IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR NAILING AND IN PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Morgan-Brown, of the Firm of Brandon and
Morgan-Brown, Engineers and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings,
London, and 1, Rue Laffitte, Paris, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINES FOR NAILING AND IN PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING BOOTS AND
SHOES." A communication from abroad by Lyman Reed Blake, of Boston,
County of Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Sealed the 8th September 1877, and dated the 22nd May 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Morgan-Brown at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd May 1877.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, of the Firm of Brandon and Morgan-Brown, Engineers
and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London, and 1, Rue Laffitte,
Paris, "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR NAILING AND IN PROCESS OF MANU-
FACTURING BOOTS AND SHOES." [A communication from abroad by Lyman Reed
Blake, of Boston, County of Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States of America.]
This Invention of improvements in machines for nailing and in process of manu-
facturing boots and shoes relates to a machine for inserting nails into the soles of
boots and shoes, the soles so supplied with nails driven partially into or through
them being then applied to a lasted boot or shoe, when the nails supported by the
sole are driven into the overlapping edge of the upper and into the insole, confining
the sole in position.
The Invention consists in a rotating carrier for the nails in combination with a
guideway to present the nails to the carrier, and a transferrer to remove the nails
singly and literally from the carrier into a nail receiver to be driven by. the
driver.
"
Also in the combination with the driver of a support for the sole, and with
mechanism to lock and release the support, so that it may be held rigidly while
each nail is driven partially through the sole, and then released to permit it and the
sole to descend under the action of the driver on the tack or nail, the latter however
not further driving the tack or nail, the driver operating to leave the nails with
their heads at certain defined distances from the face of the sole and below the nail
tube when the sole is moved for a new tack.

page_text: Also in a support for the sole provided with a recess to receive the points of the
driven nails in combination with a feeding device to engage the nail last driven to
move the sole to receive the next succeeding nail.
The main object of this Invention is the production of an automatic mechanism to
drive headed tacks or nails, and leave their heads projecting above the surface of
the stock, to be subsequently driven through the outer sole into the upper and inner
sole, when the points of the tacks, meeting an iron or an iron-shod last, are
clinched.
The method of making a shoe is also a novel feature of this Invention.
In order that the Invention herein contained may be fully described it has been
deemed proper to describe mechanism of an equivalent construction, wherein instead
of employing a yielding horn the nails are left projecting above the sole by the action
of the nail tube and driver, or the latter and an auxiliary nail guide adapted to
co-operate together, whereby the tack, partially driven, and with its head projecting
above the sole, is permitted to be moved laterally by the feed from under the path
of the driver without interference with other parts.
In one form of this Invention, wherein the support may be rigid, the lower end
of the nail tube is arranged with such relation to the surface of the stock and its
support that the end of the tube does not bear upon or touch the stock when the
nail is driven from the tube by the driver, and the driver that operates to only
partially drive the tack or nail into the sole also terminates its downward thrust at
a point above the surface of the stock. The lower end of the tube and the driver
at the termination of its driving thrust remain above the surface of the stock a
distance equal to the distance it is desired the heads of the partially driven tacks or
nails to occupy above the surface of the stock or sole.
'
In ordinary nailing machines the lower end of the nail tube rests upon the stock
when the nail is driven, and the driver drives the head of the nail substantially
flush with the surface of the outer sole, it being held in place upon a lasted shoe
during the whole time that the nail is being driven.
By preventing the lower end of the tube or the driver at its descent from touching
the surface of the sole or stock, the heads of the tacks or nails left projecting above
the stock may be easily moved laterally with the stock under the action of a feeding.
device without slotting the tube or permitting the sole support to yield.
In connection with the shortened tube it is preferred in most instances to use
headed tacks with clinching points, and when such tacks are employed it is best to
use a tack centreing device or mechanism to guide the tacks in a straight line to
the surface of and present their points into small holes in the sole made by an awl or
perforating instrument for their reception.
If nails of wire, having corrugated or threaded shanks, or having heads somewhat
elongated and cylindrical are used, the centreing device is not necessary but may be
employed.
In the third plan the nail on its passage from the end of the tube to the stock
passes between jaws of an auxiliary guide adapted to guide the headed tack
or other nail after its head or upper end is driven below the lower end of the nail
tube. When the nail is driven the desired distance into the sole the auxiliary
guide is separated to release the partially driven nail, and permit it to be moved
laterally with the sole by means of a feeding device, preferably made to bear against
the tack or nail last driven. The auxiliary nail guide will preferably be arranged
upon a pivoted lever or head, so as to render it self-adapting to the thickness of the
stock.
