Systems and methods for providing heat to articles using a heated formable medium.

Abstract

A system and method for providing heat to a three-dimensional article are disclosed. The method may include inserting at least a portion of the article onto a model. The method may further include inserting the model and article at least partially into an article container and moving the model and article to engage with a flexible membrane, wherein the membrane and the article container form an airtight chamber. The method may further include exposing the airtight chamber to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure to pull the membrane against at least a portion of the article and exposing the membrane to a heated deformable medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing heat to an article of manufacture, such as thermally joining the shape of the article of manufacture or attaching elements to the article of manufacture. Background Technology

[0002] Heat can be applied to certain articles, such as knitted articles with heat-fusible yarns, to shape the articles into a desired form. Attaching components to articles may include heating a thermal adhesive to bond the components to the articles. Attached Figure Description

[0003] The illustrative aspects of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and wherein:

[0004] Figure 1 A perspective view of a system for providing heat to an article, according to various aspects of this article, is depicted.

[0005] Figure 1A Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 1 However, the parts and components are in place, and the protective panel has been removed to show a perspective view of the construction details;

[0006] Figure 1B Depicting various aspects based on this article Figure 1A An enlarged view of the surrounding region 1B shown in the image;

[0007] Figure 2 Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 1A However, the product container is moved forward, and an additional protective panel is removed to show a perspective view of the construction details;

[0008] Figure 3 Depicting along the various aspects of this article Figure 2 The line 3-3 is cut, but the cross-section of the protective panel is in the appropriate position;

[0009] Figure 4 Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 2 However, the perspective view shows the product container being raised;

[0010] Figure 5 Depicting along the various aspects of this article Figure 4 The line 5-5 is cut, but the cross-section of the protective panel is in the appropriate position;

[0011] Figure 6 Depicting various aspects based on this article Figure 5 A magnified view of the surrounding area 6;

[0012] Figure 7 Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 6 But a view with a vacuum applied;

[0013] Figure 8 Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 7 However, the view shows the heating medium being released from the first chamber into the second chamber;

[0014] Figure 9A Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 2 Perspective view;

[0015] Figure 9B Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 9A However, it is a perspective view in which the product container moves backward and the medium container rotates;

[0016] Figure 9C Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 9B However, it is a perspective view in which the medium container is rotated to another position;

[0017] Figure 10A An enlarged perspective view of the medium container is depicted according to various aspects of this article;

[0018] Figure 10B Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 10A However, the media container is in a view with a different orientation;

[0019] Figure 10C Depicting similarities based on various aspects of this article Figure 10B However, the view shows the position where the rack moves to open the inner valve of the medium container;

[0020] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10A The cross-section of the medium container cut by line 11-11;

[0021] Figure 12 It is along Figure 9A The cross-section taken from line 12-12;

[0022] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the method of attaching a workpiece to a component based on various aspects of this document;

[0023] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of another aspect of the system for providing heat to the product, based on various aspects of this article;

[0024] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The cross-sectional view of the system shows the media container in the unloading position;

[0025] Figure 16 It is similar to Figure 15 The view shows the media container covering the article container in place;

[0026] Figure 17 It is similar to Figure 16 The view shows a conduit for conveying the heat medium to the medium container;

[0027] Figure 18 It is similar to Figure 15 The view shows the medium being transferred from the medium container to the return bucket;

[0028] Figure 19 It is similar to Figure 18 The view shows the return bucket in an elevated position;

[0029] Figure 20 It is similar to Figure 19 The view shows the return barrel pivoting to deliver the medium into the heated medium chamber;

[0030] Figure 21 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of the surrounding region 21 in the image;

[0031] Figure 22 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of the surrounding area 22 in the image;

[0032] Figure 23 It is an enlarged view of the articles and components in their proper positions within the article container;

[0033] Figure 24 This is an enlarged view of the heated medium chamber, showing the inlet door and piston;

[0034] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view of the heated medium chamber;

[0035] Figure 26 It is a cross-sectional view of the alternative aspects of the system for providing heat to the product based on various aspects of this article;

[0036] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of alternative aspects of systems for providing heat to articles, based on various aspects of this article; and

[0037] Figure 28 It shows Figure 27 A diagram of the workstations. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This document describes in detail the subject matter of various aspects of the invention to satisfy legal requirements. However, the specification itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have envisioned that the claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, in conjunction with other prior or future technologies, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to those described in this document.

[0039] This document relates in various aspects to methods and systems for providing heat to articles and / or for attaching components to articles. In some aspects, these methods and systems involve attaching components to articles. Certain attachment systems may include heating the components and articles with a heating lamp to reactivate the adhesive or other thermal bonding agent. These lamps generate high temperatures that limit the types of components and articles to be attached. Furthermore, these systems and methods are often labor-intensive and result in poor consistency in quality and performance.

[0040] The systems and methods disclosed herein can alleviate one or more of the aforementioned problems. At a high level, the methods disclosed herein can facilitate the attachment of elements to three-dimensional articles, such as footwear uppers. The method may include inserting at least a portion of the article onto a model and placing the element on the article at a desired location. The method may also include at least partially inserting the model, article, and element into an article container and moving the model, article, and element to engage with a flexible membrane, wherein the membrane and the article container form an airtight chamber. The method may further include exposing the airtight chamber to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure to pull the membrane against at least a portion of the article and element, and exposing the membrane to a heated deformable medium.

[0041] On the other hand, a system for providing heat to a three-dimensional article is provided. The system may include an article container having an internal volume and at least one open surface. The system may also include a model selectively and at least partially held within the article container. The model may have a shape at least partially corresponding to the three-dimensional article and is adapted to hold the three-dimensional article. The system may also include a medium container having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a selectively openable valve. The system may have a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the surface of the second chamber of the medium container. A deformable medium may be held within the medium container; in a first state, the deformable medium is held in the first chamber when the selectively openable valve is in a closed position, and when the selectively openable valve is in an open position, the deformable medium is allowed to enter the second chamber. The system may also include at least one heating element positioned to heat the deformable medium when it is in the first chamber of the medium container. The system may also include an engagement mechanism coupled to the article container and adapted to move the article container such that a model having the three-dimensional article and elements is moved to engage with the flexible membrane on the medium container. When the deformable medium is in the first chamber, it can be heated by at least one heating element, and the heated deformable medium is allowed to enter the second chamber by opening a selectively openable valve. This allows the deformable medium to surround the flexible membrane.

[0042] In another aspect, a method for applying heat to an article of paper is provided. The method may include inserting at least a portion of the article of paper onto a mold. The method may also include inserting the mold and the article of paper at least partially into an article container and moving the mold and the article of paper to engage with a flexible membrane. The method may further include exposing the membrane to a heated deformable medium.

