U.S. patent application number 16/598538 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-16 for modular last.
The applicant listed for this patent is The North Face Apparel Corp.. Invention is credited to Tadd Nicholas Smith.
Application Number | 20200113291 16/598538 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68536892 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200113291 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Tadd Nicholas |
April 16, 2020 |
MODULAR LAST
Abstract
A modular last system comprising: a frame and plurality of last
segments removably attached to the frame, wherein the plurality of
last segments each have an outer surface that defines an anatomical
shape.
Inventors: |
Smith; Tadd Nicholas; (Rye,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The North Face Apparel Corp. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68536892 |
Appl. No.: |
16/598538 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62744262 |
Oct 11, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43D 3/022 20130101;
A43D 3/027 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43D 3/02 20060101
A43D003/02 |
Claims
1. A modular last system comprising: a frame; and a plurality of
last segments removably attached to the frame, wherein each last
segment the plurality of last segments has an outer surface that
defines an anatomical shape.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one last segment of the
plurality of the last segments defines a channel, wherein at least
a portion of the frame is received in the channel.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one last segment of the
plurality of the last segments has an upper surface and a lower
surface, wherein the channel is defined in the lower surface.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the upper surface defines the
anatomical shape.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the anatomical shape is a
foot.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of last segments
comprises a first heel segment defining a first heel profile, and a
first toe segment defining a first toe profile.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a second heel segment
having a second heel profile, wherein the first heel segment and
second heel segment are interchangeable on the frame to alter the
anatomical shape.
8. The system of claim 6, further comprising a second toe segment
having a second toe profile, wherein the first toe segment and
second toe segment are interchangeable on the frame to alter the
anatomical shape.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of last segments
further comprise an ankle segment.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of last segments
further comprise a first waist segment having a first girth and a
second waist segment having a second girth, wherein the first waist
segment and second waist segment are interchangeable to alter the
anatomical shape.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a material disposed
adjacent at least a portion of the plurality of last segments to
define an article.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an elongate
member having a frame cross-section and a frame profile; and the
plurality of last segments defining a channel that conforms to the
frame cross-section, wherein the plurality of last segments are
removably attached to the frame by an interference fit between the
frame and the channel.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the channel is defined in a
lower surface of the plurality of last segments, wherein upon
attaching the plurality of segments to the frame, a lower surface
of the frame is contiguous with the lower surface of the plurality
of segments.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the cross section of the frame
is rectangular.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a heel
portion and a toe portion spaced longitudinally from each other by
a waist portion, wherein a lower surface of the waist portion
defines a base plane, and wherein the toe portion of the frame
extends upward relative to the base plane.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame is constructed of a
unitary member.
17. A modular last system comprising: a frame including an elongate
member having a cross section; and a plurality of segments arranged
on the frame to define an anatomical shape, the plurality of
segments defining a channel configured to receive the elongate
member therein.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the anatomical shape is a
foot.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the cross section of the
elongate member is rectangular having a top wall, a bottom wall,
and opposing sidewalls, and wherein the channel comprises side
surfaces that are spaced from each to form an interference fit with
the opposing sidewalls of the elongate member.
20. The system of claim 17 wherein the plurality of segments
comprise a first segment forming a portion of the anatomical shape
having a first profile, wherein the system further comprises a
second segment interchangeable with the first segment to form the
portion of the anatomical shape with a second profile.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of and claims the
benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/744,262, filed Oct.
11, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present application relates to a modular last to
manufacture an article of clothing. More particularly, the present
application relates to a modular last having a frame and at least
one last segment removably supported on the frame, where the last
segment defines a contour for the article of clothing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular last system
according to an example.
[0004] FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the area indicated in FIG.
1.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of modular last system showing
details of a frame according to an example.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a side view of a modular last system according to
an example.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a top view of a modular last system according to
an example.
[0008] FIG. 4A is a sectioned side view as might be seen along line
4A-4A in FIG. 4 showing further details of a modular last system
according to an example with material applied to the last to form
an article.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing a modular last
system having interchangeable last sections according to an
example.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing a modular last
system having interchangeable last sections according to an
example.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a side view schematically showing a modular last
system having interchangeable last sections according to an
example.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a top view schematically showing a modular last
system having interchangeable last sections according to an
example.
[0013] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals may describe similar components in different views.
Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent
different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate
generally, and not by way of limitation, various examples discussed
in the present document.
