Abstract: A shoe fit measuring device, comprising: a replica human foot portion; pressure sensors; and distance gauges. The pressure sensors and distance gauges are configured to determine whether shoes being fit tested are the correct size. The replica human foot and the sensors may be configured to be inserted into the shoes being fit tested so that fit measurements may be taken.

Abstract: An example customizable shoe last includes a solid portion and an adjustable portion. The adjustable portion includes a moldable material that is selectively solidifiable for footwear manufacture. The customizable shoe last also includes an interchangeable mold cover to enclose the adjustable portion.

Abstract: Described is a method of manufacturing a component for a shoe that includes the steps: forming a sheet of material; heating the sheet of material; stretching the heated sheet of material by moving a last into the sheet of material, wherein the last defines the shape of the component; and applying a pressure lower than ambient pressure between the stretched sheet of material and the last to conform the sheet of material to the last; or applying a pressure higher than ambient pressure over the stretched sheet of material to conform the sheet of material to the last.

Abstract: A shoe-fit testing device includes a pseudo skeletal structure and a pseudo soft tissue structure. The pseudo skeletal structure approximates the bone structure of a human foot and ankle, and the pseudo soft tissue structure encompasses the pseudo skeletal structure. The shoe-fit testing device is capable of transitioning between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. In the uncompressed state, the shoe-fit testing device has a joint girth that is measured at a first value. In the compressed state, the shoe fit testing device has a joint girth that is measured at a second value that is less than the first value. As such, the shoe-fit testing device approximates the flexibility and compressibility of the human foot without requiring a live model.

Abstract: A modular technical system for creating a patient-data-specifically individualized foot sole last (15) having a modular structure, characterized in that per zone (16; 24, 25, 26, 27) of the foot sole last (15) it comprises respectively one or more mutually exchangeable standard foot sole last modules (17) as standardized components which—after selection of the suitable standard module (17) from orthopaedic aspects for the respective zone (16; 24, 25, 26, 27) of a patient's foot—can be mounted consecutively along the longitudinal axis (22) of the foot sole last (15) in series zone-wise or at least partially adjacently to one another to form a patient-data-specifically individualized foot sole last (15) having a modular structure, wherein the upper sides of the standard modules (17) are configured depending on shoe size and depending on zone (16) as negative to the corresponding zones (16) of the foot of the patient and/or each have a shape which, specific to shoe size and specific to zone (16), corresponds fro

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A shoe preserver having a permeable flexible covering received within a shoe. An absorbing material is disposed within the permeable flexible covering to retain moisture withdrawn from the interior surface area of the shoe. A bladder including an inlet valve is also disposed within the absorbing material. The bladder is adapted to expand the shoe preserver to completely fill an interior surface area of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides an unique and compact shoe support apparatus for supporting and holding a shoe at an operable position. This mounting means frees both hands of the user for cleaning and polishing. The apparatus includes a `U` shaped mounting bracket which fastens to both door knobs. The mounting bracket is adapted to receive a shoe tree device which is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of shoes. The shoetree has an adjustable heel snubber portion which functions to hold the shoe in place through a combination of a rearward force and a grip developed between the inside heel portion of the shoe and the last located in the toe portion of the shoe.

Abstract: For accurately positioning a shoe upper on its last preliminarily to a pulling over and toe lasting operation, the machine comprises an optical scanning system (20) by which, in cooperation with a central processor unit (22), coordinate axis values can be determined for selected portions of the topline region of the shoe upper (the "actual" values) and be compared with a set of taught data relevant to the shoe style, such taught data representing the positions in which the selected portions of the topline region of the shoe upper are to be located (the "should be" values), the central processor unit (22) comparing the actual and "should be" values and supplying correction signals to motors (16) associated one with each of the pincers (10, 12) whereby the shoe upper is selectively tensioned in order to achieve the desired location of the topline region of the shoe upper on its last.

Abstract: A shoe support for supporting lasts of a wide range of sizes comprises two support members in the form of spaced-apart bars (38) each of which can pivot at an axis (36) extending adjacent an elongated edge of its associated bar so that the distance between the ends of the bars can be varied. Instead of bars (38), plate members (138) may be used, dimensioned so as to provide a substantially continuous support surface, for e.g. shoe components, when pivoted to a horizontal position. For maintaining the support members (38;138) in adjusted position, furthermore, a friction arrangement (40,42; 144,146) is provided. The shoe support is especially suitable for use in a shoe transporter system forming part of a drying apparatus in which the bottoms of shoes and/or shoe components to which a coating of e.g. adhesive has been applied can be supported by the shoe supports with the coated surfaces exposed to turbulent air and heat.

