Cap logo application device

Abstract

A hat emblem applying device and a manufacturing method thereof, the hat emblem applying device including a first spindle having a front portion and a rear portion and a second spindle opposite the first spindle and configured to apply pressure to the first spindle, the first spindle having a curved non-cylindrical surface and a release space in the rear portion such that when a hat is positioned on the first spindle, a front portion of the hat is in contact with the non-cylindrical surface and a top portion of the hat extends over the release space. At least one of the first spindle and the second spindle includes a heater.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 018,753, filed May 1, 2020, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The exemplary examples described herein generally relate to presses, such as heat transfer presses for applying logos to hats and other headwear. Background Technology

[0004] Hats (such as baseball caps) have become a common head accessory not only for athletes but also for the general public. Typically, a hat includes a top section, which may include a crown that contacts the wearer's forehead. The crown can be structured or unstructured; a structured crown provides support, allowing the hat to maintain its shape during use. An unstructured crown may not provide rigid support, and therefore may be positioned below the forehead.

[0005] The hat may include a visor, brim, or visor extending from the front of the top component. The top component typically includes one, two, or more front panels from which the visor extends. The top component may include eyelets that allow the head to breathe or exchange air for ventilation and cooling during use. The top component may include various buttons that can be positioned at the top center of the top component, where the front panels engage; these buttons may be used for decorative purposes or to join the various parts of the top component together. The inside of the hat may include a sweatband, which may be made of cloth or other absorbent material located on or near the coronal region to collect sweat and prevent or reduce sweat runoff onto the wearer's face.

[0006] The back of the hat may include an adjustable opening so that one hat can accommodate heads of various sizes. The strap may include one or more protrusions on one side and holes or openings on the other side, allowing the two sides to be joined together at a preferred size, thereby providing adjustability for different head sizes.

[0007] Hats typically feature logos worn on the front panel. Such logos can include sports logos, commercial logos, etc. Logos can be wordmarks, letters, brand names, or icon symbols (such as celebrities or quotes). Logos can be transfers applied to the hat with an embroidered or other stitched appearance. Logos can be attached using heat-activated adhesives. In one example, the logo is printed directly onto the surface of the front panel.

[0008] Accordingly, the logo can be applied to hats in various types of hat structure designs, and various features and sizes of hats and logos can be employed.

[0009] Conventional hat printing machines use a curved (cylindrical) heater with a matching mandrel and backing. That is, the mandrel can be cylindrical on a portion such that the front panel can rest on the cylindrical mandrel for printing. A typical printing machine can use a curved (cylindrical) heater with a matching mandrel and backing. Typically, the backing is a foamed silicone sponge with a medium durometer rating that can withstand high temperatures, such as 430°F. The cylindrical design or its dimensions can be optimized to fit one particular (and more common) hat size, while other sizes of hats can be deformed during the heat printing process as a result, creating heat marks, as the hats can not deform (or fit) optimally during the heating process.

[0010] Accordingly, there remains a need for improved logo application devices for hats. SUMMARY

[0011] A hat logo application device includes a lower mandrel having a front portion and a back portion, the lower mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface and a relief space in the back portion such that when a hat is positioned on the lower mandrel, a front portion of the hat is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface and a top portion of the hat extends over the relief space, and an upper mandrel configured to apply pressure to the lower mandrel. At least one of the lower mandrel and the upper mandrel includes a heater.

[0012] A method of manufacturing a hat logo application device includes providing a lower mandrel having a front portion and a back portion, the lower mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface and a relief space in the back portion such that when a hat is positioned on the lower mandrel, a front portion of the hat is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface and a top portion of the hat extends over the relief space, configuring an upper mandrel for applying pressure to the lower mandrel, and positioning a heater in at least one of the lower mandrel and the upper mandrel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] While the claims are not limited to the specific descriptions set forth herein, understanding of the various aspects is facilitated by a discussion of the various examples. Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein there is illustrated example aspects. While the drawings represent what is believed to be the most practical example, the drawings are not necessarily to scale - and certain features can be exaggerated or minimized in order to better illustrate and clarify exemplary aspects. Furthermore, the exemplary aspects described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limited to the exact forms and configurations as shown in the drawings and described in the following detailed description.

