Patent Application
20050144034
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to certain methods of manufacturing injection molded polyurethane products such as footwear, the types of equipment used, the types of molds used and the business practices used in the manufacturing process.
2. Prior Art
Over twelve billion pairs of footwear were produced worldwide last year. Six percent of the total produced or seven hundred million pairs are classified as protective footwear. Last year in the United States alone the footwear market exceeded one million two hundred thousand pairs, seventy million pairs of which were protective footwear. Rubber, PVC and Polyurethane boots are all classified as protective footwear whether worn by a child in the snow and rain or by a pig farmer tending his herd.
The manufacturing of Polyurethane products such as footwear has typically adhered to common methods of technical production and methods of business practice. Currently the cost of manufacturing Polyurethane boots for instance is significantly more than that of manufacturing boots made of PVC or rubber. Polyurethane boots are commonly accepted as a far superior product by end users. Longer life, better wear and greater comfort in various kinds of environments are some of the stated reasons end users prefer Polyurethane boots to those made of PVC or rubber. The increased cost to manufacture Polyurethane boots, as much as two or three times that of PVC or rubber, limits the number of persons and/or companies who can afford to purchase the superior Polyurethane boots.
Currently there are very few Polyurethane boots manufactured in the United States. Nearly all Polyurethane boots sold in the U.S. are imported and therefore are subject to a high tariff and import fees of as much as thirty seven percent or more which further increases the end retail cost of this product.
Therefore, a method to significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of Polyurethane boots would make them easier to produce domestically. Domestic production would eliminate the various import fees and thus significantly reduce the retail pricing of this product. These same high manufacturing costs are a substantial reason why Polyurethane boots are not manufactured in many other countries. Thus, a low cost method of manufacturing Polyurethane boots would effect the world wide market and result in the superior boot being made available to a much larger consumer group at an affordable price.
Manufacturers typically own or lease there injection molding equipment and manage it's operation with their own personnel. The technician operating the production equipment must be highly trained and preferably able to manufacture the products at the highest level of efficiency with little or no wasted time or raw materials. The cost of establishing a Polyurethane footwear manufacturing operation is typically substantial and may range from half a million to several million U.S. dollars depending on the scope of operations and production goals. The cost of a single injection molding machine can be as much as six hundred thousand U.S. dollars and more. The molding table and other equipment, administrative software, and training all add to the bottom line and increase the overall cost.
The purchase of the raw materials used in this equipment to produce the product is rarely if ever tied to the purchase of said equipment or tied to the use of specific equipment. Instead, the raw materials used to produce the product are typically selected based on price, availability and quality. Therefore, the manufacturer receives no benefits from using a particular type of injection molding equipment or system when it comes to the price they pay for raw materials. This is notable in that over the course of one year a single injection molding machine may use several hundred thousand U.S. dollars worth of raw materials in the production process.
Most footwear manufactures do so domestically in that their respective governments have specific protections for this industry. These would include high tariffs, duties, other fees and bans associated with the importing of various types of footwear products. Therefore, if a particular shoe design is highly desired by consumers in one country, a manufacturer in another who can not legally import the product may duplicate the design and manufacturer it for their domestic market. This process is very costly and involves research, development and a lot of time.
Governments of various countries have specific reasons for maintaining the domestic control of the footwear industry. By doing so they not only regulate imports but influence the domestic products their citizens will have to select from. This highly regulatory approach to footwear products provides both quality controls and economic controls effecting both the costs of manufacturing and the cost to consumers.
There is a significant cost for product research and design for items such as footwear. This expense is typically born by the manufacture who passes it on. The process may involve the study of markets worldwide to identify and develop products desired by specific consumer groups. This process is typically repeated by manufactures in different countries serving different consumer groups and markets thus the cost of R&D of the same product is duplicated several times and typically passed on to the consumer via a higher retail price.
The design, development and production of marketing materials for each specific product can be substantial and once again duplicated from one country to the next and each time the cost is typically passed on to the consumer via a higher retail price.
