Apparatus for bevelling the edges of heel strengthening inserts for shoes

Abstract

 The apparatus includes means (3) for picking up the heel strengthening inserts (1) to be bevelled from a magazine (2) and subsequently transferring them to a working surface (L). Conveying means (7) operate in the region of this working surface (L) to move forward these heel strengthening inserts (1). A first bevelling station (10) is provided with a first and a second pair of grinding belts (13,14;15,16), arranged in sequence on planes transversal to the heel strengthening inserts (1) advancement direction and aimed at bevelling the sides (1a) of the heel strengthening inserts (1) edge at a suitable angle. A second bevelling station (20) is provided with a third pair of grinding belts (23, 24), arranged in sequence on planes transversal to the heel strengthening inserts (1) moving direction and aimed at bevelling the upper parts (1b) of the heel strengthening inserts (1) edge at an angle suitably bigger than the bevelling angle of said sides (1a).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to production of heel strengthening inserts for shoes.

[0002] It is known that heel strengthening inserts are added to the rear part of shoes, generally fitted between the lining and the leather zone covering the heel.

[0003] These heel strengthening inserts are made of rigid material e.g. pressed cardboard and have a suitably elongated form and dimensions corresponding to the shoe part to be strengthened.

[0004] Before being applied to the shoes, the heel strengthening inserts undergo a series of operations, like, in particular, fleshing of a front surface to facilitate the subsequent glue adhesion, and bevelling of the part of the edge on the previously fleshed surface, so as not to create discontinuity with respect to the parts of the shoe without the heel strengthening insert.

[0005] More precisely, lateral parts and the upper part of the outer edge of the heel strengthening insert, which are to join each other forming a continuous surface, are bevelled.

[0006] The best effect is obtained by differentiating the bevelling angle of these parts, in particular by smaller bevelling angle for the lateral parts of the edge and bigger bevelling angle for the upper part of the edge.

[0007] Currently, the heel strengthening insert edges are usually bevelled manually by an operator and by means of suitable tools, like grinding wheels or belts, which obviously keeps the productivity at low rate and requires high manpower costs.

[0008] An apparatus has been proposed for automatically bevelling the heel strengthening inserts by means of a diamond disk milling cutter controlled by a feeler member following the shape of the magazine containing the heel strengthening inserts to be bevelled arranged in a stack.

[0009] However, this device cannot operate with different bevelling angles for the edges of the heel strengthening inserts, which consequently, have the same bevelling angle along the lateral parts and along the upper part thereof.

[0010] Another disadvantage of this apparatus derives from the fact that the feeler member follows a medium shape of the magazine containing the heel strengthening inserts. But the inserts have dimensions which cannot be completely the same, which leads to non homogenous bevelling.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus for best bevelling the edges of the heel strengthening inserts for shoes, in particular for bevelling the lateral parts and the upper part of this edge with different angles.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus which guarantees homogeneous bevelling of the heel strengthening inserts.

[0013] The above mentioned objects are obtained in accordance with the contents of claim 1.

[0014] The characteristic features of the invention are pointed out in the following, with particular reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of the whole apparatus, that is subject of the present invention;
• Figure 2 shows a vertical section view taken along line II-II of Figure 1;
• Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 show respective cross-section views of a first station for heel strengthening inserts bevelling, taken along the planes III-III, IV-IV, V-V and VI-VI of the Figure 2;
• Figure 7 shows the same cross-section view of adjusting means of the apparatus bevelling organs;
• Figures 8 and 9 show different cross-section views of a second station for heel strengthening inserts bevelling, taken along lines VIII-VIII and IX-IX of Figure 1 respectively;
• Figure 10 shows a lateral view of this second station for bevelling heel strengthening inserts;
• Figure 11 shows a cross-section view, taken along line XI-XI of Figure 8, of an enlarged detail of a heel strengthening insert being bevelled in the first bevelling station;
• Figure 12 shows a front view of a heel strengthening insert with the edge bevelled by the apparatus, subject of the present invention;
• Figure 13, 14 show different cross-section views of this heel strengthening insert, taken along lines XIII-XIII and XIV-XIV of Figure 12 respectively.

[0015] With reference to the above mentioned figures, the heel strengthening inserts to be bevelled by the subject apparatus are indicated with 1.

[0016] The heel strengthening inserts to be bevelled 1 are stacked inside a magazine 2, suitably inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0017] A device 3 for picking up single heel strengthening inserts, situated in front of the magazine 2, includes substantially an arm 4, mounted on a pin 5. The arm 4 oscillates on a vertical plane longitudinal to the magazine 2 and is equipped, at its free end, with suction means 6.

