EP3240449A1

EP3240449A1 - Method for manufacturing footwear, footwear produced using said method, and machine for manufacturing footwear

Info

Publication number: EP3240449A1
Application number: EP15823608.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Béatrice BOUCHER; Gérard GAUTIER
Original assignee: Salomon SAS
Current assignee: Salomon SAS
Priority date: 2014-12-31
Filing date: 2015-12-02
Publication date: 2017-11-08
Also published as: FR3031015A1; CA2971000A1; FR3031015B1; US20170340064A1; AR103326A1; CN107105822A; TW201630545A; WO2016107990A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing footwear (1), said footwear comprising at least one shell (21) the shape of which is set by external heating, the manufacturing method comprising at least one reference step in which a first shell (21) is placed onto a form (73), the first shell (21) comprising at least one at least partially hot-melt or thermoformable material, the form (73) extending lengthwise from a rear end (74) to a front end (75), widthwise between a side edge (76) and a medial edge (77), and vertically from a bottom (78) to a top (79). The manufacturing method comprises at least one manufacturing step, subsequent to the reference step, the manufacturing step comprising at least one operation of hot pressurization of at least one portion of the surface of the first shell (21) arranged on the form (73).

Description

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A FOOTWEAR ARTICLE, FOOTWEAR ARTICLE OBTAINED THEREBY, AND MACHINE FOR MANUFACTURING AN ARTICLE

FOOTWEAR

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an article of footwear, which comprises synthetic materials. The invention also relates to an article of footwear obtained by the method, as well as to a machine used for the manufacture of the article of footwear.

It is traditional to manufacture footwear, such as shoes, by association of a rod and a sole. The upper generally comprises a number of parts, such as a side section, a medial area, a vamp, a tongue, a heel, a rear buttress, a front protection cap, a tightening device including passers-by and a lace, a lining. internal, or even other parts. In addition, some of these may include several parts. The main problem in a traditional shoe is to assemble and put in a three-dimensional shape pieces cut and assembled flat. The rod is associated, in known manner, with a mounting flange, to delimit a footwear element.

According to a first method, the rod is glued to the mounting flange by a layer of glue. The mounting flange, also called the first mounting, is relatively rigid, to resist the mounting process. The gluing is done by pulling the rod to press it on the first of assembly, knowing that a form is inserted in the stem. This is called traditional form fitting. This technique allows to exert sufficient pressure during the heating of the glue, to obtain the footwear element.

A second method, also known, is to achieve the footwear element by joining the rod to the first mounting by means of a seam. This is called the Strobel assembly. The first assembly is here a flexible sole, which can be sewn, called Strobel sole.

For each of the first and second methods, the first assembly is part of the assembly. The latter further comprises external parts, such as one or more damping layers, as well as a wear layer, provided for contacting the ground, which are generally fixed by gluing on the first mounting and on the rod mounted on form . The sole comprises one or more inner layers, disposed in the footwear element, to perform protective functions in terms of hygiene, damping, arch support, or other.

In the end, the combination of the footwear element with the other components of the sole formation form the shoe.

It is observed that, whatever the method used for its manufacture, a traditional shoe has certain disadvantages. First of all, the shoe uses a large number of pieces, generally between forty and sixty. Because the number of pieces constituting the shoe is high, the number of manufacturing operations and the time required to conduct them are high. It usually takes forty minutes to an hour and thirty minutes to make a shoe. We can say that shoes made according to classical techniques are complicated, both by the number of their constituents and by the number of manufacturing operations.

Another disadvantage results from the structural discontinuity of the shoe, especially at the stem. For example, a small-sized piece superimposed on another larger can sometimes greatly change the bending ability of the rod where the small piece is located. This can sometimes annoy a user and make it more difficult to shape, that is to say in three dimensions, the rod.

Another disadvantage comes from the existence of free spaces between the foot and the shoe. This means that in some places the foot is not in contact with the rod, or with the sole. This is particularly true at certain portions of the junction between the rod and the first assembly. As a result sometimes there is inadvertent movement between the foot and the shoe, which can be a source of embarrassment or trauma.

Finally, we can say that a traditional shoe does not always ensure maintenance and / or sufficient tightening of the foot, or does not always offer a satisfactory comfort. In addition this shoe does not systematically marry all the deformations of the foot.

In relation to this, the applicant has proposed a new mode of construction of shoes, wherein the article of footwear comprises a first envelope, the first envelope extending in length from a rear end to a front end, in width between a lateral edge and a media edge I, and in height from a bottom to an upper end, the first envelope comprising son mechanically connected to each other, at least a portion of the son comprising at least one hot melt filament. The yarns which comprise at least one hot-melt filament are distributed over the entire first envelope, and the shape of the first envelope is fixed by melting the yarns which comprise at least one hot-melt filament.

A consequence of this arrangement is that the first envelope can be shaped to have a geometry very similar to that of a foot, and that it therefore marries the foot very homogeneously. This means that the foot is in contact with, or at least very close to, the first envelope. This results in a uniform support of the foot with very little unwanted movement between the latter and the first envelope, or with no movement. An advantage that arises is increased comfort of the footwear according to the new construction method, compared to a traditional shoe.

