U.S. patent application number 15/994072 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-20 for systems and method for producing three-dimensional articles from flexible composite materials.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cubic Tech Corporation. Invention is credited to Christopher Michael Adams, Roland Joseph Downs, Jon Michael Holweger.
Application Number | 20180361683 15/994072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50681963 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180361683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Downs; Roland Joseph ; et
al. |
December 20, 2018 |
SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THREE-DIMENSIONAL ARTICLES FROM
FLEXIBLE COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Abstract
The present disclosure encompasses three-dimensional articles
comprising flexible-composite materials and methods of
manufacturing said three-dimensional articles. More particularly,
the present system relates to methods for manufacturing seamless
three-dimensional-shaped articles usable for such finished products
as airbags/inflatable structures, bags, shoes, and similar
three-dimensional products. A preferred manufacturing process
combines composite molding methods with specific precursor
materials to form fiber-reinforced continuous shaped articles that
are flexible and collapsible.
Inventors: |
Downs; Roland Joseph; (Mesa,
AZ) ; Adams; Christopher Michael; (Mesa, AZ) ;
Holweger; Jon Michael; (Queen Creek, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cubic Tech Corporation |
Mesa |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50681963 |
Appl. No.: |
15/994072 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14791025 |
Jul 2, 2015 |
9993978 |
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15994072 |
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14076201 |
Nov 9, 2013 |
9114570 |
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14791025 |
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61724375 |
Nov 9, 2012 |
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61780312 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
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61800452 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/547 20130101;
B29D 35/0054 20130101; B32B 38/0012 20130101; B29C 66/022 20130101;
Y10T 156/1051 20150115; B29C 65/7832 20130101; B29C 70/202
20130101; B29C 70/205 20130101; B29L 2031/505 20130101; B29K
2105/256 20130101; A43B 23/042 20130101; Y10T 156/1002 20150115;
B32B 5/04 20130101; B32B 2307/734 20130101; B29C 66/004 20130101;
B32B 2260/046 20130101; B32B 2262/106 20130101; B32B 2307/748
20130101; B29C 33/76 20130101; B32B 2260/023 20130101; Y10T 442/614
20150401; B29C 35/02 20130101; Y10T 156/14 20150115; B29C 43/203
20130101; B32B 5/12 20130101; B32B 2262/103 20130101; B29L 2031/30
20130101; B32B 2307/7265 20130101; A43B 23/0235 20130101; B29C
43/003 20130101; B29D 35/00 20130101; B32B 2437/02 20130101; B29C
37/0078 20130101; B32B 5/26 20130101; B32B 1/04 20130101; B32B
2605/00 20130101; B29D 35/0063 20130101; Y10T 428/24628 20150115;
B29K 2105/12 20130101; B32B 2262/0269 20130101; A43B 23/0225
20130101; B32B 5/028 20130101; B32B 5/022 20130101; B29L 2031/768
20130101; Y10T 428/19 20150115; B32B 2571/00 20130101; B29C 55/023
20130101; B29C 70/20 20130101; B29C 43/12 20130101; B29C 66/432
20130101; B29C 53/60 20130101; B29C 70/345 20130101; B29D 35/146
20130101; B32B 5/02 20130101; Y10T 428/24074 20150115; B32B 37/18
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B29C 70/20 20060101
B29C070/20; B32B 5/26 20060101 B32B005/26; B32B 38/00 20060101
B32B038/00; B32B 1/04 20060101 B32B001/04; B32B 5/02 20060101
B32B005/02; A43B 23/02 20060101 A43B023/02; A43B 23/04 20060101
A43B023/04; B29C 33/76 20060101 B29C033/76; B29C 35/02 20060101
B29C035/02; B29C 37/00 20060101 B29C037/00; B29C 43/00 20060101
B29C043/00; B29C 43/12 20060101 B29C043/12; B29C 43/20 20060101
B29C043/20; B29C 55/02 20060101 B29C055/02; B29C 65/78 20060101
B29C065/78; B29C 65/00 20060101 B29C065/00; B32B 5/12 20060101
B32B005/12; B32B 5/04 20060101 B32B005/04; B29D 35/14 20100101
B29D035/14; B29D 35/00 20100101 B29D035/00; B29C 70/34 20060101
B29C070/34; B32B 37/18 20060101 B32B037/18 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A manufacturing method comprising: inflating an elastomeric
bladder into a forming tool; assembling a layup on said forming
tool to form a laid-up assembly by applying at least one
unidirectional tape layer over said forming tool, said
unidirectional tape layer comprising reinforcing fibers in parallel
alignment, impregnated with an adhesive resin matrix; and curing
said laid-up assembly into a cured assembly comprising a cured
composite on said forming tool.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said reinforcing fibers comprises
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein said assembling a layup on said
forming tool further comprises the addition of fiber tows on said
forming tool.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein said laid-up assembly comprises
at least two unidirectional tape layers disposed such that the
fiber directions in any two adjacent unidirectional tape layers are
not aligned.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein said elastomeric bladder
comprises a shape memory polymer having a polymer transition
temperature, said polymer having rigidity at temperatures below
said polymer transition temperature and elastomeric flexibility at
temperatures above said polymer transition temperature.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said step of inflating comprises
internally pressurizing said elastomeric bladder while said
elastomeric bladder is inside a female mold maintained at a
temperature above said polymer transition temperature, wherein said
female mold comprises an internal cavity having a three-dimensional
shape.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising cooling said female
mold to a temperature below said polymer transition temperature,
after said step of inflating, and removing said forming tool in a
rigidized state from said female mold prior to said step of
assembling, said forming tool comprising a three-dimensional shape
complementary to said internal cavity.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said cured composite and said
forming tool remain integrated following said step of curing.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of removing
said cured composite from said forming tool after said step of
curing, wherein said step of removing comprises blowing hot air
inside said elastomeric bladder.
11. The method of claim 6, wherein said step of curing further
comprises inflating said elastomeric bladder while said laid-up
assembly is inside a female mold maintained at a temperature above
said polymer transition temperature, wherein said female mold
comprises an internal cavity having a three-dimensional shape, and
wherein said cured assembly externally conforms to said
three-dimensional shape of said internal cavity.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising both removing said
cured assembly from said female mold and removing said cured
composite from said forming tool at said temperature above said
polymer transition temperature.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of cooling
said female mold to a temperature below said polymer transition
temperature and removing said cured assembly from said female
mold.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, after the step of
removing said cured assembly from said female mold, removing said
cured composite from said forming tool by blowing hot air inside
said forming tool to soften it enough for removal from said cured
composite.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/791,025 filed Jul. 2, 2015
which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/076,201 filed Nov. 9, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,114,570,
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/724,375 filed Nov. 9, 2012; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/780,312 filed Mar. 13, 2013; and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/800,452 filed Mar. 15,
2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for
producing three-dimensional articles from flexible composite
materials. For example, the present disclosure relates to systems
and methods for manufacturing three-dimensional shaped articles for
airbags/inflatable structures, bags, shoes, and similar
three-dimensional articles, based on flexible composite
materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In regards to fabric-related products, there has been
continued difficulty in optimizing various combinations of
properties such as weight, rigidity, penetrability,
waterproof-ability, breathability, color, mold-ability, cost,
customizability, flexibility, package-ability, and the like,
especially with regard to fabric-related products such as clothing
and shoes, camping and hiking goods, comfortable armor, protective
inflatables, and the like.
[0004] For example, current market trends see the expansion of
automotive airbag technology into many new applications including
aircraft, bus, and train/high speed rail systems, and for personal
head and neck support in sporting, motorcycle, motorsports, or
military applications. This same technology has applications in
emergency and other commercial floatation systems, emergency
floatation vests and gear, avalanche protection, oil & chemical
spill control, water bladder reservoirs for outdoor applications,
backpacks, bivies and storage systems in general. Trends in airbag
technology put a premium on development of very lightweight, thin,
high strength, pressure tight envelopes that are impact and
puncture resistant.
[0005] For many sports activities, the same importance is attached
to the weight and strength of the participant's wearable equipment.
This is especially true in sports and athletics shoes where a key
objective is to provide footwear that is as light as possible but
which, at the same time, maintains essential biomechanical
structural support properties.
[0006] For at least these reasons, development of new
cost-effective fabric-related articles, having reduced weight and
required structural performance, and new systems and methods of
manufacturing fabric-related articles, would be a great
benefit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In various aspects of the present disclosure, systems and
methods for producing three-dimensional articles from various
flexible composite materials are disclosed.
[0008] In various aspects of the present disclosure, improved
monofilament-related products, methods and equipment are provided,
along with systems for producing three-dimensional articles from
flexible-composite materials.
[0009] In various aspects of the present disclosure, systems for
the design and manufacture of fabric-related products are
described, using the technologies and useful arts herein taught and
embodied.
[0010] In various aspects of the present disclosure, improvements
in efficiently controlling properties of fabric-related products,
including but not limited to: weight, rigidity, penetrability,
waterproof-ability, breathability, color, mold-ability, cost,
customizability, flexibility, package-ability, etc., including
desired combinations of such properties, are disclosed.
[0011] In various aspects of the present disclosure, methods for
manufacturing three-dimensional shaped articles based on flexible
composite materials, usable for airbags, inflatable structures in
general, bags, shoes, and similar three-dimensional articles, are
disclosed.
[0012] In various aspects of the present disclosure, a system of
manufacturing provides fine-tuning, at desired places on a
fabric-related product, directional control of rigidity,
flexibility, and elasticity properties.