SUMMARY
[0014] Examples of the disclosure generally relate to a modular
last comprising a frame; plurality of last segments removably
attached to the frame, wherein the plurality of last segments each
have an outer surface that defines an anatomical shape.
[0015] Another example relates to a modular last comprising a frame
including an elongate member having a cross section; plurality of
segments arranged on the frame to define an anatomical shape, the
plurality of segments defining a channel configured to receive the
elongate member therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Examples of the disclosure generally relate to a modular
last for an article of clothing. The examples described herein will
discuss the modular last in the context of manufacturing footwear
including but not limited to shoes, boots, slippers, and the like.
It will be understood that the modular last may be used to form
other articles of clothing manufactured by forming a shape over a
last including but not limited to a glove or hat.
[0017] The last determines the shape of the article of clothing and
the cavity defined by the article. For footwear, the last is the
starting point for determining the fit, performance, ergonomics and
style of the shoe. The contour of the last is used to define the
shape of the shoe for aesthetical and performance purposes. A
designer designs a last for a particular article, and once the
design is confirmed, the pattern of the last is graded to make
different sizes. Existing lasts are formed from carved wood, cast
aluminum or injection molded plastic. Last making is often
considered an art form with skilled last makers having specialized
education in last making. The last maker must consider every aspect
of the anatomy for the article to be formed, and how the anatomy
changes as the wearer moves.
[0018] Lasts are constructed as solid form requiring a separate
last for each design. To produce the design in different sizes
multiplies the number of lasts that are produced. As a result,
large amounts of space are dedicated to storing lasts for each
design in all of its various sizes. The unique nature of each last
also makes it prohibitive to change the design after the last has
been graded for different sizes. Design variation and modification
is, therefore, discouraged by the nature of the last and limits the
ability to customize or change the performance around a common
last. As a result, there is a need for a last system that can be
more easily modified and reduce the amount of shelf to store lasts
of various sizes. In view of at least these needs, the disclosure
provides a modular last system that generally includes a frame on
which last segments are supported. As described more completely
below, the modular last system may be used to interchange last
segments to quickly modify the shape of the last without carving or
molding an entirely new last as is currently practiced. In
addition, the use of a frame to support last segments allows the
segments to be removed from the frame for more compact storage.
Further benefits of the modular last system will become apparent
from the description below.
[0019] Footwear is often purpose built for various activities and
environments. The ability to quickly modify a last or a portion of
a last to tailor an existing footwear design for a particular
activity or environment is desirable. Moreover, human anatomy
varies to a great extent such that custom fitting or greater
flexibility in fitting footwear is highly desirable. In footwear,
the last includes a number of portions to help shape the footwear
to a person's anatomy. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, considering
the length or longitudinal components of the last from back to
front, the last includes a heel H, ankle A, waist W and toe T
portions. From the side, the last may include a forepart F and back
part B, which may further include an instep I, a cone C, a heel
curve HC, a counter point CP, and a top line point TP. A vamp point
V may be formed where the cone joins the toe.
[0020] Last measurements include stick length SL measured from the
longest points at the toe T and heel H. Ball girth BG is measured
around the ball of the last. Instep girth IG is measured over the
instep of the last. Last waist girth is measured around the waist
of the last. Toe spring TS is the elevation of the toe T above a
ground plane GP. The ground plane GP may be defined by the lower
surface 102 of last system 100. Heel lift HL refers to the
measurement from the ground plane GP to the heel curve. Long heel
girth HG.sub.L is measured around the last 100 from the lower
surface 102 of the last 100 at the heel H to the upper surface 104
of last 100 at cone C. Short heel girth HGs is measured around the
last 100 from the lower surface 102 of the last 100 at the heel H
to the point where instep girth IG is measured. Width measurement
across the bottom of the last include a ball width BW, instep width
IW, waist width WW, and heel width HW measured at each respective
section of the last.
