A shoe last and a manufacturing process thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a shoe tree and a manufacturing process thereof, and belongs to the technical field of shoe trees. The manufacturing process of the shoe tree comprises the following steps: firstly, a metal tree head is manufactured according to a shoe type and a size; then, a plurality of pieces of rubber material are cut into a shape and size of an inner waist and an outer waist of the metal tree head, the metal tree head is wrapped with the plurality of pieces of rubber material, and the wrapped metal tree head is placed in a vulcanization and shaping mold to perform a first vulcanization treatment; the rubber material is cured, the plurality of pieces of rubber material after cutting are combined into a whole, and a tree skin is formed; the vulcanization and shaping mold is opened, the metal tree head and the tree skin are taken out, the upper end of the tree skin is sealed, an inflation air nozzle is installed on the sealed tree skin, and a second vulcanization treatment is performed to completely cure the tree skin, so that a soft tree skin is formed. The application provides a shoe tree and a manufacturing process thereof, and the manufactured shoe tree has good fitting degree and comfort, and is high in adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shoemaking tools, specifically to a shoe last and its manufacturing process. Background Technology

[0002] The shoe last plays a crucial role in the shoe manufacturing process, determining not only the shape of the shoe's inner cavity but also influencing the overall shape of the shoe. Currently, rigid lasts are widely used in the footwear industry because they offer high stability and durability, capable of withstanding the pressure and friction during shoemaking, thus ensuring the quality and stability of the shoes.

[0003] However, rigid lasts also have some problems and drawbacks. First, due to the characteristics of rigid materials, they cannot accurately simulate the shape and movement of the foot, which may affect the comfort and adaptability of the shoe. Second, the production of rigid lasts requires a lot of manpower and resources because it is necessary to accurately simulate the shape and size of the foot.

[0004] With advancements in technology and materials science, soft foot lasts have gradually come into focus. Compared to hard foot lasts, soft foot lasts can better mimic the shape and movement of the foot, providing greater comfort. Furthermore, soft foot lasts can be fine-tuned to accommodate different foot shapes, thus better meeting the needs of diverse individuals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a shoe last and its manufacturing process, wherein the shoe last produced has good fit and comfort and strong adaptability.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the various embodiments of the present invention employ the following technical solutions, but are not limited to the following solutions:

[0007] The first technical solution relates to a shoe last manufacturing process, including the following steps: First, a metal last is made according to the shoe shape and size. Then, several pieces of rubber material are cut into shapes and sizes matching the inner and outer contours of the metal last. These pieces are then wrapped around the metal last and placed in a vulcanizing mold for the first vulcanization treatment, curing the rubber and allowing the cut pieces of rubber to combine into a whole, forming the last liner. The vulcanizing mold is then opened, and the metal last and last liner are removed. The upper end of the last liner is sealed, and an inflation valve is installed on the sealed last liner. Finally, a second vulcanization treatment is performed to fully cure the last liner, forming a soft last liner.

[0008] The second technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein the temperature of the first vulcanization process is 145°C, the pressure is 7-9 psi, and the running time is 8 minutes, and the process conditions of the second vulcanization process are the same as those of the first vulcanization process.

[0009] The third technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein the rubber material is silicone rubber.

[0010] The fourth technical solution is based on the third technical solution, wherein the sealing process uses the same rubber material as the first vulcanization process for sealing.

[0011] The fifth technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein, in the step of installing the inflation nozzle, after sealing the top of the last skin, a small notch is reserved for installing the inflation nozzle.

[0012] The sixth technical solution is based on the first technical solution. In the step of installing the inflation nozzle, a metal clamp is installed on the top of the last and the inflation tube is installed in the metal clamp.

[0013] The seventh technical solution is based on any one of the first to sixth technical solutions, and a shoe last is made using the aforementioned shoe last manufacturing process.

[0014] As can be seen from the above description of the various embodiments of the present invention, compared with the prior art, the various embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0015] In the first technical solution and related embodiments, the shoe last manufacturing process combines a metal last with rubber materials, achieving rapid production of a soft last liner through a high-temperature, high-pressure vulcanization process. Firstly, because the soft last liner has an irregular shape, it cannot be directly vulcanized in a mold by inflation. Therefore, a metal last is placed in the vulcanizing mold beforehand for auxiliary vulcanization and shaping. Due to the supporting effect of the metal last, even with an irregular shape, effective vulcanization and shaping can be achieved within the mold. The rubber material undergoes a chemical reaction with the vulcanizing agent under high temperature and pressure, forming a three-dimensional cross-linked network structure, which can improve the physical properties and service life of rubber products. This manufacturing process is simple and easy to operate, eliminating the need for the cumbersome processes of cutting and grinding traditional hard lasts.

