

0012[0008] The disclosure is directed to a method of coloring an article. The method may include fastening an article to a container. At least a portion of the container may be inserted into a liquid. A coloring agent may be associated with a color may be present in the liquid. An air pocket is created within the container. A first portion of the article may be disposed within the air pocket of the container. In addition, a second portion of the article may be introduced into the liquid to color the second portion of the article with the color.

0013[0009] The method also may include inserting an open end of the container into the liquid when at least a portion of the container is inserted into the liquid that may include a coloring agent. The method also may include inserting a closed end of the container is inserted into the liquid after the open end of the container is inserted into the liquid. Alternatively, the method may include suspending the closed end of the container above the liquid.

0014[0010] When the container is completely submerged into the liquid, the air pocket may be maintained.

0015[0011] The coloring agent may include a dye. The dye may be an acid dye.

0016[0012] The method also may include removal of the container from the liquid and allowing the second portion to dry. The second portion may be any portion of the article. The second portion may be a forefoot portion of the article. Alternatively, the second portion may be a heel portion of the article. The second portion also may be a side portion of the article.

0017[0013] The method also may include inversion of the article. After removing the container from the liquid, the article may be fastened to the container in an inverted position. At least a portion of the container may be inserted into a second liquid including a second coloring agent associated with a second color. The coloring agent may include a dye. The dye may be an acid dye.

0018[0014] An air pocket within the container when the portion of the container is inserted into the second liquid. The second portion of the article may be disposed within the air pocket of the container. The first portion of the article may be introduced into the second liquid to color the first portion of the article with the second color.

0019[0015] The method of making a colored article also may include positioning an article relative to a first liquid. The first liquid may include a first coloring agent associated with a first color. The first coloring agent may include a dye. The dye for the first coloring agent may be an acid dye. [0016] The method may include inserting a first portion of the article into the liquid to color the first portion of the article with the color. The first portion of the article may be removed from the liquid. The first portion may be allowed to dry. The orientation of the article may be changed. The orientation of the article may be inverted. A second portion of the article may be inserted into a second liquid. The second liquid may include a second coloring agent associated with a second color. The second portion of the article may be colored with the second color.

0020[0017] The second coloring agent may include a dye. The dye for the second coloring agent may be an acid dye. The second portion of the article may be removed from the second liquid. The second portion of the article may be allowed to dry. The size of the first portion may be different from the size of the second portion. The size of the first portion may be the same as the size of the second portion.

0021[0018] The method also may include fastening the article to a container. The container may be inserted into the first liquid to introduce the first portion of the article into the first liquid. The first portion of the article may be colored with the first color. An air pocket may be created within the container. The second portion of the article may be disposed within the air pocket of the container. The container may be removed from the first liquid.

0022[0019] The method may include fastening the article to the container in an inverted position. The container may be inserted into the second liquid to introduce the second portion of the article into the second liquid and to color the second portion of the article with the second color. The second liquid may include a dye. The dye may include an acid dye. An air pocket may be created within the container. The second portion of the article may be disposed within the air pocket of the container. The container may be removed from the second liquid. The article may be dried or may be allowed to dry.

0023[0020] An apparatus for making a colored article may include a container having an open end. The apparatus also may include at least one fastening member configured to fasten an article within the container in a fixed position. The apparatus also may include an actuator for introducing the container into a liquid including a coloring agent the open end of the container may allow the liquid to contact a first portion of the article, and a second portion of the article may be suspended above the liquid.

0024[0021] The container of the apparatus may enclose the second portion of the article. The apparatus may include an upper fastening member and a lower fastening member disposed in the container. The apparatus may include a bracket member configured to hold multiple articles inside the container. The bracket member may be configured to accommodate different sized articles.

0025[0022] The apparatus may include two containers. The containers may be connected in an axially spaced manner. The first container may be axially above a second container. The actuator may introducing both containers into the liquid. The second container may contact the liquid first.

0026[0023] The disclosure can include any combination of the various features set forth in this application. Any combination of disclosed features herein is considered part of the disclosure, and no limitation is intended with respect to combinable features.

