Abstract: A fabrication last (10) for shoe manufacture on a computer-controlled transfer line comprises a toe part (11) and a heel part (12) which are displaceable relative to one another. The two last parts (11, 12) are held together by means of a lock (20). The latter comprises a flat metal part (21), which is fixed in one of the last parts (12) by means of screws (29), and an elongated hole (22) which extends between the two last parts (11, 12) substantially parallel to the sectional area (13). A stepped bore hole (14), in which a fork (23) is guided, is provided in the other last part (11). This fork (23) comprises a fork head (23.1) whose two sides overlap the flat metal part (21). A transverse pin (24) which engages through the elongated hole (22) and in this way holds together the two last parts (11, 12) is supported in the fork head (23.1). A two-piece receiving plate (30.1, 30.2) serves to fix the last (10) at the work stations of the transfer system.

Abstract: A last structure includes a main body portion and a plurality of toe portions selectively joinable thereto. A plurality of interchangeable intermediate members are adapted to be selectively connected between the main body portion and a selected toe portion, thereby to adjust the last structure to various heel heights of shoes to be formed thereon. Each intermediate member has a rear surface to abut a complementary forward surface of the main body portion and a forward surface to abut a complementary rear surface of the selected toe portion. The rear and forward surfaces of each intermediate member extend at a relative orientation different from that of other intermediate members. A respective intermediate member is connected between the main body portion and the selected toe portion by a structure to accommodate changes of orientation.

Abstract: A mold for molding a boot or similar footwear from an elastomeric composition and simultaneously lining the footwear with a fabric, has first and second shells each having a cavity which complements the cavity of the other to form a large cavity which corresponds to the upstanding sides of the footwear and a third shell which has a cavity corresponding to the sole thereof. The three shells are assembled together with a rigid core member enclosed therein which defines the inside of the boot. The core member has an elastically expandable casing. Conduits are arranged in the core member for conveying a fluid under pressure to expand the casing.