IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE LASTING OF BOOTS AND SHOES, AND TO MACHINERY THEREFOR
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, &
Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE LASTING OF BOOTS AND SHOES, AND
TO MACHINERY THEREFOR." A communication from abroad by George Warren
Copeland, of Malden, Massachusetts, United States of America. Gentleman.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th October 1876.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE LASTING OF
BOOTS AND SHOES, AND TO MACHINERY THEREFOR." A communication.
This Invention has for its object the fitting of the upper of a boot or shoe to a
last by the employment of compression and strain upon the upper, first exerted at
the median line of the last to which the upper is cut, from instep to toe, or upon
arcas adjacent thereto or sufficiently remote from the surface of the insole to
compress and strain the upper to the varying contours of a last while the com-
pression and strain are advancing in constantly succeeding areas to the surface of
the insole.
The said Invention comprises,-
First. A lasting girth and its adjustment on the fingers or jaws of the machine,
and modifications of this principle in the shape of rolls or pads operated upon the
sides of the last.
Second. The methods employed in wrapping and straining the girth upon the
upper, laying the folds upon the surface of the insole, and actuating the rolls or pads
parallel or nearly so to the sides of the last or upon any part of its surface.
As the smoothing, straining, and compressing action of the girth must necessarily
commence on a line somewhat remote from the surface of the insole, and from that
line advance to the edge of the last or to the surface of the insole it follows that the
force employed in developing that action must be one receding from the point where
the action upon the upper commences.

page_text: The jaws must have movements calculated to exert continuously increasing strain
upon the upper and last from the said median line, or from adjacent surfaces along
the sides of the last to or near the surface of the insole, and the path taken by
these jaws may depend somewhat on the amount of strain that is desired upon the
upper.
The said Invention consists,—
First. In the wrapping of an upper upon a last by a girth or series of girths
that shall commence to operate along the sides of a last sufficiently remote from the
surface of the insole to ensure the removal of stretch and wrinkles, and the perfect
fitting of the upper to the last by the continued advance of the girth to the edge of
the insole, and the application of this principle in lasting "rights" and "lefts," and
varying widths and lengths of last with one and the same girth by continuing the
advance of the girth to or nearly to the median line of the insole from toe to heel,
and the slinging of the girth from a series of lasting fingers, which are operated to
draw the girth against the upper, and develop the same upon the last.
It also consists in the combination of a girth possessing elasticity, with jaws having
a rising movement to a plane above the surface of the insole a closing and a descend-
ing motion towards the surface of the insole.
And in the combination of jaws, separate fingers, and an extensible girth provided
at its edges with non-extensible thongs.
Also in the combination of fingers having a rising and closing motion, and
which extend when closed to near the median of the sole, with an extensible girth
lapped and drawing upon the shoe by the inwardly projecting ends of the fingers.
And in a girth containing the combination of an elastic extensible central band,
with non-extensible lateral portions.
Also in the combination of a rising jaw with a series of yielding fingers arranged
to constantly bear against the surface of the last from a given line somewhat remote
from the edge of the last to the edge of and over upon the insole.
And in the combination of a sliding locking plate with the yielding finger and
jaw, and a yielding finger and girth.
It also consists in the employment in a lasting machine in which fingers are caused
to act from a point somewhat remote from the edge of the insole in straining and
smoothing the upper upon the last of the fingers formed upon their contracting ends
with a rounded upwardly presenting surface.
Also in the combination of the said jaws with swivelling fingers and with the
adjustable fingers arranged as to a height only upon the jaws to correspond to the
curvature of a last bottom.
And in the combination of the said jaws with fingers having an independent
transverse movement.
It also consists in the combination of the said jaws with two or more pairs of
fixed fingers, and one or more pairs of swivelling fingers, or two or more pairs of
fixed fingers, and one or more pairs of fingers having an independent transverse
motion with the said jaws, or one or more pairs of fixed fingers, one or more pairs of
swivelling fingers, and one or more pairs of fingers having an independent transverse
movement with the said jaws.
It also consists in providing the machine with removable fingers in combination
with the jaws, the said fingers being interchangable and vertically adjustable
thereon.
Also in the combination of the jaws and removable fingers, with toe and heel
lasting mechanism adjustable to and from the spindle between the said jaws.
Also in arranging the fingers upon its outer end to hold a girth, and providing
them with a pivot.
It also consists in the employment of jaws having an outward movement at the
commencement of the lasting, an upward and a closing motion relative to the last, in
combination with a girth possessing elasticity.
Also in the employment of jaws with a movement constantly receding from the

page_text: median line of the last from instep to toe, with an inelastic girth arranged to
commence its action upon the upper at the said median line or upon surfaces adjacent
thereto.
