Footwear and headwear stretching apparatus

Abstract

The invention pertains to a stretching apparatus for stretching a stretchable apparel item such a shoe, a boot or a hat comprising a pair of stretching shapes adapted to the item to be stretched and a power actuator configured to increase the width of gap comprised between the two shapes of the pair, by a stroke in translation of the power actuator.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of Invention: Footwear and headwear stretching apparatus CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority of US 18 / 747.374 filed on June 18, 2024, and granted as US patent 12,121,111 on October 22, 2024, the content of which is hereby introduced by reference in its entirety.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention is applicable in apparel retail activities, more specifically to footwear retail and cobbler shops as well as headwear retail. Retail shops proposing both footwear and headwear are common more particularly, but not exclusively, in sport retail, cowboy style and horse-riding apparels retailers. The invention pertains to an apparatus for quickly adjusting a shoe or a boot in wideness at insole, instep, ankle and shaft circumferences, all taken alone or in combination, directly at a shoe retail shop. Such a shoe adjusting apparatus may be combined with a hat stretching apparatus thus offering full customization service. For instance, consumer grade shoes and boots are manufactured according to size charts fitting an average consumer foot and calf measurements. Although some brands are proposing a set of different wideness as well as half or even quarter sizes, leading to an important inventory to maintain by the retail shop, some consumers may exhibit specific measurements and also variations in size between the right foot and the left foot, that do not allow to find the right measurements combinations in the shop inventory. For over 150 years there have been apparatuses, derived from shoetrees, enabling to stretch some parts of a shoe, more particularly the vamp width and the instep. Those devices from the prior art are generally designed as a wooden foot profile comprising split parts separated by gaps, with a screw or a spring-loaded mechanism enabling, once the device is inserted into a shoe, to exert an internal stretching pressure on the walls of the shoe, by increasing the gaps between the split parts. Using such devices enables to stretch and to widen footwear and to make it fitter to the foot of a customer. However, the action of such a device takes hours and even days. Therefore, those devices are not really adapted to a retail shop where the customer expects to leave the shop with a pair of shoes or boots that fit its own feet and calves measurements. The same applies to headwear, standard sizes may not always fit a consumer measurement or shape of head, while the consumer expects a perfect fit specifically for high end hats. Custom fitting and in-store adjustments are highly valued, especially in luxury and bespoke retail, such a quick adaptation capability is also desirable in orthotic and podiatric clinics.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The apparatus disclosed herein aims at solving the above-mentioned deficiencies and to this end pertains to a stretching apparatus comprising at least one stretching set comprising: a first spacer block and a second spacer block, separated by a gap; a first shape assembled to the first spacer block and a second shape assembled to the second spacer block, the first shape and the second shape being adapted to an inner shape of a stretchable item and configured to be inserted inside walls of the stretchable item; and a power actuator configured to increase a width of the gap during a translation stroke of the power actuator. Using a power actuator enables to apply a stretching pressure high enough to durably stretch a portion of the stretchable item in a matter of seconds. The above apparatus may be implemented according to the embodiments and variants described hereafter that should be considered individually or according to any operating combination. The power actuator may be selected among a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a screw jack driven by an electric motor, and a rack and pinion mechanism driven by an electric motor. The apparatus may comprise a stretching sensor and a drive controller of the power actuator configured to limit the stroke of the power actuator according to a preset stretching force. In a first embodiment, the stretchable item is a boot comprising a shaft and the stretching set is a first stretching set, wherein: the first shape and the second shape are conical with a semi-circular section and configured to be inserted in the shaft; the first spacer block and the second spacer block are each connected to a frame at a proximal end by a connecting rod comprising a first pivotal link with the frame and a second pivotal link with the spacer block, thus defining a wedge-shaped gap between the first spacer block and the second spacer block; and the power actuator comprises a wedge interchangeably connected to an end of a power actuator rod, the power actuator rod being translated inbetween the spacer blocks upon a stroke of the power actuator, changing the width of the wedge-shaped gap during the stroke of the power actuator, thus stretching the walls of the shaft. The first stretching set may comprise a plurality of interchangeable wedges with different external widths. The first pivotal link at the proximal end of each spacer block of the firs stretching set may comprise a setting mechanism configured to adjust a conicity of the wedge-shaped gap.

