PATENT COOPERATION TREATY

OVERSHOES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OVERSHOES

INVENTORS:

Richard Franklin

Jon Barrett Silverman

Byung Chan Lee

Prepared By:

FISHERBROYLES, LLP

Attorney Docket No.: 08441.007WO1

OVERSHOES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OVERSHOES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/549,416, titled "OVERSHOES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OVERSHOES", filed August 23, 2017 and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/614,865, titled "CONSUMER PRODUCT", filed August 23, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional overshoes do not enable displaying footwear located within the conventional overshoes, such as designer footwear, limited-edition sneakers, and high- fashion dress shoes, while simultaneously protecting the footwear from environmental damage such as water damage. Further, outer surfaces of conventional overshoes retain water due to surface tension, so when wearers of conventional overshoes walk in water, water enters the conventional overshoes, which can lead to damaged footwear and uncomfortable wearers. Moreover, conventional overshoes having external fastening devices to hold the conventional overshoes onto feet of wearers do not keep water from travelling past the external fastening devices and entering the overshoes. Additionally, conventional overshoes do not provide visual safety features to enhance visibility of wearers. Thus there are long-felt needs, including unrecognized needs, for methods and apparatus improving upon conventional methods and apparatus.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure describes various overshoes and methods for manufacturing overshoes. This summary provides a basic understanding of some aspects of the present teachings. This summary is not exhaustive in detail, and is neither intended to identify all critical features, nor intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] In one embodiment, an overshoe can include a sole and an upper having a first water- shedding texture. A portion of a perimeter of the first water-shedding texture can be located immediately adjacent to the sole. In some examples, at least a portion of the overshoe can be formed of at least semi-transparent plastic. At least a portion of the overshoe can have a transparency of at least 30%. [0005] In some examples, the first water-shedding texture can include a cross-hatch pattern.

[0006] In some embodiments, the overshoe can include a second water-shedding texture including a series of raised, substantially-parallel, and diagonal lands. A portion of a perimeter of the second water-shedding texture can be located immediately adjacent to a second portion of the first water-shedding texture. A portion of the first water-shedding texture can be located between at least a portion of the sole and at least a portion of the second water-shedding texture.

[0007] In some embodiments, the overshoe can further include a gusset. The overshoe can further include a closure device fastened between the gusset and the upper. The gusset can be sealed to the closure device. The closure device can be sealed to the upper. In some examples, the gusset can have a scooped portion. In some embodiments, the gusset can be substantially triangular in shape.

[0008] In some embodiments, the overshoe can further include a reflective material applied to at least a portion of the upper. At least a portion of the upper can be colored and the at least the portion of the upper can include a contrasting portion.

[0009] In an example, provided is a method for fabricating at least a portion of an overshoe. The method can include forming a water-shedding texture on at least a portion of a panel of the overshoe and fastening the panel to a sole such that a portion of the water-shedding texture is adjacent to the sole. The panel can be formed of at least semi-transparent plastic. The water-shedding texture can include a cross-hatch pattern. In an example, the method can include fastening the panel to a gusset. In some embodiments, the method can include applying a reflective material to at least a portion of the panel.

[0010] In an example, provided is a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions stored thereon that are configured to cause at least one fabricating device to form a water-shedding texture on at least a portion of a panel of the overshoe and fasten the panel to a sole such that a portion of the water-shedding texture is adjacent to the sole. In an example, the panel is formed of at least semi-transparent plastic. In an embodiment, the water-shedding texture can include a cross-hatch pattern. The computer-executable instructions can be configured to cause the at least one fabricating device to fasten the panel to a gusset. The computer-executable instructions can be configured to cause the at least one fabricating device to apply a reflective material to at least a portion of the panel.

[0011] The foregoing broadly outlines some of the features and technical advantages of the present teachings so the detailed description and drawings can be better understood. Additional features and advantages are also described in the detailed description. The conception and disclosed examples can be used as a basis for modifying or designing other devices for carrying out the same purposes of the present teachings. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the technology of the teachings as set forth in the claims. The inventive features characteristic of the teachings, together with further advantages, are better understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Each of the drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and does not limit the present teachings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings are presented to describe examples of the present teachings, and are not limiting.