In the fourth plan the nail tube is lowered upon the surface of the stock as each
nail is being partially driven by the driver, which does not extend in its down
When each tack or
thrust as far as the end of the tube or the surface of the stock.
nail has been driven the proper distance the head remaining above the surface of
the stock three-sixteenths of an inch, more or less, and yet within the nail tube, is
uncovered by lifting the nail tube above the stock far enough to clear the upper end

page_text: of the tack or nail head, thereby permitting the feeding device to engage and move
the sole laterally and horizontally for the reception of a new tack or nail.
In the fifth plan the nail tube rests upon the surface of the stock, as usual in
nailing machines, and the stock to be set or studded with partially driven tacks or
nails rests upon a rigid support or anvil preferably made adjustable to prevent the
use of tacks or nails of different lengths. When a tack or nail is partially driven
according to this Invention, its head or upper end extends a certain distance, more
or less, above the surface of the stock, and to permit the lateral movement of such
partially driven tack or nail from the tube in the direction of the movement of the
sole, this tube is provided with a slot at its side. With such a tube, if headed tacks
are used, it is preferable also to employ tack centreing devices adapted to guide the
tacks in a straight line, so as to present them properly to the surface of the sole or
into the awl holes made in the sole to receive and guide them.
As to the method; in the manufacture of boots and shoes by nailing, as now
commonly practised, the shoe upper is placed upon a last with an inner sole, and the
outer sole is applied and held to it by two or more lasting tacks.
If the shoe is
to be nailed by hand the outer sole is pounded or beaten out or moulded to the
lasted shoe; holes are made in the sole by an awl, and the nails are then driven
singly into such holes and the upper and inner sole. Each nail is completely
driven separately. If nailed by machine the sole with its outer sole applied and
held by lasting tacks is taken to a nailing machine, where each nail is separately
completely driven through the outer sole, upper and inner sole at a single blow of
the nail driver, the head or upper end of the nail being driven flush with the face of
the outer sole or below it. The first process is slow and expensive, and the second
requires a skilled workman to manipulate the machine, and other than hand or foot
power to run it.
The process herein described may be practised more economically and to better
advantage than either of these usual processes.
In the improved method herein described an outer sole is suitably moulded in
order that its surface may conform to the shape of the lasted shoe to which it is to
be subsequently applied; then such sole is set or studded with headed tacks or nails,
each tack being driven singly into the sole substantially at right angles with it
at the point of driving. The points of the tacks will be driven substantially_flush
with the inner side of the outer sole; preferably they will not extend through the
sole, but they may extend a little below or stop a little above the inner face of the
outer sole. The heads of the tacks or nails, as left by the driver, will project above
the outer face of the outer sole a distance sufficient to permit the tack or nail when
subsequently driven to extend from the inner side of the outer sole through the
upper and inner sole, and far enough to clinch upon an iron or iron-plated last. The
tacks or nails will preferably be made to taper more or less, and the awl to make
holes for their reception will be made of a corresponding taper, or a little smaller
than the nail body, so that the tacks or nails driven into holes, so proportioned with
reference to the size of the tack, will fit the hole throughout the thickness of the
sole, the same as if the tack was itself driven directly into the sole; tacks or nails
so driven will be wedged into such holes with sufficient firmness to remain there
when the sole is subsequently handled. In ordinary work the hole for the nail is
larger than the nail body, and is much larger than the nail, except at or near its
head, and consequently the sides of the nails do not effectually hold against the sole,
throughout its length. This sole so set or studded with partially driven tacks or
nails is then placed in position upon a lasted boot or shoe, consisting of an upper
and inner sole secured to the last, and the tacks or nails are then driven, preferably.
several at a time, by means of a broad faced hammer or tool down through the outer
sole, and into the upper and inner sole.
By moulding the sole before driving the tacks or nails therein, as described, the
nails when subsequently driven with all point in a direction towards the centre of
the last, or in other words the heads of opposite nails on opposite margins of the
shoe will be farther apart than the points of such nails. It is possible however to

page_text: practice this Invention, by moulding the sole after the nails are driven, but such
plan would not be as well as to mould it before the tacks or nails are driven.
In this Invention the tacks or nails pass through the outer sole and into the upper
and inner sole at an inward inclination, more or less in degree, and the tack points
cannot enter or cut the upper above the inner sole.
Heels have been loaded with nails to be subsequently driven therethrough to
attach them to shoes. Such nails partially driven into heel blanks have been made
to incline outward, never inward, and the top lift of the heel corresponding with the
outer surface of the sole has never been rounded or curved to the last, as is necessary
in this Invention wherein a sole is to be applied.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Morgan-Brown in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
19th November 1877.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, of the Firm of Brandon and Morgan-Brown, Engineers
and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London, and 1, Rue Laffitte,
Paris. IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR NAILING AND IN PROCESS OF MANU-
FACTURING BOOTS AND SHOES." A communication from abroad by Lyman Reed
Blake, of Boston, County of Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States of America.