[0018] The arm 4 of the picking up device 3 moves between a raised, picking up position, in which the suction means 6 is situated in front of the magazine 2, and a lowered horizontal position, indicated with broken line 4a in Figure 2, in which the picked up heel strengthening insert 1 is released.

[0019] The picking up device 3 transfers, one by one, the heel strengthening inserts 1 to be bevelled to a first belt conveyor 7, operated continuously in a moving direction A and on a horizontal plane defining the apparatus working surface L.

[0020] The first belt conveyor 7 supplies with the heel strengthening inserts a first grinding station 10, in which the sides 1a edges of the inserts are bevelled.

[0021] The grinding station 10 includes a series of counter-rotating rollers 11,12 arranged in pairs along the above mentioned working surface. The task of the rollers 11,12 is to move the strengthening inserts 1 forward according to the above mentioned direction A.

[0022] The first grinding station 10 is also equipped with a first pair of grinding belts 13,14 and with a second pair of grinding belts 15,16, made from an abrasive material, that have the task of grinding both sides 1a respectively, of the inserts 1 being processed.

[0023] The grinding belts 13,14;15,16 are mounted on related pairs of vertical pulleys 17,18 suitably spaced out and disposed so that the belts extend transversal to the advancement direction of the inserts 1 on the working surface.

[0024] The grinding belts 13,14;15,16 perform their operation on the edge of the insert being processed by their lower run, that is suitably inclined with respect to the working surface.

[0025] It should be noted that the grinding belts are interposed between adjacent pairs of the driving rollers 11,12, that move the inserts 1 being processed. In this way, any interference of the grinding belts with the driving rolled are avoided.

[0026] This also allows a slight folding downward of the edges of the inserts 1, thus making the grinding operation easier and obtaining a softer and more precise bevelling (see, for example, the enlarged detail in Figure 3).

[0027] More precisely, the first pair of grinding belts 13, 14 bevels the edge of a first side of the heel strengthening insert 1.

[0028] As seen in detail in Figures 3 and 4, the first belt 13 of the first pair of grinding belts make a previous bevel on the first side of the heel strengthening inserts, while the second belt 14 of the first pair of grinding belts completes the bevelling at the required angle.

[0029] It is to be pointed out that the first pair of grinding belts 13, 14 are operated in the same direction, and the working run moves outwards of the heel strengthening insert 1, so as to move away the removed material.

[0030] Likewise, the second pair of grinding belts 15, 16 make a bevel on the second side of the heel strengthening insert 1, as seen in detail in Figures 5 and 6.

[0031] At the outlet of the first bevelling station 10, the heel strengthening inserts 1 are taken over by a second belt conveyor 8, which transfers them, one by one, to a second bevelling station 20, in which the upper part 1b of the heel strengthening insert edge is bevelled.

[0032] The second belt conveyor 8 is preferably operated in direction B, transversal to the movement direction of the first bevelling station 10, on the same working surface (see again Figure 1).

[0033] The second bevelling station 20 is equipped with a series of pairs of rollers 21, 22 rotating in opposite directions, so as to move the heel strengthening inserts 1 in the direction B.

[0034] The second bevelling station 20 is equipped with a third pair of grinding belts 23, 24 acting on the upper part 1b of the heel strengthening inserts 1 being bevelled.

[0035] These belts 23, 24 of the third pair of grinding belts wind on relative pairs of pulleys 25, 26, on suitably spaced apart planes transversal to the heel strengthening inserts 1 movement.

[0036] The tension of all the grinding belts is kept constant and can be suitably adjusted by a relative counterweight device 30, shown in Figure 7.

[0037] This adjusting device 30 includes substantially a rocker lever 31, pivoted on a fulcrum 32 which is parallel to the axes of the pulleys 17,18;25,26.

[0038] One end of the rocker lever 31 carries the lower pulley 17,25 of each pair of grinding belts.

[0039] The other end of the rocker lever 31 carries a counterweight 33, whose position is adjustable with respect to the fulcrum 32, as shown with broken line 33a, so as to change correspondingly the angular position of the rocker lever 31 and consequently, the tension of the grinding belt.

[0040] Obviously, it is also possible to adjust, in known way, the grinding belt inclination, so as to change the bevelling angle.

[0041] An operative lower run of the belts 23 of the third pair of grinding belts suitably inclined with respect to the working surface L, acts on the edge of the heel strengthening inserts 1 being bevelled.

[0042] The inclination of the third pair of grinding belts of the second bevelling station is bigger than the inclination of the first and second pairs of grinding belts 13, 14, and 15, 16 respectively of the first bevelling station, so as to bevel the edge upper part 1b at a bigger angle.