[0013] FIGS. 1A-1D depict example water-shedding features of example overshoes.

[0014] FIG. 2 depicts example water-shedding features of example overshoes.

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts example water-shedding features of example overshoes.

[0016] FIGS. 4A-4C depict example gussets of example overshoes.

[0017] FIGS. 5A-5C depict example transparency features of example overshoes.

[0018] FIG. 6 depicts example reflective features of example overshoes.

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts an example method for manufacturing overshoes.

[0020] In accordance with common practice, the features depicted by the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the depicted features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In accordance with common practice, some of the drawings are simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all components of a particular apparatus or method. Further, like reference numerals denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The present disclosure is generally directed toward overshoes and methods for manufacturing at least a portion of overshoes. In examples, an overshoe can be footwear configured to be worn by a wearer (i.e., a user) over at least a portion of a second piece of footwear. In non-limiting examples, the second piece of footwear can be designer footwear, limited-edition sneakers, or high-fashion dress shoes. Thus, overshoes can protect the second piece of footwear, can protect a wearer of the overshoe from discomfort associated with having wet socks and shoes, or both.

[0022] In an example, provided is an overshoe configured to shed water, that otherwise would be retained due to surface tension, from an outer surface of the overshoe. In an embodiment, provided is a process for manufacturing overshoes having outer surfaces that are configured to shed water. In another example, provided is an overshoe having a gusset to keep water that has travelled past an external fastening device from entering the overshoe. In a further example, provided is an overshoe having a transparent upper to enable displaying footwear located inside the overshoe. In an additional example, provided is an overshoe having at least a portion of an exterior surface that is reflective to enhance visibility and safety of a wearer of the overshoe.

[0023] In an example, the provided overshoes can be reused. However, there is no requirement that the provided overshoes be used multiple times. In other words, in examples, the provided overshoes are not configured to be one-time use and can be discarded after any number of uses.

[0024] The examples disclosed hereby advantageously and beneficially address the long-felt industry needs, as well as other previously unidentified needs, and mitigate shortcomings of the conventional methods and the conventional apparatus. Among other advantages, advantages provided by the examples include improvements, over conventional devices, in water-shedding capability of overshoes, in processes for manufacturing overshoes having water-shedding capability, and in waterproofing of overshoes. The examples also provide improvements over conventional devices by enabling a viewer to see footwear inside overshoes and by transmitting light reflected from the footwear inside overshoes. The examples also provide improvements over conventional devices by improving visibility of overshoes and improving safety of overshoe wearers.

[0025] Examples are disclosed in this application's text and drawings. Altemate examples can be devised without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, conventional elements of the current teachings may not be described in detail, or may be omitted, to avoid obscuring aspects of the current teachings.

[0026] FIGS. 1A-1D, 2, and 3 depict example water-shedding features of example overshoes.

With conventional overshoes, water travelling down an upper meets soling and builds-up around the sole and lower portion of an overshoe upper. Thus, the lower portion of the upper and the sole retain water. Further, with conventional overshoes, water can buildup around the sole and lower portion of the overshoe upper, which increases a probability that water will enter an opening in the overshoe. This can result in footwear located within the overshoe becoming wet.

[0027] FIGS. 1A-D respectively depict left, right, front oblique, and rear views of an overshoe 100 having an upper 102 and a water-shedding portion 104.

[0028] When a wearer walks, thus moving the overshoe 100, a shape of water-shedding portion 104, such as a cross-hatched shape, can create turbulence in water on the water-shedding portion 104, which evacuates the water off of the water-shedding portion 104. In some examples, the shape of water-shedding portion 104, such as a cross-hatched shape, can cause water adhering to water-shedding portion 104 to conglomerate into water beads. When a wearer walks, thus moving the overshoe 100, the water beads are flung off of water-shedding portion 104, which evacuates the water off of the overshoe 100.

[0029] In some examples, water-shedding portion 104 can be configured as hydrodynamic embossing. Hydrodynamic embossing can move incident water from the upper 102 to water-shedding portion 104 and then off water-shedding portion 104.

