Abstract: A multi-layer material for use in incontinence products comprises a base layer comprising a needled felt containing not less than 50% by weight polyester fiber, wherein the surface regions of the felt are denser than the central region thereof, which remains substantially unneedled. In addition, a second, multi-ply, layer is provided by a unitary fabric comprising two outer plies of knitted polyester fiber fabric with a ply of monofilament polyester accommodated therebetween. In order to prevent strike-through, furthermore, a barrier layer, e.g. of a polyurethane coated fabric, is also provided, as is also a fourth, skin-contact, layer with a nap finish to provide a comfortable "feel" to the product. Incontinence products made from this material exhibit good absorbency, little or no strike-through and a dry skin effect.

Abstract: An absorbent material suitable for use as a medical or hygienic absorbent and comprises a non-woven fibre sheet having dense surface layers 10 and between these layers a less dense region where most of the fibres extend in the plane of the sheet. Transversely extending fibres 16 help to bind the material, the fibres also being bonded to some extent by a hot melt bonding material, e.g. core/sheath-type bi-component fibres. The material is made by forming a blend of fibres, including a minor weight of hot melt fibres, by cross-lapping a plurality of layers 14 to form a web, subjecting the web to needling at low punch density with penetration through the web, thereafter subjecting surface regions 10 of the web to higher punch density needling to form the dense surface layer 10 at each face from the web. The web is then heated, e.g.

Abstract: Two workpiece portions (30, 32) that are to be stitched together along a stitching path (28) each have a stitching region (24, 26) which corresponds to the stitching path (28), but which is so shaped that the regions do not overlap when the workpieces (30, 32) are in a substantially flat condition. Thus some three-dimensional shaping is imparted to the portions during stitching. Each of the workpiece portions (30, 32) is clamped between two rollers (10, 12, 24) one of which is driven and the other freely rotatable, the driven rollers (10, 12) serving to distort the stitching regions into a desired overlapping position progressively in preparation for each successive stitching operation. The rollers are also bodily movable to advance the workpiece portions (30, 32) step-by-step through the operating locality (4) of the sewing machine. For sensing when the stitching regions are in the desired overlapping relationship suitable edge sensing means (40, 42, 44) is provided.

Abstract: A side (or heel seat and side) lasting machine comprises two lasting rollers (232; 232') arranged one at either side of a shoe support (20) by which a shoe is supported bottom up. Each roller (232; 232') has a helical rib arrangement (294) which, when rotated while in pressing engagement with the shoe bottom, effects an inwiping movement on the lasting marginal portions of the shoe upper. The rollers (232; 232') are inclined to the longitudinal center line of the shoe support, with their free ends directed heelwardly; the acute angle subtended between each center line and the roller axis of rotation is in the order of 50.degree. to 62.degree., preferably 57.degree.. The lasting rollers (232; 232') are of non-metallic material, preferably synthetic polymer or ceramic material, and have a single helical rib the pitch of which is in the range of 10 to 15 mm.

Abstract: A forming assembly comprises two presser members (22,24) each having a corrugated surface for receiving a workpiece made up of generally diamond-shaped pockets (10). Each presser member is made up of sections (22a,22b; 24a, 24b) mounted on slide rods (38) for movement between a spaced-apart position, in which a workpiece can be located therebetween, and a closed position, movement into which, while the workpiece is held between the presser members, is effective to compress the workpiece laterally. For holding the pockets in their diamond shape formers (20) are inserted therein. A flange (18) is formed at one end of the workpiece and integral therewith by pressing outwardly folded material against a lateral end face of the presser members (22,24) using a presser plate (52). This forming method is especially suitable for forming self-supporting filter units.

Abstract: For drying coatings of solvent-based adhesive applied to shoe bottoms a through-flow drying apparatus is provided which utilises air at ambient temperature for the constant rate period (i.e. the period during which the surface of the coating is "wet"), and thereafter applies infra-red heating during the falling rate period (i.e. the period when migration of the solvent through the solid adhesive is to be achieved). In the first stage, jets of air are directed against the shoe bottom at a velocity of not less than 15 meters/second (measured at the inlets (38)), while at the heating station a plate heater (42) of a size which is larger than the area of the shoe bottom is provided. Ideally, when the shoe is removed from the apparatus, an outsole having a reactivated coating of adhesive can be located with the shoe bottom and bonded thereto, without reactivation of the shoe bottom adhesive itself.

