Heels of Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1887

page_text: [Communicated from abroad by CHARLES HENRY TRASK, of Lynn, Massachusetts,
United States of America, Gentleman.]
Heels of Boots and Shoes.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake and Co. Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statment :-
This invention relates partly to an organized machine adapted to trim the sole edge
and heel edge of a boot or shoe as successive operations upon the same boot or shoe,
and I have represented it as organized in two forms, one of which has a single
rotating heel-edge trimmer, a single rotating sole-edge trimmer, and a single rotating
shank-edge trimmer mounted upon one side of a common frame, and upon separate or
independent shafts, and so located in relation to each other that the work may be
presented to each cutter without interfering with or danger from the other cutters,
and the other of which has two rotary heel trimmers, two-sole edge trimmers, and two
shank-edge trimmers; that is, it is an organization which duplicates the first named
organization upon the opposite side of the machine, so that the machine will have two
And when this last named form
groups or series of trimming devices instead of one.
of construction is used I prefer to employ a reversible duplex trimmer, that is, a
trimmer one section of which is adapted to be used upon one side of the machine only,
and another section which is adapted to be used upon the opposite side of the machine
only.
The invention further relates to the use in connection with these cutters of various
devices for guiding and assisting in the presentation of the work to the trimmers, as
will hereinafter appear. It further relates to the use in connection with the trimmers
of rand or welt trimming devices. It further relates to various details of organization
and construction.

page_text: In the accompanying drawings-
Figure 1 represents in end elevation the head of a single machine, that is, a
machine having the various trimming devices arranged upon one side only.
Figure 2 is a plan view of such a machine.
Figure 3 is a view in front elevation thereof.
Figures 4 to 8 inclusive are detailed views, to which reference will hereinafter be
made.
Figures 9 to 11 inclusive are views of one form of heel trimmer hereinafter
described.
Figure 12 is a view in end elevation of a duplex or double machine.
Figure 13 is a view in elevation of one of its fronts.
Figure 14 is a plan view thereof.
Figures 15 to 27 inclusive are detail views to which reference will hereinafter be made.
A is the stand of the machine; upon it is mounted a frame or bracket, a, which is
arranged to support three shafts, namely, the shaft a¹, which carries at one end the
sole-edge trimmer a², and, when the machine is organized as a duplex machine, at its
other end, the sole-edge trimmer A', (see Figures 12 and 14); second, the shaft a³,
which carries at one end the heel trimmer a', and, when the machine is organized as a
double machine, at the other end, the heel trimmer A2 (see Figures 12 and 14); and,
third the shaft a³, which carries at one end the shank-edge trimmer a", and when the
machine is organized as a duplex machine, at the other end, the trimmer A³. The
shaft a¹ has the pulley a', the shaft as the pulley as, the shaft as the pulley a; and
when an extra shaft carrying grinding wheels is used, as represented in Figure 14,
said shaft also has a pulley which is arranged in line with those mentioned. These
shafts and pulleys are arranged in relation to each other substantially as represented
in Figures 1, 2, 12 and 14, and the shafts have suitable bearings upon each side of
the pulleys in the head or bracket u, and the pulleys are arranged in line with each
other to be run by the single belt A4, which passes over them, and by the pulley a¹ of
the driving shaft a¹¹ (see Figure 3).
The relation which the trimmers bear to each other is well illustrated in Figures 1, 2
and 3, when organized in a single machine, and in Figures 12, 13 and 14 when
organized in a double or duplex machine.
The heel edge trimmer I have represented as a solid cutter although I do not
confine myself to this form of construction. Its form and construction as adapted for
use upon a single machine are well shown in Figures 9,10 and 11; and when organized or
formed for a duplicate machine having a reversible or two-part cutter, in Figures 18, 19
and 20.
The sole-edge trimmer for the single machine is also a solid cutter, and is well
shown, and when having two cutting surfaces for successive use in duplicate machines
it is shaped substantially as shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17.
