Abstract: A shoe treating apparatus including a sensor part including at least one sensor, a motor part configured to control tilting of at least one shelf, and a processor electrically connected to the sensor part and the motor part is provided. The processor may identify an approach of a user by using the at least one sensor, and may generate, based on the identified user approach, a control signal for adjusting a tilt speed of the at least one shelf. Also, the processor may transmit the generated control signal to the motor part to adjust the tilt speed of the at least one shelf. A method of operating a shoe treating apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A footwear component manufacturing fixture secures a component, such as a shoe sole, in a manner that allows for the processing of one or more surfaces of the component without obscuring the surfaces. The fixture has a fixed portion with a first compression surface and an adjustable portion having a second compression surface. The adjustable portion moves in relation to the fixed portion to compress one or more protrusions of the component between the compression surfaces to secure the component to the fixture for processing.

Abstract: A system for determining an amount of glue applied to a shoe portion includes a lighting device, an image capturing device and a processor. The lighting device illuminates the shoe portion with light beams that have wavelengths within a predetermined range. The image capturing device captures an image associated with the shoe portion under illumination of the light beams, and outputs the image associated with the shoe portion. The processor obtains chromaticity values of pixels selected from an instance of the image associated with the shoe portion that is applied with glue, and generates a result of estimation regarding the amount of the glue applied to the shoe portion based on the chromaticity values and at least one reference value.

Abstract: A warming rack for holding footwear includes a base and an array of support posts supported by the base. The base defines a length extending between a first end and a second end and a width between a pair of opposing side edges. The array of support posts is configured to retain multiple articles of footwear above the base. Each support posts includes a first portion extending from a proximal end in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the base to a bend line, and a second portion extending at an angle relative to the first direction from the bend line to a terminal end. The second portion is configured to retain a corresponding article of footwear in a fixed position when the second portion is received by an interior void of the footwear.

Abstract: A rocker shoe has a lower rocker surface extending across the plantar surface of the shoe sole from the heel and terminating short of the toe. A rocker shoe construction kit has a rigid or substantially rigid rocker piece having an upper surface for securing over a major portion of a lower plantar surface of the sole of a shoe upper and a lower surface of predetermined rocker shape, a cushioning layer for securing over the lower surface of the rocker piece, and a layer of tread material configured for securing over the lower surface of the cushioning layer and any exposed portion of the plantar surface of a shoe.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for drying apparel, for example, footwear or gloves, are provided. The assemblies include a panel; projections or pegs pivotally mounted to the panel, the projections each having an inlet, an outlet, an internal passage communicating the inlet to the outlet, and the projections can be oriented in a position adapted to receive the apparel; and a source of air having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlets of the projections. The air, for example, from a fan, passes into the inlets of the projections, through the internal passages, and out of the outlets to contact and dry the apparel mounted on the projections. The methods may include heating the air to enhance the drying. Projection modules that can be pivotally mounted to extend and retract into the panel are also disclosed. The retracted projection may be flush with the panel when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the positioning of cleats on shoes includes a baseplate to apply the arch of the foot, a gauge provided with a stop that can slide freely on the baseplate to be in contact with the calcaneum of the foot, and a wall for wedging the front part of the foot at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The stop is fixed on a plate that slides parallel to the baseplate and a support for a shoe corresponding to the foot is fixed to the sliding plate. The support includes a stop to be placed in contact with the shoe counter. A marker is secured to the apparatus base and designed to indicate, on the shoe sole, the location for placing the cleat. The apparatus enables the distance recorded between the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe and calcaneum to be transferred onto the shoe.

Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning device includes a shoe holder, a cleat holder, and an attachment portion. A bicycle shoe is mounted to the shoe holder. The cleat holder is adjustably arranged relative to the shoe holder. The attachment portion supports the cleat holder relative to the shoe holder. The cleat holder is detachably and rotatable mounted to the attachment portion.

Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning kit includes a first section and a second section. The first section has a first shoe attachment portion that is configured to be detachably coupled to a first bicycle shoe. The first section being configured to adjustably position a first cleat on a first sole of the first bicycle shoe. The second section has a second shoe attachment portion that is configured to be detachably coupled to a second bicycle shoe different from the first bicycle shoe. The second section being configured to adjustably position a second cleat on a second sole of the second bicycle shoe.

Abstract: A shoe platen to securely hold a shoe so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the shoe automatically. The platen comprises a shoe plate 102 configured to receive shoes such as high-top shoes or low top shoes. Adjusters 104, 106 can also be used to accommodate shoes of various styles and sizes.

Abstract: A holding assembly for holding articles in place for printing includes features for locking an article in place. The holding assembly can include an adjustable heel assembly. The holding assembly can include a lace locking member. The adjustable heel assembly and the lace locking member can be used to keep the article in a temporarily fixed position on the holding assembly.

Abstract: A shoe platen to securely hold a shoe so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the shoe automatically. The platen comprises a shoe plate 102 configured to receive shoes such as high-top shoes or low top shoes. Adjusters 104, 106 can also be used to accommodate shoes of various styles and sizes.

Abstract: Boot machining device for angular adjustment of a boot sole. The device includes a support frame, a substantially flat board, or flat frame, connected to the support frame and provided with an opening larger than the sole of the boot in order to provide access, securing arrangement fixed in the support frame for securing the boot in the device such that it is accessible from the top side, arrangement for adjusting and locking the angular position of the boot sole around a transverse axis of rotation, and a machining tool carrier for supporting a machining tool, said tool carrier is slidably arranged on the substantially flat board, or flat frame. The sole of the ski boot, after adjustment of the desired angle in transverse and/or longitudinal direction is machined to be substantially parallel by moving the tool carrier in the plane of the substantially flat board, or flat frame.

Abstract: A footwear customization kit is disclosed. The kit comprises a container including an article of footwear, a stand, a steaming bag and a set of instructions. The article of footwear includes a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated. The stand and the steaming bag can be used to heat the article of footwear in a steam environment. The stand includes a base portion and a footwear engaging portion. The stand can also include a detachable portion configured to engage the base portion in one position and the footwear engaging portion in another position.

Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning device includes a shoe holder, a cleat holder, and an attachment portion. A bicycle shoe is mounted to the shoe holder. The cleat holder is adjustably arranged relative to the shoe holder. The attachment portion supports the cleat holder relative to the shoe holder. The cleat holder is detachably and rotatable mounted to the attachment portion.

Abstract: Articles of footwear having both interior and exterior midsole components may include: (a) an upper that at least in part defines an interior chamber; (b) an interior midsole component within the interior chamber, wherein, at a forefoot region, the interior midsole component includes a longitudinal flexion line and a plurality of transverse flexion lines; and (c) an exterior sole structure engaged with the upper. This exterior sole structure may include: (a) an exterior midsole component in a heel region of the article of footwear that does not extend under the forefoot region of the article of footwear and (b) an outsole component that extends under the forefoot region. If desired, the outsole component may extend under the exterior midsole component in the rearfoot region. The interior midsole component may include a plurality of pod elements separated from one another by the flexion lines.

Abstract: A shoe platen to securely hold a shoe so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the shoe automatically. The platen comprises a shoe plate 102 configured to receive shoes such as high-top shoes or low top shoes. Adjusters 104, 106 can also be used to accommodate shoes of various styles and sizes.

Abstract: A stock fit assembly fixture is provided for aligning and holding into place various portions of a shoe, such as an upper portion, an outsole, and a midsole, while the shoe portions are being assembled. The upper portion of a shoe may be secured to a shoe last, which in turn, may be secured to a top portion of the stock fit assembly fixture. The top portion may be movable such that the upper portion of the shoe can be moved toward the outsole and midsole portions, thus allowing for a securement of the upper portion to the outsole and midsole portions. The movement of the top portion may be by way of a compression mechanism allowing the top portion to be forced to be moved toward a bottom portion of the stock fit assembly fixture.

