Articles of wear and processes for making the same
US11400673B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD10B2501/043
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Processes and systems for thermoforming articles of wear are disclosed. The process can include utilizing a negative pressure generation system to seal an article in a forming material thereby compressing the forming material onto the outer surface of the article. The process can also include exposing the sealed article to an increased temperature followed by exposure to a decrease temperature, while maintaining the compressive force of the forming material on the outer surface of the article. A positive pressure can also be applied to the sealed article while undergoing the heating and/or cooling steps, which can facilitate the removal of bubbles from the article during thermoforming as well as apply additional compressive force to the outer surface of the article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.