U.S. patent application number 15/602537 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-30 for method and apparatus for automatically manufacturing shoe soles.
The applicant listed for this patent is adidas AG. Invention is credited to Christoph Dyckmans, Amir Fathi, Christopher Edward Holmes, Constantin Kemmer, Carsten Landeck, Tru Huu Minh Le, Victor Romanov, Angus Wardlaw.
Application Number | 20170341327 15/602537 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58794059 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170341327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Le; Tru Huu Minh ; et
al. |
November 30, 2017 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY MANUFACTURING SHOE SOLES
Abstract
A method for automated manufacturing of shoe soles comprises the
steps of: loading a transfer device with at least one outsole
element and at least one supporting element, positioning the loaded
transfer device adjacent a first part and a second part of a sole
mold, transferring the at least one outsole element from the
transfer device to the first part and transferring the at least one
supporting element from the transfer device to the second part of
the sole mold, filling the sole mold with a plurality of individual
particles, and applying a medium to bond and/or fuse the particles
with each other and with the at least one outsole element.
Inventors: |
Le; Tru Huu Minh;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Landeck; Carsten;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Holmes; Christopher Edward;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Wardlaw; Angus;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Kemmer; Constantin;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Romanov; Victor;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Dyckmans; Christoph;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Fathi; Amir;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
adidas AG |
Herzogenaurach |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
58794059 |
Appl. No.: |
15/602537 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43D 117/00 20130101;
A43D 2200/10 20130101; B29D 35/122 20130101; B29K 2075/00 20130101;
B29K 2105/048 20130101; A43B 13/04 20130101; B29D 35/142 20130101;
A43B 13/00 20130101; A43D 111/006 20130101; B29D 35/148
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B29D 35/14 20100101
B29D035/14; A43D 117/00 20060101 A43D117/00; A43D 111/00 20060101
A43D111/00; A43B 13/04 20060101 A43B013/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 24, 2016 |
DE |
102016209045.3 |
Claims
1. A method for automated manufacturing of shoe soles, the method
comprising: loading a transfer device with at least one outsole
element and at least one supporting element; positioning the loaded
transfer device adjacent a first part and a second part of a sole
mold; transferring the at least one outsole element from the
transfer device to the first part and transferring the at least one
supporting element from the transfer device to the second part of
the sole mold; filling the sole mold with a plurality of individual
particles; and applying a medium to bond the particles with each
other and with the at least one outsole element to form a shoe
sole.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the loaded transfer
device comprises positioning the transfer device between a first
part and a second part of the sole mold.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein loading the transfer device
comprises: attaching the at least one outsole element to a first
side of a transfer device; rotating the transfer device; and
attaching the at least one supporting element to a second side of
the transfer device opposite to the first side.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the attaching steps comprise at
least one of suctioning the at least one outsole element and
suctioning the at least one supporting element.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the at least one
outsole element comprises placing the at least one outsole element
into at least one correspondingly shaped recess provided in the
first part of the mold.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the at least one
supporting element comprises placing the at least one supporting
element in a holding element provided in the second part of the
mold.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising ejecting the shoe sole
from the mold with an ejecting device integrated into a holding
element for the supporting element.
8. A sole manufactured according to the method of claim 1.
9. A shoe comprising a sole manufactured according to the method of
claim 1.
10. An apparatus for automated manufacturing of shoe soles, the
apparatus comprising: a transfer device adapted to be loaded with
at least one outsole element and at least one supporting element; a
robotic device adapted to position the loaded transfer device
adjacent a first part and a second part of a sole mold and adapted
to transfer the at least one outsole element from the transfer
device to the first part and adapted to transfer the at least one
supporting element from the transfer device to the second part of
the sole mold; a particle supply adapted to fill the sole mold with
a plurality of individual particles; and a medium supply, the
medium being adapted to perform at least one of bonding and fusing
the particles with each other and with the at least one outsole
element.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the robotic device is
adapted to position the loaded transfer device between the first
and the second part of the sole mold.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the transfer device is
adapted to be loaded with the at least one outsole element and the
at least one supporting element on opposite sides of the transfer
device.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the transfer device is
adapted to suction at least one of the at least one outsole element
and the at least one supporting element.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the robotic device is
adapted to place the at least one outsole element into at least one
correspondingly shaped recess provided in the first part of the
mold.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the robotic device is
adapted to place the at least one supporting element in a holding
element provided in the second part of the mold.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority benefits
from German Patent Application No. DE 10 2016 209 045.3, filed on
May 24, 2016 and entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY
MANUFACTURING SHOE SOLES, the content of which is hereby
incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus
for automatically manufacturing shoe soles. Moreover, the present
invention relates to shoe soles and shoes manufactured by such
methods and apparatuses.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The conventional manufacture of shoe soles, in particular
for sport shoes, generally involves processing various plastic
components. However, the processing of plastic materials, for
example by injection molding, may be harmful for the environment
and dangerous for workers due to an extensive use of solvents
and/or adhesives in a number of production steps.
[0004] One option to avoid or at least reduce the use of such
dangerous substances is to provide shoe soles from particles that
can be molded together by applying steam. Various methods for
manufacturing a shoe sole from such particles are known, for
example from EP 2 649 896 A2, WO 2005/066250 A1, WO 2012/065926 A1,
DE 10 2011 108 744 A1, and EP 2 984 956 A1. Further prior art in
this regard is disclosed in EP 2 767 181 A1, WO 2007/082838 A1 WO
2008/087078 A1.
[0005] However, a common disadvantage of these production methods
is that they are still very complicated and labor intensive.
[0006] To overcome these disadvantages applicant has disclosed in
EP 2 786 670 A1 a method for manufacturing a part of a shoe sole
from particles, wherein the individual steps of the method are
carried out at various processing stations of an automated
production facility. While the disclosed facility somewhat improves
the productivity of the automated manufacture of a shoe sole, the
large number of automated manufacturing steps is still costly and
difficult to implement.
