Patent Grant
9034166
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to treatments for a surface of an article. More particularly, the present invention relates to anodizing and polishing a surface of a metal article.
2. Background Art
Many products in the commercial and consumer industries are metal articles, or contain metal parts. The metal surfaces of these products may be treated by any number of processes to alter the surface to create a desired effect, either functional, cosmetic, or both. One example of such a surface treatment is anodization. Anodizing a metal surface converts a portion of the metal surface into a metal oxide, thereby creating a metal oxide layer. Anodized metal surfaces provide increased corrosion resistance and wear resistance. Anodized metal surfaces may also be used in obtaining a cosmetic effect, such as utilizing the porous nature of the metal oxide layer created by anodization for absorbing dyes to impart a color to the anodized metal surface.
The cosmetic effect of surface treatments to products that are metal articles, or have metal parts, can be of great importance. In consumer product industries, such as the electronics industry, visual aesthetics may be a deciding factor in a consumer's decision to purchase one product over another. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for new surface treatments, or combinations of surface treatments, for metal surfaces to create products with new and different visual appearances or cosmetic effects.
A series of surface treatments may be performed on a surface of a metal part or article to create an integral layer having a desired cosmetic effect. The integral layer resembles a coating or layer that has been applied to the metal surface, but is actually an integral or intrinsic part of the metal article that has been treated to obtain the desired cosmetic effect. In other words, the integral or intrinsic layer is not a separate coating or film and the desired cosmetic effect is therefore achieved without the application of a separate coating or film, such as a lacquer or paint. The integral layer may be a coatingless layer that also has a sparkling effect, a rich color, and/or a glossy or shiny appearance. The integral layer may also provide additional characteristics such as corrosion and wear resistance. The integral layer may be applied to a broad range of metal articles including household appliances and cookware, automotive parts, athletic equipment, and electronic components.
In one embodiment, a method may include providing a metal part having a surface, polishing the surface, anodizing the surface to create an oxide layer after the step of polishing the surface, and polishing the oxide layer after the step of anodizing. The method may provide the metal part with an integral surface that is glossy.
In another embodiment, a method for treating a metal surface of a metal part to obtain an integral surface that is glossy is disclosed. The method may include providing a rough metal surface, forming a smooth surface from the rough metal surface, forming a surface with a plurality of peaks from the smooth surface, rounding the plurality of peaks, forming a metal oxide layer having a plurality of rounded peaks, imparting a color to the metal oxide layer, and forming a smooth surface from the colored metal oxide layer.
In yet another embodiment, a method for treating a surface of a metal part to obtain an integral surface that is glossy and sparkling is disclosed. The method may include providing the metal part, texturing the metal part to provide a surface with a plurality of peaks, polishing the textured metal part to round the plurality of peaks, anodizing the polished metal part, and polishing the anodized metal part.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention by way of example, and not by way of limitation. The drawings together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.
The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the pertinent art that this invention can also be employed in a variety of other applications.
A series of surface treatments may be performed on a surface of a metal part or article to create an integral layer having a desired cosmetic effect. The integral layer resembles a coating or layer that has been applied to the metal surface, but is actually an integral or intrinsic part of the metal article that has been treated to obtain the desired cosmetic effect. In other words, the integral or intrinsic layer is not a separate coating or film and the desired cosmetic effect is therefore achieved without the application of a separate coating or film, such as a lacquer or paint. The integral layer may be a coatingless layer that also has a sparkling effect, a rich color, and/or a glossy or shiny appearance. The integral layer may also provide additional characteristics such as corrosion and wear resistance. The integral layer may be applied to a broad range of metal articles including household appliances and cookware, automotive parts, athletic equipment, and electronic components.
In one embodiment, the integral layer may be achieved by anodizing the surface of a metal part or article, as well as performing one or more pre-anodizing surface treatments to the metal surface and performing one or more post-anodizing surface treatments to the metal surface. Possible pre-anodizing surface treatments may include polishing through buffing, texturing through an alkaline etch, and polishing with an acidic chemical solution. Possible post-anodizing surface treatments may include dyeing, sealing, and polishing through buffing, tumbling, or combinations thereof. Materials that may be processed using these techniques include, for example, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, niobium and the like. In one implementation, the metal part is formed from aluminum.
