NL2019078B1

NL2019078B1 - Connector Device for Connecting a Last to a Moulding System

Info

Publication number: NL2019078B1
Application number: NL2019078A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Ferdinand Frédéric Theodorus Van Oudvorst Leonardus
Original assignee: Hevea B V
Priority date: 2017-06-15
Filing date: 2017-06-15
Publication date: 2018-12-24

Abstract

A connector device (30) for connecting a last (12) to an injection moulding system that is configured to place the last inside a void between moulding parts (18, 22) such that a moulding cavity (27) for producing an upper of an article of footwear is formed between the last and the moulding parts. The device comprises a base (50, 60, 70) with a first coupling (78) that is configured to fiX the base relative to the moulding parts, a last mount (32) with a second coupling (36) that is configured to fiX the last to the last mount, and a joint (46), which mechanically interconnects the last mount and the base, and which is configured to allow fine-tuning of an angular position (92) of the last mount and the last relative to the moulding parts and the base, to adjust the moulding cavity when the last is positioned inside the void.

Description

Connector Device for Connecting a Last to a Moulding System

Technical Field [0001] The invention relates to a connector device for connecting a last to an injection moulding system, and to an injection moulding system including such a connector device.

Background Art [0002] Systems for manufacturing boots and other footwear by injection moulding of a flexible material are known. Known moulds are typically constructed of metal or other rigid materials, and generally comprise four or more principal components: two moulding shells to form a moulding void, at least one sole plate at the foot end of the mould, and a last that can be positioned within the void to form a core of the mould. A moulding cavity can be formed by placing the moulding shells and sole plate together, with the last inside the void.

[0003] In known moulding systems, a fabric liner (i.e. layer of textile material) is typically fitted around the last like a stocking. The liquid flexible (e.g. elastomer) material is injected into the moulding cavity, and made to cure while maintaining the liner adhered to the inner surface of the uncured article. Once the flexible material has cured, the outer moulding parts are removed from the article, and the article is removed from the last. Alternatively, only a selection of the outer moulding parts may be removed and interchanged with other moulding parts (e.g. a second sole plate), to prepare for one or more further injection moulding stages (e.g. to form a profiled outsole on the article of footwear).

[0004] The last is supported from only one end by a cantilever suspension. The last and moulding shells are constructed so that a mould section is present above the shaft (leg part) of the article of footwear. This additional height of the last and moulding shells serves to keep the last positioned between the mould shells, so that a relatively uniform thickness of the moulding cavity can be maintained on both sides of the last. Manufacturing boots in the known devices is to some extent unreliable, and may yield a typical percentage/number of rejects in the range of 2-12%. Rejection of products may be caused by non-ideal flow of the injection moulding material into the moulding cavity between the last and the moulding parts. This non-ideal flow may occur at various positions within the moulding cavity, but the locations of occurrence cannot be predicted. [0005] It would be desirable to provide an injection moulding system for manufacturing an article of footwear (e.g. boot, shoe, or the like) from a flexible material, with improved quality and a reduced number of rejects.

Summary of Invention [0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector device for connecting a last to an injection moulding system. The injection moulding system is configured to place the last inside a void defined between moulding parts such that a moulding cavity for producing an upper of an article of footwear is formed between the last and the moulding parts. The connector device comprises a base, a last mount, and a joint between the base and the last mount. The base includes a first coupling, which is configured to fix the base relative to the moulding parts. The last mount includes a second coupling, which is configured to fix the last to the last mount. The joint mechanically interconnects the last mount and the base, and is configured to allow fine-tuning of an angular position Θ1, Θ2, Φ of the last mount and the last relative to the moulding parts and at least part of the base, to adjust the moulding cavity when the last is positioned inside the void.

[0007] The connector device forms an adapter between the last, the moulding parts, and a positioning actuator of the injection moulding system. The device allows fine-tuning of at least one angular orientation between the last mount and last, one the one hand, and at least part of the base and the moulding parts, on the other hand, even if the last is already positioned inside the void between the moulding parts. The connector device enables shape optimization of the moulding cavity, prior to the introduction of injection moulding material into the moulding cavity. The phrase "fine-tuning of an angular position" refers herein to relatively small adjustment of one or more rotational orientations of the last mount and the last relative to (part of) the base, so that the last may pivot and/or swing relatively to the base and moulding parts while remaining inside the void between the closed moulding parts. Maximum angles of deflection may for instance be approximately 1° for elevation angles Θ1, Θ2 and approximately 2° for azimuth angle Φ.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the void between the moulding parts extends from an opening inwards along a first (nominal) axis. In this embodiment, the second coupling is configured to fix the last to the connector device so that a shaft portion of the last projects along a second (nominal) axis. The moulding system, the connector device, and the moulding parts are configured to cooperate to place the connector device at the opening and the last inside the void, such that the first and second axes largely or entirely coincide. The joint is configured to allow fine-tuning of the angular position by scissor motion and/or co-axial rotation between the first and second axes.