Abstract: A universal shoe holder having a detachable mounting member for securing the holder to a work surface, and a supporting member which supports the shoe holding mechanism perpendicular to the mounting member. The shoe holding mechanism consists of a holding member fastened to the support member, and a heel support member which is pivotally attached thereto. A tightening mechanism is provided which exerts pressure on the heel support member and the holding member, allowing the shoe holder to securely hold various styles and sizes of shoes during repair and polishing procedures. An adjusting mechanism is included to allow the shoe holder to be adjusted to fit different sizes of shoes.

Abstract: A heel support device for use in a shoe making machine for lasting the toe and sides of a shoe upper tensioned over a last seated on a last support includes a heel support movable along a fixed guide of the machine. A drive moves the heel support along the guide in a first direction from an unloading position spaced from the last to a supporting position in contact with and supporting a heel portion of the upper tensioned about the last. After completion of a lasting operation, the drive moves the heel support along the guide in an opposite second direction to return the heel support to the unloading position. The completed last and lasted upper then are removed from the last support and a new last and upper are positioned theron for a subsequent lasting cycle.

Abstract: A wiper assembly (120, 220) for a pulling over and toe lasting machine provides for variation of the configuration of the continuous wiping surface (146, 246) and of the leading edge (144, 244) of the wiper assembly. This is achieved by each wiper plate arrangement comprising two wiper plates (132, 152; 232, 252) pivotally connected to one another whereby their angular relationship can be varied. In one embodiment the wiper plate configuration is varied while the machine is in the rest position, and the wiper plates are then clamped in such position; in another embodiment the individual wiper plates (232, 252) are driven independently of one another whereby the configuration can be varied not only at the start of the lasting operation but during the course of the lasting operation; furthermore, by this independent means, the configuration can be varied differently for left and right shoes.

Abstract: The device has a continuous adhesive-applying surface which is made up from a plurality of elements, articulated so as to enable the configuration of the surface to be varied by varying the relationship between the elements. More particularly, the elements comprise two base elements pivotally connected to one another and forming the base of the U, and two leg elements one pivotally connected to each of the base elements, forming the legs of the U. For adjusting the configuration of the surface, the distance between the pivotal connections of the leg elements with the base elements and also the distance between the remote ends of the leg elements are adjustable. For use in a pulling over and toe lasting machine, the central pivot between the two base elements is fixed in the machine so as to maintain the toe end of the applicator device in the correct relationship with other operating instrumentalities of the machine.

Abstract: The supports (9; 35) by which adhesive-applying nozzles (6) are supported in a shoe machine, e.g. a cement lasting machine, for tracking movement along opposite portions of a shoe bottom (5), are provided with mountings (34) by each of which either such a nozzle (6) or a sensing head (20) can be supported. In the latter case, as the sensing heads (20) are moved in the X-direction under the control of a stepping motor (18), the heads sense the edge of the insole (which may be provided with a black line (23, 24) and by feedback signals are caused to follow it, thereby determining the Y-axis movement corresponding to the X-axis movement necessary to guide the nozzle in the subsequent adhesive-applying operation. The Y-axis movement is stored at memory locations for which the X-direction movement values constitute the address.

Abstract: A heel support device for use in a shoe making machine for forming the toe and sides of a shoe upper tensioned over a last seated on a last support include a guide fixed with respect to the machine. A heel support member is mounted for movement guided by the guide by a drive to a supporting position whereat the heel support member bears against and supports a heel portion of the last or heel portion of the upper tensioned therearound. A switch is operatively connected to the drive and is actuated by the heel support member reaching the supporting position to stop operation of the drive upon movement of the heel support member to the supporting position. As a result, the heel support member cannot move the last from a predetermined position.