[0043] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 A system 10 for providing heat to article 14 is depicted. In some aspects, system 10 can be used to thermally connect or attach element 12 to article 14 (e.g., Figure 1B(Best visible in the document). In some aspects, article 14 is a footwear article, such as an upper. In some aspects, article 14 is a three-dimensional upper made of fabric, and in some aspects, the fabric is a woven, knitted, or braided material. It should be understood that although system 10 describes article 14 as part of a footwear article (e.g., an upper), other types of articles or other parts of footwear articles may be used in system 10 as described herein. In some aspects, system 10 is used to provide article 14 having a three-dimensional shape by providing heat to article 14. In some aspects, article 14 may be made of a heat-fusible material, such as knitted yarn having a desired melting temperature. In some aspects, element 12 is an accompanying part of the footwear upper, and in some aspects, it is a heel counter. It should be understood that element 12 may be any of a plurality of different elements attached to article 14, such as a midsole, outsole, aesthetic embellishments, toe support, welt, or other footwear element. In some respects, article 14 and / or element 12 are thermoformable or thermoplastic materials, or have a layer thereon of thermoformable or thermally activated material that, when heated, causes article 14 to form a desired three-dimensional shape and / or bonds or attaches article 14 to element 12.

[0044] In some aspects, system 10 has an outer support frame 16. In some aspects, the frame 16 is made of square metal tubing, but it can also be any of a variety of rigid materials. The frame 16 can be supported on a surface having multiple legs 18. Figure 3 As best seen in the center, the frame includes a lower portion 20 and an upper portion 22 separated by an upper plate 24. The lower portion 20 supports a lower plate 26, which in turn supports a vacuum tank 28. In some respects, the upper plate 24 and the lower plate 26 are made of a rigid material such as metal. The lower portion 20 can be closed with an outer protective panel 30 to prevent access to the internal components of the lower portion 20.

[0045] like Figure 12 As can be seen, the lower portion 20 also includes a lateral support 32 rigidly fixed to the frame 16, extending from one end of the frame 16 to the other. The lateral support 32 supports a linear actuator 34. In some respects, the linear actuator 34 is a rodless pneumatic cylinder; however, it should be understood that the linear actuator 36 can be any of a plurality of devices that achieve linear translation. The linear actuator 34 moves the support 36 along its length. It should be understood that, although not shown, the actuator 34 is coupled to a power source, such as a compressed air supply or electricity, to achieve the movement of the support 36. The support 36 is also coupled to a vacuum slide plate 38. The vacuum slide plate 38 moves together with the support 36 and is also supported on each side by linear guide rails 40. The linear guide rails 40 allow the vacuum slide plate 38 to translate along the path of the linear actuator 34. The vacuum slide plate 38 also supports a product container 42. By actuation of the linear actuator 34, the product container 42 moves from, for example,... Figure 1AThe loading position shown is translated to, as Figure 2 The preceding position is shown.

[0046] Product container 42 in Figure 3 and Figure 12 As best shown in the image. The product container 42 has a base 44 supporting a can 46 and a lid 48. The base 44, can 46, and lid 48 define the internal volume. (See image) Figure 1B As shown, the lid 48 has an opening 49 that allows access to the internal volume, wherein the lid 48 and the opening 49 form the open surface of the article container 42. In some aspects, such as Figure 3 As shown, the article container 42 has a support 50 for selectively attaching a model 52 to the article container 42. In some aspects, the support 50 has an extension pin, and the model 52 has a hole corresponding to the pin for removably attaching the model 52 to the support 50. In some aspects, when the model 52 is attached to the support 50, a portion of the model 52 extends beyond the cover 48 and into the internal volume of the article container 42. In some aspects, the model 52 is the shape of a footwear article, such as a footwear upper. In some aspects, the model 52 is a footwear last. A vacuum conduit (not shown) extends from a vacuum canister 28 to the article container 42 to create a negative pressure (vacuum) on the internal volume of the article container, which will be further described below. In some aspects, the model 52 is shaped to at least partially correspond to the shape of the article 14. In operation, the article 14 can be oriented on and held on the model 52. In some respects, article 14 is held together with component 12 on model 52, and the assembly of model 52, article 14, and component 12 can be coupled to support 50, as further described below. Although only one model 52 is shown, in some respects, system 10 can be modified to operate with stations of multiple article containers 42, each station having one or more models 52. Figure 3 As best seen, the base 44 of the product container 42 extends outward beyond the periphery of the can 46. This extension of the base 44 supports a pair of bushings 54. Each bushing 54 surrounds a post 56 coupled to a vacuum sliding plate 38. The post 56 extends upward from the base 44 and, together with the bushing 54, guides the vertical movement of the product container 42. In some respects, the bushing 54 is a bearing. To achieve the vertical movement of the product container 42, an actuator 58 is provided. In some respects, the body of the actuator 58 is coupled to the underside of the vacuum sliding plate 38. The actuator 58 also has an extension rod 60, the outer end of which is coupled to the base 44 of the product container 42. In some respects, the actuator 58 can be any of a plurality of different linear actuators, including but not limited to pneumatic cylinders, electric linear actuators, or other types of linear drive systems. The actuator 58, guided by the bushings 54 and the post 56, selectively moves the product container 42 from, as Figure 2 and Figure 3The lower position shown is moved to, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 The raised position is shown. It should be understood that, although not shown, actuator 58 is connected to a power source, such as a compressed air supply or electricity, to move lever 60, thereby moving article container 42.

[0047] like Figure 2 and Figure 12 As best seen, the upper plate 26 has an opening that allows the article container 42 to move. A pair of supports 62 are attached to and extend upward therefrom the upper plate 26. Each support 62 is made of a rigid and strong material such as metal and may have reinforcing buttresses 64 to provide additional strength and rigidity. One support 62 supports a motor 66 and, in some respects, a reducer 68. The motor 66 provides a rotational output to selectively rotate a flange 70. The end of the flange 70 opposite to the motor 66 is fixedly connected to the media container 72. The opposite side of the media container 72 is also rotatably supported by an additional flange 74 extending through the support 62. In some respects, a bushing 76 is used to surround the flange 74, extending from the connection with the media container 72 to the support 62. As described further below, the media container 72 is rotatably supported on the support 62 by flanges 70 and 74. The media container 72 can be selectively rotated by actuating the motor 66, the importance of which is described below. Although not shown, the motor 66 is connected to a power source.