[0007] Therefore, the underlying problem of the present invention
is to provide improved methods and apparatuses for the automated
manufacture of shoe soles from particles in order to at least
partly overcome the above mentioned deficiencies of the prior
art.
SUMMARY
[0008] The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention" and
"the present invention" used in this patent are intended to refer
broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent
claims below. Statements containing these terms should be
understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to
limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments
of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims
below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of
various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the
concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description
section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the
claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by
reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of
this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.
[0009] According to certain embodiments, a method comprises loading
a transfer device with at least one outsole element and at least
one supporting element, positioning the loaded transfer device
adjacent or even between a first part and a second part of a sole
mold, transferring the at least one outsole element from the
transfer device to the first part and transferring the at least one
supporting element from the transfer device to the second part of
the sole mold, filling the sole mold with a plurality of individual
particles, and applying a medium to bond and/or fuse the particles
with each other and with the at least one outsole element.
[0010] In some embodiments, loading the transfer device may
comprise attaching the at least one outsole element to a first side
of a transfer device, rotating the transfer device, and attaching
the at least one supporting element to a second side of the
transfer device opposite to the first side.
[0011] In various embodiments, the attaching steps comprise
suctioning the at least one outsole element and/or the at least one
supporting element.
[0012] According to some embodiments, transferring the at least one
outsole element may comprise placing the at least one outsole
element into at least one correspondingly shaped recess provided in
the first part of the mold. Transferring the at least one
supporting element may further comprise placing the at least one
supporting element in a holding element provided in the second part
of the mold.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises
ejecting the molded shoe sole from the mold by means of ejecting
devices integrated into the holding element for the supporting
element. The ejecting means may support an automation of the
molding process, and the manufactured sole may be automatically
ejected after molding for further processing.
[0014] In various embodiments, the first part and/or the second
part may be moved to close the mold prior to filling the sole mold
with a plurality of individual particles. In some embodiments,
after providing the at least one outsole element and the at least
one supporting element, the first and the second part of the sole
mold may jointly form a closed mold into which the individual
particles can be filled.
[0015] The method may further comprise cooling the first part of
sole mold when and/or after applying the medium.
[0016] According to some embodiments, the method may further
comprise removing the formed shoe soles and curing the formed shoe
soles under the influence of heat.
[0017] In various embodiments, the medium for curing the formed
shoe soles comprises steam.
[0018] According to certain embodiments, an apparatus for
automatically manufacturing shoe soles is provided. In some
embodiments, the apparatus comprises a transfer device adapted to
be loaded with at least one outsole element and at least one
supporting element, a robotic device adapted to position the loaded
transfer device adjacent or even between a first part and a second
part of a sole mold, wherein the robotic device is further adapted
to transfer the at least one outsole element from the transfer
device to the first part and to transfer the at least one
supporting element from the transfer device to the second part of
the sole mold, a particle supply adapted to fill the sole mold with
a plurality of individual particles and a medium supply, the medium
being adapted to bond and/or fuse the particles with each other and
with the at least one outsole element.
[0019] In various embodiments, the apparatus comprises a first and
a second part of the sole mold, wherein the two parts are movable
by means of at least one linear guiding rod. Such an embodiment
provides a very reliably and simply way for closing the two parts
of the sole mold. Moreover, a linear closing movement of the two
parts may be performed with comparatively high speed.
[0020] In some embodiments, a shoe sole manufactured by one of the
above summarized methods and/or apparatuses and a shoe comprising
such a sole are provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Possible embodiments of the present invention are further
described in the following detailed description, with reference to
the following figures:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for the automated
manufacturing of shoe soles according to aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2a shows a first part of a sole mold for an apparatus
for the automated manufacturing of shoe soles according to aspects
of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 2b shows a second part of a sole mold for an apparatus
for the automated manufacturing of shoe soles according to aspects
of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an apparatus for the automated
manufacturing of shoe soles according to aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 4a is a schematic of an apparatus for the automated
manufacturing of shoe soles according to aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 4b is a schematic of an apparatus for the automated
manufacturing of shoe soles according to aspects of the present
disclosure
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0028] The above-mentioned problem is at least partly solved by a
method and an apparatus according to the independent claims. In one
embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) loading a
transfer device with at least one outsole element and at least one
supporting element, (b) positioning the loaded transfer device
adjacent or even between a first part and a second part of a sole
mold, (c) transferring the at least one outsole element from the
transfer device to the first part and transferring the at least one
supporting element from the transfer device to the second part of
the sole mold, (d) filling the sole mold with a plurality of
individual particles and (e) applying a medium to bond and/or fuse
the particles with each other and with the at least one outsole
element.
[0029] The claimed invention provides for the first time a highly
efficient and automated method for the manufacture of shoe soles
from particles. The positioning of the loaded transfer device with
the two key elements for the final sole, namely the at least one
outsole element and the at least one supporting element, adjacent
the first part and the second part of a sole mold significantly
simplifies the overall manufacture. In contrast to the prior art,
the two elements no longer need to be manually arranged in the mold
for the shoe sole. Also, there is no need for a plurality of
automated production stations for the two elements. Moreover, the
two elements can be automatically integrated and/or joined to the
molded particle sole when in the final step (e) the medium, such as
steam, is applied. Again, only a single production step is needed,
which replaces an individual attachment of the outsole and/or the
integration of the support element in manufacturing methods of the
prior art. As a result, the overall cycle time and the labor costs
are significantly reduced.
[0030] The step of loading the transfer device may comprise the
steps of attaching the at least one outsole element to a first side
of a transfer device, rotating the transfer device and attaching
the at least one supporting element to a second side of the
transfer device opposite to the first side.
[0031] Such an attachment of the two elements may further simplify
their supply to the first and second part of the mold, in
particular, if the transfer device is positioned between the first
and the second part of the mold. Moreover, the footprint of the
apparatus performing the described method may be reduced as the
positioning of both, the outsole element and the support element
can be jointly performed by a single transfer device.