This Invention of improvements in machines for nailing and in process of manu-
facturing boots and shoes relates to a machine for inserting nails into the soles of
boots and shoes, the soles so supplied with nails, driven partially into or through
them, being then applied to a lasted boot or shoe, when the nails supported by the
sole are driven into the overlapping edge of the upper and into the insole, confining
the sole in position.
The Invention consists in a rotating carrier for the nails, in combination with a
guideway to present the nails to the carrier, and a transferrer to remove the
nails singly and laterally from the carrier into a nail receiver, to be driven by the
driver.
Also in the combination with the driver of a support for the sole, and with mechan-
ism to lock and release the support, so that it may be held rigidly while each nail is
driven partially through the sole, and then released to permit it and the sole to
descend under the action of the driver on the tack or nail, the latter however not
further driving the tack or nail, the driver operating to leave the nails with their
heads at certain defined distances from the face of the sole, and below the nail tube
when the sole is moved for a new tack.
Also in a support for the sole, provided with a recess to receive the points of the
driven nails, in combination with a feeding device to engage the nail last driven to
move the sole to receive the next succeeding nail.
The main object of this Invention is the production of an automatic mechanism
to drive headed tacks or nails and leave their heads projecting above the surface
of the stock, to be subsequently driven through the outer sole into the upper and
inner sole, when the points of the tacks meeting an iron or an iron-shod last are
clinched.
The method of making a shoc is also a novel feature of this Invention.
In order that the Invention herein contained may be fully described and delineated

page_text: it has been deemed proper to describe mechanism of an equivalent construction to
that described in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive, wherein instead of employing a yielding
horn the nails are left projecting above the sole by the action of the nail tube and
driver, or the latter and an auxiliary nail guide, adapted to co-operate together,
substantially as herein-after described, whereby the tack partially driven and with
its head projecting above the sole is permitted to be moved laterally by the feed
from under the path of the driver without interference with other parts.
In one form of this Invention, wherein the support may be rigid, the lower end
of the nail tube is arranged with such relation to the surface of the stock and its
support that the end of the tube does not bear upon or touch the stock when the
nail is driven from the tube by the driver, and the driver that operates to only
partially drive the tack or nail into the sole also terminates its downward thrust at
a point above the surface of the stock. Tho lower end of the tube and the driver
at the termination of its driving thrust remain above the surface of the stock a
distance equal to the distance it is desired the heads of the partially driven tacks
or nails to occupy above the surface of the stock or sole.
In ordinary nailing machines tho lower end of the nail tube rests upon the stock
when the nail is driven, and the driver drives the head of the nail substantially
Blush with the surface of the outer sole, it being held in place upon a lasted shoe
during the whole time that the nail is being driven.
By preventing the lower end of the tube or the driver at its descent from
touching the surface of the sole or stock the heads of the tacks or nails left pro-
jecting above the stock may be easily moved laterally with the stock under the
action of a feeding device without slotting the tube or permitting the sole support
to yield.
In connection with the shortened tube it is preferred in most instances to use
headed tacks with clinching points, and when such tacks are employed it is best to
use a tack-centreing device or mechanism to guide the tacks in a straight line to:
the surface of and present their points into small holes in the sole, made by an awl
or perforating instrument for their reception.
If nails of wire having corrugated or threaded shanks, or having heads somewhat
elongated and cylindrical are used, the centreing device is not necessary, but may
be employed.
In the third plan the nail on its passage from the end of the tube to the stock
passes between jaws of an auxiliary nail guide, adapted to guide the headed tack or
other nail after its head or upper end is driven below the lower end of the nail
tube. When the nail is driven the desired distance into the sole the auxiliary
guide is separated to release the partially driven nail, and permit it to be moved
laterally with the sole by means of a feeding device, preferably made to bear against.
the tack or nail last driven. The auxiliary nail guide will preferably be arranged
upon a pivotted lever or head so as to render it self adapting to the thickness of
the stock.
In the fourth plan the nail tube is lowered upon the surface of the stock as each
nail is being partially driven by the driver, which does not extend in its down
thrust as far as the end of the tube or the surface of the stock. When each tack or
nail has been driven the proper distance the head remaining above the surface of
the stock three-sixteenths of an inch, more or less, and yet within the nail tube, is
uncovered by lifting the nail tube above the stock far enough to clear the upper
end, of the tack or nail head, thereby permitting the feeding device to engage
and move the sole laterally and horizontally for the reception of a new tack or nail.
In the fifth plan the nail tube rests upon the surface of the stock, as usual in
nailing machines, and the stock to be set or studded with partially driven tacks or
tails rests upon a rigid support or anvil, preferably made adjustable to permit.
the use of tacks or nails of different lengths. When a tack or nail is partially
driven, according to this Invention, its head or upper end extends a certain distance,
more or less, above the surface of the stock, and to permit the lateral movement of
such partially driven tack or nail from the tube in the direction of the movement

page_text: of the sole, this tube is provided with a slot at its side. With such a tube if headed
tacks are used it is preferred to also employ tack-centreing devices, adapted to
guide the tacks in a straight line, so as to present them properly to the surface of
the sole, or into the awl holes made in the sole to receive and guide them.