[0009] The joint may be formed as a keyed joint, which comprises key portions that interlock with corresponding key seats provided in the last mount, and which is adapted to mechanically couple the last mount to the base, while preventing relative rotation.

[0010] According to a further embodiment, the joint is configured to allow fine-tuning by pivoting the last mount over an elevation angle Θ1 relative to (part of) the base about a (nominal) pivot axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The joint may further be configured to allow fine-tuning by subsequently pivoting the last mount over a further elevation angle Θ2 relative to (part of) the base about a further (nominal) pivot axis that is perpendicular to both the first axis and the pivot axis.

[0011 ] According to yet a further embodiment, the moulding parts comprise two moulding shells, which form two half-moulds that are joinable and separable along a nominal plane P that is parallel to the first axis and associated with a midline through a toe region and a heel region of the upper. The joint may then be configured to allow fine-tuning by pivoting the last mount relative to the base over a first elevation angle Θ1 with a component perpendicular to the nominal plane.

The elevational fine-tuning may for instance proceed entirely perpendicular to the nominal plane, so that first pivot axis is perpendicular to the first axis and along the nominal plane.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the joint is configured to allow fine-tuning by pivoting the last mount relative to the base over a second elevation angle Θ2 with a component parallel with the nominal plane. The elevational fine-tuning may proceed entirely parallel to the nominal plane, so that second pivot axis is perpendicular to the first axis as well as the nominal plane.

[0013] In embodiments, the mechanical joint comprises a clamping ring that surrounds the last mount, and is accommodated in a bushing that selectively allows pivoting of the last mount relative to at least part of the base about one or both of the pivot axes.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the mechanical joint may comprise a resilient torsion member, to provide a mechanical equilibrium position associated with a reference elevation angle between the last mount and the base, such that application of an external torque or force causes deflection of the elevation angle away from the reference elevation angle, and removal of the external torque or force causes the device to revert to the reference elevation angle.

[0015] According to embodiments, the base comprises an adjustment mechanism, which is configured to exert a torque on the last mount and relative to the pivot axis, to cause the last mount to pivot over the elevation angle relative to the at least part of the base about the pivot axis. [0016] According to further embodiments, the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one control member, which is accessible from a lateral outer surface of the base, and which is configured to allow adjustment of the torque by manual manipulation. Multiple control members (e.g. knobs or screws) may be provided. These controls may be located in four perpendicular directions on the lateral outer surface.

[0017] According to embodiments, the joint is located at a first distance ΔΖ1 from the second coupling, to be located outside the moulding cavity at a distance from the last, when the last is positioned in the void and between the moulding parts.

[0018] According to embodiments, the base comprises a first base part and a second base part. The first base part includes an actuator coupling for attaching the connector device to a last positioning actuator of the injection moulding system. The last positioning actuator is configured to move the connector device and place the last in and out of the void defined between the moulding parts. The second base part may include the first coupling.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the actuator coupling and the second coupling are located on opposite axial sides of the connector device, and the joint is located between the actuator coupling and second coupling.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the adjustment mechanism and/or the control member are located between the actuator coupling and the second coupling at a second distance ΔΖ2 from the second coupling, the second distance being larger than the first distance ΔΖ1.

[0021 ] In further embodiments, the connector device comprises a further joint for mechanically interconnecting the first base part and the second base part.

[0022] The further joint may be configured to allow the first base part and the second base part to transition between and engaged state and a released state. In the engaged state, the first and second base parts are mutually fixed so that the moulding parts are immobilized relative to the last positioning actuator. In the released state, the first and second base parts are mutually disengaged to allow the last positioning actuator to move the connector device and place the last in and out of the void defined between the moulding parts.

[0023] In further embodiments, the further joint is configured to allow fine-tuning by pivoting the first base part, the last mount, and the last over an azimuth angle Φ about the first axis relative to the second base part and the moulding parts.

[0024] In yet a further embodiment, the second base part comprises a further adjustment mechanism, which is accessible from a lateral outer surface of the second base part, and is configured to jointly rotate the first base part and the last mount over the azimuth angle Φ about the first axis and relative to the second base part and the moulding shells.

[0025] The further joint may be located at a third distance ΔΖ3 from the second coupling, the third distance being approximately equal to or smaller than the first distance ΔΖ1.

[0026] According to embodiments, the connector device comprises a locking mechanism, which can be toggled between an unlocked state and a locked state when the last is positioned inside the void. Fine-tuning of the angular position Θ1, Θ2, Φ of the last mount and the last relative to the base and the moulding parts may then be allowed in the unlocked state and prevented in the locked state.

[0027] In further embodiments, the locking mechanism may comprise at least one annular member, which surrounds the first (nominal) axis. The at least one annular member may be selectively displaceable between a first position in which the at least one annular member exerts a force on the joint, in order to prevent pivoting of the last mount relative to the base in the locked state, and a second position wherein the annular member exerts no force on the joint to allow pivoting of the last mount relative to the base in the unlocked state.

