Year: 1888

page_text: A communication from abroad by WILLIAM S. KING, of Minneapolis, State of
Minnesota, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PRILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, and 323, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer, 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:
The invention relates to machines for lasting shoes, and the various features of the
invention will be explained in the following description, and set forth in the claims,
reference being had in the description to the annexed drawings, in which :-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved machine, showing the pincer-
carrying frame swung away from the last.
Figure 2 a side elevation of the machine.
Figure
3 a top plan view of the same with the over-arching frame partially broken
away.
Figure an inner face view of the vertical plate or bed upon which is
mounted the mechanism for turning the edges of the upper over upon the insole,
showing the racks and pinions by which the side jaws, and the heel and toe jaws are
actuated.
Figure 5 a face view of the mechanism by which the pincers are adjusted to proper
relative positions.
Figures 6 and 7 views illustrating the construction of the side jaws and their
wipers or folders.
Figure 8 a sectional view of the divided pinion which gives motion to the wipers or
folders.
Figures 9 to 14 inclusive, detail views of paris hereinafter referred to and
explained.

page_text: The machine is designed to first draw the upper lengthwise of the last, toward or
over the toe, and laterally, then to draw the sides past the insole, and lastly, while the
upper is still under strain of the stretching mechanism, to fold or press the edges of
the upper smoothly and evenly over and upon the insole, to which it is secured in any
convenient manner, a suitable cement being preferably employed for the purpose.
With this plan of operation in view, the inachine is constructed as shown in the
drawings, wherein A indicates a metallic frame, supported by legs B, and comprising
a horizontal bod portion A', an upright back plate A², an overarching arm A³, and a
vertical post or standard A, which latter serves to sustain the forward end of arm A³,
and also forms a pivotal support about which the pincer-carrying frame C may swing
in carrying the pincers into or out of working position.
The vertical back plate A of the main frame carries the last supports, the heel, toe,
and side wipers or folders and their supports, and the operating mechanism of such
wipers or folders; the overarching arm A carrios the controlling and actuating
mechanism of the toe pincers; and the side pincers with their controlling and
actuating mechanisms are carried by the frame C, which, as above mentioned,
is swivelled upon and swings in a horizontal plane about the upright post or
standard A'.
It is necessary, in order to adapt the machine for use with lasts of different forms
and dimensions, that provision be made for adjusting the toe and heel supports to the
several supports of the wipers or folders and their operating mechanism, independently
of each other, and to this end said supports are mounted upon blocks D, E, F and G,
each having a dovetail tongue or back to fit and travel within a groove of like form
between ribs or ways a, formed upon or secured to the upright back plate A2, as
plainly shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4.
For the purpose of moving these blocks and holding them at any desired adjustment,
a screw II is provided for each, furnished with a hand wheel H³, and swivelled in a
bracket, projecting from the back plate A, the threaded stem of each screw being
extended into a correspondingly threaded hole or socket formed in the block
which it controls.
Block D carries a tubular post or standard D₁ from which branches a secondary
post D2, also of tubular form. The post D¹ is designed to receive and support a
tubular stem I, upon which is pivoted a toothed sector 1, by which sector, motion is
given to a rack bar I carrying the toe wiper or folder ; and the post D2 is designed
to receive and support a stem J J', which carries at its outer end a toc rest J in the
form of a grooved block or saddle, as best shown in Figures 1 and 2.
The stem is accurately fitted to the bore of post D, and is adjustable longitudinally
therein, so that the sector I', the rack bar 12, and the foe wipers or folders may be
brought to proper positions relative to the sole of the last, or to the insole thercon.
A set-screw serves to hold the stem I at any desired adjustment.
The stem Jis likewise accurately fitted to the bore of a secondary post D², and
bears at its inner end upon a coiled spring J³, placed within the post, the spring
tending to press the stem outward, but permitting it to be forced inward whenever
subjected to pressure greater than the resistance of the spring. The play is limited
by means of screw or stud d, passing through the side of the post, and entering a slot
or groove e in the stem, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Ünder this arrangement the resistance of the spring and the play of the stem will
remain constant, but as it is desirable to provide for positive adjustment of the toe-
support or block J², the stem is made in two parts J, J', one arranged to screw into
the other as shown in Figure 10. By screwing the section J more or less into
section J, the projection of the former, and consequently the position of toe-rest J²
may be varied as desired, a jam nut J preventing the accidental turning of
section J¹.
The post D is represented as formed integral with post D', but in some cases it
may be desirable to make it separate, and so to attach it to post D' or block D that
it
Day be laterally adjusted, as is done in the case of the heel support, as will now be
explained.

page_text: •
From block E there rises or projects a tubular post or column D', into which is
carefully fitted a stem K, to which is pivoted a toothed sector K', which meshes with
and gives motion to a toothed rack bar K carrying the heel wipers or folders K³.
The stem K is longitudinally adjustable within post E', and is held at the desired
adjustment by a set screw e¹, the arrangement being in all respects similar to that of
the post D' and the parts sustained thereby.