0027[0024] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0029[0025] The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

0030[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a multi-colored article;

0031[0027] FIG. 2 is a different schematic isometric view of an

0032embodiment of a multi-colored article;

0033[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric cutaway view of an

0034embodiment of an apparatus used to produce a multicolored article;

0035[0029] FIG. 4 is different schematic isometric cutaway view of an embodiment of an apparatus used to produce a multicolored article;

0036[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a different position;

0037[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus shown in FIG. 5, in a different position;

0038[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus shown in a different position, with an inverted article;

0039[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus shown in yet a different position, with an inverted article;

0040[0034] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus shown in yet a different position, with an inverted article;

0041[0035] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus holding an article in a different position;

0042[0036] FIG. 1 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a multicolored article resulting from an apparatus embodied in FIG. 10;

0043[0037] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus holding an article in yet a different position;

0044[0038] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a multicolored article resulting from an apparatus embodied in FIG. 12; [0039] FIG. 14 is a schematic isometric cutaway view of an embodiment of an apparatus used to produce multiple multicolored articles;

0045[0040] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus embodied in FIG.14;

0046[0041] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an apparatus used to produce multiple multicolored articles; and

0047[0042] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of yet another embodiment of an apparatus used to produce multiple multicolored articles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0049[0043] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an embodiment of a multicolored article 100. Article 100 may generally be associated with a sole system or sole structure for an article of footwear. In some embodiments, for example, article 100 could comprise a bladder member or airbag that is incorporated into a sole system. In some embodiments, article 100 could be further attached to additional components of a sole system including an outsole, midsole and/or insole. Moreover, it will be understood that article 100 could be used with any kind of sole system and type of footwear (e.g., running shoes, basketball shoes, football shoes, soccer shoes, boots, loafers, sandals, etc.).

0050[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, article 100 may include front foot portion 102 and heel portion 104. In addition, article 100 includes a top side 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a bottom side 1 18 (shown in FIG. 2). Top side 106 of article 100 would for instance be oriented toward a wearer's foot in an assembled shoe. Bottom side 1 18 may oriented towards a lower or ground contacting portion of a shoe (such as an outsole). Article 100 may further include peripheral edge 108 of article 100 is also partially shown. In some embodiments, peripheral edge 108 may be visible in an assembled sole of an athletic shoe.

0051[0045] In different embodiments, article 100 could have one or more colors. In the present embodiment, article 100 may be provided with at least two distinct colors, first color 1 10 on heel portion 104 and second color 1 12 on front foot portion 102. As an example, first color 1 10 could be yellow, while second color 1 12 could be blue. However, this example is only one of many possible color combinations and it will be understood that first color 1 10 and second color 1 12 could be any colors.

0052[0046] Some embodiments can incorporate transition areas between portions of different colors. In one embodiment, a transition area 1 14 can be disposed between heel portion 104 and front foot portion 102. In some embodiments, transition area 1 14 can be a blend of color 1 10 and color 1 12. [0047] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, first color 1 10 and second color 1 12 permeate through article 100 so as to be visible from top side 106 or bottom side 1 18. Likewise first color 1 10 and second color 1 12 may be visible from peripheral edge 108. Although only one side of peripheral edge 108 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be understood that the opposing side of peripheral edge 108 may have a substantially similar color pattern.

0053[0048] In some embodiments transition area 1 14 can be omitted. Instead a line of demarcation between two colors could be visible. In other embodiments only one color may be used to color article 100. In still other embodiments, three or more distinct colors could be used, with or without transition areas between adjacent distinct colors.

0054[0049] In some embodiments, the size of the first portion and the size of the second portion may be the same. In other embodiments, the size of the first portion may be different from the size of the second portion.

0055[0050] Embodiments can include provisions to facilitate coloring an article to achieve the multicolor effect shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (as well as other possible color schemes). In embodiments where an article is colored using a dye, for example, a system and associated method can include provisions to dye portions of the article, rather than the entire article.

