WO2014130600A1 - System and method for applying heat and pressure to three-dimensional articles - Google Patents
System and method for applying heat and pressure to three-dimensional articles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014130600A1 WO2014130600A1 PCT/US2014/017242 US2014017242W WO2014130600A1 WO 2014130600 A1 WO2014130600 A1 WO 2014130600A1 US 2014017242 W US2014017242 W US 2014017242W WO 2014130600 A1 WO2014130600 A1 WO 2014130600A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- base portion
- intermediate member
- manufacturing system
- flexible manufacturing
- upper member
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
- B29D35/00—Producing footwear
- B29D35/02—Producing footwear made in one piece using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding or casting
- B29D35/04—Producing footwear made in one piece using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding or casting having multilayered parts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
- A43D9/00—Devices for binding the uppers upon the lasts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C51/26—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C51/46—Measuring, controlling or regulating
Definitions
- the present embodiments relate generally to flexible
- Methods of forming articles generally include steps of joining two or more materials.
- the materials can be joined, for example, using adhesives or stitching.
- the materials may often be joined while the materials have a two- dimensional (i.e., flattened) configuration.
- a flexible manufacturing system for articles of footwear includes a base portion, an intermediate member, where the intermediate member includes a frame member.
- the flexible manufacturing system further includes a flexible membrane and an upper member, where the upper member includes a cavity.
- the intermediate member can be sealed against the base portion.
- the upper member can be sealed against the intermediate member.
- the flexible manufacturing system can operate so that a vacuum is applied between the intermediate member and the base portion.
- the flexible manufacturing system can operate so that pressure in the cavity between the intermediate member and the upper member can be increased.
- the intermediate member and the upper member can move relative to the base portion and relative to one another.
- a flexible manufacturing system for articles of footwear includes a base portion and an intermediate member, where the intermediate member further includes a frame member and a flexible membrane.
- the flexible manufacturing system also includes an upper member, where the upper member includes a cavity.
- the intermediate member is associated with a first height adjustment system that controls the height of the intermediate member above the base portion.
- the upper member is associated with a second height adjustment system that controls the height of the upper member above the base portion. The height of the intermediate member relative to the base portion and the height of the upper member relative to the base portion can be independently controlled.
- a method of pressing materials for an article of footwear using a flexible manufacturing system includes associating at least one material layer with a base portion of the flexible manufacturing system. The method also includes lowering an intermediate member of the flexible
- the method further includes lowering an upper member of the flexible manufacturing system onto the intermediate member and applying a vacuum between the intermediate member and the base portion.
- the method also includes increasing pressure in the region between the upper member and the intermediate member and thereby pressing the flexible membrane against the at least one material layer.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric front view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system
- FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric rear view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system
- FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a flexible manufacturing system in which some internal components are visible;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric exploded view of some components of a flexible manufacturing system
- FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of some components of a flexible manufacturing system
- FIG. 6 is a side schematic view of some components of a flexible manufacturing system
- FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear and a last, including trim portions for fusing to the article of footwear;
- FIG. 8 is an isometric schematic view of an embodiment of a footwear last and upper material placed on a base portion of a flexible
- FIG. 9 is an isometric schematic view of an embodiment of an intermediate member being lowered onto a base portion of a flexible
- FIG. 10 is an isometric schematic view of an embodiment of an intermediate member conforming to the shape of a footwear last using a vacuum;
- FIG. 1 1 is an isometric schematic view of an embodiment of an upper member lowering over an intermediate member;
- FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of
- FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of
- FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the components of FIG. 13, in which heat is used to facilitate fusing of materials;
- FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the components of FIG. 13, in which pressure is decreased within the upper member;
- FIG. 16 is an isometric schematic view of an upper member being raised
- FIG. 17 is an isometric schematic view of an article of footwear cooling
- FIG. 18 is an isometric schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system
- FIG. 19 is an isometric schematic view of an article of footwear with various portions fused together.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic isometric view of some components of an alternate embodiment of a flexible manufacturing system.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate schematic isometric views of an
- flexible manufacturing system 100 may be intended for use with various kinds of articles including articles of footwear, articles of apparel and/or sporting equipment.
