Abstract: A method and tool for trimming a part formed in a plastic web comprises positioning the part formed in the plastic web between a tool comprising a first punch and die plate assembly and a second punch and die plate assembly. The first punch and die plate assembly comprises a base punch and a lid die plate. The base punch has an outer edge corresponding to an edge of a bottom surface of a base of the part. The lid die plate has an inner edge corresponding to an edge of a bottom surface of a lid of the part. The second punch and die plate assembly comprises a base die plate and a lid punch. The base die plate has an inner edge corresponding to an edge of a top surface of the base of the part. The lid punch has an outer edge corresponding to an edge of a top surface of the lid of the part. The method further comprises actuating the tool so that the first punch and die plate assembly and the second punch and die plate assembly sandwich the plastic web cutting at least a portion of the part from the plastic web.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying thermoplastic adhesive in a dot pattern to flexible die-cut parts, such as shoe parts. The apparatus includes a tank with a removable bottom and heating elements within the removable bottom of the tank, a mixing roll, an applicator roll having a pattern of indentations over the entire surface, a primary wiper, a secondary wiper, a pressure roll and a number of stripping fingers which ride in grooves in the applicator roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying thermoplastic adhesive in a dot pattern to flexible die-cut parts, such as shoe parts. The apparatus includes a tank with a removable bottom and heating elements within the removable bottom of the tank, a mixing roll, an applicator roll having a pattern of indentations over the entire surface, a primary wiper, a secondary wiper, a pressure roll and a number of stripping fingers which ride in grooves in the applicator roll.

Abstract: Cooperating top and bottom die assemblies for use in a press to fold the edges of a non-rigid workpiece. The top die comprises a horizontal support plate having a radiused folding plate affixed to its underside. A spring biased stripper in association with the support plate is shiftable vertically relative thereto between a retracted position and a normal extended position below the radiused folding plate. The top die assembly support plate has a plurality of upstanding support posts on its upper surface together with means to affix the top die assembly to the upper platen of the press with the free ends of the upstanding support posts in abutment thereagainst. The bottom die assembly comprises a horizontal base plate adapted to rest on the bottom platen of the press. The base plate has a first set of downwardly depending hollow posts mounted on its underside to either side of the press bottom platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and sealing the edges of a non-rigid work piece and a method of performing folding and sealing operations therewith. The apparatus comprises a press with a main cylinder, at least one auxiliary cylinder and upper and lower die assemblies for the press. The upper die assembly comprises a folding cavity plate operatively connected to the main cylinder and having a folding cavity with an electrode surrounding a part at least of the cavity. A stripper in association with the upper die assembly is independently shiftable by the at least one auxiliary cylinder between a retracted position above the folding cavity and an extended position therebelow. The bottom die assembly comprises a plate having a female cavity therein of a size and shape equivalent to that of the folded work piece and a male plug receivable within the female cavity with close tolerance.