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: Shoe upper conforming machine for use in side lasting shoe uppers using lasting rollers which operate progressively along opposite side portions of the shoe has a facility for varying the speed of relative movement between the shoe support and the side lasting instrumentalities. To this end two preset speeds ("slow" and "fast") are available and either the operator can select which speed, using a manually operable switch, or, by selecting an automatic cycle, the speed can be automatically switched during the machine cycle. In particular, it has been found desirable that, with certain styles of shoe the speed of traverse is reduced in the joint region of the shoe bottom. Where adhesive applying nozzles are also provided, if desired the rate of flow of adhesive can be similarly controlled (viz. by selecting from two pre-settings).

Abstract: Provision is made for enabling the support for the lasting rolls and/or adhesive applying nozzles to be moved initially either into a position in which the instrumentalities are aligned with the longitudinal center line of the machine or alternatively are offset therefrom, selectively according to the contour of the shoe bottom. Further, the support is moved from its initially selected position to the other position during the machine cycle, thereby, in the case of the lasting rolls, varying their position during the machine cycle according to the shoe bottom shape. In the case of the nozzles, on the other hand, once they have engaged the shoe bottom, they are released from any constraint of their widthwise movement and are thus free to follow the shoe bottom edge contour, regardless of the position of the support.

Abstract: A shoe support comprises toe support means (34) and heel support means (30), the toe support means being mounted for adjusting movement relative to the heel support means in directions extending lengthwise, widthwise and heightwise of the bottom of a shoe supported by the shoe support. The heel support means (30) comprises a last pin (32') mounted for limited rocking movement abut an axis (412) extending lengthwise of the shoe bottom, the last pin being supported on a support member (420) which is angularly displaceable on a support rod (28), the arrangement being such that the rocking axis (412) of the last pin (32') can be adjusted angularly on the support rod, thus to locate said axis (412) substantially in the heel-to-toe plane of the shoe, as determined by the position of the toe support means (34). In this way, the shoe is supported in a more stable manner for operations to be performed thereon, e.g. a heel seat lasting operation.

Abstract: In tack seat lasting machines, operator skill is often required because of irregularities in last manufacture, especially in drilling the last pin hole. Thus, automatic presentation is difficult. In accordance with the invention the last pin (32') is mounted for limited rocking movement about an axis extending lengthwise of the shoe bottom, and shoe centralizing means (424) engages edges of the shoe, at opposite sides of the last pin, to ensure alignment with a longitudinal center line of the machine. The centralized shoe is then clamped by a holddown (406), the centralizing means released, and the shoe heel end clamped by a heel band (520) which, by equalized pressure being applied to both "legs" thereof, holds, the shoe in position as presented.