String guide module and use thereof in a machine with a string puller

Abstract

The present application for Patent of Invention describes a strand guide module which enables the use of locks to be fully eliminated for adjusting the waist, considerably improving the quality and comfort of the footwear, besides economizing raw materials and improving productivity. The purpose of the object of the invention is to allow for longitudinal, latitudinal and angular adjustment of the pulling vector of the strands, particularly the longitudinal positional adjustment along the last (F), including modularity characteristics.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting the pulling vector of a strand of a strand guide module, the method comprising: adjusting a length of an adjustable rod arm of the strand guide module; wherein shortening the length of the adjustable rod arm increases an angle of the pulling vector of the strand in relation to a sole of a footwear; and wherein increasing the length of the adjustable rod arm decreases the angle of the pulling vector of the strand in relation to a sole of a footwear.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising loosening a handle (MA) of the strand guide module, adjusting the adjustable rod arm (E) in a longitudinal direction of the footwear, reaching a positioning of a guide roller (R2) where the assembly strand sets the angle (A), according to the needs of each model.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment of the adjustable rod arm promotes the tension of directed strands, with freedom of movement, for adjusting positions, in longitudinal and angular directions, establishing an assembly with snug fit of the shoe upper (C).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein adjusting the angular vector of the strand, in relation to the last, using the strand guide module, the sequence of effects of strand tension on the shoe upper is determined.

5. The method -according to claim 1, wherein the angle is adjusted (A) 130 degrees, enhancing the tension of the shoe upper in the high region of the instep, called the upper (VA).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the angle is -adjusted (A) near 160 degrees, which attenuates the tension in the high region of the instep and divides this tension with the region near the forepart of the shoe (VB).

7. The method of claim 2, further comprising tightening the handle after adjusting the adjustable rod arm.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described in an embodiment, and for a better understanding, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1B: Illustrates the strand guide module with normal roller;

(3) FIG. 2B: Illustrates the strand guide module with additional guide roller;

(4) FIG. 3B: Illustrates the strand guide module showing the tension vector of the strands;

(5) FIG. 4B: Illustrates the strand guide module showing the adjustable support position;

(6) FIG. 5B: Illustrates the strand guide module showing the vector regulation of the strand to angle A near 130 degrees;

(7) FIG. 6B: Illustrates the strand guide module showing a vector regulation of the strand A near 160 degrees;

(8) FIG. 7B: Illustrates the strand guide module showing the adjustment of the vector angle of the strand tension;

(9) FIG. 8B: Illustrates the strand guide module showing the longitudinal, latitudinal and angular adjustment of the pulling vector of the strands;

(10) FIG. 9B: Illustrates the replacement of the last with the shoe upper;

(11) FIG. 10B: Shows the adjustment indications on the footwear used as example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) The STRAND GUIDE MODULE AND APPLICATION IN A MACHINE WITH STRAND PULLER that is the object of this application for Patent of Invention, makes it possible to fully eliminate completely the use of locks for waist adjustment, considerably improving the quality and the comfort of the footwear, besides economizing on raw materials and improving productivity.

(13) Further according to the invention, the strand guide module 10 has modularity, where the tension equipment may or may not contain strand guide modules, as shown in FIGS. 1B and FIG. 2B.

(14) Another characteristic of the invention is to eliminate the need for more than one cross-stitch, in footwear with more complex angular variations, observing the underlying concept of this technology, which determines a direct relation between the correct position and the correct vector angle for pulling the strand, in relation to last and the dimensional (angular) variations of the last, or of the footwear to be mounted, establishing a position and a specific pulling angle for each footwear model, as per FIG. 3B, illustrating the use of this module adjusted to the vector (V1) of pulling the strand in an angular position in relation to the sole of the footwear (A)—FIG. 3B—, so that the strand tension acts sequentially, pulling the shoe upper in the vector (N)—FIG. 3B—, adjusting the shoe upper in the instep region (V)—FIG. 10B—and subsequently in the forepart (BI)—FIG. 10B—, in the central part (CE)—FIG. 10B—and finalizing in the rear part of the shoe (TZ)—FIG. 10B.

