Patent Abstract:
Heat press platens for a shoe customization/decoration system and a method of using the same are disclosed. The platens may be quickly interchanged to allow the same equipment to be used to dye shoes of different sizes. The platens individually accommodate a pair of assembled shoes and are shaped to: reduce print sizes, maintain symmetry and flatness of the shoe, and accommodate a range of shoe sizes. The size and shape of the platens enable one shoe to be fitted on one side of a platen and another shoe to be fitted on the opposite side. The platens position the shoes so that they are mirror images of each other. This positioning allows a single print, including mirror images of the same design, to be applied to two shoes at the same time.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application is continuing application of U.S. Patent Publication Number 2014/0232040, published on Aug. 21, 2014, which is a divisional application of U.S. Patent Publication Number 2012/0175813, published on Jul. 12, 2012, the entirety of both are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a shoe customization system and a method of using a shoe customization system. 
         [0003]    Multiple systems for varying the size and shape of platens used to print designs on articles of clothing have been proposed. Jennings (U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,638) discloses a method and apparatus for silk screen printing the tops and fronts of completed painter&#39;s caps. The apparatus includes: a platen sized and shaped to receive T-shirt fronts; a platen sized and shaped to receive T-shirt sleeves; a platen sized and shaped to receive the tops of painter&#39;s caps; and a platen sized and shaped to receive the fronts of painter&#39;s caps. While Jennings discloses platens sized and shaped to receive various articles of clothing, these platens are not sized and shaped to receive assembled shoes. Similarly, the platens are not sized and shaped to receive multiple articles of clothing on a single platen. Thus, a drawback to the proposed system of Jennings is that a single platen cannot be used for printing two articles of clothing at the same time. Furthermore, the size of the platens proposed by Jennings cannot be adjusted. 
         [0004]    Olsen (U.S. Pat. No. 2,291,832) discloses a method and apparatus for coating a fabric upper of an unassembled shoe with cement. The apparatus includes two rectangular platens hinged together. The platens are used to coat an upper of an unassembled shoe with cement. A drawback to the apparatus proposed by Olsen is that it does not include a platen sized and shaped to receive a pair of shoes. Furthermore, the size of the platens proposed by Olsen cannot be adjusted. 
         [0005]    Systems for decorating the bottoms of assembled shoes have been proposed. Mussells (U.S. Pat. No. 224,030) discloses a shank channeling, creasing, and coloring machine. The machine includes four shoe-supports, which hold assembled shoes as they are creased, colored, or stamped. The shoe-supports are attached to the plate by pins and so that they may be readily replaced with shoe-supports having other shapes or sizes. A drawback to the system proposed by Mussells is that the shoe-supports are not sized and shaped to individually receive a pair of assembled shoes. Furthermore, size of the shoe-supports is not adjustable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A shoe customization system and a method of using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the shoe customization system may include a heat press device having a flat press surface, a first curved edge, a second curved edge opposite the first curved edge, and a first connecting edge connecting the first curved edge to the second curved edge. A first shoe receiving portion may be configured to receive a shoe. The first shoe receiving portion may be bounded by part of the first curved edge, part of the second curved edge, and the first connecting edge. A second shoe receiving portion may be configured to receive a shoe. The second shoe receiving portion may be disposed opposite the first shoe receiving portion. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, the shoe customization system may include a heat press device having a flat press surface, a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a third edge connecting the first edge to the second edge, and a fourth edge opposite the third edge. The distance between the third edge and the fourth edge may taper from the first edge to the second edge. The heat press device may further include a first shoe receiving portion configured to receive a shoe. The first shoe receiving portion may be bounded by part of the first edge, part of the second edge, and the third edge. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, the shoe customization system may include a heat press machine having a first quick connect mechanism and a heat press device configured to be connected to the heat press machine. The heat press device may include a flat press surface, a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, and a third edge connecting the first edge to the second edge. The heat press device may further include a first shoe receiving portion configured to receive a shoe. The first shoe receiving portion may be bounded by part of the first edge, part of the second edge, and the third edge. The heat press device may further include a second quick connect mechanism configured to connect to the first quick connect mechanism. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, a method of customizing a shoe may include loading a first shoe on a first shoe receiving portion of a heat press device, loading a second shoe on a second shoe receiving portion of the heat press device, connecting the heat press device to a heat press machine, placing a design on top of the first shoe and the second shoe, and pressing a heat plate of the heat press machine on top of the first shoe and the second shoe. 