[0005] In a second embodiment, the stretchable item is a shoe, and the stretching set is a second stretching set, wherein: each of the first spacer block and the second spacer block comprises a rod pivotably mounted to a fix frame around a pivotal axis, the rod comprising a stud extending in a direction perpendicular to the pivotal axis at one end and a crank extending in a direction perpendicular to the pivotal axis at an opposite end, the pivotal axis of the first spacer block and the pivotal axis of the second spacer block being parallel; the first shape and the second shape are connected to the stud of the first spacer block and to the stud of the second spacer block respectively; the power actuator comprises a wedge connected at an end of a power actuator rod, the power actuator rod being translated inbetween the cranks upon a stroke of the power actuator, pivoting the rods around the pivotal axis and changing the width of a wedge-shaped gap between the studs during the stroke of the power actuator.

[0006] In the second stretching set, the shoe may be a boot comprising a shaft, the first shape and the second shape may be configured to be inserted into the shaft the first shape comprising a bulge located so as to stretch an instep area of the boot.

[0007] In the second stretching set, the first shape and the second shape may be shoetree shapes comprising holes distributed over the shapes surfaces and a local stretcher configured to be inserted into one of the holes.

[0008] The second stretching set may comprise an aft stopping bar configured to be introduced inside a bootie of the shoe and to rest against a backstay in a counter heel area during stretching.

[0009] In a third embodiment, the stretchable item is a hat and the stretching set is a third stretching set wherein: the first spacer block is fix and the second spacer block is connected to a rod movable in translation by the power actuator; the first shape and the second shape are of a semi-circular cross section; the first shape and the second shape form a frustrum configured to be inserted in a crow of a hat; and a heating device enables heating a first shape outer surface and a second shape outer surface while the shapes are inserted into the crown of the hat.

[0010] The heating device may comprise a self regulating positive-temperature-coefficient heating element.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DAWINGS The apparatus may be implemented according to the preferred non-limiting embodiments, described hereafter in reference to figures 1 to 11 in which: [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a western style boot showing exemplary parameters that may be adjusted with the apparatus; [Fig. 2] is a front view of a first embodiment of the apparatus in a configuration prior to a stretching operation; [Fig. 3] is a front view of the apparatus of [Fig. 2] in a configuration where a boot is set on the apparatus before stretching; [Fig. 4] is a front view of the apparatus of [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3] in a configuration where the boot is stretched; [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first wedge adapted to the apparatus shown in [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 4] ; [Fig. 6] is a simplified perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus; [Fig. 7] shows in a perspective top view an example of shapes configured to be threaded on the studs of the second embodiment; [Fig. 8] shows in a perspective and exploded view seen from the top, some embodiment of shoetree shapes comprising local stretchers; [Fig. 9] shows the device of [Fig. 6] with the shapes of [Fig. 7] threaded on the studs.; [Fig. 10] shows two partial perspective views, seen from a side of the second embodiment comprising an aft blocking bar, at rest and while stretching a shoe; [Fig. 11] shows in perspective views a hat and a cap and the stretchable areas of these items; [Fig. 12] shows in schematical front views three examples of kinematics of the stretching apparatus; and FIG. 13 shows in a front, left and top view an example of a headwear shape for stretching a headwear.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Fig. 12] shows schematically various kinematics of an apparel stretching apparatus. Example 12A represents a simple implementation, notably adapted for the stretching of a headwear. The apparatus comprises a frame (1200) on which are assembled a first spacer block (1210) and a second spacer block (1220). In this example, the first spacer block (1210) is fixedly attached to the frame, and the second spacer block (1220) is set guided in translation relative to the frame. The two spacer blocks are separated by a gap (1250) the width of which may be 0, for instance prior to stretching. The first spacer block (1210) and the second spacer blocks (1220) may be configured to hold a first shape (1212) and a second shape (1222) respectively. The two shapes may be of a different external shape, and are adapted, as well as the kinematics of the apparatus, to the kind of apparel to be stretched.