Abstract: The invention concerns a last serving as template for making shoes, designed for use in an automatic or semi-automatic shoemaking installation. It is provided with a grip device, enabling it to be gripped and/or immobilized by external complementary members, such as the jaws of a manipulator robot's clamp. The last is produced as a part initially cast in synthetic material. An insert is embedded in the material of said part and designed to receive the elements of the grip device. Said elements serve as support and reference for machining the cast part, so as to obtain the final configuration of the last.

Abstract: A shoe last and a device for detachably mounting the last on a vertical surface that firmly supports the last permitting a user to conveniently polish a shoe mounted on the last. A knob is mounted on the heel section of the last that provides a grip when it is desired to withdraw the last from a shoe. A hinge bar is provided that has one end hinged to a base surface and another end with an aperture into which the knob may be inserted and clamped when it is desired to secure the shoe on the last in a position convenient for polishing. The inclination of the hinge bar may be clamped at an angle selected by the user. When it is desired to store the last (with shoe mounted on the last) the last is attached to any one of numerous locations on a rack by inserting the knob into an aperture ate the selected location.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning pedal anchoring cleats on soles of cycling shoes comprising a support with at least two portions, a corresponding resting element being adjustably associated with each portion and having at least two pins for the self-centering support of the edge of an end of a corresponding shoe, the other end being supported by an opposite support. A corresponding element, simulating a bicycle pedal, is fixed to a support between the portions so as to correspond, during operation, to the region for the normal anchoring of the sole to the pedal. Means for simulating the bulk of the corresponding pedal crank of the bicycle are also provided.

Abstract: A toe cap setting machine includes at least one cooling mechanism having a shoe last fixedly connected to a post with a heating tube disposed below the shoe last which is disposed between two work plates each having a slide slidably disposed thereon. Each of the work plates has a cylinder disposed therebelow which has a cylinder rod extending through the work plate and the slide. A first jaw extends from each of the slides and is located beside the shoe last. A second jaw is pivotally connected to a root portion of each of the first jaws and contacts the cylinder rod of the cylinder corresponding thereto at a bottom of the second jaw so as to clamp a toe cap between the first and the second jaw when the cylinder rod is operated. A light emitting device is disposed above the shoe last.

Abstract: The present invention provides an unique and compact shoe support apparatus for supporting and holding a shoe at an operable position. This mounting means frees both hands of the user for cleaning and polishing. The apparatus includes a `U` shaped mounting bracket which fastens to both door knobs. The mounting bracket is adapted to receive a shoe tree device which is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of shoes. The shoetree has an adjustable heel snubber portion which functions to hold the shoe in place through a combination of a rearward force and a grip developed between the inside heel portion of the shoe and the last located in the toe portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A device for positioning and blocking soles of footwear includes a table (26, 32) with an area for resting the sole, members (28, 29, 39, 40) for centering the sole disposed at least at opposite ends of the rest area and a vacuum operated device (44, 45) which suction the sole against the table to maintain it in the position imposed by the centering members. The adaptability of the work surface and the positioning members, together with the replaceability of the suction fixtures (46, 47) disposed on the work surface enable the correct positioning and blockage of soles of various shapes. A machine (53) incorporating the device can thus operate on a sole quickly and efficiently, for example to spread glue on its surface to be stuck onto a corresponding shoe.

Abstract: A shoe hoop, adapted for use in combination with a sewing machine, provides a rigid frame mountable in a fixed position with respect to an associated sewing machine. A sole plate carried within the frame has spring-loaded clamps that hold a shoe firmly to the plate. Pivot mechanisms position the sole plate at various angular dispositions within the frame and permit depth adjustment of the sole plate.