Another consequence of the arrangement according to the new mode of construction is that the first envelope has a continuity of structure, in the sense that its inner surface and / or its external surface are essentially regular. Physical properties of the first envelope may vary according to areas of the latter, for example bending. As a result, the user is less embarrassed.

The synthesis of the above shows that the first envelope maintains the foot and provides a satisfactory comfort. In addition the first envelope is able to marry the deformations of the foot. This makes the footwear comfortable in any situation, whether static or dynamic. A further consequence of the new construction mode is the reduced number of pieces to manufacture the footwear, even if it can be provided with some additional parts. The first envelope alone is a minimalist set compared to a traditional footwear item. The first envelope of the new construction mode is a single piece that replaces, alone, at least side and medial quarters, a vamp, a tab, a rear buttress, a first assembly, or even other parts. As a corollary, the new construction mode considerably reduces the number of manufacturing operations and the time required to carry them out. It advantageously results that the footwear is much simpler, in every sense of the term, a traditional shoe. The structural simplicity of the new construction method does not reduce the number of technical functions performed by the footwear, compared to a traditional shoe. We can even say that, paradoxically, the simplicity of structure is a source of technical improvements, in quality and quantity. The new construction method is therefore advantageous and promising.

With respect to this, the general object of the invention is to further improve the manufacture of an article of footwear which comprises at least one envelope, for which the shape of at least one envelope is fixed by external heating. The invention aims in particular to further improve the quality, in the sense that the manufacturing defects must be absent very widely or totally. The invention also aims that the manufacturing process is even simpler, faster and economical.

Accordingly, the invention proposes a method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the article of footwear comprising at least one envelope whose shape is fixed by external heating, the manufacturing method comprising a reference step in which a first envelope is placed in place on a form, the first envelope comprising at least one at least partly thermofusible or thermoformable material, the shape extending in length from a rear end to a front end, in width between a lateral edge and a medial edge , and in height from a base to a top.

The manufacturing method according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one manufacturing step, subsequent to the reference step, the manufacturing step comprising at least one hot pressing operation of at least a portion of the surface of the first envelope disposed on the form.

It will be seen later that, for at least one embodiment of the invention, the first envelope comprises wires connected to each other mechanically.

Because it is placed on the form, the first envelope is hot pressed. This causes, for example, a change of state and / or a bonding of the hot-melt or thermoformable material or materials, at the same time as the pressurization, of at least a portion of the first envelope. One of the effects produced is that this part retains the geometry of the pressed part of the shape, or even of the entire shape in the case where one or hot pressures are exerted everywhere. In other words, the footwear acquires its final geometric appearance directly during hot pressing. Among the advantages that ensue include the simplicity and speed of manufacture, or the low cost of the item. By corollary and always with the aim of improving the manufacture of an article of footwear, the invention proposes a machine for implementing the method mentioned above. More specifically, the invention proposes a machine for manufacturing an article of footwear, the machine comprising at least one manufacturing station arranged to perform at least one manufacturing operation on a form, the shape extending in length from a rear end to a front end, in width between a lateral edge and a medial edge, and in height from a base to a top.

The machine according to the invention is characterized in that the manufacturing operation comprises a step of pressurizing at least a portion of the surface of the form.

The machine implements the evoked method, in the sense that the first envelope placed on the form is hot pressed during the pressure of the form. This again causes, for example, a change of state and / or a bond, at the same time as the pressurization, of at least a part of the first envelope. One of the effects produced is that this part retains the geometry of the pressed part of the shape, or even of the entire shape in the case where one or hot pressures are exerted everywhere. In other words, the machine gives the article of footwear its final geometrical appearance directly during hot pressing. Among the advantages that ensue, we can mention again the simplicity and speed of manufacture, or the low cost of the item.

In general, it can be said that the manufacturing process, as well as the machine to implement it, improve the manufacture of a footwear item.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate how the invention may be implemented, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an article of footwear, obtained by the manufacturing method according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a blank used to manufacture a first envelope and a second envelope of the article of footwear according to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a reinforcement intended to be integrated. to the article of footwear according to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view relating to the constitution of an envelope of the article of footwear according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is another schematic view relating to the constitution of an envelope of the article of footwear according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 is another schematic view relating to the constitution of an envelope of the article of footwear according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a side view which relates to the manufacture of the article of footwear according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view which relates to the manufacture of the article of footwear according to FIG. 1, FIG. 9 is another perspective view which relates to the manufacture of the article of footwear according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view from above of a manufacturing station of a machine, for implementing the method according to the invention, the station being arranged to carry out a hot pressing operation of the end back of a shape, as well as a hot pressurizing operation of the front end of the form,

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of one side of the station according to FIG. 10,

FIG. 12 is a schematic view on another side of the station according to FIG. 10, FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 11, in a case of absence of pressure exerted on the shape,

FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 13, in a case where pressure is exerted on the form, FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of another machine manufacturing station, the station being arranged to carry out an operation. hot pressurizing a lateral edge of the form, as well as an operation of pressurizing a medial edge of the shape under heat,

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view on another side of the station according to FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 15, in a case of absence of pressure exerted on the shape;