         [0010]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary embodiment of two platens disposed on a heat press machine; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a platen from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an perspective view of the top of the platen from  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the platen from  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the bottom of the platen from  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is the press machine from  FIG. 1  with a platen removed to expose a quick connect plate; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is the press machine from  FIG. 1  with shoes loaded on a platen and a design to be printed on the shoes. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is the press machine from  FIG. 7  with the design overlying the shoes. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is the press machine from  FIG. 7  with the heat press plate pressing down on the shoes. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is the press machine from  FIG. 7  after the shoes have been printed on. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an exemplary embodiment of multiple platens having different sizes. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a view of the platens from  FIG. 11  stacked. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of two heat press platens disposed on a heat press machine  100 . Heat press machine  100  comprises a base  102  and a top heat plate  104  connected to base  102  by an arm  106  having a handle  108 . A first platen  110  may be connected to base at one end and a second platen  112  may be connected to base  102  at the opposite end. As discussed in detail below, first and second platens  110 ,  112  may have the same components and may be interchangeable. Arm  106  may be connected to base  102  so that it slides top heat plate  104  from a first position overlying first platen  110  to a second position overlying second platen  112 . Top heat plate  104  may be vertically displaced by pulling handle  108  forward about a pivot point  114 . The operation of using heat press machine  100  and platens to print on shoes will be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 7-10  below. Heat press machine  100  is merely exemplary. First and second platens  110 ,  112  may be used with any other similar type of heat press machine. For example, first and second platens  110 ,  112  may be used interchangeably on a heat press machine that receives one platen at a time. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a top view of platen  110  and  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the top of platen  110 . Platen may be formed with a first edge  216 , a second edge  218  opposite first edge  216 , a third edge  220 , and a fourth edge  222  opposite third edge  220 . First edge  216  and second edge  218  may be curved in the same direction. Third edge  220  and fourth edge  222  may be straight. The width of platen  110  defined by third edge  220  and fourth edge  222  may be tapered from first edge  216  to second edge  218 . A first protrusion  224  may extend from first edge  216  and a second protrusion  226  may extend from second edge  218 . As described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5  below, first protrusion  224  and second protrusion  226  may provide slots for connecting platen  110  to heat press machine  100 . 
         [0026]    Platen  110  may be made of metal or any other material suitable for heat pressing. A pad  228  may be shaped to cover a flat press surface of platen  110  to provide padding beneath the shoe material being printed on. Pad  228  may be made of silicone or any other material capable of providing padding while withstanding high heat and pressure. Pad may include adhesive backing or adhesive may be applied to pad  228  or platen  110  for attachment. In some embodiments, pad  228  may be omitted. 
         [0027]    Platen  110  may include a first shoe receiving portion  230  and a second shoe receiving portion  232 . Platen  110  may be symmetrical about longitudinal axis  234  such that first shoe receiving portion  230  and second shoe receiving portion  232  may be mirror images of one another. Thus, when a pair of shoes is loaded on platen  110 , the shoes may be mirror images of one another. This positioning allows a single print, including mirror images of the same design, to be applied to two shoes at the same time. First shoe receiving portion  230  may be bounded by part of first edge  216 , part of second edge  218 , and third edge  220 . Second shoe receiving portion may be bounded by part of first edge  216 , part of second edge  218 , and fourth edge  222 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a first pair of shoe outlines  236 , a second pair of shoe outlines  238 , and a third pair of shoe outlines  240  to demonstrate how a pair of shoes may be arranged on first shoe receiving portion  230  and second shoe receiving portion  232 . First pair of shoe outlines  236 , second pair of shoe outlines  238 , and third pair of shoe outlines  240  each represents a different shoe size demonstrating how a single platen may accommodate a range of shoe sizes. A first piston spring tensioner and a second piston spring tensioner may be provided to further aid in accommodating a range of shoe sizes. First piston spring tensioner may include a first piston head  242  and a first rod  244 . First piston spring tensioner may further include a first coil spring  246  disposed around first rod  244 . Second piston spring tensioner may include a second piston head  248  and a second rod  250 . Second piston spring tensioner may further include a second coil spring  252  disposed around second rod  250 . More details of first and second spring tensioners are discussed with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5  below. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a pair of print surface outlines  254  reveal where the print may appear on the shoes loaded on platen  110 , as well as where top heat plate  104  may contact first shoe receiving portion  230  and second shoe receiving portion  232 . The shape of first shoe receiving portion  230  and second shoe receiving portion  232  allows a large portion of a pair of shoes to be flattened by top heat plate  104 , and thus printed on. Platen  110  may be tapered along the longitudinal axis  243  to minimize the print paper size while centering the print surfaces of the shoes (indicated by print surface outlines  254 ) beneath top heat plate  104 . The print size may be reduced because the tapering minimizes the space between the two shoes being printed on, as demonstrated by the position of first pair of shoe outlines  236 , second pair of shoe outlines  238 , and third pair of shoe outlines  240 . Tapering may also position the print surfaces of the shoes (indicated by print surface outlines  254 ) so that the print surfaces may lie beneath the center of top heat plate  104  during heat pressing. Positioning the shoes beneath the center of top heat plate  104  may improve heat transfer and pressure during heat pressing. Additionally, this positioning may limit temperature loss experienced at the edges of top heat plate  104 . As a result of tapering, the size of platen  110  may be minimized. 
