Method and apparatus for dyeing garments

Abstract

Described herein are apparatuses and methods for dyeing garments. An exemplary apparatus comprises a dye injection system configured to dispense concentrated liquid dye; a dyeing machine comprising a dyeing chamber configured for dyeing at least one garment in a dyebath; and a controller in communication with the dye injection system and the dyeing machine, wherein the controller is configured: to receive at least one garment parameter corresponding to the at least one garment; based at least in part on the at least one received garment parameter, cause the dye injection system to dispense a volume of concentrated liquid dye containing an amount of dyestuff that can be substantially absorbed by the at least one garment; and cause the dyeing machine to execute a dye cycle such that substantially all of the dyestuff in the dispensed concentrated liquid dye is absorbed by the at least one garment within the dyeing chamber.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This patent application for the present invention claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 837,165, filed April 22, 2019, and Provisional Patent Application Ser. The entire content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference. Background technique [0003] In industrial and commercial applications, known garment dyeing processes are expensive and time consuming. In particular, existing garment dyeing processes use large quantities of dyes, water, salt, and other substances that must be used and handled in order to apply the desired color to the garment. Traditional dyeing processes typically involve the use of a dye that contains a premixed solution of dye, water, salt, and other elements added to enhance the dye's compatibility with the garment, fabric, or fiber. The pre-mixed solution can be sent to a dyeing machine containing water, where the garment absorbs only a portion of the dyes...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The high-volume manufacturing processes that currently define the industry are not only wasteful, but also unable to support rapid shifts in consumer color preferences

The current garment dyeing process is defined by a rigid system that cannot accommodate variability or customization of e.g. garment color and / or pattern without sacrificing efficiency, quality and / or resources

Furthermore, existing garment dyeing processes have long been defined as inefficient use of excess water, dyes, and other wasteful by-products, requiring enormous efforts to control pollution and environmental impact

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