FIG. 18 is similar to FIG. 17, in a case where pressure is exerted on the form, FIG. 19 is a schematic view from above of another manufacturing station of the machine, the station being arranged to carry out an operation. hot pressurizing the base of the form, as well as a hot pressing operation of the top of the form,

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of one side of the station according to FIG. 19,

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view on another side of the station according to FIG. 19, FIG. 22 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 20, in a case of absence of pressure exerted on the form,

FIG. 23 is similar to FIG. 22, in a case where pressure is exerted on the shape, FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of a head provided for exerting the hot pressure, the head having an elastically deformable portion; ,

FIG. 25 is an external view of the head of FIG. 24, on the side of an active face, FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view of another head provided for exerting the hot pressure, the head presenting there too. an elastically deformable part, FIG. 27 is an external view of the head of FIG. 26, on the side of an active face, FIG. 28 is a top view of a machine according to one of claims 16 to 27, for one embodiment in which the distribution of the manufacturing stations is horizontal,

Fig. 29 is a view of one side of the machine according to the embodiment of Fig. 28; Figure 30 is a side view of a machine according to one of claims 16 to 27 for an embodiment in which the distribution of the manufacturing stations is vertical.

An article footwear, first, then a manufacturing process and machines for implementing the method, are presented below with the aid of all the figures.

In a non-limiting manner, as will be seen, the article of footwear is intended for walking or running on horizontal terrain or in the mountains. However, other areas of application are possible, such as the practice of ball sports, racket sports, or other.

As shown in Figure 1, a footwear item 1 is provided to accommodate the foot of a user. It is agreed for the rest of the description to consider that the article of footwear 1 is a shoe even if, as will be seen in more detail, its structure is unusual. Thus, the boot 1 extends in length, in a longitudinal direction L, between a rear end or heel 4 and a front end or tip 5, and in width, in a transverse direction W, between a lateral edge 6 and an edge medial 7.

As shown in the shoe 1 comprises a lower portion 10, provided to surround the foot, excluding any high portion. However, it may alternatively be considered a shoe comprising both a low portion and a high portion, the latter being provided to surround the ankle and possibly the lower leg. The shoe 1 extends in height from a bottom 12 to an upper end 13, that is to say to the free end of the lower portion 10. The bottom is a subdivision of the shoe on which the foot is supported.

The shoe 1 is structured to allow a smooth running of the foot during walking, transmissions of sensory information, and impulses for support or receptions. This is why the shoe 1, or footwear, is relatively flexible.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the shoe 1 comprises a first casing 21 which extends in length, in the longitudinal direction L, from a rear end 24 to a front end 25, in width, in the transverse direction W, between a lateral edge 26 and a medial edge 27, and in height from a bottom 28 to an upper end 29. This allows the first envelope to surround and maintain the foot of the user . For its constitution, the first envelope comprises for example son connected to each other mechanically. Without limitation, at least a portion of the son comprises at least one hot melt filament, as will be seen later. The first envelope may also be constituted not of son, but of any other material, the important thing being that it comprises a hot melt material and / or a thermoformable material. The first envelope 21 gives shape to the boot 1. The rear end 24, the front end 25, the lateral edge 26, the medial edge 27, the bottom 28 and the upper end 29 of the first envelope respectively delimit the rear end 4, the front end 5, the side edge 6, the medial edge 7, the bottom 12 and the upper end 13 of the article of footwear or shoe 1. The minimalist structure adopted for the envelope 21 is pledge simplicity, lightness, and other benefits, as we will see later.

The boot 1 also comprises a second casing 31 which extends in length, in the longitudinal direction L, from a rear end 34 to a front end 35, in width, in the transverse direction W, between a lateral edge 36 and a medial edge 37, and in height from a bottom 38 to an upper end 39. The second envelope 31 covers the foot too, like the first 21 The second envelope 31 is disposed outside the first 21 and thereby covers the foot indirectly. In the end the shape of the shoe 1 is given both by the first envelope 21 and the second envelope 31. It will be better later thereafter the interest of using two envelopes.

Still in the spirit of the invention, and in a nonlimiting manner, the second envelope 31 comprises son connected to each other mechanically. Again, for example, at least a portion of the son comprises at least one hot melt filament. And again, the second envelope may also be constituted not of son, but of any other material, the important thing being that it comprises a thermofusible material and / or a thermoformable material. The second envelope 31 also gives shape to the shoe 1. In other words, the rear end 34, the front end 35, the lateral edge 36, the medial edge 37, the bottom 38 and the upper end 39 of the second envelope 31 also delimit respectively the rear end 4, the front end 5, the lateral edge 6, the medial edge 7, the bottom 12 and the upper end 13 of the footwear or shoe 1. The minimalist structure adopted for the envelope 31 is a guarantee of simplicity, lightness, and many other advantages, as we will see later.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, schematically, obtaining each envelope 21, 31 is done by manufacturing a sleeve 41, that is to say in fact a flexible tube made for example of wires linked to each other mechanically. The sleeve 41 is a blank for the realization of the article 1. Without limitation, the sleeve 41 allows for both the first envelope 21 and the second envelope 31. The sleeve 41 extends in length since a first end 42 to a second end 43. The first end 42 is closed by any technique known to those skilled in the art, such as for example a stitch after folding, the addition of a tip made of son linked to each other mechanically, or any equivalent. The second end 43, for its part, is simply an opening.