[0021] With reference to FIG. 1 a modular last system is generally
indicated by the number 100. Last system 100 generally includes a
frame 110 and at least one last segment 120 that defines an
anatomical shape 125. In the example plural last segments 120 are
provided as discussed more completely below. Frame 110 may have any
shape or size suitable for supporting last segments 120. As shown,
frame 110 may be incorporated within last segments 120 to complete
or form part of the shape 125. As best shown in FIG. 3, to form an
article 10, material 12, which may be a natural or synthetic
material including but not limited to various woven and non-woven
textiles, rubber, polymeric material, leather, or fiber material,
is attached to or wrapped around the last system 100 to form the
article 10. In the example, the last system 100 defines an
anatomical shape 125 that is a foot shape for forming a footwear
article such as a shoe or boot 15.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 2, one example of frame 110 is shown
in more detail. Frame 110 may include an elongate member 111 having
a cross section 112. In the example, cross section 112 is a
generally rectangular cross section, and frame 110 includes a top
wall 113, a bottom wall 114 and opposing sidewalls 115, 116. As
shown, frame 110 may be formed as a single piece. In other
examples, multiple members may be joined or attached together to
form frame 110. The cross section 112 of frame 110 may vary along
its length in certain examples. In the depicted example, frame 110
has a constant cross section 112 along its length. Frame 110 may be
formed of any material suitable for supporting the last segments
120 thereon including but not limited to metal, plastic, wood,
ceramic, and combinations thereof. The material may be rigid or
malleable. In the example, a metal material is used, such as a
stainless steel or aluminum material. Frame 110 may extend along
the entire stick length SL of last system 100 as shown or a portion
thereof. To that end, frame 110 may have heel, ankle, waist and toe
portions as shown generally in FIG. 3. The rear surface 117 of
frame 110 may be curved to correspond to the heel curve HC and
provide an uninterrupted surface when frame 110 is incorporated
within last segments 120 as shown and described more completely
below. Likewise, the front surface 118 of frame 110 may
substantially conform to the shape of a toe segment. Toe end 119 of
frame 110 may also extend upward to define toe spring TS.
[0023] The last segment 120 is supported on frame 110. In the
example, last segment 120 is removably attached to the frame 110 to
facilitate interchanging of segments to alter the profile of a
particular segment or the overall anatomical shape 125. It will be
understood that segment 120 may be removably attached to frame 110
by a fastener, clip, temporary adhesive, interference fit, dovetail
connection, and the like. In the example, segment 120 defines a
channel 130 that receives at least a portion of frame 110 therein.
As discussed previously, channel 130 may have a cross-section 132
similar to cross section 112 of frame 110 to incorporate frame 110
within last segments 120. For example, channel 130 may have
rectangular cross section, with a top surface 133 and side surfaces
135,136 that closely conform to the walls 113,115,116 of frame 110
to wholly receive frame 110 within channel 130. The side surfaces
135,136 of channel 130 may create an interference fit with the
inserted portion of frame 110 to hold segments 120 in place once
attached to frame 110.
[0024] As discussed, a plurality of last segments 120 may be used
to form an anatomical shape 125 or other form to help shape an
article 10. In the example, plural segments 120 are used to define
a foot-like anatomical shape 125. Segments 120 may include a heel
segment 121, toe segment 122, ankle segment 123 and waist segment
124. The segments 120 combine to form a lower surface 126 (FIG. 3)
of the last system 100. Segments 120 also combine to form an upper
surface 127 of the last system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0025] Each last segment 120 may be molded, carved or otherwise
formed to have the desired shape used to define the article 10.
With reference to FIGS. 5-7, segments 120 may be interchanged on
the frame to alter the performance, appearance, fit or other aspect
of the article 10 or the last system 100 itself. Providing a system
100 where segments 120 may be interchanged on frame 110 facilitates
such modification without the need to mold an entire new last. In
this way a single last system 100 may be used to form multiple
variations of an article.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 5, an example of a performance
variation for a shoe is depicted. In the example, last system 100
includes plural segments 120 on frame 110 to form an anatomical
shape 125 that resembles a foot shape for forming an article 10
such as a shoe, boot or the like. In the example, segments may
generally include a heel segment 140, a toe segment 150, a waist
segment 160 and an ankle segment 170. It will be understood that
these segments are provided as examples and are not limiting. Fewer
or greater segments 120 may be used. For example, a pair of
segments may be used with a first segment encompassing the heel and
ankle portions and a second segment encompassing the waist and toe
portions etc. The greater number of segments provides greater
opportunity for modifying the shape by interchanging individual
segments having different outer shapes as discussed more completely
below.
[0027] For example as shown in FIG. 5, plural segments 120 may
include a first heel segment 141 and a first toe segment 151 for
purposes of the example. The first heel segment 141 and first toe
segment are shown in solid lines in the figure. A second heel
segment 142 and second toe segment 152 are shown in broken line. As
depicted, first heel segment 141 has a first rear profile 143. This
segment may be interchanged with second heel segment 142 that has a
second rear profile 144 that may provide a performance fit. For
example, as shown, second profile 144 may be more fitted with a
profile that conforms more closely to the anatomy of a foot. As
shown, this may result in a smaller radius at heel cup HC and a
larger radius forming the top part TP of second heel segment
142.
