Year: 1888

page_text: WHY
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & 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 statement :-
In the accompanying drawings
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of my machine.
:-
Fig. 2 is a vertical section, showing the driving mechanism as also certain other
parts in full.
Fig. 3 is a plan view with the frame and driving parts above the table removed
and with the table partially broken away, showing the ball bearings on which it rests,
as also one of the cams which actuate the lasting mechanism.
Fig. 4 is a top view of one of the devices for lasting, the lasting jaws or slides
being thrown back and the actuating cam underneath being shown in dotted lines.
Fig. 5 is a similar view with the lasting jaws and slides closed in the operation of
lasting.
Fig. 6 is a section on line x-x, Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is a section on line y-y, Fig. 5.
Fig. 8 is a similar section with the lasting slides thrown back and with the
outsole and sole-laying block in position.
Fig. 9 is a detail in perspective, showing the device for dropping the vertical
shaft which is located in front of the machine.
Fig. 10 is a lengthwise section through one end of the sole-laying block, showing.
the manner of detachably securing the block in its head.

page_text: Fig. 11 is a front view of the arm which sustains the hand lever shown at the
right of Fig. 1.
Fig. 12 is a plan of part of the table, showing one of the openings therein for the
lasting mechanism with the ways which support the sliding blocks, as also the jack-
supporting strap in position.
Fig. 13 is a section on line -, Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a section showing the device for actuating and releasing the heel and
toe lasting jaws, as also in side view the pawl device by which the dogs, which secure
the sole-laying block, are held and released.
Fig. 15 is an end view of one of the eccentrics, showing the locking groove
and slot.
Fig. 16 is a plan view of the auxiliary device which may be used for crimping and
softening the edges of stiff uppers around the toe.
Fig. 17 is a front elevation of the same.
Fig. 18 is a section on line 2, Fig. 16.
The object of my invention is the construction of a lasting and sole-laying machine
by which boots and shoes may be lasted easily and rapidly and with a great saving of
hand labor; and it consists in the devices hereinafter described as also their con-
The chief feature of my
struction and arrangement in an organized machine.
machine is that portion of it by which the shoe is lasted, and in the operation of this
portion of the device I have endeavoured to follow the order in which the different
portions of the upper are drawn over the last in lasting a shoe by hand, in order that,
the smoothness and finish of hand work may be obtained.
I will describe my invention as embodied in the machine shown in the drawings,
throughout which like letters of reference indicate like parts.
The frame A, of the machine may be of any desired shape so long as sufficient
strength is obtained to sustain the necessary pressure of the sole-laying device. I
prefer to construct it with four feet supporting a cylindrical standard, to the top of
which are bolted a series of arms B, projecting upwardly and outwardly and supporting
a rim C, see Fig. 2, which is grooved on its upper surface to receive a series of balls a,
on which the table D rests, a groove being cut on the under side of the table around
the edge thereof to receive the balis a. The periphery of the table has a downwardly
projecting flange b, Fig. 2; to protect the ball bearing and prevent it from becoming
clogged.
.
By this arrangement the table may be easily revolved by the aid of the handles c,
Fig. 1, while, at the same time, it is unyielding under the pressure of the sole-laying
device. The arms E are bolted to the upper part of the cylindrical drum of the
frame and project upwardly and inwardly, as shown Fig. 2, supporting a central
standard F, the lower portion of which forms a sleeve d, which is received inside the
cylindrical frame e, which rises from the arms E. A flanged bushing, bolted to the
lower end of the sleeve d, serves as a journal for the lower end of the vertical shaft g.
The upper portion of the frame-work of the machine consists of a series of arms and
branches, see Figs. 1 and 2, made of a suitable shape to carry the shafts and gears of
the driving mechanism, as also to sustain the sole-laying device, and supported by
upwardly projecting arms from the central standard F and by an arm G, which rises
at the rear of the machine from the arms B which support the table, see Fig. 2. The
main shaft H, is journaled in the upper part of the frame, see Fig. 2, and is provided
with fast and loose belt pulleys I. The inner end of this shaft is provided with a
beveled gear J, which meshes with a beveled gear K, set at right angles thereto and
secured to the top of the vertical shaft g, which is set in bearings in the central
standard F. On the lower end of the shaft g is secured a beveled gear h, which meshes
with a corresponding gear i, on the horizontal shaft which is mounted in supports
in the cylindrical frame. The forward end of the shaft is provided with a beveled
pinion, which meshes with a beveled pinion 1, keyed on the vertical shaft L, by a
vertical spline and groove which permits of the vertical movement of the shaft L
independently of the gear in the well-known manner. The shaft L is journaled, at
its upper end, in a cross-piece m, of the frame, see Fig. 1, and, at its lower end, in a

page_text: bearing n, bolted to the frame. To the upper end of shaft L is bolted a cross-piece a³,
Fig. 1, to either end of which are secured downwardly projecting pieces 6³, to the
lower end of each of which is secured a friction roll 8, set on a stud projecting
inwardly at right angles to the pieces 18. When the shaft L is down these friction
rolls es travel on the shoulder, of the bearing of the shaft, see Fig. 9. The upper
or reduced portion of this bearing is provided with a series of eight equal projec-
tions e, having eight equal spaces between them, the friction rolls c being of a size
to pass through each space. As the shaft L is forced upwardly by the treadle the
rolls care carried up between projections e, and are held up while they pass over the
projections in front of each roll, when they drop down again, letting down the shaft L.