0056[0051] FIG. 3 is a cutaway isometric view of an embodiment of an apparatus 200 used to produce multicolored article 100 such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Apparatus 200 may include assembly 202, tank 204 and provisions for maneuvering assembly 202 with respect to tank 204. As discussed in further detail below, assembly 202 is configured to retain an article, while tank 204 may be filled with a liquid coloring agent to be applied to the article.

0057[0052] In some embodiments, assembly 202 may further include a container 206. Container 206 may include a side wall 208. In some

0058embodiments, container may be closed at a first end portion 21 1 and open at a second end portion 213. In one embodiment, container 206 can include a top wall 210 at first end portion 21 1 and a bottom opening 212 at second end portion 213. Bottom opening 212 may provide access to an interior 214, which is bounded by side wall 208 and top wall 210. [0053] In different embodiments, the geometry of container 206 could vary. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, container 206 has an approximately cylindrical shape. More specifically, side wall 208 may be a cylindrical wall, while top wall 210 may be circular. However, in other embodiments, container 206 could have any other geometry including, but not limited to: a spherical geometry, a pyramidal geometry, a rectangular prism geometry or any other three-dimensional geometry (including both regular and irregular geometries).

0059[0054] Tank 204 may be configured to retain a liquid coloring agent 246. Here, liquid coloring agent 246 may be associated with a color 248. The term "liquid coloring agent" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any liquid that includes or incorporates one or more coloring agents. Liquid coloring agents can include, but are not limited to: liquids with any kinds of coloring agents, including liquids with dyes, liquids with pigments or any other liquid based coloring agents that are known in the art.

0060[0055] The embodiments of the articles described herein may incorporate dyeing methods as well as particular dye compositions. Some embodiments may use one or more of the features, methods, systems and/or components disclosed in the following documents: Tutmark, United States

0061Patent Application Publication , now United States Patent Application

006213/786,031 , filed March 5, 2013, titled "Method for Dyeing Golf Balls and Dyed

0063Golf Balls"; Schoborg, United States Patent Application Publication , now U.S. Patent Application Number 13/786,056, filed March 5, 2013, titled "Acid Dyeing of Polyurethane Materials"; Tutmark, United States Patent

0064Application Publication , now U.S. Patent Application Number

006513/786,043 filed March 5, 2013, titled "Method for Dyeing Golf Balls and Dyed Golf Balls"; Bracken et al., U.S. Patent Number 7,61 1 ,547, issued November 3, 2009 and titled "Airbag Dyeing Compositions and Processes," where the entirety of each document is incorporated by reference.

0066[0056] For purposes of illustration, tank 204 is shown as having a cylindrical geometry. However, the geometry of tank 204 could vary in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the geometry of tank 204 could be substantially similar to the geometry of container 206. In other embodiments, however, the geometry of tank 204 could be substantially different from the geometry of container 206. Other exemplary geometries for tank 204 include, but are not limited to a spherical geometry, a pyramidal geometry, a rectangular prism geometry or any other three-dimensional geometry (including both regular and irregular geometries).

0067[0057] Embodiments can include provisions to position container 206. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 includes actuator 220 which may be used to adjust the position of container 206 relative to tank 204. In some embodiments, actuator 220 could be used to raise and lower container 206 with respect to tank 204. For purposes of illustration, only a portion of an actuator that is in contact with container 206 is shown in the figures. Any suitable type of mechanism can be used to raise and lower container 206. Some examples of possible devices include linkages, pulley systems, ropes, and cables, which could be mechanized or manual, for example.

0068[0058] In order to fasten an article within container 206, assembly 202 can include one or more retaining members, which may also be referred to as fastening members. In the exemplary embodiment, upper retaining member 242 and lower retaining member 244 are provided inside the container 206. In particular, upper retaining member 242 may be secured to top wall 210 of container 206. In some embodiments, a retaining member bracket 245 secures lower retaining member 244 to a lower portion of side wall 208. In the example shown, an article 230 is positioned vertically within container 206. Specifically, front foot portion 232 of article 230 is secured in container 206 by upper retaining member 242. Also, heel portion 234 of article 230 is secured in container 206 by lower retaining member 244.

