Patent GB-574397-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to shoe upper conforming machines
IPC: A43D13/00
Filed: 1943-08-10
Abstract: 574,397. Lasting-machines. BRITISH UNITED SHOE MACHINERY CO., Ltd. (United Shoe Machinery Corporation). Aug. 10, 1943, No. 12880. [Class 17 (i)] Relates to machines for trimming through a part only of the thickness (e.g. the inner layers of a muftiply shoe upper) and lasting, the toe-end portions of such uppers, wherein a pull by grippers is applied to the upper after the trimming operation. According to the invention, a pull is applied to the upper before as well as after trimming, the pulling-over, trimming and lasting means all being independently supported and controlled automatically in time relation by fluid-operated devices. The invention is illustrated in a machine structurally similar to that described in Specification 553,881, the cycle of operations up to the stage of withdrawal of the trimming knives after the trimming operation being substantially the same. The shoe is presented in position in the machine, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and pulling-over grippers 14, 16, located respectively at the end and sides of toe, are positioned, under direct control of the operator by the admission of pressure fluid to cylinders 40, 66. After initiation of the cycle of operations, which corresponds to a complete revolution of a control drum and which is operated in the same manner as the shaft 1220 in Specification 553,881, a toe-rest 8, which clamps the shoe against a plate 4, pins 6 on which extend through holes in the insole into the last bottom, instep support 10, and heel rest 12 are moved into engagement with the shoe, and a wiper carrier 166 is moved by a cylinder 172 to a normal position determined by springs 266,268. Fluid is then admitted to cylinders 82, 114 to cause the grippers 14, 16 to pull the upper yieldingly in an outward direction parallel to the shoe bottom. The gripper support 18 may, by a cylinder 124, be swung upwards a short distance to cause the grippers to pull the upper heightwise of the last and, while the upper is under tension, a carrier 296 for the uppertrimming and cement-applying means is moved downwards and toe head 144 is moved up to raise the toe former 140 and wipers 142 to shape and wipe the toe end portion of the upper heightwise of the last. Knives 318, 320, movable outwardly from a position opposite the bottom of the last then trim the inner plies of the upper, the grippers 14, 16 being opened and retracted when the side knives 320 begin to act on the upper. The margin of the outer layer of the trimmed upper is left spread over the wipers 142 when the carrier 286 is withdrawn, all as described in the earlier Specification mentioned. above. After this, pressure fluid is admitted to the cylinder 172 by a valve actuated from the control drum to retract the wiper carrier 166 to engage a collar 260 with shoulder 262 to withdraw the toe former and wipers lengthwise. The toe head 144 is lowered by gravity to its initial position when fluid is released from the cylinder 150. When the toe head starts to move down, fluid is released from the cylinders 82, 114 and the grippers are moved inwardly by their return springs to a position where the outward margin of the upper lies between open gripper jaws. The oarrier 296 is at the same time swung to carry the cement applying means 294 over the toe end of the shoe, and the grippers are closed on the margin of the outer layer of the upper to pull the trimmed upper. Cement is applied to the margin of the insole and the wiper carrier 166 is retracted to cause the toe former 140 to resume a position to wipe the upper heightwise of the last when the toe head 144 is again raised, pull on the upper being maintained by the grippers. The wipers 142, Fig. 12, next advance to close the trimmed margin of the upper inwardly over the insole, the grippers 14 being released just as the wipers begin their wiping action. A member 330 is forced upwardly by the pressure of the upper on its inclined face 332 to act as a retarder on the upper and to apply some of the cement to the inner face of the upper. A spring 286 acts when pressure is released from the cylinders 150 to increase the pressure of the wipers on the margin of the upper. A period of rest is allowed for the setting of the cement between the margin of the upper and the insole, the control drum coming automatically to rest. The rest of the cycle and return of the parts to initial position is as in the earlier Specification. Fingers adjustably secured in grooves in the control drum operate the release valves for the pressure fluid cylinders in the required time relation.