- Flexible manufacturing system 100 may be used for a variety of purposes, including for example, bonding, fusing or otherwise joining two or more materials together using pressure and/or heat.
- One such method for bonding, fusing or otherwise joining materials together to form portions of an article of footwear are disclosed in Fisher et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number , now
- flexible manufacturing system 100 may be used to transfer graphics from a source material to a portion of an article using pressure and/or heat.
- a graphic transfer method that uses pressure and heat is disclosed in Hull, U.S. Patent Number 8,162,022, issued April 24, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Therefore, it will be understood that the flexible manufacturing system 100 of the embodiments discussed below may be utilized for a variety of different purposes where it may be necessary to apply pressure and/or heat over portions of an article (i.e., footwear and/or apparel).
- the provisions described to facilitate fusing, bonding, graphic transfer, material shaping, as well as a variety of other functions may be useful with three-dimensional/contoured as well as substantially flat articles.
- a flexible manufacturing system is used to apply pressure and/or heat to an article of footwear.
- the flexible manufacturing system can be used with any kinds of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, running shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. While the embodiments in the figures show a single article, it will be understood that a flexible manufacturing system could be used with two or more articles, including articles that make up a pair of footwear.
- a flexible manufacturing system need not be limited to use with articles of footwear and the principles taught throughout this detailed description may be applied to additional articles as well. Generally, these principles could be applied to any article kinds of articles. Examples of articles that can be used with the flexible manufacturing system include, but are not limited to: footwear, gloves, shirts, pants, socks, scarves, hats, jackets, as well as other articles. Other examples of articles that may be used include, but are not limited to: shin guards, knee pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, as well as any other type of protective equipment. Additionally, in some embodiments, the article could be another any other type of article, including, but not limited to: balls, bags, purses, backpacks, as well as other articles. Moreover, the article may be any article that can be worn or may be an article that is not generally worn.
- Flexible manufacturing system 100 may comprise an upper enclosure 1 10 that encloses a variety of components.
- upper enclosure 1 10 may comprise a plurality of frame portions 1 12 that support a plurality of panels 1 14.
- plurality of panels 1 14 may be substantially transparent panels.
- plurality of panels 1 14 could comprise a substantially durable and transparent material such as, but not limited to: various kinds of polymers including polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic), glass, as well as possibly other materials.
- upper enclosure 1 10 may further include door 1 16. Door 1 16 may be opened to allow an operator access to the interior of upper enclosure 1 10. With door 1 16 closed, upper enclosure 1 10 may generally provide a protective enclosure around the internal components of flexible manufacturing system 100.
- flexible manufacturing system 100 may include an interface device 120.
- interface device 120 may include provisions for input and/or output of components internal to upper enclosure 1 10.
- interface device 120 may comprise buttons that allow an operator to control the operating state of various components, as discussed in further detail below.
- interface device 120 may also include a display for providing output to a user (e.g., a pressure reading, system mode, etc.).
- the display could be any kind of display including an LCD, LED, CRT, as well as any other kind of display.
- a display for interface device 120 could be used to show a current pressure reading in one or more regions of the system.
- a display for interface device 120 could be used to show the temperature associated with one or more components and/or regions of the system.
- one or more components of flexible manufacturing system 100 could be in communication with a computing device (such as a computer and/or network of computers, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, etc.). Such external computing devices could be used to facilitate control of flexible manufacturing system 100, including control from a remote location.
- Some embodiments may further include a lower cabinet 130.
- lower cabinet 130 may house additional components of flexible manufacturing system 100.
- lower cabinet 130 may comprise a plurality of panels 122 that enclose components along the lower portion of flexible manufacturing system 100.
- plurality of panels 122 may be substantially opaque and could be made of any materials including, but not limited to: polymers, wood, glass, metal as well as possibly other materials.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of flexible manufacturing system 100, in which portions of upper enclosure 1 10 and lower cabinet 130 have been removed to better show internal components.