[0013] A stretchable item may be threaded on the two shapes when the width of the gap is minimum. Therefore, the first shape and the second shape assembly is adapted to an inner shape of the stretchable item so that a shape of the outer surface of the pair of shapes matches the inner shape of the stretchable item.

[0014] A power actuator (1270) enables to change the width and, depending on the kinematics, also a shape of the gap (1250), upon a stroke of the power actuator, thus producing a stretching of the stretchable item previously threaded onto the shapes.

[0015] Example 12A shows a simple kinematic where a stroke of the power actuator simply moves the second spacer block (1220) in translation so as to further separate it from the first spacer block and to widen the gap (1250).

[0016] Depending on the stretchable item, a more elaborated kinematic may be required. However, whatever the application, such kinematics are driven by a single stroke in translation of the power actuator. Therefore, different stretching kits, providing different kinematics, may be assembled with a stretching base comprising a frame, a power actuator, driving and control means, thus reducing the cost of manufacturing the apparatus and enabling future upgrades for an apparatus owner.

[0017] Example 12B shows another kinematic, also driven by a single translation stroke of a power actuator. Each of the first and the second spacer blocks comprises three portions: a rod (1215, 1225), pivotably connected to the frame (1200), a stud (1216, 1226) extending form the rod in a direction secant with a pivotal axis (1201, 1202) and a crank (1217, 1227) extending in a direction secant to the pivotal axis (1201, 1202).

[0018] The shapes (not shown) may be threaded on the studs (1216, 1226).

[0019] The power actuator (not shown) moves a wedge (1252) inbetween the cranks (1217, 1227) causing the rods to pivot and the studs to open a V shape gap by pivoting around the pivotal axis (1201).

[0020] Example 12C implements a kinematic combining the relative displacements of the spacer blocks (1210, 1220) of examples 12A, a translation widening the gap movement (1291), and 12B, a rotation creating a V shaped opening of the gap movement (1292), upon a stroke in translation of the power actuator (1270). As for example 12B the power actuator moves a wedge (1252) inbetween the spacer blocks (1210, 1220).

[0021] Depending on the settings: size and shape of the wedge (1252), length of the connecting rods (215, 225 ) and position of the adjustment screws (260), the relative importance of each movement (1291, 1292) of the spacer blocks upon a stroke of the power actuator, may be adjusted, thus enabling this exemplary embodiment to replace the mechanisms shown in example 12A and in example 12B, at the expense of a more complex mechanism. 0069 [Fig. 1] shows an exemplary western style boot. It comprises a shaft (110) extending between a collar (111) and a throat (112), leading to a bootie connected, by stitching and / or by glueing to a sole (151) and a heel (152).

[0022] 0070 The bootie comprises a toe box (121), a vamp (122), and a counter (123). Adjusting a boot to a customer anatomy may require stretching, alone or in combination, a collar circumference (131), a throat circumference (132), a toe box width (141), a vamp width (142), an ankle width (143), the counter (123), a height / thickness (145) at the instep (125).

[0023] 0071 Therefore, a footwear stretching apparatus may enable to apply a stretching pressure at least on these different locations alone or in combination.

[0024] 0072 To this end, the stretching apparatus may comprise two stretching sets, a first stretching set, adapted to adjust the parameters connected to the shaft shape, including the collar circumference (131), throat circumference (132), the ankle width (143) and the instep height / thickness (145); and a second stretching set adapted to adjust the parameters of the bootie including the toe box width (141), the vamp width (142) and the instep height / thickness (145). The instep being at a junction between the shaft and the bootie.

[0025] 0073 As mentioned above, such stretching sets may use different kinematics and / or being proposed as separate kits to be set on a frame comprising a power actuator.

[0026] 0074 Those stretching sets may also use a single adjustable kinematic such as the one shown in example 12C with appropriate shapes, connecting rods and wedge.

[0027] 0075 Although the above parameters are described for a western style boot, the person skilled in the art understands that those parameters, at least part of them, are relevant to any footwear, like a laced boot, army boot, tennis, sneaker, loafer, oxford, brogues and others.

