GB1118186A - Improvements in or relating to shoemaking - Google Patents

Abstract

At at least two stages of manufacture of a shoe the upper is subjected for 15-30 seconds to a moist atmosphere of 65-80 DEG C., a lasting operation is performed shortly after each such mulling treatment, with at least 3 minutes elapsing between successive treatments, and when lasting has been completed the upper is subjected to a stream of air at 90-110 DEG C. for 2-3 minutes. The shoes may be carried on a conveyer from one machine to another and the hot moist atmosphere directed against the uppers whilst on the conveyer through slot-like funnels, or the upper may be treated by use of a stationary apparatus associated with the appropriate lasting machine. Preferably the atmosphere is directed against the ramp rearwards of the toe, and the toe and heel treated by overspill. In the preferred arrangement lasting is carried out less than 6 minutes after the associated treatment, the atmosphere is at a temperature of 70-75 DEG C., each mulling time is about 18 seconds, and about 5 minutes elapses between treatments. Optimum results on most leathers are achieved with 3 treatments each of 18 seconds in a moist atmosphere of 75 DEG C., followed by a treatment for 2 minutes with hot air at 90 DEG C. Preferably a small amount of moisture is introduced into the upper, before pulling over, by a conventional mulling apparatus.