[0032] In one embodiment, the attaching steps comprise suctioning
the at least one outsole element and/or the at least one supporting
element. In contrast to a mechanical attachment, a suctioning
operation can be largely independent of the variances in product
manufacturing tolerances of the individual item and additionally,
in the context of shoe manufacture, the difference in dimensions
due to the requirement for a range of different shoe sizes. This
advantage facilitates the automated production of shoe soles.
[0033] In addition, a suctioning operation has the added advantage
of improved attachment of flexible components, for example, a shoe
outsole particularly when transferring flexible components into an
accurately manufactured item, for example, a shoe mold. This
advantage further facilitates the automated production of shoe
soles, in particular, of shoe soles with different sizes.
[0034] The step of transferring the at least one outsole element
may comprise placing the at least one outsole element into at least
one correspondingly shaped recess provided in the first part of the
mold. Moreover, the step of transferring the at least one
supporting element may further comprise placing the at least one
supporting element in a holding element provided in the second part
of the mold.
[0035] The recess and the holding element allow to securely
position the two elements for the subsequent molding cycle. As a
result, the steps of (d) filling the mold and (e) applying the
medium to bond and/or fuse the particles with each other and with
the at least one outsole element lead to a shoe sole with a
correctly attached outsole element and a correctly integrated
support element, without any adhesives having to be involved.
[0036] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of
ejecting the molded shoe sole from the mold by means of ejecting
devices integrated into the holding element for the supporting
element. The ejecting means may support an automation of the
molding process, as the manufactured sole may be automatically
ejected after molding for further processing. The integration of
the ejecting means into the holding element assures that there is
apart from the holding element no further interference with the
particles in the sole mold. In addition, no further robotic device
is needed in this embodiment to remove the sole from the mold.
[0037] The first part and/or the second part may be moved to close
the mold prior to the step of filling the sole mold with a
plurality of individual particles. Accordingly, after providing the
at least one outsole element and the at least one supporting
element, the first and the second part of the sole mold may jointly
form a closed mold into which the individual particles can be
filled. Any loss of particles is therefore reliably avoided. Also
the medium used to bond/fuse the particles may not escape, when
being applied to the particles.
[0038] The method may further comprise the step of cooling the
first part of sole mold when and/or after applying the medium.
[0039] The inventors have found that the step of bonding and/or
fusing the particles with each other and to the at least one
outsole element may require elevated temperatures, for example by
using hot steam as a medium. However, if the at least one outsole
element is subjected to higher temperatures it may start to deform
or even melt, so that fine structures of for example the profile of
the outsole element may be distorted or even fully lost. This
problem can be avoided or at least reduced by cooling the first
part of the sole in which the at least one outsole element is
placed. Moreover, the cooling may allow to further shorten the
overall cycle time so that in the end an even more efficient
production of shoe soles may be achieved.
[0040] The method may further comprise the steps of removing the
formed shoe soles and curing the formed shoe soles under the
influence of heat. The curing may be provided outside the mold,
which is advantageous as the time for curing may take significantly
longer than the time for molding the shoe soles. A new molding
cycle can therefore start long before the curing step is
finished.
[0041] In one embodiment, the medium comprises steam.
Advantageously, steam is not expensive, relatively easy to handle
and provides the necessary temperature for the bonding and/or
fusing process of certain types of particles among each other and
with the outsole and/or the support element.
[0042] A further aspect of the invention is directed to an
apparatus for automatically manufacturing shoe soles. In one
embodiment, the apparatus comprises a transfer device adapted to be
loaded with at least one outsole element and at least one
supporting element, a robotic device adapted to position the loaded
transfer device adjacent or even between a first part and a second
part of a sole mold, wherein the robotic device is further adapted
to transfer the at least one outsole element from the transfer
device to the first part and to transfer the at least one
supporting element from the transfer device to the second part of
the sole mold, a particle supply adapted to fill the sole mold with
a plurality of individual particles and a medium supply, the medium
being adapted to bond and/or fuse the particles with each other and
with the at least one outsole element.
[0043] In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first and a
second part of the sole mold, wherein the two parts are movable by
means of at least one linear guiding rod. Such an embodiment
provides a very reliably and simply way for closing the two parts
of the sole mold. Moreover, a linear closing movement of the two
parts may be performed with comparatively high speed as the at
least one guiding rod provides a high amount of directional
stability. Again, the overall result is a reduction in cycle time
as well as a minimum risk of operational problems during the
automated manufacturing of shoe soles.
[0044] Finally, according to another aspect the present invention
is directed to a shoe sole manufactured by one of the above
summarized methods and/or apparatuses and to a shoe comprising such
a sole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention
is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements,
but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope
of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other
ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in
conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This
description should not be interpreted as implying any particular
order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements
except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of
elements is explicitly described.
[0046] Various embodiments of the present invention are described
in the following detailed description. However, emphasis is placed
on the fact that the present invention is not limited to these
embodiments. The method described herein may be used for the
manufacture of shoe soles in general, such as, for example, for
sport shoes, casual shoes, lace-up shoes or boots such as working
boots.
[0047] It is also to be noted that individual embodiments of the
invention are described in greater detail below. However, it is
clear to the person skilled in the art that the design
possibilities and optional features described in relation to these
specific embodiments can be further modified and combined with one
another in a different manner within the scope of the present
invention and that individual steps or features can also be omitted
where they appear to be unnecessary. In order to avoid
redundancies, reference is made to the explanations in the previous
sections, which also apply to the embodiments of the following
detailed description.
[0048] FIG. 1 presents a schematic view of an embodiment of a
manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the invention for
automatically manufacturing shoe soles, for example for a sport
shoe. In the following, the operation of the apparatus 100 will be
described.