(15) The objective, from the technical point of view of the object of the invention, that is, the Strand Guide Module, is to permit the variation of the vector angle (A) of strand tension (W)—FIG. 5B—and (W′)—FIG. 6B—, in relation to the sole of the last, or of the footwear (Y)—FIG. 5B—and (Y′)—FIG. 6B—, at the moment of assembling the shoe upper, whereby defining the correct sequence of effects of the strand tension printed on the shoe upper (C)—FIG. 10B—on the last (F)—FIG. 10B at the moment of assembling by strand pulling machine system, as shown in the vectors (V)—FIG. 10B—of the instep; (BI)—FIG. 10B—of the forepart; (CE)—FIG. 10B—of the center and (TZ)—FIG. 10B—of the rearpart.

(16) This module assembly and application technique extends the features of the mounting machine, developed by the applicant and is fundamental for sealing the shoe upper to the last, principally when so requested, as in certain regions of the foot, where greater tension effect of the strands is required, such as, for example, boots, scarpins, high-heeled shoes, ankle boots, occupational and EPIs, as seen in the tension vectors (V1) and consequent angles (A) compared in figures FIG. 1B, containing a simple guide and FIG. 3B containing the additional module of the invention.

(17) The module illustrated and described herein discloses the physical characteristics, from the point of view of functional engineering architecture of the process and describes the essence of this functionality (E)—FIG. 5B—and (E′)—FIG. 6B—, which can be reproduced and applied regardless of the design of this tool, or from the motive power source of the movements, or of the degree of automation installed therein, be it automated, computerized, or by operator control, as they are all based on the same principle as reported and described as underlying concept of this technology.

(18) According to its operational characteristic, the Strand Guide Module according to the invention provides a tension of directed strands, with freedom of movements for adjusting positions, in longitudinal and angular directions, such that it achieves its objective which is to establish an assembly with snug fit of the shoe upper (C)—FIG. 10B—to the last (F)—FIG. 10B.

(19) Another functional purpose is the provide the freedom of fast movements, for approach and retreat of the strand guide, giving space for the exchange of services, to be carried out on the machine, as per FIG. 9B.

(20) The constructive form of the Strand Guide Module of the solution to the underlying concept and to the technique of applying this combination. Nevertheless, the constructive form of the mechanical module can be modified, altered, substituted by direct tension or automated provided that the underlying concept is preserved.

(21) The underlying concept, on which the architecture and engineering of this module was based, is to provide the correct position and the correct vector angle for pulling the strand, in relation to the last, at the moment of assembling the shoe upper, allowing adjustments, according to the dimensional variations of each last or footwear model. This underlying concept was generated after the invention of the SHOE UPPER MOUNTING MACHINE WITH STRAND PULLER and in association with the development of the X-SEWING METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING SHOE UPPERS BY THE TIED STRAND SYSTEM (BR 10 2016 024771 3), an evolution of the system known as strandlaster, which used to be limited to the assembly of light footwear, and which now encompasses all known footwear models.

(22) For the sake of clarity, the applicant developed and filed the patent for the equipment for assemblying shoe uppers by strand tension, with intelligent control of speed and strength, support of rearpart for last, strand guide roller, vertical and horizontal regulations, transparent protection, among other features, capable of assembling, in a single procedure, all known footwear models, no longer restricting the strand method to the assembly of light footwear. After the creation of the machine, initially, the applicant developed a methodology of modeling, for adapting models mounted by traditional methods, to the strand method. This methodology has already established advances, as compared to the traditional modeling methods, as it determined a more economical and assertive constructive form, bring higher quality and comfort to footwear, reducing assembly margins, replacing stiffer components for more flexible and cheaper components, consequently reducing the production of waste. Additionally, the assembly system proposed by the applicant, also reduced the need for re-heating the shoe upper multiple times, for collages and shaping, which caused a reduction in the consumption of electric energy.