The upper face of block E is formed with a dovetail groove, into which is nicely
fitted a rib or tongue ƒ, formed upon the rear face of a plate or block E², which is
tapped to receive a screw stem E3 swivelled in an arm or bracket g, projecting from
block E. The screw E3 is furnished with a hand wheel, by which it may be turned to
move plate E forward or backward across block E.
From plate E a post or standard Et projects to about the same distance as post D²
of block D, and it is furnished like said post D2 with an internal coiled spring L, and
a longitudinally moveable stem D³, D', bearing at its inner end upon said spring. The
section D of the stem is arranged to screw into section D³, in order to vary the
projection of the stem beyond the post, a jam nut D preventing accidental variation,
and the play of the stem as a whole is limited by a screw or pink, passing through
post D and entering a slot in the stem 1³, as shown in Figure 2.
As above intimated, post D2 may be made separate from block D, and provided with
an adjusting screw for lateral adjustment, in the same manner as E.
Blocks and Gare respectively furnished with posts F and G, bored to receive
stems F and G2, to which are pivoted toothed sectors F, and G³, which respectively
give motion to toothed rack bars F and G, carrying the side jaws M., the fingers or
wipers N of which fold the upper over upon the insole at the sides of the last. The
stems and 2 are adjustable within their supporting posts in the same manner as
the stems I and K, and are held wherever adjusted, by set screws i.
Each of the four rack bars 12, K, F and G, is held in engagement with its
actuating sector by means of a retaining cap or guard O, pivoted concentrically with
said soctors, and consequently free to tip or change their position to correspond with
the movements of the rack bars.
The rack bars, in order to give proper motion and action to the wipers which they
support and carry, require a combined longitudinal and rocking or curvilinear motion,
in order that the wipers or folders may follow closely the contour of the last, indicated
in Figure 2, and this is effected by supporting one end of each rack bar upon a pivoted
or swinging link P, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.
The links of the rack bars and K2 are connected therewith at their outer or
rear ends, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, while the links P of the rack bars F and G₁
are pivotally connected with the inner ends of said bars, as shown in Figure 3, this
difference being merely a matter of convenience, and not affecting the action of the
rack bars.
In order to vary the inclination and lines of movement of the several rack bars,
cach link P is made in two parts j and j', the proximate ends of which are threaded in
reverse directions, and are connected by a nut or sleeve, threaded right and left to
receive or to screw upon the threaded ends of the two sections j and j. By turning
the sleeve or nut in one or the other direction, the links P may be lengthened or
shortened as desired.
This lengthening or shortening of the links, together with adjustment of the
stems I, K, F and G2, or such of them as require adjustment, enables the operator to
set the machine for operating upon a last of any form or size, and in each case to
secure precisely the movement necessary for the wipers.
As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, each of the sectors 1', K, F³ and G³, is formed
or furnished with a tail or lever extension k, of tubular form, into which is inserted,
one end of a rod or stem 1, the opposite end of which is connected with a sliding
rack bar.
As it is necessary to adjust the sectors and racks independently, each rack must be
independently actuated, that is to say, while they move simultaneously, and receive
motion from the same source, they are not directly connected one with another.

page_text: To produce the necessary movements of the sectors and their rack bars, four
actuating rack bars Q, Q, Q, and Q are provided, each of which is formed with a
lug m having a slot m', through which passes a bolt m², forming a pivotal connection
between the rack bar and one of the rods l, which extend into and slide longitudinally
within the lever extensions k, of the respective sectors. The slots m³ permit the pivot
bolts m³ to be adjusted to a limited extent so that each sector and the rack which it
controls may be moved or adjusted slightly without reference to others, thus enabling
the operator to advance or recede any set of wipers or folders as required by the
particular form of the last.
The rack bars Q, Q, Q, Q³ slide between grooved ribs a formed upon or secured
to the upright back plate A² of the main frame, these ribs being arranged in
separated pairs, and the blocks D, E, F and G being placed between the inner ribs of
each two pairs, as plainly shown in Figure 4. This construction is simple, cheap, and
convenient.
Owing to the necessity of the racks moving in lines which cross each other, the
grooves or guides for one pair of rack bars are mado deeper than, or in a different
vertical plane from those for the other pair, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, so that
one pair of said rack bars may move over or in front of the other pair.
In practice it is immaterial whether the rack bars which actuate the side jaws be
in front or in rear of those which give motion to the heel and toe wipers or
folders, but it is desirable that the two rack bars, connected with the side jaws be in
the same plane with each other, and that the rack bars controlling the heel and toc
wipers or folders be in a common plane by themselves, for a reason that will soon
appear.
R indicates a short shaft passing through and journalled in the upright back plate A²,
at or near its centre, and provided at its rear end, or in rear of plate A with a
pinion R, to which rotary motion is imparted by a toothed sector R², pivoted to tho
rear face of upright plate A2, and furnished with a hand lever R³, by which it may be
oscillated.
