Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base (144) includes providing a yarn (151) from a material source (142) disposed in a printing system. The yarn is an elongated continuous piece including a tagging segment (202) and a reel segment (206). The reel segment (206) is disposed proximate the material source (142). The tagging segment (202) extends from a nozzle (118) of the printing system. The method further includes attaching the tagging segment (202) to the base (144) and moving the nozzle (118) away from the tagging segment (202) after the attaching the tagging segment (202) to the base (144). The nozzle (118) is moved by an actuating system (114) of the printing system. The moving of the nozzle (118) along the base increases a tension between the tagging segment (202) and the material source (142). The tension in the yarn (151) pulls the reel segment (206) from the material source (142).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article (200) are disclosed. An embodiment of a method may include receiving the article and extruding a composite yarn (202) from a nozzle (118). A method may include attaching the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with a first axis and a direction aligned with second axis along the curved surface. The first axis may be approximately normal to the print surface and the second axis may be approximately normal to the first direction. The article may be repositioned during printing to accommodate nozzle movement.
Abstract:
A method and system are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base (144) having an upper surface (148) spaced from a lower surface (150) by a base thickness (204) includes dispensing a yarn (151) from a nozzle (118) of a printing system and selectively attaching the yarn to a first attachment region (152). The step of dispensing the yarn includes dispensing a heat-moldable material (156) and a melt- resistant material (158). The step of selectively attaching the yarn to the first attachment region includes moving the nozzle into the first attachment region. The step of moving the nozzle into the first attachment region reduces the base thickness by a prodding distance (206). The heat-moldable material bonds to the first attachment region.
Abstract:
A system and method for forming 3D printed structures on a base component (610) includes extruding material through a nozzle (116) while moving the nozzle vertically. Extruded material flows from the nozzle and spreads outwardly upon contact with an underlying portion of material. The outward spread of material is controlled to form a desired geometry for the 3D printed structure. An optical sensing device (416) may provide feedback for controlling the outward spread of material. Using a rnoldin g component, structures with anchored portions (1200) extending through openings in the base component can be formed.
Abstract:
A system and method for forming 3D printed structures includes printing an outer shell portion and filling an interior of the outer shell portion to form an inner portion. The outer shell portion and inner portion may have differing material properties. The outer shell portion may be anchored to the base component.
Abstract:
A system, method, and thread structure composition (520) are disclosed. The thread structure composition (520) includes a first thread (510) and a second thread (512). The second thread (512) includes a heat moldable material that is moldable above a predetermined temperature. The first thread (510) remains in a solid form at temperatures substantially above the predetermined temperature. The second thread (512) is twisted around the first thread (510).
Abstract:
An article of footwear has a tubular structure. The tubular structure may include tab portions that extend away from a tunnel portion of the tubular structure. The tab portions may engage parts of the article of footwear. The tab portions may engage an upper or sole structure along a bite line. The tab portions may be attached to a heel counter, eyestay, or other structure on the article of footwear.
Abstract:
An arch support (100, 10) may include a base plate (12) having a base plate (12) top surface (101, 15, 62). The arch support (100, 10) may further include a contoured arch plate (11) attached to the base plate (12) at a joint (30). The arch plate (11) may include an arch plate (11) bottom surface (42, 61). The arch plate (11) bottom surface (42, 61) may face and be separated from the base plate (12) top surface (101, 15, 62), with an extent of the separation increasing toward a medial side (106) of the arch support (100, 10).
Abstract:
Computer based systems and methods for designing and manufacturing consumer products, including knit footwear uppers, and the like. The system provides digital controls for the customization of knitted components, including complex multi-structured knitted components. The system simulates deformations of knit structures and allows the user to control and visualize compensations in the structure(s) of the knitted component to better match between an intended knit design and the actual physical knitted component outcome. They system may manufacture/fabricate a knitted component based on the predicted/estimated deformation behavior of the knit.
Abstract:
A tunnel spring structure three-dimensionally printed on a base layer. The tunnel spring structure includes three tubular structures and two connecting portions. A connecting portion is disposed between two tubular structures. A tensile strand extends through the tubular structures. Tension applied to the tensile strand forces the tubular structures to adjoin due to the flexibility of the connection portions.