In this way, by a depression of the treadle, the shaft L moves the cylindrical cam
pieces s, through one-eighth of a revolution, as will be clear. The lower end of the
shaft L is seated in a depression in the outer end of the lever M, which is pivoted,
see Fig. 2, to a lug o, projecting from the frame. The rear end of the lever M is
slotted, as shown at p, and is pivoted through said slot to the treadle lever N, the
treadle lever being cut away centrally, as shown at 7, Figs. 1 and 2, to accommodate
the lever M and its support. The treadle-lever N is pivoted rearwardly to a projec-
tion O, see Fig. 2, secured underneath the machine. The levers M, N, form a
compound treadle and act, when the free end of lever N is depressed, to raise the
shaft L. At the upper end of the shaft L is secured a wheel, having the upper
side of its periphery toothed, as shown Fig. 2, and adapted to enter corresponding
notches on the lower edge of the cylindrical camfpieces s. The cylindrical cam pieces s
are provided on top with a flange t, see Fig. 3, which lies directly underneath the
table D and which has a cam path u, cut in its upper face. The periphery of the
flange is provided with a peripheral projection, see Figs. 6, 7 and 8, which is
received in a corresponding groove cut on the inside of the circular-supporting
piece P, which is bolted to the under side of the table, as shown at a¹, Fig. 8. By
this arrangement the cylindrical cam pieces s may revolve in the supporting piece P.
Above the cylindrical cam pieces s the table is cut away, as shown at R, Figs. 6, 7
and S, for the reception of the sliding blocks which carry the lasting jaws and plates.
These blocks slide on ways b', secured to tho sides of the hole in the table, see Figs. 12
and 13, and are actuated by cam rolls S, see figs. 6, 7 and 8, which are secured to the
under side of the blocks and which act in the cam path u, cut in the top of the flange
of the cylindrical cam piece 8. Since the jaws which gather and last the upper over
the toe and heel are required to operate before the sides of the shoe are lasted the
toe and heel blocks are arranged to travel a less distance than the side blocks, and, as
the cam path which operates them is cut in the same manner for all four blocks in order
that the cam, as also the cylindrical cam piece s, may travel always in one direction it is
necessary to provide inner sliding blocks T, Fig. 6, which slide on ways inside the
heel and toe blocks U, V, respectively. These inside blocks carry the cam rolls s,
and the recesses d', in which they slide are longer than the blocks T which occupy
them. The blocks T are provided with pins which project into apertures el, in
the side of the recesses in which the blocks T slide. In front of the pins fi in
the apertures e are set spiral spings g. As the blocks T are moved inwardly by
the cam u the heel and toe blocks are carried forward until the jaws are in contact
with the work when they stop, and the subsequent movement of the cam carries the
inner blocks T inward against the resistance of the spiral springs g', thus taking
up the extra movement of the cam. By this arrangement the four quarters of the
cam may be cut in exactly the same shape, as shown at u, Fig. 3, and each of the
quarters may be used interchangeably for actuating the side blocks and the cam
may, consequently, be revolved continuously in one direction.
The toe and heel blocks carry crimping or gathering jaws, which are serrated on
their inner faces, as shown Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the serrations being deepest at the top of
the jaws. These tapering or diminishing teeth are very important, since, at the point
where the upper turns over the edge of the last, there should be no gathers or pleats
in the upper. Near the edge of the last the gathers begin and increase in size to the
edge of the upper. The serrations of the jaw are, therefore, correspondingly shaped,

page_text: and act to pleat the upper naturally and without forcing or stretching it more at one
part of a pleat than at another. The serrated jaws are pivoted securely to the
sliding blocks by pivot C, as shown Fig. 6. Below these jaws on the same pivot
there is another pair of jaws B¹, and on top of each of these jaws B and rigidly
secured thereto is a smooth jaw or plate j', Figs. 4 and 6, which projects in front of
the jaw B and acts at the extreme of the inward movement of the jaw, when the
upper has been drawn smoothly over the edge of the last, to secure the upper in that
position. The jaws B are closed, as the sliding blocks move inwardly, by pro-
jections, see Figs. 4 and 5, which are fast on either end of the side blocks and
which, as the side blocks move in, come in contact with the outer ends of the inwardly
moving jaws B. The inward movement of the jaws B' also closes the jaws ', the
two being.connected by a bolt f8, see Fig. 14, which lies in a vertical chamber or
recess in the forward outer corner of the jaw B', see Fig. 4. The bolt f is forced
upward by a spiral spring g8, which bears, at its upper end, against a pin 8, in the
bolt and at its lower end, against a shoulder formed by an enlargement of the bolt
chamber to accommodate the spring, as shown Fig. 14. The bolt f is pulled down
against the resistance of spring g by means of the spur or pin ja, projecting from its
lower end through a slot 4, in the end of the jaw B. This pin 8 comes in contact with
an incline or cam 1, cut in the end of the side-block D¹ and, as the block moves
inwardly, the incline forces the pin and its bolt downwardly. When the bolt fis
up its upper end projects into a hole in the under side of the crimping jaw and
secures the jaw and the jaw B' rigidly together, and in this position, they move
inwardly in the operation of lasting the shoe. As soon as the jaw has reached the
extreme of its inward movement the bolt 8 has been pulled downwards by the
incline, clear of the jaw ', thus allowing the jaw ' to fly back out of the way,
impelled by the spring o', see Fig. 4. When the sliding blocks are moved outwardly
to take the shoe out of the machine the jaws B¹ are opened by a leaf-spring a, similar
to spring o¹, secured to the back of the jaws in the same manner as is spring o' to
the jaws. The plates remain in their inward position after the crimping and
lasting jaws have been allowed to fly back and, as already stated, project over the
edge of the last and serve to hold the upper in position when it has been drawn
smoothly over the last by the serrated jaws .
