Inventors:
Robert W. Bradley - Marblehead MA
Assignee:
Bush Universal, Inc. - Woburn MA
International Classification:
A43B 1342, A43D 000
Abstract:
A strip which will form a rigid shoe stiffener, such as a shoe shank, is applied to the surface of a shoe to be stiffened, such as to the bottom of an insole. The shank strip is flexible and includes a carrier sleeve or envelope containing a plurality of fiberglass strands in a thermosetting plastic matrix. After the shank strip is in place on the insole, the matrix is activated by exposing it to an external stimulus such as radiant heat which is applied locally to the shank strip. Curing takes place in situ on the insole bottom. The carrier sleeve is formed in a manner which provides control over the shape of the cured stiffener as well as a means to facilitate handling of the shank strip.