Systems and processes for reinforcing components of articles of wear are disclosed. The processes can include applying a thermoplastic powder to a component of an article of wear and levelling at least a portion of the thermoplastic powder. The processes can also include applying thermal energy to the component and the thermoplastic powder. Further, the processes can include compressing the thermoplastic powder and the component.

Systems and processes for reinforcing components of articles of wear are disclosed. The processes can include applying a thermoplastic powder to a component of an article of wear and levelling at least a portion of the thermoplastic powder. The processes can also include applying thermal energy to the component and the thermoplastic powder. Further, the processes can include compressing the thermoplastic powder and the component.

The invention relates to a method for the production of a shoe (1), especially of a sports shoe. To provide an effective and cost-efficient method for the shoe production, the invention comprises the steps: a) Production of a shoe upper (2) and of a shoe sole (3); b) Joining of the shoe upper (2) and the shoe sole (3) and inserting the joined shoe upper (2) and the shoe sole (3) into a flexible container element (4) which can be closed in an air-tight manner; c) Air-tight closing of the container element (4) and evacuating of the container element (4), so that the container element (4) presses together the joined shoe upper (2) and the shoe sole (3) within the container element (4); d) Connecting the shoe upper (2) and the shoe sole (3) within the container element (4) with another; e) Venting of the container element (4) and taking out the connected shoe upper (2) and shoe sole (3).

The invention relates to a method for the production of a shoe (1), especially of a sports shoe. To provide an effective and cost-efficient method for the shoe production, the invention comprises the steps: a) Production of a shoe upper (2) and of a shoe sole (3); b) Joining of the shoe upper (2) and the shoe sole (3) and inserting the joined shoe upper (2) and the shoe sole (3) into a flexible container element (4) which can be closed in an air-tight manner; c) Air-tight closing of the container element (4) and evacuating of the container element (4), so that the container element (4) presses together the joined shoe upper (2) and the shoe sole (3) within the container element (4); d) Connecting the shoe upper (2) and the shoe sole (3) within the container element (4) with another; e) Venting of the container element (4) and taking out the connected shoe upper (2) and shoe sole (3).

An oven may facilitate heating, curing, and/or drying processes for manufactured items, such as shoe parts, using multiple groups of infrared sources. Efficiencies of the oven are achieved through a deliberate airflow characteristic, which is accomplished with a configuration of apertures extending through a circulation plate. A higher concentration of apertures is formed in the circulation plate near a center zone relative to zones near an entrance and exit to the oven. Further, the shape of the apertures in the circulation plate aid in improved airflow within the oven.

An oven may facilitate heating, curing, and/or drying processes for manufactured items, such as shoe parts, using multiple groups of infrared sources. Efficiencies of the oven are achieved through a deliberate airflow characteristic, which is accomplished with a configuration of apertures extending through a circulation plate. A higher concentration of apertures is formed in the circulation plate near a center zone relative to zones near an entrance and exit to the oven. Further, the shape of the apertures in the circulation plate aid in improved airflow within the oven.

Apparatus for the customization of footwear, in particular sports footwear, having an element made of thermoplastic material is provided. A method for the customization of footwear using the apparatus is also provided. The apparatus has a heating assembly, for heating the thermoplastic element above a predetermined threshold temperature, and a shaping assembly, for shaping the thermoplastic element while its temperature is above the threshold value, which assemblies are both carried by a common frame. Due to the fact that the heating assembly and the shaping assembly are carried by a single, common frame, it is possible to ensure proper heating and subsequent shaping of the element made of thermoplastic material.

Apparatus for the customization of footwear, in particular sports footwear, having an element made of thermoplastic material is provided. A method for the customization of footwear using the apparatus is also provided. The apparatus has a heating assembly, for heating the thermoplastic element above a predetermined threshold temperature, and a shaping assembly, for shaping the thermoplastic element while its temperature is above the threshold value, which assemblies are both carried by a common frame. Due to the fact that the heating assembly and the shaping assembly are carried by a single, common frame, it is possible to ensure proper heating and subsequent shaping of the element made of thermoplastic material.

A steaming system for an article of footwear includes a container with a lid configured to accommodate a steam source. The system also includes provisions for securing the article of footwear such that a majority of the upper is subjected to steam. Articles of footwear may be placed in the steaming system to help customize the articles of apparel for a user's fit and comfort. The steaming system can be configured to be portable and carried by a person.

A steaming system for an article of footwear includes a container with a lid configured to accommodate a steam source. The system also includes provisions for securing the article of footwear such that a majority of the upper is subjected to steam. Articles of footwear may be placed in the steaming system to help customize the articles of apparel for a user's fit and comfort. The steaming system can be configured to be portable and carried by a person.