- some embodiments of flexible manufacturing system 100 may include a pressure control system 124.
- Pressure control system 124 may comprise a variety of components including fluid pumps, fluid tanks as well as other provisions for controlling the flow of fluid to and/or from one or more locations or components of flexible manufacturing system 100.
- pressure control system 124 may include fluid pump 126.
- fluid pump 126 may be operated to decrease pressure (or create a vacuum) within a region that is in fluid communication with fluid pump 126.
- any kinds of pumps may be used. Examples of pumps that may be used include, but are not limited to:
- pressure control system 124 may also include fluid tank 128.
- fluid tank 128 may be filled with a compressed fluid, such as air.
- fluid tank 128 could be used to deliver pressurized air to a region in fluid communication with fluid tank 128, thereby increasing the pressure of the connected region.
- a compressed fluid tank for delivering pressurized fluid (e.g., air) to one or more regions of the system
- fluid tank 128 may be further associated with a pump for maintaining fluid tank 128 at a predetermined pressure.
- a pump (not shown) could be attached to fluid tank 128.
- fluid tank 128 could be in fluid communication with fluid pump 126, thereby allowing fluid pump 126 to maintain fluid tank 128 at a constant pressure.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric exploded view of some
- flexible manufacturing system 100 may include base portion 150.
- base portion 150 may comprise a platform or generally flat structure to support articles of various kinds, including articles of footwear and/or articles of apparel.
- base portion 150 may be arranged at the bottom of upper enclosure 1 10.
- Base portion 150 may or may not include further provisions for supporting an article. Some embodiments, for example, could include a stand, fixture and/or jig for holding an article and/or last.
- Flexible manufacturing system 100 may also include intermediate member 160.
- intermediate member 160 may further include an outer frame member 162 and a flexible membrane 164 that is mounted within outer frame member 162 (see FIG. 4).
- outer frame member 162 may include a first frame portion 166 and a second frame portion 168 that may be joined together.
- the edges of flexible membrane 164 may be fixed in place along the regions where first frame portion 166 and second frame portion 168 are joined together.
- the materials used for flexible membrane 164 could vary.
- flexible materials that may be used include, but are not limited to: flexible textiles, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, elastomers, other elastomers such as silicone rubber, as well as other materials known in the art.
- materials for outer frame member 162 could vary in different embodiments. In contrast to flexible membrane 164, some embodiments may include a substantially rigid outer frame member 162.
- Exemplary materials that could be used for an outer frame member include, but are not limited to: metals, wood, plastic as well as possibly other materials.
- flexible manufacturing system 100 may include an upper member 170.
- upper member 170 may include a central contoured portion 172 that extends out to a peripheral edge 174.
- Central contoured portion 172 may include a concave inner side 176 (see FIG. 12) and a concave outer side 178, which generally faces away from intermediate member 160.
- the concave inner side 176 may be associated with a cavity 180 (see FIG. 12).
- the geometry of upper member 170 can vary. Although the current embodiment illustrates a generally rounded shape for central contoured portion 172, in other embodiments a central portion could have any other shape including, for example, a rectangular or box-like shape.
- the geometry may be selected to achieve a desired interior volume for cavity 180.
- base portion 150, intermediate member 160 and upper member 170 could be approximately parallel in some embodiments. More specifically, base portion 150 and intermediate portion 160 may be approximately parallel with one another and with a plane corresponding to outer peripheral edge 174 of upper member 170. This generally parallel
- Some embodiments can include provisions for positioning intermediate member 160 and/or upper member 170. In some embodiments, provisions for moving intermediate member 160 and upper member 170 to various positions relative to base portion 150 may be included. In some embodiments, flexible manufacturing system 100 includes provisions for independently moving intermediate member 160 and upper member 170 to various different positions relative to base portion 150. In some embodiments, flexible manufacturing system 100 includes provisions for independently moving intermediate member 160 and upper member 170 to various different vertical positions above base portion 150.