Existing technology and methods used in the manufacturing of Polyurethane boots and other protective footwear has several short comings when more than a single color and/or different materials are used for different parts of the same boot. For instance, when the outsole is to be black and have a more rigid texture and the insole/upper/shaft is to be a different color and have a softer texture the manufacturing process becomes lengthy. In this case first the outsole is molded first and before continuing must cure for a few minutes. Then the molds are separated and repositioned so the insole/upper/shaft can be injected. Once the insole/upper/shaft has been injected it to must set idle while it cures for a few minutes against the outsole before the finished boot can be removed from the mold.
The injection process takes only a few seconds but the curing process takes a few minutes and slows the entire process. In that the curing process must take place for each portion/section of the boot having a different color and/or consistency/texture, it can be very costly. The ability to inject all portions/sections of a boot or other product at the same time would significantly reduce the production time and overall cost of the product.
Multi-station injection molding tables and/or machines have more than a single pair of molds which are each injected on a cycle. Most often the molds are mounted on a round carousel. The number of molds may range from two to eighteen or more. Preferably a selection of molds with a number of different foot size's will make up the mix of molds on a multi station machine. Unfortunately, these machines are most often designed so that the molds move and the injection head remains stationary. This design thus requires the entire machine to be shut off and production stopped entirely when a pair of molds needs to be changed or when any other service needs to be preformed on the machine. This design are typically designed
Accordingly, several objects and advantages are:
Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
This invention embodies both a new business method and practice for the manufacturing of injection molded polyurethane footwear as well as the design of certain equipment used in this manufacturing process. The equipment involves a new mold design which enables a dual injection head to inject two different materials into two separate cavities of a single mold at the same time. Other equipment includes a multi station linear molding table designed to accommodate the aforementioned new mold. The unique design of the aforementioned molding table allows for it to be serviced and molds to be changed without halting production or shutting the equipment off. Using the invention the process of manufacturing this injection molded polyurethane footwear can be substantially shortened thus reducing the manufacturing costs and retail pricing.
The business method and practice will allow for existing footwear manufacturers to add this product line to theirs by simply licensing the use of the invention.
The Licensee would then pay a royalty fee on each pair of footwear sold and also a fee or commission on the raw materials purchased from the Lessor.
FIGS. 2 to 14
FIGS. 15 to 20
One objective is to provide the licensee with a turnkey process for adding a new product or products to an existing product line with relatively low startup cost. The inventor or PolyWear would provide the equipment and service as outlined in
(1.) The patent pending polywear manufacturing system is a custom high or low pressure injection molding machine system and molding table system designed to use special molds in the production of injection molded polyurethane footwear and/or footwear components.
(2.) The patent pending polywear manufacturing system may use any Injection molding machine with capabilities within the set specifications and standards for the system.
(3.) A fee is paid by the Licensee, a company, typically a domestic footwear manufacturer already producing protective footwear or interested in producing protective footwear. This fee is an annual charge for the rights to use the Patent pending polywear manufacturing system. This fee may be charged each year and may increase or decrease each year per the terms of the licensing agreement. In return for the Licensing fee the Licensee with receive:
(4.) The patent pending polywear manufacturing system's linear footwear injection molding table system (LMT-1) is equipped with a custom computer hardware, software and communications system. This system provides for the real-time communication of information from the licensee's site to the administrative computer system located at the polywear company headquarters. This system provides 24/7 monitoring of the systems production data, equipment status and insures raw materials are received on time. The system also alerts the corporate office of any maintenance needs that are detected as well as managing regularly scheduled maintenance issues.
(5) The patent pending polywear manufacturing system includes custom computer programs and hardware designed to either fully automate or partially automate certain functions of the production/manufacturing operations as well as support materials and supplies management and other logistics.
(6) In addition to any lessening fee, the licensee's will pay polywear a royalty fee for each pair of footwear manufactured by the polywear manufacturing system or any part of the system. The amount of royalty may differ for; different licensee's, licensee's in different locations or markets, different amounts or fees for different types of footwear, and other reasons.