[0016] In the second technical solution and related embodiments, at a high temperature of 145°C, the rubber material can rapidly achieve a high degree of cross-linking, realizing rapid curing. Simultaneously, applying a pressure of 7-9 psi helps promote uniform vulcanization and tight bonding of the rubber material.

[0017] In the third technical solution and related embodiments, silicone rubber has excellent high temperature and low temperature resistance, can be used in a wide temperature range, and has excellent elasticity and recovery properties, which can provide better rebound force and controllability, and can be used to make soft lasts.

[0018] In the fourth technical solution and related embodiments, the sealing treatment uses the same material as the first vulcanization treatment to maintain the overall consistency and performance stability of the rubber product and avoid inconsistencies caused by material differences. This ensures that the rubber product has better stability and reliability in subsequent use.

[0019] In the fifth technical solution and related embodiments, one embodiment of the installation method of the inflation nozzle is provided. Inflation can be completed quickly through the nozzle, improving production efficiency. This inflation method emphasizes the convenience and efficiency of the inflation operation.

[0020] In the sixth technical solution and related embodiments, one embodiment of the installation method for the inflation nozzle is described, wherein the inflation nozzle is installed using a metal clamp mounted on the top of the last. This method provides stable support for the inflation tube and simplifies the installation process.

[0021] In the seventh technical solution and related embodiments, the shoe lasts made using the above process have good fit and comfort, and are highly adaptable. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments are briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the manufacturing process for an example.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view of the soft last used in the embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation method of the inflation nozzle in Example 1;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation method of the air nozzle in Example 2.

[0027] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0028] 1. Vulcanizing mold; 2. Last liner; 3. Metal last head; 4. Inflation nozzle; 5. Metal clamp; 6. Inflation tube; 7. Soft last liner. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0031] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific scope of protection of this invention.

[0032] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this invention should be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0033] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this invention, the terms "comprising," "having," and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to."

[0034] See Figures 1 to 4 ,like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a shoe last manufacturing process, including the following steps:

[0035] First, a metal last 3 is made according to the shoe shape and size. Then, several pieces of rubber material are cut to match the shape and size of the inner and outer waist contours of the metal last 3. These pieces are then wrapped around the metal last 3 and placed in a vulcanizing mold 1 for the first vulcanization treatment. This process cures the rubber pieces, allowing them to combine into a single unit, forming the last liner 2. The vulcanizing mold 1 is then opened, and the metal last 3 and the last liner 2 are removed. The upper end of the last liner 2 is sealed, and an inflation nozzle 4 is installed on the sealed last liner 2. Finally, a second vulcanization treatment is performed to fully cure the last liner 2, forming a soft last liner 7.

[0036] Specifically, the metal last 3 is made of aluminum or copper. In this embodiment, an aluminum last is used.

[0037] Specifically, in the first vulcanization process, the temperature is 145°C, the pressure is 7-9 psi, and the running time is 8 minutes. The process conditions for the second vulcanization process are the same as those for the first vulcanization process. At the high temperature of 145°C, the rubber material can quickly reach a high degree of cross-linking, achieving rapid curing. At the same time, applying a pressure of 7-9 psi helps to promote uniform vulcanization and tight bonding of the rubber material.

[0038] Visual inspection is an effective method for determining whether vulcanization is complete. The completion of vulcanization can be judged by observing the material at the mold parting line. During the first vulcanization cycle, if the material at the parting line is completely fused and no cracks appear, then vulcanization can be considered complete. Alternatively, stretching the material can further confirm this. If the material does not break during stretching, it also indicates that vulcanization is complete.

[0039] Specifically, the rubber material used is silicone rubber. Silicone rubber has excellent high and low temperature resistance, can be used in a wide temperature range, and also has excellent elasticity and recovery properties, providing better rebound force and control. It can be used to make soft lasts 7.

[0040] Specifically, the sealing process uses the same rubber material as the first vulcanization treatment. Using the same material for the sealing process maintains the overall consistency and performance stability of the rubber product, avoiding inconsistencies caused by material differences. This ensures better stability and reliability of the rubber product during subsequent use. After the sealing process and the second vulcanization, check whether the sealed area is completely fused without cracking, and whether it breaks under tension.