A covering device or shield B, is mounted upon the rod b and shaft a¹ to cover the
sole edge cutter when not in use, being moved upon its supports by a coiled spring b³
and this device is the same whether used upon the single or double machine. When
used in connection with a double trimmer its cavity is made somewhat deeper than
when used for a single trimmer (see Figure 21). This cover or shield covers the
sole-edge trimmer when it is not in use, and it is adapted to be moved back from the
cutter to expose its cutting edge by contact of the under surface of the sole thereof
as its edge is presented to the trimmer.
There is also used in connection with the trimmer a rand guide 6, which enters the
rand crease between the upper surface of the sole and welt and the upper leather.
This rand guide (see Figure 21) may have a vertical movement in relation to the
trimmer in order that its vertical edge may be adjusted to the wear of the cutter, and
also to adjust its edge to the depth of the rand crease. To accomplish this I form the
rand guide upon the edge of a disc sufficiently large to receive the head of the
fastening stud which secures the sole-edge trimmer to the shaft. The disc has a hub
which extends into a recess formed in a slide-plate so that the rand disc is held between
the slide-plate and the trimmer.

page_text: The slide plate is made adjustable by means of a screw and an adjusting nut, and is
locked in any desired position by a locking screw (see Figure 1). The sole-edge
trimmer is so shaped not only to trim the edge of the sole, but also to trim cut or
bevel the corner or edge of the rand and the lower corner or edge of the sole; but the
rand cutter may be made separate from the remainder of the trimmer if desired.
The shank-edge trimmer a is formed substantially as shown in Figures 6 and 8 for
a single machine, and as shown in Figures 22, 26 and 27 for a double machine that
is, when the shank-edge trimmer of the double machine is adapted to be used at will
upon either side thereof. It is cut away as represented to permit the shank-edge
to be trimmed closely to the heel end. It is covered or shielded when not
in use by a protector C (see Figures 6 and 7) which is rotated to bring the
opening against the stress of the spring c³, opposite the place where the sole is
applied to the cutter. The trimmer has, preferably, a rand cutter formed integral
therewith, and a rand guide c', which is provided with an adjustment in a manner
similar to that used in adjusting the sole-edge trimmer rand guide.
The heel edge trimmer, shown in Figures 9, 10, 11, 18, 19 and 20 is formed from
a solid block of suitable metal circular in shape, and having the desired configuration.
This block is bored centrally to provide the shaft hole d; the centre of the cutter
shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11 is then removed to form the cavity d¹. Cutting teeth
or edges ², are then provided by drilling the recesses therein from the outer edges
of the cutter, and the cutting teeth are also backed off so as to make the cutting edges
the points most remote from the centre of the block. The recesses ³ open into tho
central cavity. This produces, in effect a solid cutter having strap knives which are
integral with each end thereof or which are centrally supported as shown in
Figures 18, 19 and 20.
With the heel trimmer there must be used a rand guide and heel rest for
supporting the side surface of the heel, and a toplift rest and guard and, when
desired, to these may be added a rand cutter. When a solid or fixed cutter is
used it is desirable to provide the toplift rest and guard with a horizontal, or
substantially horizontal, movement upon a part of the cutter to vary the extent or
length of its cut as the surface of the heel varies in height, and the toplift rest
and guard during this movement must be maintained at a uniform distance from the
edge of the cutter. To obtain this result I use in connection with the movable guide
and rest a pattern or cam for controlling their position in relation to the edge of the
trimmer.
E is the toplift guide, e the toplift rest. The toplift rest is inclined outwardly
from the guide. The guide is a little less in thickness than an ordinary toplift,
and is very thin. The guide and rest are formed, preferably, in one piece in the
form of a disc, having a hole larger than the greatest diameter of the trimmer it
surrounds and this disc is fastened to a supporting plate e¹, preferably in a manner to
permit it to be slightly moved or adjusted therein. This supporting plate e¹ has a
hole e, of sufficient size to embrace the trimmer. It is suspended from the rod b¹ by
means of a sleeve, and it is movable upon the rod horizontally in opposition to the
coiled spring e.
To govern the position of the toplift rest and guide as the heel is trimmed I provide
the plate e with an arm e (see Figure 4) the end of which is arranged to bear upon
a pattern or cam e (see Figures 4 and 5) and as the plate e¹ and toplift guide and
rest are moved horizontally by the work, the arm e rides upon the cam or pattern
and maintains the guide and rest at a uniform distance from the cutting edge of the
trimmer. This cam is suitably supported, and its shape and inclination may be varied
at will (see Figure 5).
