Improved Measuring Appliances for Bootmakers.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Feb., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 18th Nov., 1889-Accepted, 21st Dec., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Measuring Appliances for Bootmakers.
I, SAMUEL FREDERICK SCOTT of No. 45 Bridge Street, Glasgow in the County of
Lanark North Britain Bootmaker do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
This invention relates to appliances for the use of Bootmakers and has for its
objects 1st to afford facilities for Bootmakers to obtain exact and reliable measure-
ments for (what are technically termed) "Bespoke Boots" and second to furnish
Bootmakers with appliances whereby they may in any place obtain charts containing
measurements for "Bespoke Boots" and the said charts may be thereafter used in
any other place or places upon similar appliances in fitting up the lasts and making the
boots required.
In carrying out my invention I construct a small platform or stool with
(preferably) a sloping top for supporting a persons foot during the process of
measuring it.
When in use this instrument requires to be placed upon the floor and the persons
foot upon it whose measure requires taking.
When in its position for use the upper sloping surface of this instrument inclines
upwards from the heel to the toes and has an upright member at the the lower end for
the purpose (amongst others) of keeping the persons heel in one fixed position.
The surfaces of this apparatus do not contain any scale of measurements or
markings such as described in my former patent (No. 9819-dated Aug. 19, 1885).
The measuring scalo or scales for use with this instrument are contained and
printed or otherwise impressed) upon sheets of paper or other suitable material about
the size of the platform top and are laid upon the said platform and held tightly in
one position during the measuring or subsequent processes by clasps, springs or other
such like mechanism.
On each of two sides of the platform and about level with its surface are attached
two metal rods or tubes (preferably round) which are united at their extreme
ends to the body of the instrument and oxtending from the heel part to the toe.
Between each of these rods and the side of the apparatus which is nearest to it is
a small interstice or clearance sufficient to allow free passage for a tubular collar or
clasp (which encircles the rod) to move freely from end to end thereof. Each of
these clasps or collars is furnished with a pointer which projects across the margin of
the platform and the paper (or other) chart contained upon the sloping face thereof.
To the upper part of each of the said collars is hinged a jointed finger which may be
raised erect laid flat upon the platform or curved into any form required to suit the
foot or last. To the upright member before named which is at the heel of the
instrument there is attached a crutch within which is retained the heel of any person
whose measure is being taken so that it may not move from its place and at the toe
part of the apparatus there is a hinged bar for the purpose of holding tightly down
in one position the chart or sheet whilst it is in use upon the instrument.
Each skeleton chart contains one or more printed scales of shoemakers measure-
ments corresponding to those upon the ordinary shoemakers "Size stick" in addition
thereto initial lines for recording the date, name, description of Boot and particulars
relating to the Heel, Ankle, Instep and Leg measurements as well as any general or
special remarks relating to the matter for which the chart is required.
The foregoing description relates to those appliances which are required for
measuring the foot.
After the foot has been measured and a last is placed upon the apparatus to be
up in accordance with the measurements recorded upon the chart appliances are
fitted

page_text: required for holding the last in a rigid immoveable position and for this purpose I have
fitted to the upright member which is at the heel part, a pivotted arm containing
a thumb screw (or such like agent) which arm may be turned round into a position
above the ankle part of the last and the thumb screw is employed to press down the
last tightly to the platform and at the same time tilt up the front, or toe, part of
the last.
I also confine the last sideways with. screws contained within upright pillars
attached to a cross bar laid upon the face of the chart and having pendant legs
inserted within the interstices between the longitudinal bars and sides of the
apparatus so that when this crossbar is put upon the face of the apparatus and the
last is laid upon it with the heel in the "Crutch" part before named the various
screws are brought into operation to hold it tightly in its position.
The mode of using the instrument is as follows
A skeleton chart being placed upon the instrument and secured by the mechanism
before named the pivotted arm at the heel part is turned backward out of the way
of the persons foot which is placed upon the instrument and its outline marked upon
the chari with a pencil or other agent, the foot is then measured in the usual way
and as each measurement is taken one or other of the sliding collar-and-finger
members is moved into such a position that the pointer is opposite the measuring
strip or tape when the position is marked upon the margin of the chart and the girth
of the foot and any other necessary note is recorded at that place. This process is
adopted on one side only or on both sides of the foot and the measurements of the
ankle and leg are similarly entered in the places initialed for them upon the chart.
When the chart is thus drafted it may be sent into the workshop (or to any other
part of the country, or world, than that where it was projected) and, being placed
upon another such instrument and adjusted thereon the last-retaining-bar
placed suitably near to the instep and the nearest size of last adjusted over the outline
of the foot contained upon the chart: The pivotted arm upon the heel part being
turned so as to overhang the ankle part of the last, the thumb screw is employed to
bind the last tightly downwards to the platform and the side screws upon the "bar"
are then used to retain the last in its position sideways. Being thus fixed rigidly in
position, the "last" is next measured and made up (by patching and other means) to
the sizes recorded on the margin and other parts of the chart where the dimensions
and peculiarities of the foot are permanently registered..