[0048] like Figure 11 As best seen, the medium container 72 has an outer body 78, a cover 80, and a base 82. In some aspects, the outer surface of the outer body 78 may include an external insulating panel 84, such as... Figure 11 The best view is within the center. In some aspects, the interior of panel 84, each side of media container 72, may include an additional insulating layer 86 and an inner plate 88. In some aspects, base 82 surrounds a series of layers, including a first insulating layer 90, a second insulating layer 92, an inner cover 94, and a base gasket 96. In some aspects, the base gasket 96 is held between the inner cover 94 and the base frame 98 around the periphery of the outer body 78, and is held between the inner cover 94 and the inner insulating layer 86.

[0049] At the other end of the media container 72, the cover 80 includes an external insulating panel 100, similar to an external insulating panel 84. The external insulating panel 100 surrounds a frame 102 defining an opening, the shape and size of which are designed to accommodate at least a portion of the components 12, article 14, and model 52. A gasket 104 forms a periphery surrounding the opening in the frame 102. When the article container 42 is moved to an elevated position as will be further described below, the gasket 104 selectively forms a seal with the article container 42. Figure 11As best seen, the periphery of the flexible membrane 106 is held between the frame 102 and the inner plate 108. The membrane 106 has a portion 110 extending into the medium container 72. In some aspects, this portion 110 is shaped to generally correspond to the portion of the model 52 that extends beyond the article container 42. In some aspects, the flexible membrane 106 is a silicon material with a thickness in the range of 1.4 to 1.6 mm. It should be understood that other flexible heat-resistant materials may also be used, and other thickness ranges are conceivable. In some aspects, an additional insulating panel 112 is disposed above the inner plate 108, and an inner plate 114 is disposed above the insulating panel 112. In some aspects, both the insulating panel 112 and the inner plate 114 have openings corresponding to the openings in the frame 102.

[0050] like Figure 11 As best seen, a portion of the inner plate 88, inner cover 94, inner plate 114, and membrane 106 form an internal volume within the media container 72. This internal volume is divided into a first chamber 116 and a second chamber 118 by a valve 120. In some aspects, the valve 120 includes a pair of valves 122 that move in a coordinated manner (see...). Figure 11 and Figure 12 Each valve 122 is half the width of the internal volume, such that when in the closed position, the valves 122 together span the width of the internal volume. In the closed position, the valves 122 separate the first chamber 116 from the second chamber 118. Each valve 122 is coupled to a shaft 124 extending through the media container 72. Figure 11 As best seen in the center, the valve spacer 126 surrounds the shaft 124 near the inner plate 88. The shaft 124 extends through the side of the media container 72 and, in some respects, is rotatably supported by a bushing. In some respects, the bushing includes a bearing to facilitate smooth rotational movement. Figure 10AAs best seen, outside the medium container 72, in some respects, a first gear 130 is coupled to one of the shafts 124, and a second gear 132 is coupled to the other of the shafts 124. In some respects, the first gear 130 has teeth that mesh with the teeth on the second gear 132, such that rotation of the first gear 130 in one direction affects rotation of the second gear 132 in a second direction. In some respects, a rack 134 is linearly driven by a compact actuator 136. The rack 134 has teeth that interact with the first gear 130, such that linear movement of the rack 134 affects rotational movement of the first gear 130, and consequently affects rotational movement of the second gear 132. The actuator 136 can be any of a plurality of actuators, such as electric or pneumatic actuators, that affect the linear movement of the rack 134. When the actuator 136 moves the rack 134, the first gear 130 rotates in the first direction and causes the second gear 132 to rotate in the opposite direction. When the first gear 130 and the second gear 132 rotate, they in turn cause the corresponding shaft 124 to which they are connected to to rotate, and thus cause the corresponding valve 122 connected to the shaft 124 to rotate. The valve 122 forms a selectively openable valve 120. In a first position, the valve 122 is positioned horizontally across the internal volume of the medium container 72 to separate the first chamber 116 from the second chamber 118. In a second position, the valve 122 rotates (via the actuator 136, rack 134, first gear 130, second gear 132, and shaft 124) to a more vertical position, allowing an inlet between the first chamber 116 and the second chamber 118.

[0051] In some aspects, such as Figure 11 As best seen, a plurality of heating elements 140 are coupled to the medium container 72 and extend through and across the internal volume of the first chamber 116 of the medium container. In some aspects, the heating elements 140 are cylindrical resistance heating elements. In some aspects, the heating elements 140 are surrounded at least within the internal volume of the first chamber 116 by a protective shroud 144. The medium container 72 contains a volume of formable medium 142, which takes the shape of the medium container 72 and flows in and around the heating elements 140 when the medium 142 is in the first chamber 116 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 The medium 142 flows over and around the membrane 106 when it is in the second chamber 118. In some respects, the medium 142 is sand, but it should be understood that other formable media with heat-retaining properties, such as ceramic microspheres, glass microspheres, corundum, or other materials, may also be used. For clarity, the formable medium 142 is not shown in each figure.

[0052] like Figure 1As best seen in the image, in some aspects, system 10 includes a plurality of protective panels 150 supported by an upper frame 152, which prevent ingress into the media container 72 and the product container 42 when the product container 42 is in the forward position. Figure 1 As shown, in some aspects, system 10 includes a control panel 154. The control panel 154 houses electronic logic circuitry for controlling the operation of system 10. In some aspects, this includes controlling the operation of vacuum tank 28, linear actuator 34, actuator 58, motor 66, compact actuator 136, and heating element 140. The logic circuitry within the control panel executes commands to implement the following... Figure 13 The method described.