The method may include a step 10 of providing a surface of a metal part or article. The metal part or article including each of its surfaces, may be formed using a variety of techniques, and may come in a variety of shapes, forms and materials. Examples of techniques include providing the metal part or article as a preformed sheet or extruding the metal part or article so that it is formed in a desired shape. Examples of metal materials include aluminum, titanium, magnesium, niobium and the like. In one example, the metal part or article may be extruded so the metal part or article is formed in a desired shape. Extrusion may be a process for producing a material in a desired shape in a continuous manner of indeterminate length so that the material may be subsequently cut to a desired length. In one example, the metal part or article may be formed from aluminum. In some embodiments, the metal part or article may be formed from extruded aluminum.
The method may also include a step 20 of performing one or more pre-anodization treatments on the surface of the metal part or article. By way of example, the pre-anodization treatments may include one or more of polishing and texturing. Polishing may be a process that smoothens a rough or bumpy surface. Examples of polishing may include buffing, applying an acid solution and/or the like. Texturing may be a process that changes the appearance, feel, or shape of a surface. Examples of texturing may include etching, sandblasting and/or the like. The one or more pre-anodization treatments may impart a sparkling effect to the metal surface. The one or more pre-anodization treatments may increase the gloss or shine of the metal surface.
Next, the method may include a step 30 of anodizing. By way of example, anodizing may include standard anodizing or hard anodizing. Anodization may be a process of increasing an oxide layer of a metal surface. Standard anodization may be an anodization process in which a metal surface is placed in an electrolytic bath having a temperature in a range between about 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. Hard anodization may be an anodization process in which a metal surface is placed in an electrolytic bath having a temperature in a range between about 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. In one embodiment, step 30 of anodizing may create a transparent effect to the metal surface.
The method may also include a step 40 of performing one or more post-anodization treatments. By way of example, the post-anodization treatment may include one or more of dyeing, sealing, and polishing. Dyeing may generally refer to dipping or immersing a metal surface in a dye solution. Sealing may generally refer to immersing a metal surface in a sealing solution to close pores on a surface of the article. Polishing is generally described above, but it should be noted that similar or different polishing techniques may be used. The one or more post-anodization treatments may impart a rich color to the metal surface. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more post-anodization treatments may impart a smooth, glassy appearance to the metal surface.
The method may be applied to a broad range of metal articles including, but not limited to, household appliances and cookware, such as pots and pans; automotive parts; athletic equipment, such as bikes; and electronic components, such as laptop computers and enclosures for electronic devices, such as media players, phones, and computers. In one embodiment, the method may be implemented on a media player manufactured by Apple Inc.
Process 21 may include a step 22 of polishing. By way of example, the polishing of step 22 may include buffing. The buffing may be either automated or manual. Buffing may be a process of polishing using a work wheel having an abrasive surface. Step 22 of polishing may turn a metal surface into a smooth, flat, shiny, mirror-like surface.
Process 21 may also include a subsequent step 24 of texturing. By way of example, the texturing of step 24 may be a chemical process, such as etching, or may be a sandblasting process. Step 24 of texturing may impart a “peaky” effect to the metal surface wherein the surface has a series of peaks and valleys. The peaks and valleys may create a sparkling effect to the surface.
Process 21 may also include a further subsequent step 26 of polishing. By way of example, the polishing of step 26 may include chemical polishing, such as in an acid solution. Step 26 of polishing may round the peaks created in step 24 of texturing. Step 26 of polishing may increase the gloss or shine of the surface. The details of polishing and texturing will be discussed in greater detail below.
Process 41 may include a step 42 of dyeing. By way of example, step 42 of dyeing may include dipping or immersing a metal surface in a dye solution. Step 42 of dyeing may impart a rich color to the surface.
Process 41 may also include a subsequent step 44 of sealing. By way of example, step 44 of sealing may include immersing a metal surface in a sealing solution. Step 44 of sealing may seal pores on the surface of the metal part or article being treated.