[0028] For instance, a first annular member may be provided, which is displaceable transverse to the axial direction, and a second annular member may be provided, which is displaceable along the axial direction. These first and second annular members may define oblique surfaces that face each other predominantly along the axial direction Z and are slanted at similar non-zero angles away from the axial direction, to allow conversion of a transverse displacement of the first annular member into an axial displacement of the second annular member, in order to exert an axial force on the joint and prevent pivoting of the last mount relative to the base in the locked state.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a further control member, which is accessible from the lateral outer surface of the base, and is configured to allow toggling between preventing and angular displacement by manual manipulation.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided system for manufacturing an article of footwear by reaction injection moulding. The system comprises a last, moulding parts, a positioning mechanism, and a connector device according to the first aspect of the invention. The last is adapted for outlining an inner surface of the article of footwear. When in a mutually engaged position, the moulding parts define a void inside for accommodating the last. The positioning mechanism is configured to place the last inside the void so that a moulding cavity for producing an upper of an article of footwear is formed between the last and the moulding parts. The connector device is attached with the base to the positioning mechanism, and attached with the last mount to the last, to allow fine-tuning of an angular position Θ1, Θ2, Φ of the last mount and the last relative to the base and the moulding parts, when the last is positioned inside the void.

Brief Description of Drawings [0031 ] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. In the drawings, like numerals designate like elements. Furthermore, multiple instances of an element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. For example, two instances of a particular element “20” may be labelled as “20a” and “20b”. In that case, the element label may be used without an appended letter (e.g. “20") to generally refer to every instance of the element, while the element label will include an appended letter (e.g. “20a”) to refer to a specific instance of the element.

[0032] Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a moulding system; [0033] Figure 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a connector device, and a last positioned inside a void defined between moulding parts; [0034] Figure 3a presents a perspective cross-sectional view of a connector device, according to an embodiment; [0035] Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional front view of the connector device from figure 3a; [0036] Figure 4a shows a cross-section of the connector device from figures 3a-3b; [0037] Figure 4b shows a further cross-section of the connector device from figures 3a-3b, and [0038] Figure 4c shows yet a further cross-section of the connector device from figures 3a-3b.

[0039] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.

Description of Embodiments [0040] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the figures. In the next figures, Cartesian, and spherical coordinates will be used to describe spatial relations. Reference symbol X is used to indicate a longitudinal direction. Prepositions “front” and “rear” pertain to this longitudinal direction X. Reference symbol Y is used to indicate a transversal direction that is perpendicular to X. This transversal direction Y relates to the terms “left”, “right”, and “lateral”. Reference symbol Z is used to indicate an axial direction that is perpendicular to X and Y. The axial direction Z may correspond to a direction along which a shaft of a boot or similar article of footwear extends. Prepositions “above” and “below” relate to the axial direction Z. The "first axis A1" refers to a nominal axis along which a shaft portion of a void between moulding parts extends, and on which this shaft portion is centred.

[0041 ] The “radial direction” Ft refers to directions that point radially away from the first axis A1 and which lie in a transversal plane parallel with the X and Y directions. The "angular positions" relate to an azimuthal direction and an elevation direction, which correspond to angular unit-vectors that initiate at a local radial position and point along (infinitesimal) angles of rotation perpendicular to both Ft and each other. The term “angular displacement” refers herein to a relative rotational motion between two specified objects about a specified nominal axis. Unless the direction is specifically indicated, such relative rotation may proceed towards the positive angular direction and/or the negative angular direction.

[0042] It should be understood that the directional definitions and preferred orientations presented herein merely serve to elucidate geometrical relations for specific embodiments, but should not be considered limiting to the scope of the invention or claims.

[0043] The term “surface” is used herein to generally refer to two-dimensional parametric surface regions, which may have either a planar (e.g. a polygonal surface), curved (e.g. cylindrical, spherical, parabolic surface, etc.), recessed (e.g. saw-tooth or undulated surface), or even a complex shape. The term “plane” is used herein to refer to a flat surface (i.e. a simple surface spanned by two intersecting non-coinciding lines).

[0044] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a moulding system 10 for producing a boot or similar article of footwear, by a reaction injection moulding process. The moulding system 10 comprises a support structure 11, a last 12, a last positioning mechanism 14, a pair of moulding shells 16, 18, a shell positioning mechanism 20, a pair of sole plates 22, 24, a sole plate positioning mechanism 26, and a supply mechanism 29 (see figure 2) for supplying injection moulding material (e.g. a thermosetting or thermoplastic elastomer, like polyurethane).