[0014] Figure 1A side view of an exemplary hat logo application device according to the present application in a closed position is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 A perspective view of a hat logo application device in an open position is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 A side view of a hat logo application device in an open position is shown.

[0017] Figure 4A is a front cross-sectional view of the lower mandrel;

[0018] Figure 4B is a side view of the lower mandrel;

[0019] Figure 5 An end view schematic of a mandrel and heater in an open position is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 A hat logo application device according to the present application in a closed position and without a hat on the lower mandrel is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 A hat logo application device according to the present application in a closed position and with a hat having been placed on the lower mandrel with the brim (and front of the hat) facing up is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 A hat logo application device according to the present application in a closed position and with a hat on the lower mandrel with the brim (and front of the hat) facing down is shown; and

[0023] Figure 9 A hat logo application device according to the present application in a closed position and with a hat on the lower mandrel with the brim (and front of the hat) facing sideways is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference will now be made to the drawings, in which the embodiments are shown. While the drawings represent embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features can be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of the embodiments. Additionally, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise forms and configurations disclosed in the following detailed description.

[0025] Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary hat logo application device according to the present application in a closed position is shown. The application device 100 is shown in a closed state when it is in position to apply a logo to a hat. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The application device 100 is shown in its open position in a perspective view and a side view, respectively.

[0026] A cap-drawing portion 102 - or more generally a silicone rubber pad - is located on the lower heater / spindle 104 and is supported by a lower support 108. A print handle linkage 110 moves the upper spindle 120 in opposition to the lower spindle 104 and moves into position to bring the heater into abutment against the lower heater / spindle 104 for use. A rubber dampening pad 106 is located between the lower heater / spindle 104 and the lower support 108 to provide damping and even pressure application when pressure is applied to the lower heater / spindle 104. Heater arms 112 provide structural support for the upper spindle 120. The pressure value applied to the lower heater / spindle 104 can be adjusted by a pressure adjustment knob 118.

[0027] A column 132 - which can be or form an electrical housing - provides overall support for the heater arms 112 which pivot in opposition to each other at pivot points 124. A flexible conduit 122 provides support and insulation for the transfer of power from the bottom of the column 132 to the heater arms 112. An electromagnet 119 is located between the print handle linkage 110 and the heater arms 112 for selective operation in lowering and raising the print handle linkage 110 which pulls up the heater arms 112 and then disengages from the heater arms to complete the upward motion as the heater arms 112 complete their upward motion. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 activation of the electromagnet 119 causes both to remain in unison or coupled when actuated and can be decoupled from each other when deactivated. A cap-pressing mechanism 134 is actuated which includes a lock-in (capture) mechanism which engages with the back of the cap, for example in the strap area, to pull the taught cap down against the lower heater / spindle 104. A spring 130 can be a gas spring or mechanical spring which exerts pressure against the motion of the print handle linkage 110 so that when the print handle linkage 110 and electromagnet 119 are released, the print handle linkage 110 moves upward to disengage from the heater arms 112. An electronic controller 136 can have a touch screen interface or for example can be button operated which allows programming of various functions (e.g. pressure time, temperature settings, etc.) and setting of other control parameters.

[0028] The controller 136 can generally include computing and control elements (e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller). As an example, the controller 136 can generally provide time monitoring, temperature monitoring, pressure monitoring, and control. Readouts can further include various readout displays, for example to allow display of force, temperature, or time related to operation of the press. In addition, the readouts can allow a user to manipulate the controller, for example through a touch screen or other interface.

