GB2227640A

GB2227640A - Securing a heel to a shoe

Info

Publication number: GB2227640A
Application number: GB8902528A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Francis Frederick Hamil Rawson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-02-04
Filing date: 1989-02-04
Publication date: 1990-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 2009-02-04
Also published as: GB2227640B; GB8902528D0

Abstract

A heel is attached to a shoe by two fasteners each having two parallel legs and a bridge (eg staples), the staples projecting through the insole into the heel with their bridge portions crossing. The fasteners may be vibrated at ultra-sonic frequency or heated during insertion. A machine for carrying out the operation is described.

Description

Title: "Improvements relating to the attachment of heels to shoes" Description of Invention This invention is concerned with improvements relating to the attachment of heels to shoes, particularly by the use of a fastener which is inserted through an insole of the shoe so as to extend into the heel.

The term "shoe" where used herein is to be understood as referring to outer footwear generally, whether complete or in the course of manufacture.

In the specification of U.K. Patent No. 1591402, there is described a method of attaching a heel which comprises thermoplastic material to a shoe, the method comprising positioning the heel against a heel seat region of a shoe, inserting a fastener which has a head portion and a shank portion so that the shank portion passes through the insole and engages the thermoplastic material of the heel and the head portion overlies a portion of the insole, vibrating the fastener at an ultrasonic frequency so that the thermoplastic material of the heel adjacent the shank portion is melted or softened, and pressing the fastener into the heel so that the shank portion enters the thermoplastic material and becomes embedded therein.

In the specification of U.K. Patent No. 2005986, there is described a similar method in which the fastener is heated to a temperature above the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material of the heel, and pressed into the thermoplastic material of a heel which has been positioned against the heel seat of the shoe so that heat from the fastener causes the thermoplastic material to soften allowing the shank portion of the fastener to enter the material and become embedded therein.

It is desirable that methods of attachment of heels to shoes be capable of being performed to as large as extent as possible by machine, and that the machine be capable of handling without modification as wide a range of style of shoe as possible.

Particularly, whilst the fasteners described and illustrated in the above mentioned specifications have been adept for use with heels having similar shapes, the attachment of heels to shoes over a wide range has necessitated the use of a number of fasteners of different design, and this has made the development of automatic machinery difficult.

Accordingly, it is one of the various objects of this invention to provide a method of attaching heels to shoes by which the number of types (size, shape) of fasteners needed to cover a range of heel styles may be reduced.

According to this invention there is provided a method of attaching a heel to a shoe in which two fasteners are used, each comprising two generally parallel legs and a bridge portion interconnecting said legs, involving the steps: a) inserting a first of the fasteners so that the legs thereof pass into the heel and the bridge portion overlies a portion of the insole, and b) inserting the second fastener so that the legs thereof pass into the heel and the bridge portion thereof crosses over the bridge portion of the first fastener.

The method set out in the last preceding paragraph may be used to particular advantage in the methods described in the aforementioned Patent Specifications, but may be also used to advantage in other methods of attaching heels to shoes.

The fasteners are preferably similar, conveniently being in the form of staples formed from strip metal. Advantageously the fasteners are inserted generally symmetrically about a centreline of the inner (insole-engaging) face of the heel, thus crossing over generally on said centreline.

The fasteners may be inserted into the heel simultaneously, but are preferably. inserted into the heel sequentially, such as by a fastener applying means comprising a rotatable head.

Thus, preferably the method is performed by the use of a machine comprising means to clamp a shoe in a desired position, and a fastener applying device which is adapted firstly to locate one fastener in a desired position in relation to the shoe, and press that fastener through the insole into the heel of the shoe, and secondly to locate and insert the other fastener.

According to this invention there is also provided a machine for use in the attachment of a heel to a shoe and comprising: a) a support for the shoe; b) a support for a heel positioned against the heel seat region of the shoe; and c) a fastener applying means adapted to insert one fastener, comprising generally parallel legs and a bridge portion interconnecting the legs, into the heel, and a second, similar fastener into the heel in a manner such that the bridge portion of the second fastener extends across the bridge portion of the first fastener.

