Abstract: The present invention addresses an elastomeric sole having a sidewall with a height less that 0.625 inch, forming a cavity and a horizontally disposed rim extending from the top surface of the sidewall. The sole includes at least two upstanding regions extending upwardly from the cavity lower surface, each region formed from elastomer and having a different effective modulus of elasticity. The invention also includes the combination of an elastomeric sole and an upper and a method for sewing an elastomeric sole to an upper by means of a converted sewing machine.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an elastomeric sole having a sidewall with a height less that 0.625 inch, forming a cavity and a horizontally disposed rim extending from the top surface of the sidewall. The sole includes at least two upstanding regions extending upwardly from the cavity lower surface, each region formed from elastomer and having a different effective modulus of elasticity. The invention also includes the combination of an elastomeric sole and an upper and a method for sewing an elastomeric sole to an upper by means of a converted sewing machine.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an elastomeric sole having a sidewall with a height less that 0.625 inch, forming a cavity and a horizontally disposed rim extending from the top surface of the sidewall. The sole includes at least two upstanding regions extending upwardly from the cavity lower surface, each region formed from elastomer and having a different effective modulus of elasticity. The invention also includes the combination of an elastomeric sole and an upper and a method for sewing an elastomeric sole to an upper by means of a converted sewing machine.

Abstract: A basic flatbed sewing machine is converted to provide an elevated sewing surface at a sewing station which is configured to receive the rim of a molded sole for sewing attachment with an upper. The top feed of the machine performs in conjunction with the elevated sewing surface and a material advancing component of a modified feed dog advances the sole at the surface opposite the rim. Thread breakage is avoided through utilization of a thread sequestration channel extending from the feed dog to a needle receiving opening adjacent the elevated sewing surface.

Abstract: A resilient sandal wedge usable with a sandal formed from a sole and a vamp such as retaining straps and the like and the sandal formed therewith, the wedge having a wedge-shaped body portion, a substantially flat bottom portion, a recess defining the junction of the body and bottom portions, and a plurality of recesses extending from the bottom portion lower surface through the bottom portion and partially through the body portion to provide a cushioning resiliency to the wedge when the sandal user applies pressure on the wedge while walking or running.

Abstract: A moccasin construction and method for making same having an articulated lining wherein a body liner is attached to a body vamp at preselected locations, the sole is attached to the joined body liner and body vamp, a sole liner is partially attached to the joined sole, body liner and body vamp, and the joined elements are then everted so that the sole liner and sole form a cavity to receive an insole. The sole liner is then secured to the sole, body liner and body vamp to encapsulate the insole and form a complete and everted moccasin. The everted moccasin is once again everted so that the completed moccasin is positioned in a wearable foot-receiving condition. Thus, the body vamp and body liner are loose, the insole is loosely maintained between the sole lining and sole, and all sewing construction is everted.

Abstract: A method of making a slipper is disclosed. The method comprises attaching heel portions of an innersole and sock. A vamp is attached to the innersole/sock structure. A filler is inserted through an opening between the innersole and sock by clamping the filler and pulling the innersole/sock/vamp structure over the filler. A binding is secured to the periphery of the slipper structure to close said opening. A sole pad thereafter is attached.

Abstract: A method of making a slipper is disclosed. The method includes the steps of attaching a vamp, sock and outsole together, leaving an opening at the toe portion. After turning the heel portions through the opening, a filler is inserted into the opening by the use of flat clamping members. The toe portion opening is then sealed and the slipper is once again turned to yield the finished slipper.

Abstract: A rectangular molded plastic body includes three heart-shaped clamping portions each of which defines an opening and has resilient inwardly extending arcuate portions terminating in ends spaced from one another. Each arcuate portion carries L-shaped members with upwardly extending conical portions. The outer end of one arcuate portion of each clamping portion has a sloping cam surface thereon which joins with a downwardly facing locking surface, and a handle is also formed on this outer end. Three clamping members are pivotally connected to the body by hinges and are pivotable into and out of the openings of the clamping portions. The clamping members engage the cam surfaces as they pivot into clamping position and are locked in place by the locking surfaces. The clamping members are released by pulling on the handles.

Abstract: Toe portions of an outsole and an outsole pad are stitched together, the outsole having a longitudinally extending slit formed therethrough. A vamp is then stitched to the toe portions of the outsole with the vamp and outsole inside out from their position in a finished slipper. The vamp and outside are then stitched to a sock at the toe portions thereof and a portion of the outsole pad is pulled through the opening in the outsole. The outsole and vamp are then stitched completely to the sock. The slipper is then turned to its right side through the opening in the outsole. The opening is closed with tape, and the portions of the outsole and outsole pad rearwardly of the stitched portions thereof are adhesively secured together.

Abstract: A fabric slipper upper is stitched on a stitching machine along the inner surface of a peripheral flange of an outsole by the provision of an upper feed only and a nosepiece having a blunted end and smooth sides and ends but with no lower feed.