It can be seen that the sleeve 41 makes it possible to manufacture the envelopes 21, 31 in one piece. Here the first envelope 21 and the second envelope 31 extend one another. This simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts and the time required for implementation.

Before going into more detail in the description of the sleeve 41, it is useful to explain, particularly with the aid of Figure 3, that the footwear 1, or shoe, may include a reinforcement 51. We will see better after this reinforcement is associated with the envelopes 21, 31 by interlocking at the time of manufacture of the shoe 1, to give it specific skills.

The reinforcement 51 is a piece which extends in length from a rear end 54 to a front end 55, in width between a lateral edge 56 and a medial edge 57, and in height from a bottom 58 to an end 59. The reinforcement 51 has a length and a width similar to the lengths and widths of the envelopes 21, 31. Specifically, the reinforcement 51 extends, in relation to the first envelope 21, in length from the rear end 24 at the front end 25, in width between the lateral edge 26 and the medial edge 27, and in height from the bottom 28 towards the upper end 29. This allows, by definition, to strengthen the first envelope 21, and therefore the footwear 1, especially at the bottom 12 and the periphery of the bottom. However, for this type of shoe, the reinforcement can be omitted.

Not necessarily, the reinforcement 51 carries a clamping device 61, which can be seen in FIG. 1. The clamping device 61 comprises, for example, loops 62, located at the upper end 59, as well as a lace 63 and a blocking device 64, known to those skilled in the art. It is therefore possible to tighten or loosen the reinforcement 51 and, in doing so, to tighten or loosen the shoe 1, as it will appear better after.

To now discuss more in detail the combination of the threads used to make the sleeve 41, and therefore the envelopes 21, 31, we consider FIGS. 4 and 5. It is generally expected that the threads are associated with each other by any means. appropriate textile technique, such as knitting, weaving, braiding, or other. In the case of knitting, it is possible to use a circular loom single needle or double needle, a cylinder loom, or a straight loom. Two knitting zones can be joined to each other by Intarsia technique or by embroidery. Various decorative patterns can be obtained directly during knitting, by the Intarsia method, embroidery, Jacquard technique, or other. Figure 4 symbolizes a traditional weave with first son 65 oriented in a first direction, second son 66 oriented in a second direction, the first 65 and second 66 son crossing to form a flexible mesh. Figure 5, meanwhile, symbolizes a knitting here with three son 67, 68, 69 arranged in loops that interpenetrate. But, of course, many other arrangements are possible.

The sleeve 41 is for example manufactured with a straight loom, which allows to vary the sections, that is to say in fact the diameter of the sleeve, to make shape variations for the heel, to make openings for the passage of laces, to vary the density of the wall of the sleeve, or in particular to vary the tightening of the loops. In fact the rectilinear craft offers a wide range of adjustment possibilities, and it is suitable for making sleeves of all sizes, either in diameter or in length. As such, the straight line is more practical than the circular loom. Indeed, it works on a reduced range in the diameter of the sleeve. It is therefore necessary to use several different circular looms to make a complete range of sleeves 41, that is to say a complete range of shoes where all sizes are represented where a single straight loom is sufficient. Finally a rectilinear craft allows to make one or more envelopes in three dimensions, with all the desired characteristics, and the desired size.

It is also useful to remember what a wire may be within the meaning of the invention.

Firstly, the yarn may be a monofilament, obtained for example by extrusion of a hot melt synthetic material, such as a polyamide, a polyurethane, a polyethylene, or any equivalent material or the like. The production of a filament is continuous, comparable to the silk filament produced by a spider. It should be noted in passing that the filament may be monocomponent, or mono-material, in the sense that its cross-section is regular. But the filament can also be multi-component, for example two-component. In the latter case, a section Transverse of a filament shows a heart consisting of a first material, and a peripheral envelope which surrounds the heart, envelope consisting of a second material. Each material can be hot melt, or only one can be. If both materials are, their melting temperatures are different.

Then the wire can be multi-filament. It is in this case obtained by association of several filaments. Such an association is represented by the diagram of FIG. 6. Here, all the filaments 70 are of the same nature, in the sense that each of them has the same melting point. But we can provide combinations of filaments of different kinds, some of which may be fusible and others not, or with different melting points. The filaments are associated with each other by any known technique.

Again, the yarn can be made in the form of a net of fibers. Here a fiber is a filament of limited length. The fibers are associated by close contact to form the net, by any known technique and in particular by torsion. The maintenance of the fibers to each other is traditionally made by friction, especially with natural fibers such as cotton. However, for the invention, the maintenance of the fibers to each other is done either by friction, or by combination of friction and melt adhesion, or still completely by adhesion, because the invention uses hot melt materials or thermoformable.

Having presented in a general manner the structure of the sleeve 41, it will be possible to explain its use for the manufacture of the shoe 1. In fact the constituents of the shoe 1 are assembled by hand, without a complex and expensive machine, in which constitutes a reference stage.