[0053] In use, in some respects, the operator can place the workpiece 14 on the model 52 (and one or more components 12 if needed). In some respects, such as Figure 13 As shown in method 160, article 14 can be placed on mold 52, as shown in box 162. The operator can place element 12 on article 14 at a desired location before or after placing article 14 on mold 52, as shown in box 164. In some aspects, such as when system 10 is used to shape article 14 by providing heat to article 14, article 14 is simply placed on mold 52. When article container 42 is in the loading position, as... Figure 1 As shown, the operator can place the model 52 (with article 14 and / or component 12 in the appropriate position) onto the support 50 within the article container 42, as shown in box 166. Article 14, component 12, and model 52 are shown in... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The formable medium 142 is positioned appropriately on the support 50 in the loading position. In this position, the formable medium 142 is in the first chamber 116 of the medium container 72. While in the first chamber 116, the formable medium 142 is heated to a desired temperature by the heating element 140. In some respects, the formable medium 142 is heated to a range between 230 and 250 degrees Celsius. It should be understood that the temperature range depends on the formable medium 142 and the material to be thermoformed or attached (such as article 14 and any element 12). Once loaded into the article container 42, the linear actuator 34 can be engaged to move the vacuum slide plate 38 and the article container 42 forward along the linear guide 40 as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The front position is shown. When the product container 42 is in the front position, the motor 66 rotates the medium container 72, so that the first chamber 116 is directly above the second chamber 118, for example, as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown. The medium container 72 can be moved from the article container 42 to, for example... Figure 2 Rotate to this position before, during, or after the indicated preceding position. Figure 10B The isolated media container 72 is shown in this position. In this position, the model 52 (together with article 14 and / or element 12) is vertically aligned with the inner portion 110 of the membrane 106. Once aligned, the linear actuator 58 acts as an engagement mechanism and, guided by the bushing 54 along the post 56, moves the rod 60 and raises the base 44, thereby raising the article container 42. The linear actuator 58 (engagement mechanism) raises the article container 42 to engage with the media container 72, as shown in box 168, and as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen in the image. In some aspects, the gasket 104 on the medium container 72 forms an airtight seal with the lid 48 of the article container 42. In this position, the vacuum canister 28 draws negative pressure within the volume of the canister 46 of the article container 42, sealed by the gasket 104 and the membrane 106, as shown in box 170. In some aspects, the vacuum canister 28 draws negative pressure, and in some aspects, the vacuum canister generates a pressure of -1 bar. This negative pressure pulls the membrane 106 against the mold 52, with the article 14 and / or element 12 located between the mold 52 and the membrane 106. Figure 6 The membrane 106 is shown separated from the model 52, article 14 and element 12 before a vacuum is applied in the vacuum tank 28. Figure 7 The diagram shows the membrane 106 being stretched, clamping the article 14 and element 12 between the model 52 and the membrane 106. With a vacuum applied, the actuator 136 is engaged to move the rack 134... Figure 8 The positions shown in the diagram are thus rotated, causing the first gear 130 and the second gear 132 to rotate. This rotation, in turn, rotates the valve 122, allowing the heated, formable medium 142 to flow from the first chamber 116 to the second chamber 118, as shown. Figure 8As shown. The formable medium 142 surrounds the membrane 106 and thus surrounds the article 14 and element 12, as shown in frame 172. Heat from the formable medium 142 is transferred through the membrane 106 and to the article 14 and / or element 12, thereby activating any thermal adhesive on the article 14 and / or element 12, or shaping the article 14 into a desired shape. In some aspects, the heated formable medium 142 transfers heat over time to the article 14 and / or element 12 sufficient to cause at least a portion of the material of the article 14 and / or element 12 to melt and / or deform. In some aspects, the heated formable medium 142 remains in place over the membrane 106 for a period of 10 to 40 seconds, or for a period of 20 to 30 seconds. In some aspects, a period of 25 seconds is used. In some aspects, the heating element 140 initially heats the formable medium 142 to a temperature range of about 150°C to about 350°C, or about 200°C to about 300°C, or about 230°C to about 250°C. In some respects, thermocouples can be used to determine the desired temperature range of the deformable medium 142. Furthermore, the duration for which the article 14 and element 12 are exposed to the heated formable medium 142 can be adjusted to achieve proper bonding or attachment of the article 14 and element 12. After the desired time delay, the vacuum vessel 28 releases negative pressure, and the actuator 58 is used to lower the article container 42, as... Figure 9A As shown. Actuator 34 is used to return the article container 42 from the forward position to the position shown. Figure 9B The loading position is shown, and the operator can remove model 52 and the now-attached articles 14 and components 12. At this time, article 14 is formed into the desired shape, or article 14 and component 12 are bonded, thermally bonded, or attached to each other. To prepare system 10 for additional circulation, motor 66 is used to rotate medium container 72 such that the first chamber 116 is located below the second chamber 118, as shown. Figure 9B As shown ( Figure 10A The isolated media container 72 is shown in this position. At this time, valve 122 is still rotated to the open position, allowing the formable medium 142 to flow from the second chamber 118 back into the first chamber 116. After a time delay allowing the formable medium 142 to flow from the second chamber 118 to the first chamber 116, actuator 136 is engaged to move rack 134, rotating the first gear 130 and the second gear 132, thereby closing valve 122. In some respects, motor 66 rotates media container 72 through a vertical direction (e.g., Figure 9C and Figure 10C (as shown), then return to the vertical direction ( Figure 9A and Figure 10B ), to better distribute and level the formable medium 142 within the medium container 72.

[0054] It should be understood that any number of articles 14 can be formed, and / or articles 14 and elements 12 can be attached to system 10, and articles 14 and elements 12 are shown as examples in the figures, but other components, shapes, and dimensions of both articles 14 and elements 12 are contemplated. Furthermore, although system 10 is depicted as a standalone system, a larger system with multiple article containers 42 and media containers 72 can be used and integrated into a larger automated system, such as a rotary system, where different article containers 42 are loaded at different times.

[0055] In one aspect, article 14 and / or element 12 may include a material or layer that can be fused with the corresponding portion throughout the attachment process. In this aspect, element 12, article 14, and / or its layers may include a thermoplastic material having a melting temperature, Vicat softening temperature, hot flexural temperature, or any combination thereof, in the range of about 80°C to about 135°C, or from about 90°C to about 120°C. The melting temperature may be determined according to the test method detailed in ASTM D7138-16. The Vicat softening temperature may be determined according to the test method detailed in ASTM D1525-09, preferably using load A and rate A. The hot flexural temperature may be determined according to the test method detailed in ASTM D648-16, using an applied stress of 0.455 MPa.

[0056] In various aspects, article 14 may be a component of footwear articles, such as an upper. The upper may comprise a woven, braided, knitted, or nonwoven fabric. In various aspects, such a fabric may comprise one or more yarns or fibers comprising a yarn or fiber composition comprising a thermoplastic material. In such aspects, the thermoplastic material and / or the yarn or fiber composition may exhibit a melting temperature (or melting point), Vicat softening temperature, thermal flexural temperature, or a combination thereof, ranging from about 80°C to about 135°C, or from about 90°C to about 120°C. In one aspect, the thermoplastic material and / or the yarn or fiber composition may exhibit a melting temperature, Vicat softening temperature, thermal flexural temperature, or a combination thereof, ranging from about 135°C or lower, about 125°C or lower, or about 120°C or lower. In the same or alternative aspects, article 14 may comprise one or more materials that do not melt or deform under the processing conditions disclosed herein. In this respect, in the case of such thermoplastic materials, the material can exhibit a melting temperature greater than about 135°C, greater than about 140°C, or greater than about 150°C. Furthermore, in this respect, another material that may be present in the article, such as a material other than the thermoplastic material, will not degrade at temperatures below about 150°C, about 140°C, or about 135°C.

[0057] Using system 10 and method 160, component 12 can be attached to article 14 without the need for a high-temperature heating lamp. Heating lamps can limit the types of applications, materials, and components that can be joined together. Furthermore, system 10 and method 160 can reduce the labor required to efficiently join component 12 to article 14. It has also been found that system 10 and method 160 result in greater consistency in bonding quality and performance.