[0045] The support structure 11 forms a rigid frame or housing that serves as a mounting structure to which the various moulding components 12,16, 18, 22, 24 and positioning mechanisms 14, 20, 26 are coupled. This support structure 11 may be installed inside a manufacturing plant, in a stationary manner or in a movable manner (e.g. in a carousel with multiple moulding systems that may be revolved and passed along various processing stages). [0046] The shell positioning mechanism 20 and the sole plate positioning mechanism 26 cooperate to join the respective moulding parts 16, 18, 22, in order to form an inner void that corresponds to an outer side of an upper of the boot. The last positioning mechanism 14 cooperates with the other positioning mechanisms 20, 26, to place the last inside the void between the moulding parts 16, 18, 22, such that a moulding cavity 27 for producing the upper is formed between the last and the moulding parts 16, 18, 22.

[0047] The last 12 is connected to the last positioning mechanism 14 via a part of connector device 30, as will be explained with reference to figures 2-3b. The last 12 has an outer surface, which outlines an inner surface of the upper. The moulding shells 16, 18 form a pair of halfmoulds, each having an Inner void bounded by an inner surface that outlines an outer surface portion of the upper. The void In the first moulding shell 16 corresponds to one lateral half of the resulting upper. This half Is bounded on one lateral side by the inner surface of the shell 16 and on the opposite side by a nominal plane P. This nominal plane P is perpendicular to a sole region of the upper, and extends through a centre of the toe and the heel regions of the upper. The void in the second moulding shell 18 corresponds to the other (i.e. complementary) half of the resulting upper.

[0048] The outer surface of the last 12 is shaped congruent to the inner surfaces of the moulding shells 16, 18, but is of a smaller dimension to leave open a spacing that forms the moulding cavity 27. The first sole plate 22 also comprises a void with an inner surface corresponding to an outer surface of the insole region of the upper. The first sole plate 22 may be positioned against the moulding shells 16, 18, to close the moulding cavity 27 on a lower side thereof. The second sole plate 24 defines a further void by means of which an outer pattern of an outsole of the boot may be formed.

[0049] The two moulding shells 16, 18 are pivotally mounted via two hingeable outer parts to the support structure 11. The moulding shells 16, 18 are moveable relative to one another by the shell positioning mechanism 20. Toggle clamps are provided on the two hingeable outer parts of the shell positioning mechanism 20. These toggle clamps are adapted to hold the moulding shells 16, 18 together when the moulding parts are is a closed state.

[0050] In general, an injection moulding process may comprise: - fitting a liner (e.g. a fabric sock; not shown) onto the last 12; - positioning the last 12 with liner between the opened moulding shells 16, 18; - closing the moulding shells 16, 18 and the first sole plate 22, to form the moulding cavity 27; - injecting a first uncured moulding material (e.g. PU) into the moulding cavity 27, and - letting the thermoplastic material cure to form the upper of the boot.

[0051 ] An article of footwear may comprise a toecap 15 in the nose region. Such a toecap 15 is preferably made from a mechanically rigid material like metal, hard or reinforced plastic, or wood, and provides significant protection to the toes of the wearer. Such toecaps may be provided in or on the footwear in compliance with the specifications of Euro norm EN ISO 20345 - 2012 for safety footwear. The toecap 15 may be embedded and concealed inside the injected material of the nose portion of the upper. In these cases, the injection moulding process may additionally include a step of positioning the toecap 15 around a toe region of the last 12, prior to closing the moulding shells 16, 18 and the first sole plate 22, and injecting moulding material into the cavity 27.

[0052] During manufacturing of the boot, the moulding cavity 27 may be filled by injecting the first moulding material via the supply mechanism 29. After injection and curing of the first material, the first sole plate 22 is removed from the closed moulding shells 16, 18. Subsequently, the second sole plate 24 is positioned against the lower side of the moulding shells 16, 18. A second liquid moulding material is then injected into the new moulding cavity thus obtained. This second material is allowed to cure, thereby forming the outsole of the boot. The liner, which is initially fitted onto the last 12, serves to provide an internal finish of the boot for improving wearing comfort, and to facilitate removing of the boot from the last 12 after the moulding process has completed.

[0053] Figure 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a connector device 30, and a last 12 positioned inside a void defined between the closed moulding parts 16, 18, 22. Only the second moulding shell 18 is shown in figure 2, which in the joined state is bounded by the nominal plane P. The void between the moulding parts 16, 18, 22 extends from an opening 28 at an upper side of the moulding shells 16,18 inwards along and substantially centred on a first nominal axis A1. [0054] The connector device 30 includes a base 50, 60, 70, a last mount 32, and a joint 46 between the last mount 32 and the base 50, 60, 70.

[0055] An upper portion 50 of the base includes an actuator coupling 52 for attaching the connector device 30 to the last positioning actuator 14 of the injection moulding system 10.