With Figures 7 to 9 it is understood that the sleeve 41 is threaded onto a part 73, called shape, which is in the image of the foot of the user. It is specified that the shape extends in length from a rear end 74 to a front end 75, in width between a lateral edge 76 and a medial edge 77, and in height from a base 78 to a top 79. The sleeve is applied on the form 73 in the manner of a sock on a foot. The sleeve 41 is shaped by the shape 73 thanks to its elasticity, which is due to its constitution. Then the reinforcement 51 is, according to the embodiment, fitted on the subdivision of the sleeve 41 which will become the first envelope 21. This means that, in the reference step of the manufacturing process, and in a nonlimiting manner, a reinforcing structure 51 is put in place on the form. Then the subdivision of the sleeve 41 which will become the second envelope 31 is folded over the reinforcement 51, thereby covering the latter and the subdivision assigned to the first envelope. This is sufficient to constitute the subset of the shoe 1 which wraps the foot, subassembly which ultimately comprises the first envelope 21, the reinforcement 51, and the second envelope 31. It is then sufficient to submit the subset to a rise in temperature, by any appropriate technique, to melt just enough the filaments of hot melt material of the envelopes, and thus give the shoe 1 its geometry. After heating, the shape 73 can be removed from the subassembly. The shoe 1 is almost finished. It suffices to add an external sole 81. As can be seen in Figure 1 the footwear 1, or shoe, includes an outer sole 81. The latter is intended for be supported on the ground and, as such, is structured to resist frictional wear and also to cushion shocks. It therefore comprises, for example, a wear layer 82 and a damping layer 83. The shoe according to the invention is suitable for example very well for a runner.

As can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 2, but also from FIGS. 7 to 9, the boundary between the first envelope 21 and the second envelope 31 is a fold 84 which delimits a wearing opening 85. The periphery of the boot opening 85 is therefore delimited simply by folding the two envelopes 21, 31 one over the other. This means that this periphery has no seam or insert, and that the shoe 1 is not a source of discomfort for the user including at the opening 85.

The article of footwear 1 presented above is only one embodiment among many possibilities. But this example will be useful to better understand the manufacturing process and the machine to implement it, as discussed below.

According to the invention, the manufacturing method comprises a reference step in which a first envelope 21 is placed on a shape 73, the first envelope 21 comprising at least one material at least partially thermofusible or thermoformable, the shape 73 s extending in length from a rear end 74 to a front end 75, in width between a side edge 76 and a media edge! 77, and in height from a base 78 to a top 79. The manufacturing method comprises at least one manufacturing step, subsequent to the reference step, the manufacturing step comprising at least one pressurizing operation at least a portion of the surface of the first envelope 21 disposed on the shape 73. The reference step is that which was discussed before in the description of the footwear. Each manufacturing step will be presented after. Without limitation, the first envelope 21 comprises son 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 linked to each other mechanically.

In relation more specifically with the article of footwear structure as it has been discussed, it is understood that in the reference step of the manufacturing method, a second envelope 31 is placed on the shape 73, the second envelope 31 comprising at least one material at least partially thermofusible or thermoformable, and that in the manufacturing step, the hot pressing operation is performed on at least a portion of the surface of the second casing 31 disposed on the form. Again, without limitation, the second envelope 31 comprises son 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 linked to each other mechanically.

Since the first envelope 21 and the second envelope 31 are both on the shape 73, they undergo hot pressing simultaneously. This makes the manufacture of the footwear simpler and faster than if the envelopes were pressed one after the other.

To exercise the pressure or evoked the invention provides a machine, several embodiments of which will be presented hereinafter with reference to Figures 10 to 30. It denotes by reference 91 a first embodiment of the machine, according to Figures 10 to 27 on the one hand, and 28 and 29 on the other hand, and by the reference 92 a second embodiment of the machine, according to Figures 10 to 27 on the one hand, and on the other hand. In fact Figures 10 to 27 are schematic views for the detailed understanding of the manufacturing steps.

Generally speaking, it can be said that a machine 91, 92, used for the manufacture of a footwear item 1 according to the invention, comprises at least one manufacturing station designed to perform at least one manufacturing operation on one form. 73, the shape extending in length from a rear end 74 to a front end 75, in width between a lateral edge 76 and a medial edge 77, and in height from a base 78 to a top 79. The operation method of manufacture comprises a step of pressurizing at least a portion of the surface of the form, or at least part of a casing placed on the form. It should be understood that it is possible to operate the vacuum machine, that is to say in the absence of envelope placed on the form. But during production, one or more envelopes are arranged on the form and, therefore, are subjected to hot pressure. This contributes to the implementation of the manufacturing process. In fact the hot pressurization causes a more or less significant melting of the son 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 which enter the constitution of the envelopes 21, 31. After the melting, when the son are found again at temperature ambient, the footwear retains the aspect imposed by the shape. In other words the footwear 1 has its final dimensions, those that allow him to accommodate a foot.

What has just been explained applies particularly to article 1 which has been presented before but, more generally, the manufacturing method according to the invention is such that, in the manufacturing stage, the pressure at hot causes a change of state and / or a bonding of part or all of the son of an envelope. This means in particular that the manufacturing process can be implemented also in cases where one or more envelopes are devoid of fuse wires, or in cases where they include in only certain areas.