As to the method; in the manufacture of boots and shoes by nailing, as now
commonly practised, the shoe upper is placed upon a last with an inner sole, and
the outer sole is applied and held to it by two or more lasting tacks. If the shoe
is to be nailed by hand the outer sole is pounded, beaten out, or moulded to the
lasted shoe; holes are made in the sole by an awl, and the nails are tlien driven singly
into such holes and the upper and inner sole. Each nail is completely driven
_ separately. If nailed by machine the shoe with its outer sole applied and held by
lasting tacks is taken to a nailing machine, where each nail is separately com--
pletely driven through the outer sole, upper, and inner sole at a single blow of the
nail driver, the head or upper end of the nail being driven flush with the face of
the outer sole, or below it. The first process is slow and expensive, and the second
requires a skilled workman to manipulate the machine, and other than hand or foot
power to run it.
The process herein described may be practised more economically, and to better
advantage than either of these usual processes.
In the improved method herein described an outer sole is suitably moulded, in
order that its surface may conform to the shape of the lasted shoe, to which it is
to be subsequently applied. Then such sole is set or studded with headed tacks or
nails, each tack being driven singly into the sole substantially at right angles with
it at the point of driving. The points of the tacks will be driven substantially
flush with the inner side of the outer sole. Preferably they will not extend through
the sole, but they may extend a little below or stop a little above the inner face of
the outer sole. The heads of the tacks or nails, as left by the driver, will project
above the outer face of the outer sole a distance sufficient to permit the tack or nail,
when subsequently driven, to extend from the inner side of the outer sole, through
the upper and inner sole, and far enough to clinch upon an iron, or iron-plated last.
The tacks or nails will preferably be made to taper more or less, and the awl to
make holes for their reception will be made of a corresponding taper, or a little
smaller than the nail body, so that the tacks or nails driven into holes so propor-
tioned with reference to the size of the tack will fit the hole throughout the thick-
ness of the sole, the same as if the tack was itself driven directly into the sole.
Tacks or nails so driven will be wedged into such holes with sufficient firmness
to remain there when the sole is subsequently handled. In, ordinary work the hole
for the nail is larger than the nail body, and is much larger than the nail, except
at or near its head, and consequently the sides of the nail do not effectually hold
against the sole throughout its length. This sole so set or studded with partially
driven tacks or nails is then placed in position upon a lasted boot or shoe, consisting
of an upper and inner sole, secured to the last, and the tacks or nails are then.
driven, preferably several at a time, by means of a broad faced hammer, or tool,
down through the outer sole, and into the upper and inner sole.
By moulding the sole before driving the tacks or nails therein as described, the
nails, when subsequently driven, will all point in a direction toward the centre of
the last, or in other words, the heads of opposite nails on opposite margins of the
shoe will be farther apart than the points of such nails. It is possible however to
practice this Invention by moulding the sole after the nails are driven, but such
plan would not be as well as to mould it before the tacks or nails are driven.
In this Invention the tacks or nails pass through the outer sole and into the
upper and inner sole, at an inward inclination more or less in degree, and the tack
points cannot enter or cut the upper above the inner sole.
Heels have been loaded with nails to be subsequently driven therethrough to
attach them to shoes. Such nails partially driven into heel blanks have been made
to incline outward, never inward, and the top lift of the heel corresponding with

page_text: Figure 1 represents the left-hand side of one form of a machine constructed in
accordance with this Invention; Figure 2; the right-hand side.
Figure 3, a top view of the nail carrier and mechanism for operating it.
Figure 4 shows the carrier removed to represent the transferrer.
Figure 5 is an under side view of the carrier.
Figure 6, a top view of the sole support and feed.
.Figure 7, an edge view of the nail box.
Figure 8, a view of a portion of a sole with nails partially driven.
Figure 9, a detail of the nail receiver.
Figure 9ª, represents a shoc and sole in cross section, the nails at one side being
as left by the machine, and at the other side as driven down into the upper and
inner sole.
Figures. 10 and 11, a side and front elevation of a machine constructed in.
accordance with the second plan of this Invention, wherein the driver does not
descend far enough to completely drive the nail.
Figure 12 is a perspective; and Figures 13 and 14 are details of the auxiliary.
nail guide and feeding device employed in the third plan of this Invention.
Figure 15 is a side elevation; Figure 16, a front elevation; and Figure 17, a
detail of the fourth plan of this Invention.
Figure 18, a front, Figure 19, a side elevation of the fifth plan of this Invention;
and Figure 20, a plan view of Figure 12.