F is the heel rest (see Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 12 and 14). It may occupy a fixed position
in relation to the trimmer, or it may be moved laterally with the toplift rest and guide.
This construction I have shewn in the Figures referred to.
G is the rand cutter of the heel trimmer, and H the rand guide, and preferably
they are attached to the trimmer to be rotated therewith. This mechanism for
governing the presentation of the heel to the trimmer is the same whether used with a

page_text: machine having a duplex arrangement of cutters, or a single arrangement of cutters,
and whether used with a double or a single cutter.
In use when a single series of trimmers is employed the machine is run by one
operator, but when the double series is used there may be one or two operators, as
desired. To operate the machine the operator stands in a location which enables him
to present the work to the three cutters without materially changing his position.
The sole-edge, preferably, is first trimmed, then the shank edge, and then the heel.
The operator holds the boot or shoe in his hand and presents it to the trimming
devices in a manner to cause the rand guide to enter the rand crease, and then turns
the boot or shoe to bring the edge of the sole or heel into contact with the trimmer.
In trimming the heel he rests the side of the heel upon the support F, and brings the
edge of the toplift to bear against the top lift guide E and its face against the rest e,
and he then turns the heel in relation to the trimmer until the entire edge has been
trimmed, and by this turning action he causes the cutting edge of the trimmer to be
increased or decreased in length, according as the height of the heel increases or
decreases.
The advantages of the invention arise largely from the bringing together and
association of trimmers for sole and heel edge trimming, so organized and arranged
that the work can be successively presented to the trimmers by the same operator.
Also from the arrangement of the trimmers upon the shafts supported by a common
frame, whereby economy in construction is effected. Also from the arrangement of
the shafts of the various cutters, whereby they are all rotated by a single belt. Also
by the special arrangement which the trimmers bear to each other, whereby the work
is presented to one without interfering with the other.
The duplex arrangement is an improvement upon the single organization in that
greater economy in the floor space of a factory is obtained, a further saving in the
cost of construction provided, and a saving in the time of the trimming operation is
effected, especially where duplex cutters are used. The employment of a two-part or
double trimmer is advantageous in that it requires less time to sharpen them, and also
in that they can be more cheaply made than two single trimmers. And when they
are employed they are first used upon the shafts on one side of the machine, and are
then transferred to the other side of the machine upon the opposite ends of the same
shaft of course this makes the machine a right machine on one side and a left
machine upon the other side.
I would say that the machine may be organized without the use of the shank-edge
trimmers, either as a single or as a double machine, and that as a double machine it
may be organised without the heel trimmers, and, if desired, without the shank-edge
trimmers.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
First In a sole and heel trimming machine, the combination and arrangement of
a rotary sole-edge trimming mechanism, a rotary shank-edge trimming mechanism,
and a rotary heel-edge trimming mechanism, upon one side of a common support or
frame, substantially as described.
Second: In a sole and heel-edge trimming machine, the combination of a rotary
sole-edge trimming mechanism, and a rotary heel-edge trimming mechanism, with or
without rotary shank-edge trimming mechanism, arranged upon each side of a common
support or frame, whereby a duplex organization is obtained, as and for the purposes
described.
Third In a trimming machine, the combination of a frame supporting a shaft
having upon one end a rotary sole-edge trimming mechanism, and upon the other end
another rotary sole-edge trimming mechanism, either with or without an additional
shaft carrying upon each a rotary shank trimming mechanism, substantially as
described.
Fourth-The combination in a sole and heel-edge trimming machine, of one or

page_text: .
more rotary sole edge trimmers one or more rotary shank-edge trimmers, and one or
more rotary heel edge trimmers, their supporting shafts and pulleys carried thereby,
and means for simultaneously rotating the three shafts substantially as described.
Fifth The combination in a sole and heel edge trimming machine, of a rotary
heel-edge trimmer and a rotary shank-edge trimmer and a hood or device for covering
the shank edge trimmer when not in use substantially as described.
