Patent GB-190715512-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Pressure-applying Machines for use in the Manufacture of Boots and Shoes.
Inventor: BOULT ALFRED JULIUS
Filed: 1907-07-05
Granted: 1908-07-02
Abstract: 15,512. Boult, A. J., [United Shoe Machinery Co.]. July 5. Soles ; heels; presses ; moulding.-Relates more particularly to sole-pressing machines with two or more sets of pressing- members, and consists in moving, alternately, each lower form out of line with its co-operating member into a position between, and preferably also in front of, the cooperating forms, so as to facilitate the removal and positioning of the soles. A second feature of the invention consists in means for automatically adjusting the final pressure to meet varying thicknesses of soles. This feature is also applicable to machines for compressing heels. A third feature consists in the provision of a sole gauging and sole-gripping device, whereby the soles may be accurately positioned and held from displacement during the action of the moulds. The lower forms, in this case two in number, are mounted upon form carriers 8, 9, which rest upon a vertically reciprocating cross-bead 3. The carriers are connected, Fig. 9, by a pair of T-shaped arms 10, 11 pivoted to the cross-head, the rear arm 10 being oscillated by cam mechanism so as to bring each form alternately into alinement with its co-operating form, while the other form is presented between and in front of the two upper forms. The carriers 17 for the two upper forms are mounted in vertical guideways in the sides of the machine frame, Fig. 8, and constitute hydraulic &c. chambers into which stationary rams 26 fit. In moulding a sole, the upper form is pressed upward by the lower with sufficient pressure to make the sole take the shape of the forms, and subsequently a valve-rod 30 is actuated to close the discharge orifice of the hydraulic chamber and stop the upward movement of the carrier 17, thus allowing a strong moulding pressure to be applied. The valve-rod 30 is operated irrespectively of the relative positions of the form carriers, by means of slotted bell-crank levers 33, 35, a rod 38, a lever 40, and cam-roll 39. Each sole gauging and gripping device is mounted on a crosshead 43, which has a stud 44 projecting from one side, by means of which the device is attached to its tower form, and a bar 45 projecting from the other side. The bar 45 terminates in a lateral projection 47 and a vertical projection 46, the former being connected to the cross-head 43 by a rod 48, and the latter serving as the pivot for a movable gripping- jaw 53. This gripping-jaw is pressed by a spring so that the forward end nips the heel portion of the sole against a stationary gripping-member 51 secured in the cross-head 43. The heel gauge comprises two adjustable arms 59 mounted on a block which is adapted to slide on the rod 48. The block is held in adjusted position by a catch 66, and, for convenience in adjusting for varying sizes of sole, is provided with a scale 68 co-operating with an indicator 69. Side gauges 73, made adjustable in any direction by means of friction joints, are mounted on a connecting-link 74, so that the gauges engage the sole only when the lower form is in the position of presentation, i.e. away from its cooperating form. As the lower form is being retracted after moulding a sole, the lower end of the gripper 53 is drawn back by a bar 80, Fig. 10, supported on two arms 81. These arms are pivoted to the cross-head 3 on pins 82, and are pressed upwards against stops 84 by springs 83. After positioning a new sole, a treadle rod 87, Fig. 3, is depressed, and a projection 88 rocks a block 85 so as to engage a projection 89 on one of the arms 81. This causes the bar 80 to allow the gripper 53 to descend on the sole. Further depression of the rod 87 causes the block 85 to escape from the projection 88 and allow the bar 80 to assume its normal position. As is usual in sole-pressing machines of this type, means are provided whereby the machine is automatically stopped as each form is brought into a position of pressure. A brake mechanism acting in conjunction with these means is also provided. In a modified construction of pressure-regulating mechanism, Fig. 22, the moulds are slid vertically on rods 208. The cross-head 17<a> is held by springs 212 against collars 211 until the sole has conformed to the mould ; the springs then yield, and a projection 221 on the cross-head 17<a> comes into contact with a cam 213, which is raised until stopped by a projection 220. The moulding pressure is then applied. The cam 213 is mounted in a frame 215 pivoted on a pin 216, and the angular position of the cam is automatically varied according to the thickness of sole being operated upon. The mechanism for rotating the cam comprises a slide 222 pivoted to the lower cross-head, and during the upward movement of the cross-head a shoulder 223 on the slide operates a toothed lever 225 in engagement with teeth on the cam. A second projection 224 returns the cam to its original position during the downward movement of the slide. The extent of the movement imparted to the stop cam 213 is varied according to the thickness of the sole, by pressing back, at the correct point in the movement of the moulds, the slide 222 to disconnect the shoulder 223 from the lever 225. This is achieved by means of a vertical pin 227 engaging the upper surface of the sole. When the pin is pressed upwards, a catch is released and a spring-pressed slide 226<1> operates the slide 222. Downward movement of the slide 222 returns the slide 226<1> to its original position.