[0028] 0076 [Fig. 2] according to some embodiment, a first stretching set (200) adapted to adjusting the parameters of the shaft of a footwear, may comprise two shaft spacer blocs (210, 220), each shaft spacer bloc being connected to a frame (290) at a proximal end by a connecting rod (215, 225) comprising a first pivotal link (231) with the frame and a second pivotal link (232) with one of the shaft spacer blocs(210, 220).

[0029] 0077 According to some embodiment, a shaft spacer block (210, 220) may comprise a rail (211, 221) connected to the connecting rod (215, 225) by the second pivotal link (232), rails on which a first shape (212) and a second shape (222) are assembled.

[0030] 0078 Each shape may be conical with a semi-circular section (S) shrinking from the proximal end to a distal end.

[0031] 0079 For example, the rails (211, 221) may be made of steel and the shapes (212, 222) may be made of an aluminum alloy, a plastic material or wood.

[0032] 0080 One of the shapes, here the first shape (212), may comprise a bulge (213) at its distal end. Such a bulge (213) is configured to stretch the instep or the counter area of a boot as explained later. 0081 The two shaft spacer blocks (210, 220) are separated on an inner side, measured between the rails (211, 221), by a wedge-shaped gap (250) shrinking from the proximal ends to the distal ends of the spacer blocks.

[0033] 0082 [Fig. 2] shows the first stretching set in a free configuration.

[0034] 0083 According to some embodiment the two shaft spacer blocs may be hung vertically by the connecting rods (215, 225), and being of conical shape, the two shaft spacer blocs (210, 220) are hanging canted, which enables to apply a soft pressure inside the walls of the shaft and maintaining the boot put on the pair of the of shaft spacer blocs in a relative position to these shaft spacer blocs before the stretching operation is performed.

[0035] 0084 The two shaft spacer blocks may also be set horizontally making the insertion of the boot over the shaft spacer blocks easier.

[0036] 0085 An adjustment screw (260) acting on the connecting rod (215, 225) allows to set an external conicity profile of the shaft space blocs in order to adapt it to the boot shaft dimension, and also to set the relative amount of stretching at the top and at he bottom of the shaft.

[0037] 0086 In another embodiment the first pivotal link (231) is spring loaded so that each connecting rod (215, 225) tends to pivot outwardly toward the frame by the action of a spring, for example a torsional spring. In such a configuration a distance between the shaft spacer blocs and a conicity of the wedge-shaped gap (250) along the shaft spacer blocs are set by a setting mechanism comprising, an adjustment screw (260) acting on the connecting rod (215, 225).

[0038] 0087 According to this embodiment tightening the adjustment screw (260) pushes the connecting rod (215, 225) against the spring action. The pivoting of the connecting rod around the first pivotal link (231) by the pushing of the adjustment screw tends to reduce the distance between the shaft spacer blocs at the proximal end and to increase the gap at the distal end of the shaft spacer blocs (210, 220).

[0039] 0088 A first power actuator (270) comprises a rod (271) extending inbetween the shaft spacer blocks and holding a first wedge (272, 972) configured to act between the two spacer blocks.

[0040] 0089 As a non-limiting example, the first wedge may take the shape of a puck (272) or of a trapezoidal wedge (972). The trapezoidal shape is better suited for boots of a large size, like US size 11 and higher.

[0041] 0090 As non-limiting examples, the first power actuator may be a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder or a screwjack or a rack and pinion mechanism driven by an electric motor.

[0042] 0091 [Fig. 3] starting from the configurations of [Fig. 2] the two shaft spacer blocks may be inserted inside the walls of the shaft of a boot (100).

[0043] 0092 In the configuration of [Fig. 2] , where the first stretching set is set vertically, the boot (100) is simply put on the first stretching set and the shaft of the boot is submitted to a limited stretching action, enough to maintain the boot on the spacer blocs, either by the effect of gravity acting on the shaft spacer blocs or by the effect of the spring-loading of the first pivotal links (231) of the connecting rods (215, 235). 0093 Whatever the embodiment, because of this initial holding pressure applied by the shaft spacer blocs (210, 220) on the internal walls of the shaft, the boot may be set at any height / position on the shaft spacer blocs, with the collar either closer to the distal ends of the shaft spacer blocs, for a further stretching mainly applied to the collar or with the collar closer to the distal ends of the spacer blocs, for a maximum stretching pressure further applied to the instep or the counter.