It also consists in the combination of a jointed spindle, a lever, an adjustable rod,
and operating lever.
And in the employment of a girth provided with a roughened frictional surface,
or a girth consisting of an inelastic flexible base and an elastic contracting
surface.
And in a lasting girth provided with extension of its base for finger straps.
It also consists in the combination of two jaws provided with fingers, and a girth
with toe and heel lasting mechanism.
And in the combination of the jaws having an upward movement parallel with
the sides of a last with yielding elastic or flexible pads.
And in the combination of the said lasting device with an independent folding
device arranged to close upon the insole.
It also consists in the combination of the aforesaid jaws with rolls.
And in the combination of the rolls or rocking pads with a brake or other suitable
restraining device, whereby the rolling movement is partly converted into and
combined with a straining action.
Also in the arrangement of the rolls to operate upon the sides of a last in smoothing
the upper upon the same.
And in the combination of the rolls with a lasting girth having its straps attached
to the peripheries of said rolls.
Also in the combination of an independent lasting girth, with one or more rolls
arranged to project their peripheries upon the last between the straps.
And in the combination of the said girth with one or more rolls operated along
the under surface of the last in the hollow between the toe and instep.
It also consists in providing the lasting roll with an outwardly presenting elastic
or flexible surface.
Also in the combination of an independent lasting girth with a series of frictional
rolls arranged between the girth and the sides of the last to prevent the girths
binding on the edge of the insole while lasting areas more remote.
Also in a rocking pad provided with a rolling surface and a folding projection.
Also in a lasting roll or pad formed with its surface the reverse of the surface
upon which it operates.
It also consists in the combination of an arm having an upward movement
parallel with the sides of a last with a rocking pad.
And in the use of a smoothing roll operated transversely or longitudinally upon
the under surface of the last.
Also in the combination of the rolls or rocking pads described with independent
lasting plates or fingers.
It also consists in a method of lasting consisting in fitting the upper to the last
by a rolling or rocking movement of independent surfaces on the surface of the last
by which the upper is fitted thereto and smoothed thereon.
Also in a lasting girth consisting of an elastic central band partially elastic and
fibrous intermediary bands, and with elastic fibrous edges, or with edges of two or
more thicknesses of fibrous material extended unequally into the elastic band, and
united thereto by heat and pressure.
Also in a lasting girth having an upwardly projecting surface on the portion
designed to operate on the depressed surfaces of the last, and provided with longi-
tudinal central projections, and of varying thicknesses.
Also in providing a lasting girth with pads and with vulcanisable elastic stock
and fibrous material united by heat and pressure.
Also in the combination of an elastic band with metallic finger straps.
Also in a lasting girth composed of two or more straps separate from each other,
but acting conjointly in lacing the upper upon the last.

page_text: And in a narrow lasting girth designed to operate on any given area of the last's
surface in fitting the upper thereto.
Also in the combination of the girth with stationary supports and with folding
plates, the said stationary girth supports being formed upon their inner surfaces
with an automatically conforming edge.
And finally in the combination with a girth and stationary support of a last
forcibly actuated in the girth, whereby the upper is strained upon the last.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by the
said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 7th April
1877.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. " IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE LASTING OF
BOOTS AND SHOES, AND TO MACHINERY THEREFOR." A communication from
abroad by George Warren Copeland, of Massachusetts, United States of America,
Gentleman.
This Invention has for its object the fitting of the upper of a boot or shoe to a
last by the employment of compression and strain upon the upper, first exerted at
the median line of the last to which the upper is cut, from instep to toe, or upon
areas adjacent thereto, or sufficiently remote from the surface of the insole to com-
press and strain the upper to the varying contours of a last, while the compression
and strain are advancing in constantly succeeding areas to the surface of the
insole.
The said Invention comprises,-
First. The lasting girth and its adjustment on the fingers or jaws of the machine,
and modifications of this principle in the shape of rolls or pads operating upon the
sides of the last.
Second. The methods employed in wrapping and straining the girth upon the
upper, laying the folds upon the surface of the insole, and actuating the rolls
or pads parallel to the sides of the last or upon any part of its surface.
As the smoothing, straining, and compressing action of the girth must necessarily
commence on a line somewhat remote from the surface of the insole, and from that
line advance to the edge of the last or to the surface of the insole, it follows that
the force employed in developing that action must be one receding from the point
where the action upon the upper commences.
Figures 1 to 18 have reference more particularly to the display of various
mechanical movements by which a continuous compression and strain are exerted
upon the upper by the girth and represent the various positions of the jaws relative
to the last, and their combination with fingers, rolls, and pads.