[0030] FIG. ID depicts a sole 106 of the overshoe 100. The water-shedding portion 104 can be positioned adjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) to the sole, in order to shed water that otherwise might interfere with traction provided by the sole 106.

[0031] FIG. 2 depicts details of a side view of an overshoe 200 having an upper 202, a water- shedding portion 204 and a sole 206. In some examples, the water-shedding portion 204 can be a cross-hatched surface texture of the lower portion of the upper 202. The water- shedding portion 204 can include a cross-hatched partem, which can include a first series of substantially linear, substantially evenly-spaced, and substantially parallel raised portions. The cross-hatched pattern of the water-shedding portion 204 can also include a second series of substantially linear, substantially evenly-spaced, and substantially parallel raised portions, where the first series of raised portions and the second series of raised portions intersect and are oriented at a relative angle. The relative angle is greater than zero and can be ninety-degrees or less. In some embodiments, the relative angle is substantially ninety -degrees.

[0032] In some embodiments, parallel raised portions of the first series are continuous through more than one intersection with the parallel raised portions of the second series. In some embodiments, parallel raised portions of the second series are continuous through more than one intersection with the parallel raised portions of the first series.

[0033] In some embodiments, parallel raised portions of the first series are discontinuous through more than one intersection with the parallel raised portions of the second series. In some embodiments, parallel raised portions of the second series are discontinuous through more than one intersection with the parallel raised portions of the first series.

[0034] In some embodiments, the water-shedding portion 204 can have basket-weave pattern.

[0035] In an example, the water-shedding portion 204 can be extend around the overshoe 200 so as to form a closed (i.e., complete) band. In an example, the water-shedding portion 204 can be extend around only a portion of the overshoe 200 so as to form an incomplete band.

[0036] In some embodiments, the water-shedding portion 204 can be positioned adjacent (e.g., immediately adjacent) to the sole 206, in order to shed water that otherwise might interfere with traction provided by the sole 206. The sole 206 can be fastened and/or sealed to the water-shedding portion 204 in a manner that prevents water from entering the overshoe 200.

[0037] FIG. 3 depicts overshoe 300. The overshoe 300 can include an upper 302, an upper water- shedding portion 304, a lower water-shedding portion 306, and a sole 308.

[0038] In some examples, the upper water-shedding portion 304 can be a surface texture that can include a series of raised lands that can be substantially parallel. The diagonal lands can define grooves (i.e., channels) between the diagonal lands. The lands can be diagonal relative to the sole 308. The lands can be raised relative to the upper 302.

[0039] In some examples, the lower water-shedding portion 306 can be a raised surface texture that can shed water, such as a raised cross-hatched pattern.

[0040] In some examples, a top of a diagonal land (and grooves defined thereby) of the upper water-shedding portion 304 can be higher toward the front (i.e., the toe) of the overshoe 300 and a bottom of the diagonal land (and grooves defined thereby) can be lower toward the rear (i.e., the heel) of the overshoe 300, where the overshoe sole 308 is a bottom of the overshoe 300.

[0041] In an example, the lower portion of a diagonal land can be substantially co-located (i.e., meet) with a junction point (i.e., an intersection) of the cross-hatched pattern of the lower water-shedding portion 306. In an example, the lower portion of a groove defined by the diagonal lands can be substantially co-located (i.e., meet) with a junction point (i.e., an intersection) of the basket-weave pattern. These colocations can guide water from the upper water-shedding portion 304 to the lower water-shedding portion 306.

[0042] In an example, the upper water-shedding portion 304 can be extend around the overshoe 300 so as to form a closed (i.e., complete) band. In an example, the upper water-shedding portion 304 can be extend around only a portion of the overshoe 300 so as to form an incomplete band. In an example, left and right sides of the overshoe 300 have, in the upper water-shedding portion 304, substantially parallel diagonal channels which can be a mirror image of each other.

[0043] In some examples, during use, as a user of the overshoe 300 walks (i.e., forward), the action of the user's foot sheds water from the overshoe 300. The action of the user's foot moves the upper water-shedding portion 304 in a manner which moves the water forward and to away from the sides of the overshoe 300. The upper water-shedding portion 304 can also channel the water to the lower water-shedding portion 306. The lower water- shedding portion 306 can create turbulence in the water, which evacuates the water off of the overshoe 300.

