Improvements in Machines for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1887

page_text: [Communicated from abroad by SETH WHITE PAINE, Gentleman, of Rochester, in
the County of Monroe and State of New York, United States of America.]
Improvements in Machines for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
I, OLIVER TMRAY, of No. 28 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent Agents, 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:-
My invention relates to a machine for lasting boots and shoes in which either
vertically or horizontally moveable pinchers are employed to hold the edges of the
upper while it is being stretched over or drawn close upon the insole placed on the last,
by means of horizontally sliding jaws operating at the sides and heel and foc portions
of the last.
The invention consists in the construction, arrangement and means for operating the
pinchers, in a novel construction of devices for turning the edges of the upper upon
the insole, in means for holding the last and insole in position against the pull of the
pinchers, and generally in such a novel construction and arrangement of devices
comprising a lasting machine as will be hereinafter fully recited.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure represents a machine in which a group of overhanging pinchers act
vertically upon the upper placed on a horizontally disposed last beneath said pinchers.
Figure 2 is a vertical section of such machine."
Figure 3 is a side elevation of a machine in which the group of pinchers move
horizontally and special means are employed for perfectly drawing the toe portion of
the upper upon the insole.
Figure is a top view showing particularly the devices for acting upon the toe
portion of the upper,
Figure represents a machine similar to that shown in Figure 3, with different
means for operating the pinchers carrying frame, and holding down the last and insole
against the pull of the pinchers.

page_text: Figure 6 is a detail view of the downhold for the insole and holder for the box
joe strip.
Figures 7 and 8 are views representing the construction and means for supporting
one form of pinchers.
paris.
Figure 9 shows another kind of pinchers, and means for supporting the same.
Figure 10 shows a slotted scroll disk and movable rods for operating the lasting jaws..
Figure 11 is a detail view showing the construction of one of the side lasting jaws.
Figure 12 is a detail view of a toc or heel lasting device.
Figure 13 represents a locking device for the last.
Figures 14, 15 and 16 are detail views of certain
Referring to Figure 1 representing a type of machine in which the pinchers move
vertically, I is the bed plate of the machine from which rise vertical standards or
columns 2, that are connected at the top by a horizontal beam 3. In the stationary
frame formed by these standards and cross beams is fitted a sliding sash or movable
frame 4 that carries a system of pinchers and their operating devices as will be herein-
after fully explained. The bed plate or table 1 supports on its upper surface two plates
or short columns 5 and 6 that are arranged in line with each other at a proper distance
apart and serve as holders for the last A¹. These columns are made hollow and are
secured to the bed plate by short screws 7" (see figure 13). The bore of each of these
columns 5 and 6 receives in its larger upper portion a tubular sleeve 7 which encircles
a stem 8 that extends above the sleeve and has its lower end fitted into the smaller
bore of the column. The stem 8 is provided with a horizontal pin 9 which projects
through vertical slots made in the columns and the tubular sleeve 7, and rests upon the
upper coil of a spiral or volute spring 10 that encircles the column and abuts upon an
adjustable collar 11 surrounding the base of the column. The lower portion of the
column is screw threaded and the column 11. is partly threaded internally at 13 to
screw on it. By screwing up or down the column 11 the spring 10 is adjusted so as
to exert more or less pressure upon the stem S. These stems 8-one in cach column-
carry or support the last A', one of the stems being inserted in a socket at the rear of
the last and the other carrying a block 14 which is shaped to receive and support the
toe portion of the last. The sleeve 7 in each colunm or 6 is vertically adjustable
and held in any position by a set screw 15. The last thus supported can yield vertically
subject to the pressure of the spring 10. The adjustable sleeves 7 allow the stems S
to be set higher or lower to suit lasts of different sizes used in connection with the
stretching devices or crimping jaws. The column 5 which supports the heel portion
of the last has under its collar 11 a nut 16, to which is attached a vertical spring bar
or tongue 17 hooked at the top. This hook 18 engaging with a staple-shaped
projection 19, secured to the top of the last serves to lock the last to the column 5.