[0043] As seen in detail in Figures 8 and 9, the first belt 23 of the third pair of grinding belts bevels preliminarily the heel strengthening inserts edge, while the second belt 24 of the third pair of grinding belts completes the bevelling at the required angle.

[0044] It is to be pointed out that the operative run of the first belt 23 of the third pair of grinding belts moves toward the outside of the heel strengthening insert 1, so as to move away the removed material, while the second belt 24 of the third pair of grinding belts moves in an opposite direction, so as to remove a possible fraze created by the bigger bevelling angle.

[0045] The belts 23, 24 of the third pair of grinding belts are preferably arranged on parallel planes, slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, as seen in Figure 10. This inclination of the third pair of belts 23, 24 acts as an introduction guide for the heel strengthening inserts 1 moving in transversal direction B, so as to be engaged by this third pair of belts 23, 24 (see Figure 11).

[0046] It is obvious that also the first and the second pair of the grinding belts, 13, 14 and 15, 16 of the first bevelling station 10 can be inclined likewise.

[0047] At the outlet of the second bevelling station 20, the heel strengthening inserts 1 are picked up by a third belt conveyor 9, operated in direction C to transfer them to further working stations.

[0048] Operation of the apparatus will be described in the following beginning from the withdrawing of a heel strengthening insert 1 from the magazine 2.

[0049] This heel strengthening insert 1, kept by the suction cup 6 of the picking up device 3, is transferred to the working surface defined by the first belt conveyor 7 (see Figures 1 and 2), and released there, so as to be fed to the first bevelling station 10.

[0050] In the first bevelling station 10, the heel strengthening insert 1 engages the counter-rotating rollers 11, 12 which drag it toward the first pair of grinding belts 13, 14 and the second pair of grinding belts 15, 16.

[0051] The first and second pairs of grinding belts 13, 14, and 15, 16 bevel the sides 1a of the heel strengthening insert 1 edge in sequence, at a suitably limited angle, as described previously.

[0052] Subsequently, the second belt conveyor 8 transfers the heel strengthening insert 1 to the second bevelling station 20, where the third pair of grinding belts 23, 24 bevel the upper edge 1b of the heel strengthening insert, as described previously.

[0053] Therefore, when at the outlet of the second bevelling station 20, the sides 1a and the upper part 1b of the heel strengthening inserts 1 edge are bevelled at suitably different angles, as shown in detail in Figure 12.

[0054] It is to be noted that these bevelled parts extend along a section Sm, suitably shorter than the fleshed section Sc, as seen in the enlarged views of Figures 13 and 14.

[0055] According to another advantageous embodiment, only the second bevelling station is provided in the apparatus.

[0056] The apparatus including only the second bevelling station, and possibly conveying means like the conveyor 8, can be connected to the outlet of a bevelling machine of known type, already available on the market.

[0057] This second embodiment allows easy and economical adaptation of an already know bevelling apparatus, thus obtaining an acceptable production rate.

[0058] In all the embodiments, the apparatus obtains the object of bevelling the edge of the heel strengthening insert for shoe in best way by differentiating the bevelling angle of the sides and the upper part of this edge.

[0059] Moreover, the apparatus can guarantee a homogenous and high quality bevelling of the heel strengthening inserts.

[0060] The bevelling width and angle can be easily adjusted by the operator, according to productive needs and independently from the heel strengthening inserts shape.

[0061] The apparatus guarantees high productivity, since no skilled operator is needed, if not for supplying the magazine.

Claims

1. Apparatus for bevelling the edge of heel strengthening insert for shoes, characterised in that it includes means (3) for picking up the heel strengthening inserts (1) to be bevelled from a magazine (2) and subsequently, feeding them to a working surface (L);

conveying means (7) for transferring said heel strengthening inserts (1) to said working surface (L);

a first station (10) for bevelling sides (1a) of said heel strengthening inserts (1), said first station being equipped with a first and a second grinding belt means (13,14;15,16) arranged in sequence and transversally with reference to the movement direction of said heel strengthening inserts (1), for grinding said sides (1a) of the heel strengthening inserts (1) at a suitable angle;

a second station (20) for bevelling the upper part of said heel strengthening inserts (1), said second station being equipped with third grinding belt means (23,24) arranged transversally to the advancement direction of said heel strengthening inserts (1) for grinding said upper part (1b) of the heel strengthening inserts (1) at an angle bigger than the bevelling angle of said sides (1a) of the edge.