Figures 21 and 22, a modification wherein the driver and tube do not extend to
the surface of the sole, and wherein the tube is provided with hinged fingers pressed.
together toward the path of the driver by springs, to act upon and guide the nail
until driven below the end of the fingers by the driver.
Figures 23 and 24 are modified forms of well-known feeding devices; which may
be employed to engage the substance of the sole.
The framework a of the machine is of suitable shape to properly support the
different working parts. The main shaft b sustained in bearings on standards c,
is provided with cams and pulleys to move the different devices. The disc dis
grooved at e, to receive a pin or roller, projecting from the lever f, pivolted at g,
and connected by link with the bar i, provided with the driver j, the rod recipro-
cating in guideways . At 1 (see dotted lines, Figure 1), the shaft receives a belt
m, that extends about a belt pulley n, on a shaft o, supported in arms of a hanger p,
attached to the frame a, by bolts 1, and this shaft o carries a rotary nail box 1, in
which are placed the nails to be delivered to the guideway s. An adjustable door
t on the nail box, slotted and retained, as shown in this instance, by a screw u, is
properly adjusted so as to admit several nails to fall out of the box at each rotation'
through opening 2, and such nails drop upon the upper portion 3 of the guideway,
the points of the nails dropping down through a slot in the bottom of the portion 3,
while their heads are supported by the walls of the slot, and then the nails slide'
down the slotted guideways, their heads being properly supported on the surface 4, a
cover at 5 preventing the nails from rising from the guideway and over-riding or
crowding each other, and the nails in the guideway pass one by one into cells C of
the rotating carrier &, supported on a stud or post w, and provided with a ratchet
adapted to be engaged and moved by a pawl y (see dotted lines, Figure 3),
pivotted on a pawl carrier 7, connected by a link 8, with a lever 9, provided with a
friction roll adapted to be struck by a cam 10 to move the lever and pawl to
actuate the carrier, a spring 11 returning the lever and pawl carrier. The stop 12
determines the backward position of the pawl carrier.
The nail carrier somewhat resembles an inverted cone, its upper portion or face
is flat, to receive and support the heads of the nails, one nail in each cell, the wall.
13 of the plate 14, in which the carrier rotates, keeping the nails in the cells until.
opposite the opening 15 that leads to the opening 16 of the tack or nail tube into
:
•

page_text: which the driver descends. The under face of the carrier is grooved at 17 (see
Figure 5) to permit the reciprocating transferrer 18 (see Figures 1, 4,) to remove the
nails singly from the cells 6 through the passage 15 into the nail tube 16, from
which they are driven by the driver into the sole held on the support 19, placed at
the top of a post.
The transferrer is adjustably attached to a grooved block 20, pivotted to a lever
21, and moved by a cam 22, on shaft b (sce dotted lines, Figure 2), the cam moving
the lever and transferrer forward, and the spring 23 returning them. This trans-
ferrer has at its end a groove in which the nail is received, and the transferrer
passing through a slot in the post w meets the nail at its rear side and moves it
from the cell into the receiver.
The tack or nail tube, as shown in this first plan, is composed of a stationary
grooved block or jaw 24, and a spring pressed grooved block or jaw 25 (see Figure 9)..
The tacks or nails are delivered singly into the opening or groove between the jaws,
the groove receiving and supporting the headed tack or nail. As the driver descends
it meets the head of and drives the tack or nail down between the jaws, and
partially into the stock, the jaws separating under the action of the tack head and
driver. The tapering portions of the grooves in the jaws or blocks support the
head until the point is entered into and driven the desired distance through the
sole when the support is released, and the driver descending a little further to move
the head of the tack or nail from between and below the nail tube does not drive
the tack into the sole. After the support is released the further descent of the
driver in contact with the tack head for the sole and nail descend together under.
the action of the driver, and the head of the tack removed from the tubo is left
projecting some distance above the surface of the sole. After this the sole with its
partially driven tack or nail is moved for a new tack, and the support is elevated
before the driver again descends.
The support 19, on the upper surface of which rests the sole to be supplied with
nails, is adapted to be moved up and down in guides in the frame, a spiral or other
spring 26 holding it up against a fixed rest 27, a guide rod 28 connected with a
backward projection of the support, and moving in a hole in the frame preventing
the shaft of the support from turning, and ensuring the retention of the nail
receiving groove 29 always in the proper direction to permit the passage from it of
the points of the nails.