To adapt the machine to convenient manipulation by persons of different heights,
the hand lever R³ is made separate from the toothed sector R2 through pivoted concen-
trically therewith, and is made fast to the sector by a clamping bolt passing through
the hand lever and through a slot in the sector.
S, S, indicate a pinion divided in a plane at right angles to its axis, the part S
being keyed or otherwise rigidly secured upon the shaft R in the plane of rack bars Q³
and, and the part S' being loosely mounted upon said shaft in the plane of the rack
bars Q and Q', as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, in which position it is retained by
the section S.
Sindicates a tubular shell, screwed into or otherwise secured in a hole or socket
bored through section S of the pinion from face to face. Said case, which projects
sufficiently to enable it to be readily grasped by the fingers to rotate section $ of the
pinion, contains a helical spring S³, which encircles the reduced stem and bears against
the shoulder of a sliding locking pin or bolt S, one end of which projects through the
outer end of the shell S2, and is there fitted with a knob or button by which to draw
back said pin or bolt against the resistance of the spring.
The inner end of the locking-pin or bolt projects beyond the rear face of pinion S,
and enters one or another of a series of cavities or sockets, o, formed in the face of
pinion or section S, thereby normally locking the pinions or sections S and S¹
together, and causing them to rotate as one with shaft R whenever the latter is
turned.
As before mentioned, section S' of the pinion is in the same plane as rack bars Q
and Q, and it is arranged to mesh with and give motion to said bars, as does the
section S mesh with and give motion to the rack bars Q² and Q.
If now it he desired to, advance and recede the side jaws without moving the heel
and toe jaws, as is often necessary in adjusting the machine to a different last from
that previously used, it is only necessary to draw back the locking pin or bolt, turn
pinion S to the right or to the left until the desired relation is established, and then

page_text: pormit the locking bolt to spring into the cavity or socket o, with which it registers,
under such adjustment.
This rotation of pinion S may be performed by means of shell S2, but to better
advantage by lever R³.
The peculiar construction of the heel, too, and side jaws, folders or wipers, will be
explained further on, it being deemed conducive to clearness to first explain the
location, construction, and operation of the pincers by which the stretching of the
uppers is principally effected.
It is of course understood from what has already been explained, that the last is
supported at its forward end by the toe rest or block J, and that the heel of the last
is sustained by the stem D, which extends into the socket usually formed in lasts to
receive the jack, and owing to the position of these supports, the last will stand with
its toe end uppermost and its sole in a practically vertical plane.
The first stretching of the upper to be performed is in the direction of the length
of the last, along the medial line of the vamp and instep, at the same time drawing
the leather laterally or to each side of said line.
For this purpose two pairs of pincers I are provided, Figures 1, 2 and 3, each
carried by a rack bar T to which longitudinal reciprocation is imparted by means of
a toothed sector Ts.
Each rack bar T is formed with a T or dove-tail rib on its back, which travels in
a groove or guide of like form; made in a supporting head or block T", adjustably
secured by a bolt T to a slotted plate T7 of a standard or arm 1, which rises from
the post
or the block D, so that the pincers after adjustment of their guide blocks,
shall maintain a given relation to block D and to the parts carried thereby. The two
arms T extend upward and outward from the post D¹ in opposite directions. The
pincers are not rigidly attached to the rack bars T, but one member of each pair is
formed with a straight shank p, which passes though a boss p₁ formed upon said
rack bar, and protrudes above the same, where it is encircled by a helical spring p²,
and furnished with a nut p3 by which the compression of the spring may be varied
as desired. The springs permit the pincers to yield whenever the strain put upon
the leather reaches a prescribed limit, and thus avoid danger of injuring the upper,
even when the machine is operated by inexperienced persons.
A curved and slotted yoke p, is pivoted to the shank p, and extends outward over
the sides faces of the second member, p; of the toe pincers, and a pin p projects
from said side faces of the member through the curved slots of the yoke p³, so that if
the yoke be swung upward or outward, it will cause the pin p to travel outward in
said slot, throwing the rear end of said member outward, and consequently, moving
its jaw towards the jaw of the other member.
A reverse movement of the yoke will of course separate the jaws.
For the purpose of effecting a simultaneous opening or closing both pairs of toe
pincers, a rocking shaft U, Figures 1 and 2, is provided, having a band lever U₁ by
which to rock or turn it, and two radial arms U2, which are connected by rods U³,
with the yokes p' of the toe pincers. By moving the lever U' in one or the other
direction, the pincers will be simultaneously opened or closed.
So too, provision is made for advancing or receding the toe pincers simultaneously,
the mechanism for this purpose being essentially the same as that for opening and
closing the toe pincers, that is to say, a rock shaft V is provided, which is carried in
hangers from the overarching arm. A³ of the main frame, and is furnished with a
hand lever V, and two radial arins V, which latter are connected by rods or links V³,
with the tails or lever extensions T of the sectors T³, by which the rack bars of the
toe pincers are actuated.