- flexible manufacturing system 100 may include positioning assembly 190.
- Positioning assembly 190 may include various components and/or systems that facilitate the positioning of intermediate member 160 and/or upper member 170.
- positioning assembly 190 may include first support member 192 and second support member 194.
- first support member 192 and second support member 194 may extend in a vertical direction, or perpendicular direction, to base portion 150.
- first support member 192 and second support member 194 help support intermediate member 160 and/or upper member 170.
- first support member 192 and second support member 194 may facilitate the movement of intermediate member 160 and/or upper member 170 in a direction generally perpendicular to base portion 150.
- positioning assembly 190 may further include one or more height adjustment systems.
- a first height adjustment system may include a plurality of components used to adjust the vertical position, or height, of intermediate member 160 relative to base portion 150.
- Various components and systems can be used to adjust the height of intermediate member 160, including, but not limited to: hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, pulley-based systems, motorized systems as well as other kinds of components and systems.
- positioning assembly 190 may also include a second height adjustment system used to adjust the vertical position, or height, of upper member 170 relative to base portion 150.
- the second height adjustment system can comprise any of the systems or components described above for the first height adjustment system.
- the first height adjustment system and second height adjustment system may be substantially identical systems that utilize similar components and methods for raising and lowering intermediate member 160 and upper member 170, respectively.
- the first height adjustment system and the second height adjustment system may comprise a single system that is operated to independently adjust the positions of intermediate member 160 and upper member 170.
- a first height adjustment system 195 may utilize pulleys 196 and cables 197 (shown in FIG. 3) to raise and lower upper member 170.
- cables 197 may be driven using one or more motors (not shown).
- a motor could be used to wind or unwind cables 197 from corresponding reels, thereby raising or lowering upper member 170 to different heights above base portion 150.
- a second height adjustment system 198 may incorporate an extendable rod system 186.
- Extendable rod system 186 may include a rod portion 187 that extends upwardly from a location adjacent to, or below, base portion 150. Rod portion 187 may be further attached to intermediate member 160 (see FIG. 2). With this arrangement, rod portion 187 may be used to raise and lower intermediate member 160.
- Extendable rod system 186 may utilize a variety of different technologies for raising and lowering rod portion 187. These technologies include, but are not limited to: pneumatic technologies, hydraulic technologies, electromechanical technologies as well as other technologies. In one embodiment, extendable rod system 186 uses pneumatic pressure to raise and lower rod portion 187.
- intermediate member 160 may be further associated with first support panel 202 and second support panel 204, that extend downwardly from opposing sides of intermediate member 160.
- First support panel 202 and second support panel 204 may provide support along the sides of intermediate member 160 and may be further used to connect intermediate member 160 with first support member 192 and second support member 194.
- first support panel 202 and second support panel 204 may include a first set of guide members 206.
- First set of guide members 206 may connect intermediate member 160 with first support member 192 and second support member 194 in a manner that allows intermediate member 160 to slide along the length of first support member 192 and second support member 194 (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to base portion 150).
- upper member 170 may include
- bracketing portion 210 which may be used to connect upper member 170 with first support member 192 and second support member 194.
- bracketing portion 210 may include a second set of guide members 208.
- Second set of guide members 208 may connect upper member 170 with first support member 192 and second support member 194 in a manner that allows upper member 170 to slide along the length of first support member 192 and second support member 194 (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to base portion 150).
- Embodiments may include components for delivering fluid to and/or from various regions of flexible manufacturing system 100.
- vacuum pressure can be provided to a region enclosed between base portion 150 and intermediate member 160, when intermediate member 160 is disposed against base portion 150 (as discussed below).
- base portion 150 may include a fluid port 220.
- Fluid port 220 may be in fluid communication with fluid pump 126 via a fluid line 222.
- This arrangement may allow a vacuum to be drawn in the region between base portion 150 and intermediate member 160, as discussed in further detail below.