[0041] In this embodiment, the shoe last manufacturing process combines a metal last 3 with rubber material, and achieves rapid production of the soft last 7 through a high-temperature, high-pressure vulcanization process. Firstly, because the soft last 7 has an irregular shape, it cannot be directly vulcanized in the mold by inflation. Therefore, a metal last 3 needs to be placed in the vulcanizing mold beforehand for auxiliary vulcanization and shaping. Due to the supporting effect of the metal last 3, even with an irregular shoe last shape, effective vulcanization and shaping can be achieved in the mold. The rubber material undergoes a chemical reaction with the vulcanizing agent under high temperature and pressure, forming a three-dimensional cross-linked network structure, which can improve the physical properties and service life of rubber products. This manufacturing process is simple and easy to operate, eliminating the need for the cumbersome processes of cutting and polishing traditional hard lasts.

[0042] The following are examples of two installation methods for the air nozzle 4.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, in the step of installing the air nozzle 4, after sealing the top of the last liner 2, a small notch is reserved for installing the air nozzle 4 for inflation. Then, a second vulcanization treatment is performed. After the second vulcanization treatment, the air can be inflated to check the air tightness.

[0045] Before installing the air valve, pre-inflate the gasket 2 to check if it is fully inflated and leak-free. This checks the airtightness and integrity of the gasket 2, ensuring proper functioning after the air valve is installed. If leaks occur after pre-inflation, repairs and adjustments are necessary to avoid affecting subsequent use.

[0046] In this embodiment, inflation can be completed quickly using an air nozzle, improving production efficiency. This inflation method emphasizes the convenience and efficiency of the inflation operation.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, in the step of installing the inflation nozzle 4, a metal clamp 5 is installed on the top of the last liner 2, and an inflation tube 6 is installed in the metal clamp 5. A pre-inflation check can be performed before installing the nozzle. After the second vulcanization treatment, inflation can be performed to check the airtightness.

[0049] In this embodiment, the inflation tube 6 is installed using a metal clamp 5 mounted on the top of the last liner 2. This method provides stable support for the inflation tube 6 and simplifies the installation process.

[0050] A type of shoe last, such as Figure 2 As shown, the shoe last is made using the above-mentioned manufacturing process, and the resulting shoe last has good fit and comfort, and is highly adaptable.

[0051] The specific usage of this shoe last is as follows:

[0052] First, without inflating the soft last 7, slip the upper over the soft last 7. Next, inflate the soft last 7 to fill the internal space of the upper.

[0053] By following the steps above, you can ensure a good fit between the upper and the soft lining, improving the comfort and fit of the shoe.

[0054] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this invention, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this invention or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this invention or the foregoing embodiments, in conjunction with common knowledge, general technical knowledge, and / or existing technology, should all be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A shoe last manufacturing process, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: First, a metal last (3) is made according to the shoe shape and size. Then, several pieces of rubber material are cut into the same size and shape as the inner and outer waist contours of the metal last (3). The rubber is wrapped around the metal last (3) and placed in a vulcanizing mold (1) for the first vulcanization treatment to cure the rubber and make the cut pieces of rubber combine into a whole to form the last skin (2). Open the vulcanizing mold (1), take out the metal last (3) and the last skin (2), seal the upper end of the last skin (2), and install an inflation nozzle (4) on the sealed last skin (2). Finally, a second vulcanization treatment is carried out to make the last skin (2) fully cured to form a soft last (7).

2. The manufacturing process of a shoe last as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the first vulcanization process, the temperature is 145°C, the pressure is 7-9 psi, and the running time is 8 minutes. The process conditions for the second vulcanization process are the same as those for the first vulcanization process.

3. The manufacturing process of a shoe last as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rubber material is silicone rubber.

4. The manufacturing process of a shoe last as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing process uses the same rubber material as the first vulcanization process.

5. The manufacturing process of a shoe last as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the step of installing the air nozzle (4), after sealing the top of the last (2), a small notch is reserved for installing the air nozzle (4).

6. The manufacturing process of a shoe last as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the step of installing the air nozzle (4), a metal clamp (5) is installed on the top of the last (2), and an air tube (6) is installed in the metal clamp (5).

7. A shoe last, characterized in that, It is manufactured using the manufacturing process of a shoe last as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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