[0029] The proximity switch 126 and proximity magnet 128 operate in conjunction with each other to provide feedback information relating to the position of the heater arm 112 when in operation. Referring to Figure 3 The openings 114 and 116 are selected to provide sufficient space above and below the lower heater / spindle 104 to facilitate the insertion of a hat over the lower heater / spindle 104 and to provide space below the lower heater / spindle 104 to accommodate hats of various sizes. Once the proximity is detected, the proximity sensor can run a pre-set time in the controller 136 and then indicate by audible or other notification that the pre-determined time has elapsed.

[0030] Figure 4A is a front cross-sectional view of the lower heater / spindle 104, Figure 4B is a side view of the lower heater / spindle 104. Figure 5 is an end view schematic showing the spindle and heater in an open position.

[0031] Referring to Figure 4A The lower heater / spindle 104 includes a cushion which is a solid silicone having a dual durometer construction with two cushion layers 204, 206 of material having different durometer values. The dual durometer construction provides particular advantages in that the "soft" material having a low durometer value on the second cushion 204 provides a "give" or release / relief amount to allow localized deformation to occur, as Figure 4B seen, for example, due to the uneven thickness of a logo or other decal to be applied to the hat. The first cushion 206 having a higher durometer value or "medium (durometer) value" material provides additional support and a stronger snap or secure attachment to the spindle relative to the soft second cushion 204 and is less prone to localized deformation due to irregularities in the surface of the decal.

[0032] In general, the term "durometer value" is used as a measure of hardness for materials such as polymers, elastomers and rubbers. Softer materials have a lower durometer value than harder materials. In this case, the "soft" hardness material in the second cushion 204 can be in the range of 8-10 Shore A and the medium hardness material of the first cushion 206 can be in the range of 20-25 Shore A.

[0033] The second cushion 204 which is softer than the first cushion 206 provides additional but greater overall deformation capability which allows force equalization when spindle pressure is applied. Thus, the dual durometer configuration according to the present application thereby provides the overall amount of flexure which allows overall standardization of force when spindle pressure is applied and the softer second cushion 204 allows more localized deformation of the decal so that uneven features of the decal itself do not result in high pressure in localized areas of the decal.

[0034] Thus, referring to Figures 1-5 , the hat logo application device 100 includes a lower mandrel 104 having a front portion and a back portion, the lower mandrel 104 having a curved, non-cylindrical upper surface 200 and a release space 202 in the back portion, such that when a hat 402 is positioned on the lower mandrel 104, a front portion of the hat 402 is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface 200 and a top portion of the hat 402 extends over the release space 202. An upper mandrel 120 is configured to apply pressure to the lower mandrel 104. At least one of the lower mandrel 104 and the upper mandrel 120 includes a heater (in any embodiment, the heater is incorporated into the lower mandrel 104 and / or the upper mandrel 120).

[0035] Figure 5 The hat 402 is shown in relation to the lower mandrel 104 and the upper mandrel 120. The shape of the curved, non-cylindrical upper surface 200 of the lower mandrel 104 is defined by a portion of an ellipse. The lower mandrel 104 is shaped based on a first center point 301, a major axis 308, and a minor axis 310, the major axis 308 extending in a generally vertical direction of the hat logo application device 100, the minor axis 310 being perpendicular to the major axis 308.

[0036] A first distance 305, denoted by the letter "A", is defined from the first center point 301 of the ellipse to an upper surface 306 of the lower mandrel 104 along the major axis 308, and a second distance 307, denoted by the letter "B", is defined from the first center point 301 of the ellipse to an imaginary upper surface 312 of the lower mandrel 104 along the minor axis 310. In this specification, the upper surface 312 is referred to as "imaginary" because the lower mandrel 104 can not extend all the way to the intersection with the minor axis 310, but can stop partway. As such, the lower mandrel 104 is defined in such a way that it extends along the surface of the ellipse, but can not extend all the way to the minor axis 310. Further, although described as an ellipse having a major axis 308 and a minor axis 310, it should be understood that the "ellipse" can but need not follow the precise definition of a mathematical ellipse, and the major axis 308 and the minor axis 310 and the corresponding distances 305, 307 can be chosen to be curved and oblong in nature, but not necessarily defined by the strict mathematical terms of an ellipse only. According to one example, the first distance 305 is greater than the second distance 307.