: Dated this 16th day of February 1889
is
JOSEPH
LOCKWOOD,
Argyle Street, Glasgow, Agent for the Inventor.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Measuring Appliances for Bootmakers.
1 SAMUEL EREDERICK SCOTT of No. 45 Bridge Street Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark North Britain Bootmaker, 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 statement :-
This invention relates to appliances for the use of Bootmakers and has for its
objects;
1st. to afford facilities for Bootmakers to obtain exact and reliable measurements
for (what are technically termed) "Bespoke Boots" and second to furnish Boot-
makers with appliances whereby they may in any place obtain charts containing
measurements for "Bespoke Boots," which charts may be thereafter used in other
places upon similar appliances, in fitting up the lasts when making the .Boots
required..
In carrying out my invention I construct a small platform or stool with
(preferably) a sloping. top for supporting a persons foot during the process of
measuring it.

page_text: When in use this instrument requires to be place: upon the floor and the persons
foot upon it whose measure requires taking.
When in its position for use the upper sloping surface of this instrument inclines
upwards from the heel to the toes and has an upright member at the lower end
for the purpose (amongst others) of keeping the persons foot in one fixed position.
The surfaces of this apparatus do not contain any scale of measurents or markings
such as described in my former patent (No. 9819, dated Aug. 19, 1885).
The measuring scale or scales for use with this instrument are contained and
printed or otherwise impressed upon sheets of paper or other suitable material about
the size of the platform top and are laid upon the said platform and held tightly in
one position during the measuring or subsequent processes by clasps, springs or other
such like mechanism.
On each of two sides of the platform and about level with its surface are attached
two metal rods or tubes (preferably round) which are united at their extreme
ends to the body of the instrument and extend from the heel part to the toe.
Between each of these rods and the side of the apparatus which is nearest to it is
a small interstice or clearance sufficient to allow free passage for a tubular collar or
clasp which encircles the rod, to move freely from end to end thereof.
Each of these clasps or collars is furnished with a pointer which projects across
the margin of the platform and the paper (or other) chart contained upon the face
thereof. To the upper part of each of the said collars is hinged a jointed finger
which may be raised erect, laid flat upon the platform or curved into any form
required to suit the foot or last. To the upright member before named which is at
the heel of the instrument there is attached a crutch within which is retained the
heel of any person whose measure is being taken so that it may not move from its
place and at the toe part of the apparatus there is a hinged bar for the purpose of
holding tightly down in one position the chart or sheet whilst it is in use upon the
instrument.
Each skeleton chart contains one or more printed scales of shoemakers measure-
ment corresponding to those upon the ordinary shoemakers "size stick:
" and in
addition thereto initial lines recording the date, name, description of Boot and
particulars relating to the Heel, Ankle, Instep and Leg measurement as well as any
general or special remarks relating to the matter for which the chart is require:1.
The foregoing description relates to those appliances which are required for
measuring the foot.
After the foot has been measured and a last is placed upon the apparatus to he
fitted up in accordance with the measurements recorded upon the chart, appliances
are required for holding the last in a rigid immoveable position and for this purpose I
have fitted to the upright member which is at the heel part, a pivotted arm containing
a thumb screw (or such like agent) which arm may be turned round into a position
above the ankle part of the last and the thumb screw is employed to press down
the last tightly to the platform and at the same time tilt up the front, or toe, part of
the last.
1 also confine the last sideway with screws contained within upright pillars
attached to a cross bar laid upon the face of the chart and having pendant legs
inserted within the interstices between the longitudinal bars and sides of the
apparatus so that when this cross bar is put upon the face of the apparatus and
the last is laid upon it with the heel in the "Crutch" part before named the various
screws are brought into operation to hold it tightly in its position.
The mode of using the instrument is as follows-A skeleton chart being placel
upon the instrument and secured by the mechanism before named the pivotted arm at
the heel part is turned backward out of the way of the persons foot which is placed
upon the instrument and its outline marked upon the chart with a pencil or other
agent the foot is then measured in the usual way and as each measurement is taken
one or other of the sliding collar-and-finger members is moved into such a position
that the pointer is opposite the measuring strip or tape when the position is marked
upon the margin of the chart and the girth of the foot and any other necessary note

page_text: is recorded at that place. This process is .adopted on one side only or on both sides
of the foot and the incasurements of the ankle and leg are similarly entered in the
places initialed for them upon the chart.
is
When the chart is thus drafted it may be sent into the workshop (or to any other
part of the country, or world, than that where it was projected) and, being placed
upon another such instrument and adjusted thereon the last-retaining-har
placed suitably near to the instep and the nearest size of last adjusted over the foot
outline contained upon the chart.
The pivotted arm upon the heel part being turned so as to overhang the ankle part
of the last the thumb-screw is employed to bind the last tightly downwards to the
platform and the side screws upon the "bar" are then used to retain the last in its
position sideways. Being thus fixed rigidly in position the "last" is next measured
and made up (by patching and other means) to the sizes recorded on the margin and
other parts of the chart where the dimensions and peculiarities of the foot are
permanently registered.