Preferably the fastener applying means is adapted to insert the fastener sequentially into the heel, and comprises one fastener applying device which is mounted for rotation in a manner such that, subsequent to the insertion of the first fastener into the shoe, the fastener applying device may be rotated through a desired angle to insert the second fastener into the shoe.

Preferably the axis about which the fastener applying device is mounted for rotation extends at right angles to the plane of the inner face of a heel positioned against the heel seat region of the shoe, generally through the centreline of said inner face.

Preferably said axis passes generally through the centre of said inner face: however the fastener applying device may be mounted for translational movement whereby the fasteners may be inserted into the heel with the cross over region off-set from said centre, advantageously being maintained on said centreline.

Alternatively, the fastener applying means may comprise two fastener applying devices which are adapted each to insert one fastener into a shoe.

In such circumstances, preferably each fastener applying device is mounted for rotation as aforesaid, enabling the angle at which the bridge of the fastener intersects the centreline of the inner face of the heel to be varied.

Preferably the machine comprises control means to control rotation of the fastener applying device. Thus, preferably the control means may determine the angle through which the fastener applying device rotates between the two aforementioned fastener-inserting positions, preferably varying the angle in a manner such that two said positions are symmetrically disposed (or approximately so) about the centreline of the heel. In this manner, similar fasteners may be utilised for wide variety of heel shapes.

Thus, for a heel of generally conical shape, the fasteners may be inserted so as to intersect the centreline at approximately 450. For heels which are relatively short and broad, the fasteners may be inserted so as to intersect the centreline more obtusely, and for relatively long and narrow, more acutely.

Preferably the fastener applying device comprises guide means into which a fastener may be located, and drive means to engage the fastener and press it through the insole into the heel.

In the performance of the invention described in U.K. Patent Specification No. 1591402, preferably the drive means is connected to a vibrator means whereby high frequency vibrations are applied to the drive means and to a fastener engaged thereby.

In the performance of the invention described in U.K. Patent Specification No. 2005986, the guide means may be adapted to heat a fastener to a desired temperature.

Preferably the guide means comprises a guide channel, and the drive means comprises a drive member slidoble along the channel to press a fastener therein into the heel of a shoe supported by the machine.

Preferably the guide means comprises two guide channels, preferably intersecting on the axis of rotation of the fastener applying device, and preferably the drive means comprises two drive members one slidable in each of the channels.

In this manner, as one guide channel or one guide member becomes worn or damaged, the drive means or the guide means or both, as the case may be, may be rotated through the appropriate angle to permit the other member to be used.

There will now be given a detailed description, to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings of a method of and a machine for use in the attachment of a heel to a shoe, both the method and the machine being preferred embodiments of this invention.

In the accompanying drawings: FIGURE I is a perspective view of the machine in use in attaching a heel to a shoe by said method; FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view of Figure 1, the section being off-set from a longitudinal centreline of the heel by approximately 450; FIGURES 3a, 3b and 3c are schematic views illustrating examples of different positions in which fasteners may be inserted; FIGURES 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are plan views illustrating different constructions of fastener; FIGURE 5 is a schematic perspective view of a drive member of the machine; FIGURE 6 is a view of an alternative guide member; and FIGURE 7 is a view of an alternative drive member.

The machine which is the preferred embodiment of this invention is generally similar to the machine described in U.K. Patent Specification No.

1591402, and will in general be described hereinafter only insofar as it differs from said machine. Reference should therefore be made to said Patent Specification for details not included herein.

The machine comprises support means for a shoe S, and for a heel H to be attached to a heel seat region of the shoe, said support means comprising elements 16a, 16b, 16c, as shown in Figure I, and a fastener applying means to attach the heel to the shoe by fasteners in the form of staples 18, the staples comprising spaced, parallel legs 20 and a bridge portion 22 extending between the legs. Conveniently, the staples are formed from strip metal, by a pressing and bending operation.