Figures 19 to 42 illustrate the manner of attaching the girth to the supporting
fingers, the relation of the fingers to the jaws and their automatic adjustinont
thereon, and the lasting girths and their construction, all of which will be herein-
after described.
As above stated the jaws must have movements calculated to exert a con-
tinuously increasing strain upon the upper and last from the said median line, or
from adjacent surfaces along the sides of the last to or near the surface of the insole,
and the path taken by these jaws may depend somewhat on the amount of strain
that is desired upon the upper.
Figure 1 shows the position of the jaws A and girth B before the commence-
ment of the lift; from this point they are operated by the levers 1, cam 2, and
Jever 3, in the following path:-First outward, and this movement may be upon the
plane of the lowest level, or it may be diagonal to the position shown in Figure 2,

page_text: or they may swing out on the arc of a circle, the intention being to develop a
strain upon the girth before the same is wrapped upon the upper and last; the next
movement is a rising one with a tendency towards the edge of the insole, or to a
point somewhat above the level of the insole, as seen in Figure 3; this is followed
by a closing movement, which may be horizontal or descending, as shown in Figure 5.
Substantially the above motions are employed when the strain upon the girth, and
consequently upon the upper, is caused by a rising movement of the jaws parallel to
the sides of the last; a like strain may be developed on the upper by first stretching
the girth, as shown in Figure 7, across two stationary supports, A¹, A¹, and then
forcing the last and upper by a descending movement into the girth, and the edge of
the upper is folded upon the insole by closing horizontal slides upon the surface
thereof, as represented in Figure 10, or by moving the jaws A horizontally toward
the last, and completing the lasting by the advance of the lasting plates or fingers
as shewn in Figures 21 and 22.
Another mode of obtaining the advancing compression and strain upon the upper
along the sides of the last is by causing the yielding fingers C to act from a given
line on the surface of the last upward to the surface of the insole, and these fingers
may be forced upon the same by a sliding locking plate; this method is represented
in Figures 6, 8 and 9, as applied to the lasting of the toe, but it also may be adapted
to the side of the last in lasting the entire upper.
It will be observed that the fingers C act against the spring c, and that their out-
wardly presenting ends are rounded on the upwardly contracting surface; their
inner ends are so arranged that the sliding plates D may be operated in forcing the
fingers outward from the jaws, this last construction being necessary in closing the
fingers upon the surface of the insole in laying the folds.
In place of the girth B, or yielding fingers C, a frictional pad E, may be lifted
along the sides of the last, bearing constantly against the same to smooth out the
wrinkles and shape the upper to the Inst. This construction is shown in Figures 11
and 12. These pads E are represented in Figure 11 at the outer ends of the
yielding fingers C₁, and commencing to operate on the sides of the last some distance
below the plane of the insole; and in Figure 12 they are shown raised to the edge
of the bottom of the last with folding slides advanced on the surface of the insole
laying the edge of the upper thereon.
It is designed to construct these pads of rubber, canvass, leather, felt, paper, or
of any flexible material, or a pad similar to the one described may also be used
upon the ends of the fingers C.
My next improvement relates to the position of the fingers C², which support
the lasting girth B, relative to and their automatic adjustment upon the jaws A ;
they are arranged upon the jaws at desirable distances from each other to project to
or nearly to the centre of a plane coincident with the surface of the insole when
the jaws are closed; this position is shown in Figures 20 and 21. The said fingers
are provided with the pivots c', which fit into holes c², in the jaws, and a vertical
adjustment is given them by means of the screws c³ (see Figure 23), and they may
swivel or not as desired in practice; it is deemed desirable to fasten the end fingers
and those which shut upon the ball of the last; these fingers are interchangeable,
being of the same length, but their height, relative to the jaws, is variable, and is
governed by the conformation of the last bottom, those at the shank being lower
than those at the surface over the ball of the last; this arrangement is distinctly
shown in Figure 19.
It is also desirable to give the fingers an independent transverse movement so
that their ends may not always project to a given straight line drawn from the
centre of the toe to the centre of the heel, but shall project to a line represented by
the mean centre line from toe to heel, which necessarily must be slightly curved;
this disposition of the fingers is shown in Figure 20, and is adapted particularly for
use in the shank in as much as without this adjustment in right and left boots and
shoes the girth would not be drawn on the inside of the shank which is the more

page_text: difficult side to last well so far over as on the outside, that is, the same fingers if
made adjustable horizontally could not produce with the same girth a strain upon
the inside in all cases sufficient to secure a perfectly tight wrapping of the upper
over the last at the shank. These transverse acting fingers Cs are operated by the
wedging slides 4 and levers 5.