To optimize the manufacturing method according to the invention, as will be seen in the following description, at least one manufacturing step comprises two hot pressing operations of at least a portion of the surface of the form. 73. For at least one manufacturing step, two hot pressing operations of at least a portion of the surface of the form 73 are performed simultaneously. For example, operations are performed to oppose the pressures relative to each other. This preserves the form 73 of stresses that could tend to move it away from a desired reference position, since the resultant of the pressures is low, or even zero. It is a question of balancing the efforts applied on the form. This contributes to a better reliability of the machine.

It will also be seen later that, still in the idea of balancing the forces applied to the shape 73, at least one manufacturing step comprises at least one shape-keeping operation.

As can be seen in particular in Figures 10 to 14, the machine 91 comprises a manufacturing station 95 arranged to perform a hot press operation of the rear end 74 of the form 73, and an operation hot pressing of the front end 75 and the top 79 of the form. In accordance with the spirit of the invention, this characteristic also applies to any embodiment of the machine, such as that referenced 92, which will be discussed later. As a corollary with the arrangement of the station 95, the manufacturing method comprises a manufacturing step, the manufacturing step comprising a hot pressurizing operation of the rear end 74 of the shape, as well as an operation of hot pressing of the front end 75 and the top 79 of the form 73. Because the first envelope 21, the reinforcing structure 51 and the second envelope 31 have been previously placed on the form 73, they are finally secured to each other, at the rear end 4, at the front end 5 and at the upper end 13 of the footwear, by the fusion of the son 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, as previously seen. The joining of the envelopes together, or the joining of the reinforcement to one or all the envelopes, can also be performed by gluing. In addition to the hot pressurization of the rear ends 74 and before 75, as well as of the top 79, the manufacturing station 95 is arranged to carry out a maintenance operation of the base 78 of the form 73. As a corollary, the method of manufacture comprises a holding operation of the base 78 of the form 73. The maintenance is carried out in part at least during the pressurization of the ends 74, 75 and the top 79. This stabilizes the position of the shape during the application of the pressures.

Then, as can be seen in FIGS. 15 to 18, the machine 91 comprises a manufacturing station 96 arranged to carry out a heat-press operation of the lateral edge 76 of the shape 73, as well as an operation of pressurizing hot medial edge 77 of the form. As a corollary, the manufacturing method comprises a manufacturing step, the manufacturing step comprising a hot pressing operation of the lateral edge 76 of the shape 73, as well as a hot pressing operation of the medial edge. 77 of the form 73. It is still considered that the first envelope 21, the reinforcing structure 51 and the second envelope 31 have been previously put in place on the shape 73. In this case they 21, 51, 31 are finally joined together to each other, at the lateral edge 6 and at the medial edge 7 of the footwear, again by the fusion of the son 65, 66, 67, 68, 69. Again, the joining of the envelopes together, or the joining of the reinforcement to one or all the envelopes, can also be performed by gluing.

To continue, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23, the machine 91 comprises a manufacturing station designed to carry out a hot pressing operation of the base 78 of the shape 73, as well as a maintenance operation of the top 79 of the form. As a corollary, the manufacturing method comprises a manufacturing step, the manufacturing step comprising a hot pressing operation of the base 78 of the shape 73, and a holding operation of the top 79 of the form 73 It is again considered that the first envelope 21, the reinforcing structure 51 and the second envelope 31 have been previously placed on the shape 73. In this case they 21, 51, 31 are finally joined to each other at the bottom 12 of the article of footwear, by the fusion of the son 65, 66, 67, 68, 69. Again, the joining of the envelopes together, or the joining of the reinforcement to one or all envelopes, can also be performed by gluing.

We can summarize what has just been seen as follows. According to the embodiment discussed, again that this applies to any embodiment of machine, the machine 91 comprises a first manufacturing station 95, arranged to perform a setting operation hot pressure of the rear end 74 of the form 73, and a hot pressing operation of the front end 75 and the top 79 of the form, the machine comprises a second manufacturing station 96, arranged for performing a hot pressing operation of the side edge 76 of the form, as well as a hot pressing operation of the medial edge 77 of the form, and the machine comprises a third manufacturing station 97, arranged to perform a hot pressing operation of the base 78 of the form, and a holding operation of the top 79 of the form. And again as a corollary, the manufacturing process comprises a first manufacturing step, the first manufacturing step comprising a hot pressing operation of the rear end 74 of the form 73, as well as a setting operation. hot pressure of the front end 75 and the top 79 of the form, the manufacturing method comprises a second manufacturing step, the second manufacturing step comprising a hot pressing operation of the lateral edge 76 of the form, as well as a heat pressurizing operation of the medial edge 77 of the form, and the manufacturing method comprises a third manufacturing step, the third manufacturing step comprising a hot pressing operation of the base 78 of the shape, as well as a holding operation of the top 79 of the shape. The three manufacturing stations 95, 96, 97 are provided in a nonlimiting manner and are successively arranged in this order. As a result, the manufacturing steps take place in this order. This has the advantage of a low scrap rate.

We will now see more precisely, not only with the aid of FIGS. 10 to 23, but also 24 to 27, how the hot pressure is exerted on the shape 73, that is to say also on constituent parts of footwear 1.