- this configuration is only intended to be exemplary and in other embodiments any other configuration for drawing a vacuum in the region between base portion 150 and intermediate member 160 could be used.
- any combination of fluid ports, fluid valves, holes, and/or openings having any number of shapes and sizes could be disposed on base portion 150 and/or intermediate portion 160.
- increased fluid pressure can be provided in the region between upper member 170 and intermediate member 160 when these members are disposed adjacent to one another.
- flexible manufacturing system 100 may include fluid connecting member 230.
- Fluid connecting member 230 may be configured to provide fluid communication between cavity 180 (see FIG. 12) of upper member 170 and fluid tank 128.
- fluid connecting member 230 may be disposed adjacent to base portion 150, and may connect with upper member 170 when upper member 170 is in a fully lowered position (for example by engaging a corresponding connector on upper member 170 or by being placed within cavity 180 directly). This arrangement may allow the pressure of cavity 180 to be increased when upper member 170 is in a lowered position and sealed against intermediate member 160. More specifically, with upper member 170 sealed against intermediate member 160, fluid connecting member 230 can be controlled to allow (compressed) air to flow from fluid tank 128 to cavity 180 and thereby increase the pressure of cavity 180.
- Some embodiments may include provisions to support articles (and/or equipment) placed on base portion 150.
- embodiments used for forming uppers for articles of footwear may include a footwear last.
- the footwear last can be placed onto, and/or mounted directly to, base portion 150.
- One exemplary footwear last that may be used is disclosed in Fisher et al., U.S.
- flexible manufacturing system 100 may further include a removable base plate with one or more holes (or perforations) that can be placed over base portion 150.
- the configuration of holes on the base plate may be used to create particular regions of higher suction. This may facilitate greater control in temporarily fixing the position of an article and may also focus the vacuum pressure along particular portions of a flexible membrane.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate side schematic views of an embodiment of some components of flexible manufacturing system 100.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are intended to illustrate the ranges of motion for intermediate member 160 and upper member 170. For example, referring first to FIG.
- intermediate member 160 can be translated to any height between upper member 170 and base portion 150. Moreover, it is clear that as intermediate member 160 is lowered to base portion 150, the spacing between intermediate member 160 and upper member 170 is generally increased (as long as upper member 170 stays at maximum height H1 ). In a corresponding manner, as seen in FIG. 6, with intermediate member 160 lowered to a position directly adjacent to base portion 150, upper member 170 can be translated to any position above intermediate member 160. More specifically, upper member 170 can be translated to any position between maximum height H1 and a minimum height directly adjacent to intermediate member 160.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are intended to illustrate a variety of possible configurations for intermediate member 160 and upper member 170. It will be understood that a variety of other possible configurations or positions for intermediate member 160 and upper member 170 are possible.
- FIGS. 7-18 illustrate schematic views of the general operation of flexible manufacturing system 100. These embodiments describe a method for fusing two or more materials together while the materials are on a three- dimensional form (such as a footwear last). However, it will be understood that flexible manufacturing system 100 may be used for a variety of different purposes, including, for example, transferring graphics from a carrier layer to a portion of an article of footwear and/or apparel.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of components for forming an upper for an article of footwear.
- a base layer 302 a first trim layer 304 and a second trim layer 306 may be associated with a footwear last 310.
- first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 may comprise layers to be joined in order to form a footwear upper.
- first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 may be temporarily fixed in place on base layer 302 using, for example, a temporary adhesive.
- first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 could be temporarily joined with base layer 302 using various kinds of welds, such as an ultrasonic weld. Still other joining methods that could be used include pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA's).
- one or more layers could be temporarily joined using retractable pins associated with a last.
- footwear last 310 may be inserted into base layer 302. This allows base layer 302 to maintain the desired three-dimensional shape for an upper while undergoing pressure applied by flexible membrane 164 (as discussed below).
- a first operating mode may refer to a configuration in which intermediate member 160 is lowered against base portion 150 so that a fluid seal is formed between
- a second operating mode may refer to a configuration in which intermediate member 160 is lowered against base portion 150 and upper member 170 is lowered against intermediate member 160. Moreover, in this second operating mode, a fluid seal may be formed between upper member 170 and intermediate member 160.