In the detail views, Figures 16 and 18, I show a method of constructing the
fingers C2 so that they may slide past each other either upon the same plane or
one over the other, so that the ends of a girth secured to the ends of the fingers
would lap by each other and advance towards the opposite edge of the insole from
the side of the last where they first operated.
The advantages arising from suspending the girth from the ends of the fingers C
and C instead of hanging the same from the inner edge of the jaws (which may be
done in special cases with good results, and which is a part of my Invention)
consists in the ability to so wrap and strain the girth upon the upper and last that
the "rights and lefts," and varying widths and sizes of uppers may be lasted with
one and the same girth; considerable variations in length and width in lasts only
necessitate a change of girth. This result is achieved first by the shape and
elasticity of the girth, as herein-after explained, and, second, in causing the fingers
to project the girth over the edge and toward the centre of the insole in such a way
that the girth is permitted to conform itself to the sides of the last and edge of the
insole regardless of the differences in conformation, and to drag the surplus upper
upon the insole and fold it thereon by the advance of the ends of the girth and
fingers.
The adjustment for varying lengths of lasts is obtained by removing either the
toe or heel fingers or both sets if necessary, and moving the toe and heel blocks
inward. A view of this adjustment is shown in Figure 21, where two pairs of
fingers are represented as removed, and the heel block as advanced toward the
spindle between the jaws; this enables the same jaws to be used for all lengths of
lasts, and it would probably not be necessary to change the girth as often as the
number of fingers were increased or diminished, as supplemental girths may be
added.
When frictional surfaces are brought to bear along the sides of a last in the shape
of flexible pads it is desirable to have the fingers or lasting plates close upon the
insole upon very nearly the plane of its upper surface, and the action of the pad
cease at or near the edge of the insole.
In some instances cement is used for uniting the upper to the insole, in which
case plates like those represented in Figure 22 may be used.
The toe lasting is obtained by the device represented in Figure 8; attached to
the jaw therein represented is a girth B¹ of raw hide or some other suitable material
arranged to bang over the ends of the fingers to equalize the strain upon the upper
frictional pads, and which may also be arranged immediately under the fingers to
advance with them.
.
The heel lasting is obtained by the converging of slides, and the block upon
which they operate, as above stated, may be adjustable to and from the spindle;
this same principle of converging plates may be employed in lasting the toe.
The spindle F upon which the last is hung is jointed at 6, as shown, and is raised
and stiffened by the lever 7, adjustable rod 8, and operating lever 3, the object of
this arrangement being to firmly hold the last under the toe and heel downwards
by the action of the operating lever.
Attached to the ends of the fingers, as before explained, is the girth which is
elastic in itself in desired areas, or may be inelastic and receive the necessary yield
from springs. In Figures 1, 2, 4, and 24 is shown an inelastic girth B and spring G,
the spring being fastened to the frame of the machine and to the bottom of the
girth, and the girth may be continuous, as shown, or it may be parted along its
centre and have each end attached to springs, as represented in Figure 24.
It is desirable in the continuous girth to have the centre elastic and the edges

page_text: inelastic. Figures 34, 35, and 37 show an elastic centre and inelastic edges of
canvass or some other fibrous material united to the rubber by vulcanization, the
shape of the girth may be like that represented in Figure 30, or it may be moulded
to a last with greater or less thicknesses and widths proportioned to the strain
required.
I prefer that the contact or rubbing portion of the girth shall be wholly or in
part provided with a frictional or roughened surface which may be of an elastic
nature. The girth in Figure 35 is represented with a frictional surface. The girth
is secured to the ends of the fingers by extensions of its edges which must be flexible,
and may be of a tougher nature than the material used in the construction of the
girth, such as raw hide or leather. These straps are fastened to the jaws or to the
ends of the fingers by suitable clamping devices, and preferably are made adjustable
thereon.
As previously stated there are two or perhaps three kinds of girths that may be
employed in girth lasting, one kind is similar to the girth shown in Figures 30
and 36, which is known as the flat girth, it consists of a flat central band of rubber
or other elastic material, and inextensible edges of raw hide, leather, or canvass
united thereto, preferably by sewing. A variation in the degree of strain may be
obtained by goring the central band, as shown in Figure 36.
Another kind consists of a girth formed to the general shape of a straight last by
vulcanizing in moulds of the required shape with edges of a fibrous material inserted
therein in such a way that the elasticity of the central band may not suddenly cease
along the line of their union.
From the above description it will be seen that the girth consists of elastic and
inelastic bands, that the elastic band is preferably the central band, and that the
inelastic edges may consist of a series of projections forming straps by which the
girth may be attached to finger jaws or any operating mechanism designed to
produce a strain upon it; but although I only show the elasticity at the central
band of the girth, yet I do not confine myself to that arrangement and combination
of elastic and inelastic portions. I may if desirable secure my stretch wholly or
partly in the strap, or in any intermediate part between the finger straps.