[0056] A lower portion 70 of the base includes two releasable base parts 70a, 70b, each of being connectable to a corresponding one of the moulding shells 16, 18. Each base part 70 includes first couplings, which in this case are formed by through holes 78a-b and bolts 79a-b that extend through these holes to fix parts 70 of the base 50, 60, 70 to upper sides of the associated moulding shells 16, 18. The base parts 70 are adapted to enclose and engage an outer periphery of a medial portion 60 of the base.

[0057] In this example, the last mount 32 forms an elongated pin, which extends through an inner side of the base 50, 60, 70. The last mount 32 includes a second coupling 36, including recesses for bolts for fixing the last 12 to the last mount 32. The second coupling 36 is configured to fix the last 12 to the connector device 30 so that a shaft portion 13 of the last 12 is centred on and projects along a second nominal axis A2. In this example, the second axis A2 also corresponds to the elongation direction of the pin-shaped last mount 32. A supply channel 19 extends through an inner side of the last 12, and partly along the second axis A2. This channel 19 may be used create a slight overpressure, to facilitate the removal of the upper from the last 12, once completed.

[0058] In this example, the mechanical joint 46 includes a rigid clamping ring or locking plate, which surrounds the last mount 32, and which mechanically couples the last mount 32 to the base 50, 60, 70, so as to allow fine-tuning of angular positions Θ1, Θ2 of the last mount 32 and the last 12 relative to the medial base portion 60 (i.e. scissor motion between nominal axes A1 and A2) when the last 12 is positioned inside the void and the connector device 30 is in an unlocked state. [0059] The joint 46 is located at a first distance ΔΖ1 from the second coupling 36. As a result, the joint 46 is outside the moulding cavity 27 and above the last 12 but near to the opening 28, when the last 12 is positioned in the void and between the moulding parts 16, 18, 22. This arrangement allows accurate angular fine-tuning, without requiring modification of the last positioning actuator 14 or of the moulding shells 16, 18.

[0060] The last positioning actuator 14 is configured to place the connector device 30 at the opening 28 of the void between the moulding parts 16, 18, 22, so that the last 12 is placed inside the void with the first and second axes A1, A2 largely coinciding.

[0061 ] The connector device 30 serves as an adapter between the positioning actuator 14, the last 12, and the moulding parts 16, 18, 22, and allows the angular position Θ1, Θ2 between the first and second axes A1, A2 to be fine-tuned even if the last 12 is already positioned inside the void. The connector device 30 enables shape optimization of the moulding cavity 27, prior to the introduction of injection moulding material into the moulding cavity 27.

[0062] Figure 2 schematically indicates that the joint 46 may be configured to allow fine-tuning by pivoting the last mount 32 relative to the base 50, 60, 70 over an elevation angle Θ2 about a pivot axis B2 that is perpendicular to the first axis A1 and the separation plane P between the moulding shells 16, 18. These pivoting adjustments proceed along the nominal plane P.

[0063] Figures 3a-3b and 4a-4c illustrate details of the exemplary connector device 30 from figure 2. Figure 3a shows a perspective cross-sectional view and figure 3b shows a cross-sectional front view of the connector device 30. Figures 4a to 4c show different cross-sectional top views.

[0064] The connector device 30 comprises three groups of parts, which are associated with the last 12, the moulding shells 16, 18, and the positioning actuator 14, respectively.

[0065] The base 50, 60, 70 is formed by a first base part 50, 60 and second base parts 70. The upper portion 50 of the first base part 50, 60 includes an actuator coupling 52 for attaching the connector device 30 to the last positioning actuator 14 of the injection moulding system 10. The second base parts 70 include the first couplings 78. The actuator coupling 52 and the second coupling 36 are located on opposite axial sides of the connector device 30.

[0066] The last mount 32 defines an insert portion 34 on a lower side, near the second coupling 36, and adapted to be inserted into a congruent recess on an upper side of the last 12. A pressure conduit 38 extends through an inner side of the insert portion 32 and partly along the second axis A2, which is adapted to be coupled to an external pressure source on an upper end and to be coupled to the supply channel 19 on the lower end.

[0067] The joint 46 is located between the actuator coupling 52 and the second coupling 36. The joint 46 allows angular fine-tuning by pivoting the last mount 32 relative to the base 50, 60, 70 over either one of two orthogonal elevation angles Θ1, Θ2 about corresponding orthogonal pivot axes B1, B2, which are both perpendicular to the first axis A1.

[0068] In this example, the mechanical joint 46 is formed as a keyed joint 46. The rigid clamping ring or locking plate surrounds the last mount 32, and includes key portions (not shown), which interlock with corresponding key seats provided in a central portion 44 of the last mount 32. The keyed joint 46 mechanically couples the last mount 32 to the base 50, 60, 70, and prevents rotation of the last mount 32 relative to the medial base portion 60 about the second axis A2. The clamping ring is radially surrounded by an annular structure 65. This annular structure 65 forms a bushing 65 with an inward surface region that engages an outer surface region of the clamping ring, so that fine-adjustment of angular positions Θ1, Θ2 of the last mount 32 and the last 12 relative to the medial base portion 60 is allowed. The clamping ring and the bushing 65 are preformed to have a centred position so that the nominal axes A1, A2 essentially coincide when the last 12 is positioned inside the void.

