Patent Application
20080078034
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example below. The method for dyeing high density polyethelene fiber fabric or Spectra® fabric includes applying an aliphatic stain on the fabric. The fabric may be, but without limitation, dipped in aliphatic stain, or the aliphatic stain may be painted, rolled, coated, applied or sprayed on the fabric. The stain may be applied with the same technique as used with standard paints. Any method of application may be utilized so long as the aliphatic stain adheres to the fabric.
In the discussion of the present invention, the method will be discussed for high density polyethelene fiber fabric or Spectra® fabric in a military environment, specifically a military combat environment, however, the method can also be utilized for any items produced or manufactured with high density polyethelene fiber fabric, such as, but without limitation, clothes, cloth, boat sails, backpacks, furniture upholstery, outdoor furniture covers and luggage.
An aliphatic stain is a stain or coating that has an open or straight chain carbon compound. Aliphatic stains may have mineral spirits, gasoline, kerosene, hexane or naphta as an ingredient. Examples of aliphatic stains include commercial wood stain, and certain shoe polishes or tea. Both oil based and water based aliphatic wood stains have been found to be effective dyes for high density polyethelene fiber fabric that withstood repeated washes. During testing, oil based and water based aliphatic wood stains could not be removed from the fabric using cleaning agent methyl ethyl ketone.
In one of the embodiments of the invention, after an application of the aliphatic stain on the fabric, the stain is allowed to dry, and then subsequent coats of aliphatic stain are applied on the fabric. In the preferred embodiment, the drying time between coats is about 15 to about 20 minutes. For best results, after application of all coats of stain, the fabric should be allowed to dry for at least 24 hours prior to use.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained herein.
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