I also form the girth of varying thicknesses, as shown in Figures 37 and 38,
where it is necessary to secure a greater strain upon some parts of the last, notably
upon the depressed surfaces, and for the same reason I conform the contacting
surface of the girth to the shape of the depression. The mean central portion of the
central band may be thickened, as showri in Figure 33, when it is desired to have
the straining action take place nearer the edge of the girth.
I prefer to make the inelastic portions of the girth of canvass or other fibrous
material and rubber, and to so arrange them in connection with the elastic portion
that there shall be no determined line along their union.
.
I take two or more thicknesses of fibrous material of an unequal width and
arrange them so that the widest piece which may be ravelled or gored on its edge
may lap somewhat beyond the other pieces, and be embedded in the rubber
compressing the elastic band; the other pieces are then added alternately interposed
with rubber, substantially as shown, and these parts are united by compression and
vulcanization; or the cloth or fabric may extend through the whole girth to or
including the finger straps, in which case the central or elastic portion must be so
woven that it will readily stretch with the rubber, while the rest may be so woven
or made to be as inelastic as desired.
In Figure 40 is shown a girth not designed to be wrapped over the entire upper
from instep to toe, but only upon particular portions thereof; when necessary this
girth may possess the varying characteristics before described.
Figure 41 shows a series of narrow girths or straps for lasting the entire upper
from instep to toe, it will be seen that they resemble a subdivided large girth; their
construction is represented to show that I do not confine myself to the employment
of one broad girth in wrapping the upper upon the last, but may use one or more of

page_text: the narrow girths in fitting the upper to the Inst. This method of employing one
or more narrow independent girths effects the lacing of the upper upon the last,
and each girth may be adjusted to operate upon distinct portions of the lasts'
surfaces.
Connected with this principle of applying a strain at or near the median line of
the last from instep to toe, are the devices shown in Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 27,
28, and 29, which consist of rolls or rocking pads adjustable upon the jaws
transversely and operated upwardly on the sides of the last H.
The jaws A are provided with similar movements to those already described, and
should approximate a path parallel to the sides of the last H from the line where
the smoothing action commences.
Arranged to constantly bear upon the sides of the last as the jaws rise are the
fingers C¹ which carry the rolls I. In practise they operate to the edge of the
insole in smoothing the upper to the last, and the margin is folded upon the insole
by the advance of independent lasting fingers.
The rolls may be provided with a roughened flexible surface preferably of an
elastic or semi-elastic nature, such as rubber, leather, canvass, felt, or raw hide.
When it is desirable to obtain a straining action upon the upper combined with a
smoothing and rolling movement, I cause the rolls to revolve with limited freedom
by restraining them sufficiently to cause a strain upon the upper.
In Figure 15 I show a brake operating upon the rolls, as above described.
In Figures 13, 14, and 27 I show an adaptation of the rolling principle to shank
lasting, and Figure 28 shows this modification employed as well upon other portions
of the sides of a last.
The semi-cylindrical rolls or rocking pads I are hung upon horizontal axes a.
substantially parallel to the sides of the last, and are provided with a vertical
movement upon the same; the axes a have a bearing on arms b, and the said arms
are pivoted to fall towards the last on the block d, which is operated vertically on
the standard e by the lever f; the levers are slotted at j, as shown, and engage with
the pins that project from the block d.
The springs bear against the arms b, and serve to keep the rolls constantly
pressing upon the sides of the last; arranged to project from one edge of the rolls are
the folding plates K, which operate in laying the margin of the upper upon the
insole in combination with the rolls, substantially as shown in Figures 27 and 28.
In practical operation these rolls commence to act upon the last at any desired
distance below the edge of the insole, and as they are lifted they turn upon the
sides of the last, and their surfaces being somewhat elastic or flexible they conform
to the contour of the last's sides, and fit the upper thereon, rolling out the creases
and wrinkles as they advance, and carrying the stretch and surplus upper to the
surface of the insole.
In Figures 13 and 17 I show the combination of the rolls with the girth, by
which a very good result can be obtained. The straps, instead of being fastened
to the ends of the lasting fingers, are secured to the circumference of the rolls in
such a manner that the rising of the rolls releases the girth, while at the same
time the rolls assist in the smoothing action being adjusted to bear against the
upper as they lift. These rolls advance to or nearly to the centre line of the insole
and act against the springs, which cause the rolls to wind the finger straps upon
their peripheries as they descend after the lasting of the upper.