By moving the hand lever forward or backward the pincers will be advanced or
receded.
The pincers by which the sides of the upper are stretched, are so constructed that
both jaws shall move alike in opening and closing.
This construction is of importance because the pincers are sn adjusted preparatory
to being advanced to grasp the edges of the upper, that the meeting line of the two

page_text: jaws of each pair shall come directly in line with the edge of the upper, from which
it follows that if the jaws be opened away from such line in opposite directions they
will pass on opposite sides of the leather, and thus ensure the entrance and grasping
thereof between and by them.
Under former constructions, where but one jaw has been made movable, the
stationary jaw has been frequently found to strike against the upper, and to push it
back before the advancing pincers, or to pass to the same side thereof as the movable
jaw, thus preventing the pincers from grasping the upper, or necessitating special
manipulation by the operator to ensure such grasping.
The construction of the pincers by which both jaws are positively actuated both in
opening and in closing, will be readily understood upon referring to Figures 1 and 3,
wherein W indicates a pair of pincers, consisting of two jaw levers 7, 7, which cross
each other and are connected at their point of crossing by a pivot pin q': which serves
also to attach the pincers to a stock or bar q².
This stock may be jointed and provided with a spring 7, as shown in Figure 3,
to permit it to yield sidewise or as is deemed preferable, the stock itself may be made
thin enough to spring or yield to lateral strains.
Pivoted upon the stock is a double slotted yoke q', having two arms or branches
curved in reverse directions, as well shown in Figure 12, and from the tail or lever
extension of each member of the pincers, a pin or stud 7 passes through a slot of
the yoke, as shown. The slots are of are shape, but eccentric to the pivot pin 7,
except for a short portion at the inner end of each, which is concentric with said pin.
Owing to this peculiar form, a movement of the yoke in one direction throws
the jaws apart, and a movement in the reverse direction not only brings them
together, but firmly locks them together by reason of the concentric portion of the
slots passing about the studs or pins 7.
The initial movement in opening the jaws merely serves to swing the yoke far
enough to carry the concentric portions of the slots clear of the pins or studs q,
during which movement the jaws remain at rest, but after which the jaws begin at
once to separate.
In practice from three to six pairs of pincers are employed for each side of the
the number being entirely optional and variable at will.
upper,
It is desirable that the opening or closing of all the side pincers be effected
simultaneously, and by a single movement, a result which is attained by the arrange-
ment of parts illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3.
In these Figures X. indicates a frame or carrier, consisting essentially of an upright
cylindrical rod
carried at its upper and lower ends by arms which are furnished
with journals, said journals having suitable bearings in a horizontally swinging
frame C, which is arranged to move about the vertical post or standard A' of the
main frame as a centre and support.
The upper journal of each frame X carries a toothed sector 3, the two being
arranged to mesh as shown in Figure 1, and by dotted lines in Figure 3, so that each
frame shall move in the same manner and time as the other.
A hand lever attached to one of the frames X serves to swing it about the axis of
the journals, and as just mentioned, the other frame will move to correspond.
Each vertical rod 2, carries a series of collars or hubs 7, provided with a forwardly
extending neck and a rearwardly extending neck », both of tubular form, and both
internally threaded for a portion of their lengths.
Within the rearwardly extending neck of each collar, there is placed a coiled
spring, which is retained in place and compressed to the required extent by means of
a screw inserted behind it.
The friction produced by the spring bearing upon rod r, prevents the collar from
working up or down.
From the forwardly extending neck 20, a rod, formed with a boss or knurl 10,
extends to and screws into a nut or block, swivelled in the outer end of one arm of
the double yoke q*. The rod is threaded in reverse directions at opposite ends so
that by turning it in one direction it shall screw into the neck, and into-block

page_text: or nut and draw the two together, or by turning it in the reverse direction, it shall
screw out and increase the distance between them."
The adjustment of these rods will depend upon the adjustment of the pincers, which
of course will vary with different lasts, but when the adjustment is once effected, all
the side pincers are opened or closed simultaneously through a single movement of the
hand lever
The adjustment of the pincers, each pair independently, is provided for by the con-
struction illustrated in Figure 11, in which the pincer-carrying stock 2 is represented
as of tubular form at its rear end, internally threaded, and arranged to slide longi-
tudinally within a sleeve 3. The stock is longitudinally grooved, and a pin projecting
from the outer sleeve into the groove prevents the stock from turning.
Screwing into the rear end of the stock is a rod 78, which is formed with a collar
to bear against a shoulder within the sleeve 1, the rear end of the rod protruding
through the rear end of the sleeve, as shown in Figure 11. The extreme rear end of
the rod is squared to receive a wrench or key by which to turn it, and that portion
immediately next to the squared end is threaded to receive a nut 70, between which
and the rear end of sleeve 13, a helical spring 7" is placed upon and made to encircle
the rod.
This spring serves to hold the collar 2 normally against the internal shoulder of
sleeve q, its compression being regulated as required by turning the nut q10 forward
or backward, and in the event of the pincers drawing too strongly upon the upper,
this spring yields and relieves the upper from excessive strain.