0069[0059] First retaining member 242 and second retaining member 244 can be any suitable means for retaining article 230 inside container 206 in a secure position. Some embodiments may employ clips, clamps, tension rods, hooks, or brackets as retaining members. Still other embodiments could use any other kinds of retaining members known in the art for temporarily fixing or holding an article in place. [0060] As seen in FIG. 3, container 206 may be arranged in an inverted position with respect to tank 204. In particular, second end portion 213, which includes bottom opening 212, is disposed closer to tank 204 than first end portion 21 1 . As described in further detail below, this arrangement allows liquid coloring agent 246 to partially fill interior 214 as container 206 is lowered into tank 204.

0070[0061] In FIG. 3, an embodiment of the assembly 202 is depicted before introducing container 206 into tank 204. Article 230, in an uncolored/un- dyed state is shown disposed inside inverted container 206. In this particular configuration, article 230 is retained at front foot portion 232 and at heel portion 234.

0071[0062] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of assembly 202 in a process of lowering container 206 into tank 204. As discussed above, tank 204 may be filled with liquid coloring agent 246. In some embodiments, liquid coloring agent 246 may comprise a liquid dye. In some embodiments, liquid coloring agent 246 may be a liquid dye with a color 248.

0072[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, actuator 220 lowers container 206 into tank 204 as indicated by a downward pointing arrow. As container 206 is lowered, a portion of container 206 is introduced into tank 204. Bottom opening 212 of container 206 allows for liquid coloring agent 246 to enter interior 214 of container 206.

0073[0064] Air pocket 250 is created as container 206 is lowered into tank 204. In particular, as bottom opening 212 of container 206 comes into contact with liquid coloring agent 246, air within interior 214 of container 206 becomes trapped (or sealed) within container 206. Specifically, the air within interior 214 is captured within the volume bounded by top wall 210, side wall 208 and the surface of liquid coloring agent 246.

0074[0065] In the configuration of FIG. 4, article 230 is shown as partially dipped into liquid coloring agent 246. Heel portion 234 (not visible) is

0075submersed in the liquid coloring agent 246. However, front foot portion 232 in disposed above the surface of liquid coloring agent 246 and within air pocket 250. [0066] In some embodiments, article 100 may be buoyant. For example, in embodiments where article 230 is a bladder member or airbag, article 230 may be especially buoyant and resist being submerged in a liquid. Therefore, upper retaining member 242 and lower retaining member 244 may prevent article 230 from floating while being dipped into liquid coloring agent 246. This arrangement allows open bottom 212 of container 206 to be at least partially submersed below a liquid level in tank 204.

0076[0067] As seen in FIG. 5, the liquid level 260 (also shown in FIG. 4) of liquid coloring agent 246 within the container 206 may vary with the volume of air pocket 250. The volume of air pocket 250 may vary with the depth of submersion of container 206 within tank 204. In particular, as container 206 is further submerged, the volume of air pocket 250 may be further compressed. In some embodiments, the volume of air pocket 250 could be controlled independently from the submersion depth by using other provisions to increase the pressure within air pocket 250 and thereby maintain an approximately constant volume.

0077[0068] With container 206 submerged to a predetermined level within tank 204, liquid level 260 defines the transition between a first portion of article 230 that is outside of liquid coloring agent 246 and a second portion of article 230 submerged within liquid coloring agent 246. Here, the first portion is front foot portion 232 while the second portion is heel portion 234. In other embodiments, however, the first portion and the second portion could be any other portions. By holding container 206 at this depth for a predetermined period of time heel portion 234 of article 230 can be colored by liquid coloring agent 246. In this case, container 206 is shown as mostly, but not entirely submerged within liquid coloring agent 246. In other embodiments, container 206 could be completely submerged within liquid coloring agent 246.

0078[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of container 206 being raised from tank 204 through the use of actuator 220. As container 206 is raised, liquid coloring agent 246 can exit container 206 through bottom opening 212. Dipped article 230 is shown having color 248 on heel portion 234 below coloring line 262. According to an exemplary embodiment, article 230 is dipped once into tank 204 to color heel portion 234 of article 230.