At the toe of the shoe a pair of shears k', are pivoted, also on the same pivot as are
the jaws and B¹ and directly above the plates or jaws j³, see Fig. 6. These shears
are for the purpose of trimming off the fulness of the upper which has been gathered
in folds or pleats around the toe, and they are operated by means of a cam, pivoted.
to a projection m³, of the toe-block, see Fig. 6, the cam pivot being provided with a
handle n, by which the cam, which lies between the shank of the shears may be
turned, thus separating the shanks and causing the cutting edges of the shears to pass
each other. On the inner faces of the toe and heel-blocks V, U, respectively, are
secured, see Fig. 6, the springs p', which support the curved springs q', Fig. 4, which
bear against the round of the toe and heel near to the edge of the last when the
toe and heel-blocks have moved inwardly and tend to hold the upper and prevent
it from slipping. These springs q bear near either end against the spring-impelled
bolts m³, set in recesses in the side-blocks, see Fig. 4, and also serve to center the
last in the machine. The side-blocks D', see Figs. 7 and 8, are mounted in ways
set on the table in the same manner as are the toe and heel-blocks, and they are
each similarly provided with a cam roll S which acts in the cam path to operate
them. These side-blocks have flat plates 2, Figs. 7 and 8, having their inner edges
shaped, as shown, Figs. 4 and 5, to correspond with the sides of the last, and they
act in the same manner as do the heel and toe plates or jaws j, to hold the upper
over the edge of the last after it has been drawn into position by the toothed
plates, which lie directly above the plates 1. These plates are secured in
position by the screw studs t', see Fig. 5, which pass through slots u', thus per-
mitting the plates to have an independent sliding movement toward and from the
last. When the blocks D' are moving inward when lasting the shoe, the toothed

page_text: plates are not only carried inward with the blocks but are also thrown inward
by the upward movement of the beveled tops of the bolts a³, so that, the points of
the teeth project beyond, and in advance of, the edges of the plates when they come
in contact with the upper. The plates are held in this position by the upright
bolts a³, which project upwardly through slots or holes cut in the plates, see Figs. 5, 7
and S. The bolts a² are set in vertical sockets in the blocks D' and are surrounded by
spiral springs c², which bear, at their upper ends, against shoulders in the socket and,
at their lower ends, against the pins d, in the bolts. These springs tend to throw the
bolts downwardly. For the purpose of raising the bolts the levers e², see Figs. 7
and 8, are provided, which are pivoted at f, in slots in the blocks D. The inner
ends of the levers e² are slotted, and are secured by pivots g³, in the slots, to the lower
ends of the bolts a². The outer ends of the levers e² are provided with studs at h²,
which project into cams 2, cut in the sides of the openings in the table. These cams
are of the shape shown, Figs. 7 and 8. When the blocks D¹ are in their outward
position the stud 2, of the levers e, is at the outer end of the cam. When the block
advances toward the last the stud 2 moves downward and forward in the lower member
of the cam, thus raising the inner end of the lever and throwing the bolt a²
upward, causing the beveled top of the bolt to pass into the slot or hole in the
toothed plates, thus moving the plate forward toward the work and holding it in
its forward position until the stud 2 has reached the lowest point of the cam 2, when
the stud is free to rise in the other member of the cam, thus allowing the spring ² to
throw the bolt a down, when the parts assume the position shown, Fig. 8, the plates s¹
being thrown back by the leaf-springs k², secured at their upper ends to the rear edge
of the plates, and at their lower ends to the blocks D', see Figs. 7 and 8. When the
blocks are moved back the studs 2 pass back in the horizontal part of the cam
until they snap past the leaf-springs which guide them in their next forward
movement and keep them in the lower member or part of the cam. The teeth of the
plates s may be integral therewith, but I prefer to make them separate from the
plates and set them in the edge thereof, as shown, securing them in any suitable
manner. By the mechanism, just described, the toothed plates s' are advanced toward
the work, the points of the teeth coming in contact with the work in advance of the
plain plate and, when the teeth have acted in conjunction with the devices, herein-
after described, to draw the upper smoothly over the edge of the last, the plain
plates come in contact with the upper and hold it in position, and the toothed.
plates s fly back out of the way in a manner similar to the movement of the jaws h¹,
above described.
The last E¹, on which the shoe is placed, is supported on a jack F', which, in turn,
is supported by a metallic strap H', Figs. 7, 8 and 12, having somewhat the shape
of a U. The jack is of the ordinary construction shown, and has a spindle m², on
which the last is set in the usual manner. The strap H bends downwardly in the
U shape described, in order that, there may be room around the jack to accommodate
the leg of a boot, if desired, otherwise the jack might be shorter and its supporting
strap would not need to project downwardly so far. The four upwardly projecting
corners or ends of the strap are bent outwardly at 2 and rest on a part of the table,
see Fig. 12. Between the parts n of the strap and the table are placed spiral springs o²,
Figs. 7 and 8, which give the strap a yielding seat and also hold the parts n² slightly
above the table to allow the wedges p², Figs. 6, 7 and 8, to be slid under them.