(7) An electronic monitoring system with security failsafes will be integrated into the patent pending polywear manufacturing system. This process may utilize the internet, satellite technology or other means for guaranteed communication links. This system will alert polywear of all system operations including the amount of raw materials used, number of pairs made, hours machine runs, etc. This system is designed to reduce certain types of fraud or equipment use contrary to the licensing agreement as well as send alerts that certain types of repairs or adjustments on the System and equipment need to be made or will need to be made in the near future.
(8) Polywear will develop agreements with one or more raw material providers including polyurethane manufactures. These agreements may allow these manufactures to pay polywear a commission or other compensation of some type in return for sales to polywear Licensees. Polywear may undertake agreements such as this with more than one raw material supplier including polyurethane. Multiple suppliers would then provide the most competitive pricing of raw materials including polyurethane to polywear licensees.
Part 1 is the dual rotating sole-plate. There are two parts to this system, (a) the rotating section and, (b) the bed section. The rotating section is comprised of two identical molds and molds the outsoles of the boots/shoes. This dual rotating sole-plate is rotated at the time a completed boot/shoe is removed from the mold system. This places a freshly injected outsole in position next to the insole/shaftupper. The cycle then continues and the insole/shaft/upper is injected onto the previously shot outsole and a new outsole is simultaneously shot which will be used during the next cycle. The bed section is simply a reproduction of the insole shape and is aligned with the sole-plate when the outsole is shot.
Part 2 is the bed section of the dual rotating sole-plate system. The bed section is used with the dual sole-plate to produce an outsole with the proper contours used when the insole/shaft/upper is injected/shot thus producing the desired insole.
Part 3 is the sole-plate of the dual shuffle sole-plate system. The sole-plates of the dual shuffle plate are connected via a specialized hinge system, Item 23. These special hinges allow for either of the two sole-plates to be positioned against the insole/shaft/upper mold and visa versa.
The production set injection process has three cycles: the first or startup cycle is to move one by one down the line of molds on the molding table and shoot/inject the lower outsole mold. The second or standard cycle is to repeatedly move down the line of molds injecting the insole/shaftupper onto the previously shot outsole and a new outsole for use on the next boot/shoe. The third or shutdown cycle is for the Injection head to move one by one down the molds injecting the insole/shaftupper onto the previously injected/shot outsole thus completing the boot/shoe.
Part 4 is the molded boot/shoe. This just an example of the outline of a molded boot using this mold.
Part 5 is the outsole cavity in sole-plate. This is the cavity area which is closed by either the bed section when using the rotating system or the second sole-plate when using the Shuffling System. When closed and injected the sole-plate produces a finished outsole ready for the insole/shaft/upper to be molded onto it.
Part 6 is the last. This is the typical footwear mold Last with an internal air system to assist with the removal of finished boot/shoe. The last is either stationary on the rotating mold or moves 90 degrees for boot/shoe removal on the single mast static system.
Part 7 is the last extension used for connections. This extension extends outside the mold and is used to connect and align the last with the other parts of the mold and interface with other mechanical devices comprising the system.
Part 8 is the injection port. This is a typical injection port designed to interface with whatever injection molding machine is used with the system. The port path widens and becomes thinner as it dispenses the materials along the joint between the insole/shaft/upper and the outsole.
Part 9 is the boot/shoe insole/shaft/upper mold, primary mold. These are the two halves of the insole/shaft/upper Mold which incase the Last and connect to the sole-plate.
Part 10 is the piston driven top locking system to hold the mold together. This complex system consist of a pivoting shaped metal device with two planes which is moved by a piston or other system. The device engages it's locking system when lowered over the top of the insole/shaft/upper mold. Using this compression locking system the outside legs are fitted with roller bearings that are lowered over the mold and compress the contact pads, part 22, thus holding the top of the mold tightly together for molding.
The second plane deals with when the device is raised. First the roller bearings will clear the top of the mold and no longer participate in holding it together. As the device is moved further a specially designed wedge on the device slowly moves down between to roller bearings attached to different sides of the mold. As the wedge is lowered it separates the mold halves from around the last. The spring/tension assisted hinges then fully open the mold.
Part 11 is the rotating sole-plate mold compression locking system. The compression locking system uses four tension devices with roller bearings on all four corners of the sole-plate. This is true on both the upper and lower sections of the dual sole-plate thus totaling 8 devices. These work in conjunction with the contact pad, Item 22 and not only holds all sections of the mold tightly together well within specifications.
