An Improved Mode of and Apparatus for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1889

page_text: An Improved Mode of and Apparatus for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
| PHILIP ARTHUR NEWTON of the Office for Patents, 6 Breams Buildings,
Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement
-
This invention relates to a method of and an organized machine for lasting boots
and shoes. that is to say, a machine which operates to stretch the material which
forms the upper of the boot or shoe around the last and cause it to properly conform
thereto to give the desired shape to the boot or shoe
It is one object of the invention to provide a lasting machine which is simple in its
construction, which, as to its principal functions, is automatic in its operation and
which shall be capable of operating upon various grades of material and giving to
it the required stretch without danger of rupturing or other wise injuring it
One part of the invention consists in an improved method of and mechanism for
stretching the upper around the last, other parts of the invention consists in improve-
ments in the other mechanisms which go to make up the complete machine, and still
other parts of the invention consist in the general organization of the machine, all of
which will be hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out and claimed.
To aid in a more easy understanding of the detailed description of the several
mechanisms and their operation, which will be hereinafter given, a brief, general
description of the organization and operation of the machine will be first given.
C
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page_text: The complete machine may be naturally divided into four mechanisuis, which
perform functions which are to some extent independent of each other, although all
of these mechanisms co-operate to form the complete machine. These mechanisms
are:
The mechanism for supporting and holding the last in position during the lasting
operation.
The mechanism for stretching and conforming the upper around the last and for
holding it in its stretched condition while its edges are being folded over onto the
bottom of the last and secured in that position.
and
last
The mechanism for folding over the edges of the upper at the sides of the last
;
The mechanism for folding over the edges of the upper at the heel and toe of the
The mechanism for supporting the last and holding it in position consists of an
under support and a downhold. The under support consists of a loose, removable
Jack made approximately yoke shaped, one arm of which enters an opening in the
heel of the last while the other arm is provided with a clamp which is forced against
the upper near the toe of the last in such manner as to clamp the upper to the last
and prevent it from being displaced during the stretching operation. This loose,
removable jack carrying the last rests in a suitable bed formed for its reception in the
machine.
The downhold for the last, which is approximately a counterpart of the bottom of
the last, rests upon the upturned bottom of the last, and acts to prevent the last from
being raised by the upward strain exerted upon it during the stretching operation
and also to hold the insole to the last. This downhold consists of two members,
which telescope, and which, for convenience, are termed the outer downhold and the
inner downhold Both members of the downhold remain upon the last until after
the stretching is completed, after which the outer downhold, the bearing edge of
which rests upon the outer edge of the insole so as to hold it in position during the
stretching, is raised to allow the folding, while the inner downhold remains depressed
to hold the insole in position until after the folding The two members of the
downhold are supported upon rods having means by which the two members can be
simultaneously depressed on to the bottom of the last and by which they can be
successively raised as just stated.
The mechanism for stretching the upper around the last and for holding it in its
stretched condition during the folding operation consists, primarily, of two instru-
mentalities, which are termed, respectively, a rubbing stretcher or stretchers and
lateral pressers.
The rubbing stretchers, of which there are usually two, are composed of more or
less flexible material and are arranged one within-the other, extending along the
sides and around the toe of the last. The inner rubbing stretcher is inserted between
the last and the upper and the outer rubbing stretcher extends around the last
outside the upper, so that the edge of the upper hes between the two stretchers.
When the upper is provided with a lining or is composed of two ples which stretch
unequally, a third or intermediate rubbing stretcher may be employed which will be
introduced between the upper and lining or between the plies of the upper.
Co-operating with the rubbing stretchers are lateral pressers which do not partake
of the movement of the stretchers and which may therefore be said to be stationary
relatively to the stretchers which operate to pre-s and hold the stretchers with the
interposed upper against the edge of the last with considerable force. In the operation
of the machine the pressers are sometimes operated to press the stretchers and the
upper against the edge of the last prior to the lowering of the downhold on to the
bottom of the last, so that in addition to their function of pressing the stretchers
and the upper against the last they also operate to centre the last in proper
position.
When the parts are in this position the stretching of the upper is effected by

page_text: moving the stretchers away from the last so as to withdraw them from between the.
pressers and the last. The friction between the upper and the stretchers, due to the
pressure of the pressers will cause the stretchers as they are withdrawn to exert a
rubbing action against the upper and thus draw upon it sufficiently to give it the
proper stretch to cause it to conform to the last As soon as the stretchers are
withdrawn the pressers spring inward and continue to press the upper against the
last so as to retain it in its stretched condition during the subsequent operations of
folding over and securing its edges upon the bottom of the last
For the purpose of preventing the pressers from marring the upper, particularly in
the case of fine work, there is provided a shield, made of material which is more or
less flexible, and is interposed between the pressers and the outer stretcher in such
manner that the pressers do not bear directly against the stretcher during the
stretching and the upper after the stretchers have been withdrawn, but only act upon
the outer stretcher and the upper through the medium of the interposed shield.
The mechanism for folding over the upper at the sides of the last consists of
two side crimpers, one for each side of the last, which are carried upon vibrating
heads, and are so operated that, after the stretchers have been withdrawn, they are
simultaneously advanced upon the opposite sides of the last to fold over the edge
of the upper onto the bottom of the last Each of the side crimpers is composed
of a number of independently-adjustable crimping-fingers, the positions of which can
he varied within wide range to conform to the outlines of different lasts.
The mechanism for folding over the upper at the heel and too of the last consists
of a heel-crimper and a toe-crimper, which are duplicates, and each of which is
composed of a number of independently-moving crimping-fingers which are radially
arranged and are advanced sunultaneously so as to converge at the heel and toe of
the last and fold over the upper at those points simultaneously with the folding
over the upper at the sides of the last After the folding is completed the inner
downhold is raised and the entire downhold. together with the stretchers, are moved
laterally away from their position over the last The edge of the upper is then
secured in position by tacking or otherwise, after which the crimpers and the
pressers are retracted. The last with its Jack is then removed and another jack
carrying a last and an upper is inserted and the operation is repeated.
The various mechanisins which have been mentioned, with the exception of the
downhold, are automatic-in their operations, the operating mechanism being so timed
that the several mechanisms will perform their respective operations in proper sequence.
The details in the constructions of the several mechanisms and the organization
thus briefly outlined will now be fully described in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a front elevation of an organized lasting machine embodying the present
invention, the parts being shown in the position they will occupy after the last and
Jack have heen irtroduced into the machine and before the downhold mechanism has
been moved into position over the last.
Figure 2 is an end elevation looking from the left of Figure 1, the parts being in
the same position.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the machine, the parts being in the same position as in
Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is an enlarged end elevation partly in section of the mechanism for
operating the downhold after it has been moved into position to bring the downhold
over the last.
Figure 5 is an enlarged front elevation of the same parts in the same position.
Figure 5a is a section taken on the line 5 of figure 5.
.
Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view, partly in section, of the crimpers and the
stretchers, the parts being in the same position as in figures 1, 2 and 3.
Figure 7 is an enlarged longitudinal section of the heel and toe-crimpers, the
stretchers, the downhold, the support for the pressers, and the shield, the parts being
in the same position as in figures 1, 2 and 3..
Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-section of the downhold, the side crimpers, the

