Abstract: Apparatus for use in the reaction moulding of plastics materials in which two liquid components are mixed in a screw type or similar mixer. Mixed material is ejected or poured into a mould via a passageway which latter is one of a plurality of similar passageways arranged radially around a wheel. Each passageway remains in the lowermost (pouring) position for a period of time during which it is reckoned to remain in a satisfactory working condition, and the wheel is then automatically indexed to bring the next passageway into operation. Cleaning structure is employed to clean out the used passageways after a period of time known by experience to be sufficient for the material to be at least partially cured. In this way the passageways can be re-used in a continuous production machine.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing shoes in which an out-sole moulded in a sole mould by a first injection operation is joined to a lasted upper by a second injection operation the mould cavity for the second injection operation is defined by the lasted upper, side moulds and the out-sole while positioned within its sole mould and the joint between the side moulds and the sole mould is sealed by engagement of a marginal portion of the out-sole with the facing surfaces of the side moulds. In the case where the out-sole is shaped so as to provide in the finished shoe an exposed welt face the desired seal is effected by engagement of an inner marginal portion of the out-sole with the facing surface of the side moulds so as to leave an outer marginal portion, which forms the welt face, outside of the seal. Where this outer marginal portion is formed with a pattern the arrangement is such as to provide a small clearance between this outer marginal portion and the facing surface of the side moulds.

Abstract: A last for use in the manufacture of shoes has a main body portion and a separate heel part which is slidably mounted on the body portion and can be completely removed therefrom within a shoe to facilitate the removal of this shoe from the body portion of the last. Likewise the positioning of an upper or shoe on the last may be effected by inserting the separated heel part in the upper or shoe, arranging this about the body portion and sliding the heel part onto the body portion. The heel part and body portion may be formed one with a rib and the other with a groove, the rib and groove being formed with inter engaging portions. A latch is provided for locking the heel part in its operative position on the body portion and a post on which the last may be mounted may include means for releasing the latch to enable the heel part to be slid off the body portion.