Patent GB-191222858-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Machines for Shaping the Vamps or Uppers of Boots and Shoes.
Inventor: BOULT ALFRED JULIUS
IPC: A43D8/00
Filed: 1912-10-07
Granted: 1913-11-07
Abstract: 22,858. Boult, A. J., [United Shoe Machinery Co.]. Oct. 7. [Addition to 11,802/12.] Uppers, machines for. -The forepart former of the machine described in the parent Specification is now provided with means for applying heat or moisture, or heat and moisture, to the upper blank. The work-table 6, having a c e n t r a l aperture through which the forepart former 10 p r otrudes, is supported by a wedge 8 on a vertically-sliding head. The former is supported at a similar inclination to that of the table upon a plunger 12, which extends through guides 13, 14 in the sliding head to a link 15, by which it is connected to the short arm of a bellcrank lever operated by a treadle 18. A spring 20 is confined on the plunger between the movable head and a collar 21 fixed on the plunger. When the treadle is depressed, the head and the former are raised together until the margin of the upper operated upon is clamped between the table and a member 25, whereupon the spring yields while the former is thrust upwards into the vamp. The forepart former contains a steam chamber having numerous openings extending to the upperengaging face. The steam is supplied through the plunger 12, which is made tubular and receives steam from a pipe 26. A valve 30 is situated in the upper part of the plunger, and is adapted to be opened by the downward pressure of a tubular stud 11 situated on the lower side of the former and passing into the plunger. The former is normally held raised by springs 32, but when the upper is brought under tension, the pressure of the springs is overcome and the valve opened. An upper compression member 40 co-operates with the former in shaping the upper. The member 40 is mounted on a sleeve stem 42, which can slide in an adjustable bearing 43 in the top of the frame. The member 40, which is pressed downwards by its own weight and by a spring, may be held in inoperative position by a ratchet lever 45 and a pawl 44. Steam is supplied to the member 40 by a pipe 50 extending through the sleeve 42. The member may be heated by electricity. The treadle is adapted towards the end of its stroke to pull the wedge 8 outwards a little. The wedge carries teeth 66, which project through slots in the table 6 and engage the upper. Corresponding teeth 68 may be provided on swinging plates on the clamp member. The outward movement of the wedge thus causes the upper at the ends of the top seam to be drawn forwards. The treadle may be held depressed with the upper in this position by a catch with ratchet teeth. A stop enables the treadle to be accurately positioned. After the upper has set, the treadle is further depressed, pulling out the wedge still more and causing the upper to be dragged from between the clamping-member and the table as the table falls due to the withdrawal of the wedge. This dragging operation shapes the margin of the blocked upper, and brings it to a convenient position and condition for operation on by the grippers of pulling - over and lasting machines. Specifications 20,406/13 and 20,407/13 are referred to.