[0044] 0094 [Fig. 4] starting from the configurations of [Fig. 3] the first power actuator (270) is powered thus moving the rod (271) toward the distal ends of the shaft spacer blocks (210, 220).

[0045] 0095 Advantageously, before powering the first power actuator, the boot is sprayed with a stretcher spray, at least on the parts intended to be stretched.

[0046] 0096 A stretcher spray is for example a solution of isopropyl alcohol in distilled water.

[0047] 0097 As the rod of the first power actuator moves toward the distal ends of the shaft spacer blocks, the first wedge (272) tends to space apart the distal ends of the shaft spacer blocks, thus pivoting the connecting rods, relative to the frame, around the first pivotal link and relative to the shaft spacer blocks around the second pivotal link, up to the point when either the maximum stroke of the first power actuator is reached or when the rails of the shaft spacer blocks are aligned with the connecting rods.

[0048] 0098 In a specific embodiment, a force stretching sensor (291), either a pressure sensor on a cylinder, a torque sensor or an electric intensity supply measurement of the electric motor in case of a jack screw or a rack and pinion mechanism, connected to a drive controller stops the stroke of the first power actuator in order to avoid damaging the rails or the connecting rods, when the device reaches one of these stop positions.

[0049] 0099 In an improved embodiment, the stretching force sensor may be adjustable in order to limit the stretching pressure in an intermediate preset stretching before a stop position is reached.

[0050] 0100 In the example of [Fig. 4] a high stretching force is applied to the instep area but the response of the boot material, the conicity of the shaft spacer blocks and the kinematics make the stretching pressure to be applied to the hole shaft. Section AA shows the stretching applied to the collar area. In this example, while the boot is held on the spacer blocks, and section BB the stretching applied to the instep area in these same conditions, with the dotted line showing the respective initial sections of the boot as shown in [Fig. 2] .

[0051] 0101 The amount of stretching primarily depends on the first wedge dimension, like the external diameter of the puck (272) and to a lesser extent on the initial setting of the shaft spacer blocks with the adjustment screws (260).

[0052] 0102 Therefore, by selecting the appropriate first wedge size, not only the amount of stretching may be selected but also the distribution of the stretching intensity between the distal ends of the shaft spacer blocks and the rest of the shaft. An advantage of this device being also to apply a stretch both to the lower part of the boot, e.g. in the instep or counter area, and to the shaft in a single stroke of the first power actuator. 0103 [Fig. 5] , the apparatus may comprise a set of first wedges of different external width (472) configured to be attached at the end of the power actuator rod. To this end, as an exemplary embodiment, the wedge (272, 972) comprises an internal pin (470) configured to fit in a hole (274, [Fig. 1] ) at the end of the first power actuator rod and a slot (471) configured to be inserted over the first power actuator rod. Therefore, such a wedge is easy to set at the end of the first power actuator rod, simply slipped into the first power actuator rod end, without any additional fixture, enabling to quickly make a progressive selection of the appropriate wedge for an expected stretching result.

[0053] 0104 The wedge (272, 972) may be made of steel, bronze or cast iron, and may receive a coating, such as PTFE, to reduce friction and wear thus avoiding the use of grease that could damage the footwear if spilled on it.

[0054] 0105 Because of the high stretching pressure resulting from the power of the first power actuator, the shape of the parts of the boot intended to be stretched in the selected areas are changed in a matter of seconds, and despite the elastic spring back of the material making the boot, once the pressure is released, the boot is durably stretched in the selected areas.

[0055] 0106 Therefore, the shoe retailer may easily adjust a shoe to the morphology of a customer in a time that is compatible with a trying on, spent at the shop.

[0056] 0107 Such an adjustment may require several operations. For instance, [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 4] are showcasing a stretching of the shaft, particularly in the instep area. The person skilled in the art understands that turning the boot by 90° compared to the configuration shown in these figures, makes it possible to stretch the boot mainly in the counter area for stretching an ankle width of the boot.

