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US 8,822,375 B2Granted
Method for activating colorant associated with an article
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company
InventorsEva Grace Nellenbach, Robert Clark Avery, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for activating colorant in selected regions of an article in which the colorant is incorporated are described. The colorant activation can create various desired visual aspects.
Claims16
A method for activating colorant associated with an article, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing an energy source;
- b. providing an article comprising an activatable colorant;
- c. disposing a mask between the energy source and the article, the mask comprising an open area design;
- d. directing energy through the open area of the mask and onto/into the article;
- and
- e. moving the article from a first position to a second position that is different from the first position while conducting step (d) so that the activatable colorant in a plurality of locations on/in the article is activated whereby the open area design is substantially created on and/or within a portion of the article, wherein the mask is stationary while conducting step (e), wherein the article is both rotated and translated during step (e), and wherein a portion of the article is elastically deformed during step (e).
3 more elements
A method for activating colorant associated with an article, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing an energy source;
- b. providing an article comprising an activatable colorant;
- c. disposing a mask between the energy source and the article, the mask comprising an open area design;
- d. directing energy through the open area of the mask and onto/into the article;
- and
- e. moving the article from a first position to a second position that is different from the first position while conducting step (d) so that the activatable colorant in a plurality of locations on/in the article is activated whereby the open area design is substantially created on and/or within a portion of the article, wherein a portion of the article is elastically deformed during step (e).
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.