Abstract: The pulling over assembly (2, 39) and lasting assembly (13, 40) of a pulling over and lasting machine are capable of being moved apart to enable a pulling over operation to be effected on one shoe at a first station (I) while a lasting operation is being completed on a further shoe at a second station (II). In one embodiment the pulling over assembly (2) moves bodily to the second station (II) at which the lasting assembly (13) is arranged; in a second embodiment the lasting assembly (40) moves to the first station (I) at which the pulling over assembly (39) is arranged. Each assembly (2, 13; 39, 40) has a heel rest (5, 19; 41, 50), the heel rests being so arranged as to carry out without collision the function of holding the shoe against lengthwise displacement.

Abstract: In a hydraulically operated pulling over and toe lasting machine both the operative position of the heel support (26), i.e. in which it holds the shoe by engagement with its heel end, and the position from which it initially moves to engage the shoe (the "next start" position) are controlled by electronic circuitry. Thus, an inductance switch (118) is actuated when the heel pad (100) engages the heel end of the shoe, said switch causing the supply of fluid to be shut off and locking the heel support in its operative position. For setting the "next start" position, on the other hand, selector switches (122,124) are provided each of which has an associated timer (T1,T2). At the end of a lasting cycle the heel support (26) is first fully retracted and then moves to its "next start" position under the control of the timer associated with the selected switch.

Abstract: In a pulling over and lasting machine in addition to a toe pincer there are provided two sets of side pincers, each set being mounted on a support pivotal about an axis extending heightwise of the shoe bottom and passing through or adjacent the toe pincer. Each pincer is adjustably mounted on its support but in addition each set is movable bodily, through its support, about its axis. The supports are movable equidistantly in opposite directions, i.e. towards and away from one another, into a selected one of a plurality of pre-set positions thus to accommodate to shoes of different widths. For moving the supports a plurality of cylinders are arranged in tandem and operable according to the selected pre-set position of the support.

Abstract: In a machine for cement lasting side portions and the heel seat of shoes, the side portions are lasted by lasting rolls and the heel seat by wiper plates. For applying adhesive, each lasting roll has an associated nozzle which applies adhesive progressively in advance of its associated lasting roll. Furthermore, when the lasting rolls reach the point of termination of side lasting, they remain in pressing engagement with the shoe bottom, but their rotation is terminated, and in this condition the nozzles continue to apply adhesive in the heel seat region. This may be achieved by merely discharging adhesive from the stationary nozzles and allowing it to run into the heel seat, or alternatively the nozzles may track bodily into the heel seat. Thereafter, the lasting rolls and nozzles are retracted and heel seat wiping can take place. The invention may also be incorporated in a machine in which the whole of the shoe bottom is lasted.

Abstract: In a machine for cement lasting side portions and the heel seat of shoes, the side portions are lasted by lasting rolls and the heel seat by wiper plates. For applying adhesive, each lasting roll has an associated nozzle which applies adhesive progressively in advance of its associated lasting roll. Furthermore, when the lasting rolls reach the point of termination of side lasting, they remain in pressing engagement with the shoe bottom, but their rotation is terminated, and in this condition the nozzles continue to apply adhesive in the heel seat region. This may be achieved by merely discharging adhesive from the stationary nozzles and allowing it to run into the heel seat, or alternatively the nozzles may track bodily into the heel seat. Thereafter, the lasting rolls and nozzles are retracted and heel seat wiping can take place. The invention may also be incorporated in a machine in which the whole of the shoe bottom is lasted.

Abstract: A flexible band for wrapping about a shoe contour. The band comprises an inner and an outer steel band with a resilient insert arranged therebetween. The inner and outer bands each comprise a toe portion and two side portions. The portions of the inner band overlap, and the portions of the outer band do not overlap. The flexible band also includes an innermost shoe-engaging member attached to the steel bands. The shoe-engaging member has a low friction portion at its toe section and a high friction portion on each side. The present construction permits a longer utility to the band while providing improved flexibility therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for lasting footwear, including a rotatable roll that is articulated on a spherical joint to permit the roll to adapt to and last any curvature it encounters on the insole of any shoe assembly it is operating upon.