[0057] 0108 The device described above is adapted to stretching boots ranging from size 5 to size 15.

[0058] 0109 [Fig. 6] , a second stretching set (600) with a simpler kinematic, like example 12B, may be used for stretching the vamp, the toe box and the instep area of the footwear.

[0059] 0110 This second stretching set is also adapted for stretching the shaft and the instep of smaller size boots like kid boots.

[0060] 0111 To this end, according to some embodiment, the second stretching set comprises a frame (690) and two bootie spacer blocks (610, 620) each comprising a bootie stretching shape (612, 622) in the shape of a shoetree, extending in a lengthwise direction of the shoe to be stretched and threaded on the studs.

[0061] 0112 Each bootie stretching shape is releasably connected to a stud (616, 626) extending in a lengthwise direction of the shoe and making a lower portion of a double bent rod (615, 625), the double bent rod being connected to the frame by a pivotal link configured to rotate around a rotation axis (601) perpendicular to the stud.

[0062] 0113 An upper portion of the double bent rod is bent to be parallel to the stud (616, 626) of the lower portion, forming a pair of cranks (617, 627) . 0114 In the free configuration of [Fig. 6] , before stretching, the two double bent rods are parallel to each other from an end of the lower portion to an end of the upper portion and the bootie spacer blocks (610, 620) may be inserted in a footwear to be stretched.

[0063] 0115 A second wedge (672) is set inbetween the two cranks (617, 627), the second wedge being translationally movable by a second power actuator (not shown), like a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a screw jack driven by an electric motor, or a rack and pinion mechanism driven by an electric motor, between the two cranks.

[0064] 0116 Moving the second wedge inwardly (670) by the second power actuator between the two cranks (617, 627), causes the cranks to space apart from each other thus making the double bent rods rotating in opposite directions (602, 603) around the rotation axis (601) of the pivotal links, thus opening a growing wedge-shaped gap between the studs (616, 626) and the bootie stretching shapes (612, 622) rotating outwardly, with the result of transversely stretching the footwear.

[0065] 0117 The stretching effect increases until the maximum stroke of the second power actuator is reached.

[0066] 0118 As for the first stretching set, an adjustable stretching force may be used to preset a maximum stretching pressure before the end of the second power actuator stroke.

[0067] 0119 The amount of stretching applied to the footwear is mainly set by the shape and the dimensions of the pair of the bootie stretching shapes that are selected and installed on the studs (616, 626) as well as by the dimensions of the second wedge (672).

[0068] 0120 To this end, the second wedge (672) may be interchangeable and although the profile of the second wedge (672) shown in [Fig. 6] is basic, a more elaborate profile may be used to control the gradualness of the stretching pressure setting during the stroke of the second power actuator.

[0069] 0121 Nevertheless, in practice, the shoe retailer will most likely control the intended stretching effect by selecting an appropriate pair of booties stretching shapes (612, 622).

[0070] 0122 Better results are obtained by spraying a stretcher spray on the footwear before stretching.

[0071] 0123 The double bent rods (615, 625) are preferably made of steel as well as the second wedge (672) and may be coated by a friction and wear reduction coating, thus avoiding the use of grease that may spill and damage the footwear.

[0072] 0124 The bootie stretching shapes (612, 622) may be made of an aluminum alloy, wood or a plastic material.

[0073] 0125 Because of the action of the second power actuator, the stretching pressure is high enough to durably stretch the footwear in the selected areas in a matter of seconds, thus enabling the footwear to be adjusted during a try on at the shop.

[0074] 0126 [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8] , different types of accessories may be threaded on the studs of the second stretching set (600). 0127 According to some embodiment a pair of stud mountable spacer blocks (712,722) may be threaded on the studs, the stud mountable spacer blocks (712) comprising a bulge (713) at a distal end.

[0075] 0128 This pair of stud mountable spacer blocks (712, 722) basically works like the pair of spacer blocks (212, 222) shown in the first stretching set (200) but such stud mountable spacer blocks (712, 722) are better suited for small boot sizes, under US size 5, and more specifically for kid boots, down to the US kids size 5.

