Abstract:
Discloses is an apparatuses and methods for varying a color of a portion of apparel. The apparatuses include a first reservoir comprising a first portion comprising a first dye when the first reservoir is in a first state, and a second portion comprising the first dye when the first reservoir is in a second state. The apparatuses also include a first air pouch proximate the first reservoir. The methods include locating a first reservoir on a surface of the apparel; and passing a first dye from a first opaque portion to a transparent or semitransparent portion. Passing the first dye from the first opaque portion to the transparent or semitransparent portion comprises inflating a first air pouch.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/032,344, filed Jan. 10, 2005, that claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/570,658, filed on May 12, 2004, both of which priority is claimed to and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to apparel comprising logos and/or trimmings having at least one color that can be varied by a user. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Currently consumers are limited to one color choice when purchasing footwear unless the consumers buy multiple pairs of footwear. For example, a consumer can purchase a pair of shoes having a white base with red logos and/or trimmings. If the consumer wants the same pair of shoes having a white base with blue logos and/or trimmings, the consumer must buy a second pair of shoes. As a result collecting footwear of similar styles but having different color logos and trimmings can become expensive for the consumer and occupy large amounts of storage space. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This invention pertains to an apparatus for varying a color of a portion of apparel. The apparatus comprises a first reservoir and a first air pouch proximate the first reservoir. The first reservoir comprises a first portion comprising a first dye when the first reservoir is in a first state, and a second portion comprising the first dye when the first reservoir is in a second state. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0006]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a diagram of the variable color logo and trimming sneaker; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a diagram of fixed and variable color filters; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a side view diagram of inner and outer air pouches; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a front view diagram of outer air pouch; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows a diagram of the exploded view of the variable color logo; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows a diagram showing alternate exploded view of variable color logo; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows a diagram of assembled variable color logo; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  shows a diagram showing the attachment of the variable color logo; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  shows a diagram of the sneaker pump system; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  shows a bladder for housing a dye; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a window having an elevated section; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  shows a pump; and 
           [0019]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  show an air pouch system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. Note that throughout this specification, the terms apparel, handbag, handbags, belt, belts, accessory, accessories, shoe, shoes, footwear, sneaker, sneakers, hat, headgear, headwear, and other terms indicating articles to be worn by a person may be used interchangeably. 
         [0021]    Varying the color of apparel can be accomplished by color subtraction. Color subtraction entails superimposing a combination of color filters to produce a desired color. For example, passing white light through a red filter subtracts blue and green lights and the observed light is red. Another example would be passing white light through a magenta filter. The magenta filter subtracts green light and leaves a mixture of red and blue lights creating a magenta colored light. 
         [0022]    In various aspects of the present invention, two filter types are used to vary the color of apparel, a fixed color filter and a variable filter. The fixed filter is fixed with respect to colors it filters and can be made from a thin colored plastic fashioned into a shape such as the shape of a desired logo and/or trimmings. In addition, the variable filter can be controlled such that the filter operates in varying states. A first state may be one in which the filter admits “white light”. A second state may be one in which only a single color is admitted. Note that admitting a color means light having that color is allowed to pass through the filter and filtering a color means subtracting that color light from light having combination of colors. 
         [0023]    For example the fixed filter may filter blue light and the variable filter may filter green light. Therefore, when the variable filter is in the first state, only the fixed filter is subtracting blue light and the apparel&#39;s logo and/or trimmings would be yellow. When the variable filter is in the second state, variable filter would subtract green light and the apparel&#39;s logo and/or trimmings would be red. The color of the variable filter is determined by a dye color. 
         [0024]    Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  depicts a sneaker  100  fitted with a color changing logo  102  and color changing trimmings  104 . Openings  106  and  108  are used to vary logos  102  and  104 &#39;s color.  FIG. 2  shows a fixed filter  202  and a variable filter  204 . Variable filter  204  can be controlled by an applied force to a non-reservoir portion  208 . This force can be pneumatic. 
         [0025]    Variable filter  204  can be made from a thin colorless transparent plastic. In fabricating variable filter  204  two plastic sheets can be placed together and then heat stamped in a desired shape. One end of variable filter  204  should be left unsealed for the purpose of filling it with a dye having the desired color for color subtraction. Enough liquid dye should be added so that a thin layer of the dye fills non-reservoir portion  208 . Reservoir portion  206  of variable filter  204  is denoted by the hatched area. After filling variable filter  204  with an appropriate amount of dye, variable filter  204 &#39;s open end can then be heat sealed so that the dye is confined within variable filter  204 . The same fabrication process can be used to fabricate variable filters for trimmings. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows the front view of an air pouch  300 . Heat sealing methods used in fabricating variable filter  204  can be used to fabricate air pouch  300 . Air pouch  300  can be fashioned in the shape of the desired logo and/or trimmings and are made from similar grades of plastic or two different grades of plastic. For example, two different grades of plastic can be used in fabricating air pouch  300  because one side air pouch  300  is inflated by internal air pressure. The side of air pouch  300  made from a first (i.e. lower) grade plastic is more responsive to internal pressure changes. It is this more responsive plastic that is placed in direct contact with variable filter  204 . Placing the more responsive plastic in contact with variable filter  204  isolates air pouch  300 &#39;s influence on variable color filter  204 . 