page_text: •
stretchers, the shield and the support for the pressers, looking toward the heel of the
Last, the parts being in the same position as in figure 7, except that the downhold is in
position above the last
Figure 9 is a view similar to figure 8, showing the parts in the position they will.
occupy after the stretching has been effected, the outer downhold raised and the
crimpers advanced so as to nearly complete the folding.
Figure 10 is a view similar to figure 6, showing the crimpers in the position they'
will occupy after the folding has been completed, and while the upper is being secured
to the insole
Figure 11 is an enlarged plan view, partly in section, of the toe crimper.
Figure 12 is a vertical section of the same, taken on the line 12 of figure 11.
Figure 13 is an elevation of the connections for imparting a rising and falling
movement to the fingers of the heel and toe-crimpers.
Figure 14 is an enlarged, vertical section of the support for the lateral pressers,
showing also the head for operating them.
Figure 1 is a horizontal section of the support for the pressers, all of the presser
fingers except two being, however, removed to show the other parts more clearly.
Figure 16 is an enlarged, vertical section of the mechanism for moving the head
which operates the presseis, the head being shown in its raised position.
Figure 17 is a cross-section of the same parts in the same position
Figure 18 is an enlarged end elevation of the connections for operating the
stretchers, the parts being shown in their depressed position.
Figure 19 is an enlarged side elevation, partly in section, of said connections in the
same position.
Figure 20 is a cross-sectiou taken on the line 20 of Figure 18.
Figure 21 is an enlarged end elevation of the side-crimpers and the connections for
operating them, showing the parts in their normal position.
Figure 22 is an enlarged side elevation of said connections in the same position,
showing the head which carries one of the crimpers in section.
Figure 23 is an enlarged plan view of the shield which is interposed between the
pressers and the outer rubbing-stretcher.
Figure 24 is a side elevation of the same
Figure 25 is an end elevation of the same.
Figure 26 is an enlarged sido olevation, partly in section, of the jack which supports
the last.
Figure 27 is an enlarged plan view of the inner rubbing-stretcher.
Figure 28 is a longitudinal section of the same.
Figure 29 is an enlarged plan view of the outer rubbing-stretcher.
Figure 30 is a longitudinal section of the same.
Figure 31 is an enlarged plan view of one of the fingers of the side crimpers.
Figure 32 is an edge view of the same.
Figures 33 and 34 are enlarged perspective views of two of the fingers of the heel
and toe-crimpers.
Figure 35 is an enlarged, perspective view of one of the fingers of the lateral-
pressers.
Figure 36 18 an enlarged sectional view of the clutch mechanism for starting and
stopping the machine.
Figure 37 is a section taken on the line 37 of figure 36.
Figure 38 shows a detail of the clutch.
Figures 39 and 40 are views similar to figures 7 and 8 illustrating the stretching
mechanism provided with an intermediate stretcher to act between the upper and the
ling of the upper.
Referring to said drawings it is to be understood that the working parts of the
machine are supported upon a suitable framework A, the top of which forms a bed-
plate B for supporting the principal parts of the machine at a convenient height for
the operator. The framework A affords bearings for a main driving shaft Chaving
a driving pulley D which receives motion from any suitable source of power, and

page_text: trom which motion is communicated to the various mechanisms of the machine
The
movements of certain parts ot the machine are derived directly from the main
shaft C, as will be hereinafter explained, but the movements of the principal
mechanisms are derived directly from a counter shaft E which receives motion from
the main shaft through engaging-gears c e, with which the shafts are provided, these
geas being so proportioned for a purpose that will also be hereinafter explained. that
five revolutions of the main haft are requied to pro luce one complete revolution of
the counter shaft
The construction and to some extent the operation of the several mechanisms
composing the complete machine will, for convenience, be first described in the
order before mentioned, after which the operation of the complete machine will be
explained
The mechanism for supporting the ast and holding it in position during the
sti etching and folding of ciations consists, as before explained, of an under support and
a downhold The under-support for the last consists of a jack F (see Figs. 7, 8, 9
and 26), which is of a form approximating yoke shaped One arm of the jack forms
a stud which enters an opening formed in the heel of the last G, while the other
arm of the jack is provided with a clamp composed of a sliding head, which is
retained in position by means of stud f, which entais a recess in the arm of the
Jack, and is acted on by a pivoted cam-lever f³, the end of which engages the head in
such manner as to force it against the toe portion of the last with sufficient pressure
to hold the jack in position and also to hold the upper firmly against the last to prevent
it from being di-placed by any inequality in the strain upon its opposite sides during
the stretching operation The end of the head f', which comes into contact with the
upper upon the last will preferably be provided with a covering of leather or other
soft material f, which will prevent injury to the upper This Jack is entirely detached
from the other parts of the machine and is placed upon the last after it has been
covered with the upper and before it is introduced into the machine
The jack carrying the last is placed in the machine in the position shown in Figures 7,
8 and 9, where it rests in a suitable seat formed in the base h of the shield H, which
will be hereinafter referred to
The downhold K for the last consists (see Figs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5a, 7, 8 and 9), of two
members termed respectively the outer downhold and the inner downhold
The outer
downhold kis of a size and shape to conform substantially to the size and shape of
the bottom of the last and to bear upon the insole g' very near its edge and around
its entire circumference This member of the downhold is suspended from two
rods k¹, the upper ends of which are adjustably secured to a crossbar k³, which is
arranged to move vertically upon rods k³, which are provided with springs k by which
the bar and the outer downhold are normally held in a raised position away from the
last to permit the latter to be readily introduced into and removed from the machine
Supported upon the rods ³ above the bar are the bearings of a shaft having
a pair of cams k, which are arranged to act upon the bat in such, manner as to
forco it downward and depress the outer downhold onto the bottom of the last. The
shaft is provided with a spring, one end of which is attached to a collar fast upon
the shaft, while the other end is attached to a collar which is loose upon the shalt and
is provided with an arm 41, which engages with a stud projecting from a fixed
bearing, which will be presently referred to. The spring is so arranged that
its normal tendency is to turn the shaft and cams A to such position as to allow
the springs to elevase the bar and the outer downhold. The extent to which the
spring is permitted to turn the shaft is limited by means of stops A", which are
secured to the bearings of the shaft and project into the path of the cams.
For the purpose of rocking the shatt A to depress the outer downhold the shatt
1s provided with a loose crank-arm 12 carrying a pivoted pawl-lever k¹³, which
engages with a notch in a disk k", fixed upon the end of the shaft ko. The pawl-
lever is normally held in position to engage with the notch in the disk k by
means of a spring 15.