[0044] FIGS. 4A-4B depict example front views of an overshoe 400. FIG 4A depicts example features of the overshoe 400 including an upper 402, a gusset 404, a closure device 406, a water-resisting strip 408, a drawstring 410, and a drawstring catch 412. FIG. 4B further depicts example features of the overshoe 400 including the upper 402, the gusset 404, the closure device 406, the drawstring 410, the drawstring catch 412, and a raised lip 414 of the gusset 404.

[0045] FIG. 4C depicts an example interior side view of the overshoe 400, including the upper 402, the gusset 404, the closure device 406, a drawstring channel 416 and a portion 418 of the upper 402 that is fastened to the upper 402 to form the drawstring channel 416.

[0046] In an example, the overshoe 400 can include the gusset 404 to prevent water intrusion by water located behind the closure device 406. In examples, the closure device 406 can be a zipper or a similar fastener. The gusset 404 can be shaped in a manner configured to prevent water intrusion by water located behind the closure device 406 (e.g., by water located between the closure device 406 and an overshoe user). In an example, the gusset 404 can be substantially triangle-shaped. In an embodiment, the gusset 404 can have an upward scoop shape, such as raised lip 414, that can be similar to a shape of a tongue of a shoe. The upward scoop portion of the gusset 404 can further prevent water intrusion by water located behind the closure device 406. The gusset 404 can also increase water resistance of the overshoe when the closure device 406 is not completely closed (e.g., the closure device 406 such as a zipper is not completely closed).

[0047] The gusset 404 can be sealed (e.g., by gluing, heat sealing, or the like) to the overshoe upper and/or the closure device 406 in a manner configured to prevent water intrusion behind the closure device 406. Referring to FIG. 4C, in an example, upper outboard portions of the gusset 404 can be sealed to the top of the closure device 406. In an example, upper outboard portions of the gusset 404 can be sealed to the drawstring channel 416. In an example, the gusset 404 can be double-sealed to an inboard forward portion of the closure device 406. The double sealing can include folding the forward portion of the gusset 404 back on itself prior to fastening and sealing the gusset 404 to the closure device 406 (e.g., by heat-sealing). In an example, the gusset 404 can be sealed to the inboard left and right portions of the closure device 406. In some examples, the water- resisting strip 408 can be sealed between the upper and the closure device 406 to channel water and provide protective sealing. Further, an intermediate water-resisting strip can be fastened and sealed between the gusset 404 and the closure device 406 to channel water and provide protective sealing. In an example, the upper 402 can overlap at least a portion of the closure device 406 to provide further water-resistance and protective sealing of the overshoe.

[0048] In some examples, during manufacturing, the closure device 406 can be sewn to left and right portions of the upper 402. The gusset 404 can be fastened and sealed (e.g., by heat- sealing, gluing, or the like) to the inboard side of the closure device 406, the inboard side of the upper 402, or both.

[0049] At least a portion of the gusset 404 can be manufactured of a material that is at least semi- transparent, such as poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), transparent thermoplastic, a rubber compound, or vinyl.

[0050] FIGS. 5A-5C depict example transparency features of an example overshoe 500.

Conventional overshoes do not enable displaying footwear located therein, for example, due to an opacity level. Thus, aesthetics of the footwear located in conventional overshoes are covered by conventional overshoes, so as to not be viewable due to the presence of the conventional overshoes.

[0051] The overshoe 500 can be configured to enable viewing at least a portion of footwear located inside the overshoe 500. In an example, at least a portion 502 of the overshoe 500 can be configured to transmit light (e.g., light reflected from footwear located inside the overshoe 500). At least a portion of the overshoe 500 can be configured to transmit light with optical clarity such that footwear located within the overshoe can be clearly viewed (e.g., with finer visual detail than conventional overshoes).

[0052] In some examples, at least a portion of an overshoe tongue, at least a portion of an overshoe gusset, at least a portion of an overshoe upper, at least a portion of an overshoe sole, at least a portion of an overshoe drawcord channel, at least a portion of an overshoe drawstring channel, or at least a portion of an overshoe zipper protector can be at least semi-transparent.