As can be observed more particularly for example in Figures 13, 14, 17, 18, 22 and 23, the hot pressure is exerted by a head 101 which has an elastically deformable portion 102. It is appropriate to designate each of the heads of the machine 91 by the reference 101, for the sake of clarity, even if different heads have different structures. In the same spirit, it is appropriate to designate each of the elastically deformable parts by the reference 102, even if different parts have different structures.

Without limitation, as can be seen in Figures 24 to 27, the head comprises a container 103 closed by a membrane 102, the membrane constituting the elastically deformable portion, the container 103 housing a fluid 104. The container is here a enclosure that has the appearance of an open box, that is to say without cover. In fact it is the membrane 102 which closes the container 103, to retain the fluid 104. The container is for example made of a rigid material such as a metal, a metal alloy, a reinforced synthetic material or not, or any other material which has sufficient qualities of rigidity. The membrane 102, for its part, is made of a material which gives it good bending deformation ability, and / or good reversible elastic deformation ability. Concretely, the membrane is made of silicone, polyurethane, rubber, any equivalent material, or any combination of these materials. The membrane has for example a thickness of between 2 and 6 mm, knowing that good results have been obtained with a thickness of between 3.5 and 4.5 mm. The fluid 104, finally, it can be a liquid or a gas. Good results have been obtained in cases where the fluid 104 is an oil. This fluid, that is to say here the oil, has the advantage of being able to be heated to various temperatures, especially high enough to cause the fusing of the fusible threads that form the envelopes 21, 31 as it has been seen before. The oil is for example heated to temperatures between 120 and 210 degrees Celsius, knowing that good results have been obtained for temperatures between 140 and 180 degrees. In this case, the active face 105 of the head operates at a temperature between 120 and 140 degrees Celsius, which allows to melt the son 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 just as necessary to obtain their joining together to others. The application time of a head on the form 73, when the envelopes are put in place, is between 90 and 240 seconds, knowing that good results have been obtained for periods of application of the hot pressure included between 150 and 220 seconds.

In practice, to implement the manufacturing process, the hot oil is placed in the container 103 closed by the membrane 102. It is for example provided inputs and outputs to adjust the amount of oil, and heating devices. to adjust the temperature of the oil in the container. The heads are applied to the shape 73, or are instead remote, by any appropriate technology. For example, the use of pneumatic cylinders 106 is suitable, the latter being here all designated by this reference 106 for reasons of convenience.

With the aid of all of Figures 10 to 27, it can be observed that the membrane 102 has, in most cases, a convex active face 105. Thus, when a head 101 bears on the shape 73 to exert a hot pressure on the envelope or envelopes, the membrane 102 exerts a scrolling action on the shape. The convex curvature of the membrane 102 as it moves away from the shape 73 becomes concave when applied to the shape. This allows the active face 105 of the head 101, which is also the active surface of the membrane 102, to take place on the shape 73, and thus to take place on the envelope or envelopes 21, 31, to obtain a good application. of these on the form. This unwinding effect makes it possible to obtain a regular surface of the envelope or envelopes. In other words, the outer surface of the article of footwear 1 has no wrinkles, which is synonymous with quality. Because it has a deformable active face as we have just seen, we can consider that the head 101 is a deformable buffer.

As can be understood in particular by means of FIGS. 28 to 30, the machine 91, 92 comprises several stations 95, 96, 97 arranged in a closed path. This facilitates its use by a labor limited in quantity.

For the machine 91 visible in its entirety in Figures 28 and 29, the distribution of manufacturing stations 95, 96, 97 is horizontal. This facilitates maintenance. The machine 91 comprises a loading station 111, designed to accommodate a shape 73, covered by elements constituting the article of footwear if the machine is in the production phase. In the same spirit, the machine 91 comprises an unloading station 112, provided for the withdrawal of the form 73 which had previously been placed in the machine. This facilitates the use of the machine 91.

Now, for the machine 92 visible in FIG. 30, the distribution of the manufacturing stations 95, 96, 97 is vertical. This reduces the size of the machine. We observe that several forms 73 are rotatably mounted on the same horizontal axis. The rotation of the shapes 73 allows them to move from one manufacturing station to another. It is therefore possible to perform a manufacturing step for one form at the same time as another manufacturing step for another form.

In addition, it is generally noted, using all of FIGS. 10 to 30, that each manufacturing station 95, 96, 97 comprises at least one head 101 designed to exert hot pressure, the head having an elastically deformable portion 102. This allows each station to enjoy the benefits of the technology provided by the invention.

In all cases the invention is made from materials or devices known to those skilled in the art. For example, the structure of the machine 91, 92 may be substantially made of metal elements welded and / or secured to each other by screwing techniques, interlocking, or other.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, it may be provided to vary the number of process steps, that is to say to obtain the shaping of the envelopes 21, 31 with a number of steps other than three. In the same vein, it can be expected to vary the number of positions on a machine, or not to use them all.

Claims

claims

1. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear (1), the footwear comprising at least one casing (21, 31) whose form is fixed by external heating, the manufacturing method comprising a reference step in which a first casing (21) is placed on a form (73), the first casing (21) comprising at least one at least partly thermofusible or thermoformable material, the shape (73) extending in length from a rear end (74). ) to a front end (75), in width between a lateral edge (76) and a medial edge (77), and in height from a base (78) to a top (79), characterized in that it comprises at least one manufacturing step, subsequent to the reference step, the manufacturing step comprising at least one hot pressurizing operation of at least a portion of the surface of the first envelope (21) disposed on Form.