These wedges are forced under the ends of the strap by the inward movement of
the toe and heel-blocks see Fig. 6, while the toothed plates s' are pulling the upper
over the edge of the last and act to lift the last slightly against the plates and so
cause the plates to hold the upper more securely after it has been drawn smoothly
into position. The wedges are projections from the blocks, or are secured thereto,
and are withdrawn from under the ends of the strap by the outward movement of
the blocks. In front of the jack on the strap is secured a block J, Fig. 6, in which
is socketed a toe-rest K¹, on which the toe of the last rests and is thereby more
firmly supported.

page_text: While the serrated jaws and plates are in contact with the outside of the upper
in drawing the upper over the last it is necessary that there should be some
corresponding device inside the upper against which the exterior jaws and plates
may work, in order to grip the upper and pull it in smoothly and firmly. For this
purpose I provide a compressible form, having side pieces, see Figs. 4, 5 and 6,
the whole form corresponding in shape to the curves of the sole. This form is
provided with heel and toe-blocks, Fig. 5, there being two such blocks at the
toe, and two at the heel, each block co-acting with one of the jaws h¹. These blocks
require to be so mounted that they may recede under the pressure of the pivoted
jaws after the upper has been gripped between them and the pivoted jaws, and thus
allow the upper to be drawn over the edge of the last. To provide for this I
secure them, at their inner corners, to springs a³, see Figs. 4 and 5, by means of
screws, which pass through longitudinal slots in the spring a³.
For the purpose
of allowing the blocks to recede regularly toward the center of the last and of
forcing them outwardly again I provide the spiral springs ³, between the blocks,
which are supported on a rod d³, which projects at cither end into apertures in the
blocks, see Fig. 5. The springs ³ are compressed as the blocks are forced together.
The springs a are secured at their inner ends to a central-supporting piece e³ by
which the frame is supported. The outer edges of the blocks are secured to side
pieces, which extend from the toe to the heel along the edge of the last by means
of screws 3, Fig. 6. The side pieces are flexible and bent inwardly along the shank
of the last under the pressure of the plates s¹. These side pieces are provided near
their lowest edge with slots g³, see Figs. 6 and 7, which receive the points of the
teeth of the plates s', which, as the plates advance, come in contact with the upper
and force it into or against the slots g³, thus gripping it securely and preventing it
from slipping, while the subsequent advance of the toothed plates causes the side
pieces to recede and draws the upper inwardly, smoothly over the edge of the last.
The pieces consist of thin strips of metal and act like springs, that is, they are
flexible, and so may be bent inwardly or caused to recede from the position in
which they appear in Fig. 4 to that shown in Fig. 5. This bending or receding of
the pieces, as the toothed plates s advance, is greatest at the shank of the shoe, as
will be obvious upon inspection of the Figures last referred to. As soon as the
upper has been drawn in smoothly and secured by the plates the toothed plates
and jaws fly back, as previously explained, and there is no further use of the side
pieces or the blocks, and they are lifted up and may be removed. As they
are needed each time a shoe is lasted I have provided a convenient support for them
by which they may be easily put in place and removed. This consists of an arm h³,
Fig. 1, pivoted to a lug, on the central standard of the frame so as to swing
horizontally. Two uprights 3, secured at their lower ends to the piece e see Fig. 4,
extend upwardly through apertures in the arm ³ and are provided with spiral
springs, placed under the enlarged heads of the uprights and between these heads
and the arm h³, see Fig. 6. These springs are compressed as the inner frame is
thrown down onto the insole on the last and, when the pressure which holds it down
(the hand of the operator on the handle ) is removed, act to raise it again. For
the purpose of throwing it down a hand lever 1, Fig. 1, is provided, which pivoted
to a swivel on the inner end of the arm h³, so as to allow of the vertical movement
of the lever A forked upright m³, see Figs. 1 and 6, is secured at its lower end
to the piece e, see Fig. 4, and extends upwardly and rests in a slot or recess on the
under side of the lever 13. By this arrangement the inner frame may be swung over
the last and then, by seizing the handle of the lever 13 and pressing downwardly the
inner frame consisting of the blocks s² and side pieces 2 and their supports, may
be laid upon the insole in position for lasting the shoe.
