Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically applying heel covers to women's heels including a rotatable work table with jigs for holding the heels fixed around the periphery. Positioned outwardly from the periphery of the table are work stations with independently programmed operating machines which are responsive to the instructions as to heel size and style which are placed into the controller for the process. The controller operates motors and air valves which control the operation and positioning of an automatic top trimmer, a seat roller, a breast notcher, upper and lower nippers, a dowel and lift inserter and a dowel setting device. Each of these is preset depending on the style and size heel being worked on. Instructions as to new styles or types can be inserted into the controller while the machine is running.

Abstract: An improved method for making soles provided with high heel, for women shoes, in a single piece, is described which consists of injection molding thermoplastics materials in a mould formed by several complementary portions defining therebetween the cavity of the sole heel. Prior to the injection molding, a sheet material for laterally and rearwardly covering the heel and a stiffening core or rigid structure are inserted. The rigid structure is provided with a downwardly vertical direction concavely curved front wall and, at its front face, with two continuous side fins projecting for a length equal to the thickness of the covering sheet material and, at its base with slots and at least two blind holes effective to fix the heel top-piece. The rigid structure is provided, at its upper surface, with a hole which as it is filled up by the plastics material, contributes to improve the anchoring of the rigid structure to the sole.