# US 11,112,537 B2 · Structurally-colored articles and methods for making and using structurally-colored articles

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- Number: US 11,112,537 B2
- Document ID: US11112537B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/146,572
- Filed: 2018-09-28
- Published: 2019-04-04
- Granted: 2021-09-07
- Earliest claimed: 2017-09-29
- Assignees: NIKE, Inc.
- Applicants: NIKE, Inc.
- Inventors: Jennifer Bee; Jeremy Gantz; Kim Kovel
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11112537B2

## CPC

- G02B 1/04: made of organic materials, e.g. plastics (G02B1/08 takes precedence)
- A41D 27/08: Trimmings; Ornaments
- A43B 1/0027: {made at least partially from a material having special colours}
- A43B 1/0072: {made at least partially of transparent or translucent materials}
- A43B 13/04: Plastics, rubber or vulcanised fibre
- A43B 13/122: {characterised by the outsole or external layer}
- A43B 13/14: characterised by the constructive form
- A43B 13/188: {Differential cushioning regions}
- A43B 13/20: Pneumatic soles {filled with a compressible fluid, e.g. air, gas (inflatable linings for skiboots A43B5/0407)}
- A43B 13/22: Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer
- A43B 21/28: Pneumatic heels {filled with a compressible fluid, e.g. air, gas}
- A43B 23/026: {Laminated layers}
- A43B 23/24: Ornamental buckles; Other ornaments for shoes without fastening function
- A61F 13/15731: {Treating webs, e.g. for giving them a fibrelike appearance, e.g. by embossing}
- B05D 3/067: {Curing or cross-linking the coating}
- B05D 5/063: {Reflective effect (B05D5/067 takes precedence)}
- B05D 5/066: {achieved by multilayers}
- B23B 3/30: Turning-machines with two or more working-spindles, e.g. in fixed arrangement
- B29D 11/0074: {Production of other optical elements not provided for in B29D11/00009- B29D11/0073}
- B29D 11/00865: {Applying coatings; tinting; colouring (printing, marking or copying processes B41M; identification in general G09F3/00; producing decorative effects in general B44C; positioning or marking of lenses B24B13/0055)}
- B32B 1/00: Layered products having a non-planar shape
- B32B 3/30: characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. {hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs (apertured layer B32B3/266; layer with cavities or internal voids B32B3/26)}
- B32B 5/02: characterised by structural features of a {fibrous or filamentary} layer {(layer formed of metallic wires B32B15/02; layer formed of natural mineral fibres B32B19/02; layer formed of wood fibres B32B21/02)}
- B32B 5/022: {Non-woven fabric}
- B32B 5/024: {Woven fabric}
- B32B 7/023: Optical properties
- B32B 15/095: comprising polyurethanes
- B32B 27/08: of synthetic resin
- B32B 27/12: next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
- B32B 27/34: comprising polyamides
- B32B 27/40: comprising polyurethanes
- B32B 33/00: Layered products characterised by particular properties or particular surface features, e.g. particular surface coatings; Layered products designed for particular purposes not covered by another single class
- B32B 37/025: {Transfer laminating}
- B32B 38/06: Embossing
- B44F 1/08: characterised by colour effects
- C09D 5/002: {Priming paints (C09D5/08 takes precedence)}
- C09D 7/61: inorganic
- D06M 10/06: Inorganic compounds or elements
- D06M 11/46: Oxides or hydroxides of elements of Groups 4 or 14 of the Periodic Table; Titanates; Zirconates; Stannates; Plumbates
- D06M 11/83: with metals; with metal-generating compounds, e.g. metal carbonyls; Reduction of metal compounds on textiles
- D06P 1/44: using insoluble pigments or auxiliary substances, e.g. binders
- G02B 1/10: Optical coatings produced by application to, or surface treatment of, optical elements (G02B1/08 takes precedence)
- G02B 5/0816: {Multilayer mirrors, i.e. having two or more reflecting layers (G02B5/0883, G02B5/0891 take precedence)}
- G02B 5/26: Reflecting filters (G02B5/28 takes precedence)