Abstract: A rigid self-supporting filter unit is produced by placing two portions of fiber fabric in face-to-face contact and stitching them along parallel regions, using two rows of stitches (16), to form pockets into which formers (20) are inserted to shape the pockets into a generally diamond shape. This assembly is then placed between two presser members (22, 24) which are corrugated, the "valleys" of the corrugations receiving the diamond-shaped formed portions. The presser members are heated and the portions are thus treated by heat and pressure to cause the fabric to be rendered rigid. The formers can then be removed. Suitable fibers for this purpose include a rigidising fiber known as P84, polyphenylene sulphide fibers, polyester fibers either alone or mixed with polypropylene fibers, and bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: A filter unit is made of two portions (14) of rigid corrugated material secured together along lands (50,52) extending parallel with the corrugations and, if desired, intermediate them, and also along lands (54) formed along one end of the corrugations, thus closing the passages formed when the two portions (14) are secured together. Suitable fastenings are adhesive bonding, and metallic fasteners, e.g. eyelets, or stitching. Further flanges (56) may be provided for facilitating a connection with a suitable suction or other air-drawing source; also if desired, such further lands (56) may be out-flanged for facilitating such connection. Apparatus for forming the sheet material is also provided whereby material from a continuous supply is progressively formed between two sets of blade members (102), the blade members being moved sequentially and alternately (as between the two sets) into forming engagement with the sheet material.

Abstract: A workpiece holder which is attachable to positioning apparatus associated with the sewing head of an automatic sewing machine whereby the workpiece holder can be automatically positioned with respect to an automatic reciprocating needle in the sewing head so as to allow a workpiece held within the workpiece holder to be sewn. The workpiece holder is adapted to hold cording to be disposed in the workpiece by stitching thereby to give a corded effect to the stitch pattern. The workpiece holder includes a base plate having at least one open stitch area being defined by edges within the base plate and arranged to hold a workpiece to be sewn. At least two rows of posts are disposed on the base plate, each of the rows being disposed adjacent to opposite edges of the stitch area. A cover plate is pivotally attached to the base plate. The cover plate has an open stitch area corresponding in location to the open stitch area on the base plate.

Abstract: An optical system and method for digitizing a last or other irregularly shaped article comprises a laser device fixed on a base directing a light beam at a last supported for rotation about an axis, perpendicular to which the light beam is directed. Two cameras are fixed to the base, one at each side of the laser device, and each comprises an array of cells for detecting the point of incidence of the light beam on the last surface. As the last is rotated, the point of incidence varies in relation to a datum, e.g. the axis of rotation, and the point maximum intensity of illumination on the array of cells will vary across the array accordingly. By a correlating technique, the distance of the point of incidence from the datum can be determined according to the point of maximum intensity of the array.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a chamber (20) into which a plurality of jets of moisture-laden air is directed through apertures (nozzles) 18. Through the chamber lasted shoes S, on the bottoms of which a coating of a moisture-curable adhesive composition has been applied, are progressively moved, supported bottom uppermost. The velocity of the air, which is re-circulated, is between 10 and 20 meters/second (measured at the apertures), its temperature is between 85.degree. C. and 125.degree.0 C. (measured at the point of impingement on the article) and its dew point not greater than 60.degree. C. The lasted shoes are subjected to this treatment for a period of 1 to 31/2 minutes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a chamber (20) into which a plurality of jets of moisture-laden air is directed through apertures (nozzles) 18. Through the chamber lasted shoes S, on the bottoms of which a coating of a moisture-curable adhesive composition has been applied, are progressively moved, supported bottom uppermost. The velocity of the air, which is re-circulated, is between 10 and 20 meters/second (measured at the apertures), its temperature is between 85.degree. C. and 125.degree. C. (measured at the point of impingement on the article) and its dew point not greater than 60.degree. C. The lasted shoes are subjected to this treatment for a period of 1 to 31/2 minutes.

Abstract: A combined heel end assembling, backpart moulding and heel seat lasting machine comprises a shoe support for supporting a shoe bottom uppermost. For gripping and tensioning the shoe upper on its last prior to the combined operation taking place, two grippers are provided with each of which is associated a reaction lever/presser member, the latter serving to hold the last in position while the grippers tension the upper heightwise. Thereafter, the grippers are moved lengthwise of the shoe to tension the upper about the heel end of the last. The machine also comprises a heel band for backpart moulding and wipers for lasting the heel seat region of the shoe, adhesive applying means being provided for applying adhesive in the heel seat prior to lasting. A plurality of positional adjustments within the shoe support is provided.