When it is desired to adjust the pincers forward or backward, one pair independently
of the others, the rod is turned, and as it screws into or out of stock q², draws said
stock in or forces it out, leaving the compression of the spring unaffected.
Ench sleeve is formed integral with or is rigidly secured to a slotted block 2,
which fits upon one end of a cross arms carried by a slotted upright bar Y', which
forms the front of a sliding frame or sash X³, by which all the side pincers are
advanced or receded together.
Each cross arm carries two blocks 12, and is formed with a central neck or shank s¹,
which passes through the vertical slot of the upright bar Y', and also through two
crossed levers Z of which there is a pair for each cross-arm, a vertical screw ³
swivelled in the bar Y¹, screwing into the lowermost cross-arm, and serving to adjust
the same vertically and to hold it where adjusted.
The neck or shank s is furnished in rear of the crossed-levers with a nut &,
and serves as a pivot for said levers, which are also jointed at their outer ends to
the corresponding ends of the next pairs above and below, as shown in Figure 5,
thus making the well known system of levers commonly designated by the name
lazy tongues," or Jacob's Ladder."
"
*
The extremities of the lower arms of the two lowermost levers Z have threaded
blocks or nuts Z pivotally attached to them, and a screw rod or stem 23, threaded
right and left at opposite ends, is screwed through said blocks, as shown in Figure 5.
The end of this rod or stem Z is squared to receive a key or wrench, and by turning
it in one or the other direction, the ends of the levers may be drawn together or
forced apart, and thus caused to raise or to lower the several cross arms and to
separate them one from another.
If the levers be of equal length between centres or pivots, the separation will of
course be uniform, but if it be desired to vary the separation, the distance between
centres or pivots will be made different, or the levers may be slotted and the pivots
adapted to move in the slots and to be clamped wherever desired. Such adjustment
will be found unnecessary ordinarily.
The pincer-carrying stocks have been described as being each provided with a spring,
but to reduce the number of springs it is proposed in some cases to apply the springs
to the necks or shanks s' of the cross arms in rear of the upright bar Y₁, and in rear
also of the levers Z, as shown in Figure 13, or they may be used in addition to the
other springs.

page_text: Springs thus applied to the necks permit each cross-arms to yield independently
of others, but do not permit the two pincer stocks of any given cross bar to yield
independently of each other. For this reason it may be found desirable in some cases
to use the spring held stocks instead of applying springs to the cross-arms, or to
employ both sets of springs.
The swing frames or pincer-carriers are supported by cross heads X' of a sliding
frame or sash X, which moves in guides in the main swinging frame C, as before
mentioned, and the slotted bar of sash Y¹ which carries the cross-arms & forms the front
of the sash or frame X.
The bar Y¹ carries a sleeve Y³, forming a guide for a rod or stem Y₁₁. which,
together with a like rod Y³, serves to carry a vertical bar Y to which are applied the
downholds Y' and Y. Both of said downholds are secured to the bar Y by
clasps Yo, which may be clamped or loosened by tightening or loosening a screw Yu,
this arrangement being adopted in order to permit of adjusting the downholds to
suit different lasts.
The lower rod ' is carried by a sleeve Y³, the same as the upper one, as shown,
and both rods pass through perforations in lugs or arms Y projecting from the axial
upright of the swinging frame C, as shown in Figure 5, and are encircled in rear of
said lugs by coiled springs Y₁, which bear at one end against the lugs or arms Y",
and at the other end against heads or buttons formed upon or applied to the rear
ends of the rods. The springs exert a constant backward pressure upon the rods,
tending to withdraw the downholds from the face of the last, the backward movement
being regulated and limited by a nut or nuts Y3 screwed upon the rods in advance of
the slotted bar Y¹.
Y indicates a second nut screwed upon each rod, in rear of har Y', and like the
nuts Y, they are capable of adjustment forward or backward upon said rods.
The upper and lower bars of the sash or sliding frame X are made in the form of
toothed racks t, and receive a reciprocating motion from toothed sectors t',
Figures 35, carried by a vertical rock-shaft journalled in the swinging frame C,
and furnished with a hand lover t³, by which said "shaft may be turned to advance or
recede the rack bars, and consequently the sash or frame, its downholds, pincers, and
pincer-controlling mechanism.
As the sash is advanced towards the last, the forward ends of sleeves Y³, Figure 2,
coming into contact with nuts Y¹³, carry the rod Y, Y, and consequently the
bar Y with its downholds Y7 and Y8, forward in the direction of the last, and
against the resistance of the springs Y2, which are consequently compressed.
As the rods are thus carried forward, the nuts Y" in rear of bar Y¹, ride in front
of the shoulder or face of a gravitating dog u, of which there is one pivoted to each
of the arms or lugs Y", see Figures 2 and 5, the two being connected by a rod or
bar u', so that the two shall rise and fall in unison.