         [0030]    The shape of platen  110  may allow left and right shoes to be interchangeably received on platen  110  to print on both lateral and medial sides of a pair of shoes. For example, first shoe receiving portion  230  may receive a right shoe and second shoe receiving portion  232  may receive a left shoe, as indicated by first pair of shoe outlines  236 , second pair of shoe outlines  238 , and third pair of shoe outlines  240 , to print on the lateral sides of a pair of shoes. Then, the left shoe may be moved to the first shoe receiving portion  230  and the right shoe may be moved to the second shoe receiving portion  232  to print on the medial sides of the pair of shoes. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of platen  110  and  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the bottom of platen  110 . As mentioned above, platen  110  includes first and second piston spring tensioners. First rod  244  of first piston spring tensioner may be connected to platen  110  by a first bracket  456  and a second bracket  458 . First coil spring  246  may be disposed around first rod  244  between second bracket  458  and first piston head  242 . Second rod  250  may be connected to platen  110  by a third bracket  460  and a fourth bracket  462 . Second coil spring  252  may be disposed around second rod  250  between fourth bracket  462  and second piston head  248 . As shown by the placement of first pair of shoe outlines  236 , second pair of shoe outlines  238 , and third pair of shoe outlines  240  in  FIG. 2 , first piston head  242  and second piston head  248  may rest against a toe of shoes. First coil springs  246  may bias first piston head  242  and second coil spring  252  may bias second piston heads  248  against the toe of shoes to create longitudinal tension in the shoes. This tension may enhance the flattening of shoes against platen  110  to facilitate even printing on the shoes. The spring-biasing of first and second piston spring tensioners may also improve the adjustability of platen by aiding the platen in receiving a range of shoe sizes. In some embodiments, first coil spring  246  and second coil spring  252  may be replaced by other mechanisms for biasing first piston head  242  and second piston head  248  against the toes of shoes. In some embodiments, piston spring tensioners may be omitted. 
         [0032]    The bottom of platen  110  may include quick connect mechanisms for quickly connecting platen to base. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the quick connect mechanisms may include a first T-slot, a second T-slot, and a shallow hole  464  disposed along longitudinal axis  234 . In some embodiments, the quick connect mechanisms may include a single T-slot and a shallow hole. In some embodiments, the quick connect mechanisms may include a plurality of shallow holes. In some embodiments, the quick connect mechanisms may include different types of mechanisms configured to connect with various types of heat press machines. 
         [0033]    The first T-slot may be formed by a first circular hole  466  and a first slot  468 . The second T-slot may be formed by a second circular hole  470  and a second slot  472 . Shallow hole  464  may be shallower than first and/or second T-slots. In some embodiments, shallow hole  464  may be at the same depth as the first and/or second T-slots. In some embodiments, shallow hole  464  may include a hole having a depth that is deeper than the first and/or second T-Slots. 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  shows press machine  100  from  FIG. 1  with platen  110  removed to expose a quick connect plate  674 . Quick connect plate  674  may include quick connect mechanisms complimentary to the quick connect mechanisms of platen  110 . The quick connect plate  674  may include a first circular head  676 , a second circular head  678 , and a retractable button  680 . First circular head  676  and second circular heads  678  may be connected to quick connect plate  674  by a first neck  682  and a second neck  684 , respectively. 