[0037] Still referring to Figure 5The upper mandrel 120 is defined by a portion of one of a circle and an ellipse having a center point 303, and a distance 304 denoted by the letter "R" is defined from the second center point 303 of the circle or ellipse to the lower surface 302 of the upper mandrel 120. According to one example, the distance 304 of the upper mandrel 120 is greater than the distance 305 of the lower mandrel 104. In this way, the curvature of the upper mandrel 120 can follow a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a curvature that does not perfectly match a mathematical ellipse.

[0038] Accordingly, and in accordance with the disclosure and with reference to the illustrations, the disclosed mandrel includes a cylindrical, non-cylindrical, or elliptical shape, wherein B < R < A.

[0039] According to one example, the hat emblem application device 100 can include a heater in the upper mandrel 120, in the lower mandrel 104, or in both the upper mandrel 120 and the lower mandrel 104.

[0040] According to the present disclosure, as Figure 4A and Figure 4B illustrated, the lower mandrel 104 includes an image printing area having a dual durometer value, which includes a first pad 206 having a first durometer value and a second pad 204 located on the first pad 206 and having a second durometer value that is different than the first durometer value. In one example, the second durometer value is lower than the first durometer value. Further, and with particular reference to Figure 4B , the non-cylindrical upper surface 200 extends toward the rear of the lower mandrel 104 and forms a release space 202 that is a downwardly curved surface. The release space 202 allows for localized deformation in the hat, such as due to uneven thickness of an emblem or other transfer to be applied to the hat. The first pad 206, which has a higher durometer value or "medium (durometer)" material, provides additional support and a stronger grip of the mandrel 104 relative to the soft second pad 204 and is less prone to localized deformation due to irregularities in the surface of the transfer.

[0041] With reference to Figures 1-3 , the hat emblem application device 100 includes a lower support 108 that supports the lower mandrel 104, a heater arm 112 that supports the upper mandrel 120, and a column 132 that supports the heater arm 112. A pivot is located at a pivot point 124 between the heater arm 112 and the column 132. A print handle linkage 110 extends from a front of the hat emblem application device 100 and is attached to the column 132 to apply pressure to the lower mandrel 104. An electromagnet 119 is located between the heater arm 112 and the print handle linkage 110 such that activation of the electromagnet 119 keeps the print handle linkage 110 and the heater arm 112 linked when actuated.

[0042] The hat logo application device 100 includes a spring 130 between the column 132 and the heater arm 112. The spring 130 exerts pressure against the motion of the stamp handle linkage 110 so that when the stamp handle linkage 110 and electromagnet 119 are released, it causes the stamp handle linkage 110 to move upward and disengage from the heater arm 112.

[0043] According to the present invention, due to the unique nature of the dual durometer design, both large and small sized hats can be accommodated without distortion and thick and thin transfer materials can be applied. It is also contemplated that according to the present invention, more than two pads with different durometer values can also be considered, and in one example, a relatively high durometer value material can be at the bottom, a soft / low durometer value material at the top, and a medium durometer value material sandwiched in between.

[0044] The mandrel has the described "release" area behind the image printing area to further reduce the tendency for such distortion and heat marking. The hat is secured in place and stretched over the lower heater / mandrel 104 by using the hat stretching mechanism 134. The fabric of the hat is uniformly stretched over the curved "release" area, rather than the corners and edges that occur in traditional mandrel designs, preventing the fabric from being permanently distorted unevenly due to the heat and pressure of the operation. The mandrel is heated, the silicone pad has a heat conducting additive. In one example and according to the present invention, thick transfers (e.g. 3D logos) are heated from below to activate the adhesive without damaging the transfer.