The lower end of the spring bar 17 has a vertical slot 20, through which passes a set
screw 20 that secures it to the nut 16, the spring bar being thus vertically adjustable
to adapt it for use with lasts varying in height or thickness. The slot in 19 is
sufficiently long to allow the last to have certain vertical play without disengaging it
from the spring hook which holds the last locked to the column 5, until the upper has
been drawn upwardly by the pinchers and the various stretching jaws have moved upon
the upper and the last. The nut 16 also carries a pivoted elbow lever 21, the longer
arm of which is seized by the operator to bring a top projection or cam 22 on the
shorter arm against the vertical spring 17 and so release the hook 18 whereupon the
last can be removed from its supporting column. Additional columns 23 arranged at
the sides and ends of the last A, have mounted on them the devices for stretching the
upper or forming the edges thereof upon the insole placed on the last. These stretching
devices as shewn in Figure 2 consist of the lateral jaws 24, each formed of a solid
block of metal and a longitudinal steel strip 25, which comes in contact with the sides
of the upper and crimps it upon the insole. The inner side face of each jaw 24 is
curved or shaped to conform to the sides of the last so that it can be brought close
against the last. The steel strip 25 is scroll shaped or curved so as to follow the outline
of the solid part of the crimping jaws, and it is attached to horizontal fingers or
plates 26, which project beyond the jaws and are attached thereto by screws."
Slots

page_text: are made in these attaching plates for the passage of the fastening screws, so as to
permit the strip 25 to have a limited movement in an outward direction from the
Jaw 24.
Each side stretching device has a horizontal stem 30, that passes through a
sleeve 31, and is held by a set screw 34.
The vertical stem which carries the sleeve 3.1
is adjustable in height and is held in the column 23 by a set screw 35. The sfem 30 is
free to slide through the sleeve 31 of the vertically adjustable stem 32, and its outer
end is connected to slotted holes 46 in the upper end of a lever 35, that passes through
the bed plate of the machine and is connected with a horizontal rod 36 under the bed
plate. The rod 36 has at its inner end a pin 37 (see Figure 10) which fits into a scroll
shaped slot 38 in a horizontal disk 39 mounted on an upright shaft 40. This shaft has
a bevel wheel 41, gearing with a similar wheel 42 on a horizontal shaft 43 that extends
beyond the bed plate of the machine and carries a vertical lever arm 44. A curved
slotted bar 45 may be used for defining or limiting the movement of the lever arm in
either direction, as determined by stops adjustable in the slots of the bar 45. The
disk 39 (shown in Figure 10) has two scroll shaped slots 38 which receive the pins 37
connected with the lateral or side lasting devices, and thus when the disk 39 is turned
the lateral jaws are made to advance and recede from 'the last according to the direction
in which the lever 44 is moved. The stretching devices, shown in figure 12, for the
toe and heel portions of the last, are the same except as to width and size, and each
may be described as curved or U-shaped spring arms 47, the ends of which are passed
through eyes 48 formed in the slotted plates or fingers 26, which bear the longitudinal
metal strips 25 of the side lasting jaws. The curved or how portion of the device 47
is passed through an eye plate 49, which projects from the inner end of a horizontally
sliding stem 50 (see Figure 1). The outer end of this stem is adjustably connected
with an
upright lever 1, having its lower end connected with a rod 52 beneath the
bed plate having at its end a pin 53 which fits into one of the other two scroll slots 54,
in the disc 39. The sliding stems 50 are fitted in sleeves 55 hinged by ears 59 and
screw pins 58 to stems 56 so as to allow the angle of the spring stretchers to be
accommodated to the curvature or angle of the last. The joints 59 can be tightened
to prevent the stretchers from rocking when they are at work. In order to strengthen
the spring toe and heel stretchers, forked plates 60 are arranged to bear upon them,
these plates being attached to the stems that carry the spring stretchers. The heel and
toe stretchers being connected with the side stretchers are guided by their movement
in their operation of forcing the upper upon the last or insole placed upon the last.
The spring stretchers shown in Figure 12, engage with the upper in such a manner as
to gradually and uniformly force it inwards upon the last at the heel and toe placing
it in proper position for being tacked or cemented to the insole. By the use of a bow
shaped stretcher of spring metal, the disadvantages of the solid or jointed block
stretchers heretofore employed are avoided and the upper is laid upon the insole in an
even or regular manner without incurring the liability of "puckering" or injuring it.