         [0035]    To connect platen  110  to quick connect plate  674  as shown in  FIG. 1 , platen  110  may be placed on top of quick connect plate  674  so that first circular hole  468  and second circular hole  470  line up with first circular head  676  and second circular head  678 , respectively. When first circular head  676  and second circular head  678  are inserted into first circular hole  468  and second circular hole  470 , platen  110  may be pushed along longitudinal axis  234  so that first neck  682  slides within first slot  468  and second neck  684  slides within second slot  472  until retractable button  680  may be inserted into shallow hole  464 . In this position, first slot  468  and second slot  472  and retractable button  680  may prevent platen from moving in a direction transverse to longitudinal axis  234 . Retractable button  680  may further prevent platen  110  from moving along longitudinal axis  234 . 
         [0036]    Quick connect plate  674  may further include a knob  686  for releasing retractable button  686  from shallow hole  464 . To disconnect platen  110 , knob  686  may be pulled down to withdraw retractable button  686  from within shallow hole  464  as platen  110  may be pushed along longitudinal axis  234  until first circular hole  468  and second circular hole  470  line up with first circular head  676  and second circular head  678 , respectively. Then, platen  110  may be lifted and removed from press machine  100 . 
         [0037]    The quick connect mechanisms on platen  110  may allow platen  110  to be quickly interchanged with another platen. Thus, platen  110  may be replaced with a platen of a different size and/or platen  110  may be replaced with a preloaded platen. For example, while a first pair of shoes loaded on platen  110  may be being printed on, a second platen may be loaded with second pair of shoes. Then, when printing on the first pair of shoes is complete, platen  110  may be quickly replaced with the second platen. And as the second pair of shoes is being printed on the second platen, platen  110  may be loaded with a third pair of shoes. 
         [0038]    The quick connect mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 4-6  are merely exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, the size, shape, and location of the quick connect mechanisms may be altered. In other embodiments, different types of quick connect mechanisms may be provided for connection between platen  110  and quick connect plate  674 . For example, platen  110  may be used with another type of press machine. In this situation, the quick connect mechanisms provided on platen  110  may be altered to correspond with the quick connect mechanism provided on the press machine that platen  110  is being used with. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 7-9  demonstrate a method of using press machine  100  and platen  110  to print on a pair of shoes.  FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a right shoe  788  mounted on first shoe receiving portion  230  and a left shoe  790  mounted on second shoe receiving portion  232 . As discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 , first piston head  242  and second piston head  248  may press against the toes of right shoe  788  and left shoe  790  to create longitudinal tension in right shoe  788  and left shoe  790 . The tension may enhance the flattening of the lateral sides of right shoe  788  and left shoe  790  against the flat press surface of platen  110 . The shoes may be mounted on platen  110  before platen  110  is mounted on quick connect plate  674 , as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . Alternatively, platen  110  may be connected to press machine  100  before loading right shoe  788  and left shoe  790  onto platen  110 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  further shows a piece of transfer paper  892  with an argyle design  894  to be printed on right shoe  788  and left shoe  790 . Argyle design  894  may be printed in dye sublimation ink on a piece of sublimation transfer paper. In some embodiments, any other known type of ink and/or transfer paper may be used. Argyle design  894  may be replaced with any design. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  shows transfer paper  892  placed over right shoe  788  and left shoe  790 . Argyle design  894  may be positioned over right shoe  788  and left shoe  790  where argyle design  894  is to be printed. Then, top heat plate  104  may be slid from first end of base  102  to second end of base  102  so that it may be positioned over argyle design  894  and platen  110 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , while top heat plate  104  is positioned over argyle design  894  and platen  110 , handle  108  may be pulled forward so that top heat plate  104  may be lowered onto argyle design  894 . Top heat plate  104  may be heated and may press argyle design  894  down against right shoe  788  and left shoe  790 , thus printing argyle design  894  onto right shoe  788  and left shoe  790 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 10  shows right shoe  788  and left shoe  790  after argyle design  894  is printed on lateral sides of right shoe  788  and left shoe  790 . To print on the medial sides of right shoe  788  and left shoe  790 , right shoe  788  may be moved to second shoe receiving portion  232  and left shoe  790  may be moved to first shoe receiving portion  230 . Then, the above-described method of using press machine  100  and platen  110  to print on a pair of shoes may be performed. 
         [0043]      FIG. 11  shows exemplary embodiments of platens in different sizes such that each platen may accommodate a range of shoe sizes. A small platen  1200  may accommodate sizes  4  through  6 , a medium platen  1202  may accommodate sizes  7  through  9 , and a large platen  1204  may accommodate sizes  10  through  13 . While a single platen may accommodate a wide range of shoe sizes, a more precise fit can be achieved by providing multiple platens each sized to accommodate a small range of shoe sizes. In some embodiments, a single platen may be used to accommodate all shoes sizes. In other embodiments, more sizes of platens may be used to provide a more precise fit for each shoe size. For example, each individual platen may be sized to accommodate a single shoe size. In another example, the platens may be sized as shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 11  and a fourth platen may be provided to accommodate sizes  14 - 16 . 
         [0044]    Small platen  1200 , medium platen  1202 , and large platen  1204  may have the same components as platen  110  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 and 6-11 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , small platen  1200  may have a first protrusion  1206 , a second protrusion  1208 , a first piston spring tensioner, and a second piston spring tensioner. The first piston spring tensioner may include a first piston head  1210  and a first rod  1212 . The first piston spring tensioner may further include a first coil spring  1214  disposed around first rod  1212 . The second piston spring tensioner may include a second piston head  1216  and a second rod  1218 . The second piston spring tensioner may further include a second coil spring  1220  disposed around second rod  1218 . 
         [0045]    Medium platen  1202  may have a first protrusion  1222 , a second protrusion  1224 , a first piston spring tensioner, and a second piston spring tensioner. The first piston spring tensioner may include a first piston head  1226  and a first rod  1228 . The first piston spring tensioner may further include a first coil spring  1230  disposed around first rod  1228 . The second piston spring tensioner may include a second piston head  1232  and a second rod  1234 . The second piston spring tensioner may further include a second coil spring  1236  disposed around second rod  1234 . 
         [0046]    Large platen  1204  may have a first protrusion  1238 , a second protrusion  1240 , a first piston spring tensioner, and a second piston spring tensioner. The first piston spring tensioner may include a first piston head  1242  and a first rod  1244 . The first piston spring tensioner may further include a first coil spring  1246  disposed around first rod  1244 . The second piston spring tensioner may include a second piston head  1248  and a second rod  1250 . The second piston spring tensioner may further include a second coil spring  1252  disposed around second rod  1250 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , in addition to small platen  1200 , medium platen  1202 , and large platen  1204  differing in size, the components of small platen  1200 , medium platen  1202 , and large platen  1204  may also differ in size. The sizes of the components may differ to further aid in accommodating a range of shoe sizes. For example, as the platens increase in size to accommodate larger shoe sizes, the piston heads may also increase in size. Small platen  1200  may include small piston heads, medium platen  1202  may include medium piston heads, and large piston  1204  may include large piston heads. Similarly, the length of rods may correspond with the size of the platens. For example, small platen  1200  may have a short rod, medium platen  1202  may have a medium rod, and large platen  1204  may have a long rod. 
         [0048]    The first and second protrusions of small platen  1200 , medium platen  1202 , and large platen  1204  may be sized to position the shallow hole and the first circular hole in a location corresponding with the first circular head and the retractable button of the quick connect plate, as discussed with reference to  FIGS. 4-6  above. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the protrusions may vary depending on the type of quick connect mechanisms provided on the platen and the press machine. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be eliminated entirely and the quick connect mechanisms may be provided in another location of the platens. 
         [0049]      FIG. 12  shows small platen  1200 , medium platen  1202 , and large platen  1204  stacked. The piston spring tensioners of small platen  1200 , medium platen  1202 , and large platen  1204  have been removed in this view. Small platen  1200  is shown with a first print surface outline  1254  for a size 4 shoe. Medium platen  1202  is shown with a second print surface outline  1256  for a size 9 shoe. Large platen  1204  is shown with a third print surface outline  1258  for a size 13 shoe. Similar to platen  110  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , small platen  1200  may have a first edge  1260  and a second edge  1262 , medium platen  1202  may have a first edge  1264  and a second edge  1266 , and large platen  1204  may have a first edge  1268  and a second edge  1270 . In  FIG. 12 , small platen  1200 , medium platen  1202 , and large platen  1204  are stacked with first edges aligned to show how the different sizes of platens and shoe prints compare. While the sizes of small platen  1200 , medium platen  1202 , and large platen  1204  differ, the general shape of the platens may remain the same. 
         [0050]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8