[0053] In some embodiments, at least a portion of an overshoe tongue, at least a portion of an overshoe gusset, at least a portion of an overshoe upper, at least a portion of an overshoe sole, at least a portion of an overshoe drawcord channel, at least a portion of an overshoe drawstring channel, or at least a portion of an overshoe zipper protector can be configured to transmit light therethrough. In an example, at least a portion of the overshoe upper is at least semi-transparent, while at least a portion of the overshoe sole is substantially opaque.

[0054] In an example, at least a portion of the overshoe 500 can have a transparency of at least substantially 30%. In an example, at least a portion of the provided overshoe can have a light transmission percentage of substantially 80% or greater, as measured using ASTM D-1003 (Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics).

[0055] At least a portion of the overshoe 500 can be manufactured of a material that is at least semi-transparent, such as poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), transparent thermoplastic, a rubber compound, or vinyl.

[0056] FIG. 6 depicts an example overshoe 600 having an upper 602, a reflective portion 604, and a contrasting portion 606. Conventional overshoes are dark black or another dark color that does not reflect incident light. Thus, conventional overshoes are not easily visible at night and in low-light conditions, which can provide unsafe conditions for a wearer.

[0057] In an example, at least a portion of the overshoe 600 can include the reflective portion 604. In some examples, the portion of the overshoe 600 including the reflective portion can be the upper 602, a sole, and/or the like. The reflective portion 604 can reflect incident light to enhance visibility of the overshoe 600. Reflecting incident light from the overshoe 600 can advantageously increase safety of a wearer of the overshoe 600, particularly in low-light conditions such as at night.

[0058] The reflective portion 604 can have a high-visibility color, such as international orange, white, red, yellow, silver, gold, another high-visibility color, or a combination thereof. The reflective portion 604 can have eye-catching shapes, such as and not limited to a chevron, a stripe, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, an irregular patch, or a combination thereof. In an example, the reflective portion 604 can include 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective material or the like. [0059] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the overshoe 600, such as the upper 602 and/or a panel of the upper 602, can have at least one color (e.g., international orange, orange, yellow, pink, red, a fluorescent color, and/or the like). In some examples, the colored portion of the overshoe 600 can be molded-in-color (e.g., colored plastic). In some embodiments, the overshoe 600 can include the contrasting portion 606 to provide eyecatching contrast. The contrasting portion 606 can contrast in color and/or reflectivity with the colored portion of the overshoe 600. In some examples, the contrasting portion 606 can be black or white in color. In some examples, the contrasting portion 606 can be a reflective material.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting an example method for manufacturing an overshoe 700.

[0061] As depicted in FIG. 7, at step 702, a water-shedding texture is formed on at least a portion of a panel of an overshoe.

[0062] In some examples, the panel can be formed of at least semi-transparent plastic. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed of transparent plastic. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed with some portions having transparent plastic and other portions having opaque plastic. In some embodiments, the panel can be formed of opaque plastic.

[0063] In some embodiments, the water-shedding texture can be formed by embossing, stamping, partially melting, and/or injection molding the panel. In some embodiments, the water-shedding texture can be a water-shedding texture described hereby, such as a cross-hatch water-shedding texture.

[0064] In some examples, the panel can be formed by cutting, stamping, partially melting, and/or injection molding a sheet of plastic. In some examples, one or more of the devices described herein can form a sheet of at least semi-transparent plastic into the panel of the overshoe. In some examples, the panel can be simultaneously formed while forming the water-shedding texture.

[0065] At least a portion of the overshoe, such as the panel and/or the gusset, can be manufactured of a material that is at least semi-transparent, such as PVC, transparent thermoplastic, a rubber compound, or vinyl.

[0066] As depicted in FIG. 7, at step 704, the panel can be fastened to a gusset. In some examples, step 704 is optional.

[0067] In some examples, the fastening can be performed by melting a portion of the panel to a portion of the gusset and/or gluing the portion of the panel to the portion of the gusset.