[0058] Despite Figure 13 The document references one or more steps, but in implementing the aspects provided herein, one or more additional or alternative steps are conceivable. Thus, boxes can be added or omitted while still remaining within the scope of this document.

[0059] Figures 14 to 25 Depicting the use of article 214 (e.g.) Figure 23 (As can be seen in the image) another aspect of system 200, which provides heat. In some respects, similar to system 10, system 200 can be used to thermally connect or attach element 212 to article 214 (such as...). Figure 23 (Best visible in the document). In some aspects, article 214 is part of a footwear article, such as an outsole. It should be understood that while system 200 describes article 214 as part of a footwear article, such as a sole assembly or outsole, other types of articles or other parts of footwear articles may be used in system 200 as described herein. In some aspects, article 214 may be made of a thermofusible material having a desired melting temperature. In some aspects, element 212 is an accompanying part of the footwear article and in some aspects is a splint. It should be understood that element 212 may be any of a plurality of different elements attached to article 214, such as a midsole, outsole, aesthetic embellishment, toe support, welt, or other footwear element. In some aspects, article 214 and / or element 212 are thermoformable or thermoplastic materials, or have a layer thereon of a thermoformable or heat-activated material that, when heated, shapes article 214 into a desired three-dimensional shape and / or bonds or attaches article 214 and element 212 to each other.

[0060] In some aspects, system 200 has an outer support frame 216. In some aspects, the frame 216 is made of square metal tubing, but it can also be any of a variety of rigid materials. The frame 216 can be supported on a surface having multiple legs 218. Figure 15 As best seen in the middle, the frame includes a lower portion 220 and an upper portion 222 separated by a plate 224. The lower portion 220 houses a vacuum tank (not shown). In some respects, the frame 216 can be closed with an outer protective panel 226 to prevent access to the internal components of the system 200. Some protective panels 226 are not shown in the drawings for the purpose of depicting other aspects of the system 200 more clearly.

[0061] like Figure 15 and Figure 22 As best seen, plate 224 supports a product container 228 in fluid communication with a vacuum tank, such as through port 230. In some aspects, product container 228 includes a clamp 232 that supports a model 234 on which products 214 and components 212 can be held. In some aspects, clamp 232 and model 234 are integrally formed. In other aspects, sub-assemblies of model 234, products 214, and components 212 are loaded by an operator onto clamp 232 in product container 228 (in... Figure 14 (Illustrated schematically).

[0062] like Figure 22 As best seen, media container 236 is connected to motor 238, which is operable to move media container 236 from an unloading position (e.g., ...). Figure 18 and Figure 22 (as shown) Move to the heating position (e.g., as shown) Figure 16 (As shown). The medium container 236 includes a flexible membrane 240 held in place within a lower frame 242 of the medium container 236. The medium container also includes a peripheral wall 244 extending away from the frame 242 and the membrane 240. The peripheral wall 244 defines a chamber 246 above the membrane 240. In some aspects, the medium container also includes a top 248 coupled to the wall 244. The top 248 may have a first opening 250 and a second opening 252 (in... Figure 22 (Partially shown in the middle).

[0063] System 200 also includes a heated media chamber 254 supported on a frame 216. In some respects, chamber 254 is supported on the frame 216 above the media container 236. For example... Figure 14 As shown, in some respects, the chamber 254 is circular in shape, but other shapes and sizes of the chamber 254 can be envisioned herein. For example... Figure 21As best seen, the dielectric chamber 254 contains a volume of formable dielectric 256. In some aspects, the dielectric 256 is sand, but it should be understood that other formable dielectrics with heat-retaining properties, such as ceramic microspheres, glass microspheres, corundum, or other materials, can also be used. In some aspects, the dielectric chamber 254 includes a plurality of heating elements 258 spaced apart throughout the dielectric chamber 254. In some aspects, the heating elements 258 are resistors that heat the formable dielectric 256 to a constant temperature. Other methods of heating the formable dielectric 256 within the chamber 254 can also be used. In some aspects, a plurality of blades 260 extend into the dielectric chamber 254 coupled to a motor 262. The motor 262 provides power to rotate the blades 260. As the blades rotate, the formable dielectric 256 is redistributed within the chamber 254 to mix the formable dielectric 256 within and around the heating elements 258, thereby providing a more uniform temperature distribution for the formable dielectric 256. Other aspects of moving the formable medium 256 within chamber 254 are also conceivable, such as rotating the internal volume within chamber 254, or rotating the arm about the central axis of motor 262. Figure 24 As best seen in the center, chamber 254 includes an access door 264 movably coupled to the top of chamber 254. Access door 264 is operatively coupled to piston 266. In a first position, access door 264 is closed, as... Figure 15 As shown. In the second position, the access door 264 is opened by pivoting the piston 266 about the hinge 267. The piston 266 is operable to move the access door 264 from the first closed position to the second open position to allow access to the interior of the medium chamber 254.

[0064] like Figure 25 As best seen, the media chamber 254 also includes an outlet port 268 located at the bottom of the media chamber 254. In some respects, the outlet port 268 is a cylindrical opening connected to the hot sand conduit 270. The outlet port allows the formable media 256 in the chamber 254 to flow into the hot sand conduit 270. The inlet from the chamber 254 to the hot sand conduit 270 is controlled by a door 272. The door 272 is coupled to a piston 274. The piston 274 is operable to position the door 272 in a closed position covering the outlet port 268, or in an open position away from the outlet port 268. In the open position, the formable media 256 in the chamber 254 can flow (via gravity) into the hot sand conduit 270. Figure 15 As best seen in the image, the hot sand conduit 270 is connected to the outlet conduit 276. In some aspects, the outlet conduit 276 can be connected, for example, via the motor 278 and the junction box 280, as shown in the image. Figure 14 The collapsible position is visible in the image and, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 17 It pivots between the visible loading positions. In some respects, the motor 278 is held in place and supported on the frame 216.

[0065] In some aspects, system 200 also includes return bucket 282, such as Figure 14 The return bucket 282 may have a front wall 284 with a U-shaped opening formed therein. The return bucket 282 is supported on a platform having a rack and pinion (not shown) that engages with an elongated worm gear 286. The worm gear 286 extends from a plate 224 and upwards to a driven gear or pulley 288. The driven gear 288 is coupled to a drive gear 290, which is driven by a motor (not shown) within the housing 292. When the motor drives the gears 290 and 288, the worm gear 286 rotates and interacts with the rack to selectively move the platform and the return bucket 282 from a lower position (e.g., as shown). Figure 18 (As shown) Move to the raised position (e.g., as shown) Figure 19 (As shown). The return bucket 282 is also connected to the tilting motor 294, as shown. Figure 14 As can be seen in the image. The tilting motor 294 is operable to remove the return bucket from, for example... Figure 19 The loading position shown is moved to, for example... Figure 20 The uninstallation location is shown. (For example...) Figure 14 As can be seen, the operation of system 200 can be controlled at operator position 296, which controls the operation and sequencing of the various motors and pistons mentioned above.