Part 12 is the spring loaded hinge system for opening and closing mold. These are complex hinges with adjustable tension levels for holding the hinge in the open position. When attached they insure the two halves of the insole/shaft/upper mold will slowly fully open once all the locking systems are disengaged. One option is to have an internal or external catch to hold the mold halves closed until the locking systems are engaged. This catch would disengage automatically when the locking systems engaged.
Part 13 is the dual handle/grip for turning rotating sole-plate mold. These are aluminum or wooden handles mounted to make is easier to rotate and align the dual sole-plate.
Part 14 is the guide for the lift system. This frame and guide can be made of a variety of materials and is designed to align and move the sole-plate and bed section from molding positions to demolding positions.
Part 17 is the lift system. This lifting system may be hydraulic driven or operated by some other means but involves a lowering/lifting path sufficient to rotate the dual sole-plate. Alignment is critical and easy to adjust.
Part 18 is the mold opening system roller bearings. A set of roller bearings are located at the top of the mold, one bearing attached to each half of the mold. A leaver device, Item 10, is automated and lowers a wedge system between the roller bearings causing the mold to open. The spring/tension assisted hinges then fully open the mold.
Part 19 is the piston driven system to move the last 90 degrees for boot/shoe removal. This is a simple movement device wither piston or other type which will attach to the top connection of the last. This device is automated and uses adjustable tension hinge system. This system automatically raises the last to 90 degrees once all the locks are disengaged. At the 90 degrees location it is much easier to remove the boot/show from the last.
Part 20 is the static metal reinforcement attached to single mast mount. This is a optional extension of the single mast mount which provides both connection opportunities for items and a static brace to hold the mold secure when using the hydraulic lift system,
Part 21 is the piston drive for part 10 mold locking system and automated mold opener. This is the simple piston or other drive system used to lift and lower the locking/opening device,
Part 22 is the contact pad for part 11 compression locking system. This is a simple pad affixed to the mold in certain places corresponding to the use of the compression locking system which uses four tension devices with roller bearings on all four corners of the sole-plate. This is true on both the upper and lower sections of the dual sole-plate thus totaling 8 devices. Furthermore a dual system can engage by lowering from the top of the mold holding the mold securely together for the molding process.
Part 23 is the hinge system for dual shuffle sole-plate molds. These specially designed hinges have a certain amount of “play” in them which when the sole-plates are loose enables the sole-plates to be positioned one on top of the other either way. For instance the left sole-plate may be positioned on top and the right sole-plate positioned on the bottom or visa versa. The right sole-plate positioned on the top and the left sole-plate positioned on the bottom. In either case once positioned the mold set can be secured/locked into place for the injection process. These hinges are removable and designed to be used on other molds as well.
Part 24 is the single handle/grip for maneuvering dual shuffle sole-plate mold. This single handle/grip is designed to provide easy movement of each individual sole-plate in a shuffle system. Working with other components this maneuvering and positioning system allows for the fast manipulation of the sole-plates and easy alignment for locking and injection.
Part 25 is the complex piston driven locking and opening system for sole-plate molds. This is one of the many Locking and/or opening systems for the sole-plates. This system uses a series of levers to pull sole-plates together tightly for injection and to push the sole-plates apart for mold opening, removal of boot/shoe and switching of sole-plates placing the previously injected/shot sole-plate in position for the next standard injection cycle. Moved up and down by the mechanical levers the four contact plate are designed to move away from the sole-plate when they are lowered and the sole-plates are unlocked. The contact plates may also have a function of pushing the sole-plates away from the upper mold and away from each other thus making it much simpler to open the molding system, remove the boot/shoe, prepare it for the next injection cycle and position the previously injected/shot sole-plate
Part 26 in the dual mount mast for either mole mount. This mast allow for two different mounting system options. First, a mold set (left & right) are mounted to the sides of the mast using the rotation system for dual mount rotation molding systems. Facing the machine and system the Molds are typically mounted right on right and left on left. The second mounting option is to mount a mold set to a single mast without the rotating system. This may be accomplished using optional mold hinge mounting hardware. This method would typically mounted right on right and left on left directly to the mast.
