METHOD FOR THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL FORMING OF AN UPPER OF A FOOTWEAR

A method for the three-dimensional forming of an upper of a footwear, comprises: preparing a sock comprising thermoplastic yarns; fitting the sock on a reference form of an upper to be formed; placing the reference form with the sock in an oven; heating the sock in the oven up to determining the at least partial fusion of thermoplastic material of the thermoplastic yarns of the sock; cooling the sock up to determining the cross-linking of the thermoplastic material and the formation of the upper with more rigid portions and less rigid portions; removing the upper from the reference form. 1. A method for the three-dimensional forming of an upper of a footwear , comprising:preparing a sock comprising thermoplastic yarns;fitting the sock on a reference form of an upper to be formed;placing the reference form with the sock in at least one oven;heating the sock in the oven up to determining the at least partial fusion of thermoplastic material of the thermo-plastic yarns of said sock;cooling the sock up to determining the cross-linking of the thermo-plastic material and the formation of the upper with more rigid portions and less rigid portions; andremoving the upper from the reference form.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein heating the sock in the oven comprises: circulating a heated fluid in the oven; wherein the heated fluid comprises: superheated air claim 1 , steam claim 1 , superheated steam or a mixture of superheated air and steam or a mixture of superheated air and superheated steam.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein cooling the sock comprises: removing the reference form with the sock from the oven and placing it in a cooling chamber claim 1 , circulating cooled air in the cooling chamber.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the sock has a main opening configured to insert a foot and at least one auxiliary opening obtained from a weaving step of said sock; wherein claim 1 , preferably before fitting the sock on the reference form ...

AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING OF SHOE PARTS WITH A PICKUP TOOL

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe-manufacturing processes to the shoe part, such as a pickup and placement of the shoe part with a pickup tool. 1. A method of manufacturing an article with the aid of a pickup tool , the method comprising:capturing a first article component with the pickup tool having a contact surface using a first pickup force type and a second pickup force type;moving the captured first article component to a position aligned with a second article component;releasing the captured first article component to be placed in alignment with the second article component;attaching the first and second article components to one another to generate an assembled article component; andreturning the assembled article component to a manufacturing station.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pickup tool has independently activated pickup zones that are independently activated when capturing the first article component.3. The method of further comprising using a vision recognition system to guide positioning of the pickup tool.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pickup tool first pickup force type and the pickup tool second pickup force type are independently activated.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pickup tool is coupled with a moving apparatus that moves the pickup tool.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first pickup force type and the second pickup force type are concurrently applied to capture the first article component claim 1 , wherein the first pickup force type is a different pickup force type from the second pickup force type.7. The method of ...

FOOTWEAR SOLE STRUCTURE HAVING A COMPOSITE ELEMENT AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME

One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide for composite elements that include a textile having a plurality of fibers, the plurality of fibers comprising a first thermoplastic material; and a second thermoplastic material surrounding the plurality of fibers of the textile and consolidating at least a portion of the textile, wherein the second thermoplastic material has a melting temperature lower than a melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material. The composite elements can be used as part of a fluid chamber or cushioning element, whereby the composite element imparts puncture resistant to the fluid chamber or cushioning element. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. 1. A composite element comprising: a textile including a plurality of fibers , the plurality of fibers comprising a first thermoplastic material; and a second thermoplastic material surrounding the plurality of fibers of the textile and consolidating at least a portion of the textile , wherein the second thermoplastic material has a melting temperature lower than a melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material , wherein the textile is spacer textile including two textile faces , a spacer region positioned between the two textile faces , and a plurality of spacer elements in the spacer region , the spacer elements connecting the two textile faces , wherein the second thermoplastic material surrounds fibers of at least one of the two textile faces , surrounds the spacer elements , and consolidates at least one of the two textile faces and the spacer region.2. The composite element of claim 1 , wherein the textile comprises a monofilament yarn claim 1 , and the monofilament yarn forms the plurality of fibers of the textile.3. The composite element of claim 1 , wherein the textile comprises a yarn which includes the plurality of fibers claim 1 , and the second ...

Shoe upper

The invention concerns a shoe upper including at least a first tape and a second tape, where the first tape and/or the second tape is elastic, where the first tape includes a first edge, where a first portion of the first edge of the first tape is not attached to the second tape, and where a second portion of the first edge of the first tape is attached to the second tape.

Buffing Expanded Foam Items

Foam items may be buffed using particles such as particulate sodium bicarbonate in accordance with the present invention. Foam items may be, for example, expanded EVA foam items pre-formed into an intermediate size and shape. A skin layer may be formed during the expansion of the foam item to form an expanded foam item which may be entirely or partially removed by buffing the item using particles projected with selected buffing parameters. The buffing parameters may be varied based upon the thickness of at least a portion of the skin layer and/or the desired degree of moldability for the foam item after buffing. Particulate sodium bicarbonate or other types of particles used for buffing may be recycled and reused for further buffing of foam items. 1. A system for buffing a foam item , the system comprising:a conveyance mechanism that moves the foam item through at least a portion of the system;at least one retaining mechanism that secures the foam item to the conveyance mechanism;a chamber having at least an entrance through which the conveyance mechanism moves the foam item into the chamber and at least an exit through which the conveyance mechanism moves the foam item out of the chamber, the chamber comprising at least a top, a bottom, and sides that enclose the foam item as the conveyance mechanism moves the foam item through the chamber; andat least one particulate dispenser that propels particles at the foam item within the chamber, the particles having a hardness of between 1.0 and 5.0 Mohs and a particle size larger than 140 mesh.2. The system for buffing the foam item of claim 1 , further comprising a particle reservoir coupled to the at least one particulate dispenser to provide the particles to the at least one particulate dispenser.3. The system for buffing the foam item of claim 2 , wherein the particle reservoir retains at least one of: ice particles claim 2 , dry ice particles claim 2 , and sodium bicarbonate particles.4. The system for buffing the ...