The fastening can mechanically fasten the portion of the panel to the portion of the gusset. In some embodiments, the fastening can provide a water-resistant connection between at least a portion of the panel and at least a portion of the gusset. In some embodiments, the fastening can provide a water-tight seal between at least a portion of the panel and at least a portion of the gusset.

[0068] As depicted in FIG. 7, at step 706, the panel is fastened to a sole such that a portion of the water-shedding texture is adjacent to the sole. In some embodiments, after fastening, the portion of the water-shedding texture is immediately adjacent to the sole. In some embodiments, after fastening, a portion of a perimeter of the water-shedding texture is immediately adjacent to the sole. In some examples, a portion of the water-shedding texture is melted to a portion of the sole.

[0069] In some examples, the fastening can be performed by melting a portion of the panel to a portion of the sole and/or gluing the portion of the sole to the portion of the sole. The fastening can mechanically fasten the portion of the sole to the portion of the sole. In some embodiments, the fastening can provide a water-tight seal between at least a portion of the panel and at least a portion of the sole. In some embodiments, the fastening can provide a water-tight seal between all portions of a perimeter of the panel that directly contact and/or are immediately adjacent to the sole.

[0070] As depicted in FIG. 7, at step 708, a reflective material can be applied to at least a portion of the panel. In some examples, step 708 is optional.

[0071] In some examples, the applying can be performed by depositing and/or fastening the reflective material to the panel. In some examples, the fastening can be performed by melting the reflective material to the panel and/or gluing the reflective material to the panel.

[0072] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the panel can have at least one color (e.g., international orange, orange, yellow, pink, red, a fluorescent color, and/or the like). In some examples, the panel can be molded-in-color. In some examples, the panel can be colored by applying a paint, a dye, and/or a label to at least a portion of the panel.

[0073] In some embodiments, a contrasting material can be applied to the panel. The contrasting material can contrast in color and/or reflectivity with the panel. In some examples, the contrasting material can be black or white in color. In some examples, the contrasting material can be a reflective material.

[0074] In some optional embodiments, the panel can be fastened to another panel of the overshoe.

The fastening can be performed by melting the panels and/or gluing the panels. The fastening can mechanically fasten the panels. In some embodiments, the fastening can provide a water-resistant connection between portions of the panels. In some embodiments, the fastening can provide a water-tight seal between portions of the panels.

[0075] In some examples, embossing can be formed in a hot-stamped (i.e., a hot-forged) manner using an embossing plate. In some examples, the embossing can be formed simultaneously with merging (e.g., sealing) an upper to a sole. In some examples, portions of the upper (e.g., panels) can be joined together (e.g., seams can be heat sealed) prior to the embossing.

[0076] In some examples, at least a part of the methods described hereby can be performed by executing suitable computer-executable code with a computing device coupled to control at least one fabricating device configured to perform at least the part of the method. In some examples, executing the suitable computer-executable code with the computing device can initiate performing at least the part of the method. In some embodiments, fabricating machines can include computer-controlled devices configured to automatically perform at least a part of a method for manufacturing an overshoe by forming, fastening, cutting, stamping, melting, molding, embossing, gluing, painting, dying, and/or depositing material.

[0077] In some examples, at least a part of the method can be performed by manually controlling at least one fabricating device configured to perform at least a part of the method. In some examples, fabricating machines can include manual devices that are configured to perform at least a part of a method for manufacturing an overshoe by forming, fastening, cutting, stamping, melting, molding, embossing, gluing, painting, dying, and/or depositing material.

[0078] The foregoing blocks are not limiting of the examples. The blocks can be combined and/or the order can be rearranged, as practicable.

[0079] The conception and disclosed examples can be used as a basis for modifying or designing other devices for carrying out the same purposes of the present teachings. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the technology of the teachings as set forth in the claims. The inventive features characteristic of the teachings, together with further objects and advantages, are better understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Each of the drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and does not limit the present teachings.

[0080] As used hereby, the term "example" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any example described as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other examples. Likewise, the term "examples" does not require all examples include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation. Use of the terms "in one example," "an example," "in one feature," and/or "a feature" in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same feature and/or example. Furthermore, a particular feature and/or structure can be combined with one or more other features and/or structures. Moreover, at least a portion of the apparatus described hereby can be configured to perform at least a portion of a method described hereby.

[0081] A reference using a designation such as "first," "second," and so forth does not limit either the quantity or the order of those elements. Rather, these designations are used as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean only two elements can be employed, or the first element must necessarily precede the second element. Also, unless stated otherwise, a set of elements can comprise one or more elements. In addition, terminology of the form "at least one of: A, B, or C" or "one or more of A, B, or C" or "at least one of the group consisting of A, B, and C" used in the description or the claims can be interpreted as "A or B or C or any combination of these elements." For example, this terminology can include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or A and B and C, or 2A, or 2B, or 2C, and so on.

[0082] The terminology used hereby is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used hereby, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In other words, the singular portends the plural, where practicable. Further, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and "including," specify a presence of a feature, an integer, a step, a block, an operation, an element, a component, and the like, but do not necessarily preclude a presence or an addition of another feature, integer, step, block, operation, element, component, and the like.

[0083] At least a portion of the fabrication methods disclosed hereby can be embodied directly in hardware, in computer-executable instructions (e.g., software) executed by a processor (e.g., a processor described hereby), or in a combination of the two. In an example, a processor can include multiple discrete hardware components. Computer-executable instructions can reside in a tangible computer-readable storage medium device (e.g., a memory device), such as a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and/or any other form of tangible storage medium. An example storage medium (e.g., a memory device) can be coupled to the processor so the processor can read information from, and/or write information to, the storage medium. In an example, the storage medium can be integral with the processor.

[0084] Further, examples provided hereby are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, one or more elements of a computing device configured to control a fabricating device (e.g., a 3-D printer, a heat-sealing device, an embossing device, an injection molding device, a pattern cutter, a stamping machine, a plastic sheet cutting machine, and/or the like). The actions described hereby can be performed and/or initiated by a specific circuit (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, a sequence of actions described hereby can be entirely within any form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereby a corresponding set of computer instructions which, upon execution, cause an associated processor (such as a special-purpose processor) to perform at least a portion of a function described hereby. Additionally, a sequence of actions described hereby can be entirely within any form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereby a corresponding set of computer instructions which, upon execution, configure the processor to create specific logic circuits. Thus, examples may be in a number of different forms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, for each of the examples described hereby, a corresponding electrical circuit of any such examples may be described hereby as, for example, "logic configured to" perform a described action.

[0085] In an example, when a general-purpose computer (e.g., a processor) is configured to initiate performing at least a portion of a fabrication method described hereby, then the general-purpose computer becomes a special-purpose computer which is not generic and is not a general-purpose computer. In an example, loading a general-purpose computer with special programming can cause the general-purpose computer to be configured to initiate performing at least a portion of a method described hereby. In an example, a combination of two or more related method steps disclosed hereby forms a sufficient algorithm. In an example, a sufficient algorithm constitutes special programming. In an example, special programming constitutes any software which can cause a computer (e.g., a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, etc.) to be configured to initiate performing one or more functions, features, steps algorithms, blocks, or a combination thereof, as disclosed hereby.

[0086] At least one example provided hereby can include a non-transitory (i.e., a non-transient) machine-readable media and/or a non-transitory (i.e., a non-transient) computer-readable media storing processor-executable instructions configured to cause a processor (e.g., a special-purpose processor) to transform the processor and any other cooperating devices into a machine (e.g., a special-purpose processor) configured to perform at least a part of a function described hereby, at least a part of a method described hereby, the like, or a combination thereof. Performing at least a part of a function described hereby can include initiating at least a part of a function described hereby, at least a part of a method described hereby, the like, or a combination thereof. In an example, executing the stored instructions can transform a processor and any other cooperating devices into at least a part of an apparatus described hereby. A non-transitory (i.e., a non-transient) machine- readable media specifically excludes a transitory propagating signal. Further, one or more embodiments can include a computer-readable medium embodying at least a part of a function described hereby, at least a part of a method described hereby, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0087] Nothing stated or depicted in this application is intended to dedicate any component, step, block, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether the component, step, block, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or the equivalent is recited in the claims. While this disclosure describes examples, changes and modifications can be made to the examples disclosed hereby without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specifically disclosed examples alone.