For the purpose of pressing and holding the upper in close proximity to the last or in
such relation thereto that it can be seized by pinchers arranged above the last or over-
hanging it, vibrating arms or pressers 61 are jointed to toggle arms 62 pivoted to a
vertical post 63, standing up from the bed plate immediately beneath the last. This
post 63 is encircled by a sleeve 64 having at its upper end curved arms 65, that act
upon the toggle arms 62 and force the pressers 61 toward the last. This movement of
the pressers is effected by means of a bent lever 66 that is fulerumed at 67 on the bed
plate, and is connected by a link 68 to the sleeve 64 on the post 63. By depressing
the lever 66 the sleeve and its yoke or arms are moved upwards and the pressers 61 are
made to press the leather of the upper against the last. When the sleeve 64 is released,
the weight of the parts causes them to descend withdrawing the pressers 61 from the
last. The shanks of the pressers have slotted holes through which pass clamping
serews attaching them to the toggles 62 so that the pressers can be adjusted to suit
different sized lasts. In operating, the upper is forced against the last by the presser
fingers and then after the pinchers have grasped the upper, the presser fingers are
withdrawn out of the way of the approaching side pressing jaws. The insole placed

page_text: upon the last, has its outer edge brought in close contact therewith, in order to insure
the movement of the lasting jaws upon the insole, or in other words, to permit the
upper to he always crimped down upon the insole by the action of the different jaws.
This insole holding or pressing mechanism is as follows
On the bed plate outside the space occupied by the last is fixed a column 69, which
has a vertical groove in which is fitted a vertically sliding rack bar that is operated by
a lever 71, having a toothed segmental head, gearing into the rack bar. This lever is
fulcrumed between horizontal checks or plates projecting from the standard. The
standard has a vertical bore or socket which receives a stem that is surmounted by a
head 75, this stem being free to rotate in the bore. The upper end of the rack bar is
swivelled to the stem of 75 so that the stem can be raised and lowered by the rack bar
while it is allowed to rotate. The head 75 has a horizontal opening through which is
passed a bent; obliquely extending arm 78, that is held in the head by a set screw.
This arm when swung in an inward direction, overhangs the last and carries a longi-
tudinal slotted bar or frame 80, which receives a series of diverging fingers 81, that
bear upon the insole near its inner edge and hold its edge portion down upon the last.
The fingers 81 are attached to the bar 80 by carriers 82, having screw shanks that
pass through the slot in the bar 80 and are held in place by nuts 83. Thus the
carriers 82 with their attached fingers or insole pressers can be adjusted longitudinally
to suit lasts of different lengths. The carriers 82 have vertical slots through which
pass bolts which secure the fingers to them, so that the insole pressers can be spread
more or less, or adjusted vertically to suit lasts. or insoles varying in thickness. The
bar 80 has a lug on its top which is held in the bifurcated end of the arm 78, By the
swivelling of the head 75 and its vertical movement the insole pressing device can be
swung over the last and lowered upon the insole, or it can be swung away from the
last when not in use.
The mechanism for grasping the edges of the upper and holding them in position
for presentation to the stretching devices or jaws is carried by the frame 4, that is
fitted to slide between the standards 2 and is counterbalanced by weights attached to it
by cords a.
.
The frame 4 contains an inner frame carrying a series of pinchers and their operating
mechanism, this inner frame being made in sections and so contrived that the various
movements of the pinchers are performed by moving the members of the frame toward
or from each other is will be hereinafter explained.
The inner frame which carries the pinchers and their operating devices is composed
of the upper bar 86, and the lower bar 87 and arms 88, with a cross bar 89 from which
are suspended by vertical forked stems 9.1. two rails 90, that receive the holders of the
pinchers. The bars 86 and 87 have grooves in their edges which fit in projections or
vertical ribs on the sash or frame 4, so as to allow a vertical movement of these bars.
which support a system of levers that open and close the pinchers mounted on the
rails 90. The upper bar 86 can be lowered to be in contact with 87 as shown in
Figure 2, or can be moved up from it as indicated in Figure 1. The pinchers being
lowered by means of the sliding frame 4, the movement of the bars 86 and 87 cause
the pinchers to perform their respective operations as will be described. The pinchers
are in number sufficient to seize and hold the edges of the upper while it is being
stretched to crimp or lay it upon the insole, and they are generally similar with
suitable variation of arrangement, or inclination in order to bring them into proper
relation to the different portions of the last. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, shewing
the pinchers to an enlarged scale, a stationary jaw 93, is connected by a vertical
shank 94 to a holder consisting of an outer shell 95, or cylindrical nut, an inner
shell 96, a vertical hollow post 97, and a screw stem 98 encircled by a spring 99.