The support is provided with a feeding device, consisting in this instance of a
finger 30 on a lever 31, pivotted to the support at 32, covered in part by a plate 33,
and connected through a stud 34 with a feed actuating rod 35, the rod being
provided with a projecting toe adapted to be struck by the lower end of a lever 36,
pivotted at 37, and moved by a cam 38, the lever moving the feed actuating rod
backward to give the lever and feed finger 30 its forward or positive movement, a
spring 40 moving it backward. This feed finger 30 is shown as adapted to engage
the lower or point end of each nail after it is driven partially through the sole, and
while it rests in groove 29 and acting on the nail last driven, moves the sole along
the proper distance or the distance desired between the adjacent nails, but should
a nail fail to pass through the sole, then it is obvious the sole would not be moved
forward for the feed would have nothing to engage.
If desired a feed finger or device may engage the nail above the sole.
The edge of the sole is held pressed against the guide 41 which may be adjustable
to or from the slot 29, and instead of the feed shown some other well-known class
of feed that would engage the sole inay be used, as for instance, in the well-known
McKay sewing or nailing machine, or as shown in Figures 23 and 24.
The lower end of lever 36 is slotted (as shown in dotted lines, Figure 2) to receive
a pin on a slide bar 42, provided at its forward end with an incline 43, and extend-
ing through a slot in the frame a, and during most of the time that the nail is
being driven into the sole the support is held up by the bar, but just before the
head of the nail reaches the sole, or the driver reaches its lowest downward position,

page_text: the support is released by drawing back the bar, and then the support rests on the
spring, and the driver in its further downward movement pushes the nail head and
sole down without driving the nail, and the feed takes place.
.
It is obvious that the driver bar carrier and feed may be operated and the support
be held and released by levers or rods constructed differently from the levers and
rods of the Drawing without departing from this Invention, and the machine may
be provided with an awl bar operating in any well known way. By making the
nail tube separable in the line of the feed, the full lateral movement of the tacks is
less liable to be interfered with.
The jar of the parts in the operation of the machine is sufficient to cause the nails
to move freely down the guideway.
Referring to Figure 9ª, a¹ represents the last, having applied to it an inner sole b¹,
about which is placed the upper c¹. The outer sole d¹, moulded and supplied with
partially driven tacks or nails, is then placed upon the lasted shoe, and the tacks
or nails are then driven, entering the upper and inner sole, substantially in the
direction indicated; the last may be of metal or metal plated as usual; the tacks or
nails may be of any usual shape.
In Figures 10 and 11 the frame a² of any usual or suitable shape supports the
nail tube, driver, feed awl (if one is used), and nail selecting or presenting mechanism.
As herein shown the tack or nail driver j is attached to the lower end of a driver
bar h, connected with a lever f, operated by a cam e on the shaft c². The shoe sole
or stock to be set or studded with partially driven tacks or nails is placed upon a
supporting surface 62, preferably made adjustable as to its height to adapt the
machine to soles, single or double, of different thicknesses, and for tacks or nails of
different lengths. The stock is held pressed down upon the support by a presser i²
at all times except during the time the feed device moves the stock.
The presser
is held down by a suitable spring x, and lifted by a cam 2. The feeding device is
represented as a reciprocating bar notched or shaped at its forward end to engage
a tack or nail left projecting above the surface of the stock, and by pressure against
the tack or nail move it and the stock for the reception of another tack or nail. The
feeding device is reciprocated by a lever 12 acted upon by a cam m². If the nail is
not driven the feed will not take place.
The lower end of the nail tube n², as represented in the Drawing, does not extend
to or rest upon the stock as the nail is driven. The driver terminates its down
thrust at a point above the surface of the stock, and with relation to the bottom of
the tube just sufficient to drive the head of the tack or nail from the nail tube.
In this Invention the support for the stock will be placed at a distance from the
lower end of the nail tube, according to the thickness of stock or length of nail, so
as to present the upper or outer face of the sole at a distance from the lower end of
the nail tube, substantially equal to the length of nail it is desired to leave undriven
above the stock.
Tacks with large heads require that the nail tube have a passage a little longer
than the diameter of the head, and such tacks are liable to tip in their passage, and
not be driven straight into the sole. To obviate this and guide the tacks in a
straight line or present their points properly to enter holes previously made in the
sole by an awl or equivalent, there may be added to the nail tube a centreing device
composed, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, of two spring fingers 21, 31, (spring held
jaws might be used instead), that projecting into the nail tube act against the body
and head of the tack and guide it straight through the tube. The centreing devico
acts upon the body or head of the nail until after its point enters the sole, or the
hole in the sole. Headed tacks with regular tack points will not run straight
through the leather, so a hole may be made for them by an awl operated in any
usual way.
Nails of other constructions, or having central points, may be driven without pre-
viously making holes in the sole. In all cases the tacks or nails are driven into the
sole with sufficient firmness to remain therein when the sole is being applied to the
shoc

page_text: The shape of the jaws or centreing devices may be varied without departing from
this Invention.