The forward end of the upper dog is bevelled on its under face as shown in
Figure 2, so that when the sash X is moved back a certain distance, a bevelled pro-
jection u², extending back from bar Y' may ride beneath said forward end, lift the
upper dog, and through the connecting rod or bar the lower dog also, clear of the
nuts Y, whereupon the springs Y" will quickly retract the rods Y, Yo, bar Y, and
the downholds carried by said bar.
It will be observed that with a given adjustment of nuts Y", and a given advance
of the sash X², the downholds will move always to precisely the same point, and hence
will press back the insole, and the last upon which it is placed, until the outer face of
the insolo comes exactly to a prescribed plane or position, the result being attained
every time with certainty and expedition. This is permitted by the yielding of the
toe and heel supports of the last, due to the construction before set forth, and the
advance of the sash being limited by the nuts YH.
The importance of thus bringing the outer face of the insole to precisely the same
level or plane every time, will be apparent when it is remembered that the folders or
wipers by which the upper is laid over and upon the insole, move in the same plane or

page_text: planes continually under a given adjustment, and that owing to variations in the
thickness of the insole, the form or size of the last, and like considerations, the folders
or wipers would but for this provision, in some cases, pass entirely clear of the insole,
and in other cases come into contact with the edges thereof, or with the sides of the
last, instead of passing over but bearing closely upon the insole, as is necessary to
good work.
It is important that when the side pincers are being advanced to grasp the upper,
and during the intial stretching or until the strain becomes sufficient to prevent the
frame C from swinging about its pivot, some provision be made for holding said
frame against such movement until the sash is retracted, and then to release or
unlock it.
A vertical slot or groove is accordingly formed in the lower end of the axial
bar A, of frame C, and seated in the upper face of horizontal arm or bed A¹ of the
main frame, a locking bolt or slide ', which is urged upward by a spring. When-
ever the slot or groove , and the slide v come into alignment the spring throws the
bolt into said slot, unless it be held down in some way.
When the sash is advanced, the locking slide is free to thus rise and lock frame C.
but as said frame is drawn back, a curved foot piece carried by said sash, rides
over the top of locking bolt or slide v', and depresses it, thereby releasing frame Y,
and leaving it free; to be swung about its axis, which however, is not done until the
pincers are detached from the upper.
As the frame C begins to swing laterally, the slot or groove v passes out of alignment
with the locking bolt, which, extending slightly beneath the end or shoulder of
upright A, cannot rise until the frame is again swung back.
It remains yet to describe in detail the construction of the wipers or folders, the
general appearance of which may be seen upon referring to Figures 1 and 2,
the side jaws and their wipers or folders being better shown however, in Figuros 6
and 7.
Referring to said Figures 6 and 7, M indicates one of the side jaws, and N the
wipers or folders carried by said jaw.
Each wiper or folder is formed with a rectangular shank n' terminating at one end
in a laterally extending blade 2, which is made sufficiently thin to spring slightly
The
at its outer end, so as to adapt itself to the surface upon which it boars.
other end of the shank n' is tapped to receive an adjusting screw n³, swivelled in
a plate M¹, which plate is slotted, as shown in Figure 6, to permit the heads
of the adjusting screws to move back and forth, said Figure 6, being a bottom
view of the side jaw.
By turning the screws n³ the wipers may be independently adjusted to produce any
desired line or curve of the outer or front faces of the blades n².
The sides of the blades and the upper ends of their shanks lie in close contact, and
thus the wipers serve to support one another, the close contact being maintained by
set-screws n*, passing through flanges n³ of the head or jaw M, and bearing against the
sides of the outermost shank at each end of the series.
By loosening either of these screws and tightening the other, the shanks may
be brought up into proper position if in any manner they be thrown therefrom, or by
loosening one or both of said screws, the shanks are permitted to move lengthwise
under the action of the adjusting screws, a movement prevented or rendered difficult
by the pressure of the set screws n', which thus serve to prevent accidental variation
of adjustment.
The swivelling of the screws n' in the plate M must be sufficiently free to admit
of a limited rocking or tipping of the blade end of each shank independently of
others, in order to secure a free adjustment of the wipers in action, this result being
attained by making the circumferential grooves of the screw heads V-shaped, as in the
detached view in Figure 7.
To further provide for limited independent and automatic adjustment of the wipers
in action, they are held in place in the bead or jaw M by means of a thin and elastic
retaining plate M³, of steel or other suitable material, which plate is held against the
B

page_text: inner faces of the shanks n' by bolts n6, passing through said plate and through the
body of head or jaw M, said bolts being encircled between their heads and the outer
face of the jaw or head, by helical springs n', which hold the plate M2 against the
shanks with a yielding or elastic pressure.
In the actual operation of the machine, after proper initial adjustment there is
seldom, if ever, any occasion for one wiper to yield wholly independent of others,
but the yielding will usually extend to several adjoining wiper blades, thereby
varying the curve formed by their outer faces, but making no abrupt angle or
shoulder in the line.