[0069] The base 50, 60, 70 comprises an adjustment mechanism 54, 56, 58, which is configured to exert a torque on the last mount 32 and relative to at least one of the pivot axes B1, B2. The adjustment mechanism 54, 56, 58 comprises four control knobs or screws 54a-54d, which are accessible by an operator from a lateral outer surface of the base 50, 60, 70, and allow adjustment of the torque by manual manipulation. Two perpendicular pairs of control knobs or screws 54a-54b and 54c-54d are provided along two perpendicular nominal axes C1, C2 through the upper portion 50 of the first base part 50, 60. The adjustment mechanism 54, 56, 58 and control knobs/screws 54 are located at a second distance ΔΖ2 from the second coupling 36, between the actuator coupling 52 and the second coupling 36 and above the joint 46 (i.e. ΔΖ2 > ΔΖ1).

[0070] Manipulation of the adjustment mechanism 54, 56, 58 enables angular fine-tuning between the last mount 32 and the base 50, 60, 70. A linear component of helical motion of a knobs/screw 54 along its axis C1 or C2 will be transformed, via sliding motion of a central adjustment block 56 and slide plates 58 around an upper distal portion 40 of the last mount 32 (also see fig.4a), into a torque that acts on the last mount 32 and relative to the pivot axis B1 or B2. This torque forces joint 46, to assume a new position corresponding to desired elevation angles Θ1, Θ2.

[0071 ] The second base parts 70 are adapted to be releasably fixed to the first base part 50, 60, by enclosing and engaging an outer periphery of the medial portion 60. This mechanical coupling is established via a further joint 62, 72, which is formed by a tapered radial flange 62 on the medial portion 60 of the first base part 50, 60, and radial recesses 62 in the second base parts 70 which can accommodate flange 62 in a form-fitting manner.

[0072] The medial portion 60 of the first base part 50, 60 includes a locking mechanism 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, which allows an operator to toggle the connector device 30 between the unlocked state and a locked state, even when the last 12 is positioned inside the void. In the unlocked state, the fine-tuning of the angular position Θ1, Θ2 of the last mount 32 and the last 12 relative to the base 50, 60, 70 and the moulding parts 16, 18, 22 is allowed. In the locked state, such fine-tuning is prevented. The locking mechanism includes a fist annular member 66 and a second annular member 68. The first and second annular members 66, 68 both radially surround the first axis A1, and are annularly spaced from the central portion 44 of the last mount 32. The annular members 66, 68 each have an oblique surface 67 resp. 69. These oblique surfaces 67, 69 face each other predominantly along the positive and negative axial directions ±Z, but are slanted at similar non-zero angles relative to the axial direction Z. The locking mechanism 64-69 comprises further control knobs (or screws) 64a, 64b, which are accessible from the lateral outer surface of the medial base portion 60, to allow an operator to toggle the locking mechanism 64-69 by manual manipulation. Adjustment of the knobs 64 along nominal axis D1 induces transverse displacement of the first annular member 66 along this axis D1 and away from the first axis A1 (also see fig. 4b), which in turn causes the downwards oblique surface 67 of this annular member 66 to engage the upwards oblique surface 69 of the second annular member 68, and exert an axially downwards force on this annular member 68. This axial force on the second annular member 68 compresses the bushing 65, so that clamping ring 46 becomes immobilized. In the resulting locked state, fine-tuning of angular positions Θ1, Θ2 is thus prevented. The knobs 64 may also be adjusted to operate the locking mechanism in a reverse manner, in order to reestablish the unlocked state.

[0073] The second base parts 70a, 70b are each associated with and connectable to one moulding shell 16, 18, so that it can be moved together with its moulding shell 16, 18 and selectively engage or disengage the first base part 50, 60. In the engaged state, the two second parts 70 are fixed to the first base part 50, 60 so that the moulding parts 16, 18 are immobilized relative to the last positioning actuator 14. In the released state, the two second parts 70 are disengaged from the medial base portion 60 to allow the last positioning actuator 14 to move the connector device 30 and place the last 12 in and out of the void defined between the moulding parts 16, 18, 22.

[0074] The (macroscopic) rotational symmetry of the radial flange 62 and recess 72 allow rotation of the first base part 50, 60 relative to the second base part 70, to enable fine-tuning by pivoting of the first base part 50, 60, together with the last mount 32 and the last 12, over an azimuth angle Φ about the first axis A1, relative to the second base parts 70 and the moulding parts 16, 18, 22, when the last 12 is positioned inside the void. One 70a of the second base parts 70 has a centring pin 74, which fits within a recess provided in the radial flange 62. The centring pin 74 is connected to a pin mounting plate 76, which is accessible for an operator from a lateral outer surface of the second base part 70. Small-scale linear motion of the pin 74 and mounting plate 76 (e.g. in the order of tenths of millimetres) will yield fine-tuning of the azimuth angle Φ.