Anti-Stretch Treatment Of Leather For Articles Of Footwear

An anti-stretch treatment of natural leather or suede materials for articles of footwear is provided. The anti-stretch treatment is used to prevent or reduce the degree or amount of variation in stretch property of an upper or vamp of articles of footwear. The anti-stretch treatment includes a plurality of welds in the material of the upper that provide resistance to stretching along a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, or both, that assists with preventing or reducing stretching out of the upper of an article of footwear or otherwise losing shape or form. 1. An article of footwear comprising:an upper, the upper being made of a natural leather or suede material;the upper including a vamp portion disposed across a midfoot region of the article; andan anti-stretch treatment disposed across at least a portion of the vamp portion;wherein the anti-stretch treatment comprises a plurality of welds in the material of the upper.2. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of welds includes at least one weld that is disposed across the upper in a generally lateral direction.3. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of welds includes at least one weld that is disposed across the upper in a generally longitudinal direction.4. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the anti-stretch treatment includes a first group of welds and a second group of welds; andwherein the first group of welds and the second group of welds are disposed in different directions across the upper.5. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the anti-stretch treatment extends along the vamp portion of the upper from at least a top end portion of the upper adjacent to an entry hole for a foot in a direction towards a toe end portion of the upper disposed in a forefoot region of the article.6. The article of footwear according to claim 5 , wherein the anti-stretch treatment further includes at least one weld ...

FOOTWEAR SOLE STRUCTURE HAVING A COMPOSITE ELEMENT AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME

One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide for composite elements that include a textile having a plurality of fibers, the plurality of fibers comprising a first thermoplastic material; and a second thermoplastic material surrounding the plurality of fibers of the textile and consolidating at least a portion of the textile, wherein the second thermoplastic material has a melting temperature lower than a melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material. The composite elements can be used as part of a cushioning structure, whereby the composite element imparts puncture resistant to the cushioning structure. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. 1. A cushioning structure comprising: 'wherein the first cushioning element is a fluid chamber;', 'a first cushioning element; and'} wherein the composite element comprises a textile including a plurality of fibers, the plurality of fibers comprising a first thermoplastic material; and a second thermoplastic material, wherein the second thermoplastic material has a melting temperature lower than a melting temperature of the first thermoplastic material;', 'wherein, in the composite element, the second thermoplastic material surrounds the plurality of fibers in the textile and consolidates the textile., 'a composite element affixed to the first cushioning element,'}2. The cushioning element of claim 1 , wherein the first cushioning element has an internally-facing side and an externally-facing side opposite the internally-facing side claim 1 , and the composite element is affixed to the internally-facing side.3. The cushioning element of claim 1 , wherein the first cushioning element has an internally-facing side and an externally-facing side opposite the internally-facing side claim 1 , and the composite element is affixed to the externally-facing side.4. The cushioning structure of claim 3 , ...

AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING OF SHOE PARTS WITH A PICKUP TOOL

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe-manufacturing processes to the shoe part, such as a pickup and placement of the shoe part with a pickup tool. 1. A pickup tool comprising: a contact surface for capturing one or more target objects with a first pickup force type and a second pickup force type , the contact surface comprising at least one vacuum port; at least one vacuum source coupled to the at least one vacuum port of the contact plate , wherein the vacuum source provides the second pickup force type; and a controller configured to activate or deactivate the first pickup force type and the at least one vacuum source to capture or release , respectively , a target object.2. The pickup tool of claim 1 , wherein the pickup tool has independently activated pickup zones.3. The pickup tool of further comprising a vision recognition system operatively coupled with the pickup tool.4. The pickup tool of claim 1 , wherein the pickup tool first pickup force type and the pickup tool second pickup force type are independently activated.5. The pickup tool of claim 1 , wherein the pickup tool is coupled with a moving apparatus.6. A method of manufacturing an article with the aid of a pickup tool claim 1 , the method comprising: capturing a first article component with the pickup tool using a first pickup force type and a second pickup force type; moving the captured first article component to a position aligned with a second article component; releasing the captured first article component to be placed in alignment with the second article component; attaching the first and second article ...

METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING CUSHIONING ELEMENTS FOR SPORTS APPAREL

Methods for manufacturing cushioning elements for sports apparel are described. A method is provided for manufacturing a cushioning element for sports apparel from randomly arranged particles of an expanded material. The method includes positioning a functional element within a mold and loading the mold with the particles of the expanded material, wherein the loading occurs through at least two openings within the mold and/or wherein the loading occurs between different movable parts of the mold. 1. Method for manufacturing a cushioning element for sports apparel from randomly arranged particles of an expanded material , comprising:(a) positioning of a functional element within a mold, and(b) loading the mold with the particles of the expanded material,(c1) wherein the loading occurs through at least two openings within the mold, and/or(c2) wherein the loading occurs between different movable parts of the mold.2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the particles of the expanded material are treated within the mold with pressure and/or heat and/or steam.3. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two openings are arranged in such a manner that the loaded particles of the expanded material surround the functional element from at least two different sides.4. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the functional element comprises a foil comprising thermoplastic urethane.5. Method according to claim 4 , wherein the foil is provided as a container that contains randomly arranged particles of a second expanded material.6. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the functional element is free of particles of the expanded material.7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising heating at least a part of a wall of the mold to a temperature which at least partially or entirely melts the particles of the expanded material that lie adjacent to the part of the wall of the mold.8. Method according to claim 1 , further comprising coating the particles of the ...