I have now described the lasting mechanism proper. The shoe, with the last
inserted, is placed upon the jack at the right of Fig. 1, and, prior to this, it is
prepared by inserting the last, placing the insole in position, centering the upper
upon the last and pulling the upper at the middle of the toe and heel over the edge

page_text: of the sole and tacking it down by driving a tack at each place. This is for the
purpose of holding the upper in position after it has been properly centered. I
prefer to slit the edge of the upper on either side of the tack at the toe and heel,
thus holding it in position by a single strip and leaving the fulness of the upper at
either side of the center of the toe and heel to be gathered in and lasted smoothly
by the machine. After the shoe has been lasted at the center of Fig. 1, the outsole,
the inner surface of which has been coated with rubber cement or similar adhesive,
is placed upon the insole and the table swung round until the shoe is at the left of
Fig. 1 under the sole-laying apparatus. When it is in this position the sole-laying
block 3, see Figs. 1 and 8, which is provided on its under surface with a pro-
jection o³, arranged to fit in the channel on the bottom of the outsole, comes down and
presses the outsole and lays it smoothly upon the insole, the lower surface of the
block being curved to fit the curvature of the bottom of the last. The rib or
projection o on the block n³, which fits into the channel of the outsole, serves to give
the greatest pressure to the parts under the channel where it is most desired that the
sole should be laid smoothly and that the adhesive, which holds it temporarily in
place, should unite the parts most thoroughly. The block n³ is detachably supported
by the vertically moving head at, by means of spring-impelled bolts n³, see Fig. 10,
which lie in horizontal holes or sockets in the head and which have rounded ends
which project into grooves q³, in the projections p8. The block 3 is provided
with projections p³, which fit into the recesses or slots o8, and the sides of
these prejections 18 are provided with the grooves q8 to receive the rounded ends of
the bolts. When the projections p are pressed upwardly into the slots of in the
heads at the bolts n snap into the grooves in the sides of the projections and
secure the block to the head at. If sufficient downward pressure is applied to
the block to force the bolts n back against their springs the block n³ is released, as
will be clear. The block n³ is clamped in position on the outsole by means of the
dogs p3, which are secured between lugs q3 on the side blocks D' to the short shafts 13,
journaled in said lugs. These dogs bend upwardly and inwardly, as shown in Figs. 7
and 8, and are provided at their upper ends with compressible latches 3, the
shanks of which are received in sockets in the dogs, in the bottom of which sockets
are placed spiral springs s³, which tend to force the latches outward, see Fig. 7.
The ends of these latches are beveled on the upper side, as shown, and project into
As the
the path of the block n³ as it is being carried downward on to the sole."
block moves downward it strikes the inclined or beveled ends of the latches, forcing
them back against the resistance of the springs 83 until the latches arrive opposite the
triangular cavities t³, Fig. 8, in the sides of the block, when they snap into the
cavities and hold the blocks firmly in position. The dogs are prevented from rising
after they have clutched the block n³ by the pawls t, see Figs. 5 and 14, which
are fast on shafts (13. These pawls project horizontally and are received at their
outer ends in notches in the upright handles a', which are pivoted at their lower ends
between lugs 6, on the blocks 1. A leaf-spring c³, is secured to the block D¹ and
tends to press the handle inwardly against the pawl, see Fig. 14. As the pawl 18
and dogs are fast to the shaft 13 the dogs cannot rise or fly back until the pawl
is released. By pressing back the pivoted handle a the pawl is allowed to drop and
the dogs are released from the block. After the block n³ is thus secured in place
the table is again swung round and the succeeding shoe comes into position to
have the outsole laid.
Since the block n³ is left on the outsole of the preceding shoe another block must
be secured to the head a'; thus four blocks n³ are necessary, each block remaining
in position on the sole until the shoe has moved around to its first position at the
right of Fig. 1 where it was jacked. At this point the block n³ is removed and the
shoe taken from the jack. While it is thus moving round upon the table the cement
or adhesive has an opportunity to partially dry and secure the sole with sufficient
firmness to admit of subsequently handling the shoe, and sewing or nailing it without
displacing the outsole. The head a', which lays the block n upon the outsole, is
".

page_text: supported by two eccentric straps 4, the lower ends of which are secured to either
end of the head and which slide in ways c', bolted to a projection of the frame, see
Fig. 1. The straps are pivoted to eccentrics d on the horizontal shaft f, journaled
in the upper frame of the machine, see Fig. 1. The shaft f is driven by means of
the beveled gear g*, which meshes with the gear J on the main shaft. The shaft f
is divided into two parts, each part carrying a member of the friction device *, which
is of common construction and by means of which the part of the shaft which carries
the eccentrics may be revolved, or stopped at will, by connecting or disconnecting
it with the part which carries the gear g and which is constantly revolving when the
machine is in use. To operate the eccentrics d* the shipper lever jis pivoted at *,
to a projection on the central standard of the frame. The upper end of the shipper
lever is provided with a stud which travels in a path in the hub of one member of
the friction device, and the lower end of lever projects downwardly beside the
standard of the machine, see Fig. 1, and in the path of the inclined projections or
cams, see Figs. 2 and 3, secured to the top of the cylindrical sleeve m, which
surrounds the standard, see Fig. 2, and is secured to, and revolves with, the table.
As the cam projections pass under the end of the shipper-lever they force the
lower end of the lever outwardly, or to the left, Fig. 1, thus forcing the upper end in
the opposite direction and rendering the friction device operative whilst one of the
projections is passing the lower end of the shipper-lever. The length of the cam
projections is such, that while one of them is passing the shipper-lever, the
eccentrics will make one complete revolution. To further insure the stopping of
the eccentrics d' at the same point each time, a cam groove is cut on the inner face
of the inner eccentric see Fig. 15, and the groove is provided at one point with a
vertical slot, opening downwardly from it. This groove and slot receive a stud n',
Fig. 1, set in the upper end of the upright p, which is pivoted to the end of the bell-
crank lever q, which, in turn, is pivoted to a projection on the central standard and
the lower end of which projects downwardly beside the standard and parallel to the
shipper lever, and is connected with the shipper lever by a pin , fig. 1, which
projects into a slot in the shipper. By this means the bell-crank lever is moved at
the same time that the shipper lever is moved. As the lower end of this bell crank
lever is moved outwardly the stud n is raised out of the slot into the circular
groove in the eccentric, and lies in the groove until the eccentric has made a complete
revolution when the stud arrives again at the slot opening out of the groove and
drops into it, thus stopping the eccentric and locking it.