page_text: When the shaft and cams * have been rocked by the spring so as to raise the
outer downhold, it is only necessary, in order to depress the outer downhold, to rock
the crank-arm upward to the position shown by dotted lines in Figure 4, so as to
permit the pawl-lever to engage with the notch in the disk A, and then rock said
fever back to its pendant position, thereby rocking the shaft 40 so as to cause the
cams to depress the bar ³
The crank-arm is provided with a suitable handle 16 by which it can be operated
as just described, and for the purpose of retaining the outer downhold in its depressed
position, the lever is provided with a spring-pressed locking-pin k¹, which is at ranged
to enter an opening in a plate 18, secured to the lower end of the rod k³ Whenever
the outer downhold is in its depressed position and it is desired to raise it from the last,
it is only necessary to press the lower end of the pawl-lever k¹ so as to disengage the
lever from the notch in the disk 14. The spring A' will then rock the shaft so as
to permit the springs to raise the bar and the outer downhold. The tripping of
the pawl-lever kl is accomplished at the proper time by means of a tripping-lever k¹³,
which is fulcrummed upon the collar 31, which supports the rod k³, and engages with
a spring-lever 120, secured to the pawl-lever and is acted on by an adjustable tappet k²
carried by one of the side-crimpers, and which during the inward movement of the
side-crimper engages with the lever 1, and trips the pawl-lever at the proper time
relatively to the folding operation.
To cushion the blow which would be occasioned by the sudden upward movement
of the bark by the springs *, there are provided buffers k, which are interposed
between the bark and the bearings of the shaft ** To overcome the momentum of
the shaft A, due to the action of the spring ', the disk is provided opposite the
notch in which the pawl-lever engages with a cam-shaped lobe " which, as the disk
is revolved by the action of the spring k', engages with the end of the pawl-lever and
rocks said lever against a rubber buffer k2, thereby causing said buffer to resist the
resist the force of the spring k7, and thus cushion and arrest the parts without shock.
The inner downhold 3 is of substantially the same form as the outer downhold, but
smaller, and is arranged to telescope into a recess formed for its reception in the under
side of the onter downlold.
The inner downhold is supported upon a vertical rod or rods 24, which pass
through the outer downhold and through openings formed in a plate or plates carried
by the bar, and also through openings formed in flanges projecting from an aim 1
which is supported loosely upon the shaft and is held in a horizontal position by a
guide rod which is fixed to the arm and moves in an opening formed in an
arm 10 projecting from the bar 12. The rods are connected at their upper ends by
a crosslar and are provided with springs, which are interposed between sand
cross bar and the flanges of the arm and which tend to normally hold the inner
downhold in its raised position and within the recess formed in the bottom of the
outer downhold.
From this construction it will be seen that whenever the outer downhold is
depressed by the action of the cams * the inner downhold will be engaged by the
outer downbold and depressed with it. It will also be seen that whenever the outer
downhold is raised by the action of the springs k, the springs will also tend to
raise the inner downhold and cause it to follow the upward movement of the outer
downhold.
For the purpose of retaining the inner downhold m its depressed position after the
outer downhold has been raised, the arm 48 (see figure 5a) is extended upon the
opposite side of the shaft and supports the bearings of a vertical shaft 2 having
a horizontal crank arm 2, which is arranged to be swung forward so as to be brought
into engagement with a head 29 secured to the upper ends of the rods 2, these parts
being so arranged that when the inner downhold is in its depressed position upon the
bottom of the last the arm 28 can be swung into position to enagage with the head
and retain the inner downhold in that position, after the outer downhold has been
released and raised as before described. The head is capable of a limited, vertical

page_text: movement upon the rod ", and is supported by a stiff spring
which may be
slightly compressed when the arm is swung over the head ", thus compensating
for slight differences in the thickness of insoles.
When it is desired to release the inner downhold and
from the last, all that is necessary is to swing the arm
indicated in Figures 3, 4, and 5, whereupon the springs
inner downhold.
allow it to be raised away
to one side to the position
will operate to raise the
To cushion the blow of the inner downhold when it is raised by the springs ** the
recess in the outer downhold, which receives the inner downhold, is provided with a
sheet of rubber or other elastic buffer which is interposed between the two
members of the downhold. This buffer 1s of such thickness that when the two
members of the downhold are depressed by the action of the cams the inner
downhold will be brought into contact with the bottom of the last slightly in advance
of the outer downhold, thereby causing the buffer to be slightly compressed so as to
force the inner downhold against the last with a yielding pressure
The rods which support the downhold mechanism are supported in sockets
formed upon sleeves which are supported by and are capable of movement upon
horizontal rods ", thereby permitting the downhold mechanisin to be moved forward
and backward to and from its position over the list, as indicated in Figures 2, 3 and 4.
For the purpose of retaining the downhold mechanism in either position to which it is
shifted the tripping-lever k" is provided with a catch which projects over the
rod and engages with recesses formed in the rod in such manner as to prevent
the downhold mechanism from being shifted from either position until the tripping-
lever has been rocked so as to remove the catch ks from the recess of the rol The
rods are supported at their rear ends in adjustable bearings secured to the
upper ends of standards which rise from the bed-plate B, and at their forward
ends in pivoted bearings which are supported upon the heads which carry the
fingers of the heel and toe-crimpers, as will be hereinafter explained.
which will
The mechanisin for stretching and conforming the upper around the last and for
holding it in its stretched condition during the operation of folding its eige over onto
the bottom of the last consists, primarily, as before explained, of a rubbing-stretcher
or stretchers and lateral-pressers Ordinarily there will be two of the rubber-
stretchers employed-an outer stretcher and an inner stretcher, and such an organı-
zation will therefore be first described. The outer rubbing-stretcher M (see Figs 1,
3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 29 and 30) consists of a strip of leather or other similar flexible
material m which forms the stretcher proper, and is of sufficient length to extend
around the toe portion of the last and along its sides as far toward the heel as it
is necessary to stretch the upper in the lasting operation. The strip m,
preferably be continuous, but may be made up of a number of sections, hangs freely
from a head plate m¹, which is of approximately U form, the opening in the head-
plate being of a shape to conform approximately to the outline of the toe portion
of the last as far rearward as it is desired to stretch the upper. The outer stretcher
is disconnected from the other parts of the machine and during the stretching
operation rests upon the upper ends of vertical standards m³ in such position that
the strip m surrounds the toe portion of the last outside the upper The standards m'
are supported upon horizontal bars m³ which in turn are supported upon vertical
rods m which pass through bearings in the bed-plate B, and are connected to cross-
heads m, which reciprocate in bearings me, formed in the framework A. The
cross-heads m³ are provided with bowls m', which are are acted upon by cams m³
upon the shaft E in such manner as to cause the cross-heads and the parts con-
nected thereto, together with the outer stretcher M, to make an upward movement
at each revolution of the shaft E.
The head-plate m' is provided upon its upper side with a vertical standard m³,
which is so positioned that, when the outer stretcher has been placed in proper position
apon the standards m³, and the downhold is brought forward it will enter a guide k
formed upon the end of the arm 410 The upper end of the standard m³ is provided
with a ratchet m¹o (see Fig. 4) which, as the stretcher is raised by the action of the