         [0027]    Consistent with various embodiments of the invention, differing types of air pouches can be used. For example, in footwear, tow air pouches, both of which are identical in various aspects except for the side of the air pouch that is allowed to inflate. For instance,  FIG. 4  depicts two types of air pouches. An inner air pouch  402  inflates on the side facing toward the footwear surface (i.e. toward the space between a wearer&#39;s feet). An outer air pouch  404  inflates on the side facing away from the footwear surface (i.e. away from the space between the wearer&#39;s feet). In addition, air pouches  402  and  404  comprise air lines  406  and  408 . Air lines  406  and  408  are to be connected to air pouches  402  and  404  in a manner that minimizes pressure leaks. 
         [0028]    The operation of variable filter  204  in conjunction with an associated air pouch is as follows: if the air pouch is not inflated (i.e. its internal air pressure is roughly equal to atmospheric pressure), the dye contained in variable filter  204  is unperturbed and remains in non-reservoir region  208  (i.e. a non-active condition). If the air pouch is inflated (i.e. its internal air pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure), the air pressure forces the dye in variable filter  204  into reservoir  206  (i.e. an active condition). Any apparel component layer adjacent to variable filter  204  acts as a supporting force which compliments the air pouch&#39;s effect on variable filter  204 . The dye, now in non-reservoir region  208  established the apparel&#39;s color. While reservoir  206  has been described as a clear plastic (i.e. transparent), it is contemplated that reservoir  206  may be a opaque or semitransparent material such that the dye is hide from view, causes another color changing effect, and, aesthetic effect. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  gives an exploded view of various components of color changing logo materials. In  FIG. 5  there are two variable filters  502  and  504 , two fixed filter  510 , backing  512 , air pouches  514  and  516  and casings  518  and  520 . Each variable filter  502  and  504  can filter different wavelengths (i.e. colors of light). For example, variable filter  502  can permit light having a wavelength corresponding to cyan to pass while variable filter  504  can permit light having a wavelength corresponding to yellow to pass. The hatched regions denoted by reference numerals  506  and  508  represent the reservoirs of variable filters  502  and  504 , respectively. Backing  510  may be any color (e.g. white) and/or may be a colored piece of plastic, fabric, or other material that is cut in the shape of the desired logo and/or trimmings. Backing  510  can act as a reflector to reflect incident light back to an observer. 
         [0030]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative to using backing  510 . This alternative is to paint a portion of variable filter  502  or  504  a color (e.g. white, green, etc.). Painting a portion of variable filter  502  or  504  can eliminate the need for a separate layer to perform color reflection. This same alternate configuration can be used to eliminate the need for or in conjunction with a fixed color filter layer. In order to implement this alternate configuration, variable filter  502 &#39;s painted portion can be painted the same color as the removed fixed filter. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the active layers of the variable color logo  102  can be sandwiched between two pieces of sturdy, high-grade plastic (e.g. casing  518  and  520 ). Active layers are all the components lying between the casing  518  and  520 . Casings  518  and  520  can act as a protective casing. Casing  520  can comprise a transparent portion, a semitransparent portion, painted as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 , and be made of a colored plastic, while the transparency of the back side is irrelevant. The perimeter of casings  518  and  520  should be greater than the perimeter of the active layers. 
         [0032]    Casings  518  and  520  can be attached to one another by stitch or adhesive. The advantage of attaching casings  518  and  520  by stitch is that the attachment to a sneaker can be accomplished simultaneously. The assembled variable color logo  102  is shown in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  shows the stitching of the variable color logo  102 . This stitching is denoted by reference numeral  702 . The hatched region denoted by reference number  704  represents the area of variable color logo  102  that changes color. The area around region  704  can be painted the same or a different color as the apparel. The composition and fabrication of the color changing trimming material is analogous to the previously mentioned composition and fabrication methods of the color changing logo material. 