- G02B 5/28: Interference filters
- G02B 5/285: {comprising deposited thin solid films (G02B5/281 - G02B5/289 take precedence; multilayered film filters for fibre optic multiplexing G02B6/29361)}
- A41B 1/08: Details
- A41B 11/001: {Decoration; Marking}
- A41D 1/04: Vests, jerseys, sweaters or the like
- A41D 1/089: Shorts
- A41D 13/01: with reflective or luminous safety means {(visible signalling arrangements G08B5/00)}
- A42B 1/004: Decorative arrangements or effects
- A45F 3/04: Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
- A63B 41/08: Ball covers; Closures therefor
- A63B 71/143: {Baseball or hockey gloves}
- B05D 1/286: {using a temporary backing to which the coating has been applied}
- B05D 3/12: by mechanical means
- B05D 2503/00: Polyurethanes
- B05D 2505/00: Polyamides
- B05D 2507/00: Polyolefins
- B05D 2508/00: Polyesters
- B23B 27/18: with cutting bits or tips {or cutting inserts} rigidly mounted, e.g. by brazing
- B32B 27/18: characterised by the use of special additives
- B32B 2255/10: on synthetic resin layer or on natural or synthetic rubber layer
- B32B 2255/20: Inorganic coating
- B32B 2255/26: Polymeric coating
- B32B 2274/00: Thermoplastic elastomer material
- B32B 2305/188: Woven fabrics
- B32B 2307/402: Coloured
- B32B 2307/409: Iridescent, pearlescent surface
- B32B 2307/416: Reflective
- B32B 2307/724: Permeability to gases, adsorption
- B32B 2367/00: Polyesters, e.g. PET, i.e. polyethylene terephthalate
- B32B 2437/02: Gloves, shoes
- B44C 1/1712: {Decalcomanias applied under heat and pressure, e.g. provided with a heat activable adhesive}
- B44C 1/24: Pressing or stamping ornamental designs on surfaces
- C08K 3/28: Nitrogen-containing compounds
- D06M 2101/38: Polyurethanes
- G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- A41D: OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A43B: CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C)
- B05D: PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL (conveying articles or workpieces through baths of liquid B65G, e.g. B65G49/02)
- B23B: TURNING; BORING (arrangements for copying or controlling B23Q)
- B29D: PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE (making granules B29B9/00; making preforms B29B11/00)
- B32B: LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B44F: SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
- C09D: COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR (cosmetics A61K; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces, in general, B05D; staining wood B27K5/02; glazes or vitreous enamels C03C; natural resins, French polish, drying-oils, driers, turpentine, per se, C09F; polishing compositions other than French polish, ski waxes C09G; adhesives or use of materials as adhesives C09J; materials for sealing or packing joints or covers C09K3/10; materials for stopping leaks C09K3/12; processes for the electrolytic or electrophoretic production of coatings C25D)
- D06M: TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
- D06P: DYEING OR PRINTING TEXTILES; DYEING LEATHER, FURS OR SOLID MACROMOLECULAR SUBSTANCES IN ANY FORM
- A41B: SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A42B: HATS; HEAD COVERINGS (headbands A41D20/00; head-scarves A41D23/00)
- A45F: TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)
- B44C: PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS (processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces, in general B05D; shaping of plastics or substances in a plastic state B29C; printing processes to produce transfer pictures B41M3/12; thermographic duplication or marking methods B41M5/00); MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK (imitation of mosaic or tarsia work patterns B44F11/04); PAPERHANGING {(labels G09F; multi-step processes for making paper labels or tags B31D1/02)}
- C08K: Use of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients (paints, inks, varnishes, dyes, polishes, adhesives C09)