When the shoe has passed around to its first position, to the right of fig. 1, the
operative throws back the pivoted dogs p³ by pressing, back the handles a and lifts
off the sole-laying block n³. He then opens or throws back the sliding blocks by
revolving the cam through one-eighth of a revolution. This is effected by means
of the lever a³, see figs. 1 and 11, which is pivoted, at its inner end, to a projection
on the frame by vertical and horizontal pivots which allow it to be moved either
horizontally or vertically. The lever a³ is provided with a tooth , which, when the
lever is raised, is in contact with the toothed edge of the cylindrical cam piece s, in
the top of which the cam is cut. The outer or handle end of the lever is supported
on an arm d³, secured to the frame underneath the table. The horizontal portion of
the arm, see fig. 11, is bent upwardly, so that, as the lever arm is moved horizontally,
the tooth is thrown into contact with the teeth of the piece s. The arm a is
carried back to its first position again by the next movement of the table by means
of the pin f, projecting from the edge of the table, which strikes the arm when it
is in the dotted position, shown fig. 11, but which passes over the arm as soon as the
arm is back again in its first position, left of fig. 11. By a lateral movement of the
lever a the cam may be revolved and the sliding blocks thrown back, as will be
obvious. After the blocks have been thus opened or thrown back the shoe, lasted
and with the outsole laid, may be removed and a shoe ready to be lasted. put in its
place.
The spring catch f³, figs. 1 and 2, is secured to the stationary tim of the frame and

page_text: extends downwardly in front of the flange of the table, and a projection 9º on the
spring lies in a groove in the flange and serves to hold the table stationary while the
shoe is being lasted as also to stop the table when it is revolved at exactly the right
point. When it is desired to revolve the table the catch f³ is depressed and the
table started. When the projection is opposite the next slot in the flange it snaps
into the slot and the table is then in the position in which it is required to be when
the next shoe is lasted and the sole of the preceding one is laid.
When it is desired to last uppers which are very hard and unyielding, or which
have sole leather tips for example, which render them stiff, I prefer to soften and
break up the edges around the toe by the use of the auxiliary device, shown figs. 16, 17
and 18. This device consists of a base plate a, having a rounded front, which may
be secured to a table or bench, or other convenient object, and which is provided with
an arched supporting frame 6º, underneath the centre of which an arm do, is pivoted
at es, to a stud g, swiveled in the frame, see fig. 16. This arm has a handle at its
outer end which may be conveniently grasped. A series of tapering teeth, corre-
sponding, in shape and size, to the teeth of the jaws ', are set in a semi-circle on
eitlier side of the centre of the base plate, as shown fig. 16. The central portion of
the base is plain, see fig. 17, since the centre of the toe of the upper is not touched.
by the jaws and so, does not require to be acted upon by this auxiliary device.
On the arm da gear ho, having corresponding tapering teeth, is journaled, so that
the teeth of the gear will mesh with the teeth of the base plate. In front of the
gear an arm is rigidly secured to the arm d, and projects downwardly therefrom
and is provided, at its lower end, with an inwardly projecting stud 6, fig. 18, which
carries a rubber roll ", which lies directly under the front edge of the base plate.
This roll serves to prevent the year from rising too far when the toe of the upper
is interposed between it and the teeth of the base plate and causes the gear to take
hold of the leather and crease and prepare it for the action of the crimping and
lasting jaws. The toe of the upper is inserted from the rear under the arm de and
under the gear and the arm is then swung horizontally over the edge of the upper
until the upper has been broken in and creased and prepared for the lasting jaws,
when the upper is ready to be placed on the last and put into the lasting machine.
2'
The operation of the machine is as follows: The last, with the upper and insole in
position, is placed on the jack at the right of fig. 1. The spring catch is then
depressed to disengage its projection (fig. 2) from the holding notch in the rim of
the rotary table D, thus leaving the said table free to be moved through a quarter
revolution by the operator who seizes one of the handles c for this purpose, and when
the quarter revolution is effected the further movement of the table is stopped by the
said projection g' which engages another notch in the said table. The shoe is now in the
central position, fig. 1, and the operator next grasps the handle and swings the com-
pressible form or inner frame (which is to co-operate with the serrated end and side
gripping jaws, in grasping the edge of the upper) over the shoe, and then by depressing
said lever the said form or frame is forced against the shoe. The operator next momentarily
touches the treadle lever N with his foot thereby raising the shaft L and causing the
toothed clutch wheel carried thereby to engage the toothed cylindrical cam-piece s
in the top of which is formed the grooved cam shown in fig. 3. As soon as the
revolution of the said shaft has commenced it is held up by the rollers c which now
travel on the projections of the bearing m, said rollers being on the arms 68 of the
frame a bolted to the said shaft L; and when one-eighth of a revolution of the cam u
has been effected the said rollers e drop down between the said projections thereby
disengaging the said clutch-wheel from the said cam pieces. This one-eighth
revolution of the cam forces in the sliding blocks D', U and V thereby moving the
lasting jaws and plates inwardly, drawing the upper smoothly over the insole. The
toothed or serrated jaws and plates then fly back and the smooth plates j' and which
press on the upper inside of the edge of the last, as shown in figs. 6 and 8, securely
hold the upper in lasted position in readiness for the laying of the outsole. The com-
pressible forum or inner frame which is connected with the lever is now allowed to
rise and is swung to one side out of the way; the lever n' is then turned, closing the
B

page_text: shears and trimming off the surplus gathers of the upper around the toe; the shears
are then opened again and a coating of cement, or other adhesive, applied to the inner
surface of the outsole, which is then placed in position on the insole; the catch" is
again depressed and the table revolved through another quarter revolution, carrying
the lasted shoe around to the left of fig. 1 under the sole-laying apparatus the move-
ment of the table moves the cam projections, fig. 3, under the shipper which
starts the eccentrics d and forces the block n³ down upon the outsole where it is held
by the dogs p³, see fig. S. The succeeding shoe is now in position to be lasted, and
the operation is repeated. When three succeeding shoes have been lasted the first
shoe is around again at the right of fig. 1 where it was put into the machine and it is
now removed by pressing back the handles a³, releasing the dogs p³, removing the
block and opening or throwing back the sliding blocks by means of lever a³, as
already described. When it is removed another shoe is inserted in its place and the
operation goes on.
