Three-dimensional thermo-molding of footwear
US10779616B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2075/00
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods for manufacturing uppers for articles footwear that include thermo-forming an upper composed of one or more low melting point thermoplastic polymers. The methods may include disposing a skin for forming an upper over and inflatable bladder. The skin may include at least one of a base layer composed of a low melting point thermoplastic polymer and a grid layer including a yarn composed of a low melting point thermoplastic polymer. The skin and inflatable bladder may be placed into a mold cavity and the mold may be heated to a predetermined temperature. The inflatable bladder may be inflated such that the skin is pressed against an interior surface of the heated mold cavity to cause the skin to take on the shape of the internal surface of the mold cavity, thereby forming an upper for an article of footwear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.