ADJUSTABLE SURFACE FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING SHOE PARTS

摘要

Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated manner. For example, shoe parts may be retrieved and temporarily assembled according to preset relative positions to form part stacks. The part stacks may be retrieved with the relative positioning of the shoe parts being maintained and placed at a stitching machine for more permanent attachment via stitching of the parts to form a shoe assembly. Movement during stitching of a conveyance mechanism that transfers the part stack from the stacking surface to the stitching machine and movement of a needle associated with the stitching machine may be controlled by a shared control mechanism such that the movements are synchronized with respect to one another. Vision systems may be leveraged to achieve movement and position information between and at machines and locations.

主权项

1. An adjustable surface for use in the automated manufacture of shoe parts, the surface comprising:
a support structure having a substantially planar support surface; and a plurality of adjustable members coupled with the support structure, each of the members being independently adjustable in at least one direction relative to the planar support surface.