- a fluid seal may be formed between upper member 170 and intermediate member 160.
- footwear last 310 and the associated base layer 302, first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 may be placed on base portion 150. This may occur when intermediate member 160 and upper member 170 are raised above base portion 150 with enough clearance to allow footwear last 310 to be placed on base portion 150.
- intermediate member 160 may be lowered. In particular, intermediate member 160 may be lowered until
- intermediate member 160 comes into contact with base portion 150.
- intermediate member 160 may contact base portion 150 in a manner that provides a fluid seal between intermediate member 160 and base portion 150. This sealed configuration may facilitate later steps of applying a vacuum within the region between intermediate member 160 and base portion 150.
- a vacuum may be applied between intermediate member 160 and base portion 150.
- the environment may apply a force that presses flexible membrane 164 against base layer 302, first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306. This has the effect of pressing base layer 302 as well as first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 between flexible membrane 164 and footwear last 310.
- This pressure may help to fuse first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 to base layer 302 in order to form a three- dimensional upper.
- first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 are squeezed between flexible
- the outward pressure on flexible membrane 164 may be increased. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by lowering upper member 170 until upper member 170 comes into contact with intermediate member 160, as shown in FIG. 1 1 . In some embodiments, upper member 170 may contact intermediate member 160 in a manner that provides a fluid seal between upper member 170 and intermediate member 160.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of portions of flexible manufacturing system 100 as well as footwear last 310, base layer 302, first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306. Specifically, this cross section may occur at the location and direction indicated in FIG. 1 1 . As seen in FIG. 12, the cross- section occurs at a location where portions of footwear last 310, base layer 302, first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 can all be seen. Although the embodiments depict a substantially solid footwear last 310, other embodiments could utilize a hollow last. One potential hollow last with a corresponding hollow base is disclosed in "the bottom down last" application, which has been cited (and incorporated by reference) above.
- cavity 180 of upper member 170 may be sealed such that fluid can only enter through fluid connecting member 230 (see FIG. 4).
- first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 the pressure of cavity 180 may be increased, as shown schematically in FIG. 13.
- the magnitude of the forces pushing flexible membrane 164 against base layer 302, first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 are substantially increased. This additional pressure on flexible membrane 164 that results from the increased pressure within cavity 180 may help increase bond strengths between layers that are to be joined.
- heat may also be applied simultaneously with pressure, for example, through heating elements disposed within flexible membrane 164 and/or through heating elements associated with upper member 170.
- heat can be applied via any other portions of flexible manufacturing system 100 as well as from a separate heat source.
- upper member 170 may include one or more heat sources that can be used to heat air within cavity 180.
- upper member 170 includes a first infrared heating lamp 390 and a second infrared heating lamp 392 that may be associated with an interior surface of upper member 170.
- First infrared heating lamp 390 and second infrared heating lamp 392 may be used to increase the temperature within cavity 180 and to increase the temperature of flexible membrane 164.
- first infrared heating lamp 390 and second infrared heating lamp 392 are shown schematically in the figures. It will be understood that other embodiments may utilize any number of infrared heating lamps, which may be configured in any arrangement within the interior of cavity 180. In some cases, the positions of one or more heating lamps may be
- first infrared heating lamp 390 and second infrared heating lamp 392 may be adjusted to any position within upper member 170, which allows the heat profile within upper cavity 170 to be adjusted.
- the difference in temperatures of the material layers prior to heating (FIG. 13) and during heating (FIG. 14) is indicated schematically using temperature indicator 400.
- the temperature of base layer 302, first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 304 may be substantially increased as heat is applied.
- heat may be generated by heating sources within upper member 170
- the heat from the air in cavity 180 may then be transferred to flexible membrane 164 and ultimately to base layer 302, first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 to facilitate fusing.
- heat may be generated directly from heating elements (e.g., electrodes) embedded in flexible membrane 164.