Process 41 may also include a further subsequent step 46 of polishing. By way of example, step 46 of polishing may include buffing, tumbling, or combinations thereof. Tumbling may be a process of polishing an object by placing the objecting in a tumbling barrel filled with a media and then rotating the barrel with the object inside it. Step 46 of polishing may impart a smooth, glassy appearance to the surface.
It is noted that the steps discussed above, illustrated in the flowcharts of
Referring to
As shown in
In step 62, surface 80 of metal part 78 is polished. Polishing may be accomplished through buffing to turn surface 80 into a smooth, flat, shiny, mirror-like surface, as shown in
In one embodiment, step 62 of polishing may for example correspond to process 23 shown in
In one embodiment, manual buffing step 28 may be a multi-stage process. An exemplary multi-stage process for manual buffing step 28 may include two stages. In a first stage, surface 80 may be buffed in a range from between about 60 and 90 seconds with a pleated sisal wheel coated with a wax having fine aluminum oxide particles suspended therein. The path of the wheel may be randomized in the first stage in order to remove polish lines from automated buffing step 27. In a second stage, surface 80 may be buffed for about 40 seconds to remove polish lines from the first stage of step 28 with an un-reinforced cotton wheel coated with a wax having very fine aluminum oxide particles suspended therein that a finer than the aluminum oxide particles utilized in the first stage. The type of abrasive particles, the size of the abrasive particles, the duration of the stage, and the material of the wheel described above for each stage, as well as the number of stages, are merely exemplary and may be varied.
The quality of surface 80 after polishing step 62 determines the final surface quality after all treatments have completed. Polishing step 62 should result in a high quality surface with no orange peel, no waviness, and no defects. All die lines, stamping marks, drawing marks, shock lines, cutter marks, roughness, waviness, and/or oil and grease should be removed from surface 80 during polishing step 62. Buffing is merely an exemplary method for accomplishing the polishing in step 62 and other polishing methods may be utilized that would result in turning rough and bumpy surface 80 into a smooth, flat, shiny, mirror-like surface and achieve the requirements described above.
As shown in
A step 64 includes texturing surface 80 of metal part 78 to impart a desired fine texture to surface 80. Texturing may include a chemical process such as etching surface 80 with an alkaline etching solution. The alkaline etching solution textures the previously smooth surface 80 to be “peaky” with a low gloss or matte appearance. As shown in
The alkaline etching solution may be a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. The concentration of the NaOH solution may range between about 50 and 60 g/l, 51 and 59 g/l, 52 and 58 g/1, 53 and 57 g/l, or 54 and 56 g/l, or may be about 55 g/l. The NaOH solution may have a temperature of about 50 degrees Celsius. Surface 80 may be exposed to the NaOH solution for a time period that may range between about 5 and 30 seconds, about 10 and 25 seconds, or about 15 and 20 seconds. These parameters are merely exemplary and may be varied. Sodium hydroxide is merely an exemplary alkaline etching solution and other alkaline etching solutions may be utilized, including, but not limited to ammonium bifluoride (NH4F2). In addition, texturing may be accomplished utilizing other methods, for example sandblasting, that would result in texturing surface 80 to have several peaks 82 and valleys 84, and thereby create a sparkling effect. Step 64 of texturing may, for example, correspond to step 24 shown in
As shown in
In a step 66, surface 80, which is textured to have peaks 82 and valleys 84 to create a sparkling effect, is polished. A chemical polishing process may be utilized wherein surface 80 is exposed to a solution that rounds peaks 82 so they are no longer pointy, as shown in
The chemical polishing solution may be an acidic solution. Acids that may be included in the solution include, but are not limited to, phosphoric acid (H3PO4), nitric acid (HNO3), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and combinations thereof. The acid may be phosphoric acid, a combination of phosphoric acid and nitric acid, a combination of phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid, or a combination of phosphoric acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Other additives for the chemical polishing solution may include copper sulfate (CuSO4) and water. In one embodiment, a solution of 85% phosphoric acid is utilized that is maintained at a temperature of 95 degrees Celsius. The processing time of step 66 is adjusted depending upon a desired target gloss value. In one embodiment, the processing time may be in a range between about 40 and 60 seconds. In addition, the polishing of step 66 may be accomplished utilizing other methods that would result in polishing surface 80 to increase the gloss of surface 80. Step 66 of polishing may, for example, correspond to step 26 shown in