The machine comprises a fastener applying means for use in the insertion of staples into the shoe, so that the legs pass through an insole I of the shoe and engage the thermoplastic material of the heel, into a position in which the bridge portion 20 over lies the insole.

The fastener applying means comprises a fastener applying device comprising guide means, in which a fastener may be supported in a desired position in relation to the shoe (such as shown in Figure 2) and guided for rectilinear movement into the heel, and drive means 28 to engage the bridge portion of the fastener and insert it into the shoe.

The guide means is afforded by a head 28 provided with a central, through-extending channel 30, of a size such as to allow a fastener to pass therethrough. The drive means comprises a head 32 which is slidable through the channel 30, being connected at one end to vibrator means 34, and at the other end to an anvil 36.

The head 28 is desirably mounted on carrier means (not shown) by which the head may be moved between a loading position separated from the shoe support, and in which a fastener may be inserted into the channel 30, and an operative position, as is shown in Figure 2. The drive head 32 is mounted for movement between a retracted position, in which it is separated from the guide head 28, and an operative position, as is shown in Figure 2, and thus alternatively staples may be loaded into the guide head by the use of a robot arm.

Both the drive head and guide head when in their operative positions are mounted for rotation about an axis 40, which intersects the longitudinal centreline of the inner face F of the heel, the longitudinal centreline being indicated to C/L in Figure 3a.

In the use of the machine, with a fastener located in the channel 30 of the guide head, and the guide head in its operative position, the drive head 32 is moved to its operative position into engagement with the outer portions of the bridge of the fastener, and the vibrator means 34 produces vibrations which are applied to the legs 20 of the fastener. The drive head 32 then applies force to the fastener, to insert the fastener through the insole and into the heel, the vibration induced in the legs of the fastener causes the plastics material of the heel to soften. As is described in U.K. Patent Specification No. 2069882, the legs 10 are provided with apertures, into which plastics material flows to key the fastener into the heel.

On completion of a driving operation, and on loading a second fastener into the guide head, the guide head and drive head are rotated about said axis, such that the second fastener is angularly off-set from the first.

On completion of such rotation, and prior to insertion of the second fastener, pressure is applied by the guide head to the first fastener, to assist compaction and to restrain retractive movement of the first staple due to hydraulic pressure of the molten plastics material.

Preferably the machine comprises control means which determines the angles at which the two fasteners are inserted into the shoe in relation to the centreline of the heel, which angles are desirably similar. For example, the control means may be provided with a manually operable means to indicate a particular shape of heel being used, and the control means selects the angle at which the fasteners are inserted into the heel.

For example, as is shown in Figure 3a, it is envisaged that, where a conical heel is being used, the fasteners will intersect the centreline at about 450, whilst for a heel which is relatively short and broad, the fasteners will intersect the centreline more obtusely, as is shown in Figure 3b. Conversely, if the heel is long and narrow, the fasteners will intersect the centreline more acutely, as is shown in Figure 3c.

In this manner, heels of a wide diversity of style may be connected to the heel seat region of a shoe by the use of similar fasteners, significantly reducing the need to change the guide means and the drive means, making it more ecconmic to automate the machine, such as by providing automatic means for the loading of fasteners into the guide means.

Preferably the control means also exercises a control function over other operators of the machines, including fastener loading and drive head operation.

Advantageously the guide head is provided with twin channels which intersect on the axis of rotation at a desired angle (see Figure 6) and the drive head comprises two anvils, as is illustrated in Figure 7. Whilst it is envisaged that for normal operation, only one of the guide channels be used for locating and guiding the fasteners, and only anvil be used for driving the fasteners, in the event of wear taking place in the guide channels and/or the anvils, the guide head and/or the drive head may be rotated through said desired angle, permitting the other channel and the other anvil to be used, signficantly increasing the normal working life of the guide head and the drive head.

Such alternative constructions of drive and guide members permit the performance of the invention by a method in which the two staples are inserted simultaneously.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of attaching a heel to a shoe in which two fasteners are used, each comprising two generally parallel legs and a bridge portion interconnecting said legs, involving the steps: a) inserting a first of the fasteners so that the legs thereof pass into the heel and the bridge portion over lies a portion of the insole, and b) inserting the second fastener so that the legs thereof pass into the heel and the bridge portion thereof crosses over the bridge portion of the first fastener.