page_text: cams, m², enters a recess formed in the end of the arm, ³, where it is engaged by a
pawl-catch A, so as to be retained in its raised position when the standards, m³, are
lowered after the stretching operation.
The plate m, is provided with an opening, m" into which the lower end of the
guide-rod, A, enters when the stretcher is raised, and thus enables the rod to hold the
'stretcher in a horizontal position while suspended by the catch, as shown in
Figure 9
The inner r bbing-stretcher, N (see Figures 1 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 27 and 28). is somewhat
similar in construction to the outer stretcher, and like the outer stretcher is dis
connected from the other parts of the machine The stretcher proper may consist of a
'strip of leather or other flexible material secured to a head-plate similar in form
to the head-plate of the outer stretcher, but in the preferred torin. which is herein
illustrated, it is so constructed as to be applied to the last atter the latter has
'received the upper and been placed upon the jack and before it is introduced into
the machine For this purpose the inner stretcher proper is composed of a series
'of narrow or comparatively narrow strips, n, of thin, elastic sheet metal or other
'elastic but comparatively staff material, which ate secured to a head-plate, n¹ having
a central opening of proper size and shape to permit the passage through it of the
downhold The strips, n. are comparatively narrow and are preferably arranged to
overlap each other slightly at their edges, as indicated in Figure 28. These strips
are so arranged as to conform to the outline of the bottoin of the last and are
curved inward slightly at their lower ends at the toe portion so as to fit under the
edge of the last and grasp it slightly. The inner rubbing-stretcher is placed upon
the last, preferably after the latter has received the upper and been placed upon
the jack, and before being introduced into the machine by springing the lower ends
of the metal strips n over the edge of the last so as to introduce them between the
last and the upper g.
In order to regulate the extent to which the ends of the strips n shall be introduced
between the last and the upper and also to maintain the head-plate n' at the proper
distance from the bottom of the last at all points, the head-plate is provided with
a number of depending legs n which project inward slightly from the strips n and
rest upon the bottom of the last when the stretcher has been placed upon it. The
head-plate n is also preferably provided with a gauge-plate n³, which depends
over the heel portion of the last and serves as a gauge to hold the insole g¹ in
proper position, as will be hereinafter explained The head-plate n of the inner
stretcher is somewhat wider than the opening in the head-plate m² of the outer
stretcher, so that when the two stretchers are in position for the stretching operation,
as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the head-plate of the inner stretcher will overlap the
head-plate of the outer stiotcher and thus the raising of the outer stretcher by the
action of the cams m² will bring the head-plate of the outer stretcher into engage
ment with the head-plate of the inner stretcher so that the two stretchers will be
raised together, as indicated in Figure 9.
In practice it has been found desirable that there should be a limited amount of lost
motion between the outer and inner stretcher so that the outer stretcher will be moved
a short distance and take up any slight slack in the upper and the strip m before the
movement of the inner stretcher commences To provide for this the inner stretcher
is so formed that when it is introduced into the machine its head-plate n¹ will be
raised a short distance from the head-plate m' of the outer stretcher, as best shown in
Figure 7, and so that the outer stretcher will be raised a short distance before
commencing to raise the inner stretcher. For this purpose and for the purpose of
facilitating the operation of the machine the stretchers are preferably entirely dis-
connected, but they may be connected or secured to a commion head-plate without
departing from the invention.
Co-operating with the stretchers to give said stretchers a sufficient frictional hold
upon the upper to secure the necessary rubbing action to properly stretch the same,
and also to hold the upper in its stretched condition after the stretching operation
and during the folding operation, and, incidentally, to properly centre the last, are

page_text: lateral-pressers which do not partake of the movement of the stretchers and which
exert a lateral pressure against said stretchers and the interposed upper at a point
near the bottom of the last during and after the stretching operation. These pressers
or pressing instrumentalities may be made in different forms, but in the pieferred
form, which is herein illustrated, they are composed of a series of presser-fingers O
(see Figs. 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 35), which surround the last with their
upper ends in position to deliver their pressure against the circumference of the last
near its bottom The fingers O are pivoted on adjustable suppor ts 0, which are
locked in a frame o¹ supported upon the bed-plate B. The frame o¹ is of substantially
oval form, as shown in Figure 15, and is provided around its inner periphery with a
dove-tailed recess o² into which are fitted so as to move freely therein a series of
locking plates and blocks o³ of between which the supports are clamped The
plates o extend across from side to side of the frame, but the blocks o' which are at
the ends of the frame, are of sector form, tapering from the frame inward.
For the purpose of locking the supports o in any position to which they are
adjusted the frame o¹ made in sections, and is provided with locking. bolts and
nuts o' by which the parts of the frame can be drawn together so as to press together
the plates and blocks oo and cause them to clamp the supports o. By loosening
the nuts of the bolts of the clamping plates and blocks will be allowed to separate
so as to loosen the supports o and allow them to be shifted to adjust the presser-
fingers O.
,
For the purpose of readily adjusting the supports o they are provided upon their
outer sides with recesses o, into which a small lever or other tool can be inserted
so as to move them readily while they are still held between the clamping plates and
blocks with sufficient friction to prevent them from becoming displaced by their own
weight.
The fingers O extend downward, passing through the spaces between the clamping
plates and blocks, in which spaces they move freely, the fingers being slightly thinner
than their supports o. The fingers are provided with springs, o', located between the
fingers and their supports o, which operate to normally rock the upper ends of the
fingers away from the sides and ends of the last.
い
For the purpose of closing the fingers around the last to cause them to press
the stretchers and the interposed upper against the last, as before explained, there is
provided an oval, wedge-shaped head o8, which is arranged to enter between and act
upon the lower ends of the fingers O so as to force them outward and thus cause
their upper ends to be correspondingly forced inward around the last. The head o
is mounted upon a vertically-reciprocating cross-head oº, which moves in guide-ways
formed in the framework A, and is provided with a bowl o¹º, which is acted upon
by a cam o upon the counter-shaft E, so that at each complete revolution of the
counter-shaft the head 08 is caused to make an up and down movement, thereby
causing the presser-fingers to move to and from the last. The head 08 is capable of
vertical adjustment to vary the pressure of the lateral pressers upon the stretchers,
for which purpose the bowl o¹0 is mounted in a vertically-adjustable bearing, 012,
having a threaded rod, o, upon which works a nut, o, upon the upper side of which
rests the crosss-head o° The nut o is provided around its periphery with a worm-
gear, o, which is engaged by a worm, o, formed upon a shaft, o17, which turns in
bearings in the cross-head and is provided with a suitable handle by which it can
be operated so as to turn the nut o¹ and thus regulate the vertical position of
the head o⁹.
In order to adjust the head o³ to conform to lasts of different lengths it is preferably
made in sections, as 2, 3, 4, which are adjustable with relation to each other, so that
by inserting or removing one or both of the sections 3 the head can be lengthened
or shortened to conform to lasts of different lengths.
In order to prevent any possibility of the upper becoming injured or marred by
contact with the presser-fingers after the withdrawal of the stretchers, and also to
equalize and distribute the pressure of the presser-fingers, it has been found desirable
to provide a shield which surrounds the last and is interposed between the presser-
B

page_text: fingers and the outer stretcher. This shield is not essential to the successful operation
of the machine, but it has been found preferable to employ it in most cases, and
particularly when operating upon the finer grades of uppers.
This shield H (see Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 23, 24 and 25), consists primarily of pieces ¹
of leather or other slightly soft, flexible material, which conform in outline to the
sides and heel and toe of the last and are arranged so as to be interposed between
the presser-fingers and the outer stretcher when the various parts are in position for
the closing of the presser-fingers around the last.
The pieces h¹ forming the side and heel and toe portions of the shield are made
independent, as shown in Fig. 23 and are arranged so as to overlap each other as
they are pressed inward and closed around the last.
The presser-fingers are so adjusted that as they are closed around the last, the
fingers at the heel and toe will close slightly in advance of those at the sides, thereby
pressing inward the heel and toe portions of the shield slightly in advance of the
side portions so that the latter portions will overlap the heel and toe portions without
wrinkling.
The pieces which form the shield proper are supported upon elastic metal
plates which rise from a base h which rests upon the clamping-plates o³, and extend
nearly or quite to the upper edges of the shield pieces ¹ so as to receive the pressure
of the presser-fingers and distribute it more evenly over the shield pieces h¹.
In addition to the pieces ³ the heel and toe portions of the shield are provided with
curved metallic plates which are supported upon spring-arms and are so shaped
that as they are forced inward by the presser-fingers they act to close the heel and
toe portions of the shield to cause them to conform to the curvature of the last at
those points and thus he smoothly inside the side portions of the shield. The resiliency
of the plates 2 is such that as soon as the presser-fingers are withdrawn from the last
the shield is caused to open out as indicated in Figs. 23, 24 and 25 so as to permit
of the ready introduction and removal of the last and jack. The shield H, the same
as the stretchers and the jack, is disconnected from the other parts of the machine so
that it can be inserted and removed at pleasure.
The mechanism for folding over the upper at the sides of the last consists primarily
of two side-crimpers S, one for each side of the last. These crimpers and the
connections for operating them are exact duplicates, and a description of one will
therefore apply to both. The side crimpers (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22, 31
and 32) consist primarily of series of-crimping-fingers 8 arranged upon opposite sides
of the last and operated to move inward simultaneously and engage with and fold over
the upwardly-projecting edge of the upper. The fingers of each crimper are arranged
side by side so as to present a practically uninterrupted edge to act upon the upper.
The inner ends s¹ of the fingers of the side-crimpers, which act upon the upper, are
flattened and provided_with_blunt, rounded edges to prevent breaking or marring the
upper. The outer ends of these fingers have small, round shanks which enter
openings in head-blocks and are secured therein by set-screws in such manner
that the fingers can be adjusted to any required distance from the last and can be
turned so as to bring their inner ends to the proper angle to conform to the outline of
the bottom of the last The head-blocks are carried in vibrating heads, in which
they are independently adjustable vertically to bring the several fingers of the side-
crimpers to the proper height to conform to the bottom of the last. For this purpose
the heads are provided with chambers in which the blocks are placed loosely side
by side, the several blocks being preferably separated by thin plates, and the whole
being locked in position by set-screws s'. The spaces in the ends of the chambers not
occupied by the blocks are filled with loose blocks 8. The number of the blocks s³
and bingers employed will be determined by the character of the work, and can be
varied at pleasure. By loosening the set-screws s' the head-blocks can be loosened so
as to permit them to be readily adjusted vertically to the required position.
To provide sufficient pressure upon the head-blocks to prevent them from being
displaced by their own weight during the operation of adjustment, the heads & will
preferably be provided with springs, which will act against a series of blocks with

