Abstract: A foot gripping device is provided which utilizes a combination of a heel cup outsole formed of a semi-rigid material that stabilizes an orthotic or orthotic insert within a shoe in order to receive the heel of the wearer during a normal gate of the individual. Pockets are created on the inner side portions of a last for the shoe within which air/foam inserts are positionable and are securable by a sheeting member which is secured by adhesives and/or stitching to the inner side portion of the shoe.

Abstract: Footwear and its method of manufacture are provided. The footwear includes an upper having a vamp lining with a toe part disposed along an inner surface of the upper is provided. A relatively rigid insole forepart member is attached to a sock liner, the length of the insole forepart being less than the length of the sock liner. The toe part of the vamp lining is then stitched to a peripheral edge of the insole forepart, the vamp lining and insole forepart defining a cavity for receiving a portion of a wearer's foot. A steel toe is then positioned substantially around the toe part of the vamp lining.

Abstract: Process for the stiffening of textile or leather materials, includes (a) applying an aqueous polymer dispersion to a textile structure on the basis of a woven or nonwoven fabric, or a leather material; (b) drying the textile structure or leather material; and (c) the stiffening material thus produced is deformed and glued with the textile and leather material to be stiffened, in which an aqueous dispersion of a two-phase, sealable emulsion graft copolymer having a soft phase and a hard phase is applied. The hard phase has a glass transition temperature of Tg of at least 50.degree. C. and includes monomer units such as methyl methacrylate, styrene, diisopropyl fumarate and vinyl chloride. The soft phase has a glass transition temperature Tg of at least 30.degree. C.

Abstract: Polymer matrix composite materials containing a thermoplastic composite core bonded integrally with a fabric layer are provided. The fabric layer has a greater elasticity than the core, so that the fabric layer can conform smoothly to the core during thermoforming. This improvement has been demonstrated to improve aesthetic appearance and nearly eliminate wrinkling and distortion of the fabric layer when compared to conventional composite materials.

Abstract: Orthopedic splint materials made with thermoplastic polyester, particularly poly (epsilon-caprolactone) with a molecular weight of over 5,000 and melting between 50.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. have improved properties when subjected to gamma radiation in the range from 0.5 to 30 megarads.

Abstract: A plastic shoe has a steel cap (3) which has a cushion (4) in the upper region inside the shoe. In its other regions the steel cap (3) is surrounded on the inside and outside by plastic foam which forms the upper (1) and the bottom (2) of the plastic shoe (2). The cushion (4) consists of an air-absorbing material, so that the air displaced under the cap during the foam-filling of the mold does not lead to voids in the plastic.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric and a process for making a nonwoven fabric consisting essentially of:(a) forming a carded web of staple fibers selected from the group consisting of polypropylene fibers, cellulose acetate fibers, nylon fibers, acrylic fibers, and combinations of two or more thereof, having a denier in the range of from about 11/2 denier to about 10 denier;(b) crosslapping said carded web to for a suitable batt;(c) needling said batt with a needle punch density of from about 500 to about 2000 needle punches/square inch to form a fabric having a first smooth fabric surface and a second fabric surface opposite to said first surface;(d) fusing said second surface in a manner which provides a light fusion of the staple fibers making up said second surface;thereby providing a nonwoven fabric weighing in the range of from about 6 ounces/square yard to about 10 ounces/square yard with a thickness of from about 65 millimeters to about 90 millimeters.

Abstract: A heel molder to form the heel part of a footwear upper assembly. The heel part includes a thermally-activated material that is deformable when heated above a threshold temperature; it is non-deformable below that threshold temperature; it is non-deformable at room temperature. The material preferentially includes a thermally-activated adhesive, that is, an adhesive that becomes tacky or sticky at or about the temperature at which the material becomes deformable. The heel molder receives the upper assembly, forms the same at the heel region while the material is above the threshold temperature, cools the material whereby the thermally-activated material--and the upper itself and liner--takes a permanent preformed set as a laminate for later operations. According to the present teaching, the thermally-activated material or counter, the upper and the lining of the upper typically form, when cooled, a laminate that retains its geometry for subsequent operations thereon.

Abstract: Powder is deposited onto an underlying flat belt through a selectively shaped cut-out in a stencil assembly. The desired volume for the deposited powder is achieved by defining a closed volume beneath the deformable belt with a support pad having a spacer receiving opening. Vacuum is applied to this closed volume drawing the belt downwardly against the spacer thereby defining this volume. The spacer is removable so that this volume can be changed by changing the spacer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a three-dimensional stiffening element from a powder selected from the group consisting of a meltable plastic powder and a powder mixture comprising the meltable plastic powder comprising applying the powder to an auxiliary carrier in a template screen printing process with the aid of a template and subsequently transferring the thus obtained stiffening element to a substrate, the improvement comprising subsequent to the step of applying to the auxiliary carrier, compressing and sintering the powder with a hot molding plug to obtain a blank; lifting the plug while removing the blank from the auxiliary carrier and further melting the sintered plastic particles of the blank which are in contact with the molding plug; and said step of transferring comprising transferring the further melted blank onto the substrate disposed therebelow while lowering the molding plug.