As the upper is securely held in lasted position by the plates and until the
outsole has been applied and temporarily secured in place by cement or other adhesive
substance, it is obvious that no nails are required to secure the lasted upper in place
and that the lasting and sole-laying operations are continuously performed on one and
the same machine." The said plates and are not released from their grip on the
upper until the shoe is brought around to its first position at the right of fig. 1 when
the cam-piece s is given a one-eighth revolution by the hand lever (figs. I and 11)
as bereinbefore described, to move back the sliding blocks D, U and V and the lasting
jaws and plates operated thereby preparatory to lasting another shoe. The said lasting
and holding plates and do not extend inwardly over the edge of the last or insole
far enough to prevent the outsole from being properly cemented or stuck down to the
insole and upper so as to retain the latter in lasted position when the cement has set:
the pressure of the outsole against the insole and upper when the block ³ is down
being, of course, greatest beneath the rib or projection o³ which is inside of the ends of
the lasting and holding plates, as shown in fig. 8; and if the said block be not
provided with the said rib or projection o³ the shape of its under surface will be such
(operating in connection with the rounded bottom of a last) as to cause the outsole to
be securely stuck down to the insole and upper within the inner ends of the holding
lasting plates.
I have described the sole-laying block n³ as being provided with a projection to
enter the channel on the outsole. When the outsole is not channeled the block n³ will
be smooth, the projection in such case not being desired.
'
I have also previously stated that the shoe is prepared for the machine by securing
the upper in position on the last by means of a tack at the heel and another at the toe.
The tack at the heel is not, however, generally required; usually a single tack at the
toe is all that is necessary.
Instead of the catch for holding the table D in a given position other well known'
forms of catch or stop device may be used.
In the above description of my machine, I have referred to the sole of the boot or
shoe as being temporarily secured in place by the use of cement, or other adhesive,
it being desirable to avoid the use of pegs or nails. It will be obvious, however,
to those skilled in the art, that the use of cement is not necessary to my machine,
but when the outsole is laid in place by the operator, he may secure it by the insertion
of pegs or nails instead of by the use of cement.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, 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 :
1. A lasting machine having toothed jaws and plates mounted on sliding blocks
to admit of their being moved toward and from the work and a compressible frame
placed inside the upper on the insole to co-act with said jaws and plates in gripping
the upper and drawing it in over the edge of the insole, substantially as shown and
described.

page_text: 2. A lasting machine provided with cam-actuated sliding blocks carrying serrated
jaws and plates in combination with smooth jaws and plates, also mounted on the
sliding blocks, whereby the upper, after it is drawn over the last, is held in
position, all as set forth.
3. A lasting machine provided with horizontally movable cam-actuated sliding
blocks arranged to approach and recede from the heel and toe and the sides
of a shoe, in combination with a pair of serrated jaws and a pair of smooth
jaws pivoted to the heel and toe blocks, said serrated and smooth jaws being
adapted to operate independently of each other, and with a serrated plate and a
smooth plate carried by each of the sliding side blocks, the said serrated plate and
smooth plates being movable independently of each other and the said smooth jaws
and plates being adapted to impinge against the upper inside of the edge of the
sole of the last whereby the upper, after it has been drawn over the edge of the
sole of the last by the serrated jaws and plates, will be held in position by the said
smooth jaws and plates after the serrated jaws and plates have been disengaged
therefrom, substantially as set forth.
4. The combination in a lasting machine with the cam-actuated sliding blocks D₁
of toothed plates s¹ mounted on said blocks, the bevelled-topped bolts and their
levers and actuating cams, for the purposes and substantially as set forth.
5. The combination of the sliding blocks D', the plates provided with apertures
to receive the bolts a² and having springs to retract said plates and the plates,
rigidly secured to the sliding blocks, substantially as shown and described.
6. In a lasting machine the combination with the sliding blocks U, V, D¹, of the
plates », j', whereby when the upper is drawn over the edge of the last it is retained
in position, substantially as shown and described.
7. In a lasting machine the combination with the sliding blocks D₁ of the upright
bolts a having hevelled tops and actuated, in one direction, by the lever e² and its
actuating cam and, in the other direction, by the spiral spring c² of the toothed
plates having apertures to receive the bolts a substantially as shown and
described.
8. The combination with the cam-actuated blocks D₁ of the plates 1, secured
thereto, and the plates and mechanism for moving said plates toward and from
the work, substantially as shown and described.
9. The combination with the sliding blocks U, V, of the inner blocks T and their
actuating cams, said blocks T being set in slots in the blocks U, V, having pins f
projecting into slots in the blocks U, V, said slots being provided with the springs g',
whereby, after the blocks U, V, have been moved forward a sufficient distance, the
further throw of the cam is taken up by the inner blocks T, for the purposes and
substantially as shown and described.