Components with Embedded Particles and Methods of Making Same

A component, for example, a shoe foxing, may have one or more regions with embedded particles and one or more regions without embedded particles. The one or more regions without embedded particles may comprise one or more outer surfaces of the component. The component may be formed by heating and pressing material sections in a mold. The component may be formed by extrusion. One or more of the material sections may lack embedded particles. 1. A method comprising:positioning a first section of a first elastomeric material and a second section of a second elastomeric material in a mold, whereinthe first section comprises embedded particles of a third material different from the second elastomeric material, andthe second section covers the first section and extends past at least one edge of the first section; andcompressing the first and second sections in the mold, while applying heat to the compressed first and second sections, to form a single molded section.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the embedded particles comprise glitter.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein second section lacks particles of the third material.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second elastomeric material is transparent.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first elastomeric material is transparent.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:attaching, as a foxing, at least a portion of the single molded section to an article of footwear.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the attaching comprises attaching the at least a portion of the single molded section to one or more of a medial side heel portion of a sole structure of the article of footwear claim 6 , a toe portion of the sole structure claim 6 , or a lateral side heel portion of the sole structure.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compressing comprises at least partially fusing the first and second sections.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compressing comprises causing portions of the second section to flow over and ...

Method of Filling Electrorheological Fluid Structure

A method of filling an electrorheological fluid structure may include introducing electrorheological fluid into an interior volume of a housing. The electrorheological fluid within the housing may then be subjected to a sub-atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, the interior volume may be sealed relative to an exterior of the housing. 1. A method comprising:introducing electrorheological fluid into an interior volume of a housing;subjecting the electrorheological fluid within the housing to a sub-atmospheric pressure; andsealing the interior volume relative to an exterior of the housing.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the housing is a polymeric housing claim 1 , and wherein the interior volume comprises first and second chambers connected by a channel.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the housing comprises an electrode coinciding with at least a portion of the channel.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the housing comprises first and second electrodes claim 2 , each of the first and second electrodes coinciding with at least a portion of the channel claim 2 , and wherein the first and second electrodes are not in electrical contact with one another.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealing comprises welding across a portion of a channel containing a portion of the electrorheological fluid.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the channel containing a portion of the electrorheological fluid is a channel through which the electrorheological fluid is introduced into the interior volume.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein introducing the electrorheological fluid into the interior volume comprises introducing the electrorheological fluid into the interior volume through a first channel connecting the interior volume with the exterior of the housing claim 1 , while allowing air to exit through a second channel connecting the interior volume with the exterior of the housing claim 1 , until the electrorheological fluid at least partially fills the first channel and the ...

Method of Custom Fitting an Article of Footwear and Apparatus Including a Container

A method and kit for custom fitting an article of footwear is disclosed. A container holding the article of footwear includes a steaming apparatus that allows a customer to subject the article of footwear to steam. The article of footwear is placed within the steaming apparatus to subject the article of footwear to steam. The method can include cooling the article of footwear on the customer's foot to custom fit the article of footwear. 1. A kit for custom fitting an article of footwear comprising:a container; anda steam tray sized and dimensioned to receive an article of footwear.2. The kit of claim 1 , further including an article of footwear.3. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the steam tray includes:a top portion; anda bottom portion containing holes.4. The kit of claim 3 , wherein the bottom portion containing holes is disposed on an opposite side of the steam tray from the top portion.5. The kit of claim 3 , wherein the top portion is releasably engaged to the bottom portion.6. The kit of claim 5 , wherein the top portion is releasably engaged to the bottom portion using a hinge.7. A method of providing a kit for custom fitting an article of footwear claim 5 , the method comprising:providing a kit including a container, a steam tray, and an article of footwear;providing the steam tray inside the container; andproviding the article of footwear within the container.8. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising the step of providing the article of footwear within the steam tray when the steam tray is disposed within the container.9. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the steam tray is sized and dimensioned to receive the article of footwear.10. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the steam tray includes a top portion releasably engaged to a bottom portion containing holes.11. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the steam tray is configured to subject the steam tray containing the article of footwear to a source of steam.12. The method ...

ADJUSTABLE SURFACE FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING SHOE PARTS

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated manner. For example, shoe parts may be retrieved and temporarily assembled according to preset relative positions to form part stacks. The part stacks may be retrieved with the relative positioning of the shoe parts being maintained and placed at a stitching machine for more permanent attachment via stitching of the parts to form a shoe assembly. Movement during stitching of a conveyance mechanism that transfers the part stack from the stacking surface to the stitching machine and movement of a needle associated with the stitching machine may be controlled by a shared control mechanism such that the movements are synchronized with respect to one another. Vision systems may be leveraged to achieve movement and position information between and at machines and locations. 1. An adjustable surface for use in the automated manufacture of shoe parts , the surface comprising:a support structure having a substantially planar support surface; anda plurality of adjustable members coupled with the support structure, each of the members being independently adjustable in at least one direction relative to the planar support surface.2. The adjustable surface of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of adjustable members are aligned substantially parallel to one another such that respective longitudinal axes thereof are perpendicular to the plane of the support surface.3. The adjustable surface of claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of members is independently adjustable in at least a direction perpendicular to the plane of the support surface.4. The adjustable surface of claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of members is independently adjustable in at least a direction parallel to the plane of the support surface.5. The adjustable surface of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of members has an extended position and a retracted position claim 1 , and ...