[0049] The process starts with loading 107 a transfer plate 105
with at least one outsole element 110 and at least one supporting
element 115. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, an exemplary number of
six pieces of each element 110 and 115 are loaded onto the transfer
plate 105. The geometry for arranging the elements 110 and 115 onto
the transfer plate 105 may be selected freely depending on the
available space. Moreover, the loading step 107 may be executed
manually by workers and/or automatically by machines, e.g.
robots.
[0050] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the step of loading 107 the
transfer device 105 comprises the step of attaching the outsole
elements 110 to a first side of the transfer plate 105, rotating
150 the transfer plate 105 by means of a robot arm 122 and
attaching the supporting elements to a second side of the transfer
plate 105 opposite to the first side. Thus, the footprint of the
apparatus 100 may be reduced as only a single transfer plate 105 is
needed for the loading 107 of two types of elements for a plurality
of shoe soles to be molded.
[0051] In one embodiment (not shown), the transfer may be performed
not by the transfer plate 105 but by a more complex transfer
object, e.g. a cube with six adjacent sides, in order to increase
the number of outsole and/or supporting elements that can be
transferred to the sole molds in a single movement.
[0052] In one embodiment, the attaching step may further comprise
that the transfer plate 105 is adapted to suction the outsole
elements 110 and/or the supporting elements 115. Once again, in
contrast to a mechanical attachment, a suctioning operation can be
largely independent of the variances in product manufacturing
tolerances of the individual item and additionally, in the context
of shoe manufacture, the difference in dimensions due to the
requirement for a range of different shoe sizes. This advantage
facilitates the automated production of shoe soles and particularly
facilitates manufacture of shoe soles with different sizes.
[0053] As a next step, the process includes a step 120 of moving
the loaded transfer plate 105 by means of a robotic device 122 into
a position between a plurality of first parts of a plurality of
sole molds (not shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of second parts
125 of the sole mold. The first parts and the second parts are
described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b.
While the transfer plate 105 is in the described embodiment moved
into a position between the pluralities of first and second parts,
it is also conceivable to arrange the first and second parts
initially in another configuration, for example side by side,
before the transfer of the outsole elements and the supporting
elements from the transfer plate to the first and second sole parts
takes place. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the schematic robotic device
122 comprises a rotatable arm, which may be moveable also in other
directions so as to rotate or move the transfer plate in all three
directions in space. In addition, it is also conceivable that the
robotic device 122 may comprise other components such as additional
arms for example for attaching a plurality of transfer plates
105.
[0054] FIG. 1 also illustrates the subsequent step of transferring
127 the plurality of outsole elements 110 from the transfer plate
105 to the first parts (not shown in FIG. 1) of the sole molds and
of transferring 127 the plurality of supporting elements 115 to the
second parts 125 of the sole molds. For example, the robotic device
122 may move into the middle location in between the two parts.
Between the two mold parts the robotic device configuration may be
such that the transfer plate 105 moves linearly with respect to the
mold surfaces. The transfer plate 105 may then move up to the first
parts, which may be fixed and may push the plurality of outsole
elements 110 into the cavity. As the robotic device 122 positions
the loaded transfer plate 105 with six outsole elements 110 and six
supporting elements 115 between the first and second parts of the
sole mold, the elements can be transferred at in a short amount of
time into the corresponding first and/or second mold parts. Thus,
the cycle time of the overall process is significantly reduced.
[0055] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the step of transferring 127
the at least one outsole element 110 further comprises placing the
supporting elements 115 in a corresponding plurality of holding
elements 160 (FIG. 2b shows an example of such a holding element
220 in more detail) provided in the second parts 125 of the molds.
The outsole elements 110 may be placed into a plurality of
correspondingly shaped recesses 235 (shown in FIG. 2a) provided in
the first parts of the molds. It is apparent to the skilled person
that the arrangement and the function of the first and the second
parts of the sole molds could also be exchanged.
[0056] The holding elements 160 and recesses 235 allow to securely
position the two types of elements for the subsequent molding for
each process. As a result, the steps of filling 130 the mold with
particles and applying 140 the medium provide a final shoe sole
that comprises both, a correctly attached outsole element 110 and a
correctly integrated support element 115. As can be seen, the whole
process can be performed without any adhesives being involved.
[0057] The first and the second parts 125 are movable by a movement
170 to close the sole molds prior to a step 130 of filling each
mold with a plurality of individual particles. In other words, the
first and the second parts 125 of the sole molds provide a set of
six mold cavities into which the individual particles can be
filled. Advantageously, any loss of particles is therefore reliably
avoided. Alternatively, only one part of the mold may be moveable.
In the filling step 130, a high number of the particles may be
supplied in a short amount of time so that the production cycle
time is further reduced.
[0058] Each sole mold may comprise at least one first opening 240
arranged in one or in both parts of the sole mold for supplying the
particles. In the embodiment of FIG. 2b, the first opening 240 is
provided in the second part 210 of the mold. Providing more than
one first opening may further accelerate the supply of the
particles into the respective mold. In addition or alternatively,
it is also conceivable that the first opening 240 could be provided
simply by opening a gap between the two parts of the mold and
filling the particles through the gap.
[0059] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may comprise moveable
pins for ejecting the molded shoe soles (not shown in the Figures).
For example two of such moveable pins may be integrated into the at
least one first opening 240, alternatively or additionally two of
such moveable pins may be integrated into each holding element 160.
In a first position, the pins do not extend beyond the surface of
the mold cavity and in a second position the moveable pins may
extend out of the at least one first opening 240 or holding element
160 and thus push the manufactured sole out of the sole mold.
Alternatively or in addition, other means may be provided to remove
the molded sole from the mold such as compressed air or even an
automatic gripper employing, for example, electrostatic, sectional
or mechanical gripping means. It should be evident that other
gripping means known in the state of the art of automatic grippers
can also be used.