Modifications of the combination of girth and rolls may be made in which the
rolls may operate under the girth, between toe and instep independently of the
girth; they also may be operated between instep and toe longitudinally as well,.
and one large roll, as represented in Figure 29 with its surface fitted to the surface
of the last, will answer the purpose; their action on this part of the last secures
the perfect fitting of the upper to the hollow in the last generally existing at that
point.
The other view represents the rolls acting independently of the girth between

page_text: the finger straps vertically upon the sides of the last. This latter arrangement is
particularly adapted for shank lasting.
According to another modification of this principle rolls may be inserted between
the girth and the sides of the last in order that the girth may not bind upon the
edge of the last and insole while operating upon areas more remote. The rolls
here act to prevent the binding of the girth on the edge of the insole until they
reach the edge of the insole, where the girth touches the sides of the last.
The operation of this improved machine is as follows:-The last, with the upper
and insole adjusted thereon, is hung upon the spindle with its heel and toe under
the holding down devices, the jaws are then lifted along the sides of the last,
straining and compressing the upper thereon from the median line of the last from
instep to toe, or from surfaces adjacent thereto by the action of the girth pads or
rolls, or a combination of the girth with the pads or rolls. This action is continuous
from the line where the straining and compressing are first exerted to the edge of
or over upon the surface of the insole, and the uppers stretched, drawn, lifted, and
fitted to the last evenly and uniformly.
It will be observed that I commence to operate simultaneously upon both sides of
the last an equal and sufficient distance from the edge of the last to remove the
stretch and wrinkle from the upper by the continued advance of the compression
and strain to the surface of the insole. This mode of operation. ensures a perfect
fitting of the upper upon the last as an equal force is exerted upon both sides of
the last at one and the same time in fitting the upper thereon.
The surplus upper, together with the margin, is folded upon the surface of the
insole by closing the fingers and girth, or by the advance of independent lasting
plates.
If the shank fingers are provided with the transverse movement on the jaws it
is desirable to operate them while the jaws are lifting.
It will be observed that the fingers which swivel shut upon the insole at or
nearly at right angles to the line of the curvature of the sole edges.
In the aforesaid Figures 1 and 2 is represented a means for elevating the jaws
and stretching the girth to the level of or to a plane above the level of the shoe,
which operation is effected by the downward motion of the lever 3. In this con-
struction and combination of parts no allowance is made for adjustment to different
sizes of boots and shoes.
In Figure 43 is represented a means of adjustment for lasting the ball and sides
of boots and shoes of different sizes.
a represents a lever having its fulcrum at b, its free end coming in contact with
the vertical slide c, which carries the horizontal slide d that supports the finger
block e.
Underneath the central portion of the lever a is hung a roller f, which
bears upon a cam 9 that forms a part of a segment h. On the under side of the
segment is a series of teeth, as shown, which engage with a worm screw i
provided with a shaft, and having a handle by means of which the worm screw is
turned to operate the segment h. The cam g, together with the segment and worm
scrow, are attached to a lever k fulcrumed at 1, and operated by means of a lever 3,
such as above referred to. By turning the worm screw i the cam g can be adjusted
so as to carry the slide to any desired height within a certain limit to correspond to
the size of the boot or shoe being operated upon, it being understood that the lever
m and slide d correspond with similar devices above referred to.
Figures 44 and 45 represent the mechanism for lasting the heel, and may also be
used for lasting the toe. a, a, represent a segmental plate attached to the main
frame, a space being left between the two to accomodate the gear wheels b, c. e is
a lever provided with a pinion d which engages with the gear wheel c, which latter
gears with the wheel b, so that by moving the lever e the wheels b and c will turn
in opposite directions.
h, h, are sockets which receive at their front ends movable shanks to which are
attached the jaws i, i¹. These jaws are made to conform on their outer edges to

page_text: the general contour of the heel, and are bevelled on their under sides to conform to
the bottom of the heel from its edge towards the centre. At the rear end of the
socket h is a screw, by means of which the jaw i is projected more or less for
adjustment to the various sizes of heels to be operated upon. The socket h is
supported in trunnions t at its front end, so as to admit of the rear end of the socket
being elevated and cause the jaws to bear down with any required force upon the
portion of the shoe to be lasted.
Under the rear portion of the socket is attached a roller n, which rests upon a
block o; this block has an incline on its upper surface upon which the roller n rises
as the socket moves forward, thus causing the rear end to rise, and consequently the
jaw at the front end to be depressed. The block o is fitted in a socket in the frame
so as to enable it to have a vertical adjustment, which is effected by a set screw r.
The socket h is supported in a frame which slides forward and back; it is provided
with a rack on one side, which engages with the gear wheels b and c respectively.