Abstract: The device has a support plate (119) provided with drive means (112, 117) for at least one lower part, as well as a plurality of holding plates (85) arranged in one row with an upper receiving surface and a lower receiving surface (93, 94), respectively, for a plurality of upper parts. The holding plates (85) can be rotated through 180.degree. by means of a pivoting device (86, 87, 108) around a symmetrical horizontal axis (L3). After the upper parts have been placed on the holding plates (85), adhesive is applied to the edges of the upper parts, after which the holding plates (85) are pivoted through 180.degree.. The support plate (119) subsequently gathers the upper parts, which are now hanging down, while at the same time the next upper parts can be placed over the receiving surfaces of the holding plates (85), which [receiving surfaces] are now facing upward. The support plate (119) and the holding plates (85) are designed as suction plates that can be turned on and off.

Abstract: A shoe support (18') for use e.g. in a machine for operating progressively on side wall portions of a lasted shoe upper comprises a last pin (722') and a toe support (792) both of which are movable heightwise to bring a shoe supported thereby to a heel seat height datum and toe end height datum as determined respectively by a toe abutment (806) and a holddown (450') which engages the insole in the heel seat region of the shoe. Heel end centralising means (390) and toe end centralising means (822') are also provided. More particularly toe centralising fingers (822') are provided with collars (882) mounted for equidistant heightwise movement to engage the lasting marginal portions of the shoe in the forepart region and thus level the shoe bottom about the heel-to-toe line determined by the holddown and toe abutment. In addition the last pin can rock about a lengthwise axis and is locked in "rocked" position by a wedging system (862, 866).

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 heel support device for use in a shoe making machine for lasting the toe and sides of a shoe upper tensioned over a last seated on a last support includes a heel support movable along a fixed guide of the machine. A drive moves the heel support along the guide in a first direction from an unloading position spaced from the last to a supporting position in contact with and supporting a heel portion of the upper tensioned about the last. After completion of a lasting operation, the drive moves the heel support along the guide in an opposite second direction to return the heel support to the unloading position. The completed last and lasted upper then are removed from the last support and a new last and upper are positioned theron for a subsequent lasting cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in shoe shining is provided having a frame, a lower support pivotally mounted on the frame for receiving a shoe, the lower suppport being pivotable upwardly from a position parallel and adjacent to the frame to a horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the frame, a shoe retaining arm pivotally mounted on the frame above the lower support for engaging the inner sole of the shoe at the heel area, the shoe retaining arm being pivotable downwardly to a substantially horizontal position above the horizontal position of the lower support, the shoe retaining arm including a holding element for contacting the inner sole of the shoe at the heel area and the holding element being vertically adjustable to provide a clamping force for securing the shoe onto the lower support.

Abstract: A shoe holder particularly adapted for use in dyeing, cleaning or polishing shoes without touching the shoe, comprises a generally U-shaped flexible handle having a forward arcuate portion and a rear arcuate portion. A forwardly extending toe end is connected to the lower end of the forward arcuate portion for insertion into the toe of a shoe, and has a bent and rearwardly extending portion connected thereto. A tongue is also connected to the toe end and extends forwardly, both the tongue and bent rearwardly extending portions making contact with the inside of a shoe. The rear arcuate portion of the handle has connected to its lower end a heel end for insertion into the heel of a shoe, and terminating in an angled forwardly extending portion, for greater rigidity. The holder is in the form of an essentially unitary structure.