[0060] In one embodiment, the particles may, for example, be made
from an expanded material such as expanded thermoplastic
polyurethane pellets (eTPU) or expanded polyamide pellets (ePA) or
expanded polyetherblockamide pellets (ePEBA). It is also
conceivable that any other appropriate material for the purpose of
shoe midsole manufacture may be used. Furthermore, the expanded
particles may be randomly arranged or with a certain pattern inside
the mold.
[0061] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, a medium is supplied in a
next step 140 by a medium supply 145 to bond and/or fuse the
particles with each other and with the at least one outsole element
110. In contrast to the prior art, only a single production step is
needed, which replaces an individual attachment of each outsole
element 110 after the midsole manufacture. Moreover, the support
element 115 can at the same time be automatically integrated into
the sole made from the bonded/fused particles. As a result, the
overall cycle time and the labor costs are reduced.
[0062] While many different types of media are conceivable, such as
special chemicals or massless media such as electromagnetic
radiation, the embodiment of FIG. 1 uses steam. Steam is
inexpensive, easy to handle and provides the necessary temperature
for the bonding and/or fusing process of certain types of
particles, in particular the above-mentioned particles from
expanded thermoplastic polyurethane.
[0063] As can be seen in FIG. 2a, the first parts 200 comprise at
least one recess 235 which may be correspondingly shaped to the at
least one outsole element 110. In such an embodiment, the plurality
of recesses 235 may be arranged so that they may form essentially
the negative of a complete outsole. The outsole elements 110 may be
placed by the robotic device 122 in the recesses of the first parts
of the mold prior to the molding process with the particles.
[0064] The outsole elements 110 may be pre-manufactured, for
example, by injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming
or any other methods of converting 2D designs to 3D moldings as
known to the skilled person in the art. Alternatively, the outsole
elements 110 may at least partly be formed or molded in the first
part 200 of the mold. For example, a raw strip of outsole material
can be positioned in the mold, which is then heated during molding
of the particles and only then assumes the final outsole shape and
at the same time connects to the molded particles.
[0065] In the embodiment in FIG. 2a, each first part 200 of the
molds comprises at least two second openings 250. The second
openings 250 may be arranged adjacent to the recesses 235 to
uniformly supply the medium to bond and/or fuse the particles with
each other in order to form the midsole, wherein the midsole may be
simultaneously connected to the outsole element 110 positioned in
the mold.
[0066] In the embodiment in FIG. 2a, the first part 200 comprises a
means 260 for cooling the first part 200 of the mold and/or the
outsole elements arranged therein. The means for cooling 260 may be
small openings on the surface of the first part 200, which may be
connected to channels providing a cooling medium such as cold air
or a suitable liquid, for example, water. If the pre-manufactured
outsole elements 110 are subjected to higher temperatures during
molding the particles, they may start to deform or even melt, so
that fine structures of for example the profile of the outsole
elements may be distorted or even fully lost. This problem can be
avoided or at least reduced by cooling the first part 200 of the
sole mold in which the at least one outsole element 110 is placed.
Moreover, this may also allow to further shorten the overall cycle
time.
[0067] In the embodiment in FIG. 2b, the second part 210 of the
mold comprises a plurality of second openings 250 on the inner
surface of the second part. The second openings 250 are arranged in
an essentially regular pattern of elongated openings having a
smaller length than the average size of the particles. Second
openings 250 with such dimensions allow on the one hand the medium
such as steam to reach practically all particles of the sole to be
molded. On the other hand, individual particles or even a plurality
thereof are not left without support in the mold, so that an
unintended expansion of such particles into a larger second opening
is avoided, which could cause an uneven sole surface. In addition,
less or no particles can leave the sole mold through the second
openings 250. Moreover, the dense and regular pattern of second
openings as shown in FIG. 2b may also provide a high quality of the
molded particles as essentially the same amount of energy provided
by the steam can be absorbed by the particles throughout the sole
area.
[0068] FIG. 2b also shows an exemplary holding element 220 in the
midfoot portion of the final sole. As mentioned before, the holding
element allows to securely position a supporting element 115 in the
second part. In the embodiment of FIG. 2b, this is achieved by two
static, but somewhat elastic pins 230. The two static pins 230 are
formed to match the shape of a central portion of the supporting
element 115. It is also possible that only one or more than two
pins may be arranged to fix a supporting element at a predetermined
position inside the second part of the sole mold. This may depend
on the specific shape of the supporting element 115. In any case,
no adhesives are needed to integrate the supporting element 115 in
the molded particle sole. Alternatively or in addition, the holding
element 220 may be arranged in a heel portion and/or forefoot
portion of the sole mold depending on the desired performance
characteristics for the sole. In addition, it is also possible to
provide a plurality of holding elements 220 in order to provide
more than one supporting element 215 for the sole to be
manufactured and thereby provide specific performance
characteristics in certain parts of the sole.
[0069] FIG. 2a shows that the holding element 220 of the second
part of the mold may have a corresponding counterpart 265 in the
first part of the mold. This counterpart 265 may contribute to a
secure positioning of the supporting element 215, when the mold is
closed.
[0070] In one embodiment, the first part 200 and/or the second part
210 of the mold may be partly or even completely manufactured by an
additive manufacturing method. In a more specific embodiment, the
additive manufacturing method may involve laser sintering. However,
other additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing,
stereolithography (SLA), selective laser melting (SLM) or direct
metal laser sintering (DMLS), selective laser sintering (SLS),
fused deposition modeling (FDM), etc. can alternatively or in
addition be used to make the two parts 200 and 210.
[0071] The first part 200 and/or the second part 210 may comprise
stainless steel alloys, stainless hot-work steels, precipitation
hardening stainless steels, tool steels, aluminum alloys, titanium
alloys, commercially pure titanium, hot-work steels, bronze alloys,
nickel based alloys, cobalt based alloys, in particular, cobalt
chromium tungsten alloys, copper alloys, precious metal alloys.
Alternatively or in addition, any other material or a mixture of at
least two materials may be used provided the material(s) have
appropriate properties such as durability and/or conductivity
Alternatively or in addition, any other material or a mixture of at
least two materials may be used provided the material(s) have
appropriate properties such as durability and/or conductivity of
heat.