2. Manufacturing process according to claim 1, characterized in that the first casing (21) comprises son (65, 66, 67, 68, 69) linked to each other mechanically.

3. Manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the reference step a second envelope (31) is placed on the form (73), the second envelope (31) comprising at least one at least partly thermofusible or thermoformable material, and in that in the manufacturing step, the hot pressing operation is performed on at least part of the surface of the second envelope (31) disposed on the form.

4. Manufacturing method according to claim 3, characterized in that the second casing (31) comprises son (65, 66, 67, 68, 69) linked to each other mechanically.

5. Manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the manufacturing step, the hot pressure causes a change of state and / or a bonding of part or all of the constituent material of an envelope (21, 31).

6. Manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the reference step, a reinforcing structure (51) is placed on the form (73).

7. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one manufacturing step comprises two operations of pressurizing at least one part of the surface of the form of hot (73 ).

8. Manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing step, the manufacturing step comprising a hot pressing operation of the rear end (74). of the form, as well as a hot pressing operation of the front end (75) and the top (79) of the shape (73).

9. Manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing step, the manufacturing step comprising a hot pressing operation of the lateral edge (76) of the form (73), as well as a pressurizing operation of the medial edge (77) of the shape (73).

10. Manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing step, the manufacturing step comprising an operation of setting hot pressing the base (78) of the shape, and a holding operation of the top (79) of the shape (73).

11. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a first manufacturing step, the first manufacturing step comprising a hot pressing operation of the rear end (74). ) of the form, as well as a hot pressing operation of the front end (75) and the top (79) of the shape, in that it comprises a second manufacturing step, the second step method of manufacture comprising a hot pressing operation of the lateral edge (76) of the shape, and a hot pressing operation of the medial edge (77) of the shape, and in that it comprises a third manufacturing step, the third manufacturing step comprising a pressurizing operation of the base (78) of the shape, and a holding operation of the top (79) of the shape.

12. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, for each manufacturing step, the two operations for pressurizing at least part of the surface of the form (73) ) are performed simultaneously.

13. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one manufacturing step comprises at least one shape-keeping operation (73).

14. The manufacturing method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the hot pressure is exerted by a head (101) having an elastically deformable portion (102).

15. The method of manufacture according to claim 14, characterized in that the head (101) comprises a container (103) closed by a membrane (102), the membrane constituting the elastically deformable portion, the container (103) accommodating a fluid (104).

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterized in that the membrane (102) has a convex active face (105).

17. Footwear (1) obtained by the manufacturing method according to one of the claims

1 to 16.

18. Machine (91, 92) for manufacturing an article of footwear (1), the machine (91, 92) comprising at least one manufacturing station arranged to perform at least one manufacturing operation on a form (73) , the shape extending in length from a rear end (74) to a front end (75), in width between a side edge (76) and a medial edge (77), and in height from a base (78) ) to a top (79), characterized in that the manufacturing operation comprises a step of pressurizing at least a portion of the surface of the form (73).

19. Machine (91, 92) according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises several stations (95, 96, 97) arranged in a closed path.

20. Machine (91, 92) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing station (95) arranged to perform a hot pressing operation of the rear end (74) of the shape (73), as well as a hot pressurizing operation of the front end (75) and the top (79) of the shape.

21. Machine (91, 92) according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing station (96) arranged to perform a hot pressing operation of the side edge (76) of the form (73), as well as a heat pressurizing operation of the medial edge (77) of the shape.

22. Machine (91, 92) according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing station (97) arranged to perform a hot pressing operation of the base (78) of the form, as well as a holding operation of the top (79) of the shape.

23. Machine (91, 92) according to claim 22, characterized in that it comprises a first manufacturing station, arranged to perform a hot pressing operation of the rear end (74) of the form ( 73), as well as a hot pressurizing operation of the front end (75) and the top (79) of the shape, in that it comprises a second manufacturing station, arranged to perform an operation hot pressurizing the side edge (76) of the shape, as well as a hot pressing operation of the medial edge (77) of the shape, and the fact that it comprises a third manufacturing station , arranged to carry out a hot pressing operation of the base (78) of the shape, and a holding operation of the top (79) of the shape.

24. Machine (91) according to one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the distribution of manufacturing stations (95, 96, 97) is horizontal.

25. Machine (92) according to one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the distribution of manufacturing stations (95, 96, 97) is vertical.

26. Machine (91, 92) according to one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that it comprises a loading station (111).

27. Machine (91, 92) according to one of claims 18 to 26, characterized in that it comprises an unloading station (112).

28. Machine (91, 92) according to one of claims 18 to 27, characterized in that each manufacturing station (95, 96, 97) comprises at least one head (101) provided to exert the hot pressure, the head (101) having an elastically deformable portion (102).

29. Machine (91, 92) according to claim 28, characterized in that the head (101) comprises a container (103) closed by a membrane (102), the membrane (102) constituting the elastically deformable portion, the container (103) harboring a fluid (104).

30. Machine (91, 92) according to claim 29, characterized in that the membrane (102) has a convex active face (105).