The further mechanical joint 62, 72 is located right below the joint 46 but still above the second coupling, i.e. at a third distance ΔΖ3 from the second coupling 36 which is only slightly smaller than the first distance ΔΖ1.

[0075] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that alternative and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0076] For instance, the device parts should not be considered limited to objects with cylindrical symmetry. Instead, device parts with other shapes would be possible. Exemplary alternatives are device parts with a discrete rotational symmetry (e.g. a rectangular, elliptical, or stadium shape), or with more general polygonal or curved cross-sectional shapes.

List of Reference Symbols 10 moulding system 11 support structure 12 last 13 shaft portion 14 last positioning actuator 15 toecap 16 first shell 18 second shell 19 supply channel 20 shell positioning mechanism 22 first sole plate 24 second sole plate 26 sole plate positioning mechanism 27 moulding cavity 28 opening 29 material supply 30 connector device 32 last mount (e.g. last centring shaft) 34 insert portion 36 second coupling (e.g. last mounting flange) 38 pressure conduit 40 first mount portion 42 second mount portion 44 third mount portion 46 joint (e.g. rigid clamping ring or locking plate) 50 upper first base part 52 actuator coupling (e.g. mounting plate) 54 control member 56 adjustment block 58 slide plate 60 medial first base part 62 radial flange 64 further control member 65 annular bushing 66 first annular member 67 first oblique surface 68 second annular member 69 second oblique surface 70 second base part (e.g. lower base part) 72 radial recess 74 centring pin 76 pin mounting plate 78 first coupling (e.g. through hole) 79 bolt A1 first axis (nominal axis associated with first device part) A2 second axis (nominal axis associated with second device part) X first direction Y second direction Z third direction (axial direction) R radial direction Θ1 first angular position/displacement (along elevation direction) Θ2 second angular position/displacement (along elevation direction) Φ third angular position/displacement (along azimuthal direction) ΔΖ1 first distance ΔΖ2 second distance ΔΖ3 third distance

Claims

A connection device (30) for connecting a last (12) to an injection molding system (10), wherein the injection molding system is configured to place the last in a recess defined between mold parts (16, 18, 22) such that a molding cavity (27) for manufacturing an upper part of a footwear article is formed between the last and the mold parts, the connecting device comprising: - a base (50, 60, 70) comprising a first coupling (78) configured to base with respect to the mold parts; - a read mount (32) including a second coupling (36) configured to secure the read to the read mount, and - a joint (46) that mechanically connects the read mount and the base and is configured to allow adjustment of an angular position (Θ1, Θ2, Φ) of the read attachment and the read relative to the mold parts and at least a part of the base, to adjust the casting cavity when the read is positioned in the recess.

Connection device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the recess between the mold parts (16, 18, 22) extends from an opening (28) inwards along a first axis (A1), the second coupling (36) being configured to attach the last (12) to the connecting device, so that a shaft end! (13) protrudes from the last along a second axis (A2), the injection molding system (10), the connecting device and the mold parts (16, 18, 22) being configured to interact with the connecting device at the aperture and the read in position the recess such that the first and second axes (A1, A2) coincide largely or completely, and wherein the joint (46) is configured to fine-tune the angular position (Θ1, © 2, Φ) by scissor movement and / or to allow coaxial rotation between the first and second axis.

The connecting device (30) according to claim 2, wherein the joint (46) is configured to fine-tune the rotation of the read attachment (32) by an elevation angle (Θ1, Θ2) relative to at least a portion of the base ( 50, 60, 70) around a pivot axis (B1, B2) that is perpendicular to the first axis (A1).

Connecting device (30) according to claim 3, wherein the mold parts (16, 18, 22) comprise two mold trays (16, 18) which form two shape halves that can be joined and separated along a nominal plane (P) parallel to the first axis (A1) and associated with a centerline through a toe area and a heel area of the upper, and wherein the joint (46) is configured to fine-tune by rotating the read mount (32) relative to the base (50, 60, 70) over a first elevation angle (Θ1) with a component perpendicular to the nominal plane.

Connecting device (30) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the joint (46) is configured to fine-tune the rotation of the read attachment (32) relative to the base (50, 60, 70) through a second elevation angle (Θ2) ) with a component parallel to the nominal plane (P).

Connecting device (30) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the mechanical joint (46) comprises a clamping ring that surrounds the read mount (32) and is received in a bushing (65) that selectively rotates the read mount ( 32) relative to at least a portion of the base (50, 60, 70) around the pivot axis (B1, B2).