0079[0070] In some embodiments article 230 can be dipped any number of times to achieve different coloring effects. Dipping an article multiple times can be used to achieve desired results in color saturation, to provide color transition areas, etc. In some embodiments, multiple successive quick dippings of article 230 achieves faster results than fewer long dips.

0080[0071] FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate schematic views depicting several additional steps that may be used to produce a multicolored article, according to an embodiment. It will be understood that these steps are optional and some embodiments may not include them, especially in embodiments where only a single color is desired.

0081[0072] Referring first to FIG. 7, article 230 may be inverted within container 206, with respect to the position of article 230 shown in the previous figures (e.g., FIG. 6). Thus, heel portion 234 is now secured in container 206 by upper retaining member 242. Also front foot portion 232 of article 230 is secured in container 206 by lower retaining member 244. Inverting the article 230 prepares the un-colored front foot portion 232 for dipping into next tank 264.

0082[0073] As also shown in FIG. 7, assembly 202 may be

0083moved/transferred from tank 204 toward next tank 264. This is indicated by the horizontal arrow that is representative of any means for moving assembly 202, such as a conveyer device. This can occur before, after, or during the inversion of article 230 within container 206. Tank 264 may be filled with a liquid coloring agent 266 of color 268. In some embodiments, liquid coloring agent 266 may be a liquid dye. In an exemplary embodiment, color 268 is different from color 248.

0084[0074] In some embodiments any type of mechanism capable of transferring assembly 202 from tank 204 to next tank 264 can be employed. Some examples of possible of devices include, but are not limited to: linkages, pulley systems, ropes, cables, as well as possibly other devices, which could be mechanized or manual. [0075] In some embodiments additional dips of the article may be performed in additional tanks. Additional dips can be for rinsing, coating, or sealing the article, for example. Furthermore some embodiments can include drying operations in between dips of the article. These additional dips or operations can occur before, between, or after the dips of the articles as set forth above.

0085[0076] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of assembly 202 in step of lowering container 206 into next tank 264. This illustrates a second lowering or dipping of container 206 to dip the un-colored front foot portion 232 of article 230 into next tank 264. In this step, actuator 220 lowers container 206 into tank 264 that is filled with liquid coloring agent 266. Open bottom 212 of container 206 allows for liquid coloring agent 266 to enter interior 214 of container 206. As described previously, air pocket 250 is created as container 206 is lowered into tank 264. In this arrangement, heel portion 234 is shown as being disposed in air pocket 250. In other words, heel portion 234 is not in contact with liquid coloring agent 266.

0086[0077] In the embodiment shown, front foot portion 232 of article 230 is shown as partially dipped into liquid coloring agent 266. In some

0087embodiments, article 230 could be submerged to a point where coloring line 262 is submerged below liquid level 260. This allows some portions of article 230 that have already been colored with color 248 to be additionally colored with liquid coloring agent 266. As discussed below, this creates a color transition region that is a blend of color 248 and color 268. However, in other embodiments, coloring line 262 could be disposed above liquid level 260, such that no portion of article 230 is colored more than once.

0088[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of assembly 202 after the step of dipping container 206 into tank 264. Referring to FIG. 9, dipped article 230 is shown having color 268 on front foot portion 232 below coloring line 262, and color 248 on heel portion 234 above coloring line 272. Coloring line 262 is made while dipping article 230 in tank 204. Coloring line 272 was made when dipping article 230 in tank 264. According to an exemplary embodiment, article 230 is dipped once into tank 264 to dye front foot portion 232 of article 230. [0079] Additionally, in this embodiment, dipped article 230 has a color transition portion 281 , which is disposed between coloring line 262 and coloring line 272. Transition portion 281 comprises a blend of color 248 and color 268.

0089[0080] As previously described, in some embodiments article 230 can be dipped any number of times to achieve different coloring effects. Dipping an article multiple times can be used to achieve desired results in color saturation, to provide color transition areas, etc. In some cases, the volume of air pocket 250 within container 206 can be varied in successive multiple dips to achieve varying results.