page_text: sufficient force to hold the head-blocks temporarily in any position to which they are
adjusted.
The heads are carried upon the ends of oscillating arms 10, which are fulcrummed
upon shafts, supported beneath the bed-plate B, and are provided at their lower
ends with swivels, to which are connected the rods of a pair of eccentrics &
mounted upon the counter-shaft E. The eccentric-rods are threaded and are
provided with nuts upon opposite sides of the swivels 5", by which the length of the
rods can be adjusted and thus vary the points which the fingers of the side-crimpers
will reach upon their inward vibrations.
By this means the fingers of the side-crimpers are caused to vibrate to and from
the last at each complete revolution of the counter-shaft E. As the fingers are vibrated
inward to effect the folding over of the upper at the sides of the last it is desirable
that they should pass over the edge of the insole at such a height that there will be
no danger of the ends of the fingers abutting against the edge of the insole and thus
displacing it and perhaps tearing the edge of the upper. It is also desirable that
immediately after the ends of the fingers have passed over the edge of the insole they
should be lowered slightly so as to press and hold the folded-over edge of the upper
firmly against the insole to produce a smooth and perfect fold
To produce this movement of the fingers the shafts & are provided with eccentrics 816
upon which the arms s10 are fulcrummed, and the shafts are also provided with
arms which carry adjustable nuts 17 which are connected by threaded rods 18 with
arms which are rigidly connected to the bands of a pair of eccentrics 520 mounted
upon the main driving shaft C.
By this means, at each revolution of shaft C, the arms ¹ move the rods 18 and
through the arms $10 and eccentrics impart a rising and falling movement to the
fingers of the side-crimpers, and the movements of the shafts C and E are so timed
with relation to each other, as will be hereinafter explained, that the rising movement
thus imparted to the fingers takes place just as said fingers are about to pass over
the edge of the insole upon their inward movement, and that the falling movement
of the fingers takes place immediately after the ends of the fingers have passed over
the edge of the insole. The extent of the rising and falling movement thus imparted
to the fingers can be regulated and determined with great nicety by varying the
adjustment of the nuts s" and the distance between said nuts and the arms s".
The mechanism for folding over the material at the heel and toe of the last consists
of heel and toe crimpers T, which operate respectively to fold over the upper at the
heel and toe of the last. These two mechanisms and their operating devices are exact
duplicates and a description of one will therefore apply to both. Each of these
crimpers consists primarily (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 33 and 34) of a set of
crimping-fingers which are of substantially the form shown in Figs 33 and 34 and
are arranged in radial recesses t¹ formed upon the upper sides of the head-blocks t²
which are of spheroidal form and rest in concave bearings formed upon vertically-
adjustable heads which are supported on brackets rising from and adjustable
upon the bed-plate B. The heads t are locked in position on the brackets to by means
of locking-bolts to and are provided with right and left hand screws t', by which their
vertical position can be adjusted, the head blocks t* being at the same time adjusted in
the concave bearings t, so as to maintain the fingers of the heel and toe crimpers at
the proper angle, both vertically and laterally, with relation to the bottom of the last.
The fingers t are caused to move independently so as to converge as they approach
the last and diverge as they recede from it. For this purpose one of the hngers
of each crimper (preferably the middle one) is secured to a nut to, which works upon
a threaded rod t, which is parallel to the finger and carries a fast gear £10, located in
a recess in the head-block. The remaining fingers of each crimper are secured
between jamb-nuts t", which are fast upon threaded rods t¹, which are parallel with
the fingers and pass through threaded openings in gears t¹³, which are loose upon the
rods and engage with each other and with the gear 10.
By this means any motion which is imparted to the rod t will cause the nut to to
move inward or outward, as the case may be, upon the rod, and thus impart a

page_text: corresponding movement to the finger attached to that nut, and at the same time the
rod will, through the gear to, impart movement to the entire series of gears t¹³,
which, acting upon the threaded rods t¹, will impart a longitudinal movement to the
remaining fingers of the entire series t By this means the fingers t of the heel and
toe crimpers are caused to converge around the heel and toe of the last, as they are
moved inward and diverge as they are moved outward. The fingers t are so formed
at, their inner ends that as they converge over the heel and toe of the last they overlap
each other as indicated in Figure 10, and to accommodate this overlapping of the
fingers in the best manner the middle finger of each crimper is beveled upon its
opposite edges, as shown in Fig. 33, so as to be overlapped by the two adjoining
fingers, as shown in Fig. 10), while the fingers upon each side of the middle one are
beveled at one edge upon the upper side and at the other edge upon the under side,
as shown in Fig. 34, so as to overlap each other as also shown in Fig. 10
The rod t of each crimper is extended outward beyond the nut and is connected
by a universal Joint t¹ to a short shaft t having a pinion t¹ which is engaged by a
rack-bar which 1eceives a reciprocating motion from a crank t¹ operated from the
countershaft E The cranks 18 for the two rack-bars are carried respectively by the
gear e and by a crank arm to secured to the opposite end of the shaft.
The shafts t¹ are supported in bearings to which are provided at their inner ends
with spherical heads which enter sockets ** secured to brackets 23 projecting from
head-blocks . The universal joints 1 permit the head-blocks t' to be adjusted to
different positions in the bearings to change the angle of the fingers t without
changing the positions of the shafts +16, and the sockets are made in two parts, as
indicated, so that they can be loosened to permit this adjustment of the head-blocks t
and can then be tightened upon the spherical heads 21 so as to support the bearings (20
rigidly.
It is found in practice desirable that the fingers of the heel and toe-crimpers, the
same as the fingers of the side-crimpers, should after they pass over the edge of
the insole fall slightly as they continue their inward movement to complete the
folding.
To effect this the inner side of each of the heads is provided with a curved
plate which is arranged to have a slight vertical movement and is guided by ribs t
projecting from the head and entering recesses in the plate The upper edges of
these plates le directly beneath the inner ends of the crimping-fingers t. The
plates (24 are provided with elongated openings to for the passage of the rods t¹³, and
are provided upon their lower edges with inclines which are acted upon by
corresponding inclines formed upon the upper sides of plates which are seated in
recesses formed in the head-blocks and are capable of longitudinal movement so as to
raise and lower the plates . The plates are provided with rearwardly-extending
arms, which are connected by links to with pivoted levers ", which are fulcrummed
upon the bed-plate B and are provided at their lower ends with swiveled nuts
which receive threaded rods which also pass through nuts formed in arms t
rigidly connected to the bands of a pair of eccentrics & mounted upon the main
shaft C.
By this means at each revolution of the shaft Ca rocking movement is imparted to
the levers 31, which movement is communicated through the links to and arms to,
to the plates 28, thereby imparting a rising and falling movement of the plates and
to the fingers t. The parts are so timed, as will be hereinafter explained, that the
rising movement thus imparted to the fingers t will take place just as said fingers are
about to pass over the edge of the insole upon their inward movement, while the
falling movement imparted to the, fingers will take place immediately after they have
passed over the edge of the insole.
The remaining features in the construction of the several mechanisms and the
organization of the machine will be described in connection with an explanation of
the manner of adjusting the machine for use and of its operation, which will now be
be given :
The manner of adjusting the machine for use is as follows: The machine which has