[0028] With continued reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a first toe
segment 151 having a first toe shape 153 may be replaced by a
second toe segment 152 having a second toe shape 154. In the
example, first toe segment 151 defines a first toe shape with a
rounded front surface 155 and tapered profile 157. The second toe
segment 152 has a more square front surface 156 and a less tapered
profile 158 to produce a more boxier toe shape. This example
demonstrates how segments may be interchanged to change the look of
the article 10. It will be understood that similar changes may also
be used to change the performance or fit as well.
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an example is provided
showing a first waist segment 161 having a first cone profile 163
forming a first instep girth IG.sub.1. A second waist segment 162
(broken lines) has a second cone profile 164 forming a second
instep girth IG.sub.2. In the example, second cone profile 164
extends outward in comparison to first cone profile 163 causing the
second instep girth IG.sub.2 to be greater than first instep girth
IG.sub.1.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0030] A modular last system comprising: a frame; plural last
segments removably attached to the frame, wherein the plural last
segments each have an outer surface that defines an anatomical
shape.
Example 2
[0031] The system of example 1, wherein the at least one last
segment defines a channel, wherein at least a portion of the frame
is received in the channel.
Example 3
[0032] The system of example 2, wherein the at least one last
segment has an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the
channel is defined in the lower surface.
Example 4
[0033] The system of example 3, wherein the upper surface defines
the anatomical shape.
Example 5
[0034] The system of example 4, wherein the anatomical shape is a
foot.
Example 6
[0035] The system of example 1, wherein the plural last segments
include a first heel segment defining a first heel profile, and a
first toe segment defining a first toe profile
Example 7
[0036] The system of example 6 further comprising a second heel
segment having a second heel profile, wherein the first heel
segment and second heel segment are interchangeable on the frame to
alter the anatomical shape.
Example 8
[0037] The system of example 7 further comprising a second toe
segment having a second toe profile, wherein the first toe segment
and second toe segment are interchangeable on the frame to alter
the anatomical shape.
Example 9
[0038] The system of example 6, wherein the plural last segments
further include an ankle segment.
Example 10
[0039] The system of example 6, wherein the plural last segments
further include a first waist segment having a first girth and a
second waist segment having a second girth, wherein the first waist
segment and second waist segment are interchangeable to alter the
anatomical shape.
Example 11
[0040] The system of example 1, wherein the frame includes an
elongate member having a frame cross-section and a frame profile;
the plural last segments defining a channel that conforms to the
frame cross-section, wherein the plural last segments are removably
attached to the frame by an interference fit between the frame and
the channel.
Example 12
[0041] The system of example 11, wherein the channel is defined in
a lower surface of the plural last segments, wherein upon attaching
the plural segments to the frame, a lower surface of the frame is
contiguous with the lower surface of the plural segments.
Example 13
[0042] The system of example 11, wherein the cross section of the
frame is rectangular.
Example 14
[0043] The system of example 1, wherein the frame includes a heel
portion and a toe portion spaced longitudinally from each other by
a waist portion, wherein a lower surface of the waist portion
defines a base plane, and wherein the toe portion of the frame
extends upward relative to the base plane.
Example 15
[0044] The system of example 1, wherein the frame is constructed of
a unitary member.
Example 16
[0045] A modular last system comprising: a frame including an
elongate member having a cross section; plural segments arranged on
the frame to define an anatomical shape, the plural segments
defining a channel configured to receive the elongate member
therein.
Example 17
[0046] The system of example 16, wherein the anatomical shape is a
foot.
Example 18
[0047] The system of example 16, wherein the cross section of the
elongate member is rectangular having a top wall, a bottom wall,
and opposing sidewalls, and wherein the channel includes side
surfaces that are spaced from each to form an interference fit with
the opposing sidewalls of the elongate member.
Example 19
[0048] The system of example 16, wherein the plural segments
include a first segment forming a portion of the anatomical shape
having a first profile, wherein the system further comprises a
second segment interchangeable with the first segment to form the
portion of the anatomical shape with a second profile.
Example 20
[0049] The system of example 19, wherein the second profile extends
inward relative to the first profile.
Example 21
[0050] The system of example 1 further comprising a material
attached to the plural last segments to define an article.
Example 22
[0051] The system of example 16 further comprising a material
attached to the plural last segments to define an article.
* * * * *