If desired the jaws might be arranged as at 41, 51, Figures 21, 22, to form a
separable prolongation of the nail tube, the driver descending through the tube and
the prolongation thereof formed by the jaw. In such Figures the solid portion of
the nail tube is marked n², and the jaws 41, 51, extend below and form a continua-
tion of the tube. Springs hold the jaws pressed toward each other.
In the third plan, Figures 12, 13, and 14, the nail tube is shortened, and an
auxiliary separable nail guide a³ is interposed between the lower end of the tube and
the support be, and so as to rest upon the stock or sole. This auxiliary nail guide
is composed of two pivotted jaws or arms b³, c³, connected with a rising and falling
adjustable spring held arm or lever e³, pressed down upon the sole by a spring m³,
see Figure 20.
Between the arms of the guide, at their forward ends, is a nail passage or
way o in line with the nail tube passage, so that a nail or tack after emerging
from the nail tube will enter the passage 0% in the nail guide, it receiving the
point of the tack or nail before the head thereof leaves the nail tube, thereby
directing the nail in a straight line and preventing it from being overturned.
The nail driver has only sufficient length of stroke to drive the tack or nail
partially into the surface of or through the sole. Preferably the points or lower
ends of the nails will be driven substantially flush with that surface of the sole
to be applied next to the inner sole and upper in the subsequent manufacture
of a boot or shoe. It will be observed that the tacks or nails, driven as
described, are left by the driver with their heads above the outer face of the
outer sole and above the nail guide, the jaws of which are held together by a
spring p³, or equivalent.
The feed device in this instance (adapted to operate against a partially driven
tack) is located or supported with reference to the jaws, so as to be reciprocated
between them, engage the tack, move the jaws laterally by reason of its inclined end
from engagement with the partially driven tack or nail, and by pressure against
such tack or nail move the sole for the reception of a new tack or nail, the one last
driven and so engaged by the feeding device being thereby removed laterally from
the nail guide through a side passage therein made by separating the guide. When
the feeding device is retracted, the jaws again close and form a guide for the next
nail or tack to be driven.
In the fourth plan, Figures 15, 16, and 17, the nail tube jis to be supplied singly
with tacks or nails from any proper source. The tube, if used with headed nails,
will be provided with any usual form of centreing device, fingers, or jaws described
in the other Figures, to act upon the body or head and properly direct the point of
the nail. The tube will preferably be made in two parts, one part 7 attached
fixedly to the machine as in Figure 17, the other part being arranged to be
moved up and down upon the head of the machine in proper guideways (in this
instance of the Invention) by means of a lever operated by a cam groove m in a
disc or wheel on the shaft c. As shown in the Drawing, Figure 16, the part of
the tube is elevated above the stock, and the feeder is drawn back.. The driver
during the early stage of its descent pushes the nail or tack suitably presented into
the nail tube down into the part of the tube, then such part and driver descend
together until the lower end of the part j rests upon the stock, when the driver in
its further movement drives the tack or nail, guided or steadied by the tube, into
the stock, permitting its head to remain at the desired distance above the stock.
In this condition, and preferably while the driver remains down, the nail tube is
lifted from the stock, uncovering the undriven upper end of the tack or nail, leaving
it free to be moved from under the path of the driver by the feed, preferably
adapted to engage the upper end of the nail. The nail tube may be so connected
with its actuating lever that it will yield vertically to slight irregularities of the
stock. With this nail tube adapted to be raised and lowered as described, it is
intended to employ a work support substantially as in the first plan referred to, it

page_text: being arranged so that its upper surface will be pressed upward to a certain fixed
point prior to driving each tack or nail, its upward position however being made
variable from time to time, according to the length of nail to be driven and the
thickness of the stock. This adjustment is made by raising or lowering the support
with relation to the devices employed to lock or release it.
If desired the tube may be made as a single piece, and be lowered and raised to
bear upon the stock to uncover the head of the nail.
In my fifth plan, Figures 18 and 19, the nail tube n² is long enough to bear at its
lower end, upon the stock or sole, and at its side in the direction of the movement
of the nail and stock (when the nail is partially driven) is a slot as to permit the
head and undriven portion of the nail to pass therethrough when acted upon by the
feed, its end being preferably shaped to enter an opening at the opposite side of
the nail tubo in line with opening a³. This nail tube will preferably be provided
with centreing jaws, shown in dotted lines, Figure 19, and in Figure 18, at 6³, a
suitable spring pressing the centreing device or finger toward the centre of the nail
passage.
Figure 14 shows a modification of the auxiliary nail guide of the third plan. In
such modification the arms b, c, are attached to move with the feeder ², substan-
tially the same in operation as the feeder, Figure 13. Stationary pins ² on the
arm open the arms when they are moved forward by the lever so as to release
the nail held in the opening o³. A suitable spring between, or operating in con-
nection with the arms, close them and keep them closed when the nail is being
driven.