To further ensure this result, the shanks n' are each provided with a transverse hole
or perforation n³, and a wire or rod n of steel or other highly flexible metal is passed
through the series of shanks, as indicated in Figures 6 and 7.
The end blades of the series in each jaw, are each formed with a lug no, cut away
on the inner or under face, to permit the entrance, or the passage beneath them of
the heel and toe wipers or folding blades I³, K³, which, with the closely abutting side
wipers or blades, constitute a continuous or unbroken line about the last, as will be
observed upon referring to Figure 1.
This combination forms an important feature of the present invention, because by
the use of the independent blades a perfect adaptation of the side wiper is secured, as
a whole to the last, and to the sole and upper thereof, a thorough contact and pressure
with and upon the upper at all points, and a continuous pressing or folding surface,
which precludes the formation of the wrinkles or folds such as would occur were
there open spaces or intervals between the wiper blades.
The heel and toe wipers are alike in construction, though they may vary in outline
and in size or proportions. A description of one will therefore apply to both. They
are best shown in Figures 1 and 14.
Euch of said wipers consists of two thin flat jaws or blades wo, advisably of steel,
the inner ends of which are overlapped and connected with each other by a pivot pin
or screw o, which passing into a rolling cylinder or sphere wc, socketed in the
forward end of the toothed rack har 12 or K², permits the wiper as a whole to move
in any direction, and at the same time allows the jaws to move relatively to each
other.
A spring o³, conveniently formed of light wire, serves to press the jaws or blades 10
apart, their separation being limited by the overhanging guide lugs no.
The outer edges of the blades or jaws w may be curved or straight, and may bear
any desired relation to their inner edges, the variation of their contour causing a
corresponding variation in their movement toward or from each other.
These blades or jaws are closed primarily by the approach of the side jaws toward
each other, and the pressure of the guide lugs n against the outer edges of said
blades or jaws, but it is obvious that if the jaws be made of increasing width toward
their pivots, the increase being upon the outer edges, their approach will be more
rapid than if no such increase be made. Hence by varying the contour of the outer
edges the jaws can be made to close more quickly, slowly, with a regular rate of
motion, or with a series of steps or movements, as inay be found expedient.
In the drawings the outer edge has been shown in the form of a regular curve, and
the jaws of increasing width toward their pivot, which is the preferred form.
The inner edges of the jaws w, and their under faces are provided with serrations w³,
which may be along the whole length or edge, or a portion only of said length. They
may be in a single group or a series of groups, their purpose being to gather the
leather and prevent slipping.
The machine being constructed as above set forth, its operation may be briefly and
generally stated as follows:
The last, with the upper upon it, is applied to the heel and toe rests, the downholds
advanced to bear upon the last, the toe pinchers are opened, advanced, closed upon the
edge of the upper, and receded to stretch the leather lengthwise of the last and
obliquely thereto, drawing the leather to shape about the heel, and stretching the
upper.

page_text: This accomplished, the side pincers are similarly opened, advanced, closed upon the
edges of the upper, and retracted, thereby stretching the upper over the top and sides
of the last.
When the stretching is thus effected the hand lever R³ is moved, causing the four
racks Q, Q, Q, Q3 to move forward, thereby actuating the toothed sectors with which
they are connected, advancing the racks actuated thereby, and thus advancing
simultaneously both side jaws with their wipers or folders, and the heel and toe wipers
or folders.
In thus advancing, the wipers or folders come into contact with the upper just in
advance of the insole, and pressing it forward or inward over said sole, overcome the
tension of the springs of the pincer-stocks and lay the upper down upon the insole,
the pincers being opened and the upper released from their grasp as soon as the wipers
secure sufficient hold upon the upper to prevent its receding or oscaping from between
them and the insole. The heel and too wipers are advisably set to strike the upper
slightly in advance of the side jaws, and the latter preferably formed to bear first at
the shank of the shoo or last.
The upper and insole are coated with cement before the folders or wipers begin
their action, and as soon as the upper is laid upon the insole they firmly adhere to
each other, and there is no danger of their afterward coming loose.
The side pincers, after being receded, are carried out of the way by swinging
frame C horizontally about post or standard A, thus leaving the space in front of the
last clear and unobstructed, so that the attendant may readily get at the last for any
purpose.
In making "turn work," that is work which is lasted with the inner face or lining
outward, and which requires to be subsequently turned, this facility of access to the last
is very important, and by swinging the frame to one side instead of sliding it directly
backward, as in former machines, the working space required is greatly lessened, and
the size, weight, and complication of the machine reduced, while the manipulation is
rendered easier and more rapid.
It will be seen that the rack bars Q, Q, Q and Q³, may be placed each in a plane
different from the others, and that the pinions S S¹, may be made in a corresponding
number of sections so that each rack bar may be adjusted independently of any other
of the rack bars. In practice, however, it is found sufficient to make them adjustable
in pairs, and that arrangement is preferred on account of its simplicity and
cheapness.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as comununicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a lasting machine, the combination of a last, heel, toc, and side folding blades
or wipers, independent rack bars each connected with the blades or wipers for one end
or side of the last, and a pinion meshing directly with each and all of said rack bars,
and serving to move them simultaneously and equally.