Article Of Footwear With A Cavity Viewing System

A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include an outsole and a midsole. The midsole includes a cavity with a protruding portion. A U-shaped or L-shaped transparent member is configured to cover the cavity so that the protruding portion remains visible from within the cavity. 1. A method of making an article of footwear , comprising:forming a sole structure by forming a cavity on a lower portion, the cavity being open on the lower portion, a lateral portion and a medial portion of the sole structure;attaching a bent transparent member to the sole structure, the bent transparent member comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion and wherein the first end portion is bent with respect to the intermediate portion and wherein the second end portion is bent with respect to the intermediate portion;covering a lateral opening of the cavity disposed on the lateral portion with the first end portion;covering a medial opening of the cavity disposed on the medial portion with the second end portion; andcovering a lower opening of the cavity disposed on the lower portion with the intermediate portion;whereby the cavity can be viewed through the bent transparent member.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of forming the sole structure includes a step of forming a protruding portion on a surface of the cavity.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the protruding portion can be viewed through the transparent member.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of attaching the bent transparent member to the sole structure includes a step of associating a first peripheral portion of the cavity with a second peripheral portion of the bent transparent member and wherein the first peripheral portion includes a lowered peripheral ledge configured to receive the second peripheral portion.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the ...

Automated Manufacturing of Shoe Parts

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe-manufacturing processes to the shoe part. 1. An apparatus for manufacturing shoe parts in an automated manner , the apparatus comprising:a computing device communicatively coupled to a part-recognition system; and retrieve a first shoe part in a first orientation from a first manufacturing station, wherein the part-recognition system determines a first identity and the first orientation of the first shoe part; and', 'transfer the first shoe part onto a second shoe part in a second orientation at a second manufacturing station by transferring the first shoe part from its first orientation to a third orientation relative to the second shoe part, wherein the part-recognition apparatus determines the second orientation and a second identity of the second shoe part, and wherein the third orientation is determined based on the second orientation and the second identity of the second shoe part., 'a pick-up tool directed by the computing device and adapted to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pick-up tool is a single-aperture vacuum tool.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pick-up tool is a dual-aperture vacuum tool.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a part-attachment tool directed by the computing device and adapted to attach the first shoe part to the second shoe part.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein at least one attachment point at which the part-attachment tool will attach the first shoe part to the second shoe part is determined based on the first identity claim 4 , the second identity claim 4 , the second ...

AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING OF SHOE PARTS

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe-manufacturing processes to the shoe part. 1. A method for automated assembly of shoe parts , the method comprising:detecting, using a part-recognition system, at least one characteristic of a first shoe part;determining an identity and/or an orientation of the first shoe part based on the at least one characteristic; andautomatically transferring, using a manufacturing tool, the first shoe part onto a second shoe part for assembly.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the manufacturing tool comprises a part-pickup tool adapted to generate a pickup force.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the part-recognition system comprises at least one camera connected to a computing device.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the manufacturing tool comprises a part-pickup tool and a welder.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an outline of the first shoe part.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least the identity of the first shoe part is determined.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least the orientation of the first shoe part is determined.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising attaching the first shoe part to the second shoe part.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first shoe part comprises a shoe upper or a portion thereof.10. A system for automated assembly of shoe parts claim 1 , the system comprising: detect at least one characteristic of a first shoe part, and', 'determine an identity and/or an orientation of the first shoe part based on the at least one characteristic; and, 'a part-recognition ...

Method of Co-Molding

The disclosure is directed to a method for co-molding. A first element has a top surface, an edge, and a protuberance with a base extending down from the top surface. A second element has an edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. 1. A method for producing a co-molded article , the article comprising a first element having a top surface , an edge , and a protuberance with a base extending downward from the top surface , and a second element having an edge , an upper surface , and a lower surface , the method comprising the steps of:preparing a two-piece mold comprising a first mold portion and a second mold portion, the first mold portion defining a co-molding upper surface, and the second mold portion defining a co-molding mold cavity into which the first and second elements are received;placing into the second mold portion, the first element with the protuberance base in contact with the second mold portion;placing into the second mold portion, the second element on top of the first element;closing the first mold portion and second mold portion into abutting relationship thereby forming the second element into a chamber;introducing a fluid under pressure into the second element chamber to force the second element upper surface to conform to the shape of the co-molding upper surface, and the second element lower surface into conform to the shape of the first element top surface thereby to affix the first element to the second element; andapplying energy to the mold to co-mold the first and second elements together.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second mold portion is configured so as to avoid contact with a significant fraction of the protuberance other than the base.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first element is a pre-formed object that essentially retains its shape.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first element is a pre-formed object that essentially retains its shape after being placed in the second mold portion.5. The method of claim ...

FOOTWEAR SOLE WITH LEATHER FIBER SURFACE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

A method of manufacturing a footwear sole includes providing a base sole, and performing an electrostatic flocking process to bond a leather material layer onto a portion of the base sole. The electrostatic flocking process includes the steps of applying an adhesive material to cover a surface of the base sole, providing a leather flock source, spraying electrically charged leather flock onto the adhesive covered surface of the base sole, and curing the base sole to bond the leather flock to the surface of the base sole. The method is described principally with respect to applying a leather material layer to a surface of a base sole, and the method may be employed to apply a leather material layer to shoe portions other than a surface of the base sole, such as a surface of the outer sole, insole, or inner sole, or a surface of a whole shoe. 1. A method of manufacturing a footwear sole comprising the steps of:providing a base sole; andperforming an electrostatic flocking process to bond a leather material layer onto at least a portion of the base sole.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of performing the electrostatic flocking process comprises the steps of:applying an adhesive material to cover a surface of the base sole;providing a leather flock source;spraying electrically charged leather flock onto the adhesive covered surface of the base sole; andcuring the base sole to bond the leather flock to the surface of the base sole.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the adhesive material comprises one of a water based glue or latex material.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the adhesive material further includes at least one of a stabilizer claim 3 , bonding agent claim 3 , or curing agent additive.5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of providing a leather flock source comprises grinding a leather scrap material and extracting fibrous leather particles.6. The method of claim 2 , wherein a particle size of the leather flock ranges from 40-100 μm.7. The ...

AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING OF SHOE PARTS

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe-manufacturing processes to the shoe part. 1. A method for automated assembly of shoe parts using a part-recognition system and a part-manufacturing apparatus , the method comprising:determining a first orientation of a first shoe part using the part-recognition system while the first shoe part is positioned at a first location;determining a second orientation of a second shoe part using the part-recognition system while the second shoe part is positioned at a second location; andtransferring, using the part-manufacturing apparatus, the first shoe part from the first location to the second location so that the first shoe part is positioned on the second shoe part at a third orientation that aligns the first shoe part and the second shoe part for attachment.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a first identity of the first shoe part using the part-recognition system.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising determining the third orientation based at least on the first identity of the first shoe part claim 2 , the first orientation of the first shoe part claim 2 , and the second orientation of the second shoe part.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising capturing one or more images of the first shoe part using at least one image-capturing device of the part-recognition system claim 1 , wherein the first orientation is determined at least in part from the one or more images.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising providing illumination of the first shoe part using a light-emitting tool during capture of the ...

Method and Apparatus for Assembling Shoe Components

A method for assembling shoe components includes the steps of: providing at least two shoe components, a shoe last and a film unit; placing the at least two shoe components on an outer surface of the shoe last; removably covering an assembly of the at least two shoe components and the shoe last with the film unit such that the film unit and the shoe last cooperatively define a confining space therebetween; and pumping air out of the confining space and heating the at least two shoe components to shrink and deform the film unit so as to press the at least two shoe components to adhere tightly to each other. 1. A method for assembling shoe components , comprising:providing at least two shoe components, a shoe last and a film unit, at least one of the at least two shoe components having an adhesive layer;placing the at least two shoe components on an outer surface of the shoe last;removably covering an assembly of the at least two shoe components and the shoe last with the film unit such that the film unit and the shoe last cooperatively define a confining space therebetween; andpumping air out of the confining space and heating the at least two shoe components to shrink and deform the film unit so as to press the at least two shoe components to adhere tightly to each other.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the film unit includes at least one flexible air barrier film removably covering the assembly of the at least two shoe components and the shoe last.3. The method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the film unit includes two opposite flexible air barrier films removably covering the assembly of the at least two shoe components and the shoe last therebetween claim 2 , the flexible air barrier films having peripheral ends overlapping each other.4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the shoe last has a shoe last body formed with an air port and a plurality of vent holes communicating with the air port and the confining space claim 1 , the air port being ...

Article Of Footwear With A Cavity Viewing System

A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include an outsole and a midsole. The midsole includes a cavity with a protruding portion. A U-shaped or L-shaped transparent member is configured to cover the cavity so that the protruding portion remains visible from within the cavity. 120-. (canceled)21. An article of footwear comprising:a sole structure including a lower portion, a lateral portion, a medial portion, and a cavity defined by an upper surface recessed from the lower portion, a first sidewall surface extending between the upper surface and the lower portion, and a second sidewall surface extending between the upper surface and the lower portion, the cavity having a medial opening disposed on the medial portion, a lateral opening disposed on the lateral portion, a lower opening disposed on the lower portion, and a first peripheral portion;a transparent member attached to the sole structure and extending over the lateral opening, the medial opening, and the lower opening; andan outsole attached to the lower portion, the transparent member being visible via an aperture defined by the outsole.22. The article of footwear of claim 21 , wherein the transparent member includes a first end portion claim 21 , a second end portion claim 21 , and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion.23. The article of footwear of claim 22 , wherein the first end portion is configured to cover the medial opening of the cavity.24. The article of footwear of claim 23 , wherein the second end portion is configured to cover the lateral opening of the cavity.25. The article of footwear of claim 24 , wherein the intermediate portion is configured to cover the lower opening of the cavity.26. The article of footwear of claim 21 , further comprising a protruding portion extending from the upper surface into the cavity.27. The article of footwear of claim 26 , ...

Foot cover and method for manufacturing foot cover

The present invention provides the foot cover which inhibits deterioration in comfort in wearing and decrease in flexibility which would be caused by an adhesive member provided at a heel part. The foot cover includes a plantar part which is to cover a sole of a foot, and a side part which is to cover a toe and a heel of the foot and to cover both sides of the foot which extend from the toe to the heel. The side part is made of seamless annular flexible cloth having a foot insertion opening part, and the plantar part is joined to the side part with a joining process excluding sewing.