Part 27 is the rotation system for dual mount rotation molding system. This is a balanced and aligned rotating device. It provides for the soft and controlled rotation of a single mold. This device may include a tension system which would automatically move the mold 90 degrees to horizontal position for the removal of the boot/shoe. This tension system may include an automated or semi-automated catch/lock that would engage when the mold is manually pushed/moved into position for injection. This would securely hold the molding system in the aligned position through the injection procedure. Once cured the catch/lock would release the mold moving it slowly and forcefully to the horizontal position for boot/shoe removal.
Part 28 is the single mount mast for either mold mount. This mounting option uses two Masts per Mold Set or a single mast for each mold. The two masts are located in a group distinguishing them from other mast sets. A single mold is mounted to a single mast and has two opening options. The first is for the mold system to remain stationary, open and the Last to then rotate 90° to a horizontal position for boot/shoe removal. The second is for the entire or primary part of the mold to rotate 90° to the horizontal position for boot/shoe removal.
Part A is a typical high pressure injection molding machine. There are a number of high pressure injection molding machines on the market capable of using the various polyurethane formulas and other materials expected to be used with this molding table. gusmer, cannon and many others have been researched and with few exceptions can be used “off the shelf” or can easily be adapted for use with this molding table. The various machine setups include the use of “straight” and “I” configured Injection Heads. This molding table system requires a twin Injection Head which will need to be configured by each machine vender to meet certain specifications.
Part 1 is the control unit and interface. This component is the primary mechanical & computer control Interface between the injection molding machines and the linear mold table. This unit organizes the mechanical piping systems, control systems and wiring systems for connection to the supply hose arm Item 2. This unit includes the primary system computer and is the primary operating technician interface and is used or programming and control of nearly all facets of the molding table system. The unit includes an extended keyboard and large plasma screen and special applications. This primary system computer is typically networked directly the primary business computer and when used by a licensee, networked directly to the polywear business computer systems.
Part 1A is the system information signaling system. This item uses four color lights to signal that certain actions may; be taking place, need to take place or, will take place. Additionally, there is a five color light signal system with corresponding lcd screens to provide additional information when a specific light is activated. This device also has a full set of programmable audio signals which can be used in conjunction with the light signaling systems and/or independently to signal other messages.
Part 2 is the supply hose arm. This supply arm acts as a bridge and carries the supply hoses, piping, mechanical controls and wiring controls between the control unit & Interface and the actual molding table and individual molds. This option provides the most direct route and shortest distance between the injection molding machines and the molds.
Part 3 is the cleanout position. This position located at the end of the table and beginning of the injection cycle is used to clear the Injection nozzles and conduct any necessary cleaning of the injection head. This area includes a work area and tool/materials storage/organizing area.
Part 4 is the set/pair of molds mounted on individual masts. A set/pair of molds including right and left are mounted separately on individual mounting masts. individual mount mast are positioned in pairs to easily distinguish different sets/pairs.
Part 5 is the injection head guide system. This is a guide track running almost the entire length of the molding table. The guide system can use a variety of mechanical and software applications to accurately guide the injection head to select injection or cleanout points along the molding table. Precision alignment and smooth, efficient, quiet maintenance free operations are the goal of this component.
Part 6 is the dual piping system for compressed air and mold release spray. This is a simple piping system caring the liquid “mold release” material for use at each mold station. This piping system also provides a supply of compressed air for use at each mold station, piped from compressor.
Part 7 is the overhead lighting system. This is specified lighting designed for machine operations and should be considered additional lighting added to a specific work area. It is expected that general lighting other than this specified lighting will be of a standard and sufficient to address any other needs.
The specified lighting system calls for three 8 foot dual fluorescent fixtures with high intensity bulbs to be hung in positions to best illuminate the machine and work area.
Part 8 is the coiled hose mold release dispensing system. This is a simple dispensing system for spraying mold release on the interior mold surfaces and Last. The coiled hose hold the dispensing gun out of the work area when not in use and when used can extend several feet to provide easy use on any part of the mold system.