Having now described and particularly set forth the nature of the said Invention
and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood that
what I claim is,―
First. A tack or nail tube and driver in combination with a guideway to sustain
and direct nails into a carrier, a carrier and a transferrer to remove a nail from the
carrier into the nail tube, to be driven therefrom by the driver, substantially as
described.
Second. A nail tube and driver in combination with a slotted support for the
sole, and mechanism to automatically lock and release it, whereby the support is
held rigidly during the time the nail is being driven partially into the sole, and is
then released to prevent the nail being further driven, leaving the head of the nail
projecting above the sole, substantially as described.
Third. A slotted or grooved support and mechanism to lock and release it in com-
bination with a guide rod to prevent the support being turned, whereby the groove
of the support is always retained in the same position with relation to the feed and
edge gauge, substantially as described.
Fourth. A support for the sole in combination with a feeding device adapted to
engage a partially driven tack or nail and move the sole, substantially as described.
Fifth. A tack or nail tube, and a carrier provided with cells 6, and with grooves 17,
in combination with a reciprocating transferrer to engage the side of the nail next
the centre of the carrier and move it laterally from the cell into the tube to be
driven by the driver, substantially as described.
Sixth. The tack or nail tube or receiver composed of grooved blocks or jaws 24, 25,
one of which is adapted to yield to permit the descent of the nail and driver in
combination with the driver, substantially as described.
Seventh. In combination, a nail-carrying box adapted to discharge headed nails
at intervals into a slotted guideway, a slotted guideway, a carrier adapted to carry
the nails singly from the guideway to a position opposite the nail tube, and a trans-
ferrer to remove the tacks or nails laterally into the tube to be driven by the driver,
substantially as described.
Eighth. The sole support slotted to receive the points of the nails in combination
with an edge gauge attached to and moving with the support.
Ninth. The improved method or process herein described of uniting the soles and
uppers of boots and shoes with metallic fastenings, consisting in supplying the outer

page_text: sole with partially driven fastenings, then applying the sole (moulded to the shape
of the lasted shoe, and so studded with metallic fastenings) to the lasted shoe, and
driving the said fastenings held in the outer sole, down through the outer sole, upper
and inner sole, all substantially as described.
Tenth. In combination, a work support, a nail tube, and a driver, the nail tube
being arranged with its lower end above the surface of the stock to permit the lateral
movement of the partially driven nail from under it and the driver to descend far
enough to remove the head of the nail out of the nail tube and only partially drive
the nail, thereby leaving its upper end projecting above the surface of the stock,
_substantially_as described.
Eleventh. A shortened nail tube and driver, and a support for the stock arranged
with relation to each other as described, so that the end of the nail tube and driver
are elevated above the stock as set forth, in combination with a presser to hold the
stock upon the support, substantially as described.
Twelfth. The combination with a shortened nail tube, a driver, and a work
support of a nail centreing device arranged in connection with the nail tube, having
its lower end placed at a distance above the surface of the stock, as described, and
adapted to hold and direct the tack or nail while it is partially driven into the stock
by the driver, the latter terminating its downward thrust at a distance above the
surface of the stock to prevent driving the head of the tack or nail down completely
to the surface of the stock, substantially as described.
L
Thirteenth. The combination with a nail tube and driver of an auxiliary nail
guide adapted to receive the nail from the nail tube and permit its discharge
laterally therefrom, substantially as described.
Fourteenth. The combination with a nail tube driver and work support of an
auxiliary nail guide adapted to rise and fall, according to the thickness of the stock,
and to permit the movement of the partially driven nail or tack laterally from the
guide, substantially as described.
Fifteenth. The combination with a nail or tack support and driver of a vertically
yielding guide, constructed in two parts, adapted to be separated or parted to
permit the passage laterally from between the guide of a tack or nail partially
driven into a sole, substantially as described.
Sixteenth. A nail guide in combination with a feeding device adapted to enter
between the spring-held jaws of the nail or tack guide, separate the guide for the
lateral movement of the partially driven tack, and then to engage and move the sole
by pressure against the driven nail or tack.
Seventeenth. A separable tack or nail guide arranged between the end of the nail
tube and the surface of the stock to guide a tack or nail, and permit its removal
laterally therefrom before driving another nail, substantially as described.
Eighteenth. A support for the stock and a driver adapted to descend to a
position above the surface of the stock equal to the distance it is desired the head
of the nail to project above the stock in combination with a nail tube adapted to
descend below the lowest position of the driver to guide the nail and to be lifted up
from the head of the partially driven tack or nail to permit the stock and partially
driven tack to be moved or fed, substantially as described.
Nineteenth. A nail tube slotted at its side in the direction of the movement of
the stock or nail in combination with a driver adapted to drive the nail only
partially into the stock and not completely out of the nail tube, substantially as
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Morgan-Brown, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord
the coven
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN. (L.S.)