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샌들 중창과 갑피의 섬유로프 체결 협동로봇 자동화 시스템

본 발명은 샌들 중창과 갑피의 섬유로프 체결 협동로봇 자동화 시스템에 관한 것으로, 상기 샌들 중창과 갑피의 섬유로프 체결 협동로봇 자동화 시스템은, 작업테이블을 포함하는 프레임과, 상기 작업테이블의 상부에 일정높이 이격되게 설치되며, 툴을 거치하는 공간부가 형성된 툴거치대와, 상기 프레임에 결합되되, 상기 툴에 꿰어지는 로프가 권취된 로프드럼이 장착되는 가이드로드, 상기 가이드로드에 장착된 상기 로프가 권출되는 것을 이드하는 가이드유닛을 포함하는 로프가이드부와, 복수 개의 다관절 암과 그러퍼를 가지도록 마련되되, 한 쌍이 서로 대향되게 설치되며, 각각 상기 툴을 그립하여, 상기 툴에 꿰어진 상기 로프가 중창과 갑피에 각각 형성된 관통구를 순차적으로 통과하면서 매듭을 형성하여 상기 중창과 갑피가 체결되도록 하는 협동로봇과, 상기 작업테이블의 상면에 결합되되, 상기 중창과 갑피가 안착되는 공간부가 각각 형성되어, 상기 중창과 갑피가 상기 협동로봇에 의해 체결되는 과정에서 움직이지 않도록 상기 중창 및 갑피를 고정하고, 상기 로프가 상기 중창 및 갑피에 형성된 관통구에 안정적으로 끼워지도록 유도하는 갑피지그를 포함하는 것을 특징으로 하는 것으로, 따라서, 본 발명은 협동로봇을 활용하여 중창과 갑피를 섬유로프로 엮어서 체결하는 작업이 자동화되도록 함으로써, 원가 절감, 제조시간 단축 등 작업의 효율성이 향상되는 현저한 효과가 있다.

Automated manufacturing of shoe parts

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe-manufacturing processes to the shoe part.

Method of filling electrorheological fluid structure

A housing of an incline adjuster may include a medial fluid chamber in fluid communication with a lateral fluid chamber through a serpentine transfer channel. The housing of the incline adjuster may include channels through which electrorheological fluid may be injected into the chambers. A method of filling an electrorheological fluid structure may include introducing electrorheological fluid into an interior volume of a housing. The electrorheological fluid within the housing may then be subjected to a sub-atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, the interior volume may be sealed relative to an exterior of the housing.

Performance testing apparatus of sports shoes

The foot motion regenerating device equivalant to a lower limb of human comprises a femoral member, a lower leg member, an artificial hip joint, a knuckle joint equivalant to a knee joint, a bearing equivalent to an ankle joint, a bearing equivalent to an ankle joint and an artificial foot to wear a sports shoes, along with a supporting stand in the type of a slide. A connecting member, equipped with a dead weight equivalant to human body and a hip joint supporting bar is mounted on the top of the hip joint. A spring damping member, equivalant to soft tissue around the knee joint, is installed at the rear part of the connecting parts of the femoral member and the lower leg member.

Footwear sole structure with composite elements and method for manufacturing the same

本公开内容的一个或更多个方面提供了复合元件，该复合元件包括：具有多于一种纤维的纺织品，该多于一种纤维包含第一热塑性材料；和第二热塑性材料，该第二热塑性材料包围纺织品的多于一种纤维并固结纺织品的至少一部分，其中第二热塑性材料具有比第一热塑性材料的熔化温度低的熔化温度。复合元件可以用作缓冲结构的部件，由此复合元件赋予缓冲结构耐穿刺性。本摘要意图作为用于在特定领域中检索目的的浏览工具且不意图限制本公开内容。

Automated manufacturing of shoe parts

신발 또는 신발의 일부를 제조하는 것이 자동화된 방식으로 여러 가지 신발-제조 프로세스들을 실행하는 것에 의해서 개선된다. 예를 들어, 식별, 배향, 색채, 표면 형태, 정렬, 크기, 등과 같은, 신발 파트를 기술하는 정보가 결정될 수 있을 것이다. 신발 파트를 기술하는 정보를 기초로, 자동화된 신발-제조 장치들이 여러 가지 신발-제조 프로세스들을 신발 파트에 적용하도록 지시될 수 있을 것이다. The manufacture of the shoe or part of the shoe is improved by executing various shoe-making processes in an automated manner. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as identification, orientation, color, surface shape, alignment, size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-making devices may be directed to apply various shoe-making processes to the shoe part.

Method of making insoles

Improvements in and relating to the manufacture of footwear

1,237,685. Boots &c. BREVITT SHOE MFRS. Ltd. and A. ATLAS. 20 June, 1968 [6 July, 1967], No. 31275/67. Heading A3B. [Also in Division D1] In an insole sewing machine in which the needle 9 swings outwardly, the stitch chain is laid on the inner surface of a rib 4 formed peripherally in an insole 2, and a threaded finger (11) pivoted to the back rest 12, concatenates a cord 15 with the back stitch laid on the edge 7 of the upper 5. Edge 7 and rib 4 are subsequently turned outwardly and secured to an outsole, the concatenated stitches then appearing as a simulated welt.

Welt cutting device

Treating the cut edges of heat deformable - artificial leather when manufacturing shoes

Treating the cut edges of heat deformable artificial leather when manufacturing shoes. A heated shaping device is brought into contact with the edge to be treated. The device has a surface profile corresponding to that required. The sheet material and the device are moved relative to each other to shape successive parts of the sheet material edge. Specifically, the synthetic, leather-like material is laid flat or unformed on the table, where it is grasped by mechanical feed devices and conveyed along the heated shaping device at controlled speed.

Sole shaping machine

New shoemaking process and machine for implementing this process

Improvements in or relating to the milling of beams

Welding machine

Improvements to sole dressing machines

Sole of textile or similar material with imprinted rib for sewing

Device in particular for the automatic application of coating strips, sole for footwear as well as machines provided with this device

Sole working machine

Improvements in the manufacture of shoe soles

Edge trimmer for punched leather shoe parts

The charging surface upon which the leather parts are loaded is a drum which rotates towards the edge of a continuous blade. The machine also thins the pieces of leather uniformly.