[0066] In use, the operator can load articles 214 and components 212 into the system 200, such as by placing articles 214 and components 212 in appropriate positions on the model 234 and / or the clamp 232. In this initial step, the media container 236 is pivoted to the open position by the motor 238 to allow access to the clamp 232. Also in this initial step, the door 272 is positioned above the outlet port 268, the outlet conduit 276 is in the retracted position, and the return bucket 282 is in the lowered position.

[0067] When article 214 and component 212 are in the proper position (e.g.) Figure 23 As shown), the medium container 236 is pivoted to the lowered position by the motor 238, as... Figure 16 As shown. In this position, the membrane 240 deforms around the adjacent element 212 and article 214. When in this position, a vacuum is applied through port 230, pulling the membrane 240 more tightly against the adjacent element 212 and article 214. The motor 278 is then engaged to rotate the outlet conduit 276 to... Figure 17The loading position is shown. In this position, the end of the outlet conduit 276 is aligned with the first opening 250 in the top 248 of the medium container 236. In this position, the hot sand conduit 270 and the outlet conduit 276 are aligned to deliver the heated formable medium 256 from the medium chamber 254 to the medium container 236. To release the formable medium 256, the engaging piston 274 moves the gate 272 away from the outlet port 268, allowing the heated formable medium 256 to move from the medium chamber 254 to the medium container 236 by gravity. The amount of medium 256 is metered by the length of time the gate 272 is held away from the outlet port 268. As with system 10 described above, the heated formable medium 256 remains in the medium container 236 in the appropriate position for engagement with the membrane 240 for a sufficient time to fuse, bond, or otherwise attach the article 214 and element 212 by heating. After this time delay, the outlet conduit 276 is rotated to the retracted position by motor 278, and the medium container 236 is rotated by motor 238 to discharge the formable medium 256 from the medium container 236 into the return bucket 282, as shown. Figure 18 As shown. In some aspects, the formable medium 256 exits the medium container 236 via the second opening 252. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the U-shaped front wall of the return bucket 282 allows the media container 236 and the return bucket 282 to overlap. With the media container 236 in this position, the operator can remove the currently connected components of the article 214 and element 212. At this time, the motor inside the housing 292 engages the drive gear 290 to rotate the worm gear 286, lifting the return bucket 282 to... Figure 19 The raised position is shown. Once the return barrel 282 is in the raised position, the piston 266 is engaged to move the inlet gate 264, thereby allowing the volume of the medium chamber 254 to be accessed. With the inlet gate 264 open, the motor 294 is engaged to rotate the return barrel 282, returning the formable medium 256 to the medium chamber 254 for reheating (e.g., ...). Figure 20 (As shown). Then lower the return bucket 282, and the process can start again.

[0068] Figure 26 Another aspect of system 300 for providing heat to an article of work is depicted. In some respects, system 300 (similar to systems 10 and 200) can be used to thermally join or attach components to an article of work. System 300 is similar in many respects to the references above. Figures 14 to 25 The system 200 is described. For this purpose, similar components are used with... Figures 14 to 25The same reference numerals are used for designation. One difference between system 300 and system 200 involves a return assembly 302, which replaces the drive system of the return bucket 282 and worm gear 286, driven gear 288 and drive gear 290, and tilting motor 294. In some aspects, the return assembly 302 includes a hopper 304 that receives formable medium 256 when the medium container 236 is pivoted away from the article container 228 by the motor 238. A screw conveyor 306 is powered by a motor (not shown). The screw conveyor 306 extends from the hopper 304 to a heated medium chamber 254. When the motor rotates the screw conveyor 306, the formable medium 256 in the hopper 304 returns to the heated medium chamber 254. In some aspects, the heated medium chamber 254 of system 300 may have a return chute 308 to guide the formable medium 256 into the medium chamber 254.

[0069] Figure 27 and Figure 28 Another aspect of the system 400 for providing heat to an article of articles is depicted. In some respects, system 400 (similar to systems 10, 200, and 300) can be used to thermally join or attach components to an article of articles. System 400 is similar in many respects to the references above. Figures 14 to 25 The system 200 is described. For this purpose, similar components are used with... Figures 14 to 25 The same reference numerals are used for illustrative purposes. System 400 differs from system 200 in that system 400 is a rotary system having a platform 402 with multiple workstations 404 positioned thereon, thereby allowing the simultaneous processing of multiple articles and component assemblies. In some respects, each workstation 404 includes an article container 228 and a medium container 236 (as described above). Figure 27 Operator 406 using system 400 is schematically depicted. Similar to system 200, operator 406 can place articles and component assemblies into article container 228 from a first position 408. In the first position 408, pivot medium container 236 is positioned away from article container 228, allowing operator 406 to place articles and component assemblies into article container 228. Operator 406 can interact with control panel 296 to instruct on the proper positioning of articles and components within article container 228. Figure 28 As best seen, when the article and component assembly is in place, the media container 236 rotates downward and reaches a position covering the article container 228. For clarity, the basic components of the system 400 are shown schematically to some extent. When the media container 236 is in place covering the article container 228, a vacuum is applied to the membrane 240 (not shown), as described above. Figures 14 to 25The system 400 then rotates (in one aspect, via a motor beneath platform 402) platform 402 such that station 404 is positioned below the hot sand conduit 270, as indicated at second position 410. When station 404 is at second position 410, heated formable medium 256 is conveyed from heated medium chamber 254 along the route through hot sand conduit 270. Platform 402 is then rotated again. When station 404 is positioned at positions marked 412, 414, and 416, heated formable medium 256 transfers heat to articles and components to fuse or attach them together. Return bucket 282 is positioned at position marked 418. As described above... Figures 14 to 25 The media container 236 can pivot to unload the formable media 256 into a return container 282, which is then lifted and unloaded to return the formable media 256 to the heated media chamber 254. When station 404 returns to position 408, operator 406 can remove the currently attached articles and components and place another article and component in article container 228 for processing. Using system 400, multiple article and component assemblies can be processed simultaneously.

[0070] As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention is well adapted to achieve all the above-described objects and objectives, as well as other obvious and inherent advantages of the structure.

[0071] It should be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are useful and can be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by the claims and is within the scope of the claims.