The hollow post 97 has a base flange 100, which is fixed on the top of the shank 94, by a
screw 101. Into the post 97 is screwed the stem 98, the upper end whereof extends
through the shell 96 and is surmounted by a head 102, between which and a nui. 103,
on the top of the shell 96, is placed the spring 9. The shell 96 which is screwed onto
the outer shell 95, is screw threaded, and has a vertical slot 104 that receives a lug 105
projecting from the post 97. A square or rectangular portion 100 at the upper end of

page_text: the shell 96, inserted in the space between the rails 90, which occupy the depth
between the flange 106" and the nut 103. The shank 94 has a spring or clastic
portion 90, as seen in Figure S, which is supported against movement in an outward
direction from the last, by a brace or supporting arm 107, which lies on one of the
side edges of the shank, and has at its lower end a projection 108 resting against the
inner side of the shank. The upper end of the brace 107 has also a horizontal
projection 109, which is fitted into a groove in the inner face of the shank 94. Abovo
the jaw 93 are eyes 110, between which is pivoted the movable jaw 111, having a
curved arm 112, with a long slot 113 that receives the outer portion of a bent or
angular lever 114 pivotted in lugs 115, projecting from the inner side of 94. The
portion of the lever 114, between, the curved arm 112, and the shank 94 is made
thicker than the outer portion and has cam or eccentric surfaces 116, which act upon
the inner surface of the curved arm 112 and close the jaw 111 upon the leather held
between it and 93. The curved arm 112 is so shaped that the cam projections 116
when closing the jaws travel in their circular path the arm being sufficiently elastic to
permit pieces of leather of different thicknesses to be grasped between the jaws and
firmly held. To the outer end of the closing lever is jointed an upright rod or arm 117,
the upper end of which is connected with a lever 118, that is fulcrumed in posts 119
and 120, rising respectively from the frames 86 and 87. Each pair of pinchers has
such an upright rod or arm 117, for connecting it with its appropriate lever 118, and
all the fulcrum posts of these levers are clamped in slots in the bars 86 and 87, by
nuts 122, so that the posts and levers can be shifted longitudinally for accommodating
the pinchers to lasts of different lengths, the holders of the pinchers being adjusted
along the rails 90 to corresponding positions. The slots in the bars 86 and 87 are
arranged at each side and at the ends, so as to receive the fulcrum posts of the levers
operating the pinchers for the sides and the toe and heel portions of the last. The
upper bar 86 has portions of its end slots enlarged to allow the end posts of the
bar 87 to pass through them when the two frames are brought together.
સ
The mechanism for operating the two bars 86 and 87 consists of the transverse
shafts 123 and 124 which carry toothed segments 125 gearing with vertical racks 120
and 127, attached respectively to the bars 86 and 87. These shafts 123 and 124 are
mounted in bearings on the sliding frame 4 and have end levers 127ª and 128, both
arranged at the same side of the machine within convenient reach of the operator. In
order to cause the pinchers to seize the edges of the upper fitted on the last, the frame 4
is lowered and then the lever 127ª is moved so as to lower the upper bar 86. Thus
the fulcrum posts and levers carried by 86 cause a vertical movement of the connecting
rods extending from the closing levers of the pinchers whereby the jaws of the pinchers
are closed upon the edges of the upper. After this the other lever 128 is moved to
raise the two bars 86 and 87, and thus the edges of the upper are brought above the
surface of the last and presented to the stretching jaws or devices that are now
beginning to operate upon the upper for crimping or laying its edges upon the insole
ready for subsequent facking. After the pinchers have performed their work, the
lever of the upper bar 86 is again moved so as to raise it causing the jaws of the
pinchers to open. This having been done the frame which carries the gripping
mechanism that is arranged above the last and concerned in pulling and holding the
upper before being seized by the stretching jaws, is raised to such a height as will
allow proper access to be had to the last and the surrounding devices.
The spring shank 90 of the pinchers allows them to move sufficiently inward toward
the last to accommodate themselves to its contour, the pull which the pinchers exert
not being in a vertical line but directed slightly inwards. During the lasting
operation, it may happen that one or more of the pinchers may meet with resistance in
stretching or drawing up the leather, this being due to varying conditions or thicknesses
of the material. To provide for this the spring holders for the pinchers can yield to
abnormal resistance returning to their normal positions as soon as all the pinchers give
uniform strain.
The springs 99 which encircle the stems of the holders permit this self-adjustment.

page_text: The pinchers are adjusted higher or lower by turning the screw-stem 98 in the hollow
post 97, the outer shell 95 being screwed down to the base flange 100.