page_text: been described is capable of operating in connection with lasts which vary greatly in size
and configuration and also with lasts for both the right and left foot. The machine is,
therefore, as will be seen from what has already been said, so constructed as to
be capable of numerous adjustments for the attainment of these objects. It is
contemplated, however, that in the practical operation of the machine it will not be
necessary to change the adjustments frequently, as it will usually be desirable to last
a large number of any particular size and style of boots or shoes for which the machine
has been adjusted before changing the adjustments.
The Jack F, the shield H and the inner and outer rubbing-stretchers MN are, as has
been explained, disconnected from the other parts of the machine, and each machine
will be provided with a sufficient number of these parts of different sizes and shapes
to operate in connection with lasts for the right and left foot and to give the machine
the required range of capacity The two members of the downhold are also made
detachable from their supporting rods k¹ k, and each machine will also be provided
with a sufficient number of these parts of varying sizes.
A last of the required size and style having been selected it will be placed upon
a Jack F of a size to correspond with the last. A shield H of a size and shape
to correspond with the last will be introduced into the machine in the position shown
in the several figures of the drawings and the jack carrying the last will be introduced
into the shield so as to rest upon the base h, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.
The presser fingers O will be so adjusted that when the head 08 is raised their
upper ends will close around the last in proper position, after which the supports
of the fingers will be locked in position by tightening the nuts of the rods o. The
length of the head o8 will, if necessary, be adjusted by inserting or removing one
or more of the sections 3 and the head will be adjusted to the proper height to
close the fingers around the last with sufficient pressure.
Outer and inner downholds of the proper sizes and shapes to conform to the bottom
of the last will be placed upon the supporting rods ¹, k, and the rods will be
properly adjusted (which can be done by means of the nuts k40) to cause the downhold
when depressed to rest with proper pressure upon the bottom of the last, due allowance
being of course made for the insole The fingers and head-blocks of the side-
crimpers will be so adjusted that the inner ends, s' of the fingers will be at the proper
angle to conform to the outline of the last and so that the several fingers will be
at the proper height to correspond to that part of the last over which they are to
act. The eccentric-rods will, if necessary, be so adjusted as to give the proper
movement to the side-crimpers and the rods 18 and nuts 17 will also, if necessary,
be adjusted to give the necessary rising and falling movement to the fingers of the
side-crimpers.
The heel and toe crimpers will be adjusted to the proper height by the screws t
and to the proper distance from each other to conform to the length of the last, by
shifting the brackets t' upon the bed-plate. The crank-pins 18 are of sufficient length
to permit the rack-bars to shift their positions upon the pins to conform to the
adjustments of the brackets to The head-blocks will also be adjusted in their
bearings t to bring the fingers t to the proper angle. The nut t8 will be so adjusted
upon the rod t and the rods t" so adjusted in the gears 13 as to cause the fingers t to
converge to the proper extent to conform to the size of the last. These latter adjust-
ments can be effected simultaneously by throwing the rack-bars t¹ out of gear with
the pinions to and turning the shafts by hand until the fingers are properly adjusted
and then putting the racks back into gear with the pinions.
The various adjustments which have been referred to need not, of course, be made
in the order named, but may be made in any order found most convenient.
The operation of the machine in lasting is as follows: At the commencement of
the lasting operation the parts will be in their normal position, as shown in Figs. 1,
2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 12, 18, 19, 21 and 22, that is to say, the side and heel and toe-
crimpers will be in their retracted position, the presser-fingers will be opened out
away from the shield, the downhold will be in its raised position and the downhold
mechanism will preferably be moved rearward, upon the rods, so as to carry the

page_text: downhold away from its position over the last. The last G of the size to which
the machine is adjusted having been covered with an upper g will be placed upon the
jack F. An inner rubbing-stretcher N, of a size to conform to the last will then
be placed upon the last, the lower ends of the strips n being sprung over the edges
of the last inside the upper and pressed downward until the legs n³ rest upon the
bottom of the last. An outer rubbing-stretcher also of a suitable size to conform
to the last will be placed upon the standards m³, with the lower edge of the stretcher-
proper, m, projecting downward inside the shield H, as best shown in Figs. 7, 8, 18
and 19. The last covered with the upper and carrying the jack and inner stretcher,
as just desoribed will then be introduced into the shield so that the edge of the
upper will lie between the inner and outer rubbing-stretchers and the head-plate
of the inner stretcher overlap the head-plate of the outer stretcher, as best shown
in Figs. 6, 7 and 8. The downhold mechanism will then be moved forward into
position over the last, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 8, in which position it will be
retained by the catch. When the downhold mechanism is in this position the
standard m of the outer stretcher will enter the guide, and the guide rod ³ will
be directly over the opening m" in the head-plate m¹.
The main-driving shaft C will then be set in motion and caused to make one
revolution, thereby, through the gears ce, causing the counter-shaft E to make
one-fifth of a revolution. The cam ol is so shaped and set upon the counter-shaft
that during this one-fifth of a revolution it will move from the position indicated by
dotted lines in Figure 17 to the position shown by full lines in said figure, thereby
raising the head o³ so as to spread the lower ends of the presser-fingers O, as shown
in Figs. 14, 16 and 17, and cause the upper ends to close around the shield H and
press it together with the inner and outer stretchers and the interposed edge of the
upper against the last as shown in Figure 9.
Unless the last has already been provided with the insole g¹ at the same time it is
covered with the upper, the insole may be introduced through the opening in the
head plate n¹ and dropped on to the bottom of the last where it will be guided into
and held in proper position by the legs n² and the gauge plate n³, and this may be done
either before the last is introduced into the machine or at any time before the down-
hold is lowered on to the bottom of the last.
After the presser fingers have been closed around the last the downhold K will be
lowered as described, and the crank-arm will be swung to the front so as to pass
over and engage with the head " and thus hold the inner downhold in its depressed
position after the outer downhold has been allowed to rise, as will be hereinafter
explained. It will be quite obvious that the order of the operations which have been
thus far described may be varied somewhat if desired.
The main driving shaft C will then be again set in motion and caused to make two
more revolutions, thereby causing the counter-shaft E to make two-fifths of a revolu-
tion and complete three-fifths of a revolution from the point of starting. The cams m
are so shaped and set upon the shaft E that during the first one-fifth revolution of said
shaft they will impart no vertical movement to the cross-heads m³ and standards m²
upon which the outer stretcher is supported, but during the second fifth of a revolu-
tion of the shaft they will arrive at the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 18,
thereby quickly raising the standards m² from the positions shown in Figs. 8, 18, and
19 to the position shown by dotted lines in Fig. 9 and at the same time raising the
outer and inner stretchers to the position shown in Fig. 9 and withdrawing them
from between the shield and the upper and the last and upper respectively.
As the stretchers are thus withdrawn they have a rubbing action upon the edge
of the upper interposed between them, which operates to stretch it evenly and smoothly
around the last and cause it to properly conform thereto. This rubbing action is due
to the friction between the stretchers and the upper produced by the pressure exerted
by the presser-fingers forming the lateral-pressers, which do not, as will be observed,
partake of the movement of the stretchers, or in other words, are stationary relatively
to the movement of the stretchers. The degree of pressure exerted by the lateral
pressers determines the amount of friction between the stretchers and the upper and