0090[0081] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment having an alternative retaining position of article 300. In the example shown, article 300, which includes a front foot portion 302 and a heel portion 304, is positioned horizontally, rather than vertically as in the previous embodiment. Top side 306 of article 300 is viewed in the plane of the drawing. In this configuration, a lateral peripheral edge portion 308 of article 300 is secured in container 1006 by upper retaining member 1042. Medial peripheral edge portion 310 of article 300 is secured in container 1006 by lower retaining member 244.

0091[0082] Assembly 301 is shown being lowered into tank 1004 filled with liquid coloring agent 1046 of color 1048 for example. The process for coloring article 300 is repeated according to the previous exemplary

0092embodiment discussed above and shown in FIGS. 3 through 8. However, it will be understood that article 300 in the present embodiment is inverted in the container 1006 in a manner (not shown) such that when inverted medial peripheral edge portion 310 is secured in container by upper retaining member 1042. Further, lateral side peripheral edge portion 308 of article 300 is secured in container by lower retaining member 1044 in the inverted position. Container 1006 is then transferred and submerged into another tank for applying another color.

0093[0083] These embodiments show some possible orientations for an article with respect to the surface of a liquid coloring agent. In particular, the embodiments depict configurations where the article may be vertical to the surface (e.g., FIG. 5) or horizontal (e.g., FIG. 10). In other embodiments, the position of the article can be angled relative to the liquid coloring agent surface, rather than being vertically or horizontally oriented.

0094[0084] FIG. 1 1 shows an embodiment of resulting article 300 according to the above described production steps. Multi-colored article 300 is shown with top side 306 viewed in the plane of the drawing. On a medial side of coloring line 362, article 300 is dyed with color 1048. On a lateral side of coloring line 362, article 300 is dyed with another color 1068. Although no transition area is shown, it will be understood that a transition area blending color 1048 and color 1068 could be provided to the medial and lateral sides of coloring line 362. Furthermore, since the colors permeate the article, the colors are visible from the top side 306, bottom side (not shown), and peripheral edges (not shown).

0095[0085] FIG. 12 illustrates a variation for an embodiment having another alternative retaining position of article 400. In the example shown, the article 400 is again positioned horizontally. However, a side view of article is shown. Peripheral edge 408 is in the plane of the drawing. Top side 406 of article 400 is secured in container 1206 by upper retaining member 1242.

0096Bottom side 418 of article 400 is secured in container 1206 by lower retaining member 1244.

0097[0086] Assembly 1200 is shown lowered into tank 1204 filled with liquid coloring agent 1246 of color 1248 for example. The process for dying article 400 is repeated according to the first exemplary embodiment discussed above and shown in FIGS. 3 through 8. However, it will be understood that article 400 in the present embodiment is inverted in container 1206 in a manner (not shown) such that bottom side 418 is secured in container 1206 by upper retaining member 1242. Further, top side 406 of article is secured in container 1206 by lower retaining member 1244. Container 1206 can then transferred and submerged into another tank.

0098[0087] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of resulting article 400 according to the above described steps. Multi-colored article 400 is shown with peripheral edge 408 visible. Bottom side 418 of article 400 is dyed with color 1248 below coloring line 462. Top side 406 of article 400 is dyed with color 1268 above dye line 462. Although no transition area is shown, it will be understood that a transition area blending color 1248 and color 1268 could be provided above and below coloring line 462. Furthermore, since the dye colors permeate the article, the colors are visible from the top side 406, bottom side 418, and peripheral edge 408.

0099[0088] Embodiments can include provisions for coloring multiple articles simultaneously within a single tank of liquid coloring agent. For example, some embodiments could include provisions for retaining multiple articles at the same height within a container, thereby allowing the multiple articles to be colored simultaneously. As another example, some embodiments could incorporate assemblies with stacked containers, where one or more articles can be colored within each container and where the entire assembly could be submerged into a tank of liquid coloring agent.