10. The combination with the sliding blocks U, V, of the serrated jaws and the
plates j', pivoted thereto substantially as shown and described.
11. A lasting machine provided with serrated jaws to operate upon the toe and heel
of the upper and correspondingly serrated blocks, opposing said jaws, inside the upper,
on top of the innersole each of said serrations being tapering, whereby the increasing
fulness of the upper toward the edge thereof is gathered in evenly and the upper, at
the edge of the last, is left smooth substantially as shown and described.
12. The combination, with the cam-actuated sliding blocks U, V, of the serrated
jaws ¹, and the plates, pivoted thereto, and the shears A, pivoted to the block V,
substantially as shown and described.
13. The combination with the cam-actuated sliding blocks U, V, D¹, and their
actuating nechanism and the lasting jaws and plates of the yielding side pieces ² and
blocks, substantially as shown and described.
14. In a lasting machine in which the shoe is placed between sliding blocks which
carry the lasting jaws and plates the combination therewith of the horizontally swinging
arm pivoted to the frame of the machine, the vertically moving lever 13, pivoted to
said arm the uprights which slide in apertures in the arm h³, the rigid arm m³,

page_text: the yielding side pieces and blocks s², whereby the side pieces and blocks may be
placed accurately on the insole when in use and, when not in use, may be raised and
swung out of the way, substantially as shown and described.
15. The combination with the sliding blocks and their actuating cam of the
U-shaped strap H¹, which supports the jack, the springs and the wedges p²,
whereby the shoe is forced upwardly as the upper is drawn over the last thereby
crowding the upper against the rigid plates and holding it securely in position, as
set forth.
16. The combination with the sliding blocks D' of the dogs p³ provided with the
spring-actuated latches and the sole-laying block n³ having apertures to receive said
latches, substantially as shown and described.
17. The combination with the sliding blocks D' of the dogs p3, shafts 1³, pawls t
and the spring-actuated handles a", substantially as shown and described.
18. In a lasting and sole-laying machine, the combination with the sliding
blocks D', U, V, of the plates or jaws and, the dogs p³, the pressure-block n³, and
the reciprocating head a with which the said block is detachably connected, substantially
as set forth.
19. In a lasting and sole-laying machine, the combination with the lasting
mechanism, the sole-laying pressure block and the reciprocating head at by which
said block is carried, of the sleeve m having the cam projections, the shipper-lever j
and the bell-crank lever 9', its upright p" and stud n which acts in a groove and slot
in the face of the eccentric d, the eccentric d' and its shaft and the friction clutch /*,
whereby, as the cam projection moves under the lever j*, the eccentric is unlocked and
given one revolution, substantially as shown and described.
20. The combination with the lasting mechanism of the serrated pieces, the verticaily
movable shaft L and mechanism for revolving the same, the gear and the treadle
mechanisni whereby, as the treadle is depressed, the shaft is raised and the gear r
thrown into contact with the piece s, for the purposes and substantially as described.
21. The combination with the blocks U, V, 1, and their jaws and plates j', 1, and
and the pieces for actuating said blocks for the toothed lever a pivoted to a swivel
set in the frame, whereby, by the movement of the lever, the cam may be actuated and
the blocks forced backward from the work, freeing the same, substantially as shown
and described.
22. The combination with the revolving table D provided with pins of the
pivoted arm a³ and the supporting arm dhaying its horizontal portion bent upwardly,
substantially as shown and described.
23. A lasting machine having a revolving table provided, at one or more points,
with a jack for supporting the shoe, and mechanism adapted, by means of cam-actuated
sliding blocks, to draw the upper over the last and insole and secure it in place, said
imechanism being operated at one point in the revolution of the table and a sole-laying
apparatus, operated automatically, to lay the outsole at another point in the revolution
of the table, substantially as shown and described.
24. A lasting machine having a revolving table for supporting the work and lasting
mechanism proper, said table being supported on ball bearings and having a spring-
catch by which the table is stopped and locked at any desired point, substantially as
shown and described.
25. In a machine for lasting shoes and laying the soles thereof a revolving table
supported, in the centre, by a bushing or sleeve received in a groove or recess in the
central standard of the machine and supported, near the periphery, by ball bearings
resting on the stationary frame outside of the sole-laying apparatus, whereby any part
of the table is adapted to sustain the pressure of the sole-laying device without.yielding
and without interfering with the easy revolution of the table when the pressure is
removed, substantially as shown and described.
26. The combination with the mechanism for lasting the shoe and for holding the
upper in position after it is lasted, of a sole-laying block, as n³, for the purposes and
substantially as shown and described.

page_text: 27. The combination with the sliding blocks D¹ carrying the holding plates »¹, and
the sliding blocks U and V carrying the holding plates, of the sole-laying pressure
block having the rib or projection o³ to enter the channel in the bottom of the
out-sole when the latter is being laid, substantially as set forth.
28. The combination with the serrated jaws and plates which act on the outside of
the upper and their actuating mechanism, of the yielding frame located inside the
upper and consisting of the perforated side pieces and the serrated side blocks >>
and their supports, substantially as shown and described.
29. The combination with the side pieces of the blocks, the supporting
springs a and the pins d³ and their springs, substantially as shown and described.
Dated this 9th day of October 1888.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London,
Agents for the Applicani.