Abstract: A method for the production of footwear is disclosed which comprises providing and attaching a midsole member with integrated toe and heel counters. The process provides for efficient use of labor and machinery by reducing the number of steps required in footwear production and by reducing the number of machines required. The method comprises placing the midsole over a liner, drawing a pre-formed upper over the midsole and attaching a sole to the upper. Attachment of the components is preferably by a heat-activated glue. The midsole component is adaptable to a number of applications by modifying such aspects as the size and shape of the toe and heel counters, the size, shape and/or presence of side walls, the contour and thickness of the bottom, and the attachment of shanks or other stiffening or resiliency modifying members.

Abstract: A machine for applying a configuration of reinforcement/stiffening or decorative material in powder form to a receiving surface, for subsequent fusing, cooling and pressing to a substrate such as a shoe upper. The machine comprises a deposition station, a heating station and a press station. A tensioned receiving belt receives the configuration of powder through a cut-out in the bottom of a swept screen frame. The receiving belt is supported from beneath during the deposition activity to control the thickness of the powder deposit. The receiving belt is shuttled in a displaceable frame in a series of steps to the successive stations for melting the powder and subsequent cooling and adhesion of the melted powder to the substrate such as an unreinforced shoe upper.

Abstract: A machine for applying a configuration of reinforcement/stiffening or decorative material in powder form to a receiving surface, for subsequent fusing, cooling and pressing to a substrate such as a shoe upper. The machine comprises a deposition station, a heating station and a press station. A tensioned receiving belt receives the configuration of powder through a cut-out in the bottom of a swept screen frame. The receiving belt is supported from beneath during the deposition activity to control the thickness of the powder deposit. The receiving belt is shuttled in a displaceable frame in a series of steps to the successive stations for melting the powder and subsequent cooling and adhesion of the melted powder to the substrate such as an unreinforced shoe upper.

Abstract: Heat-activating shoe stiffeners containing magnetic material by means of a high-frequency magnetic field.

Abstract: A method of sequentially manufacturing a plurality of reinforced substrates such as shoe uppers, by applying a powder through a stencil by automatic means in a rotary machine, where the powder is first applied in a three-dimensional configuration to an annular surface, which is rotated to an arcuate heating station, then to a join and cool station after the powder has fused. The fused powder has a shoe upper pressed thereagainst by a rotary transfer cube which successively applies the uppers seriatum to the fused configuration of powder as they are presented therebeneath.

Abstract: There are provided thermoplastic or through the action of solvent shapable, shoe stiffening and likewise non-slip inner material for the heel region in the form of continuous sheets or blanks consisting of an embedded fiber structure which is loaded or filled with at least one synthetic resin acting as a stiffening agent at normal temperature up to about 60.degree. C. in an amount of 0.1 to 0.9 kg per square meter fiber structure in the course of which the loading in a given case can contain fillers, dyestuffs, pigments, plasticizers, propellants, stabilizers, processing aids and/or extenders in the customary amounts.

Abstract: There are provided thermoplastic or through the action of solvent shapable, shoe stiffening and likewise non-slip inner material for the heel region in the form of continuous sheets or blanks consisting of an embedded fiber structure which is loaded or filled with at least one synthetic resin acting as a stiffening agent at normal temperature up to about 60.degree. C. in an amount of 0.1 to 0.9 kg per square meter fiber structure in the course of which the loading in a given case can contain fillers, dyestuffs, pigments, plasticizers, propellants, stabilizers, processing aids and/or extenders in the customary amounts.

Abstract: In safety footwear, an impact-resistant toe-cap, for example of steel, has a synthetic plastics coating by means of which it is secured to the shoe. The coating, which can incorporate a base board, has a lip which is stitched to the upper. The coating may form a peripheral flange for incorporation in a stitched welt. The coating protects the wearer against head edges of the toe-cap and protects a steel toe-cap against corrosion.

Abstract: A machine for stiffening and forming a selected area of flexible sheet material, for instance an end portion of a shoe upper, comprises work support mechanism including a universal female preformer having work-accommodating dihedral surfaces, an applicator for depositing on a portion of the selected area a predetermined volume of molten resin substantially in proportion to that area, and a presser complemental to the cavity defined by said surfaces and relatively movable into and out of cooperative work-pressing relation with respect to the work support to spread the molten resin and impart appropriate thickness gradient thereto throughout the selected area whereby, upon cooling, it is formed three-dimensionally and stiffened a desired degree in different portions.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for stiffening a selected portion of a sheet-like member generally flattens that portion, next deposits on a chill plate matrix an adhesive hot melt deposit of mostly uniform thickness except for a margin of added thickness for slower hardening, and then causes the matrix with impact to press all of the adhesive, while the added thickness margin is still softer than the uniform adhesive thickness, against the flattened portion of the member, thus transferring the adhesive to that portion, the added thickness margin being exuded laterally and hence taperingly reduced to provide diminishing stiffness toward an edge merging with the member.The machine and method have particular advantage in stiffening a toe portion of a shoe upper, rendering the instep margin of the vamp or a toe piece free of irregularity, and assuring ultimate comfort for wearing in an assembled shoe.