Instead of the pinchers being overhanging or vertically movable as described they
may be arranged to move horizontally to and from a last holder. Figures 3 and 5
shew machines thus arranged.
Referring to Figure 3, 1 is a horizontal table, carrying at one end a vertical plate 2.
At the other end is fixed a frame 3 which supports and guides a moveable frame 4,
carrying the pinchers. This frame 4 is moved to and from the last by racks 70,
gearing with toothed segments 71 carried by a vertical shaft worked by a lever 172"
The pinchers which operate upon the greater portion of the upper are mounted in the
frame 4, and are opened and closed by devices substantially the same as already described.
The pinchers which operate upon the toe portion of the upper are however, made
independent of the others, and are not mounted upon the frame 4. They are arranged
as follows: A post 10 projecting from the head plate 2 carries two lateral arms 10%
which are provided at their outer ends with grooved heads 10 extending obliquely in
relation to the arms 10. Each of these heads receives a sliding block 12 by which
the pinchers are supported and moved. The block 12 is made with a dovetail portion
entering a groove in the head 106, and it has rack teeth 12a and a toothed segmental
head 13, engaging with the rack. This toothed segment is pivoted between cars 10
on the heads 10% and it is shaped into a lever extension 13. The levers 13" are
connected by links 14 and rods 15 with arms 16 on a rocking shaft 17 journaled in
bearings on the head plate 2 and having a hand lever 18. The block 12 is provided
with a transverse dovetail groove in which is inserted a correspondingly shaped tenon
on a hollow block 20, which serves as a holder for the shank or stem 21 of gripping
jaws or pinchers 22. These gripping jaws are opened and closed as previously
described, and the pinchers can yield in the block 20 so as to adapt themselves to the
resistance encountered. Owing to the obliquity of the heads 10" the jaws of the
pinchers are inclined in relation to the toe portion of a last fixed in a vertical attitude
on horizontal supports projecting from the head plate 2.
As shown in figure the jaws of the pinchers converge towards the toe of the last,
and both pinchers are connected by rods 26 with a cross-head 27 which is pivoted to
a bent lever 28, pivoted on the frame 3, the movement of this lever serving to close
and open both pinchers simultaneously.
In this construction the device for holding the insole and last consists of a vertical
bar 30 extending over the sole of the last and having presser feet 31 which rest upon
the insole. The arm 30 passes through a clasp or hand 37, which is pivoted to a
swivel 32, fitted into a block 38 jointed to the screw stem 34 of the horizontal post 35.
The arm 30 thus mounted can be turned to and from the face of the last and it can
also be turned on the swivel 32 out of the way after the completion of the stretching
by the pinchers. The arm 30 is bent obliquely at its upper portion as is shown at 30
and at the extremity of this bent portion is a head extending at right angles or outwardly
therefrom. When the bar 30 is in position for its presser feet to bear upon the
insole, it is firmly held by means of a yoke 35 pivoted to the post 10, and connected
with a lever 36 which is fulcrumed on one of the arms 10 as is seen in figure 3 & 4.
By manipulating this lever the yoke is raised or lowered to release or lock the bar 30.
The bar 30 is adjustably fitted in the clasp 37 by means of a set screw 37" and it can
be moved up or down to suit the length of the last. One of the presser feet is a
simple metal arm having a clasp for adjustably fitting it on the bar, the other for the
toe of the last is provided with an adjustable plate or foot 39, which can slide to and
fro on a guide pin 40 passing into a slot 41 in the plate 39. The foot 39 bears upon
and holds the customary box toe strip in position until the toe lasting device has
turned the upper upon the insole when the foot is moved back out of the way of the
advancing toe lasting device by contact with the device itself. A spring 45 connected
with the shank of the presser foot and bearing upon the end of the foot 39 serves io
hold the latter in a projected state, and allow it to bear upon the box toe strip.
The foot 39 has a slight rocking movement in order to allow it to adjust itself to the

page_text: curvature or shape of the last, the extent of movement being varied by a front stop 46
having a slot and set screw for allowing it to be raised and Towered.
The toe pinchers can be laterally adjusted by set screws 50, so as to suit the width
of the last and when the lever 18 is worked the pinchers at both sides of the toe of the
last are drawn away obtusely from the last instead of at right angles thereto, by which
means the upper is relieved of all wrinkles before the toe lasting device comes in
contact with it after which the tension of the leather keeps the toe quite smooth.