[0076] 0129 [Fig. 9] shows how these spacer blocks may be set on the second stretching set (600).

[0077] 0130 [Fig. 8] shows a specific example of shoetrees (812, 822) adapted to be threaded on the studs of the second stretching set. This pair of shoetrees are preferably made of a metallic alloy like an aluminum alloy.

[0078] 0131 They comprise a plurality of holes (813) distributed over the external surface of the shapes.

[0079] 0132 One or more local stretchers (815) may be assembled with each shoetree in one or more of these holes, in order to apply a local stretching pressure to the bootie in a specific area.

[0080] 0133 These local stretchers may be of different shapes and different heights. In particular, they may be used to stretch e.g. a toe box of a boot having a square toe box.

[0081] 0134 [Fig. 10] according to some embodiment, the second stretching set may comprise an aft stopping bar (1012). The aft stopping bar is pivotably set behind the double bent rods (615, 625).

[0082] 0135 When shoetree-like shapes are threaded on the studs (616, 626), a shoe (1000) is threaded on the shapes and the aft stopping bar (1012) may be introduced inside the bootie, resting against the backstay in the counter heel area.

[0083] 0136 Because of the aft stopping bar (1012) when stretching is applied by moving the second wedge (672) causing the two double bent rods (615, 625) to pivot, stretching will also occur in a lengthwise direction of the shoe, therefore not only adjusting a width or a thickness but also a length, up to one US size.

[0084] 0137 By an appropriate selection of the shapes and if applicable, a selection and installation of local stretchers, a precise adjustment of the shoe to each foot of a client may be performed.

[0085] 0138 Because the power actuators enable to apply an important stretching force, this can be performed in seconds for each operation while stretching remains permanently

[0086] 0139 The first stretching set (200) and the second stretching set (600) may be set on a same frame, using two separate power actuators, or may be supplied as two interchangeable kits, to be set with a single power actuator machine, making a compact stretching machine for fully adjusting a footwear in the shaft areas and in the bootie.

[0087] 0140 [Fig. 11] a headwear comprises a crown (1101) and a band (1102), those are the parts of the headwear that may require an adjustment to a user morphology. 0141 When the headwear is a baseball cap the band is of a reduced height and is often called a sweatband.

[0088] 0142 Such an adjustment may be obtained with an apparatus implementing a simple kinematic as shown in example 12A. However, as mentioned earlier, it may also be obtained using an apparatus implementing the kinematic of example 12C with appropriate shapes.

[0089] 0143 FIG. 13, a first headwear shape (1312) and a second headwear shape (1322) may be the same each having a hollow semi-circular cross section and a half frustrum profile.

[0090] 0144 The shapes are preferably made of a material of a high thermal conductivity, like an aluminum alloy.

[0091] 0145 At least one of the two headwear shapes comprises at least one heating device (1340) in contact with an inner wall of the headwear shape. Such heating device may be a self regulating positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) heating element, set to provide a heating temperature around 100°C, more generally comprised between 80°C and 120°C.

[0092] 0146 A lower side (1330) of the headwear shape comprising an inner platform and a skirt may be used to assemble the first headwear shape to the first stretching block fixedly connected to the frame and the second headwear shape to the second stretching block connected to the rod of the power actuator.

[0093] 0147 The headwear like a hat or a cap is threaded onto an upper side (1331) of the pair of headwear shapes as they are close to each other.

[0094] 0148 The outer surfaces of the headwear shapes contacting inner walls of the headwear inside the crown and the band, are heated by conduction through the thickness of the headwear shapes using the PCT heating elements.

[0095] 0149 The shapes being made of a high conductive material, the temperature uniformizes quickly over the whole outer surfaces of the shapes.

[0096] 0150 Whether the headwear is made of fabric, felt, or a combination thereof, the heat increases its deformability.

[0097] 0151 The power actuator is triggered and, as seen in example 12A moves the second headwear shape away from the first headwear shape in a translation stroke, thus stretching the parts of the band and the crown of the hat threaded on the headwear shapes.

[0098] 0152 A sensor may limit the maximum stretching force.

