Abstract: A workbench is constructed, with which the individual parts of a two-dimensional compound workpiece, for example, a shoe upper, can be assembled accurately without any need for subsequent adjustment operations. The workbench comprises a central, e.g. stationary, bench plate and at least one folding plate hinged onto it, which can be folded over onto the bench plate. At least the folding plate contains holding devices, e.g., in the form of a suction device, with which the individual part located on it can be held in position before and during folding over. The individual parts are adjusted preferably with templates in a mutually adjusted manner before the folding plate is folded over. The workbench can be used in cooperation with an adhesive applying machine.

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 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: 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: 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.