In order that my invention may be better understood and more readily carried into
effect I have prepared the following drawings in which―
Fig. 1. is a view in perspective of my improved foot measuring apparatus ;
Fig. 2. is a side view in elevation of my improved foot measuring apparatus ;
Fig. 3. is an end view in elevation of my improved foot measuring apparatus:
Fig. 4. is a plan of my improved foot measuring apparatus ;
Fig. 5. is a representation of the chart sheet for use in combination with my
improved foot measuring apparatus ;
Fig. 6. is a view in perspective of the cramp or bar for use in combination with my
improved foot measuring apparatus ;
Fig. 7. is a side view in elevation of my improved foot measuring apparatus ;
Fig. 8. is an end view in section of my improved foot measuring apparatus:
In figures 1. 2. 3 and 4 the Buffet, stool frame or platform A (composed preferably
of wood) is furnished at the heel part with an upright member B fitted with a
crutch and a pivotted arm D and screw marked d².
The lateral bars E carry the sliding jointed finger guages F and are connected
with the spring bar G.
The chart H (fig. 5.) composed of paper or any other suitable material is impressed
with a scale of sizes corresponding to those upon a Shoemakers "Size Stick."
When this instrument is employed in measuring a persons foot a chart H (fig. 5)
is laid upon the surface of the Buffet as shown at H fig. 1 being pressed down and held
tightly in its place by the spring bar G, the foot is placed upon the chart H the heel
bearing against the crutch C as shewn in fig. 2. A correct outline of the foot is
marked upon the chart and the measurements taken in the customary manner with a
tape. As the measurement of each part is taken one (or both) of the fingers F is (or
are) moved adjacently to the part and a mark made upon one or both edges of the
chart thereat and the girth measure recorded there. This is done at a sufficient
number of parts to insure a complete and accurate record of the foot's measurements.
The jointed fingers f³ are (each) attached to an angle piece f f which travels
along the top and side surfaces of the Buffet the fingers can be folded in any
required manner upon a foot of any shape (see fig. 8) by reason of the joints and
the angle piece pointers f³ furnish guages for marking the positions where measure-
ments are taken upon the margins of the chart.
The spring bar & is hinged at e² to the bar E and held down by a spring catch e³
or its equivalent.
After the measurements of a foot have been taken in the manner described and
recorded upon the chart H, the instrument is put into requisition in fitting up the
"last" K, figs. 7 and 8 in the following manner :
The said chart H with its record of measurements is placed as before upon the
upper surface of the Buffet A as shewn at H in fig. 1. the cramp or retaining bar J.
figs. 6 and 7 is laid across the instrument and chart near the instep as shewn at J in
fig: 7 and a "last" K. is then placed upon it and fixed immoveably at the ankle and

page_text: instep by means of the screws d² and figs. 6, 7 and S. The legs j³ figs. 6 and 7
are inserted between the bars E and the sides of the Buffet A sorving to keep the
cramp J from any side movement.
A suitable last nearest in size and shape to the measurements recorded upon the
chart having been chosen for the above named purpose and, as already described
placed over the outline upon the chart the bootmaker proceeds to measure it in the
same manner as the foot was measured moving the jointed fingers and the rigid
angle pointers to each mark and record upon the chart and when the "last" has
been shaped and "made up" to suit the requirements indicated upon the chart it is
ready for uso.
When these instruments are used they enable persons at any distance from each
other to work in concert so that a chart may be projected from the foot in any place
and then sent away to any distance and used there in "making up" the "last" in
the manner herein described.
In some instances 1 have found it of service to attach a steel or other measuring
tape to one or both of the sliding guages Feither in addition to, or substitution of,
the jointed fingers 2 for the purpose of measuring the girth of the foot at, (exactly)
the part where each of the said guages is (temporarily) stationed.
The same reference letters are employed throughout the accompanying illustrations
to indicate corresponding parts.
Although in the description and illustrations herewith reference is made to my
apparatus having a sloping platform I desire to explain that this condition is not an
absolute necessity, as I find that it is more convenient at times, when, for instance a
person is standing up, to have the platform of the buffet A parallel with the floor.
The apparatus may be put in any place or position convenient to the parties using it.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
1st. In a foot and "last" measuring instrument the combined mechanism chart
and devices all substantially as herein described and shewn and for the purposes
specified;
2nd. In a foot and "last" measuring instrument the combination therewith of a
printed chart all substantially as herein described and shewn and for the purposes
specified;
3rd. A paper chart containing a scale of sizes impressed thereon all substantially as
herein described and shewn and for the purposes specified;
4th. A "chart" containing a scale of sizes impressed thereon, whether the said
chart be made of paper or other material all substantially as herein described and
shewn and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 16th day of November 1889
JOSEPH LOCK WOOD,
Argyle Street, Glasgow, Agent for the Inventor.