0100[0089] FIG. 14 is a cutaway isometric view of an embodiment of apparatus 500 for dipping multiple articles 530 simultaneously. Apparatus 500 includes assembly 502. Assembly 502 has an inverted container 506, which may include a side wall 508 and a top wall 510. Container 506 may have a bottom opening 512 at a lower end. In operation, container 506 can be raised and lowered by actuator 520 into a tank (not shown for simplicity). Any suitable type of mechanism can be used as an actuator 520 to raise and lower container 506.

0101[0090] A carousel 540 for mounting multiple articles 530 is disposed inside the container. Carousel 540 includes a cylindrical bracket 545 mounted to the interior 514 of container 506. Cylindrical bracket 545 is provided with upper retaining members 542 and lower retaining members 544 which are axially spaced from each other. Upper retaining members 542 and lower retaining members 544 are secured at their upper and lower ends by the cylindrical bracket 545. In the present example, multiple articles 530 are shown being secured within cylindrical bracket 545 in a vertical position.

0102[0091] Uncolored/un-dyed articles 530 are positioned in carousel 540. Articles 530 are retained at their respective front foot portions 532 and at heel portions 544. Upper retaining members 542 and lower retaining members 544 can be any suitable means for retaining articles into cylindrical bracket, as described previously with respect to other embodiments. Front foot portions 532 of articles 530 are secured in cylindrical bracket 545 by upper retaining members 542. Heel portions 534 of articles 530 are secured in cylindrical bracket 545 by lower retaining members 544.

0103[0092] FIG. 15 is a top view of an embodiment of apparatus 500. Carousel 540 is shown holding multiple articles 530 in axially spaced positions. Cylindrical bracket 545 supports ten articles 530 in the present example. In other embodiments carousel 540 and bracket 545 can be any shape, such as square, rectangular, oval, spherical, or pyramidal, for example. Furthermore, in some embodiments bracket can be provided with any number of upper retaining members 542 and lower retaining members 544 (not shown) to hold multiple articles.

0104[0093] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of assembly 600. Apparatus 600 includes assembly 602. Assembly 602 has two inverted containers including first container 606 and second container 607. First container 606 and second container 607 may be vertically stacked and connected by a connector 647 (for example, a rod). First container 606 and second container 607 include first top wall 610 and second top wall 61 1 , respectively. Additionally, first container 606 and second container 607 include first side wall 608 and second side wall 609, respectively. Furthermore, each of first container 606 and second container 607 may be open at their lower ends.

0105[0094] For purposes of clarity, first container 606 and second container 607 are shown in cross-section. However, it will be understood that the geometry of each container could vary in different embodiments.

0106Furthermore, in this embodiment, each container is shown without any bracket details for simplicity. Also, each container is shown holding only two articles for simplicity. The articles 630 are positioned for example in the same manner as in the previous embodiment.

0107[0095] In some embodiments with multiple containers, the containers can be positioned side by side, rather than stacked vertically. [0096] Apparatus 600 includes actuator 620 which is used to raise and lower containers 606. Containers 606 can be raised and lowered by actuator 620. Any suitable type of mechanism can be used to raise and lower containers 606, as previously described.

0108[0097] Tank 1604 is shown as a vessel containing a liquid coloring agent, as the previous examples. The assembly 602 is shown lowered into in tank 1604. In this configuration, second container 607 is shown in FIG. 16 as being completely submerged in tank 1604. In contrast, first container 606 is shown as only partially submerged in tank 1604.

0109[0098] Embodiments can also include provisions to control the amount of water entering a container. For example, container 606 and container 607 of the current embodiment include holes 680 that may be used to allow more water into container 606 and container 607. Other embodiments could incorporate any other holes in any other locations.

0110[0099] Furthermore, different sizes of articles are being held inside the container, which is advantageous for producing the same pattern on different sized articles in one batch. For example, the embodiment includes a first sized article 630 and a second sized article 670 retained within the same container 606.

0111[00100] Although FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which two containers are stacked or submerged simultaneously, other embodiments could include three or more containers. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly 700 that comprises multiple different containers 706 for holding multiple articles 730. In FIG. 17, phantom lines are used to indicate that any number of containers can be used in various embodiments. [00101] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope ofthe attached claims.