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 method for producing footwear, wherein the shaft and the shell sole of the footwear are glued together, the leather upper part of the footwear is first cut to size without the formation of a lasting fold, it is prepared and then roughened along a lower border thereof. After shaping of the tip, so as to conform to the last, the preformed shaft is stretched to measure, and a rear cap is simultaneously molded in. The shell sole, which is likewise glued, is placed on a glued border and pressed against at least the tip and heel and is also possibly sewn with a seam, after which a cover sole is placed and the shoe or footwear is completed.

Abstract: In a lasting machine shoes are supported with one end aligned with end lasting instrumentalities arranged to operate at that one end, and with the other end thus offset to the longitudinal center line of the instrumentalities (and thus of the machine). The support for the other end of the shoe includes a sensing arrangement mounted to slide transversely of the shoe. The sliding movement serves to distinguish left and right shoes and also to sense the amount of the offset. In addition the length of the shoe is measured from its initial lengthwise clamping. The various measurements are made electronically, e.g. using linear potentiometers. The signals are supplied to a control device (microprocessor) by which control signals are supplied to motors, e.g. stepping motors, for controlling tools, e.g. adhesive applying nozzles, to guide the latter along the sides of the shoe.

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. In one embodiment the supports are movable only in opposite directions, i.e. towards and away from one another, thus to accommodate to shoes of different widths. In a second embodiment, on the other hand, in addition these supports are also movable in the same direction, thus to cause the pincers to be accommodated to left and right shoes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting the last in a toe lasting machine in which the last, with its sole facing down, is supported on a last support and is held with its heel portion on a heel support carrier which can be adjusted to the length of the last and has an abutment face more or less adapted or adaptable to the shape of the heel portion. To prevent tipping moments from acting on the last during lasting, provision is made for the mounting of the heel support carrier to enable it to pivot relative to the last support about an axis which is vertically below the last support. This pivot axis is substantially parallel to the support plane of the last support for the last and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heel support carrier holding a last which is clamped for a toe lasting operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for lasting footwear comprising a wiper assembly which lays the lasting margin about the insole which prior to lasting is pressed against the last by an adhesive injector plate. By a control the movement of the wiper assembly is arrested in an intermediate position in which the wiper assembly has just traversed the insole margin. By means of a signalling device a "fall away" signal which causes the injector plate to fall away from the insole is supplied when the wiper assembly is arrested. Adjacent the injector plate are provided adhesive injector nozzles which are movable away from the plate. By means of a latching member or a timer member it is ensured that the wiper assembly closes only if the adhesive injector nozzles cannot hinder the movement of the wiper assembly.

Abstract: A device for toe and ball lasting a shoe unit consisting of a last with a shoe upper superimposed thereon and an insole arranged on the last bottom comprises main wipers seated above the shoe support for linear movement and pivotal movement about a fulcrum point and carrying, on their side opposite the fulcrum point, ball wipers arranged for longitudinal displacement.In order to achieve perfect wiping results in the ball area, irrespective of the length, i.e., size of the shoe unit being processed, without the need to perform troublesome adjusting or setting work on the wipers, the device is provided with a sensing element for scanning the length of the shoe unit placed upon the shoe support, and for emitting a signal indicative of the length of the said shoe unit, the said sensing element coacting with adjusting means which are controlled by the said signal and which serve to automatically adjust the initial position of the ball wipers on the main wipers to the respective length of the shoe unit.

Abstract: A machine for pulling and lasting a shoe upper has a lasting wiper comprised of adjustable segments, to permit one set of wipers to last a complete range of shoe sizes and shapes. The wiper segments are all adjustable about a common pivot point, and are held secure with respect to one another and to a common carrier. Each wiper segment is of arcuate configuration, which locks with its adjacent wiper segment, as well as at both transverse ends thereof with the carrier.

Abstract: A machine for pulling and lasting a shoe upper has a mechanism for adjusting the amount of rotational travel of lasting wipers on a wiper head which move toward and rotate against the shoe during the lasting operation. The mechanism comprises a rotatably adjustable knob connected to a correspondingly adjustable threaded shaft arranged in the movable wiper head. The threaded shaft contacts the frame of the machine at the lowermost position of the wiper head, and prevents further advance of the head and further rotational advance of the wipers. The machine operator may preset the degrees of the wiper's rotational stroke by adjustment of the threaded shaft with respect to the wiper head, for the particular size shoe being lasted. Rotation of the adjustable knob also provides an indication of the size of each of the wiper's rotational stroke on a gage behind the knob.