Another advantage resulting from this method of working the toe pinchers is that the
upper is drawn tight in a nearly straight line upon each side of the last from heel to
toe so as to bring it in range of the side pinchers or gripping devices thus dispensing
with devices heretofore required for presenting the upper to the pinchers.
The toe pinchers must be operated slightly in advance of the side pinchers in order
that the upper may be in position to be grasped by the latter.
In the type of machine shown in figure 5, having horizontally moving pinchers, the
details differ from those of the machine shown in figure 3.
The devices mounted upon the vertical head plate 2, constitute what may be termed
the lasting mechanism," the last as in figure 3, is held in a vertical position, and the
toe and heel lasting jaws move horizontally to and from the last. Guide-ways 6
are formed on the head plate 2 to receive movable blocks 7 carrying horizontally
projecting posts 8 and 9. The post 8, see figure 14, is externally screwed and is bored
to receive an elongated collar 10 which receives a shank or pin 11 carrying a pin 12-
which moves in a slot in the post 8. The post 8 is encircled by a sleeve 13, through a
slot in which the pin 12 projects, and this sleeve is surrounded by a spring 14, between
the pin 12 and a nut 15 adjustable on the post 8, whereby the strain of the sprn g can
be adjusted. The elongated collar 10 can also be adjusted and held by a set screw 16.
The post 9 is also bored to receive a screwed stem 17 having an eye 18 at its end. A.
set screw 19 prevents the stem 17 from dropping out, and a nut 20 adjusts the stem in
the post. The slide blocks 7 and their two posts are the same at the top and bottom
of the head plate 2, and the pins of the posts 8 carry the means for supporting the last.
For supporting the toe portion of the last (see Figs. 6 and 15) a block 21 is connected
by a tongue 22 and pin 23 with the sliding pin 11. An outwardly projecting flexible
shield or curved spring plate 24, is secured at the middle of one end to the block. 21,
and its free sides are received between oblique lugs or adjustable plates 25. These
plates are fitted on a right and left hand screw 26, and are guided by a pin 27 upon
which they slide. By means of the screw 26 the spring plate 24 can be expanded or
contracted to clamp the toe portion of the last. A padded button or screw 28 can be
adjusted to suit the thickness of the last. The heel portion of the last is secured
directly on the end of the sliding pin, which enters a hole in the last. Horizontal
guide ways 29 arranged at the sides of the head plate 2, receive blocks 30, have screw
stems, set screws and nuts of the same construction as have been described in
connection with the posts 9.
The side lasting jaws, illustrated in the detail figure 11, consist of the angular plate
or holder 38, the block 39, and the jaw portion proper 40. The part 38 has 'a
socket 38" and set screw for connecting to the arm 36. One wall of the part 38, haş
slots 38 which receive screws 41 that project into screw sockets in the 'block 39 and
serve to hold it firmly upon the part 38.
The block 39 has projections 39 and at its ends it carries two narrow plates 42
which project beyond the face of the block and have enlargements 42ª with oblique
grooves 42 in them. The narrow strip of steel 40 which seizes the upper and turns
it down upon the insole has projections 40" which fit upon the projections 39" and are
fixed on them by rivets or screws. Projections 40 at the ends of the strip 40, bring
these ends in line with the oblique grooves 42. Blocks 39 and strips 40 of different
sizes and lengths may be used according to the kind of work to be performed, and
the necessary changes can be made without removing the holders 38 from the
arms 36, as the slots 38 allow the screws 41 to be shifted to engage with openings in
blocks 39 of various lengths or sizes.
Also the strip 40 is attached to the block 39 in such a way that it can be readily

page_text: removed and replaced by a new one, when it becomes broken or is unsuited to a
particular last. At the heel and toe of the last the upper is turned down upon the-
insole by arrangements similar to that shown in figure 11.
The
During the lasting operation these heel and toe devices receive a sliding movement
causing them to glide upon the upper and turn it upon the insole, the side jaws at the
same time, in consequence of their connection with the end jaws causing a contraction
of their spring arms, act in unison with the end jaws. This continuous or unbroken
line of engaging or contact surfaces exists all around the upper which is turned
smoothly and uniformly upon the insole. For working the lasting jaws the hand
lever 46 is mounted on the head plate 2 and in a bracket 47 fixed to its rear.
axis of the lever carries a disk such as is shewn in figure 10, having four scroll-shaped
or curved slots which receive lugs or projections on a corresponding number of slide
bars, the movement of which is guided by suitable supporting brackets. These slide
bars communicate motion to horizontal levers 50, which extend through slots in the
head plate 2 and are fulcrumed in brackets 50 in its front. The levers 50 are
connected with the arms 36 carrying the respective lasting jaws and hence, by
moving the hand lever 46, the lasting jaws are moved simultaneously up to their
work or away from it. To vary the degree of movement of the lasting jaws to suit
the work or the size of the last or lasting jaws, the connection between the levers 50
and bars 36 is made adjustable.