Abstract: A portable ski boot fitting stand used to temporarily secure a pair of alpine ski boots, or the like, to assist the process of boot fitting by allowing the user to apply similar skiing forces to the boots in the forward and lateral direction. Another feature elevates the toes to assist fitting of boots having foam injected liners.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for depositing powder in a selected configuration, fusing the deposited powder into a laminate and pressing the fused laminate against a shoe substrate to adhere the fused laminate to the shoe substrate. A shoe substrate to which a fused laminate is to be adhered, supported on a surface and a guide assists an operator in the accurate placement of the shoe substrate on the surface. The guide has a pair of locating surfaces which can be conjointly, horizontally displaced in a first direction toward or away from each other, and independently adjusted horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A shoe substrate reinforcing machine for depositing a powder in a selected configuration, fusing the configured powder into a laminate and adhering the fused laminate to a shoe substrate. The machine has a work transfer device which will receive and clamp a shoe part and displace the clamped shoe part to a joint location to adhere the shoe part to a fused laminate. The work transfer device has a support pad on which a shoe part is to be clamped and a clamping structure which includes a lever arm on either side of the support pad each of which includes one or more catches. A swivel bracket assembly includes a swivel bracket having a connecting pin which is releasably secured in the catch and clamps which are secured to the swivel bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting the last in a toe lasting machine in which the last, with its sole facing down, is supported on a last support and is held with its heel portion on a heel support carrier which can be adjusted to the length of the last and has an abutment face more or less adapted or adaptable to the shape of the heel portion. To prevent tipping moments from acting on the last during lasting, provision is made for the mounting of the heel support carrier to enable it to pivot relative to the last support about an axis which is vertically below the last support. This pivot axis is substantially parallel to the support plane of the last support for the last and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heel support carrier holding a last which is clamped for a toe lasting operation.

Abstract: An arrangement of articulated grippers for holding a substrate such as a shoe upper to be treated with a reinforcing substance onto a rotatable cube for pressing against a carrier belt of a reinforcing machine. The gripper comprise arms arranged on two sides of a biased plate, each arm being pivotable about a pintle, the arms each having an end which has a wheel in rolling contact with an extension of the biased plate, the other end of each arm having a pivotable flange which is contactable with the outer surface of a substrate loaded onto the biased plate, so as to hold that substrate thereon as the cube rotates during subsequent machine operation.

Abstract: A shoe support apparatus, particularly for supporting a shoe for cleaning and shining, in the form of a base plate that is designed for temporary mounting to a conventional door and that has an outwardly extending shoe support means which comprises a heel support and a spring-loaded adjustable toe support that is connected thereto in a manner permitting a slight amount of rocking motion of the toe support. For door mounting, the base plate has a tapered opening so that it can be received over a doorknob and hung from the doorknob stem, and further has clamping means for clamping the base plate securely to the door edge adjacent the doorknob. The apparatus may be partially collapsed and totally removed from the door for portability and storage.

Abstract: A single-station combined toe and side lasting machine comprises pulling over instrumentalities 20, 22 for tensioning an upper over its last, toe lasting instrumentalities, including toe wipers 38, toe pad 48 and toe band 50, a heel support 56, two adhesive applying nozzles 28 and side lasting instrumentalities 114 constituted by two lasting rollers 176. In operation, with the upper tensioned, first the shoe is clamped by the toe lasting instrumentalities and heel support to allow adhesive to be applied progressively along opposite side portions from the toe to heel breast. Then the lasting rollers operate progressively from the ball region to the heel breast, and, when the rollers have cleared the ball region, the inwiping movement of the toe wipers is completed. The nozzles and side lasting rollers are mounted on a common carriage 26 which moved rectilinearly, supports 116 for the rollers being mounted for movement thereon about three perpendicular axes 82, 122, 140.

Abstract: An insole rest (14) that supports a shoe assembly (64) formed of a last (66) having an upper (70) draped thereon and an insole (68) located on its bottom. A first motor (36) is so connected to the insole rest as to effect heightwise movement of the insole rest and a second motor (38) is so connected to the insole rest as to effect swinging movement of the insole rest.

Abstract: Shoe support apparatus, particularly for supporting a shoe thereon during the performance of a shoe shining operation, is disclosed. A base panel is adapted to be secured to a vertical support surface, such as, for example, a wall or a door. A shoe support member is pivotably mounted adjacent the lower portion of the panel. A shoe retaining assembly is pivotally mounted adjacent the upper portion of the panel and comprises three relatively movable sections including a shoe tree structure. The sections are connected by unique pivot joints formed of integral parts of said sections, and are so arranged as to define an over-center type locking mechanism. In this manner, the apparatus is able to be collapsed for storage and quickly erected and locked for rigidly supporting the shoe during a shoe polishing operation.