The connection device (30) according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the base (50, 60, 70) comprises an adjustment mechanism (54, 56, 58) adapted to provide a moment of force on the read attachment (32) and relative to the pivot axis (B1, B2) to ensure that the read attachment (32) rotates through the elevation angle (Θ1, Θ2) relative to at least a portion of the base (50, 52, 60) the pivot axis (B1, B2).

The connection device (30) of claim 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism (54, 56, 58) comprises at least one controller (54) accessible from a lateral outer surface of the base (50, 60, 70), and is configured to adjustment of the moment of force by allowing manual manipulation.

Connecting device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the joint (46) is situated at a first distance (ΔΖ1) from the second coupling (36), such that it is positioned outside the casting cavity (27). a distance from the last (12) is situated when the last is placed in the recess and between the mold parts (16, 18, 22).

Connecting device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base (50, 60, 70) comprises: - a first base part (50, 60) comprising an actuator coupling (52) for attaching the connecting device to a read-position actuator (14) of the injection-molding system (10), wherein the read-position actuator is configured to move the connection device and to place the read (12) in and out of the recess defined between the mold parts (16, 18, 22), and - a second base member (70) comprising the first coupling (78).

The connecting device (30) according to claim 10, wherein the actuator coupling (52) and the second coupling (36) are located on opposite axial sides of the connecting device, and wherein the joint (46) is located between the actuator coupling and the second coupling is.

Connection device (30) according to claim 11, as far as dependent on claim 7 or 8, wherein the adjustment mechanism (54, 56, 58) and / or the control member (54) between the actuator coupling (52) and the second coupling (36) a second distance (ΔΖ2) from the second coupling (36), the second distance being greater than the first distance (ΔΖ1).

The connection device (30) according to any of claims 10-12, comprising a further joint (62, 72) for mechanically coupling the first base part (50, 60) and the second base part (70) together.

The connection device (30) of claim 13, wherein the further joint (62, 72) is configured to allow the first base member (50, 60) and the second base member (70) to transition between: - a coupled state wherein the first and second base members are mutually secured so that the mold members (16, 18) are immobilized with respect to the read positioning actuator (14), and a released state in which the first and second base members are mutually disconnected to enable the read positioning actuator to move the connecting device and to place the last (12) in and out of the recess between the mold parts (16, 18, 22).

The connecting device (30) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the further joint (62, 72) is configured to fine-tune the first base member (50, 60), the read mount (32), and the read ( 12) through an azimuth angle (Φ) around the first axis (A1) relative to the second base part (70) and the mold parts (16, 18, 22).

The connecting device (30) of claim 15, wherein the second base member (70) comprises a further adjustment mechanism (74, 76) accessible from a lateral outer surface of the second base member, and is configured to the first base member (50, 60) and rotating the read attachment (32) together along the azimuth angle (Φ) about the first axis (A1) and relative to the second base member and the mold trays.

The connecting device (30) according to any of claims 1 to 16, comprising a locking mechanism (64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69), which can be switched between an unlocked state and a locked state when the read ( 12) is positioned in the recess, the fine adjustment of the angular position (Θ1, Θ2, Φ) of the read mount (32) and the read (12) relative to the base (50, 60, 70) and the mold parts (16, 18, 22) is permitted in the unlocked state, and is prevented in the locked state.

The connection device (30) according to claims 17 and 3, wherein the locking mechanism (64-69) comprises at least one annular member (66, 68) that surrounds the first axis (A1) and is selectively movable between a first position in which it is located at least one annular member exerts a force on the joint (46) to prevent rotation of the read mount (32) relative to the base (50, 60, 70) in the locked state, and a second position in which the annular member does not force exerts on the joint to allow rotation of the read attachment relative to the base (50, 60, 70) in the unlocked state.

The connecting device (30) according to claim 18, wherein the at least one annular member (66, 68) comprises a first annular member (66) movable transversely of the axial direction, and a second annular member (68) which the axial direction is movable, and wherein the first and second annular members are provided with oblique surfaces (67, 69) which are directed towards each other substantially along the axial direction (Z) and which away from the axial direction at similar non-zero angles beveled to convert transverse displacement of the first annular member into an axial displacement of the second annular member to exert an axial force on the joint (46) and rotation of the read mount (32) relative to the base ( 50, 60, 70) in the locked state.

A system (10) for manufacturing a footwear article by reaction injection molding, the system comprising: - a read (12) for defining an inner surface of the footwear article; - mold parts (16, 18, 22) which define an inner space in a coupled position for receiving the last (12); - a positioning mechanism (14, 20, 26) configured to place the last in the recess, such that a casting cavity (27) for manufacturing an upper part of a footwear item is formed between the last and the mold parts, and - a connecting device (30) with a base (50, 60, 70) and a read attachment (32) according to any of claims 1-19; the device with the base attached to the positioning mechanism and with the read attachment attached to the read, about an angular position (Θ1, Θ2, Φ) of the read attachment and the read relative to the base and the mold members, when the read in the recess is placed.