As shown in
A step 68 includes anodizing glossy surface 80 to create a metal oxide layer 86 by converting a portion of metal part 78 to metal oxide, as shown in
The anodizing process may include placing metal part 78 in an electrolytic bath that has been optimized to increase the transparent effect of the oxide layer 86. The electrolytic bath may include sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in a concentration having a range between about 150 and 210 g/l, about 160 and 200 g/l, or about 170 and 190 g/l, or may be about 180 g/l. The electrolytic bath may also include metal ions of that are the same as metal part 58, for example aluminum ions, in a concentration of about less than 15 g/l or in a range between about 4 and 10 g/l, about 5 and 9 g/l, or about 6 and 8 g/l, or may be about 7 g/l. Step 68 of anodizing may be a standard anodization process wherein the electrolytic bath may be maintained at a temperature in a range between about 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. In one embodiment, the temperature of the electrolytic bath should not be above 22 degrees Celsius. Anodization may occur at a current density in a range between about 1.0 and 1.2 amperes per square decimeter. Anodization may have a duration in a range between about 30 and 60 minutes, about 35 and 55 minutes, or about 40 and 50 minutes, or may be about 45 minutes. The thickness of the oxide layer may be controlled in part by the duration of the anodization process. In other embodiments, step 68 of anodizing may be a hard anodization process. Step 68 of anodizing may, for example, correspond to step 30 shown in
As shown in
In a step 70, metal part 78 may be dyed to impart a rich color to surface 80. Metal oxide layer 86 formed during step 66 of anodizing, is porous in nature allowing metal oxide layer 86 to absorb a dye through its pores (not shown) to impart a rich color to surface 80. Metal oxide layer 86 may also possess increased adherence capabilities for dyes than metal. Beads of dye 98 flow into pores (not shown) of metal oxide layer 86 and adhere to surface 80 to impart a color to surface 80, as shown in
As shown in
Step 72 includes sealing porous metal oxide layer 86 to seal the pores of oxide layer 86. The sealing process may include placing surface 80 in a solution for a sufficient amount of time to create a sealant layer 100 that seals the pores of surface 80 of metal oxide layer 86, as shown in
In a step 74, surface 80 may be polished to create a smooth, glassy appearance as shown in
In one embodiment, step 74 of polishing surface 80 may, for example, correspond to process 43 shown in
In another embodiment, step 74 of polishing surface 80 may, for example, correspond to process 45 shown in
In still another embodiment, step 74 of polishing surface 80 may, for example, correspond to process 47 shown in
As shown in
As previously noted, the ordering of steps discussed above, illustrated in the flowcharts of
In one embodiment, the process illustrated in
In another embodiment, as shown for example in
In still another embodiment, as shown for example in
In yet another embodiment, as shown for example in
In some embodiments, a first portion of a metal surface 80 may be treated in a different manner than a second portion of metal surface 80 in order to create different patterns and visual effects. In one embodiment, the first portion of metal surface 80 may be treated and the second portion may not be treated. In another embodiment the first portion and second portions of metal surface 80 may be treated by different techniques. The different techniques may vary the treatments described above that are included in the technique or may vary the parameters of a treatment between the techniques. For example, one technique may include standard anodization and the other technique may include hard anodization, or one technique may polish to a different surface roughness than the other technique. The different patterns or visual effects on surface 80 that are created may include, but are not limited to, stripes, dots, or the shape of a logo. In one embodiment, surface 80 includes a logo, wherein the first portion of surface 80 includes the logo and the second portion of surface 80 does not contain the logo. In other embodiments, the difference in techniques may create the appearance of a logo or label, such that a separate logo or label does not need to be applied to surface 80.