[0045] Thus, according to the present invention, not only is the shape of the mandrel not cylindrical, but the image printing area itself includes a dual durometer pad with a medium durometer material as the "base" material, and a relatively softer durometer pad on top of the medium durometer material. Both pads have sufficient heat conductivity to allow sufficient temperature to be formed and to obtain the target temperature for the hat positioned thereon in a reasonable time. A release area is also disclosed that provides support for the hat when positioned on the mandrel, while also being slightly curved downward and away from the image printing area, thus providing sufficient support, but the release also allows the hat to be pulled out of the image printing area into an area where no image printing is taking place, thus eliminating heat marking that might otherwise occur.

[0046] It is contemplated that the mandrel size is not limited to a size that fits a hat such as a baseball cap. The mandrel size can be different to fit very small (e.g. child or baby) hats, or to fit extra large hats (e.g. hats in promotional or other designs), such as "giant" hats for fans in a stadium at a sporting event.

[0047] Figures 6-9A hat emblem application device according to the present application is shown in various modes of operation. Figure 6 A hat emblem application device 400 is shown in a closed position but without a hat on the lower mandrel. Figure 7 A hat emblem application device 400 is shown in a closed position with a hat 402 placed on the lower mandrel with the brim (and front of the hat) facing up. Figure 8 A hat emblem application device 400 is shown in a closed position with a hat 402 placed on the lower mandrel with the brim (and front of the hat) facing down. Figure 9 A hat emblem application device 400 is shown in a closed position with a hat 402 placed on the lower mandrel with the brim (and front of the hat) facing sideways. Thus, the hat can be positioned to apply an emblem to the front, side, back, etc. of the hat. In Figure 7 , 8 And 9, the emblem 406 is positioned on the hat 402 and generally near 404 - although can be positioned in various locations to be attached to the hat, it shows how the upper mandrel interacts with the lower mandrel and in different arrangements where the top of the hat extends into the release area opposite the top of the hat, allowing the emblem to be heated to be attached to the hat without undo heating of other portions of the hat away from where the emblem is located.

[0048] Thus, according to the present application, a hat emblem application device includes a lower mandrel having a front and a back, the lower mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface and a release space in the back such that when a hat is positioned on the lower mandrel, a front of the hat is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface and a top of the hat extends over the release space, and an upper mandrel configured to apply pressure to the lower mandrel. A heater is included in at least one of the lower mandrel and the upper mandrel.

[0049] Also according to the present application, a method of manufacturing a hat emblem application device includes providing a lower mandrel having a front and a back, the lower mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical upper surface and a release space in the back such that when a hat is positioned on the lower mandrel, a front of the hat is in contact with the non-cylindrical upper surface and a top of the hat extends over the release space, and configuring an upper mandrel to apply pressure to the lower mandrel. A heater is positioned in at least one of the lower mandrel and the upper mandrel.

[0050] The illustrative description is not limited to the previously described examples. Rather, there can be numerous variations and modifications, which also utilize the ideas of the illustrative embodiments, and thus fall within the scope of the protection. Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, but not restrictive. Scope of protection is given by the appended patent claims.

[0051] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, and / or in a certain chronological manner, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in different orders, and / or at the same time, than described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be added / modified / omitted from the processes described herein. In other words, those having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of hindsight to the description herein would recognize that certain implementations are possible, and indeed preferred, but are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the application. The description herein is intended to be illustrative, and should not be taken as limiting the claimed application.

[0052] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the application should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended, for example, that future improvements and modifications of the disclosed systems and methods can occur. Any such improvements and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the application. In general, the application can be practiced with materials, methods, and equipment other than those specifically described in the examples provided. The present application is capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed application. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except by the following claims.

