Polymeric component with injected, embedded ink and apparatus and method for manufacturing same

摘要

An article, such as an article of footwear, includes a polymeric component that has a first surface, a second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The article has ink injected into the polymeric component at a predetermined depth from the first surface such that the ink is embedded in the polymeric component at least partially between the first surface and the second surface. The polymeric component includes multiple layers. The ink is embedded in at least one of the layers. An apparatus for establishing a graphical image on a polymeric component includes a support frame, a jig connected to the support frame and configured to hold the polymeric component, and the needle. A method for manufacturing an article includes inserting a needle into a polymeric component, and injecting ink through the needle so that the ink provides a graphical image.

主权项

1. A method for manufacturing an article comprising:
inserting at least one needle into a polymeric component that includes multiple layers and has a thickness; wherein the inserting is to a depth less than the thickness so that the needle does not penetrate entirely through the polymeric component; injecting ink into at least a portion of the polymeric component through the inserted needle so that the ink is embedded in at least one of the layers as a graphical image in the portion of the polymeric component; piercing a predetermined pattern in the polymeric component; wherein the inserting said at least one needle and the injecting ink through said at least one needle are after the piercing the predetermined pattern; and wherein the inserting said at least one needle is within the pierced, predetermined pattern.