Simmonds, Jr., Robert C.; Gilbride, Andrew J.; Morse, Albert I.;

Linear deposition apparatus

A machine for applying a configuration of reinforcement/stiffening or decorative material in powder form to a receiving surface, for subsequent fusing, cooling and pressing to a substrate such as a shoe upper. The machine comprises a deposition station, a heating station and a press station. A tensioned receiving belt receives the configuration of powder through a cut-out in the bottom of a swept screen frame. The receiving belt is supported from beneath during the deposition activity to control the thickness of the powder deposit. The receiving belt is shuttled in a displaceable frame in a series of steps to the successive stations for melting the powder and subsequent cooling and adhesion of the melted powder to the substrate such as an unreinforced shoe upper. The cut-out may have a peripheral gasket arranged partially therearound to displace at least part of said cut-out from said receiving surface, leaving sufficient volume therebetween for filling by the powder as a three-dimensional (tapered) configuration.

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We claim:

1. A machine for applying a fused configuration of powder on a shoe substrate comprising

a non-rigid flat belt for receiving a deposit of powder,

means for displacing said belt along a predetermined path from a deposition station whereat powder will be deposited on the belt to a heating station whereat the deposited powder will be fused together,

a stencil having a selectively configured cut-out,

means for deforming the belt portion beneath said cut-out to define with said stencil a selectively configured volume,

means for actuating said deforming means when powder is to be deposited on said belt,

means for depositing powder on said stencil to fill said selectively configured volume when said belt has been so deformed, and

means for releasing said deforming means after said selectively configured volume of power has been deposited whereby said belt portion will reassume its original flat condition.

2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein said deforming means comprises spacing means disposed about at least a portion of said cut-out on the bottom side of said stencil.

3. A machine according to claim 2, wherein said spacing means comprises a strip of material.

4. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said strip of material is tapered from the thickest portion near its midpoint to their portion near its ends.

5. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said deforming means further comprises

planar support means, and

means for elevating said planar support means from a lowered position to an elevated position against the bottom surface of said stencil.

6. A machine according to claim 5, further comprising shim means secured to and extending outwardly from the top surface of said planar support means.