page_text: consequently the extent to which the latter will be stretched, and this can be regulated
and determined by the adjustment of the presser-fingers and the head o8, and also by
varying the area over which the pressure of the fingers is distributed. The stretching
can also be varied by varying the extent to which the stretchers extend below the line
of pressure exerted by the lateral pressers. By properly adjusting the fingers of the
lateral pressers greater pressure can be exerted at some points than at others, and thus
different portions of the upper can be stretched differently, if desired, to secure proper
lasting in any case.
As the stretchers are withdrawn, the presser-fingers O, which are slightly elastic,
spring inward and continue to press the shield against the upper so as to retain it in
its stretched condition with its edge extending above the insole g', as shown in Fig. 9.
As the stretchers are raised the standard m moving upward in the guide ** enters the
recess in the arm 8, where the ratchet m10 is engaged by the catch k, and at the same
time the guide-rod k enters the opening m¹¹ so as to retain the stretchers in their raised
position after the standards m³ have been lowered, as shown in Fig. 9.
The eccentrics are so positioned upon the shaft E that during the first one-fifth
of a revolution of that shaft the side-crimpers are moved outward slightly and then
Inward to the position from which they started, while during the next two-fifths of a
revolution of the shaft the eccentrics operate to move the side crimpers inward quite
quickly to their extreme inner position, as shown in Figure 10. As the side-crimpers
move inward to this position the crimping-fingers engage with the edge of the upper
and fold it over onto the insole. The parts are so timed, however, that the ends of
the crimping-fingers will not arrive in position to commence the folding over of the edge
of the upper until just after the stretchers have been withdrawn Directly after the
withdrawal of the stretchers and just before the fingers of the side-crimpers com-
mence to press the edge of the upper over the edge of the insole, the tappet k³¹
carried by the head of one of the side-crimpers, engages with the tripping-lever k
and trips the pawl-lever k¹ so as to allow the outer downhold to be raised as
indicated in Fig. 9, the crank arm being, however, in engagement with the
bead will prevent the springs from raising the inner downhold and will
retain said downhold in contact with the insole, as also shown in said figure.
The cranks are set at right angles to the eccentrics, so that during the first
none-fifth of a revolution of the shatt E no effective movement will be imparted to
the fingers t of the heel and toe crimpers, while during the succeeding two-fifths of
a revolution of the shaft the rack-bars t" are moved quickly upward so as to cause
the fingers of the heel and toe crimpers to move quickly inward to a position corre
sponding to the position of the fingers of the side-crimpers, as shown in Fig. 10.
During the first and second revolutions of the shaft C the eccentrics $20 and
will, through the connections which have been described, impart a slight rising and
falling movement to the fingers of the side and heel and toe crimpers, these fingers,
however, being at that time out of contact with the upper, the rising and falling
movement thus imparted to them will be simply an idle movement producing no
effect. During the third revolution of the shaft C and the corresponding third
one-fifth of a rovolution of the shaft E, the eccentrics 520 and t" will impart a similar
rising and falling movement to the fingers of the crimpers. The parts are so timed,
however, that the rising movement imparted to the fingers upon the third revolution of
the shaft C will take place just before the fingers arrive at the edge of the insole, while
the falling movement imparted to the fingers at the same evolution of the shaft C
will take place just after the fingers have passed over the edge of the insole.
After the folding has been completed the crank arm will be moved to one side
so as to release the head and allow the springs to raise the inner downhold to
the position shown in Figs. 5, 7 and 8. The downhold mechanism and the stretchers
suspended therefrom may then be moved laterally on the rods to the position shown
in Figures 2 and 3 so as to leave the bottom of the last exposed for the further
operations.
The folded over edge of the upper will then be secured in position by tacking or
otherwise, as indicated in Figure 10, which will complete the lasting operation.

page_text: The main driving shaft C will then be set in motion and caused to make two com-'
plete revolutions, which will impart two-fifths of a revolution to the shaft E and
complete a revolution of that shaft from the point of starting During this portion of
the revolution of the shaft E the cam o" will restore the head o³ to its original position,
thereby allowing the fingers O to be moved away from the last by the springs o7, and
the cams m will restore the standards m² to their original position The eccentrics ***
and the cranks 18 will also restore the fingers of the side and heel and toe crimpers
to their retracted positions
The lasted shoe or boot will then be removed and the
operation repeated.
From the foregoing it will be seen that three revolutions of the countershaft E are
required to effect the lasting, after which it is desirable that the mechanisms should
dwell for a sufficient time to permit of the securing of the upper in position; and
that two revolutions of the shaft Care required to restore the parts to their normal
position, after which it is necessary that another dwell should take place to permit of
the removal of one last and the introduction of another In the practical operation of
the machine it is also desirable in many cases that there should be a slight dwell,
after the first and second revolutions of the shaft C; that is to say, after the presser-
fingers have been brought together around the last, and again after the stretching has
been effected and the primary downhold raised
In order to cause the mechanisms to make these movements and to dwell at the
proper times the driving-pulley D through which motion is imparted to the shaft C
is connected to the shaft by means of a clutch mechanism which is operated by a
hand lever so as to connect the pulley to the shaft when it is desired to set the
mechanisms in operation, and in order to cause the mechanisms to dwell at the
proper times this clutch mechanism is provided with an automatic tripping device
by which it is operated to disconnect the driving-pulley from the shaft at the end of
each revolution.
The clutch mechanism consists primarily (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 36, 37 and 38) of a
spring-pressed locking-pin d which is seated in the hub of the pulley D and
is arranged to enter a recess d¹ formed in a disk d fixed upon the shaft. The pin d
is provided with a recess d³ which is entered by a spring-pressed key d' which
works in a recess in the hub of the pulley and is so arranged that when it enters the
recess dit prevents the locking-pin from entering the recess d¹ and thus prevents
the pulley from being clutched to the shaft.
For the purpose of operating the key d to permit the pin d to enter the recess d'
and clutch the pulley to the shaft, the key is provided with a shoulder d³ which is
arranged to be engaged by a cam-shaped shoe de which rests upon the periphery of
the disk and is connected to a spring-pressed rod d² having a shoulder against
which works a hand-lever which projects in front of the machine in convenient
position to be grasped-by the operator.
The pin
d is so located in the head of the pulley that its end projects slightly
outside the periphery of the disk and in position to be engaged by an incline dio
formed upon the side of the cam-shaped shoe d and thus force the pin out of the
recess d' at each revolution of the shaft.
The operation of the clutch mechanisin is as follows Assuming that the parts are
in the position indicated in Figs. 36 and 37, and that it is desired to set the shaft
in motion, the operator will depress the hand-lever d so as to raise the rod d'
against the tension of its spring and raise the shoe d away from the periphery of
the disk d². The driving-pulley being in motion the lug d of the key d will as it
is carried around with the pulley engage with the cam-shaped upper side of the
shoe d and riding up on said surface will withdraw the key from the recess d³, so as
to release the pin d and allow it to be forced into the recess d' by its spring, thereby
locking the pulley to the shaft and setting the latter in motion.
The operator, as soon as the pulley has been thus clutched to the shaft, may
release the hand-lever do, thereby allowing the shoe do to be pressed against the
disk'd by its spring. As the pulley and shaft complete a revolution and arrive at
the position in which the clutching was effected the inclined end of the pin d will