- heat could be generated using heating elements associated with any other components of the system, including for example, heating elements associated with footwear last 310 or heating elements associated with upper member 170.
- first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 may be fused or otherwise bonded to base layer 302.
- heat and pressure may further act to shape base layer 302 as well as first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 so that the resulting footwear upper takes on the desired three-dimensional shape.
- the method of bonding first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 to base layer 302 may include cooling the layers while flexible membrane 164 remains pressed against the layers. In some embodiments, this cooling may be achieved by turning off the heat source and further providing improved airflow across flexible membrane 164. To improve airflow across an outer surface of flexible membrane 164, the increased internal pressure of cavity 180 may be lowered (as seen in FIG. 15) and upper member 170 may be raised (as seen in FIG. 16).
- first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 ambient airflow may act to cool flexible membrane 164 as well as the underlying layers.
- cooling may be further facilitated using a fan or other cooling device.
- cool air from an air-conditioning unit could be supplied by first conduit 107 and/or second conduit 109 (not shown). This step of cooling may help set any adhesives used in the bonding process and increase the bond strengths between materials.
- the vacuum may be released (FIG. 18), and intermediate member 160 may be raised as seen in FIG. 19. At this point, base layer 302, first trim layer 304 and second trim layer 306 may be fused together in the desired manner to form an upper 500 for an article of footwear.
- FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative system for adjusting the heights of intermediate member 160 and upper member 170.
- the heights of upper member 170 and intermediate member 160 may each be controlled using a first height adjustment assembly 600 and a second height adjustment assembly 610, respectively.
- first height adjustment assembly 600 may comprise a set of pulleys 602 and corresponding cables 604 for raising and lowering upper member 170.
- second height adjustment assembly 610 may comprise a set of pulleys 612 and a corresponding set of cables 614.
- first height adjustment assembly 600 and second height adjustment assembly 610 may be used to independently raise and lower upper member 170 and intermediate member 160, respectively.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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CN201480009821.XA CN105072942B (en) | 2013-02-22 | 2014-02-20 | For applying heat and the system and method for pressure to three-dimensional article |
KR1020157023630A KR20150115855A (en) | 2013-02-22 | 2014-02-20 | System and method for applying heat and pressure to three-dimension articles |
EP14716446.1A EP2925181B1 (en) | 2013-02-22 | 2014-02-20 | System and method for applying heat and pressure to three-dimensional articles |
EP17001290.0A EP3262968B1 (en) | 2013-02-22 | 2014-02-20 | System and method for applying heat and pressure to three-dimensional articles |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/773,744 US9259877B2 (en) | 2013-02-22 | 2013-02-22 | System and method for applying heat and pressure to three-dimensional articles |
US13/773,744 | 2013-02-22 |
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WO2014130600A1 true WO2014130600A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
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PCT/US2014/017242 WO2014130600A1 (en) | 2013-02-22 | 2014-02-20 | System and method for applying heat and pressure to three-dimensional articles |
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EP (2) | EP3262968B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20150115855A (en) |
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Families Citing this family (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9351540B2 (en) | 2013-02-14 | 2016-05-31 | Nike, Inc. | Last with retractable pins |
US9585438B2 (en) | 2013-02-22 | 2017-03-07 | Nike, Inc. | System and method for forming an article |
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Also Published As
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US20160107404A1 (en) | 2016-04-21 |
CN105072942A (en) | 2015-11-18 |
CN105072942B (en) | 2017-09-08 |
EP2925181A1 (en) | 2015-10-07 |
CN107518525B (en) | 2020-12-25 |
EP3262968B1 (en) | 2019-06-12 |
US9862160B2 (en) | 2018-01-09 |
EP3262968A1 (en) | 2018-01-03 |
KR20150115855A (en) | 2015-10-14 |
US20140239556A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
EP2925181B1 (en) | 2017-11-01 |
CN107518525A (en) | 2017-12-29 |
US9259877B2 (en) | 2016-02-16 |
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