## Abstract

One or more aspects of the present disclosure are directed to components having an optical element that imparts structural color to the component or article. The present disclosure is also directed to articles of manufacture including the component having an optical element, and methods for making components and articles having an optical element that imparts structural color.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of making a textile comprising:
providing a textile having a first surface, the first surface comprising a first thermoplastic material;
softening or melting the first thermoplastic material by increasing a temperature of at least a portion of the first surface of the textile to a first temperature at or above one of a creep relaxation temperature, a heat deflection temperature, a Vicat softening temperature, or a melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material;
altering a texture of the at least a portion of the first surface while the temperature of the first surface is at or above the first temperature by contacting a textured molding surface of a release paper transfer medium with the first surface of the textile and using the textured molding surface to alter the texture of the first surface; and
disposing an optical element onto the first thermoplastic material of the at least a portion of the first surface having the altered texture, wherein the optical element, as disposed on the first surface, imparts a visible structural color and a hue in the visible spectrum to the textile, wherein the structural color is an angle-independent structural color in that the hue, the hue and value, or the hue, value and chroma observed is independent of the angle of observation, wherein the optical element includes a plurality of layers, wherein adjacent layers have different indices of refraction, wherein at least one of the layers has a thickness that is about one-fourth of the wavelength of visible light to be reflected by the optical element to produce the visible structural color.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising:
lowering the temperature of the first surface to a second temperature that is below one of the creep relaxation temperature, the heat deflection temperature, the Vicat softening temperature, or the melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material to re-solidify the first thermoplastic material of the at least a portion of the first surface, and then, while the first surface is at or below the second temperature, disposing the optical element onto the at least a portion of the first surface.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising:
following the disposing, lowering the temperature of the first surface to a second temperature that is below one of the creep relaxation temperature, the heat deflection temperature, the Vicat softening temperature, or the melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material to re-solidify the first thermoplastic material.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the disposing includes disposing the optical element directly on the first surface of the textile using a deposition process.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein an externally-facing side of the textile includes a first constituent comprising a first fiber, a first yarn, or a first film, and wherein disposing the optical element onto the first surface of the textile includes disposing the optical element onto a first surface of the first constituent of the textile.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein the textile further comprises a second constituent, wherein the second constituent is a second fiber, a second yarn, or a second film, wherein the second constituent comprises a second polymeric material, wherein the second polymeric material is a second thermoset material or a second thermoplastic material having a creep relaxation temperature, a heat deflection temperature, a Vicat softening temperature, or a melting temperature that is at least 50 degrees C. above the creep relaxation temperature, the heat deflection temperature, the Vicat softening temperature, or the melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material; and
wherein increasing the temperature of the first surface of the article to a first temperature does not result in softening of the second constituent, and disposing the optical element on the textile does not dispose the optical element onto the second constituent, or disposes an amount of the optical element to the second constituent which is at least 20 percent less than an amount of the optical element disposed to the first constituent on a weight or surface area basis.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the textile, prior to the increasing its temperature, includes a plurality of fibers comprising the first thermoplastic material, wherein the plurality of fibers have a filamentous conformation, and increasing the temperature further comprises:
increasing the temperature of the first thermoplastic material to a first temperature at or above a creep relaxation temperature, a heat deflection temperature, a Vicat softening temperature, or a melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material to soften or melt the first thermoplastic material and alter the conformation of at least a portion of the fibers at the first surface to have a non-filamentous conformation, producing a non-filamentous region on the first surface of the textile; and
wherein disposing the optical element onto the first surface comprises disposing the optical element onto the non-filamentous region of the first surface.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, further comprising:
lowering the temperature of the first thermoplastic material of the non-filamentous region of the first surface to a second temperature that is below the creep relaxation temperature, the heat deflection temperature, the Vicat softening temperature, or the melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material to re-solidify the first thermoplastic material of the non-filamentous region, and disposing the optical element onto the non-filamentous region while the non-filamentous region is at or below the second temperature.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8, further comprising forming a textured surface on the non-filamentous region prior to disposing the optical element onto the non-filamentous region.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising disposing a primer layer having a percent transmittance of about 40 percent or less between the optical element and the first surface of the textile.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the optical element has from 2 to 20 layers, each layer independently having a thickness of about 10 to 500 nanometers.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the structural color imparted by the optical element is different from the color of the underlying first thermoplastic material.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the optical element contains no pigments and no dyes.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the structural color produced by optical element is a single-hued color.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the structural color has a hue selected from cyan, indigo, violet, blue, blue-green, and purple green.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein a first layer of the optical element comprises titanium dioxide, wherein a second layer of the optical element comprises silicon dioxide, and wherein the first layer and the second layer are adjacent one another.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the angle-independent structural color displays the same hue or substantially the same hue when viewed from at least 3 different angles that are at least 15 degrees apart from each other to the textile.