Sixth-The combination in a sole and heel edge trimming machine, of a rotary
heel edge trimmer, a rotary sole edge trimmer, a hood or device for covering the
rotary sole-edge trimmer when not in use substantially as described.
Seventh-The combination of a heel trimmer with a laterally movable heel rest,
substantially as described.
Eighth A trimmer having a laterally movable heel rest, substantially as described.
Ninth A rotary heel trimmer having a laterally movable toplift guide and rest,
substantially as described.
:
Tenth A rotary heel trimmer having a laterally movable toplift guide and rest,
and a cam or pattern for controlling their position in relation to the trimmer, substan-
tially as described.
Eleventh-A rotary heel edge trimmer, a laterally movable toplift guide and rest,
and a heel support, substantially as described.
Twelfth In a trimming machine, a rotary sole-edge and rand-edge trimmer for
simultaneous use, a rotary shank edge and rand-edge trimmer for simultaneous use,
and a rotary heel-edge and rand trimmer for simultaneous use arranged in a single
machine for successive operation upon the same boot or shoe, substantially as
described..
:-
Thirteenth A shank-edge trimmer having its rear section bevelled or cut away,
as and for the purposes described.
Fourteenth A heel-edge trimmer having its cutting edges or knives in the form
of straps extending from one end of the trimmer to the other, and made integral with
said ends, substantially as described.
Fifteenth :-A sole and heel-edge trimming machine having two groups of
trimmers, each group comprising a rotary sole-edge trimmer and a rotary heel edge
trimmer substantially as described.
Sixteenth A sole and heel-edge trimming machine having two groups of
trimmers each of which comprises a rotary sole-edge trimmer, a rotary heel-edge
5 trimmer, and a rotary-shank-edge trimmer, substantially as described.
Seventeenth-In a sole and heel-edge trimming machine, a head bolted to or
carried by a stand, and supporting three shafts, the ends of which extend from each
side thereof, one of which shafts carries at each end a shank-edge trimmer, another of
which shafts carries at each end a heel-edge trimmer, and a third of which shafts
carries at each end sole-edge trimming mechanism for rotating said shafts, substan-
tially as described.
Eighteenth-In an organized sole and heel edge trimming machine, the com-
bination and arrangement of one group of rotary trimming devices, comprising a
rotary sole-edge trimmer, and guides for governing the presentation of the work
thereto, a rotary heel-edge trimmer and guides for governing the presentation of the
work to it, with a group of trimmers comprising a rotary-sole-edge trimmer, a second
sole-edge trimmer and guides for governing the presentation of the work thereto, and
a second rotary heel edge trimmer, and guides for governing the presentation of the
work to it, substantially as described.
Nineteenth-A trimmer, with a sole and heel-edge trimming machine having two
cutting sections adapted to be successively used, substantially as described.
Twentieth-A heel trimmer having two cutting sections arranged or adapted for
successive use, substantially as described.
Twenty-first: A sole edge trimmer having two sections adapted for successive use,
substantially as described.
:
Twenty-second A shank-edge trimmer having two cutting edges or sections
adapted for successive use, substantially as described.

page_text: Twenty-third In a sole and heel-edge trimming machine, the arrangement of a
head, one or more shafts supported thereby extending from each side, and a cutter for
each shaft, having two cutting sections adapted to be used successively on the ends of
the shafts, as, and for the purposes, specified.
Twenty-fourth--A sole and heel edge trimming machine, having on one or both
sides of a head a rotary heel edge trimming mechanism, a rotary sole edge trimming
mechanism, and a rotary shank edge trimming mechanism arranged in relation to
each other as to their horizontal and vertical planes as shown and described.
Twenty-fifth-A sole and heel edge trimming machine having a rotary sole edge
trimming device and a rotary heel edge trimming device, arranged upon the same
side of a common support or frame, substantially as described.
Twenty-sixth-The combination of a rotary heel trimmer, and devices for pre-
sonting the heel thereto, adapted by the movement of the toplift guide and rest
relatively to the trimmer to increase the length of the cutting surface of the trimmer,
substantially as described.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London,
Agents for the Applicant.