Improvements to the insoles or second soles of the shoes

Automated manufacturing of shoe parts

Shoe-shaping machine.

Improvements in shoe soles working machines

Improvements in and relating to Inner Soles for Welt Shoes.

21,542. White, L. Q., Hart, C. W., O'Donnell, H., and White Shoe Co., L. Q. Oct. 26. Connecting uppers to insoles and soles.-An insole for welt shoes is made of comparatively thin material and is furnished with a cord 9 located within the usual channel 2 formed by cutting and opening the lip 3 ; the usual canvas covering 10 holds the cord in position.

Tape-applying machine

Method and system of automated manufacturing of shoe parts

藉由以一自動化方式執行各種鞋子製造而增強鞋子或鞋子之一部分的製造。舉例而言，可判定描述一鞋子部件之資訊，諸如一識別、一定向、一色彩、一表面構形、一對準、一大小，等等。基於描述該鞋子部件之該資訊，可指示自動化鞋子製造裝置將各種鞋子製造程序應用於該鞋子部件。

Improvements in shoes

Automated manufacturing of shoe parts

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe-manufacturing processes to the shoe part.

Improvements in or relating to Turnshoe Soles.

136,235. British United Shoe Machinery Co., (United Shoe Machinery Corporation). Dec. 7, 1918. Connecting uppers to insoles and soles; soles.- An elastic composition turnshoe sole., wherein fibrous sheet material is secured to the lip 4, Fig. 2, by vulcanization, has the edge secured additionally on the feather bv indentations 10. The fibrous material terminates short of the edge 12 to allow of a. better finish, and the lip 4 has an inclined side 20 to act as a guide to a sewing. machine, so that stitches are made in the lower part of the lip. In a modification, Fig. 3, the lip 4 is made of fibrous material bent up on itself as shown, and held in place by a layer 18 of vulcanizable material. A shank-stiffener 34, Fig. 5, is added, being secured by a wire 32 the lower part of which is embedded in the sole. The heel end of the sole is connected at 20 and cut away at 28 to fit the heel, which is correspondingly recessed.

Improvements in shoe soles working machines

Improvements relating to the Trimming of the Sole Edges of Footwear

1,175,701. Trimming soles. CLARKS Ltd. 16 Jan., 1967 [17 Jan., 1966], No. 2176/66. Heading A3B. A shoe 1 supporting device used in sole trimming apparatus comprises a last 4 rotatably mounted about a vertical axis with the plane of the sole normal to the axis and means to rock the last about a second axis so that the toe-end portion of the sole is normal to the vertical axis when the toe-end is being trimmed. The shoe is supported on a platform 13 rockably supported on a table 14 on a roller 15. The peg 113 on the platform prevents relative rotation of the table and platform. The table is freely rotatably mounted on an axis 27 aligned with the vertical of rotation axis. The last 4 has a peg 5 which is connected to a rocking bar 6. The bar 6 has a pad 9 which engages the toe and a drive pin 11 which engages in a slot 21 in a rotary arm 20. The leg 16 depends from a slider 17 and engages a groove 10 on the bar 6. The slider 17 has two end pins 18, 19 which extend through slots 21 in the rotary bar 20 on which cam rollers 41, 42 are mounted. The slider and the bar 20 have rollers therebetween held by strips 17a to facilitate relative movement. The rotary bar 20 is rotated by a spindle (24), Fig. 2 (not shown), rigidly connected to the bar. Cams 43, 44 mounted on the spindle make the slider 17 move relative to the bar 20 to impart predetermined rocking to the last 4 as it is rotated about the vertical axis. The trimming tool 39 comprises a shell 45 with flutted cutting edges and a cap 57 which rides along the welt 3. If the rear part of the heel is to be pitched forwards or backwards, the cams and followers are arranged to cause the last to tilt accordingly during each revolution.

Insole

Shoe and process of making the same

Gauging means for taping machines

Pounding-up machine.

Sole for boots or shoes

Patent DE225236C

Automatic stopping system for sandal drilling machines

Insole-machine.

Welding machine

Machines for attaching ribbed strips progressively to margins of soles

Improvements in or relating to Machines for Operating upon Soles of Boots and Shoes.

21,977. Winter, H. W. Sept. 29, 1908, [Convention date]. [Addition to 21,898/09.] Channelling.-Macbines for operating upon boot soles, and particularly channelling- machines, having a feed-wheel 7 constructed as described in the parent Specification, are provided with a freely rotatable presser-wheel 104, which is mounted in a removable head 24.

A kind of cloth shoes sole Special punching device

一种布鞋鞋底专用打孔装置，包括机体、气缸、冲孔机构和控制机构，气缸设置在冲孔机构的上部，冲孔机构设置在机体的上部，控制机构设置在机体的一侧；所述的冲孔机构由滑座、下壳、芯轴、润滑脂盒、下顶套、弹簧和冲针构成；本发明采用以上技术方案，取得了良好的效果：布鞋鞋底专用打孔装置通过二维数控机体与气缸的结构，实现了对鞋底的快速打孔，同时冲孔机构内设置有润滑脂盒，可以有效的对冲针的润滑，避免卡针，加工的孔质量稳定，花样繁多，加工效率大为提高，降低了人工成本，提高了生产效率，给企业带来了效益。

Automated manufacturing of shoe parts

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated fashion. For example, information describing a shoe part may be determined, such as an identification, an orientation, a color, a surface topography, an alignment, a size, etc. Based on the information describing the shoe part, automated shoe-manufacturing apparatuses may be instructed to apply various shoe- manufacturing processes to the shoe part.