page_text: engage with the incline d upon the side of the shoe so that the pin will be
forced out of the recess d¹ and unclutch the pulley from the shaft As soon as the
pin is thus forced out of the recess the key d will enter the recess & in the pin and
prevent the pulley from being again clutched to the shaft until the hand-lever is again
operated.
It will be seen that by this means the shaft U can be set in motion and caused
to make one revolution and be automatically arrested at the end of each revolution,
and thus the several revolutions necessary for the complete lasting operation and
the restoration of the parts to then normal positions can be effected and the
necessary dwell secured after each revolution of the main shaft
d
It will be seen, however, from the construction that has been described, it is
necessary, in order that the shaft C shall be automatically arrested at the end of
each revolution, that the operator shall release the hand-lever do, before the revolution
is completed in order that the shoe de may be restored to a position to withdraw the
pin d from the recess d¹ If the operator is attentive and skillful this can readily be
done, but it might sometimes happen that the operator would maintain the level in
a depressed position until the completion of the revolution of the shaft, and in such
case the incline do would not be in position to engage with the end of the pin d
to withdraw it from the recess d¹, and as a result the pulley would remain clutched
to the shaft and the latter would continue in motion and make a second revolution.
For the purpose of preventing this and of providing means by which the pin
will be withdrawn from the recess at the end of each revolution of the shaft regardless
of the position of the hand lever, the shaft is provided with a tripping-mechanisin
consisting of a can-disk d" which acts upon a lever d", which is fulcrummed upon
a stationary part of the machine and is provided with a bolt da which engages with
the lever d near the rod d. The cam-disk d¹¹ is so shaped that directly after the
pulley D has been clutched to the shaft C so as to set the latter in motion it will
operate to rock the lever and cause the stud d¹³ to move the lever do laterally so
as to disengage it from the shoulder d and thus automatically release the rod daud
allow the shoe d to be restored to its position upon the disk d The hand-lever is
sufficiently flexible so that it will spring past the end of the rod and be restored to
its position beneath the shoulder d upon being rocked by the operator.
In ordinary work there are two of the rubbing-stretchers (an inner and an outer
stretcher) employed as has been described In some cases, however, particularly
where the upper has been treed so as to be of the proper shape or nearly the proper
shape to conform to the last by comparatively little stretching, the inner stretcher
may be omitted
In other respects the machine and the operation will be the same
as described
Where the upper is provided with a lining or is composed of two plies of material,
as when it is provided with a cap, and particularly in those cases where one of the
plies, as the lining or the cap, stretches less readily than the other it is sometimes
desirable to employ, in addition to the inner and outer stretcher, an intermediate
stretcher which is located between the inner and outer stretchers and is interposed
between the upper and the lining, or the cap, as the case may be.
An organization of this character is illustrated in Figures 39 and 40, in which the
upper g 18 provided with a lining g' and in which there is provided an intermediate
rubbing-stretcher P which is located between the outer and inner stretchers M, N and
is interposed between the upper and the lining The intermediate stretcher is of
substantially the same shape as the outer stretcher, but smaller lt consists of the
stretcher proper p which may be either a strip of leather or other similar flexible
material, the same as the strip m of the outer stretcher, or may be composed of a
series of narrow strips of elastic sheet metal, the same as or similar to the strips n
of the inner stretcher. The stretcher proper, p, is suspended from a head-plate p',
which is of substantially the same shape as the head-plate m', but somewhat smaller,
and is interposed between the head-plates m', n' as shown.
When desired or found necessary, the intermediate stretcher may be introduced
o

page_text: between the upper and a cap upon the outside of the upper instead of between the
upper and the lining.
The operation, when the three stretchers are employed, is in all other respects the
same as has already been described.
The mechanisms and the organization which has been described, embody the inven
tion in what is regarded as its best form, but many of the features of construction
may be quite widely departed from without wholly departing from the invention
The apparatus for stretching and conforming the upper around the last may be
varied to some extent in form and arrangement without departing from the substance
of the invention as herein described, and this mechanism may be employed in
connection with other forms of mechanism for folding over the edge of the upper
onto the bottom of the last. So, also, the mechanism for folding over the edge of
the upper may be employed with other forms of mechanism for effecting the
stretching.
The several mechanisms will preferably be operated by power and in conjunction,
as herein described, but they may be operated independently either by hand or power
without departing wholly from the invention Certain features of the individual
instrumentalities which go to make up the machine may also be in themselves con-
siderably modified without departing wholly from the invention This is particularly
the case with the downhold mechanism, which, although preferably of the form shown,
may be widely varied so long as it provides an instrumentality for holding the last
against the strain exerted by the rubbing stretcher or stretchers. The underneath
support for the last may also be widely varied in form although it will preferably be
of substantially the form shown. The shield H may also be of any suitable construc-
tion to protect the upper from abrasion by the lateral pressers and to distribute the
pressure of those pressers properly along the sides of the last, or the shield may be
entirely omitted without departing from the invention The form and arrangement
of the lateral pressers, which, in the case shown, consists of the presser-fingers O, may
also be considerably varied so long as suitable pressing instrumentalities are provided
for exerting a sufficient pressure against the stretchers to give them the necessary
frictional rubbing contact with the upper
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. The herein-described method of stretching the uppers of boots and shoes in
lasting by the rubbing action of a rubbing-stretcher or stretchers pressed against the
upper by instrumentalities herein called lateral-pressers, which press toward the toe
and sides of the last, where the upper is to be stretched, and do not partake of the
movement of the stretcher or stretchers, substantially as described
2. The combination with a last, of a rubbing-stretcher or stretchers for acting upon
the outside or outside and inside of the upper, and lateral-pressers which do not
partake of the movement of the stretcher or stretchers for giving the necessary
rubbing action to the stretcher or stretchers, substantially as described.
3. The combination with a last, of rubbing-stretchers for acting respectively upon
the inside and outside of the upper, lateral-pressers for pressing said stretchers and
the upper into contact, and a shield interposed between said pressers and the outer
stretcher, substantially as described.
4. In a lasting machine a rubbing-stretcher consisting of flexible material suspended
from a head-plate with its lower edge hanging free and extending around the toe
and along the sides of the last where the upper is to be stretched, substantially as
described.
5. The means substantially as described for operating the rubbing-stretchers and
lateral-pressers.
6. The means substantially as described for moving the outer rubbing-stretcher in
advance of the inner rubbing-stretcher.

page_text: The combination with the loose removable jack for supporting the last from
beneath, of a downhold for the last, inner and outer rubbing-stretchers and lateral-
pressers, substantially as described
8 The combination with the last of the telescopic downhold composed of inner and
outer members, substantially as described
9. The herein described downhold mechanism including the telescopic downhold
consisting of inner and outer members and the means for operating the same to
release the outer member in advance of the inner member, substantially as
described.
10. The means for operating the side crimpers. substantially as described.
11. The heel and toe crimpers composed of radially arranged. independently moving
crimping fingers, and the means for operating said fingers, substantially as described.
LETRA theo de
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant