Holding assembly for articles

摘要

A holding assembly for articles can be used with a flexible manufacturing system to hold an article in place. The holding assembly can be used with a printing system to print onto the article. The holding assembly can expand to fit the article. The holding assembly can include a moldable surface that can be provided with a temporarily fixed geometry through the use of a vacuum. The holding assembly can help provide a flattened outer surface for the article to facilitate printing.

主权项

1. A holding assembly configured to hold an article of footwear, comprising:
a base portion; a last portion attached to the base portion, the last portion further comprising: a first side portion, the first side portion including an outer surface that is moldable; a second side portion; a bladder member disposed between the first side portion and the second side portion, wherein the bladder member is inflatable; wherein the first side portion includes a frame portion, a flexible membrane and a plurality of bead members and wherein the plurality of bead members are sealed in an interior chamber bounded by the frame portion and the flexible membrane; and wherein expanding the bladder member causes the second side portion to extend away from the first side portion.