[0072] FIG. 3 presents a side view of an apparatus 300 for the
automated manufacturing of shoe soles according to the invention.
The apparatus 300 may comprise one or more of the above explained
features of the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2a-2b.
[0073] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the apparatus 300 also comprises a
transfer plate 305 loaded with a plurality of outsole elements 310
and a plurality of supporting elements 315 on opposite sides of the
transfer device 305. Moreover, the apparatus 300 comprises a
robotic device 317 adapted to position in a step 320 the loaded
transfer plate 305 between a first carrier 330 for a plurality of
first parts of sole molds and a second carrier 340 for a plurality
of second parts of sole molds. The first parts on the first carrier
330 and the second parts on the second carrier 340 are moveable in
a step 335 by means of a plurality of linear guiding rods 350.
[0074] Such an embodiment provides a very reliably and simply way
for closing the sole molds. If a larger number of first and seconds
parts of the sole molds are attached to the two carriers in order
to produce a higher number of shoe soles during each production
cycle, the linear guiding rods 350 may provide an increased
stability and precision for the overall apparatus 300.
[0075] Moreover, a linear closing movement of the two parts 330 and
340 may be performed with comparatively high speed as the at least
one guiding rod 350 provides a high amount of directional
stability. Again, this allows to reduce the cycle time and to a
more efficient manufacturing of shoe soles.
[0076] In one embodiment, the apparatus 300 may further comprise a
means for curing the formed shoe soles under the influence of heat
(not shown). For example, after ejection by means of the above
described ejection pins, the molded shoe soles may drop onto a
conveyer belt that automatically take the soles to an oven. Here
the soles may be cured, for example for several hours at an
elevated temperature of more than 60.degree. C., preferably at
70.degree. C. Heat may be provided to said oven by a variety of
means, for example, conventional oven heating elements known in the
state of the art, high frequency (HF) electromagnetic radiation,
radio frequency (RF) radiation, microwave (MW) radiation or
different electromagnetic radiation, or electromagnetic fields in
general, for supplying heat energy. At the same time the apparatus
300 may continue to run through several additional production
cycles--which may be as short as a few seconds--to mold further
shoe soles. In other words, providing a separate curing station
further increases the productivity of the molding process and the
corresponding apparatus.
[0077] FIG. 4a presents a schematic view of another embodiment of a
manufacturing system 400 for automatically manufacturing shoe
soles, for example a sport shoe, performing a method as mentioned
above and including one or more stations for automatically post
processing. The manufacturing system 400 may comprise an apparatus
405 for the automated manufacture of shoe soles based on one or
more of the above explained features of the embodiments in FIGS. 1,
2a-2b and 3.
[0078] The manufacturing system 400 may comprise a movable loading
table 407 on which at least one outsole element and at least one
supporting element may be arranged for the step of loading the
transfer device of the apparatus 405, similar to the transfer
device 305 of FIG. 3. For example, the movable loading table 407
may be loaded at floor level and then may rise vertically to the
height of the transfer device so that the step of loading the
transfer device may be performed. Moreover, the movable loading
table 407 may be movable in other directions, for example in a
horizontal direction. Thus, the manufacturing process may be
simplified and the transfer device may be faster loaded so that the
cycle time may be reduced.
[0079] In one embodiment, the manufacturing system 400 for
automatically manufacturing shoe soles may comprise means for
releasing (not shown in FIG. 4a) a first part of a mold comprising
at least one recess as explained above, wherein the at least one
recess may be shaped correspondingly to the at least one outsole
element. Such means for releasing may be designed to enable quick
or fast release to aid interchanging. Additionally, or
alternatively, the means for releasing may be designed in such a
way to facilitate automated interchanging of the first part of the
mold for different shoe sizes so that the overall cycle time for
manufacturing a plurality of shoe soles may be reduced.
[0080] The manufacturing system 400 may comprise means for
automated unloading of the molded shoe soles from the molds. For
example, a robotic device using means for gripping, for example,
vacuum grippers having plates being larger than the manufactured
shoe soles, may remove the molded shoe soles from the molds. The
robotic device may slide vertically on a line in front of the
molds. Additionally or alternatively, the robotic device may slide
vertically and horizontally on a line in front of the molds.
Moreover, there may be an end stop or end stops on the line to
ensure, that the distance the robotic device can travel, can be
controlled.
[0081] Moreover, the means for automated unloading of the molded
shoe soles from the molds may comprise means for automatically
detecting retained components, for example, outsole element or
particles, in the molds. For example, a vision system comprising at
least one camera may be used, wherein the vision system may
comprise means for comparing at least one picture of the mold with
at least one reference picture. The at least one reference picture
may be provided from a database.
[0082] The manufacturing system 400 may comprise means for
measuring the weight of the manufactured shoe sole, for example, a
small weight scale to directly measure this weight. If the weight
is within tolerances, then the manufactured shoe sole may be placed
on a conveyer and may be conveyed to a curing station 410, for
example, an oven. In this context, measuring the weight of the shoe
at an early stage may be useful to give early indications of
problems, for example, problems within the foamer for foaming the
particles of the midsole.
[0083] As can be seen in FIG. 4a, the manufacturing system 400 may
comprise at least one curing station 410 for curing a plurality of
manufactured shoe soles, wherein the plurality of manufactured shoe
soles may be placed onto a tray (not shown in FIG. 4a).
Additionally or alternatively, the tray may comprise a means for
tracking, for example, a tracking system code. After the step of
curing, the tray may be removed from the at least one curing
station 410, for example, by the means for automated unloading the
molded shoe soles or another device, and may be placed on another
conveyer to be taken to an automated quality check station 420
which will be explained in FIG. 4b. Additionally or alternatively,
there may be a buffer on the conveyer to store one or more shoe
soles, if the automated quality check station 420 is occupied.
[0084] After the automated quality check, the finished shoe soles
may be stored in at least one storage station 430.
[0085] FIG. 4b presents a detailed view of an embodiment according
to another aspect of the present invention directed to a method for
an automated quality check of a manufactured shoe sole.
[0086] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a.)
generating a three-dimensional scan of the shoe sole and (b.)
comparing the result of the three-dimensional scan with stored
design data. The three-dimensional scan and the step of comparing
which may be performed automatically by one or more entities may
significantly reduce the overall cycle time. This advantage
facilitates the automated production of shoe soles.
[0087] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional scan may be
generated while moving the shoe sole. Additionally or
alternatively, the scanner may also be moved around the shoe sole.
Both options follow the same idea that the whole shoe sole or
component is carefully imaged. Moreover, the method may further
comprise the step of taking at least one picture of the non-moving
shoe sole. All these options follow the same idea of further
significantly reducing the cycle time and reducing labor costs
whilst performing the quality check and increasing repeatability,
and precision.
[0088] Moreover, the step of comparing may be directed to identify
physical and visible defects on one or more areas of the shoe sole,
for example, unfused or excessively fused particles, dirt or
foreign matter in/on the shoe sole etc.
[0089] In some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of
measuring the weight of the shoe sole and/or measuring at least one
key dimension of the shoe sole. Thus, dynamic properties such as
cushioning, stiffness or flexing properties of the manufactured
shoe sole may also be automatically investigated.
[0090] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of
providing a means for tracking the shoe sole, preferably a quick
response, QR, code. Thus, different information about the shoe sole
(e.g. material properties, shape, density, melting temperature,
etc.) may be obtained by reading the QR code. It is also
conceivable that any other code may be used such as UPC code, Micro
QR code, Secure QR-code, iQR-Code or Frame QR, etc. or any other
means for tracking such as RFID-Tags, transponder, etc.
[0091] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the
step of automatically storing the compared shoe sole in a storage
station. It should be noted that each step as mentioned herein may
be automated or performed automatically. The term "automated" or
"automatically" designates a process, which occurs with a reduction
in, or a complete removal of, human intervention.
[0092] According to another aspect, the present invention is
directed to a system for an automated quality check of a
manufactured shoe sole performing a method according to one of the
preceding embodiments. Moreover, the system for an automated
quality check of a manufactured shoe sole may be integrated into a
system for automatically manufacturing shoe soles. Furthermore,
both systems may be arranged in a common facility. For example, the
quality check system may be arranged next to one or more other
stations of the system for automatically manufacturing shoe soles
in the common facility (which could be a factory but also a
reserved space in a retail store). Additionally or alternatively,
the system for an automated quality check of a manufactured shoe
sole may be arranged in another facility and the checked
manufactured shoe soles may be then transported to the facility
where the system for automatically manufacturing shoe soles is
placed to perform steps of further processing.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 4b and as mentioned above, the method
for an automated quality check of a manufactured shoe sole
comprising randomly arranged particles may be performed by the
automated quality check station 420 of the system 400. In the
following, the operation of the automated quality check station 420
of the system 400 will be described.
[0094] It should be noted that any other arrangement of different
parts of the automated quality check station 420 explained in the
following is also conceivable. The process starts that the shoe
sole 421 enters the automated quality check station 420 via a
conveying means.
[0095] As a next step, the shoe sole 421 is imaged by an image
capture device 423, for example, a camera. The image capture device
may take a single image of the shoe sole, for example, a
two-dimensional picture. However, it is also possible that the
image capture device takes multiple images and furthermore that the
at least one image may comprise three-dimensional information, for
example, by using at least two cameras to provide contour
information of the surface(s).
[0096] After taking the at least one image of the shoe sole 421, a
robot device 424, equipped with gripping means, for example, needle
grippers, picks up the shoe sole 421 to move the shoe sole to a
further scanning area. The shoe sole may be moved directly to the
scanning area by the robot or the robot may place the shoe sole
onto an intermediate transport means, for example, conveying means
425 such as a conveyor belt. A three-dimensional scan is generated
by a scanning unit 426. This may be done while the shoe sole 421 is
static or when the shoe sole is moved over the scanning area.
[0097] In one embodiment, the scanning unit 426 may also comprise
an image capture device (similar to the picture capture device 423)
and a laser scanner. Other means for generating three-dimensional
scans of the shoe sole 421 known in the prior art may be also
used.
[0098] The scanning unit 426 images the shoe sole in order to
provide a visual and physical check of the product. For this
purpose, the result of the three-dimensional scan is compared with
stored design data. For example, the stored design data may
comprise a basic picture standard stored as a preset within the
automated quality check station 420. This basic picture standard is
compared with the three-dimensional scan and/or with the at least
one picture from the surface(s) of the shoe sole 421 to provide an
opinion of the quality of the shoe sole 421 to check if the shoe
sole 421 is faulty or not. Additionally or alternatively, the
automated quality check station 420 may comprise a machine learning
unit (not shown) so that the station 420 may learn and improve its
basic picture standards. Therefore, the step of comparing may be
improved. The machine learning unit may use self-learning
algorithms and models or may use the confirmation/declination of
the opinion of the surface(s) by an external expert to state
whether the shoe sole 421 is or is not acceptable.
[0099] As a next step, the shoe sole may be directly moved to the
scanning area by the robot 424 or the robot 424 may place the shoe
sole onto an intermediate transport means, for example, conveying
means 425 such as a conveyor belt for transporting the shoe sole to
the scale and a balance unit 427 to measure the weight of the shoe
sole 421 and/or at least one key dimension of the shoe sole, for
example, the length of the shoe sole 421.
[0100] In one embodiment, a means for tracking the shoe sole 421,
for example, a QR code as mentioned above, may be provided on the
shoe sole 421. For example, the information of the QR code may be
created once the shoe sole 421 has been arranged within the foamer
for foaming the particles of the midsole so that this information
may identify the shoe sole 421 in the automated quality check
station 420 and in the whole manufacturing system 400.
[0101] The shoe sole 421 may be automatically stored in the storage
station 430. It is possible that the quality check station 420 ends
in the storage unit. Furthermore, it is also possible that the shoe
soles may be directly moved to the storage area 430 by a robot or
the shoe soles are transported to the storage unit 430 by an
intermediate transport means, for example, conveying means 425 such
as a conveyor belt. The shoe sole 421 may then be stored according
to the information of the QR code.
[0102] In one embodiment, the at least one storage station 430 may
comprise a plurality of storage boxes (not shown) comprising an
electronic means, for example, RFID chips, to store the details of
the shoe sole 421. Each storage box may be equipped with two shoe
soles 421 corresponding to a finished pair of shoes. The storage
boxes may slide out of the storage station 430 to be taken and
stored elsewhere or in another storage box 430. Moreover, the means
for tracking may be used to derive information during further
processing steps or stages, for example, customization.
[0103] In the following, further embodiments are described to
facilitate the understanding of the invention:
[0104] 1. Method for automated manufacturing of shoe soles
comprising the steps of: [0105] a. loading a transfer device with
at least one outsole element and at least one supporting element;
[0106] b. positioning the loaded transfer device adjacent a first
part and a second part of a sole mold; [0107] c. transferring the
at least one outsole element from the transfer device to the first
part and transferring the at least one supporting element from the
transfer device to the second part of the sole mold; [0108] d.
filling the sole mold with a plurality of individual particles; and
[0109] e. applying a medium to bond and/or fuse the particles with
each other and with the at least one outsole element.
[0110] 2. Method according to embodiment 1, wherein the transfer
device is in step b. positioned between a first part and a second
part of a sole mold.
[0111] 3. Method according to the preceding embodiments 1 or 2,
wherein the step of loading the transfer device comprises the steps
of: attaching the at least one outsole element to a first side of a
transfer device; rotating the transfer device; and attaching the at
least one supporting element to a second side of the transfer
device opposite to the first side.
[0112] 4. Method according to the preceding embodiment 3, wherein
the steps of attaching comprises suctioning the at least one
outsole element and/or the at least one supporting element.
[0113] 5. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-4,
wherein the step of transferring the at least one outsole element
comprises placing the at least one outsole element into at least
one correspondingly shaped recess provided in the first part of the
mold.
[0114] 6. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-5,
wherein the step of transferring the at least one supporting
element comprises placing the at least one supporting element in a
holding element provided in the second part of the mold.
[0115] 7. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-6,
further comprising the step of ejecting the molded shoe sole from
the mold by means of ejecting devices integrated into the holding
element for the supporting element.
[0116] 8. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-7,
wherein the first part and/or the second part are moved to close
the mold prior to the step of filling the sole mold with a
plurality of individual particles.
[0117] 9. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments 1-8,
further comprising the step of cooling the first part of sole mold
when and/or after applying the medium.
[0118] 10. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments
1-9, further comprising the steps of: removing the formed shoe
soles; and curing the formed shoe soles under the influence of
heat.
[0119] 11. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments
1-10, wherein the medium comprises steam.
[0120] 12. Apparatus for automated manufacturing of shoe soles,
comprising: [0121] a. a transfer device adapted to be loaded with
at least one outsole element and at least one supporting element;
[0122] b. a robotic device adapted to position the loaded transfer
device adjacent a first part and a second part of a sole mold;
[0123] c. wherein the robotic device is further adapted to transfer
the at least one outsole element from the transfer device to the
first part and adapted to transfer the at least one supporting
element from the transfer device to the second part of the sole
mold; [0124] d. a particle supply adapted to fill the sole mold
with a plurality of individual particles; and [0125] e. a medium
supply, the medium being adapted to bond and/or fuse the particles
with each other and with the at least one outsole element.
[0126] 13. Apparatus according to the preceding embodiment 12,
wherein the robotic device is adapted to position the loaded
transfer device between the first and the second part of the sole
mold.
[0127] 14. Apparatus according to embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the
transfer device is adapted to be loaded with the at least one
outsole element and the at least one supporting element on opposite
sides of the transfer device.
[0128] 15. Apparatus according to one of the preceding embodiments
12-14, wherein the transfer device is adapted to suction the at
least one outsole element and/or the at least one supporting
element.
[0129] 16. Apparatus according to one of the preceding embodiments
12-15, wherein the robotic device is adapted to place the at least
one outsole element into at least one correspondingly shaped recess
provided in the first part of the mold.
[0130] 17. Apparatus according to one of the preceding embodiments
12-16, wherein the robotic device is adapted to place the at least
one supporting element in a holding element provided in the second
part of the mold.
[0131] 18. Apparatus according to one of the preceding embodiments
12-17, further comprising a first part and a second part of the
sole mold, wherein means for ejecting the molded shoe soles are
integrated into the holding element of the second part.
[0132] 19. Apparatus according to one of the preceding embodiments
12-18, wherein the first part and/or the second part are movable to
close the mold prior to filling the sole mold with a plurality of
individual particles.
[0133] 20. Apparatus according to embodiment 19, wherein the first
and/or the second part are moveable by means of at least one linear
guiding rod.
[0134] 21. Apparatus according to one of the preceding embodiments
12-20, further comprising a means for cooling the first part of
sole mold.
[0135] 22. Apparatus according to one of the preceding embodiments
12-21, further comprising a means for curing the formed shoe soles
under the influence of heat after removal from the sole mold.
[0136] 23. Apparatus according to one of the preceding embodiments
12-22, wherein the medium supply is adapted to supply steam.
[0137] 24. Sole manufactured with a method according to one of the
preceding embodiments 1-11.
[0138] 25. Shoe comprising a shoe sole according to embodiment
24.
[0139] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the
drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not
shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and
sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference
to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the
invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive
purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to
readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the
drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made
without departing from the scope of the claims below.
* * * * *