The sliding frames are confined on the outside by means of caps p, p, secured to the
main frame.
In Figure 46 the shank which carries the adjustable jaw is made shorter than
that shown in Figure 45, and in the rear portion of the socket is a spring l, which
serves to keep the jaw projected in its forward position to adapt it to shoes of small
size, and so as to admit of self-adjustment to boots or shoes of larger size. The
degree of tension of the spring is governed by means of a screw m, as shown in
Figure 46. A pin in the socket projecting into a recess in the shank prevents it
from coming out. f. f', in Figure 44, are stops to limit the movement of the handle
or lever e in cither direction.
In operation the handle e is first set back against the stop f, the jaws being sepa-
rated at the farthest point from each other. The heel or toe of the boot or shoe is
then put in position under the projecting point a¹ of the plate. The handle e is
then turned towards the stop f¹, and when half way between the stops, as shown
in Figure 44, the jaws i, i, will have passed just over the edge of the inner sole, the
roller (Figure 45) having arrived at the incline on the block o. Continuing the
movement of the handle e, the roller n rises on the incline, thus throwing the jaws
downwards, and pressing the stock down upon the last, and at the same time moving
forward upon the stock and smoothing it out.
The object of the downward motion of the jaws is to allow them to pass a slight
distance over the inner sole at the edge, so as to avoid injuring the stock in bending
it over.
Now by continuing the forward and downward motion of the jaws the
stock will be forced over and down upon the inner sole, so as to be perfectly fitted
on the same.
The swivelling action of the jaws in connection with the action of the roller n
and the adjusting block o causes the bevelled edges of the jaws to adapt themselves
automatically to heels of any shape, or to any position which they may assume when
placed in the machine to be operated upon.
In Figure 45 the set screw m is for the purpose of setting the jaws, so that a
certain amount will go over the edge of the shoe to adapt it to shoes of various
sizes.
Figure 46 represents a self-adjusting jaw which answers the same purpose as that
shown in Figure 45; it also serves to press the stock against the sides of the heel
or toc when the jaw is forcing the stock down.
Underneath one of the jaws, as seen in Figures 44 and 46, is pivoted a pad u,
which is designed to bear against the side of the heel, so as to prevent the jaw from
passing too far over the edge of the shoe, the spring 7 yielding while the socket
advances, and the roll passes over the incline on the block o, which simply presses
the jaw downwards.
As a necessary adjunct of a lasting machine I have provided a tacking mechanism
for driving tacks to secure the upper in place on the insole.
In Figure 47 Y represents a portion of the main frame of a lasting machine, to

page_text: which is attached an arm X. In the end of the arm X is mounted the roll that
carries the paper strip R which holds the tacks. A represents a frame or holder,
which is conveniently grasped in the hand and contains the vertical driving spindle
B, to which the tack driver is attached. The strip of paper R, which carries the
tacks, passes through a feedway in the throat piece of the machine. By means of
an arrangement of devices the strip of paper that carries the tacks is fed forward
automatically at each downward blow of the driver, and upon the upward move-
ment of the driver the feeding device, shown at I, Figure 47, is lifted off the strip
of paper and carried back to again move the strip forward.
Mechanism is provided for raising the strip of paper as it passes through
the feed way after being pierced by the driver, whereby the burr or rough edge
caused by the head of the tack passing through the strip of paper is prevented from
clogging the driveway, and the strip is carried forward without interruption.
Figure 48 represents the part of the machine adapted for lasting the toe portion
of the shoe, and differs from that for lasting the heel portion only in the degree of
inclination given to the former.
Figure 49 represents a mechanism (on a reduced scale) for moving the heel and
toe blocks simultaneously, and forms a part of the machine of which Figure 1 is a
sectional view. The object of this device is to obviato the necessity of a separate
adjustment of the toe and heel lasting blocks for every change in the size of the
boot or shoe to be lasted. The girth finger, which must go across the shank at its
narrowest portion, is always fixed; the relative motions of the heel and toe being
about in the proportion of 3 for the toe and 2 for the heel, will always permit the
narrowest part of the shank of the shoe to be girthed by the proper fingers without
regard to the size of the shoe. In order to accomplish this result I arrange a system
of gear wheels or equivalent device, by means of which, in connection with the
proper shafting and screws, the toe and heel blocks are moved simultaneously
towards and from each other. The gear wheels 1 and 2 arc of equal size. The con-
necting gear wheels 3 and 4 are about in the proportion of 3 to 2, the gear wheel 4
being the smaller of the two, and imparting the quicker motion to the too block.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,
First. The wrapping of an upper upon a last by a girth or series of girths that
commence to operate along the sides of a last sufficiently remote from the surface of
the insole to ensure the removal of "stretch" and wrinkles and the perfect fitting
of the upper to the last by the continued advance of the girth to the edge of the
insole, and the application of this principle in lasting "rights" and "lefts," and
varying widths and lengths of last with one and the same girth by continuing the
advance of the girth to or nearly to the median line of the insole from toe to heel,
and the slinging of the girth from a series of lasting fingers operated to draw the
girth against the upper and develope the same upon the last, as above described.