(23) As technology evolves, by applying tests, developed and administered by the applicant, by studying each footwear model and the most efficient way to adapt them to the strand method, extracting from this technique to greatest number of benefits, the cross-sewing strategy arose, or an X-sewing strategy, the priority of which was also filed for by the applicant. Initially developed to improve the adjustment of the shoe upper on the points of negative angles, both relative to the waist, and to the height of the heel, and replace the need for other locks (fabric or nails), reducing the operating cost and consumption of raw materials. Accordingly, the applicant created and tested the sewing with more than one cross, as per the need arising from the angles of the footwear. However, the definitive solution came with the creation and the development of the Strand Guide Module, for adjusting the positioning of the vector angle of strand tension.

(24) During studies and testing, it was noted that the strand tension, while exerting a proportional strength, simultaneously directing the edges of the shoe upper to the lower center of the last, would occur at slightly different times, as per the strength imparted by the positive angles of the last. Based on this observation, it is concluded that the direction of strand tension could determine which points of the last, should first exert strength, that is, as per the strand pull angle, could determine the sequence of closing the shoe upper, establishing the order of closure as per the footwear model. In this way, footwear with high upper, for example, should be sealed, firstly, in the upper region of the foot (instep), then in the forepart, in the waist and lastly in the rearpart. The result of this sequence would be the full, proportional, symetric and simultaneous closure, guaranteeing equivalent edges and perfect sealing. This factor provided the full adjustment of the shoe upper to the last, the maximum efficiency, without the use of fabric locks or nails, with a single cross-stitch.

(25) Technically, for a product to be produced on an industrial scale, it is necessary to establish a production logic, from the knowledge of the determining factors of each product and its possible variables, making the sequential process of manufacture feasible.

(26) In the production of footwear it should be no different, therefore, in assembling footwear by the strand method, by the equipment developed by the applicant, added to the features of the Strand Guide Module of this invention, freedom of movement, described herein and to the cross-stitching method, also developed by the company, the previously established coordinates can be used, position and tension angles, of each model of footwear to be manufactured, to attribute a sequential production of this footwear, even with different models, guaranteeing high productivity and repetition of results, maintaining the same quality.

(27) Accordingly, when positioning the last with the shoe upper (FIG. 10B) on the support of the mounting machine (SU)—FIGS. 1B to 9B—, loosening the handle (MA)—FIG. 5B—and adjusting the retractable rod (E)—FIG. 5B and (E′)—FIG. 6B—in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, and the positioning of the guide roller (R2)—FIG. 4B—in the position where the strand of assembly establishes angle (A)—FIG. 5B—and (A)—FIG. 6B—, according to the needs of each model. Having made this adjustment, the handle (MA)—FIG. 5B—it must again be tightened and follow on with the assembly sequence by pulling the strands.

(28) By adjusting the angular vector of the strand in relation to the last, using the strand guide module, the sequence of strand pulling effects on the shoe upper is determined.

(29) FIG. 1B shows a flat sole shoe, with negligible heel, where the tension vector of the strand is parallel to the sole of the footwear, called angle zero. Therefore, without the use of the strand guide module, with support guide, there is no option and strategy feasible for vector-angle adjustments of the strand tension.

(30) FIG. 3B shows the use of the module of the invention, adjusted to the vector (V1) for pulling the strand, in angular position, in relation to the footwear sole (A)—FIG. 3B—, where the tension of the strand acts sequentially, pulling the shoe upper in the vector (N)—FIG. 3B—, adjusting the shoe upper in the instep region (V)—FIG. 10B—, subsequently in the forepart (BI)—FIG. 10B—, then in the central part (CE)—FIG. 10B—and finalizing in the rear part of the shoe (TZ)—FIG. 10B.

(31) FIG. 5B shows a vector regulation of the strand, angle-adjusted (A) near 130 degrees, which enhances the tension of the shoe upper in the high region of the instep, called the upper (VA)—FIG. 5B.

(32) FIG. 6B shows a vector regulation of the strand angle-adjusted (A) near 160 degrees, which enhances the tension in the high region of the instep and divides this tension with the region near the forepart of the shoe (VB)—FIG. 6B.