Abstract: Process for stiffening a selected are of flexible sheet material, particularly a part such as the counter portion of a shoe upper, in which a predetermined quantity of hot molten resin is deposited on the area as a body of substantial thickness, the area is pressed to spread out and adhere the resin as a layer and thereafter the resin is cooled to a stiff resilient condition. The sheet material may be removed from the first pressing operation and subjected to a second pressing or molding operation around a form such as a last. In this second pressing, molten resin which has been squeezed from the area onto the lasting margin, by controlled conditions in the first pressing may be employed as lasting cement by wiping down the lasting margin against the bottom surface of an insole.

Abstract: Stiffening method in which the strength, stiffness and application properties of thermoplastic synthetic polymer resin stiffening material are improved through combination with the resin of controlled proportions of glass microspheres and the composition is applied as a layer in molten condition on the portion of a shoe upper to be stiffened and is hardened by cooling.

Abstract: The method for stiffening a flexible workpiece such as the toe portion of a shoe in which a layer of fast crystallizing linear synthetic polymer resin is deposited in molten condition on a transfer surface member which is at a temperature and has a heat take up capability to bring the resin at its surface to a temperature for rapid crystallization of the resin, the resin layer is pressed between the transfer surface member and the surface of the workpiece within a time after deposition of the resin on the transfer surface member during which at least the exposed surface of the resin layer remains molten for wetting adhesive engagement with the surface of the workpiece and the transfer surface member is separated from the resin layer at a time when at least a surface film of crystallized resin has formed adjacent said transfer surface member.

Abstract: Formable or formed stiffening materials, especially for shoe capping, consisting of: at least one backing or layer of fibrous material and at least one thermoplastic synthetic resin, optionally containing fillers, plasticizers, dyes, pigments and/or stabilizers against light, heat and/or mechanical influences, which stiffening materials in a given case have an adhesive coating on one or both sides based on a thermoplastic synthetic resin, containing at least 3 parts of an active substance, e.g., carbon black, in 100 parts of thermoplastic synthetic resins.

Abstract: A rigid box toe piece for use in the assembly of a lasted safety shoe is lined in a machine which shapes the liner and attaches it to the inner surface of the steel box. The machine includes a clamp to temporarily hold the positioned box liner with respect to a mold which is shaped to correspond to the toe end of a last. The steel box is placed over the clamped liner and a press then urges the steel box over the liner and onto the mold to press and shape the liner between the box and the mold. The liner is secured to the steel box by adhesive which is applied to the inner surface of the box before the box is placed in the machine so that the pressing step also bonds the liner to the box. The machine includes means for aligning the liner with respect to the mold.

Abstract: A safety shoe having a rigid box toe (such as steel) is assembled by a method in which the steel box is incorporated into the shoe upper before the upper is assembled with the last. The steel box is attached to the upper in a position such that when the upper assembly (including the steel box) is fitted onto the last, a light longitudinal draft of the upper will result. With the upper thus placed on the last, it can be lasted in conventional pulling over and lasting equipment. The upper assembly has only one lastable marginal portion at its toe and forepart region so that only one pulling over and lasting operation is required in order to last the upper about the box toe.

Abstract: The method of stiffening a selected area of a shoe component of flexible sheet material in which a layer of molten synthetic polymeric material is coated on the area to be stiffened, rigid, preferably heat-softenable, granules are applied to the coating layer while the coating material is soft to cause the granules to adhere, and the shoe component is pressed against a second flexible shoe component with the coating and granules between the parts and with the coating in heat softened condition to force the coating material through openings between the granules and into wetting engagement with the second shoe component. The assembled shoe components may then be shaped and the polymeric material cooled to form a layer of hardened polymeric material with the granules locked in it as reinforcing stiffening bodies.

Abstract: A method and a machine for stiffening part of a flexible workpiece, such as the toe portion of a vamp, causes it to register with the tacky layer of a correspondingly shaped molten deposit of thermpolastic which simultaneously is being cooled to effect release. The entire deposit is transferred to the selected toe area and smoothly covers any surface irregularities or apertures. The surface receiving the molten deposit is flat and cooled but not recessed so that peripheral portions of the upper layer of the deposit are not chilled as rapidly as its under layer and remain deformable during register of the toe portion therewith. A workholder preferably includes a substantially rigid margin clamping means cooperative with a yieldable work engaging pad, a relatively non-compressed portion of the pad unmasked by the clamping means defining three dimensionally the adhered charge printed onto the work.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for stiffening and reinforcing shoes and to a material for use in that method. The material comprises a mixture of a thermoplastic resin having a melt flow rate of at least 1 gram in 10 minutes at a temperature of 100.degree. C. and a pressure of 250 psi with 5 to 25 per cent by weight of the total composition of short (i.e. 1/32 to 1/2 inch) fibers, preferably chopped or milled glass fibers. Minor proportions of non-fibrous fillers may be added.