2. A method according to Claim I involvinq vibratinq the fastener at an ultrasonic frequency.

3. A method according to Claim I wherein the shank at least of the fastener is heated.

4. A method according to anv one of the precedinq claims wherein the fasteners are similar.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fasteners are identical, being in the form of staples formed from strip metal.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fasteners are inserted generally symmetrically about a centreline of the inner face of the heel, crossing over generally at the centreline.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fasteners are inserted into the heel simultaneously.

8. A method according to any one of Claims I to 6 wherein the fasteners are inserted into the heel sequentially.

9. A method according to Claim 8 wherein the fasteners are inserted by a fastner applying means comprising a rotatable head.

10. A method according to Claim 9 involving the use of a machine comprising means to clamp a shoe in a desired position, and a fastener applying device which is adapted firstly to locate one fastener in a desired position in relation to the shoe, and press that fastener through the insole into the heel of the shoe, and secondly to locate and insert the other fastener.

II. A machine for use in the attachment of a heel to a shoe and comprising: a) a support for the shoe; b) a support for a heel positioned against the heel seat region of the shoe; and c) a fastener applying means adapted to insert one fastener, comprisinq generally parallel legs and a bridge portion interconnecting the legs, into the heel, and a second, similar fastener into the heel in a manner such that the bridge portion of the second fastener extends across the bridge portion of the first fastener.

12. A machine according to Claim II wherein the fastener aDplying means is adapted to insert the fasteners sequentially into the heel, and comprises one fastener applying device which is mounted for rotation in a manner such that, subsequent to the insertion of the first fastener into the shoe, the fastener applying device may be rotated through a desired angle to insert the second fastener into the shoe.

13. A machine according to Claim 12 wherein the axis about which the fastener applying device is mounted for rotation extends at right angles to the plane of the inner face of a heel positioned against the heel seat reaion of the shoe, generally through the centreline of said inner face.

14. A machine according to Claim 13 wherein said axis about which the fastener applying device is mounted for rotation extends at right angles to the plane of the inner face of a heel positioned against the heel seat region of the shoe, generally through the centreline of said inner face.

15. A machine according to any one of Claims 11 to 14 wherein the fastener applying device is mounted for translational movement.

16. A machine according to Claim II wherein the fastener applying means comprises two fastener applying devices which are adapted each to insert one fastener into a shoe.

17. A machine according to Claim 16 wherein each fastener applying device is mounted for rotation.

18. A machine according to any one of Claims 11 to 17 comprising control means to control rotation of the fastener applying device.

19. A machine according to Claim 18 wherein the control means determines the angle through which the fastener applying device rotates between two fastener-inserting positions.

20. A machine according to Claim 19 wherein the control means varies the angle in a manner such that two said positions are symmetrically disposed (or approximately so) about the centreline of the heel.

21. A machine according to any one of Claims II to 20 wherein the fastener applying device comprises guide means into which a fastener may be located, and drive means to engage the fastener and press it through the insole into the heel.

22. A machine according to any one of Claims II to 21 wherein the drive means is connected to a vibrator means whereby high frequency vibrations are applied to the drive means and to a fastener engaged thereby.

23. A machine according to any one of Claims I 1 to 21 wherein the guide means is adapted to heat a fastener to a desired temperature.

24. A machine according to Claim 22 or Claim 23 wherein the guide means comprises a guide channel, and the drive means comprises a drive member slidable along the channel to press a fastener therein into the heel of a shoe supported by the machine.

25. A machine according to any one of Claims 22 to 24 wherein the guide means comprises two guide channels, preferably intersecting on the axis of rotation of the fastener applying device, and preferably the drive means comprises two drive members one slidable in each of the channels.

26. A method of attaching a heel to a shoe, when carried out substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A machine for use in the attachment of a heel to a shoe, constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. Any novel feature or novel combination of features as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.