[0072] While specific elements and steps are discussed in conjunction with each other, it should be understood that any element and / or step provided herein is to be considered as being able to be combined with any other element and / or step, without regard to the same express provision, while still remaining within the scope provided herein. Because many possible embodiments of this disclosure may be proposed without departing from the scope of this disclosure, it should be understood that everything set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0073] Some aspects of this disclosure have already been described with reference to the examples provided in the accompanying drawings. Additional aspects of this disclosure will now be described, which may be related subject matter included at the time of filing in one or more claims or clauses of this application, or in one or more related applications, but are not limited to the subject matter described only in the following sections of this specification. These additional aspects may include features illustrated in the drawings, features not illustrated in the drawings, and any combination thereof. In describing these additional aspects, reference may be made to the elements depicted in the drawings for illustrative purposes.

[0074] As used herein and in conjunction with the claims listed below, the term "any of clauses" or similar variations thereof are intended to be interpreted as meaning that the features of the claim / clause can be combined in any combination. For example, exemplary clause 4 may indicate a method / apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, which is intended to be interpreted as meaning that the features of clauses 1 and 4 can be combined, the elements of clauses 2 and 4 can be combined, the elements of clauses 3 and 4 can be combined, the elements of clauses 1, 2, and 4 can be combined, the elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 can be combined, the elements of clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 can be combined, and / or other variations thereof. Furthermore, the term "any of clauses" or similar variations thereof are intended to include "any one of clauses" or other variations of such terms, as indicated by some of the examples provided above.

[0075] The following terms are aspects envisioned in this document.

[0076] Clause 1. A method for attaching an element to an article of manufacture, the method comprising: inserting at least a portion of the article of manufacture onto a mold; placing the element on the article of manufacture at a desired location; inserting the mold, article of manufacture, and element at least partially into an article of manufacture container; moving the mold, article of manufacture, and element of manufacture to engage with a flexible membrane, the membrane and the article of manufacture container forming an airtight chamber; exposing the airtight chamber to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure to pull the membrane against at least a portion of the article of manufacture and the element of manufacture; and exposing the membrane to a heated deformable medium.

[0077] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the article includes a portion of footwear articles.

[0078] Clause 3. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein a portion of the footwear article comprises an upper.

[0079] Clause 4. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the model includes a shoe last.

[0080] Clause 5. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the deformable medium is sand.

[0081] Clause 6. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the flexible membrane forms part of a medium container having a first chamber and a second chamber, and wherein the flexible membrane forms the bottom of the second chamber, the method further comprising heating the deformable medium in the first chamber prior to exposing the membrane to the heated deformable medium.

[0082] Clause 7. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein exposing the membrane to the deformable medium includes allowing the heated deformable medium to flow from the first chamber of the medium container to the second chamber of the medium container.

[0083] Clause 8. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7 further includes exposing the membrane to the heated deformable medium for a predetermined period of time.

[0084] Clause 9. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8 further comprises, after exposing the membrane to the heated deformable medium, inverting the medium container such that the first chamber is at the bottom and the second chamber is at the top, to allow the deformable medium to return to the first chamber.

[0085] Clause 10. A system for providing heat to a three-dimensional article, the system comprising: an article container having an internal volume and having at least one open surface; a model selectively and at least partially held within the article container, the model having a shape at least partially corresponding to the three-dimensional article and adapted to hold the three-dimensional article; a medium container having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a selectively openable valve; a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the surface of the second chamber of the medium container; and a deformable medium held within the medium container, wherein the deformable medium is held in a first state when the selectively openable valve is in a closed position. Within the first chamber, and when the selectively openable valve is in the open position, the deformable medium is allowed to enter the second chamber; at least one heating element is positioned to heat the deformable medium when it is in the first chamber of the medium container; a coupling mechanism is coupled to the article container and adapted to move the article container such that the model is moved to engage with the flexible membrane on the medium container; and wherein when the deformable medium is in the first chamber, the deformable medium is heatable by the at least one heating element, and wherein the heated deformable medium is allowed to enter the second chamber by opening the selectively openable valve, wherein the deformable medium surrounds the flexible membrane.

[0086] Clause 11. The system according to Clause 10, wherein the three-dimensional article is a footwear upper.

[0087] Clause 12. The system according to any one of Clauses 10 to 11, wherein the deformable medium is sand.

[0088] Clause 13. The system according to any one of Clauses 10 to 12 further includes a vacuum device coupled to the article container, wherein a negative pressure can be applied by the vacuum device when the article container is engaged with the flexible membrane of the medium container.

[0089] Clause 14. The system according to any one of Clauses 10 to 13 further includes a plurality of heating elements, wherein said heating elements extend across and through the first chamber of the medium container.

[0090] Clause 15. The system according to any one of Clauses 10 to 14 further includes an actuator coupled to the article container, the actuator being adapted to move the article container from a loading position distant from the medium container to a forward position aligned with the medium container.

[0091] Clause 16. The system according to any one of Clauses 10 to 15 further includes a motor coupled to the medium container, the motor being operable to rotate the medium container from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the first chamber is above the second chamber and in the second position the first chamber is below the second chamber.

[0092] Clause 17. A method is provided for providing heat to an article of manufacture. The method may include inserting at least a portion of the article of manufacture onto a mold. The method may further include inserting the mold and the article of manufacture at least partially into an article of manufacture container and moving the mold and the article of manufacture to engage with a flexible membrane. The method may further include exposing the membrane to a heated deformable medium.

[0093] Clause 18. The method of Clause 17, wherein moving the model and article to engage with the flexible membrane to form an airtight chamber between the article container and the flexible membrane, the method further comprising exposing the airtight chamber to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure before exposing the membrane to the heated deformable medium, so as to pull the membrane against at least a portion of the article.

[0094] Clause 19. The method according to any one of Clauses 17 to 18 further includes heating the deformable medium with at least one heating element before exposing the membrane to the heated deformable medium.

[0095] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 17 to 19, wherein the article includes a portion of footwear articles.

[0096] Clause 21. A system for providing heat to a three-dimensional article, the system comprising: an article container having an internal volume and having at least one open surface; a model selectively and at least partially retained within the article container, the model having a shape at least partially corresponding to the three-dimensional article and adapted to hold the three-dimensional article; a medium container pivoting about the article container between an open position allowing access to the internal volume of the article container and a closed position covering the article container; a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the medium container, the membrane covering the open surface of the article container when the medium container is in the closed position; a medium chamber having at least one heating element and a selectively openable door; at least one conductor A conduit, the at least one conduit being between the media chamber and the media container, the conduit providing an inlet between the media chamber and the media container when the selectively openable door is in the open state; a deformable medium, the deformable medium being held in the media chamber for heating by the heating element, the deformable medium being held in the media chamber when the selectively openable door is in the closed position, and the deformable medium being allowed to enter the conduit and transfer to the media container when the selectively openable door is in the open position; and wherein the deformable medium is capable of being heated while in the media chamber, and wherein the heated deformable medium is allowed to enter the conduit by opening the selectively openable door, wherein the deformable medium is allowed to flow into the media container above the membrane.