[0053] All terms used in the claims are to be given their broadest possible construction and ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In particular, use of the singular articles "a", "the", "this", and the like should be understood to mean "one or more" of the indicated element, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Claims

1. A hat emblem application device comprising: a first mandrel having a front portion and a back portion, the first mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical surface and a release space in the back portion such that when a hat is positioned on the first mandrel, a front portion of the hat is in contact with the non-cylindrical surface and a top portion of the hat extends over the release space; and a second mandrel opposite the first mandrel and configured to apply pressure to the first mandrel; wherein at least one of the first mandrel and the second mandrel includes a heater; wherein the first mandrel includes an image printing area having a dual durometer value, the image printing area including a first pad having a first durometer value and a second pad positioned on the first pad and having a second durometer value different from the first durometer value.

2. The hat emblem applying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the curved non-cylindrical surface of the first mandrel is shaped as a shape defined by a portion of an ellipse, the ellipse having a first center point, a major axis, and a minor axis, the major axis extending in a generally vertical direction of the application device, and the minor axis being perpendicular to the major axis.

3. The hat emblem applying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a first distance is defined from the first center point of the ellipse to the non-cylindrical surface of the first mandrel and along the major axis, and a second distance is defined from the first center point of the ellipse to an imaginary surface of the first mandrel and along the minor axis, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

4. The hat emblem applying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second mandrel is defined by a portion of one of a circle and an ellipse having a second center point, and a third distance is defined from the second center point of the circle or ellipse to a lower surface of the second mandrel, and the third distance is greater than the first distance.

5. The hat emblem applying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second mandrel includes the heater.

6. The hat emblem applying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second durometer value is lower than the first durometer value.

7. The hat emblem applying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-cylindrical surface extends toward the back portion of the first mandrel and forms the release space with a downwardly curved surface.

8. The hat emblem application device of claim 1, further comprising: a first support supporting the first mandrel; a heater arm supporting the second mandrel; a column supporting the heater arm; and a pivot at a pivot point between the heater arm and the column.

9. The hat emblem application device of claim 8, further comprising: a stamp handle linkage extending from a front portion of the hat emblem application device and attached to the column to apply pressure to the first mandrel; and an electromagnet between the heater arm and the stamp handle linkage such that activation of the electromagnet keeps the stamp handle linkage and the heater arm linked when actuated.

10. The hat emblem application device of claim 9, further comprising a spring between the column and the heater arm, wherein the spring applies pressure against movement of the stamp handle linkage such that when the stamp handle linkage and electromagnet are released, the spring causes the stamp handle linkage to move upward and disengage from the heater arm.

11. A method of manufacturing a hat emblem application device comprising: ​ A first mandrel is provided having a front portion and a rear portion, the first mandrel having a curved non-cylindrical surface and a release space located in the rear portion, such that when a hat is located on the first mandrel, a front portion of the hat is in contact with the non-cylindrical surface and a top portion of the hat extends over the release space, the first mandrel including an image printing area having a dual durometer value; positioning a first pad having a first durometer value on the image printing area having a dual durometer value; positioning a second pad having a second durometer value different from the first durometer value on the first pad; and constructing a second mandrel opposite the first mandrel and applying pressure to the first mandrel; and positioning a heater in at least one of the first mandrel and the second mandrel.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising shaping the curved non-cylindrical surface of the first mandrel to a shape defined by a portion of an ellipse, the ellipse having a first center point, a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis extending in a generally vertical direction of the applying device and the minor axis being perpendicular to the major axis.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising defining a first distance from the first center point of the ellipse to the non-cylindrical surface of the first mandrel and along the major axis and defining a second distance from the first center point of the ellipse to an imaginary surface of the first mandrel and along the minor axis, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising defining the second mandrel by a portion of one of a circle having a second center point and the ellipse, and defining a third distance from the second center point of the circle or the ellipse to a first surface of the second mandrel, wherein the third distance is greater than the first distance.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein positioning a heater further comprises positioning a heater in the second mandrel.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the second durometer value is lower than the first durometer value.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising extending the non-cylindrical surface toward the rear portion of the first mandrel and forming the release space as a downwardly curved surface.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: providing a first support supporting the first mandrel; providing a heater arm supporting the second mandrel; providing a column supporting the heater arm; and providing a pivot at a pivot point between the heater arm and the column.

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