Part 9 is the coiled hose compressed air dispensing system. This is a simple dispensing system for spraying compressed air on the mold surfaces and last. The coiled hose hold the dispensing gun out of the work area when not in use and when used can extend several feet to provide easy use on any part of the mold system and molding table with the immediate area.
Part 10 is the mold mounted colored light signaling system. Each mold will have this four light system with; blue, red, yellow and red lights to signal specific information about the individual mold or signal the need to look at the Information system located on the control unit interface. These lights may signal that an injection is taking place, that curing is not complete, the mold is ready to be opened and the boot/shoe removed, etc. In addition to the single color a light may blink on and off at a specific rate to signal something else.
Part 11 is the exhaust system. The exhaust system duct runs the entire length of the molding table. It is designed to capture the mold release over spray and filter it out of the air. The system also has the ability to move air over the mold thus providing some cooling when needed.
Part 12 is the individual mold duct and grate. The ducts connect directly to the exhaust system. The individual mold grates are located directly under the mold where they can capture most of the mold release over spray. These grates may have controls to open and close them. These controls may be manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic. In addition to opening to collect mold release over spray the grates may open to pull air over the mold in a cooling action.
Part 13 is the twin/dual injector head. This is a custom configuration of two separate injection heads manufactured by the same or two different companies. The Injectors may have straight or “I” shaped heads. They may be combined and share certain material supply lines or function independently as part of a single twin/dual injector head design. The twin/dual injector head is held by the twin/dual injection head & tracking system Interface, part 18. This interface controls all of the actions of the injector head.
Part 14 is the mast for single mold mount. This mast is designed to mount a single right or left mold of a mold set/pair. Single mount mast are located in sets to distinguish pairs. The mast mounting process may allow the mold to open and the last to move 90 degrees to the boot/shoe removal horizontal position or the entire mold may move 90 degrees to the horizontal position for opening and to remove the boot/shoe.
Part 15 is the dual mount mast for mounting both molds of a pair. This mast uses a rotation system between the molds and the mast. The mast is located between the right and left mold and fastened to the molds using the rotation system mechanism. The molds can work independently of each other on the mast or in unison. Each mold has it's own set of signal lights and control systems via the dual mount mast. The molds are injected in the upright position and after curing the mold is rotated 90 degrees to the horizontal position for boot/shoe removal.
Part 16 is the injection hose floor protection system. All of the necessary supply hoses, controls and wiring needed between the control unit interface and the injection head, flexible tracking system Interface and general molding table are safely carried on the floor between the control unit and molding table.
Part 17 is the flexible tracking system for injection hoses and controls. This system functions with the Injection head guide system and connects the injection hose floor protection system, part 16 and the twin injection head and tracking system interface. The system uses a track and moves the hoses and controls in an organized manner with the injection head. This sophisticated system provides the smooth, precise movement of the supply lines and controls with the movement of the injection head.
Part 18 is the dual/twin injection head and tracking system interface. This interface connects the flexible tracking system with the injection head and injection head guide system. This Interface provides mechanical links, control links and wiring links as well as alignment and management functions
Part 19 is the lift system. This lift system may or may not be hydraulically operated but will provide the necessary lifting and lowering actions to facilitate the proper movement and alignment of the sole-plates and/or sole-plate bed section. Each mold may have an independent lift system and it's operations may be activated manually, semi-automatically or automatically and interface with the control unit interface.
For a initial licensing fee, sale of raw materials and a royalty on each pair manufactured, PolyWear will supply the Licensee with a comprehensive footwear manufacturing system and the technician to manage it's operation. This “Turnkey” type of business application is unique in the footwear industry. PolyWear will strategically identify successful footwear industry companies serving different markets around the world and solicit their participation in the Licensing Program. These companies will typically have strong existing; marketing programs, distribution channels and impressive sales of existing products. PolyWear will then introduce the PolyWear products and Patent Pending PolyWear Manufacturing System which enables the manufacturing of a superior product for only a fraction of competitors pricing.