         [0033]    The example described above in regards to  FIG. 5  describes a color combination of magenta, yellow and cyan. This color combination provides four possible color options for the logo and/or trimming material: 1) pink; 2) red; 3) blue; and 4) black. These color options are determined by use of color perception theory. For example, 1) the combination of magenta (pink) and yellow equals red. The combination of pink and cyan equals blue and the combination of pink, yellow and cyan add to give black. Finally the absence of yellow and cyan leaves pink. The filter color combination can be set arbitrarily so as to provide the desired logo and/or trimming color options. 
         [0034]    After variable color logo  102  has been assembled it can then be attached to sneaker  100 .  FIG. 8  gives a graphic depiction of this attachment. The leather flap  802  has been shown lifted for clarity. Next, variable color logo  102  is attached to sneaker  100  and leather flap  802  is lowered back into place. Finally, leather flap  802  is either stitched or glued to sneaker  100 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 9  shows one embodiment of a pump system  900  used to inflate the air pouches. Pump system  900  includes air pouch  514  (air pouch  516  is not shown), air lines  902 ,  904 ,  906 , and  908  and a pump mechanism  910 . Air lines  902  and  906  correspond to air pouch  514 . Air lines  904  and  908  correspond to their respective air pouches in the color changing trimming. Air lines  902 ,  904 ,  906 , and  908  should be placed so as to provide minimum intrusion. It is recommended that they be placed within the shoe lining. 
         [0036]    Pump  910  is composed of three basic parts: a pump bulb  912 , a pressure release valve  914 , and an air line  916 . Pump  910  should be fabricated to be as small as possible and placed on the inner side of the shoe tongue so as to be relatively non-intrusive. The exact specifications for pump  910  are left to the discretion of a manufacturer. The only stipulation for pump  910  is that it is discrete, non-bulky, and pressure release valve  914  should be placed on or near pump bulb  912 . 
         [0037]    The number of pumps needed can dependent on the desired number of distinct logo and/or trimming colors. For example, in order to produce four distinct colors two pumps may be need, one for each of the two variable filters. It is also contemplated that a single pump can be used to inflate the two air pouches associated with each of the two variable filters. It is also contemplated that the pump(s) may be permanently attached to the apparel or they may be removable from the apparel. Two colors are a result of the fixed filters and the combined effect of both the fixed filter and the variable filters. An increase in color options coincides proportionately with an increase in system complexity. 
         [0038]    For operation of embodiments of the present invention, assume there are four distinct color options (i.e. there are two variable filters, two fixed filters, and two pumps). With two pumps the variable filters can operate independently of each other. For an initial condition, assume both variables filters&#39; air pouches are not inflated. The logo&#39;s trimming&#39;s apparent color is approximately black. A next possible state occurs when one of the pumps is activated. This causes an air pouch to inflate which in turn forces the dye in a variable filter into a reservoir labeled, thus leaving the non-reservoir portion. As a result, the variable filter no longer acts as a color filter, but instead, allows all colors to pass. Now only one variable filter and a fixed filter remain to indicate a color. The combination of these filters causes the logo and trimming&#39;s color to appear a certain color (e.g. red). 
         [0039]    A next possible state for this system occurs when the previously applied pressure is released and the second pump is activated. The release of the pressure of the first pump causes the previously inflated air pouch to deflate, which returns the filter to its original state (i.e. the shoe its original color). The activation of the second pump inflates a second air pouch and as a result dye in the second variable filter is forced into its reservoir leaving the non-reservoir area. Thus, the remaining filters (the variable color filter and the fixed filters) add to give the logo and trimming a second color (e.g. blue). 
         [0040]    A fourth state of this system occurs when both pumps are activated. As a result, the dye in both variable filters are contained in their respective reservoirs and the non-reservoir areas of both variable color filters are left empty. This condition gives the logo and trimming a third color (e.g. pink). As previously mentioned, these color combinations are only one of many possible color combinations. Using different color filters will result in a separate set of color options for the logo and trimming. 