.
In order to hold the last firmly in position while the operation. of stretching the
upper is taking place, curved arms or goose necks 55 are fulcrumed upon the
posts 9, and have beaks 55 bearing respectively upon the toe and heel portions of
tlic last, or rather upon the insole placed on the last.
These arms 55 are forked and extend on opposite sides of the posts 9, so as not to
interfere with the movement of the arms 36 of the heel and toe lasting jaws which, as
is shewn in Fig. 5, pass through the forks of the arms 55. The heel portion of each
arm 55 beyond the fulcrum point carries a vibrating block which is connected by a
link 56 with the short arm of a bent lever 57. The levers 57 are mounted upon the
posts 9 and by their movement the curved arms 55 are swung toward or away from
the last. When the arms 55 bear upon the last holding it against the pull of the
stretching devices, the levers 57 butt against the head plate 2 being thus firmly
held. By an outward pull of the levers 57 the arms 55 are swung away from the
last. With the arm 55 which acts on the toe portion of the last are combined means
for holding the customary boxing in position during the stretching of the upper. As
seen in figure 16, a sliding block 60 mounted on the arm 55 has a slot receiving
guide pins 61 which limit the movement of the block between the forks of the arm 55.
This block 60 is hollowed out on its inner side and receives a pivoted dog, one
end of which terminates in a presser foot adapted to glide over the boxing strip
and hold it. This dog is hung upon a pivot so that it can easily glide over the insole
without catching it, and it has a spring encircled stem 63, playing in an opening
of the block 60 for holding it in a proper working position. Pivotted on the outer
side of the arm 55 is a trigger or releasing arm 64, which has a notch 64 adapted to
engage with a pin or lug 60 on the block 60 and hold the latter in a retracted
state. A spiral spring projects the block 60 when the trigger is released, and when
it is thus projected the presser foot of the holding dog slips over the boxing strip
and holds it in position during the stretching of the upper and the beginning of the
turning of it lown upon the insole. When the beak of the arm 55 is first brought
down upon the last or insole the bent point of the trigger 64 comes in contact with
the insole and is moved sufficiently to release the trigger from the projection on the
sliding block, whereupon the spring projects the presser foot over the boxing strip.
When the toe lasting device has begun to turn the upper upon the boxing strip
ensuring its retention, the outward movement of the lasting device causes it to press
down the block 60 and its pin 60 to engage again with the notched trigger 64 for
rolding the lock in its normal position. The trigger arm terminates in a spring
tongue 64 which bears upon an exterior shoulder on the arm 55 and serves to hold
the block 60in engagement therewith.

page_text: The mechanism for stretching the upper and „holding it tightly stretched until the
lasting jaws begin to turn the edges of the upper upon the insole, is arranged at one
side of the machine, as is also shown in figure 3.
The sliding frame 4 has at its top and bottom rack bars 70, gearing with toothed
segments 71, on a vertical shaft 172, which carries a horizontal hand lever 172" for
moving the sliding frame 4. At the front of the frame 4 is fixed a bar 72. A
movable frame 73 behind 72 carries two rack arms 74 which pass through 72 and
move in contact with guide pins or rollers 75 on branches or elongations 72" of the
bar 72. Toothed segments 76 on a vertical shaft 77 engage with the rack arms 74
and by moving a lever 78 fixed on the shaft. 77, the frame 73 is moved to or from 72.
The branches 72" of 72 are secured to the front vertical bar of the frame 4.