Surface 80 is an integral layer of metal article 78 having a desired cosmetic effect. The integral layer may be a coatingless layer that also has a sparkling effect, a rich color, and/or a glossy or shiny appearance. The integral layer is not a separate coating or film, but rather an integral or intrinsic part of the metal part. Accordingly, the desired cosmetic effect is achieved without the application of a separate coating or film, such as a lacquer or paint. As illustrated in
One characteristic of surface 80 after completion of the surface treatments that may be measured is the gloss value of surface 80 as measured at 60 degrees by a 60 degrees gloss meter. The gloss value of surface 80 may be in a range between about 100 and 390 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 100 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 110 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 120 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 130 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 140 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 150 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 160 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 170 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 180 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 190 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 200 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 210 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 220 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 230 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 240 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 250 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 260 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 270 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 280 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 290 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 300 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 310 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 320 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 330 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 340 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 350 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 360 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 370 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 380 gloss units. In some embodiments the gloss value of surface 80 may be about 390 gloss units. If a dyeing step, such as dyeing step 42, 70, or 150, is performed, the gloss value of surface 80 may be in a range between about 100 and 350 gloss units. If dyeing step, such as dyeing step 42, 70, or 150, is not performed, the gloss value of surface 80 may be in a range between about 180 and 390 gloss units. The gloss values listed above are exemplary.
The result of the surface treatments to surface 80 of metal part 78 is an oxide layer 86 that is an integral layer of metal part 78 that has a desired cosmetic effect and visual appearance. Integral layer 86 resembles a coating or layer that has been applied to the metal surface, but is actually an integral or intrinsic part of metal article 78 that has been treated to obtain the desired cosmetic effect, i.e. the integral layer is not a separate coating or film. The integral layer may be a coatingless layer that also has a sparkling effect, a rich color, and/or a glossy or shiny appearance. The integral layer is not a separate coating or film, but rather an integral or intrinsic part of the metal part. Accordingly, the desired cosmetic effect is achieved without the application of a separate coating or film, such as a lacquer or paint.
The gloss value of a treated metal part or article is affected by whether or not the metal part is dyed and the particular dye composition utilized. For example, in a process of treating a surface 80 of extruded 6063 grade aluminum, after a step of polishing, such as step 26, 66, 132, 146, or 164, surface 80 may have a gloss value measured at 20 degrees by a 20 degrees gloss meter in a range between about 130 and 280 gloss units. This gloss value range is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, a dyeing step, such as dyeing step 42, 70, or 150, is not performed and surface 80 may retain a silver color and may have a gloss value range from between about 180 and 390 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 195 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments a dyeing step, such as dyeing step 42, 70, or 150, is performed and a variety of colors may be achieved depending upon the particular dye composition, dye concentration, and/or duration of dyeing.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have a dark gray color. The dark gray color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of black dye, blue dye, and red dye. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 110 and 240 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 120 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have a green color. The green color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of yellow dye and blue dye. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 115 and 250 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 125 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have a red color. The red color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of red dye, pink dye, and black dye. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 106 and 230 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 115 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have a purple color. The purple color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of blue dye and violet dye. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 102 and 220 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 110 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have a blue color. The blue color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of blue dye and violet dye. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 110 and 240 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 120 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have a pink color. The pink color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of pink dye and red dye. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 120 and 260 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 130 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have an orange color. The orange color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of orange dye and red dye. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 133 and 290 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 145 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have a yellow color. The yellow color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of yellow dyes. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 161 and 350 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 175 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
In some embodiments, surface 80 may be dyed to have a gold color. The gold color may be achieved by using a dye composition comprising a mixture of orange dye and black dye. Surface 80 may have a gloss value range from between about 157 and 340 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. In one embodiment, surface 80 may have a gloss value of about 170 when measured at 60 degrees using a 60 degrees gloss meter. The above gloss values are exemplary.
A variety of colors for surface 80 may be achieved by varying the dye composition, the concentration of the dye and the duration of dyeing based on visualization and/or experimentation.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
In addition, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/554,596, filed Sep. 4, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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| Child | 12876032 | US |