[0013] In various aspects of the present disclosure, fabric-related
products combine extreme light weight with extreme strength.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the disclosure, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows side views of thin engineered flexible
composite materials adjacent conventional woven materials in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a three-dimensional
flexible composite article, in accordance with various embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of tools and molding
arrangements used to produce three-dimensional articles in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of alternate preferred tools
and molding arrangements used to produce preferred articles in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of preferred tools and molding
arrangements of FIG. 4 in accordance with various embodiments of
the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of an article produced by the
preferred tools and molding arrangements of FIG. 4 in accordance
with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show a schematic diagram, generally
illustrating alternate preferred steps, tools, and molding
arrangements for the production of preferred flexible composite
articles, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view, diagrammatically
illustrating a flexible composite article containing integrated
structural reinforcements for attachment points, through holes, and
reinforcing straps for enhanced load carrying capability, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view, diagrammatically illustrating
alternate flexible composite materials made with two or more
monofilaments, fibers, or tows using alternating unitapes
comprising different fibers, in accordance with various embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 10 shows a sectional view, diagrammatically
illustrating an alternate flexible composite material made with two
or more monofilaments, fibers, or tows using alternating unitapes
comprising different fibers, in accordance with various embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view, diagrammatically
illustrating a composite footwear upper, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 12A shows a side view, diagrammatically illustrating an
engineered composite footwear upper, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 12B shows a side view, diagrammatically illustrating an
engineered composite footwear upper, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 13 shows a partially exploded diagram illustrating a
preferred composite construction consistent with the construction
of the composite footwear upper of FIG. 11, in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 14 shows a diagram generally illustrating preferred
methods of producing a modular engineered composite footwear upper
usable in multiple shoe applications, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 15 shows a diagram generally illustrating one preferred
method of producing the composite footwear upper of FIG. 11 in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 16 shows a diagram generally illustrating a set of
initial fabrication steps employed in the production of the
composite footwear upper of FIG. 11, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 17 shows a plan view, diagrammatically illustrating a
planar composite component capable of forming a composite footwear
upper, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 18 shows a diagram generally illustrating a set of
subsequent fabrication steps employed in the production of the
composite footwear upper of FIG. 11, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 19 shows a schematic diagram generally illustrating a
first consolidation and curing methodology employable in the
production of the composite footwear upper of FIG. 11, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram generally illustrating a
second consolidation and curing methodology employable in the
production of the composite footwear upper of FIG. 11, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 21 shows a diagram generally illustrating one exemplary
method of applying finish componentry to the composite footwear
upper of FIG. 11, in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 22 shows a diagram generally illustrating an alternate
exemplary method of applying finish componentry to the composite
footwear upper of FIG. 11, in accordance with various embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 23 shows a diagram generally illustrating an alternate
exemplary method of applying finish componentry to the composite
footwear upper of FIG. 11 in accordance with various embodiments of
the present disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a tube formed from rigidized
Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), in accordance with various embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 25 shows a tube of SMP further shaped within a female
mold, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 26 shows application of fiber tows to a rigidized form
tool, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of a super plastic forming type
system, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 28 shows an embodiment of a ply-by-ply layup of unitape
layers and other structural elements onto a male form tool, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
and
[0044] FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of a ply-by-ply layup of
unitape layers and other structural elements onto a male form tool,
in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The following description is of various exemplary
embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope,
applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any
way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a
convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments
including the best mode. As will become apparent, various changes
may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements
described in these embodiments without departing from principles of
the present disclosure.
[0046] As described in more detail herein, various embodiments of
the present disclosure generally comprise a laminate including
reinforcing elements therein, such reinforcing elements including
at least one unidirectional tape having monofilaments therein, all
of such monofilaments lying in a predetermined direction within the
tape, wherein such monofilaments have diameters less than 40
microns and wherein spacing between individual monofilaments within
an adjoining strengthening group of monofilaments are abutting
adjacent monofilaments or are within a gap distance in the range
between non-abutting monofilaments up to fifty times the
monofilament major diameter. In various embodiments, the gap
distance in the range between non-abutting monofilaments may be up
to nine times the monofilament major diameter.
[0047] In various embodiments of laminates in accordance with the
present disclosure, the tows consisting of a bundle of large
numbers of monofilaments are extruded, pull-truded or otherwise
converted from a plurality of tows of monofilaments, into a thin
planar unitape consisting of a plurality of substantially parallel
oriented monofilaments of predetermined thickness, fiber areal
density, resin matrix coating or embedment specification to meet
the design specifications from computer structural analysis or
preexisting specification. Additionally, reinforcing elements may
comprise at least two such unidirectional tapes, each having
extruded monofilaments therein, all of such monofilaments lying in
a predetermined direction within the tape, wherein such
monofilaments have diameters less than 40 microns and wherein
spacing between individual monofilaments within an adjoining
strengthening group of monofilaments are abutting adjacent
monofilaments or are within a gap distance in the range between
non-abutting monofilaments up to fifty times the monofilament major
diameter. In various embodiments, the gap distance in the range
between non-abutting monofilaments may be up to nine times the
monofilament major diameter. In various embodiments, unidirectional
tapes comprise larger areas without any monofilaments, and wherein
such larger areas comprise laminar overlays comprising smaller
areas without monofilaments.
[0048] Specifications for particular unitapes used may have
differing fiber areal densities, resin specifications, spread
specifications, layer thickness fiber types, and may contain
differing blends of two or more fibers.
[0049] In various embodiments of a laminate in accordance with the
present disclosure, smaller areas comprise user-planned
arrangements. In various embodiments, laminates further comprise a
set of water-breathable or waterproof/breathable (W/B) elements
comprising laminar overlays of such smaller areas. Further,
laminates may comprise a set of other laminar overlays. Moreover, a
laminate in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise a
first one of such at least two unidirectional tapes that includes
monofilaments lying in a different predetermined direction than a
second one of such at least two unidirectional tapes.
[0050] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a
combination of the different predetermined directions of such at
least two unidirectional tapes is user-selected to achieve laminate
properties having planned directional rigidity/flexibility. Also in
various embodiments, a laminate may comprise a three-dimensionally
shaped, flexible composite part. In various embodiments, a
three-dimensionally shaped, flexible composite part comprises
multiple laminate segments attached along peripheral joints. In
various embodiments, three-dimensionally shaped, flexible composite
parts comprise at least one laminate segment attached along
peripheral joints to at least one non-laminate segment. In various
embodiments, such products can comprise multiple laminate segments
attached along area joints.
[0051] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a
fabric-related product comprises at least one laminate segment
attached along area joints to at least one non-laminate segment.
Such products may comprise at least one laminate segment attached
along area joints to at least one unitape segment. Additionally,
such products may comprise at least one laminate segment attached
along area joints to at least one monofilament segment. In various
embodiments, such products may further comprise at least one rigid
element. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least
one unidirectional tape is attached to such a product.
[0052] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
of producing three-dimensionally shaped, flexible composite parts
comprises the steps of: providing at least one male mold and at
least one female mold having compatible configurations; applying at
least one first fiber-reinforced scrim over such at least one male
mold, said first fiber-reinforced scrim comprising two or more
layers of unidirectional fibers placed at different orientations;
optionally applying at least one second fiber-reinforced scrim over
such at least one male mold and such at least one first
fiber-reinforced scrim, said second fiber-reinforced scrim
comprising two or more layers of unidirectional fibers placed at
different orientations; optionally applying at least one first
surface layer over such at least one male mold, such at least one
first fiber-reinforced scrim, and such second fiber-reinforced
scrim to form a first composite layup; removing such first
composite layup from such at least one male mold and placing such
first composite layup, in an inverted configuration, within such at
least one female mold; optionally using a release liner by applying
at least one release liner to such at least one male mold; removing
such at least one release liner from such at least one male mold
and placing such release liner, in an inverted configuration,
within such at least one female mold over such first composite
layup; optionally applying at least one second surface layer over
such at least one male mold; applying at least one third
fiber-reinforced scrim over such at least one male mold and such at
least one second surface layer, said third fiber-reinforced scrim
comprising two or more layers of unidirectional fibers placed at
different orientations; optionally applying at least one fourth
fiber-reinforced scrim over such at least one male mold, such at
least one third fiber-reinforced scrim and such at least one second
surface layer to form a second composite layup, said fourth
fiber-reinforced scrim comprising two or more layers of
unidirectional fibers placed at different orientations; removing
such second composite layup from such at least one male mold and
placing such second composite layup, in an inverted configuration,
within such at least one female mold over the first composite
layup; joining along peripheral edges of such first composite layup
and such second composite layup; and curing such first composite
layup and such second composite layup to form at least one
three-dimensional shaped article.
[0053] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
further comprises the optional second fiber-reinforced scrim as an
additional layer in said first composite layup.
[0054] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
further comprises the optional first surface layer as an additional
layer in said first composite layup.
[0055] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
further comprises the optional second surface layer as an
additional layer in said second composite layup.
[0056] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
further comprises the optional fourth fiber-reinforced scrim as an
additional layer in said second composite layup.
[0057] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
further comprises the optional at least one release liner disposed
between said first composite layup and said second composite
layup.
[0058] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
further comprises the step of forming at least one opening into
such at least one three-dimensional shaped article to assist
inflation or other manipulation of such at least one
three-dimensional shaped article. In various embodiments, a method
further comprises the step of removing such at least one release
liner through such at least one opening. In various embodiments, a
method further comprises the step of adding at least one
reinforcing structure to such at least one three-dimensional shaped
article.
[0059] In various embodiments of the method in accordance with the
present disclosure, at least one three-dimensional shaped article
is integrated within a shoe. In various embodiments, at least one
three-dimensional shaped article is integrated within a bag. In
various embodiments, at least one three-dimensional shaped article
is gas impermeable. In various embodiments, at least one
three-dimensional shaped article is configured to be gas
inflatable. In various embodiments, at least one three-dimensional
article is waterproof/breathable (W/B).
[0060] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method
of producing three-dimensionally shaped, flexible composite parts
comprises the steps of: joining two symmetrical flexible composite
parts by folding peripheral material from a first part side over a
second part side to form a region of overlap seam; and curing such
two symmetrical flexible composite parts to form a unitary
three-dimensionally shaped flexible composite part having a hollow
interior.
[0061] In accordance with various embodiments hereof, the present
system provides each and every novel feature, element, combination,
step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent
application.
[0062] Brief glossary of terms and definitions used herein:
[0063] Adhesive: A curable resin used to combine composite
materials.
[0064] Anisotropic: Having mechanical and or physical properties
which vary with direction at a point in a material (i.e., not
isotropic).
[0065] Areal weight: The weight of fiber per unit area, often
expressed as grams per square meter (g/m2).
[0066] Autoclave: A closed vessel for producing an environment of
fluid pressure, with or without heat, to an enclosed object which
is undergoing a chemical reaction or other operation.
[0067] B-stage: Generally defined herein as an intermediate stage
in the reaction of some thermosetting resins. Crosslinking polymer
adhesive or resins used in pre impregnated are sometimes pre
reacted to this stage, called "prepregs", to facilitate handling
and processing prior to final cure.
[0068] C-stage: Final stage in the reaction of certain resins in
which the material is relatively insoluble and infusible.
[0069] Cure: To change the properties of a polymer resin
irreversibly by chemical reaction. Cure may be accomplished by
addition of curing (cross-linking) agents, with or without
catalyst, and with or without heat. The term cure may refer to a
partial process or a full process.
[0070] Decitex (DTEX): Unit of the linear density of a continuous
filament or yarn, equal to 1/10th of a tex or 9/10th of a
denier.
[0071] Dyneema.RTM.: A brand of ultra-high-molecular-weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber supplied by DSM (Heerlen, The
Netherlands).
[0072] Fiber: A general term synonymous with filament.
[0073] Filament: The smallest unit of a fiber-containing material.
Filaments usually are of long length and small diameter.
[0074] Last: A three-dimensional forming tool for shoes.
[0075] Polymer: An organic material composed of molecules of
monomers linked together.
[0076] Prepreg: A ready-to-cure sheet or tape material, wherein
resin is partially cured to a B-stage and supplied to a layup step
prior to full cure.
[0077] Tow: An untwisted, twisted, or entangled bundle of
continuous filaments.
[0078] Upper: The portion of a shoe that covers the upper portion
of the foot, from heel to toe.
[0079] UHMWPE: Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. A type of
polyolefin made up of extremely long chains of polyethylene. Trade
names include Spectra.RTM. and Dyneema.RTM..
[0080] Unitape: Uni-directional tape (or UD tape), which are
flexible reinforced tapes (also referred to as sheets) having
uniformly or non uniformly dense arrangements of reinforcing fibers
in generally parallel alignment and impregnated with an adhesive
resin matrix. This resin may be reactive crosslinking polymer often
containing a catalyst or curing agent and undergoes a non
reversible reaction during processing or a thermoplastic resin that
melts and can be reformed by successive heating and cooling. UD
tapes are often B-staged, and form the basic unit of many composite
fabrics.
[0081] Viscoelastic material: Materials that exhibit both viscous
and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation. Such
materials may exhibit linear or nonlinear rheological response
under mechanical loading.
[0082] With reference now to FIG. 1, various embodiments of a
three-dimensional composite article system 100 comprises seamless
three-dimensional shaped articles 101 usable for airbags/inflatable
structures, bags, shoes, and other three-dimensional articles,
based on flexible composite materials. As used herein, seamless
refers to items integrally bonded so as to be structurally
seamless. Various embodiments of manufacturing processes of the
present system are capable of producing three-dimensionally shaped,
flexible parts with integrated structures and directional fiber
reinforcement. Various articles of three-dimensional composite
article system 100 include, but are not limited to, shoes,
backpacks/bags, or inflatable parts such as airbags or balls, and
the like. In traditional three-dimensionally shaped textiles, flat
goods cut into complex shapes are stitched or seamed together to
produce the three-dimensional shape. In various embodiments of
manufacturing processes in accordance with the present disclosure,
composite molding methods are combined with novel precursor
materials to form fiber-reinforced continuous shaped articles that
are flexible and collapsible.
[0083] FIG. 1 further illustrates a side-view comparison of an
embodiment of a thin engineered substantially flexible composite
material 103, in accordance with the present disclosure, to a much
thicker, conventional woven material. In general, the methods
described in the present disclosure provide materials substantially
thinner than conventional materials.
[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective view, an embodiment of a
seamless three-dimensional shaped article 101 in accordance to the
present disclosure. In various embodiments, material that is
thinner than existing fabrics are possible due to the use of high
strength fiber and minimum surface coating. For example, in airbag
applications, the thin composite materials allow for reduced
packing volumes, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0085] Current market trends see the expansion of automotive airbag
technology into many new applications including aircraft, bus,
train/high speed rail systems, and for personal head and neck
support for sporting, motorcycle, motorsports, or military
applications. This same technology has applications in emergency
and other commercial floatation systems, emergency floatation vests
and gear, avalanche protection, oil and chemical spill control,
bladder dams, water bladder reservoirs for outdoor applications,
backpacks, bivies (i.e., bivouac, meaning a small tent or shelter),
and storage systems in general.
[0086] Trends in airbag technology put a premium on development of
very lightweight, thin, high strength, multidirectional reinforced,
pressure tight envelopes that are impact and puncture resistant.
Controlled compliance and deformation can be used to absorb shock
and manage impact impulse. Automotive applications for side
curtain, in-seat and lap belt protection need to be very
lightweight, packable into the smallest possible volume, and have
the ability to be formed into the most advantageous 3D shape for
optimal deployment and protection. The often complex 3D shapes must
be strong, exhibit high burst pressure, impact and puncture
resistance, and must inflate to their predetermined shape without
bursting or failing at any seam/attachment. They generally need to
have a high degree of pressure integrity and impermeability because
of limited volumes of stored pressure inflation media. This is
especially critical because many systems have operational
requirements that the bags stay inflated 7-10 minutes after impact
and/or deployment, and for some applications, it may be desirable
for the bag to stay inflated much longer. An example of this is
helicopter airbag crash systems where the initial deployment
cushions the impact of the helicopter, but in water it is desirable
to have the bags remain inflated to provide floatation to prevent
sinking of the helicopter.
[0087] Another similar application where post-inflation pressure
and reusability is beneficial is in aircraft airbags for over-water
use. Airbags are desirable for crash protection in commercial
airliners but weight and storage volume are at a premium for these
applications. Airliners are already required to carry floatation
devices onboard for emergency-over-water use, so if the function of
crash protection for landing impact can be combined with secondary
floatation applications, the utility of such systems is enhanced.
This technology is equally applicable to the emergency egress
slides of commercial aircraft and also to the over water non-crash
airbag emergency egress and floatation systems.
[0088] In addition to the packing, deployment, and inflation
requirements, airbag construction utilizing the technology
disclosed herein can also improve and enhance the ability for the
airbag to provide life and injury protection during the
crash/impact deployment and post-crash protection functions. The
high strength and mechanical properties of the three-dimensional
shaped articles 101 of the present disclosure have well-controlled
deployment into predictable shapes. The structure of the bag can be
enhanced for impact absorption and energy dissipation and the
impact surface of the bags can be optimized for surface properties
such as softness or coefficient of friction to prevent excessive
loads, accelerations and rotations on the bodies of the
occupants.
[0089] The damage tolerance, puncture resistance, and extremely
high resistance to rip or puncture damage propagation preferably
allow bags to continue to function after local damage without
complete failure or bursting.
[0090] In various embodiments, a high degree of pressure integrity
of three-dimensional shaped articles 101 in accordance with the
present disclosure enables not just prolonged or even permanent
inflation, but also the incorporation of practical multistage
inflation gas systems in the airbag system for improved occupant
protection, while still meeting storage, packing, gas storage, and
volume constraints. Another benefit of the durability of the
materials and construction is that airbags in accordance to the
present disclosure may be recycled and used multiple times.
[0091] In various embodiments of the present system, one scrim
layer is stretched over a male mold and cured in the shape of the
mold (see also FIG. 15, discussed herein below). A scrim is made of
two or more adhesive coated fiber reinforced layers, for example,
unitapes. More than one scrim layer may be added, as desired, to
improve dimension stability and tear strength of the final
material. The number of layers, adhesive or fiber type, surface
layer type or configuration, and initial state of the scrim
(uncured or cured), are all variables that may be substituted
without changing the basic inventive concept. At least one
preferred application of this embodiment is shoes, where the scrims
may be stretched around a "last." Various footwear embodiments in
accordance with the present disclosure are described in a later
section herein below. In various embodiments of the present system,
additional unitape layers may be added to limit stretch along
specific load paths. In other embodiments of the present system,
surface layers may be added to the stack cured around the mold.
[0092] In various embodiments, a unitape layer comprises thinly
spread substantially parallel fibers coated by, or embedded in, a
matrix adhesive. The monofilament fibers that make up these unitape
layers are spread such that the monofilaments that make up the
fiber are positioned approximately side-by-side, individually
coated with adhesive or embedded in an adhesive or resin.
Positioning may such that the spacing distance between
monofilaments or areal weight distribution of monofilaments may be
uniform, non uniform, or such that the monofilament layer
incorporates spacing between heavier weight unitapes comprising a
thickness of several filaments. Positioning may be such that the
spacing distance between monofilaments may be uniform, non uniform,
or such that the monofilaments abut or overlap. In some cases, the
monofilament tows may incorporate a twist or entanglement of the
constituent monofilaments to limit or control spreading. However,
the concept of spreading and coating filaments within a fiber
containing many filaments is similar. In various embodiments, the
adhesive comprises an elastic polymer. This option gives the
unitape compliance, and allows it to be stretched and molded in its
non-fiber-reinforced directions. A unitape layer may be positioned
individually onto the mold for local reinforcement.
[0093] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of various
tools and molding arrangements usable to produce three-dimensional
shaped articles 101 in accordance with the present disclosure. A
method for molding the unitape over a complex part while
maintaining fiber uniformity comprises a step of first creating a
scrim wherein two layers of flat unitape are stuck together at
different orientations such as 0.degree. and 90.degree., or in any
other relative orientation as required by the particular design.
The resulting scrim stretches in its bias directions but the
filaments are stabilized by the reinforcement of the intersecting
layer. This allows the filaments to be positioned and stretched
onto the mold in a manner that maintains filament alignment and
minimizes wrinkled fibers.
[0094] An embodiment of a method used to create a three-dimensional
shaped objects in accordance with the present disclosure comprises
providing a male mold and a female mold having essentially
compatible dimensions. A first 0.degree./90.degree. scrim may be
made from at least one layer of unitape. The scrim constructed in
this manner stretches significantly in the bias directions, and
thus can be stretched over the male mold. An second
0.degree./90.degree. unitape scrim may be oriented 45.degree. from
the first layer and stretched over the male mold and the first
scrim. Optionally, a film or surface layer is stretched over the
first and second scrims. This first stack-up can then be removed
from the male mold, inverted, and placed in the complementary
female mold. Optionally, a release liner, for example Teflon, is
stretched over the male mold. The release liner is then removed
from the male mold, inverted and placed in the female mold over the
first stack-up. Next, an optional film or surface layer can
stretched over the male mold, this time the first layer in the
stack. Next, a third 0.degree./90.degree. unitape scrim can be
stretched over the male mold. Optionally, a fourth
0.degree./90.degree. unitape scrim can be oriented 45.degree. from
the first layer and stretched over the male mold and the third
scrim. This second stack-up is then removed from the male mold,
inverted, and placed in the female mold over the first stack-up or
the optional release liner. The first stack-up preferably comprises
some excess overhanging material that can be folded over the second
stack-up to form a joining of edges of the first and second
stack-ups. In various embodiments, these layers are vacuum-bagged
to the female mold and cured in an autoclave. When the part is
cured, the optional release liner prevents the first and second
stack-ups from bonding together in places other than the folded
over edges. In accordance to such methods, a continuous formed
three-dimensional shaped article 101 is created that does not
require any additional joining. In various embodiments, the
resulting three-dimensional shaped article 101 can be inflated to
its final 3D shape by cutting a hole into the layers and filling
the part with air. In various embodiments, the release liner, when
utilized, can be removed through this hole.
[0095] The above-described manufacturing method is useful for 3D
parts that are symmetrical, such as, a sphere, egg, cylinder, or
cube (also see FIG. 2 for an example).
[0096] The above-described embodiment implements the joining of two
symmetrical parts by folding extended material from one layup onto
and over another layup to form a seam that can be cured so as to be
structurally seamless within the formed composite part. After the
part is cured it may be inflated, the second side will invert, and
the vestiges of this seam will be located at the centerline of the
part. This exemplary method is useful for thin, flexible materials
where the crease at the seam becomes negligible once the part is
inflated.
[0097] The method disclosed herein is an improvement over existing
manufacturing processes because the resulting part requires only a
limited number of secondary processes for completion. For
applications where there is limited packing volume, or in instances
where weight savings is critical, a part having minimal seams,
which reduces the thickness and/or weight of the part, is
beneficial.
[0098] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of alternate embodiments
of tools and molding arrangements usable to produce various
three-dimensional shaped articles 101 in accordance with the
present disclosure. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 4, an
uncured or formable laminate, such as comprising scrim layers, may
be sandwiched between layers of flexible diaphragm. The uncured and
un-formed composite can then be disposed between male and female
tools of the mold for shaping and curing.
[0099] FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of
molding tools and molding arrangements, and the resulting shaping
and curing of the laminated material into a composite part. As
illustrated, heat and/or pressure and/or vacuum may be used in any
combination to shape and cure the laminated structure into a shaped
composite part. Various methods for shaping and curing include, but
are not limited to, autoclave compression, hydro or diaphragm
forming, amongst other methods known to one skilled in the art.
[0100] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of another molding and
curing operation in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure. In the process illustrated in FIG. 6, a
previously cured and formed laminate part, (e.g. the part resulting
from the operations depicted in FIGS. 4-5), is sandwiched between
flexible diaphragm layers and positioned between male and female
tools of the mold. The layered structure, with or without any
number of surface layers, is laid onto a mold and formed and/or
cured using various methods including, but not limited to,
autoclave compression, hydro or diaphragm forming, or other methods
that would be known to one skilled in the art.
[0101] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show an exploded schematic of an
embodiment of a female mold process in accordance with the present
disclosure. In the process depicted in FIGS. 7a-c, a part is laid
up on a mold and an inflatable bladder is inserted into the part to
apply pressure to the inside of the part to force the material into
the shape of the mold while it is cured.
[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 7a, a composite part 130a is placed
within a female mold 170, and an inflatable bladder 175a is
inserted into the composite part 130a to apply pressure to the
inside of the part while the part is cured by any one or
combination of, heat, UV, RF and E-beam curing. The elastomeric
bladder 175a applies uniform pressure (e.g. air or liquid pressure)
to the composite part 130a, forcing the part into the shape of the
mold.
[0103] FIG. 7b illustrates the expanded composite part 130b
form-fitting the internal shape of the female mold 170. If desired,
the elastomeric bladder 175b (now expanded to the shape of the
mold) may be co-cured to the internal surface of the composite part
130b to form, for example, an inner pressure bladder or inner skin
or layer of the article. If this inner bladder material layer is
not needed, the bladder may be deflated and removed from the mold,
leaving the part 130b expanded and cured in place without a
co-cured bladder layer.
[0104] FIG. 7c illustrates an embodiment of a shaped composite part
135 released from the now-opened mold 170.
[0105] Another exemplary embodiment, useful for footwear
applications, for example, comprises the option of using an
inflatable bladder as a 3D forming tool, whereby composite unitapes
and/or B-staged, C-staged, or thermoplastic matrix, pre-plied,
angle-ply or laminate-cut patterns may be layered and assembled
thereon. For such embodiments, the inflatable bladder preferably
has structural rigidity sufficient to accommodate layering of
materials on it.
[0106] For purposes of assembly and layup of the shoe upper on an
inflatable bladder, at least three ways to solve the bladder
rigidity issue can be realized. A first way is to use a removable
multicomponent three dimensional form tool that supports the
elastomeric bladder, removable at some point in the manufacturing
process to allow the flexible composite part to be removed from the
mold and the bladder. A second way is to use an elastomeric bladder
that may be reinforced with a fabric composite such that it can be
pressurized to the point where it is rigid enough to act as a form
for application of the constitutive components comprising the
upper. A third way is to use Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) in
conjunction with elastomeric pressure application tools. Such
polymers are rigid at low temperature but convert to high
elongation, flexible elastomers at temperatures above their
transition temperature. Above their transition temperatures, SMP's
can be placed in a heated mold and pressurized to form the tool in
its elastomeric phase, duplicating the shape of the mold with
accuracy which, in the case of a shoe molding system, would be the
desired shape for the inside of the shoe.
[0107] As the mold is cooled below the transition temperature of
the SMP, the SMP converts to a rigid solid in the shape of the
inner form dimensions of the shoe upper. In this "rigidized" form,
the tool can be used as a lay-up form tool for the shoe molding
process. An example of a formed structure of rigidized SMP is the
tube 180 shown in FIG. 24. For this embodiment, the SMP was
rigidized in tubular form on a mandrel by cooling the SMP below its
transition temperature. FIG. 25 shows an SMP tube 181 after the SMP
was heated above its transition temperature, shape-formed within a
female mold 182 (only the lower half of the mold is shown), and
then cooled below the transition temperature of the SMP, under
pressure, to produce the rigid form tool in the shape of the cavity
of the mold 182. FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a process whereby
fiber tows 183 are applied to rigidized tool 184.
[0108] In various embodiments, such as, for example, in footwear
applications, the cured composite upper can be removed from the
rigidized tool either by removing the cured assembly from the mold
at slightly above the transition temperature, while the SMP is
still in its elastomeric shape, or removing after the assembly has
been removed from the mold by blowing hot air inside to soften it
enough for removal. In various other embodiments, the rigidized
tool can be left integrated onto the composite to keep the shape of
the composite intact and to provide an easily indexable "cartridge"
style system to store, carry and load the engineered "chassis"
upper into any downstream manufacturing operation. Such downstream
operations may include, for example, integration with cosmetic
outer layers, and lamination of the upper to the lower if that step
has not already been accomplished in the initial, (and optionally
one-step), molding process.
[0109] The tool with the composite shoe laid-up over the form may
be then placed into a female mold and the SMP pressurized and
heated past its transition temperature where it softens and acts as
an elastomeric pressure bladder to consolidate and laminate the
materials in the shoe upper together.
[0110] In alternative embodiments, film or surface layers may be
bonded on one or on both sides of the part. These layers may be
films (PET, Nylon, ECTFE, urethane, etc.), breathable membranes
(Teflon, urethane, etc.), woven or non-woven fabrics, leather, or
other layers. The selection of the surface layer is based on end
use requirements, such as gas tightness or permeability,
waterproofness, abrasion resistance, durability, aesthetics, or
others.
[0111] In alternate embodiments of the present system, the scrim is
pre-cured in a flat form between release liners. This material can
be sold to suppliers for subsequent lay-up. In various other
embodiments of the present system, multiple layers of scrim are
stretched onto a mold and glued into place by coating each layer
with adhesive. In various other embodiments of the present system,
an existing adhesive already coating the filaments of the scrim is
thermoplastic, and may be re-melted to bond the layers. In various
other embodiments of the present system, the scrim is pre-cured in
a flat form having a film or surface layer applied on one or both
sides. This extra layer, or layers, can serve a number of purposes,
such as, being thermoplastic, breathable, and/or waterproof. For
example, a layer may comprise a waterproof breathable (W/B)
membrane. It should be noted that any surface layers incorporated
with the scrim in its flat form should not inhibit bias stretch.
Otherwise the ability to mold this flat product may be reduced.
[0112] In various embodiments of the present system, the scrim may
contain multiple unitape layers, oriented in 3, 4, or more
directions, depending on the structure requirements of the finished
part. For example, a shoe may require a scrim with a layup
comprising 90.degree./45.degree./-45.degree. orientation of fibers,
such that there is sufficient stretch in the 0.degree. direction
for the scrim to be molded over the toe and such that the main load
paths run down the sides of the shoe. This exemplary multilayered
unitape scrim may be constructed or supplied in raw form or in the
versions described in the alternative embodiments of this
invention, such as pre-cured in a flat form between release liners
or pre-cured in a flat or roll-to-roll form having a film or
surface layer applied on one or both sides.
[0113] FIG. 8 illustrates, in perspective view, an embodiment of a
three-dimensional shaped article 101 comprising integrated
structural reinforcements for attachment points, thru-holes, and
reinforcing straps for enhanced load carrying capability, in
accordance with the present disclosure. Such integrated structural
reinforcements can be made from layers of unitape or other
composite material that are incorporated between or on the surface
of the scrim layers that make up the part and which are co-cured
into the finished part. By incorporating such structural
reinforcements into the part, post processing bonding steps for
attachment points and thru-hole reinforcement are reduced or
eliminated.
[0114] FIG. 9 illustrates, in sectional view, an embodiment of a
flexible composite material 103 comprising two or more
monofilaments, fibers, or tows using alternating unitapes
comprising different fibers, in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0115] FIG. 10 illustrates, in sectional view, another embodiment
of a flexible composite material 103 comprising two or more
monofilaments, fibers, or tows using alternating unitapes, in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0116] Alternate unitape embodiments can be made with two or more
monofilaments, fibers, or tows, either by using alternating
unitapes made from different fibers, (can be same class just
different specs such as Dyneema SK78 and SK75), or by mixing fibers
within a single unitape layer in a predetermined spacing or
comingled pattern. In various embodiments, parameters such as
strength, modulus, temperature resistance, cut resistance, tear or
rip resistance, impact protection and energy absorbance, can be
engineered or optimized, and costs can be minimized, using this
concept. Typical engineering fibers include, but are not limited
to, UHMWPE (e.g. Dyneema.RTM.), aramids (e.g. Kevlar.RTM.), liquid
crystal polymers (e.g. Vectran.RTM.), carbon fiber of various
grades, PBO (e.g. Zylon.RTM.), nylon, polyester (Rayon), PEN, Nomex
and other fire proof, high temperature fibers, steel or other metal
fibers, and combinations thereof.
[0117] Composite materials may include coloration of the matrix or
membranes through use of pigments or dye sublimation. A fire
retardant adhesive or polymer may be used, or fire retardants can
be added to a flammable matrix or membrane to improve flame
resistance. Examples of retardant additives include, but are not
limited to, DOW D.E.R. 593 Brominated Resin, DOW Corning 3 Fire
Retardant Resin, and polyurethane resin with Antimony Trioxide
(such as EMC-85/10A from PDM Neptec Ltd.). Any other fire retardant
additives may also be suitable. Fire retardant additives that may
be used to improve flame resistance include Fyrol FR-2, Fyrol HF-4,
Fyrol PNX, Fyrol 6, and SaFRon 7700, although other additives may
also be suitable. Fire retardant characteristics and
self-extinguishing features can also be added to the fibers either
by using fire retardant fibers such as Nomex or Kevlar, ceramic or
metallic wire filaments, direct addition of fire retardant
compounds to the fiber formulation during the fiber manufacturing
process, or by coating the fibers with a sizing, polymer or
adhesive incorporating fire retardant compounds listed above or
others as appropriate. Preferred woven or scrim materials used in
the laminate may be either pretreated by a supplier to impart fire
retardant properties, or the woven or scrim materials coated and/or
infused with fire retardant compounds during the manufacturing
process.
[0118] Anti-microbial/anti-pathogen resistance may be added to
composite materials of the present disclosure by the incorporation
of one or more of anti-microbial agents added or coated onto the
polymer resins, or fabrics, and anti-microbial treatments to the
fibers, monofilaments, threads or tows used for a composite
material. Typical materials include OXiTitan antimicrobial,
nano-silver compounds, sodium pyrithione, zinc pyrithione,
2-fluoroethanol, 1-bromo-2-fluoroethane, benzimidazole, fleroxacin,
1,4-butanedisulfonic acid disodium salt, 2-(2-pyridyl)isothiourea
N-oxide hydrochloride, various quarternary ammonium salts,
2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, compound zinc pyrithione, compound copper
pyrithione, magnesium pyrithione, bispyrithione, pyrithione,
.alpha.-Bromo Cinnam-Gel (ABC agent, e.g. from KFO France Co,
Ltd.), and mixtures thereof. In various embodiments, fiber forms
such as threads, tows and monofilaments can be treated with silver
nano particles, or can have silver coatings applied via chemical or
electrical plating, vacuum deposition or coating with a silver
compound containing polymer, adhesive or sizing. Other
anti-microbial/anti-pathogen materials not listed herein may also
be suitable.
[0119] Various embodiments of a process comprising stretching one
scrim layer over a mold and curing it in this position to form a
flexible three dimensional composite part, is further demonstrated
in the following disclosure relating to high-performance composite
footwear components.
[0120] FIG. 11 illustrates, in perspective view, an embodiment of a
composite footwear upper 102 in accordance with the
three-dimensional composite article system 100 of the present
disclosure. In various embodiments, composite footwear upper 102
comprises flexible composite materials 103.
[0121] FIG. 12A shows a side view, diagrammatically illustrating an
alternate embodiment of composite footwear upper 102, according to
various embodiments of three-dimensional composite article system
100 of the present disclosure.
[0122] In various embodiments, the composite footwear upper 102 of
the present system comprises substantially unitary
upper-foot-supporting structures utilizing engineered arrangements
of substantially flexible composite materials 103. Composite
materials can be significantly superior to conventional materials
in strength-to-weight ratio, which is one of the most important
requirements of high-performance sports and athletic footwear.
Thus, various embodiments described herein are particularly useful
in the production of such footwear. Potential end-use applications
of the described embodiments range from ultra-lightweight track
shoes to extreme-performance mountaineering boots to military and
industrial boots.
[0123] Footwear, in accordance with the various embodiments of the
present disclosure, which comprise laminates of unitapes, give
high-performance shoe designers a degree of design flexibility for
technical engineering of reducing weight features, engineered
implementation of directionally-tailored flexibility, the ability
to make the material stiff or compliant in various different
directions, engineered implementation of load paths, the ability to
make the shoe upper in a one-piece molded "monocoque" structure, to
manufacture the upper out of multiple two- or three-dimensional cut
or shaped custom preforms or patterns cut from multidirectional
broad goods laminated and bonded together, and the elimination of
sewing and piece work construction and assembly of the shoe. This
exemplary one-piece laminate design has major advantages in
performance and the ability to engineer in controlled stretch,
orthopedics, or support of the ankle by brace or strap.
[0124] In accordance with various embodiments, one-piece advantages
include, but are not limited to, the following:
[0125] No sewing of major load paths seams needed, which is
especially critical of lightweight shoes;
[0126] Potential elimination of mid-sole to provide continuous
structure from one side of the shoe to the other, removing the
requirement that the lower must have a structural portion on the
lower side of the shoe transfer loads. This enables a decoupling of
the design and integration of the upper and lower, which allows the
lower to be more optimized for shock absorption, efficient transfer
of muscle power, shock absorption and damping, and also allows the
lowers to be made with less weight;
[0127] Allows sophisticated engineered design of the shoe monocoque
for engineered stretch, breathability, load transmission, biometric
integration, and ankle support for protection against injury, and
the like;
[0128] Enables automated manufacturing of the shoe for cost and
labor savings;
[0129] Enables the sophisticated engineering design of the shoe
upper and the integrated manufacturing process allows the
investment to be amortized across multiple model years and shoe
platforms; and
[0130] The design flexibility allows a monocoque to be used in a
number of different styled shoes while still retaining the benefits
of the engineering that went into the shoe design and manufacturing
process.
[0131] For at least these reasons, performance of various
embodiments of composite materials 103 in shoe applications is
superior to conventional materials such as leather, synthetic
leathers, mesh materials, and the like. In addition, flexible
composite materials 103, and their manufacturing processes
disclosed herein, can be tailored specifically to given design
constraints.
[0132] Since the structural "chassis" of the shoe can be decoupled
from the outer cosmetic surface engineering of the shoe, different
"chassis" styles engineered for various applications can be
combined with the outer "style," cosmetic, and surface engineering
(for example, texture and surface grip, e.g. for kicking a soccer
ball). By this method, it is possible to produce shoes that look
and have surface characteristics that are similar but have very
different "chassis tuning" or structural layout, which can be used
to maintain a branded cross platform look or style.
[0133] Using trade studies, detailed analysis, and physical
experimentation, a range of composite uppers are obtained, which
provide substantial reductions in component weights without
sacrificing strength. Flexible composite materials 103 of the
present system can be configured to efficiently accommodate the
anticipated force loading while providing appropriate levels of
mechanical compliance consistent with appropriate functioning of
the component. Furthermore, various embodiments of the present
system are cross-compatible between applications; that is, a single
upper design may be adapted to multiple end-use applications.
[0134] Referring to the illustration of FIG. 12A, various
embodiments of composite footwear uppers 102 of the present system
comprise engineered placements of reinforcing fibers 104 located
along critical load paths 106 within the component. Such load paths
106 can be identified using computer analysis (e.g.,
three-dimensional finite element analysis, and the like) and/or
physical testing. Other regions of the upper are engineered to
provide increased compliance, for example, to accommodate the
biomechanical articulation of the wearer's foot. Referring to the
illustration of FIG. 12B, alternate composite footwear uppers 102
of the present system comprise comparatively isotropic arrangements
of reinforcing fibers 104. In both exemplary embodiments, the
resulting composite structures achieve low structural weight while
maintaining appropriate levels of strength, support, and
durability. Furthermore, various fabrication methodologies in
accordance with the present disclosure maintain high levels of
constructability, as will be described in more detail herein
below.
[0135] FIG. 13 shows a partially exploded diagram illustrating an
exemplary composition of flexible composite material 103 consistent
with the construction of the composite footwear upper 102 of FIG.
11. In various embodiments, composite composition 103 generally
comprise high drape and draw fabrics where the individual layers
have been combined in a manner that forms a single unified
composition. In various embodiments, the flexible composite
comprises at least one or more structural layers 110 of reinforcing
material. Various embodiments of flexible-composite compositions
103 comprise multiple material layers consisting of, for example,
continuous surface layers and/or fiber-reinforced layers such as
scrims, and/or engineered arrangements of individual fiber tows
114, as shown. The multiple layers 110 are preferably configured to
comprise multi-directional load-handling capability. In various
embodiments, flexible composite compositions additionally comprise
one or more non-structural "performance-modifying" layers 110. In
various embodiments, composite composition 103 may further comprise
a texturing and/or coloring 105 applied to or absorbed into an
outer surface layer 110.
[0136] In various embodiments, flexible-composites may comprise
layers 110 having substantially identical material composition. In
various other embodiments, flexible-composites may comprise layers
110 having various material weights, mechanical properties
(compliance), and other properties. In various embodiments,
composite footwear upper 102 comprises one or more layers 110 of
non-woven unidirectional (UD) fibers and polymer matrix plies
oriented in one or more directions. In various embodiments, a
composite layup may comprise layers 110 consisting of both
structural and nonstructural materials.
[0137] Various reinforcement types include, but are not limited to:
prepreg unitapes; unitows (prepreg or raw-fiber single-tow
reinforcements placed along specific load paths); B-staged woven
and nonwoven composites; C-staged woven and nonwoven composites;
prepreged or dry woven fabrics; one or more layers of prepreged or
dry fiber non woven spread or unspread oriented unidirectional
sheet or layers stitched, tacked or bonded to form broad goods
cloth: one or more layers of prepreged or dry fiber cloth made of
spaced or unspaced spread or unspread unitows in oriented
unidirectional sheet or layers stitched, tacked or bonded to form a
broadgood fabrics; two or three dimensional prepregged or dry
reinforcement preforms; thermoplastic matrix prepreg unitape,
unitow, woven and non woven composites or engineered preforms as
above with thermoplastic or hybrid thermoplastic; thermoset resin
matrix matrix; nanofialment, nao fiber, nano particle reinforcement
and structural membranes; uniaxially oriented sheet products such
as drawn, tensilized "tensilion" UHMWPE in sheet in single layer,
multiple oriented layers bonded using a suitable adhesive and then
incorporated in a manner generally analogous to unitapes; or said
tensilized or oriented sheet slit to form unitows and incorporated
dry or with a suitable adhesive or coating; and, combinations
thereof.
[0138] Various reinforcing fibers/fabrics usable in the present
system include, but are not limited to, nylon, polyester, ultrahigh
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) (e.g., Spectra.RTM. and
Dyneema.RTM.), para- and meta-aramids (e.g., Kevlar.RTM.,
Nomex.RTM., Technora.RTM., Twaron.RTM.), liquid crystal polymer
(LCP) (e.g., Vectran.RTM.), polyimide, other synthetic polymers
(e.g. polybenzoxazole (PBO), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyimide
benzobisthiazole (PIBT), poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBZT),
polylactic acid (PLA), poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA),
amongst others), metal fiber, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or
combinations thereof.
[0139] Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill
in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user
preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials,
technological advances, and the like, other reinforcement
arrangements now known or herein afterwards developed, such as, for
example, use of rigid or semi-rigid load transfer members, inserts,
application of new coatings, and the like, may also suffice.
[0140] As exemplary components are engineered for specific
applications, the stacking sequence of constituent material layers
110 may vary between embodiments. That is, the particular layup
configuration of a composite laminate, with regard to the angles of
layup, the number of lamina at each angle, and the exact sequence
of the lamina, may vary as desired for a particular application.
For example, as discussed herein above, three layer
0.degree./90.degree./45.degree. relative orientations of material
layers is just one useful embodiment out of an infinite number of
possible orientations. Nonstructural material layers 110 can be
utilized when a particular visual or non-structural physical
property is required (such as, for example, surface texture, wear
resistance, UV protection, abrasion resistance, color,
reflectivity, and the like). As one preferred example, a "soft"
inner layer 110 is often incorporated within the interior of
composite footwear upper 102 as a liner adjacent the wearer's
foot.
[0141] Examples of nonstructural materials include, but are not
limited to: nonwoven fabrics (nonstructural, short fiber random
felt); woven fabrics; various "soft" liner materials including, for
example, non-woven material (nonstructural short fiber random
felt), spunbonds (pregged), and tricot fabrics; nonstructural
membranes (waterproof/breathable, interstitial isolators, and the
like); nonstructural coatings; design appliques; and various
elastomeric materials used for shock absorption, damping, or for
various other purposes.
[0142] Nonstructural layers 110 may be disposed at any selected
layer position of a composite, as required, for example, by the
design and performance criteria. In various applications,
nonstructural layers may be omitted entirely.
[0143] For footwear in general, it may be desirable to have
controlled flexure built into a shoe, such that some parts of the
shoe are soft and compliant. Such flexure can allow optimum freedom
and range of motion at an articulated joint such as the ankle area.
In various other applications, flexure and compliance may enhance,
control, or in the case of protection from injury, restrict or
limit the range of motion in one or more directions, either
simultaneously or separately, to perform an intended purpose or
function relating to the particular sport or footwear
application.
[0144] An example is an ultra-light basketball shoe designed to
exhibit engineered structure for load optimum load transfer and
response to cutting-, sprinting- and jumping-type motions combined
with engineered compliance throughout the range of motion of the
ankle normally used by the athlete, but with built in ankle bracing
that does not limit mobility or restrict motion in the normal range
of motion, but rather acting to brace the ankle and limit motion or
ranges of motion where injury occurs such excessive rotation or
rolling over or under due to catching or twisting of the foot.
[0145] The athlete's physical performance may be enhanced because
the ultra-light weight of the shoe and freedom of motion in the
normal range of motion combine to reduce fatigue. The engineered
compliance and load paths can provide more efficient conversion of
muscle response to athletic performance while providing shock and
impact absorption, ankle joint support and controlled restriction
of motion in undesirable ranges of motion such as rotation and the
twisting along with limiting the range of motion in normal
directions to prevent injury causing hyperextension of the joint in
injury producing direction modes.
[0146] Systems based on multidirectional oriented unitapes can
exhibit anisotropic material properties that facilitate the
engineering of such engineered compliance systems while
simultaneously realizing the benefits of the use of very high
strength and high modulus engineering fibers that would otherwise
produce an upper that is too stiff or heavy for practical use.
Unitapes can have unidirectional monofilaments all oriented in
substantially one direction. In the direction along the fiber
monofilaments, the unitape may be very strong and exhibit minimal
stretch due to the high Young's Modulus of the monofilaments. In
the direction perpendicular to the monofilaments, there may be no
reinforcement so that the stretch in that direction is governed by
the properties of the elastomeric matrix. In general the properties
may be very compliant or "stretchy" and able to undergo large
deformations and recover from those deformations repeatedly without
damage or degradation to the matrix.
[0147] By using two or more of unitapes comprising an elastomeric
matrix, with the unidirectional reinforcement oriented in the
directions that strength and low stretch is desired and leaving the
directions where compliance is desired unreinforced, the resulting
laminate can be made selectively stiff with low stretch along the
fiber axis of each unitape yet compliant in directions where there
are no directionally reinforcing fibers.
[0148] This selective compliance can be enhanced by optionally
adding a thin interlayer of elastomer between each unitape layer to
allow the unitapes to rotate or hinge slightly within the complaint
interlaminar elastomeric layer, which allows more control of the
off-directional compliance, facilitates larger deformations, and
provides the ability to tune the laminate response by the use of
various grades of elastomer with different types of viscoelastic
response.
[0149] Compliant interlayers can have single or combination of the
following properties: (1) High energy restorative to impart spring
like properties to the deformed laminate to permit the laminate to
store and restore elastic energy; (2) High loss and energy
absorbance to absorb and diffuse shocks and impacts; (3)
Viscoelastic damping to control the transient response to transient
dynamic; and/or (4) Rate sensitivity such that the matrix
properties either stiffen or become more compliant in response to
rapidly applied transient loads and shocks.
[0150] The properties of the composite may be predicted and
designed using adaptations of aerospace unidirectional composite
materials suitably modified for the incorporation of compliant,
nonlinear property matrix material properties and large, nonlinear
geometric and material deformations.
[0151] Due to the non-linearity in the system, the on-axis fiber
dominated properties and especially the matrix dominated properties
of transverse matrix dominated direction, and the matrix dominated
shear directions should be determined semi-empirically by making up
sample laminates and testing to get the nonlinear stress/strain
relationships for the transverse matrix dominated direction and the
shear direction.
[0152] These properties can be used as input parameters for the
analysis procedure listed below. Although this procedure is
tailored to rigid laminates if the non-linearity is considered and
the deformations are within acceptable parameters the strength and
stretch vs load in any arbitrary direction can be closely
approximated.
[0153] Useful constitutive equations of a unidirectional
fiber-reinforced layer, and other physical and mathematic
information useful in design processes in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure, may be found in various
technical books relating to the subject of laminated composites.
One such book on the topic of Finite Element Analysis is "The
Finite Element Method" by Thomas J. R. Hughes, and a book on
properties and analysis of composite materials in "Introduction to
Composite Materials," S. W. Tsai and T. H. Hahn.
[0154] As noted above, the physical properties of various
embodiments of flexible composite materials 103 are generally
isotopic (having substantially the same physical properties
irrespective of the direction). Alternately, to provide specific
engineered control of force loads (and other performance factors),
physical properties of the composite compositions can be
anisotropic, having non-uniform mechanical and or other physical
properties designed to structurally optimize the performance of the
composite footwear upper for a specific application.
[0155] The above-noted flexible composite materials 103 can include
both breathable and non-breathable compositions, or non-porous,
porous or air permeable compositions or material product forms, as
required by the application. Furthermore, various flexible
composite materials 103 may be clear, opaque, colored, imprinted,
or may preferably comprise any combination of the aforementioned
visual arrangements. Multiple colored layers and cutouts may be
used to produce colored patterns.
[0156] In various embodiments, both the reinforcing and
non-reinforcing materials forming the composite layup can be
encapsulated within a polymer matrix 105. In various embodiments,
the composite layups are consolidated, formed and cured or
fused/bonded in the case of thermoplastic or non-crosslinking
systems, for example, utilizing combinations of heat and
pressure.
[0157] FIG. 14 shows a diagram generally illustrating methods of
producing modular engineered composite footwear uppers 102 usable
in multiple shoe applications. The upper is produced in a multistep
process comprising design and fabrication steps. Design phase 202
and fabrication phase 204 can be computer assisted. The fabrication
phase 204 may implement at least one automated fabrication
process.
[0158] In various embodiments, at least one computer-aided design
is produced for each unique configuration of composite footwear
upper 102. During the design phase 202 performance criteria is
utilized to arrive at a composite design. In some cases, a computer
model is generated and analyzed to understand the performance of
the upper under various loads and boundary conditions. Such a
computer model, perfectly utilizing finite element analysis,
assists in optimizing the new design by predicting, via computer
simulation, the behavior of structures under various field
conditions. Once the computer design is optimized, one or more
prototypes may be generated for physical testing. The composite
footwear upper 102 is concurrently, or subsequently, analyzed for
manufacturability, including production-cost analysis, material
availability, storage stability analysis, and the like.
Formability, conformably and drapabilty if the upper is in a flat
configuration, and additional 3-D forming steps, are envisioned. If
conventional shoe industry lasting construction methods are
envisioned, the design and analysis can also used to provide
enhanced formability suitable to current industry fabrications
methods and existing tooling and production equipment. If the
performance of the prototype is consistent with performance and
manufacturing criteria, the upper component design moves to
fabrication phase 204. Commercially available analysis packages
suitable for such analysis and design include, but are not limited
to, NASTRAN, Abaqus, ANSYS, and PATRAN.
[0159] One or both of the design phase 202 and fabrication phase
204 can include the development of computer-aided design data
usable in the automated fabrication of the preferred
composite-material upper. An exemplary fabrication sequence is
described in a subsequent section of the present disclosure.
[0160] Once fabricated, the composite footwear uppers 102 are in
condition to be integrated within one or more end-use products 250,
as shown. In various embodiments, the finished upper components can
be stored for future use or immediately advanced to a subsequent
fabrication step or advanced directly to integration within a
finished product. The use of a single upper design allows the time
and cost associated with the initial design/analysis of the upper
to be shared between multiple end products.
[0161] Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill
in the art will now appreciate that integration of the upper into a
finished product involves additional fabrication steps, as
generally described in a later section of the present disclosure.
It is further noted that, depending on the nature of the end-use
application, the subsequent integration of the upper into a
finished product may also involve one or more additional design
steps.
[0162] FIG. 15 shows a diagram, generally illustrating an
embodiment of a method of producing the composite footwear upper of
FIG. 11. FIG. 15 illustrates a design phase 202 followed by a
fabrication phase 204. Fabrication phase 204 comprises the
execution of a composite-material layup 206 utilizing at least one
mold or similar forming tool 208, as shown. Fabrication phase 204
further comprises at least one curing step 210, as shown. Curing
step 210 can utilize heat and pressure to harden the polymer matrix
by cross-linking of polymer chains. In various polymer chemistries,
curing may be brought about by chemical additives, ultraviolet
radiation, electron beam, and other processes. Alternately,
thermoplastic matrix materials can be heat formed and multiple
layers heat fused or bonded, ultrasonically or laser welded.
Thermoplastic hot melts, reactive polyurethane adhesive systems,
may be bonded using solvent welding techniques, contact adhesives,
or crosslinking or non crosslinking adhesives or other suitable
methods. If crosslinking adhesive is used, curing methods for
crosslinking listed above may be used.
[0163] In general, curing techniques include, but are not limited
to, pressure and temperature; pressure and radiation; and, pressure
and radiation cure with heat, or combinations thereof.
[0164] In general, heating methods include, but are not limited to,
heated caul; radio frequency; E-beam; induction heating; and, an
oven, or combinations thereof.
[0165] FIG. 16 shows a diagram, generally illustrating one example
set of initial fabrication steps employed in the production of the
composite footwear upper 102 of FIG. 11. In this sequence, selected
flexible composite materials 103 are provided in the form of planar
sheets 212. Planar sheets 212 may comprise any of the
previously-described structural and nonstructural precursor
materials. Planar sheets 212 may consist of raw-fiber compositions
or may comprise prepreg B-staged (or C-staged) precursor
composites.
[0166] In one or more subsequent steps, additional reinforcing
fibers 104 can be added to the sheet, for example, using one or
more automated fiber-laying processes 214. Additional fiber
placements can be engineered to anticipate load paths, compliance
requirements, and the like. The use of "radiused" fiber placements
prevents kinking within the composite fabric, and in some
applications, provides stable as-designed load paths. In various
applications, single fiber tows or narrow multi-fiber tapes can be
sandwiched between material layers 110 to enhance load transfer.
Alternately, additional reinforcements may be manually applied.
Optional steps include the application of additional materials to
the sheet. Such additional materials may comprise structural or
nonstructural fiber elements, preformed inserts, cushions,
graphical appliques, printing, etc.
[0167] Next, the sheet is advanced to a cutting step utilizing at
least one automated cutting process 216. In this step, a section of
the sheet, which will eventually form the upper component, is cut
from the sheet, such as by using at least one computer-generated
pattern developed during the design process. Alternately, cutting
may be manually executed. Alternately, cutting may be executed at
any previous point in the sequence.
[0168] Various automated cutting methods include, but are not
limited to: rotary knife (i.e., mechanical); ultrasonic; laser;
die-cut; water jet; and combinations thereof.
[0169] In some applications, it is preferred that registration
markings be applied during cutting steps to facilitate subsequent
fabrication processes, as shown. It is further noted that the
above-described fabrication steps may alternately be executed in
combination with a preformed tool, such as a male last or female
mold.
[0170] FIG. 17 shows a plan view, diagrammatically illustrating a
planar composite component 218 capable of forming composite
footwear upper 112, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. It is noted that upper patterns may comprise additional
features not depicted in the diagrammatic illustration of FIG.
17.
[0171] FIG. 18 shows a diagram, generally illustrating a set of
subsequent fabrication steps employed in the production of
composite footwear upper 102 of FIG. 11. An appropriate
three-dimensional forming tool 208, identified herein as last 220
is provided. In the lasting procedure 222, the planar composite
component 218 is shaped to the outer confirmation of last 220, such
as by using one or more automated lasting processes. Alternately,
the flexible composite materials may be applied to last 220
manually.
[0172] In various embodiments, the constituent materials may be
held to the last using vacuum-assisted adhesion. Alternatively,
temporary adhesives may be used to temporarily position and hold
the material adjacent the forming tool. For example, last 220 may
be coated with a release material followed by one or more adhesive
sizing materials to hold the material adjacent the last (such
materials being compounded to break down or wash out of the
composite material).
[0173] On completion of lasting procedure 222, the
three-dimensionally-shaped flexible composite layup is moved to
curing step 210, as shown. In various procedures, curing step 210
is performed with the upper positioned over last 220. In an
alternate embodiment, last 220 is removed prior to curing.
[0174] In an alternate step of lasting procedure 222, additional
reinforcing fibers 104 are applied to flexible composite materials
103 during the lasting procedure 222 (and prior to curing). In an
alternate step of lasting procedure 222, additional polymer
adhesives 224 are applied to flexible composite materials 103. In
such an alternate step, the uncured upper component may comprise
combinations of pregreg and raw fibers necessitating the
application of additional adhesive polymers 224, thus assisting
subsequent consolidation of the constituent materials into a
unified composite component. Various useful adhesive-polymer resins
include thermosets and/or thermoplastics.
[0175] Adhesives can be applied to the fibers utilizing one or more
of the following non-limiting application techniques: spraying;
dipping; thermal films; thermoplastic films; resin injections; and
dry powder coating; and combinations thereof.
[0176] In various other embodiments of the lasting procedure 222,
all constituent materials (fibers, membranes, etc.) are applied to
the last tool (or alternately, the female mold) in an automated
fiber placement process. In this alternate lasting process,
single-tow fibers and/or sheet fabrics are applied to the last or
mold tool, thus omitting the flat-material fabrication steps
depicted in FIG. 16.
[0177] Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill
in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,
fabrication preferences, cost, structural requirements, available
materials, technological advances, etc., other layup and lasting
arrangements such as, for example, integrating additional preformed
patches, spacers, toe bumpers, elastomeric inserts, cloth or
leather outer surface layers, and similar features with the layup
prior to curing of the upper component, etc., may suffice.
[0178] Thus, as described above, layup of the composite upper is
accomplished by one or more of the following non-limiting list of
techniques: automated layup; manual layup in combination with
automated layup; fully manual layup for low-volume or custom work;
flat layup (as generally depicted and described in FIG. 16);
partial preform layup; layup on male last (single-tow placement
and/or fabric draped); layup within a female tool (single-tow fiber
placement and/or fabric draped); and automated "on-tool" layups
(whereby all fiber placement occurs on the last or mold tool); and,
combinations thereof.
[0179] FIG. 19 shows a schematic diagram, generally illustrating a
first consolidation and curing methodology employable in the
production of the composite footwear upper of FIG. 11. In this
example, a hard female tool 252 is used to implement a female-mold
curing process. In this fabrication technique, internal (i.e.
outward) pressure is used for consolidation.
[0180] In exemplary female-mold curing processes, the composite
layup is located within the cavity of the female tool 252, between
the inner surfaces of the female mold and a hydroform-type mandrel,
inflatable diaphragm, or similar elastomeric bladder. A pressurized
fluid is preferably used to inflate the elastomeric tool and press
the composite layup against the interior surfaces of female tool
252. In most cases, the fluid and/or tool is heated to facilitate
curing of the adhesive polymer matrix. Once the curing cycle is
complete, the inflatable elastomeric tool is deflated and the cured
or B-staged upper component is removed from female tool 252. It is
noted that this exemplary technique, as diagrammatically depicted
in FIG. 19 (and, in other embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS.
7a-c), is well-suited for production of composite uppers requiring
intricate external details or finished outer appearance.
[0181] Alternately, an inflatable last 220 is used in combination
with female tool 252. In this case, the last is sufficiently rigid
to permit layup during lasting procedure 222 (e.g., see FIG. 18),
while preferentially maintaining the ability to collapse
sufficiently to be removable from the finished upper component.
[0182] FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram, generally illustrating a
second consolidation and curing methodology employable in the
production of the composite footwear upper of FIG. 11. FIG. 20
generally depicts a male mold process utilizing, for example, the
substantially rigid male last 220. In this exemplary fabrication
technique, external pressure is used for consolidation of the
composite materials. This technique is useful for providing smooth
inside surfaces within the upper component.
[0183] Such male-tool processes can include the implementation of
vacuum bags, elastomeric external bladders, mold boxes (using
either pressure or thermal expansion for consolidation pressure),
and the like. The system may be compatible with curing within a
vacuum and/or atmospheric autoclave. Various embodiments of the
rigid male last 220 comprise an arrangement of vacuum ports to
provide vacuum-assisted layup (e.g. to hold constituent materials
to the last during the layup and lasting procedures). This
technique is also adaptable to utilize superplastic forming
techniques and other similar pressure or vacuum forming techniques
to form flat sheets of unidirectional laminates in un cured,
B-staged, C-staged or heat formable thermoplastic matrix broad
goods or engineered flat preforms into a three dimensional shape
for direct use on a shoe or as a three dimensional formed preform
for application onto the shoe form tool, last, or mandrel.
[0184] An embodiment of a super plastic forming type system is
shown in FIG. 27. In FIG. 27, an upper 185 comprises plastically
formed flat sheet(s) of multidirectional broad goods with a
thermoplastic matrix cut into patterned panels, formed into 3D
shapes, and laminated together, such as in a one-step operation.
FIGS. 28 and 29 demonstrate embodiments of a ply-by-ply layup of
unitape layers and other structural elements onto a male form tool,
including the incorporation of integrated looped strap elements
that integrate lacing loads into the shell of the upper. This strap
element for the lacing provides a strong loop that introduces the
load distribution from the lace uniformly and reliably into the
thin, lightweight upper, and enables optimum engineering of load
paths within the shoe to channel and direct loads to optimize load
transmission from wearer to individual intended purpose of that
individual shoe application and design.
[0185] In various embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29,
the upper is continuous around the bottom of the upper, and the
load paths from both sides of the shoe are integrated into the
upper shell. This load path continuity capability is unique, and
potentially enables structural decoupling of the upper from the
lower, eliminating the need for the lower to carry primary
structural loads. This load path continuity capability potentially
allows optimization of shock absorption and load distribution while
enabling more effective load path design optimization and load
management in the upper. It also allows viscoelastic layers to be
incorporated between the high strength and low stretch structural
connections, and allows shoe structure of the upper to manage
shock, dampen impact when running or other activities, and to
potentially rigidize the shoe structure under sharp transient
impact events such the kicking of a ball whereby there are brief,
transient shoe/ball impact events. The ability to rigidize the shoe
under kicking impacts potentially improves the kicker's kicking
performance while still allowing the shoe to be optimally compliant
for running and cutting directions, and while maintaining comfort.
This brief rigidizing of the shoe structure during the transient
kicking impact loads potentially enhances and optimizes load
transmission from the kicker's foot to the ball to translate more
of the kicker's muscle effort into imparting more momentum and
transmitting more power to the ball when kicked to permit the
kicker to kick the ball faster and farther. The rigidizing of the
shoe also makes it more stable so kicking accuracy is potentially
improved over a shoe that must fit looser to maintain compliance
and the necessary comfort levels.
[0186] In either the male-tool curing procedures of FIG. 20 or
female-tool curing procedures of FIG. 9, mold-tool embodiments may
utilize elastomeric mold boxes/split molds comprising elastomeric
internal and/or external mold surfaces. In either procedure, mold
tools may additionally utilize injection co-molding to produce
inner and/or outer component features, as diagrammatically
indicated in FIG. 21.
[0187] The injection co-molding my be used to infuse or inject
resin into dry fiber or partially impregnated materials or
preforms, or alternately to creates a hybrid of and injectable
thermoplastic or thermoset to form an alloyed hybrid resin or
adhesive system.
[0188] Resin injection may also be used to reproduce inner and/or
transfer outer component features, textures or surface finishes
built into the inner and outer mold surfaces, such as embossed
patterns, shapes, and to incorporate in the surface of the tools or
surface layers, as diagrammatically indicated in FIG. 21.
[0189] Internal and external mold surfaces may also incorporate
molded, etched or machined-in patterns, textures, negative or
positive impressions, or pockets to provide patterns, shapes,
geometric features, embossed simulated leather or cloth textures,
grooves, perforations, graphics, simulated stitching or seams,
graphics, logos, glossy or matte surface finishes. The surface can
be formed using various methods such as spray, brushed or dipped
surface resin, directly applied to the patterned mold surface, a
compliant or formed surface film heat or vacuum formed to the
surface of the tool, or the mold pattern may be transferred
directly from the surface of the mold to the and impressionable
surface finish applied to the upper specifically designed to accept
and transfer the patterns on the mold.
[0190] Inserts such as heel counters, stiffeners and midsoles can
be directly molded in during the one shot process using preformed
thermoplastics, thermoplastic matrix carbon fiber or fiberglass
reinforced preformed or pre fabricated details or the can be co
cured to the upper using a compatible thermoset matrix.
[0191] Features such as toe bumpers, heel counters, appliques,
articles or pads for kicking balls or abrasion protectors, may be
placed in pockets or impression that form the negative of the
component to locate and bond the component to the upper during the
molding step of the upper as a one shot or secondary process.
Features such as toe bumpers, can be fully or partially cured
elastomers or molded thermoplastics. Bonding can be via methods
discussed herein or via co-curing in the case of the partially
cured elastomer. The adhesive matrix of the upper or the surface
coating may alternatively used to bond the detail components if
appropriate
[0192] These surface details may also be bonded after the molding
step using similar techniques used for current shoe production
[0193] FIG. 21 shows a diagram, generally illustrating one method
of applying finish componentry to composite footwear upper 102 of
FIG. 11. FIG. 21 generally depicts what may be described as "one
shot" inclusive molding. In this procedure, external features
(e.g., sole components 254, molded counters, etc.) are applied
within a closed-mold tool during curing step 210. Such "one shot"
inclusive molding may utilize modified injection molding processes,
as shown. In an exemplary arrangement of the system, the female
tool 252 is modified to comprise one or more polymer injection
molding components 256, as shown. In various embodiments, one or
more elastomeric polymers are injected within the mold tool to
form, for example, a resilient sole component. The curing process
forms a permanent connection between composite footwear upper 102
and the injected component. Injection timing and polymer
chemistries can be chosen to maximize compatibility with the curing
cycle of the composite materials forming the upper component.
Various elastomeric materials are selected based on required
mechanical performance, molding process, cost, and the like.
Various injected materials include, but are not limited to,
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), foamed polyurethanes, flexible
polyvinylchlorides, viscoelastomeric materials, and the like.
[0194] FIG. 22 shows a diagram, generally illustrating an
embodiment of a method of applying finish componentry to the
composite footwear upper of FIG. 11. In this exemplary method, one
or more elastomeric materials 251 are introduced into an open
multi-part mold containing either pre-cured or uncured composite
footwear upper 102. The mold parts of the multi-part mold are then
assembled to form a substantially enclosed negative-impression
cavity having an internal shape corresponding to the features of
the sole component. The exemplified process can form a permanent
connection between composite footwear upper 102 and the molded
component.
[0195] FIG. 23 shows a diagram, generally illustrating an alternate
method of applying finish componentry to the composite footwear
upper of FIG. 11. In this alternate method, a preformed sole is
bonded or otherwise permanently affixed to cured composite footwear
upper 102.
[0196] Various three-dimensional one-piece parts in accordance with
the present disclosure are relatively inexpensive because the of
the low specific cost per unit performance of the high performance
fibers uses, inexpensive conversion of low cost, readily available
high denier tow to thin, light weight unitapes, and the potential
ability to automate fabrication and production of the upper, the
use of a "One Shot Mold System" to produce the finished upper. Cost
can also be reduced if the upper is bonded to the lower as a one
shot process. Better shape fidelity (primarily due to precision
tolerance 3D molding), enable efficient down stream production and
automation of the rest of the manufacturing steps and comprise
better pressure integrity, comprise better integration of
structural details (strapping, attachment points, etc.), comprise
no seams to fail or cause leakage, and comprise uniform strain,
amongst other advantages.
[0197] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure
without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus,
it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications
and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0198] Likewise, numerous characteristics and advantages have been
set forth in the preceding description, including various
alternatives together with details of the structure and function of
the devices and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as
illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It
will be evident to those skilled in the art that various
modifications may be made, especially in matters of structure,
materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of
parts including combinations within the principles of the
disclosure, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general
meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To
the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be
encompassed therein.
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