Horizontal arms 80, also secured to 4, carry a pair of vertical strips 81, which face
each other and serve to clamp adjustable blocks between them. These blocks have
one flat face provided with a friction spring while the other face is grooved and fits
on a correspondingly beveled strip. A screw bolt passing through the plates serves
to bring the strips carried by the plates close together thus firmly clamping the
blocks between the strips. On loosening the bolt, the blocks can be shifted up or
down, the springs holding the blocks by friction until they are moved. Each block
has an externally screwed tubular extension on which screws a sleeve; also a screw
stem having a milled head and encircled by a spring passes through the block into
the tubular extension, and is received by a socket post, projecting from what may be
termed a pinchers holder. This is arranged in a horizontal position, and the socket
post projects from its rear side and enters the tubular extension of the block. By
turning the screw stem 86, shown in figure 9, by means of its milled head, the socket
post is moved in or out of the tubular block extension 84, thus providing means for
causing the pinchers carried by the holder 90 to be adjusted longitudinally to suit
the size of the last. The pinchers holder 90 is a transverse bar having a slot for
the reception of laterally adjustable blocks 91, the front ends of which terminate
in sockets 91ª while their rear portions are extended and constitute necks for the
reception of locking collars 92. Each of these necks projecting beyond the holder 90
has a tapering hole in which is fitted a tapering screw plug 93 that can be turned
by applying a key and locking it to the collar 92. Each block has a screwed hole
receiving a screw 95 which is mounted in the holder 90 and has a squared portion.
to receive a key for turning it. On loosening the taper plug and collars 92, the
pinchers carried by the blocks 91, can be adjusted laterally to suit lasts of varying
width and when the plugs are again tightened up and screwed to the collars 92, the
pinchers are firmly held in their proper positions relatively to the last.
The construction of the pinchers is shewn in Figure 9. A straight shank 96 has a
round grooved end which enters the socket 91" of the block 91 and is held by a set
screw 91 which permits a slight axial or rotary motion to the shank allowing the
pincher jaws to conform to the contour of the last. To the shank 96 is jointed the
body 98 of the stationary jaw 97 which is held in position by a spring 99 which
allows the jaw 97 to yield inwardly to adapt itself to the hollowed portions of the
last. The movable jaw 100 is pivoted to an ear projecting from the body of the
jaw 97 and has a curved arm 101. For closing the jaws an arm 102 is pivoted
between cars 98 projecting from 98 and projects through a slot in the arm 101
presenting at 102 cam or curved surfaces 102" which in moving along the inner
surface of the curved arm 101 close the jaws more or less, according to the extent of
movement of the arm 102. A plate spring 103 keeps the jaws separated until they
are closed by the action of the arm 102.
The above description relates specially to the pairs of pinchers arranged on the
opposite sides of a last. At the toe and heel portions single pinchers only are
required and those at the toe are necessarily such as should be capable of extensive
adjustment. The means of opening these to receive the upper, and closing them upon
it, to stretch it and again releasing the upper have already been described subject to
the following modifications.
In lasting boots and shoes it is an object to save time and to ensure the seizure of

page_text: -
the upper by the pinchers. The machine is therefore so contrived that the lever
which moves the frame carrying the pinchers toward the last also acts upon the
pinchers and causes them to receive properly the edges of the upper, after which the
special lever employed for closing the pinchers is separately worked. Referring to
Figure 5, the vertical shaft 172 carries a horizontal disk 130 from the under face of
which projects a pin 131. This pin connects the lever 172" to an angle plate 132
fitted on the lever 78, the plate having an opening or passage which is guarded by a
spring gate. When the parts are in the position seen in Figure 5, the pin 131 has
passed through the opening in the angle plate and rests behind the spring gate. On
moving the lever 172" to advance the pinchers towards the last the lever 78 is at the
same time moved causing the pinchers to be opened ready to receive the edges of the
upper. The pinchers being thus properly opened by one lever movement the two
levers become again disconnected by the passage of the pin 131 along the rear of the
spring gate and off at the end of the angle plate. The lever 78 can then be
independently moved to close the pinchers, and then the stretching is performed by
moving the franie and pinchers away from the last by means of the lever 172".
-
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A machine for lasting boots and shoes, constructed, combined and arranged to
operate substantially, as hereinbefore described and shown in the accompanying
drawings.
2. A machine for lasting boots and shoes, consisting essentially of a last holder;
means for holding the upper on the last, a group of pinchers adapted to advance
toward and recede from the last to seize the upper held on the last and stretch it, and
side and heel and toe lasting devices, substantially as herein set forth.
3. The construction of lasting jaws hereinbefore described and shewn in the
drawings.
4. The construction and means for operating the pinchers herein before described
and shewn in the drawings.
5. The construction of downholds for the insole and last substantially as herein
before described and shewn in the drawings.
6. The construction and arrangement of pinchers for securing the upper at an angle
away from the toe of the last, substantially as herein set forth.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.