2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that said first and second grinding belt means (13,14;15,16) of the first bevelling station (10) and said third grinding belt means (23,24) of the second bevelling station (20) perform a grinding action on the edge of said heel strengthening inserts (1) with an active run (1) suitably inclined with respect to said working surface (L).

3. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that said first and second grinding belt means (13,14;15,16) of said first bevelling station (10) and said third grinding belt means (23,24) of said second bevelling station (20) are mounted around respective pairs of pulleys (17,18;25,26) and their tension is adjustable by counterweight devices (30), each one of said counterweight devices (30) including a rocker lever (31), pivoted according to a horizontal axis parallel to the axes of said pulleys (17,18;25,26), said rocker lever (31) carrying, at one end a rotating lower pulley (17,25) supporting said grinding belts, and at another end a counterweight (33), whose position is adjustable with respect to the pivot fulcrum (32), so as to change correspondingly angular position of said rocker lever (31).

4. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that said first bevelling station (10) includes at least a first grinding belt (13,15) and at least a second grinding belt (14,16) which are situated at opposite sides, with the first grinding belts having the task of making a preliminarily bevel on a side (1a) of said heel strengthening insert edge, and with the second grinding belt (14,16) having the task of completing the bevelling at the required angle.

5. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that said second bevelling station (20) includes at least a first grinding belt (23) which bevels preliminarily said upper part (1b) of said heel strengthening inserts (1), and at least a second grinding belt (24) which completes the bevelling at the required angle.

6. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that said first and second grinding belt means (13,14;15,16) of said first bevelling station (10) are operated in the same direction, with the operative run moving outwards of said heel strengthening inserts (1), so as to move away the removed material.

7. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that third grinding belt means (23,24) of said second bevelling station (20) are operated in opposite directions, respectively outwards and inwards of said heel strengthening inserts (1) to be bevelled.

8. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that said first and second bevelling stations (10,20), are equipped with a series of pairs of counter-rotating rollers (11,12;21,22), arranged alternatively with said grinding belts for moving said heel strengthening inserts (1).

9. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that said third belt means (23,24) are arranged on parallel planes, slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, so as to act as an introduction guide for said heel strengthening inserts (1) moving in transversal direction (B) on said working surface (L).

10. Apparatus for bevelling the upper part of the edge of heel strengthening insert for shoes, this apparatus being designed to be connected to the outlet of a bevelling machine in which heel strengthening inserts (1) are subjected to grinding operation along their sides (1a) at a suitable angle;

said apparatus being characterised in that it includes a bevelling station (20) for bevelling the upper part of said heel strengthening inserts (1), said bevelling station being equipped with at least a grinding belt (23,24) arranged transversally to the advancement direction of said heel strengthening inserts (1) for grinding said upper part (1b) of the heel strengthening inserts (1) at an angle bigger than the bevelling angle of said sides (1a).

11. Apparatus, according to claim 10, characterised in that said grinding belt (23,24) of said bevelling station (20) perform a grinding action on the edge of said heel strengthening inserts (1) with an active run (1) suitably inclined with respect to a horizontal working surface (L).

12. Apparatus, according to claim 10, characterised in that said grinding belt (23,24) of said bevelling station (20) is are mounted around respective pairs of pulleys (25,26) and their tension is adjustable by counterweight devices (30), each one of said counterweight devices (30) including a rocker lever (31), pivoted according to a horizontal axis parallel to the axes of said pulleys (25,26) , said rocker lever (31) carrying, at one end a rotating lower pulley (25) supporting said grinding belt, and at another end a counterweight (33), whose position is adjustable with respect to the pivot fulcrum (32), so as to change correspondingly angular position of said rocker lever (31).

13. Apparatus, according to claim 10, characterised in that said bevelling station (20) includes at least a first grinding belt (23) which bevels preliminarily said upper part (1b) of said heel strengthening inserts (1), and at least a second grinding belt (24) which completes the bevelling at the required angle.

14. Apparatus, according to claim 13, characterised in that said first and second grinding belts (23,24) of said bevelling station (20) are operated in opposite directions, respectively outwards and inwards of said heel strengthening inserts (1) to be bevelled.

15. Apparatus, according to claim 13, characterised in that said second bevelling station (20) is equipped with a series of pairs of counter-rotating rollers (21,22), arranged alternatively with said grinding belts for moving said heel strengthening inserts (1).

16. Apparatus, according to claim 13, characterised in that said first and second belts (23,24) are arranged on parallel planes, slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, so as to act as an introduction guide for said heel strengthening inserts (1) moving in transversal direction (B) on said working surface (L).

Drawing