[0099] 0153 This third stretching set may be installed with a first stretching set and / or a second stretching set on a same bench or may be proposed as a kit to be set on a bench comprising a single power actuator.

[0100] 0154 The footwear and headwear stretching apparatus is easy to use by a salesman in a retail shop after a quick learning curve. The amount of stretch that may be imposed to an item, footwear or headwear, without damaging the item, is surprisingly high, providing a lot of flexibility in the customization of such an item to a customer need.

Claims

Claims

1. A stretching apparatus comprising at least one stretching set comprising: a first spacer block and a second spacer block, separated by a gap; a first shape assembled to the first spacer block and a second shape assembled to the second spacer block, the first shape and the second shape being adapted to an inner shape of a stretchable item and configured to be inserted inside walls of the stretchable item; and a power actuator configured to increase a width of the gap during a translation stroke of the power actuator.

2. The stretching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power actuator is selected among a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a screwjack driven by an electric motor, and a rack and pinion mechanism driven by an electric motor.

3. The stretching apparatus of claim 1, comprising a stretching sensor and a drive controller of the power actuator configured to limit the stroke of the power actuator according to a preset stretching force.

4. The stretching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stretchable item is a boot comprising a shaft and wherein the stretching set is a first stretching set, wherein: the first shape and the second shape are conical with a semi-circular section and configured to be inserted in the shaft; the first spacer block and the second spacer block are each connected to a frame at a proximal end by a connecting rod comprising a first pivotal link with the frame and a second pivotal link with the spacer block, a wedge-shaped gap being comprised between the first spacer block and the second spacer block; and the power actuator comprises a wedge interchangeably connected to an end of a power actuator rod, the power actuator rod being translated inbetween the spacer blocks upon a stroke of the power actuator, changing the width of the wedge- shaped gap during the stroke of the power actuator, thus stretching the walls of the shaft.

5. The stretching apparatus of claim 4, comprising a plurality of interchangeable wedges with different external widths.

6. The stretching apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first shape comprises a bulge at a distal end.

7. The stretching apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first pivotal link at the proximal end of each spacer block comprises a setting mechanism configured to adjust a conicity of the wedge-shaped gap.

8. The stretching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stretchable item is a shoe, and the stretching set is a second stretching set, wherein: each of the first spacer block and the second spacer block comprises a rod pivotably connected to a fix frame around a pivotal axis, the rod comprising a stud extendingin a direction perpendicular to the pivotal axis at one end and a crank extending in a direction perpendicular to the pivotal axis at an opposite end, the pivotal axis of the first spacer block and the pivotal axis of the second spacer block being parallel; the first shape and the second shape are connected to the stud of the first spacer block and to the stud of the second spacer block respectively; the power actuator comprises a wedge connected at an end of a power actuator rod, the power actuator rod being translated inbetween the cranks upon a stroke of the power actuator, pivoting the rods around the pivotal axis and changing the width of a wedge-shaped gap between the studs during the stroke of the power actuator.

9. The stretching apparatus of claim 8, wherein the shoe is a boot comprising a shaft and wherein the first shape and the second shape are configured to be inserted into the shaft the first shape comprising a bulge located so as to stretch an instep area of the boot.

10. The stretching apparatus of claim 8, wherein first shape and the second shape are shoetree shapes and comprise holes distributed over shapes surfaces and a local stretcher configured to be inserted into one of the holes.

11. The stretching apparatus of claim 8, comprising an aft stopping bar configured to be introduced inside a bootie of the shoe and to rest against a backstay in a counter heel area during stretching.

12. The stretching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stretchable item is a hat and wherein the stretching set is a third stretching set wherein: the first spacer block is fixedly connected to a frame and the second spacer block is connected to a rod movable in translation by the power actuator; the first shape and the second shape are of a semi-circular cross section; the first shape and the second shape form a frustrum configured to be inserted in a crown of a hat; and a heating device enables heating a first shape outer surface and a second shape outer surface while the shapes are inserted into the crown of the hat.

13. The stretching apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heating device comprises a self regulating positive-temperature-coefficient heating element.

Images