Lasting insole for welted shoes and a form for production the same

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE: Lasting insole for welted shoes and a method and a form for production of the same. The lasting insole comprises supporting layer and a rib which is shaped from elastomeric material and pressed to the supporting layer. The invention brings also an improvement of the construction of a form for injecting plastic material and forming the rib onto the supporting layer of the lasting insole for welted shoes. The form comprises die part with inserting cavity for laying-in the supporting layer and punch part with rib shaping cavity. The insole construction is carried out as follows. Along both sides of the rib anchrage grooves are made in the supporting layer. Connection film is applied between the supporting layer and the rib, this connecting film being spread up to walls of the anchorage grooves. The improvement in form construction is reached as follows. On the punch part, along both sides of the rib shaping cavity, there are made circumferential projections which interfere with inserting cavity of the die part.

Improvements in or relating to Machines for Operating on Soles in the Manufacture of Boots and Shoes.

14,089. Boult, A. J., [United Shoe Machinery Co.]. June 17. Channelling .--A machine for operating upon the margin of a sole blank which has a marginal abutment is provided with two guides, one adapted to engage the abutment in opposition to the devices operating upon the blank, and the other, located at a point in front of the point of operation, coming into operation upon the abutments when the toe or other sharply curved part is reached, thus ensuring the proper swinging of the blank at such points. The invention is shown applied to the machine described in Specification 15,590/98. The main guide 7, which is located slightly in advance of the point at which the blank is fed, has a dovetail shank, and is adjustably secured to a carrier block 11 by a clamp plate 9 and a screw 10. The second guide 7<a> is provided at its lower end with a lip 7b to engage the channel-of the insole blank. It has a vertical shank fitting within a hole in the carrier block 11, and is yieldingly held in position by a spring 7<c>. The spring tends to hold a pin 7d, projecting from the shank of the guide, at the lower end of a slot in the block 11. The block 11 is pivoted at 12 to a bracket secured to the machine frame by the screw which holds the lip turner 3 in place, and is pressed downwards by a spring 17. The normal position of the block is controlled by a stop screw 18 engaging a stop on the machine frame. During the insertion of the work the block is swung back on its pivot.

Raw sole machine

Rib setting and trimming machine

Machine for making insoles called: raw

Heel stabilizer for shoes

本发明公开了一种用于鞋子的脚后跟稳定器，包括鞋帮、鞋底和鞋跟，所述鞋底设置于鞋帮底端，所述鞋跟设置于鞋底底端，所述鞋帮后侧设置有鞋后帮，所述鞋后帮一侧设置有稳定器，所述稳定器设置于鞋帮内，所述稳定器设置于鞋底顶端，所述稳定器两侧均设置有夹紧器，所述稳定器包括第一夹层、第二夹层和第三夹层，所述第二夹层设置于第一夹层一侧，所述第三夹层设置于第二夹层一侧，所述第三夹层外壁设置于稳定器外壁一侧，所述夹紧器包括U型板、内连接板和外夹板。本发明通过稳定器的设置，有利于固定脚后跟与皮鞋，避免了在运动时，因脚与皮鞋之间的滑动摩擦，致使皮鞋对脚产生磨伤，从而达到本发明的目的。

Improvements in shoe sole preparation machines

Sole fitting machine

SOLES AND HEELS FOR FOOTWEAR ORNAMENTAL AND EXTERIOR PRINTING, PREFERABLY IN EXPANDED POLYURETHANE, TO BE PERFORMED THROUGH THE PRINTING PROCEDURE.

Insole and method of making same

Method of Custom Fitting an Article of Footwear and Apparatus Including a Container

A method and apparatus for custom fitting an article of footwear is disclosed. A container holding the article of footwear includes a steaming assembly that allows a customer to subject the article of footwear to steam. The method can include cooling the article of footwear on the customer's foot to custom fit the article of footwear.

Sole for use in the manufacture of boots and shoes.

Improvements to the stitching machines

Welt-beating machine

GROOVING MACHINE PARTICULARLY FOR THE WORKING OF FOOTWEAR

Device for using heat plastic binder tape with rotary folders

Sole machine

Reinforced insole and method of making the same

Insole having separate attached sewing ribs

Footwear improvements

Trimming machine

Patent FR57614E

Outsole trimming and channeling machine.

Sole trimming machine for the simultaneous cutting of the contour shape of the sole that is pinched on the upper and the formation of a tear at a distance from the cut edge to store the seam

Improvements in shoe-making machines

Improvements to the first sewing refresh machines

Combined bending and cementing machine

Shoe sole channeling machine

Lip-setting and trimming machine

Machine for operating on the soles of shoes

Improvements in shoe sole engraving machines

Stripping for use in the manufacture of boots and shoes

712,381. Insoles and platform soles. HEIDE, H. C. (Prime Manufacturing Co.) July 25, 1952 [April 10, 1952], No. 20649/52. Class 17(2) Strip material for application to an insole to form a sewing rib or to the margin of a platform sole, comprises a core 10 of pasteboard or other suitable tough stiff material partially enclosed in a cover tape 11 adhesively coated on one side and attached to opposite sides of the core. One edge of the tape 11 is folded on itself to present an attaching portion 12 which extends beyond the core, and the other edge 13 of the tape which also extends beyond the core has slashes 14 to facilitate its application to curved part of the insole or sole. The stripping may be coiled without bringing adhesively coated faces into contact with one another. Specification 712,360. [Group VIII], is referred to.