         [0041]    While  FIGS. 1-9  depict variable filters and other components of an apparatus for varying the color of logos and/or trimmings having a length much greater than the height, it is contemplated that the components can have a length roughly equal to its height. For example, in  FIG. 10  a bladder  1004  (i.e. a variable filter or reservoir) can have a transparent layer designed to hold a liquid dye or paint within a sealed self-contained area. As stated above, the liquid dye or paint&#39;s color contained within bladder  1004  is up to the discretion of the user. The rear side of bladder  1004  can be printed with a user&#39;s desired color. Note, the rear side of bladder  1004  is considered to be the side in direct contact with the air pouch. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 11A , a window layer  1102  can be formed from transparent thermoplastic polyurethanes, possibly via injection molding techniques. Window  1102  can also be formed such that a logo  1104  is slightly elevated. For example, logo  1104  may be elevated 3 mm from the window layer  1102  (See  FIG. 11B .). Window layer  1102  can represent a top layer of color changing logo stack (i.e. casing  520 ) and can offer both protection for and provide a window to the lower layers (e.g. air pouches, variable filters, and bladders). 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a pump  1202  can be an injection molded plastic with two basic components. First, a valve  1204  (e.g. a check valve) may be used to allow airflow only in one direction (i.e. into pump  1202 ). When pump  1202  is compressed, valve  1204  restricts airflow and forces airflow through an outlet port  1206 . When pump  1202  is release airflow is restricted through outlet port  1206  and valve  1204  allows airflow into pump  1202 . Outlet port  1206  is designed to fit into an air inlet port  1302  (See  FIGS. 13A and 13B ) of an air pouch system  1300  to allow air transfer into air pouch system  1300 . Also, a lanyard  1208  can be provided to allow a user to consolidate pump  1202  with other personal effects such as keys. Lanyard  1208  can also be used to allow the user to wear pump  1202  around their neck, etc. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  shows air pouch system  1300 . Air pouch system  1300  includes a valve  1304  (e.g. a check valve), air inlet port  1302 , a pressure release valve  1306 , and an air chamber  1308 . Air inlet port  1302  is designed to connect to air outlet port  1206 . Valve  1304  allows airflow only into air chamber  1308 . Air chamber  1308  is designed to store the air introduced via air inlet port  1302  until a valve stem  1310  is depressed. Pressure release valve  1306  includes a spring  1312 , a seal  1314  (e.g. an O-ring), and valve stem  1310 . Spring  1312  provides recoil to valve stem  1310 . Seal  1314  minimizes air leaks from air pouch system  1300 . Dotted area  1316  represents a relative size and position of logo  1104  in window  1102 . Dotted area  1316  should be encompassed by air chamber  1308  so as to facilitate proper stack operations. 
         [0045]    The collective functionality of the individual components includes window  1102  bladder  1004 , and air pouch system  1300  are stacked with window  1102  being the outer most layer, air pouch system  1300  being the inner most layer with bladder  1004  sandwiched in between. Note that while this embodiment only describes one bladder and air pouch system, it is contemplated that multiple bladders, windows, and air pouch systems can be used. 
         [0046]    The component stack can be secured to apparel in various ways. For example, the component stack can be inserted through an opening into a compartment (e.g. a lining) of apparel. For instance, the component stack can be inserted through an opening into a compartment formed by a sneaker&#39;s lining and outer surface. The component stack can also be inserted through an opening into a compartment formed by a purse&#39;s lining and out surface. A non-exhaustive list of apparel the component stack could be utilized with includes purses, belts, hats or other headwear, etc. 
         [0047]    In other embodiments, elevated logo  1104  could fit through a cut out, possibly also in logo  1104 &#39;s shape, in the apparel. In addition to apparel&#39;s logo cut out, there can also be cut outs in the apparel&#39;s wall for air inlet port  1302  and the pressure release valve  1306 . After the component stack is inserted as just described and enclosed within the apparel, the only parts of the stack that should be visible are logo  1104 , pressure release valve  1306 , and air inlet port  1302 . It is also contemplated that pressure release valve  1306  and air inlet port  1302  may also be concealed by the apparel. From this perspective logo  1104  appears to be the color of the liquid ink contained within bladder  1004  (this assumes that the initial condition of the stack is with a deflated air pouch system  1300 . However, when pump  1202  is connected to air inlet port  1302  and pump  1202  is compressed, the air pressure build up within air chamber  1308  causes the liquid ink to be forced from dotted area  1316  (i.e. to a non-visible area). This allows the rear side color of bladder  1004  to be seen through window  1102 , thus giving the effect that the logo color has changed. 
         [0048]    While the component stack has been described as inserted into various apparel types, it is contemplated that the component stack could be surface mounted to apparel. For example, the component stack could be mounted to a belt buckle&#39;s outer surface. The component stack could also be mounted to the surface of other garments by methods such as adhesives and sewing. 
         [0049]    Reference may be made throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments,” “an aspect,” or “aspects” meaning that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, usage of such phrases may refer to more than just one embodiment or aspect. In addition, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, reference to a single item may mean a single item or a plurality of items, just as reference to a plurality of items may mean a single item. Moreover, use of the term “and” when incorporated into a list is intended to imply that all the elements of the list, a single item of the list, or any combination of items in the list has been contemplated. 
         [0050]    One skilled in the relevant art may recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, resources, materials, etc. In other instances, well known structures, resources, or operations have not been shown or described in detail merely to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0051]    While example embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration and resources described above. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. 
         [0052]    The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the manufacture and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 
         [0053]    The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.