Second. The combination in a lasting machine of a girth possessing elasticity
with jaws having a rising movement to a plane above the surface of the insole, and
a closing and a descending motion towards the surface of the insole, as above
described.
Third. In a lasting machine for girth lasting, the jaws, fingers, and girth, com-
bined and operating as above set forth and for the purposes specified.
Fourth. In a lasting machine, the sliding locking plate with the yielding finger
and jaw and the girth, combined and operating as above specified and for the purpose
set forth.
Fifth. In a lasting machine in which a series of fingers are caused to act from a
point somewhat remote from the edge of the insole in straining and smoothing the
upper upon the last, the fingers formed upon their contacting ends with a rounded
upwardly presenting surface, as above described.
Sixth. In a lasting machine the combination of the jaws with swivelling or

page_text: adjustable fingers, or with fingers having an independent transverse movement, or
with fixed fingers, or with any of the combinations or arrangements of fingers above
described, for the purposes specified.
Seventh. In a lasting machine the combination of the jaws and removable fingers
with toe and heel lasting mechanism adjustable to and from the spindle between the
jaws, as described.
Eighth. In a lasting machine the jaws having an outward movement at the
commencement of the lasting, an upward and à closing motion relative to the last,
and a movement constantly receding from the median line of the last from instep to
toe in combination with a girth, either elastic or inelastic, as specified, and operating
as above set forth.
Ninth. In a lasting machine the combination of the jointed spindle F, the
lever 7, the adjustable rod 8, and lever 3, all operating as above described and for
the purpose specified.
Tenth. In a lasting machine the girth, embodying in its formation either or any
of the peculiar features as above set forth, and for the purposes specified.
Eleventh. In a lasting machine the combination of the lasting device with an
independent folding device arranged to close upon the insole, as above set forth and
for the purpose specified.
Twelfth. The combination in a lasting machine of the jaws A with the rolls I, as
above set forth and for the purpose described.
Thirteenth. The combination in a lasting machine of the rolls or rocking pads with
the brake or other suitable restraining device, whereby the rolling movement is
partly converted into and combined with a straining action, as above set forth and
for the purpose specified.
Fourteenth. In a lasting machine the rolls arranged to operate upon the sides of
a last in smoothing the upper upon the same, as above set forth and for the
purpose specified.
Fifteenth. In a lasting machine the roll or rolls, constructed as described, and the
lasting girth and last, combined and operating as above set forth and for the pur-
poses specified.
Sixteenth. The pad provided with a rolling surface and a folding projection, or
formed with its surface the reverse of the surface upon which it operates, as above
described and for the purpose specified.
Seventeenth. In a lasting machine the arm b having an upward movement parallel
or nearly parallel with the sides of the last and the rocking pad, combined and
operating as above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Eighteenth. In a lasting machine a smoothing roll operated transversely or
longitudinally upon the under surface of the last, as above described and for the
purpose specified.
Nineteenth. The combination in a lasting machine of the aforesaid rolls or rocking
pads with independent lasting plates or fingers, as above specified and for the pur-
pose set forth.
Twentieth. The fitting of the upper to the last by a rolling or rocking movement
of independent surfaces on the surface of the last, by which the upper is fitted
thereto and smoothed thereon, as above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Twenty-first. In a lasting machine the combination of the girth B with the
stationary supports A³, constructed as described, and with the folding plates and
the last, as above set forth and for the purposes specified.
Twenty-second. The modification of my Invention comprising the combination of
the lever attached to the treadle rod 3, the segmental cam provided with teeth, as
shown, and the worm gear for increasing or diminishing the amount of vertical
motion of the jaws, as above specified.
Twenty-third. The modification of the said Invention comprising the swivelling
lasting plates, so constructed as to adapt themselves automatically to the shape of
the toe and heel while the same are being lasted, as above specified.

page_text: Twenty-fourth. The modification of the said Invention relating to the adjustment
of the heel and toe plate, and blocks and parts connected therewith, as above set
forth.
Twenty-fifth. The modification of my Invention comprising the tacking device,
arranged and operating in combination with the said lasting mechanism, as above
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
W. ROBT. LAKE. (L.8.)