One or more of the multiple patent pending components of the PolyWear Manufacturing System will provide a significantly cheaper method for manufacturing Footwear and Footwear Components. For instance the PolyWear Manufacturing System will produce a Polyurethane boot at a manufacturing cost competitive with PVC and Rubber boots of the same basic style and design. The industry and consumers agree that Polyurethane boots are for many reasons far superior to PVC and/or Rubber boots. Typically Polyurethane boots cost at least twice as much to manufacture as PVC and Rubber boots and retail for two to five times as much as comparable PVC and Rubber boots. Therefore, the ability to manufacture Polyurethane boots at a cost competitive with PVC and Rubber boots is a significant technological achievement. Furthermore, the ability to promote the sale of the far superior Polyurethane footwear and protective footwear will provide the opportunity for manufacturers to achieve high profits and for consumers to enjoy significant savings on a product that had been much more costly until this patent pending breakthrough in technology.
This new Dual Rotating & Shuffling Sole-Plate Footwear Injection Molding System provides a much simpler, less expensive and higher production means to manufacture injection molded footwear and footwear components. The system will significantly reduce the initial costs for a molding system/equipment and setup in today's market. The system will also produce a significantly higher volume of products than current technology used for the manufacture of similar products. Using Polyurethane, the System can produce a product retailed for ½ or less than competitive products in the U.S. market.
The use of the Dual Rotating & Shuffling Sole-Plate technology can significantly reduce cost by substantially cutting production time. Likewise, the use of a Linear Footwear Molding Table with this molding system will further reduce manufacturing costs. The substantial savings derived from the equipment purchase and setup through to full operations, labor and raw materials will significantly impact the injected molded footwear industry. These systems should likewise impact the consumer with higher quality products at significantly lower retail pricing.
The Linear Footwear Injection Molding Table is a complex system designed to be used with the Dual Rotating & Shuffling Sole-Plate Footwear Molding Systems to produce injection molded footwear. Typically, injection molding systems used in the footwear industry are circular with the injection head stationary with the molds traveling around the circle from station to station, procedure to procedure. Because curing time is an important factor it is difficult to stop the molding to make an adjustment or change a mold because this delay effects all of the molds.
On the Linear Molding Table the molds remain stationary while the injection head travels on a track moving from one mold to another. This system allows the process to skip a particular pair of molds without causing any significant effect on the other molds. This provides for the quick and easy changing of mold pairs or size changes and other necessary maintenance work that would require a'full system shutdown when using a circular molding system.
On the Linear Footwear Injection Molding Table is the interface for the Primary System Computer and all functions are either automated and/or semi-automated and/or manual. Complex programmed sequences provide optimum production while the comprehensive system monitors; raw materials, all equipment, technicians, attendants and just about everything in the production system. The Primary System Computer is also interfaced with the Primary Business Computer System via a network and/or the internet and/or satellite and/or telephone connection. This interface or network link provides for easier management of all system operations and facilitation of all logistics for the equipment.
The Linear Footwear Injection Molding Table may be used with molding systems using polyurethane, PVC and other materials formulated for use molding footwear and/or footwear parts.
Accordingly the reader will see that, according to the invention, I have provided it will be much easier and less costly to enter the footwear manufacturing industry or expand existing footwear manufacturing operations to include injected molded polyurethane footwear. This turnkey approach provides all the essential ingredients to operate a successful manufacturing business. The unique designs of both the mold with dual rotating or shuffling sole-plates and the linear molding table will in a number of ways reduce the cost of manufacturing while at the same time increasing the speed and efficiency by which the manufacturing takes place.
While the above description contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the invention. For example, the mold allowing for simultaneous injection of two separate cavities with different materials may also be used to manufacture a pair of eye glass frames where the area holding the lens needs to be a harder material than the portion that rests on and behind the ear.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applications: Ser. No. 60/533,270 filed Dec. 31, 2003 by the present inventor Ser. No. 60/533,271 filed Dec. 31, 2003 by the present inventor Ser. No. 60/533,272 filed Dec. 31, 2003 by the present inventor
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60533270 | Dec 2003 | US | |
| 60533271 | Dec 2003 | US | |
| 60533272 | Dec 2003 | US |