[0097] Clause 22. The system according to Clause 21, wherein the three-dimensional article is a footwear outsole.

[0098] Clause 23. The system according to any one of Clauses 21 to 22, wherein the deformable medium is sand.

[0099] Clause 24. The system according to any one of Clauses 21 to 23 further includes a vacuum device coupled to the article container, wherein a negative pressure can be applied by the vacuum device when the article container is engaged with the flexible membrane of the medium container.

[0100] Clause 25. The system according to any one of Clauses 21 to 24 further includes a plurality of heating elements in the medium chamber.

[0101] Clause 26. The system according to any one of Clauses 21 to 25 further includes a motor coupled to the media container, the motor being adapted to move the media container from the open position away from the article container to the closed position covering the article container.

[0102] Clause 27. The system according to any one of Clauses 21 to 26 further includes a return bucket, the return bucket being movable from a position adjacent to the medium container to a position adjacent to the medium chamber, the return bucket being movable to return the deformable medium to the medium chamber.

[0103] Clause 28. The system according to any one of Clauses 21 to 27 further includes a hopper adjacent to the medium container and a screw conveyor extending from the hopper to the medium chamber, the screw conveyor being operable to return the deformable medium from the hopper to the medium chamber.

[0104] Clause 29. The system according to any one of Clauses 21 to 28 further includes a rotatable platform supporting multiple workstations, each workstation having a product container and a medium container.

Claims

1. A method for attaching an element to an article, the method comprising: inserting at least a portion of the article over a form; placing the element on the article at a desired location; at least partially inserting the form, article, and element into an article container; moving the form, article, and element into engagement with a flexible membrane, the membrane and the article container forming an air-tight chamber; exposing the air-tight chamber to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure to draw the membrane against at least a portion of the article and the element; and exposing the membrane to a heated deformable medium, wherein the flexible membrane forms a portion of a medium container having a first chamber and a second chamber, and wherein the flexible membrane forms a bottom of the second chamber, the method further comprising heating the deformable medium in the first chamber prior to exposing the membrane to the heated deformable medium, and wherein exposing the membrane to the deformable medium comprises allowing the heated deformable medium to flow from the first chamber of the medium container to the second chamber of the medium container.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a portion of an article of footwear.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the portion of the article of footwear comprises an upper.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the form comprises a last.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the deformable medium is sand.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising exposing the membrane to the heated deformable medium for a predetermined period of time.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, after exposing the membrane to the heated deformable medium, inverting the medium container such that the first chamber is at the bottom and the second chamber is at the top to allow the deformable medium to return to the first chamber.

8. A system for providing heat to a three-dimensional article, the system comprising: an article container having an interior volume, the article container having at least one open face; a form selectively held at least partially within the article container, the form having a shape at least partially corresponding to the three-dimensional article and adapted to hold the three-dimensional article; a medium container having a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber separated by a selectively openable valve; a flexible membrane at least partially extending across a face of the second chamber of the medium container; a deformable medium held within the medium container, the deformable medium held within the first chamber in a first state when the selectively openable valve is in a closed position, and the deformable medium allowed to enter the second chamber when the selectively openable valve is in an open position; at least one heating element positioned to heat the deformable medium when the deformable medium is in the first chamber of the medium container; an engagement mechanism coupled to the article container and adapted to move the article container such that the former is moved into engagement with the flexible membrane on the medium container; and wherein the deformable medium is heatable by the at least one heating element when the deformable medium is in the first chamber, and wherein by opening the selectively openable valve, heated deformable medium is allowed to enter the second chamber, wherein the deformable medium encloses the flexible membrane.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the three-dimensional article is a footwear upper.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the deformable medium is sand.

11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a vacuum device coupled to the article container, and wherein a negative pressure is applicable by the vacuum device when the article container is in engagement with the flexible membrane of the medium container.

12. The system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of heating elements, wherein the plurality of heating elements extend across and through the first chamber of the medium container.

13. The system of claim 8, further comprising an actuator coupled to the article container, the actuator adapted to move the article container from a loading position distal from the medium container to a pre-positioned position in alignment with the medium container.

14. The system of claim 8, further comprising a motor coupled to the medium container, the motor operable to rotate the medium container from a first position in which the first chamber is above the second chamber and a second position in which the first chamber is below the second chamber.

15. A system for providing heat to a three-dimensional article, the system comprising: an article container having an interior volume, the article container having at least one open face; a former selectively at least partially retained within the article container, the former having a shape at least partially corresponding to the three-dimensional article and adapted to hold the three-dimensional article; a medium container pivoting relative to the article container between an open position allowing access to the interior volume of the article container and a closed position in which the medium container covers the article container; a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the medium container, the membrane covering the open face of the article container when the medium container is in the closed position; a medium chamber having at least one heating element and a selectively openable door; at least one conduit between the medium chamber and the medium container, the conduit providing access between the medium chamber and the medium container when the selectively openable door is in an open state; a deformable medium, the deformable medium being retained within the medium chamber for heating by the at least one heating element, the deformable medium being retained within the medium chamber when the selectively openable door is in the closed state, and the deformable medium being allowed to enter the conduit and be transferred to the medium receptacle when the selectively openable door is in the open state; and wherein the deformable medium is capable of being heated while the deformable medium is in the medium chamber, and wherein by opening the selectively openable door, heated deformable medium is allowed to enter the conduit, wherein the deformable medium is allowed to flow into the medium receptacle above the membrane.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the three-dimensional article is an outsole of footwear.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the deformable medium is sand.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising a vacuum device coupled to the article receptacle, and wherein a negative pressure is capable of being applied by the vacuum device when the article receptacle is engaged with the flexible membrane of the medium receptacle.

19. The system of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of heating elements within the medium chamber.

20. The system of claim 15, further comprising a motor coupled to the medium receptacle, the motor being adapted to move the medium receptacle from the open position away from the article receptacle to the closed position covering the article receptacle.

21. The system of claim 15, further comprising a return bucket, the return bucket being capable of moving from a position adjacent the medium receptacle to a position adjacent the medium chamber, the return bucket being movable to return the deformable medium to the medium chamber.

22. The system of claim 15, further comprising a hopper adjacent the medium receptacle and an auger extending from the hopper to the medium chamber, the auger being operable to return the deformable medium from the hopper to the medium chamber.

23. The system of claim 15, further comprising a rotatable platform supporting a plurality of stations, each station having an article receptacle and a medium receptacle.

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