2. In combination with a last, heel toe, and side folding blades or wipers, toothed
rack bars for advancing and receding said blades or wipers, a pinion meshing with the
several racks, a shaft carrying said pinion and provided with a second independent
pinion, a pivoted sector meshing with said second pinion, and a hand lever adjustably
secured to the sector, whereby it may be set to suit different operators.
3. In a lasting machine the combination with plate A2 having ribs a, of rack
bars QQQ and Q³ mounted in or between said ribs and adapted to move longi-
tudinally, the bars Q and Q³ being placed in a different plane from bars QQ¹ and
thus adapted to move across the same; heel, toe, and side folding blades or wipers
actuated by said rack bars, and a last to support the work while being operated upon
by the blades or wipers.
4. In a lasting machine, the combination with a last and supports therefor, of side,
heel, and toe wipers or folding blades; independent rack bars for. actuating the

page_text: wipers or blades, the rack bars being in different planes, and a pinion divided at
right angles to its axis into parts or sections corresponding to the planes of the rack
bars, and capable of rotation one independently of another, whereby movement or
adjustment of the bar or bars meshing with a given section, and consequently of the
wipers or folders actuated thereby, is permitted.
5. In a lasting machine, the combination with rack bars as Q and Q placed in
different planes, of an actuating pinion therefor composed of sections S¹, S, mesbing
respectively with said bars, and a locking pin or device, substantially such as shown,
whereby the sections of the pinion may be locked together or disconnected at will.
6. In combination with last supports and a last, side, heel, and too wipers or folders
movable toward and from said last, toothed rack bars carrying said wipers or folders,
toothed sectors ineshing with and serving to actuate said bars, a second set of toothed
rack bars, a pinion meshing with the several bars of the second series, and telescopic
rods connecting the racks of the second series and the toothed sectors; whereby a
rotation of the pinion is caused to move the two series of racks and to advance or
recede the wipers.
7. In combination with a last and its support, a folder or wiper, a rack bar carrying
said folder or wiper, a toothed sector meshing with said rack bar, and serving to
advance and recede the same, and a cap or guard pivoted concentrically with the
sector and extending over the outer face of the rack bar, whereby it is adapted to
hold the rack and sector in engagement, and yet to permit a rocking or tipping
motion of the rack.
8. In combination with side jaws provided with wipers or folding blades, and
wipers or blades extending beneath guides carried by the side jaws, a bar carrying the
end wipers, and a joint connecting the end wipers with their carrying bar, constructed
substantially as described and shown, whereby the end wipers are enabled to
accomodate themselves to the varying positions of the side jaws.
9. In a lasting machine, the combination with a work holder, of a longitudinally
movable bar, wipers or folding blades w, pivotally attached to said bar, and of varying
width between their pivoted and free ends, and guides or supports against which the
outer faces of the blades bear as the bar moves forward or backward, whereby the
blades are caused to approach each other at a variable rate as different portions of
their edges come into contact with the guides or supports.
10. In a lasting machine, folding blades or wipers, having their inner edges formed
with closely-adjoining notches or serrations, substantially as described and shown,
whereby they are adapted to gather the leather of the upper, and to distribute the
fulness evenly.
11. In combination with a last, folding blades or wipers movable inward over the
face of the last, and provided on their inner edges and their lower faces with
serrations, whereby they are adapted to take firm hold upon the upper and to fold it
over upon the last or upon an insole thereon.
12. The combination in a lasting machine, of side jaws provided with folding blades
or wipers, and with guides as no, heel and toe wipers or folding blades w extending
into said guides, and having their outer edges made of cam shape or cut off parallel
with their inner edges, and reciprocating bars carrying the heel, toe, and side wipers
or folders, whereby the closing together of the side jaws and the approach of the heel
and toe jaws are caused to act conjointly to close the end wipers together.
13. In a lasting machine, the combination with guides, as 10, of folding blades or
wipers, and a spring acting upon said blades and tending to spread them apart.
14. In combination with a work support, and a wiper or folder movable to and
from the same, a bar carrying said wiper or folder, a sector serving to support and
move said har, and a link pivoted at one end to a fixed support and at its other end
to the bar, whereby the wiper is sustained and caused to move in a prescribed path.
15. In combination with a work support or last, a wiper or folder movable toward
and from the-same, a, bar carrying said folder, and a link P, pivoted at one end to a
fixed support, and at the other end to the wiper carrying bar, said link being made

page_text: in two parts capable of adjustment one toward or from the other, whereby the link
may be shortened or lengthened, and the plane or line of travel of the bar and
wiper varied.
16. In a lasting machine, in combination with a rack bar, a sector serving to
support and reciprocate the same, a link pivoted at one end to a fixed support, a bolt
pivotally connected at the other end of said link, and having a shifting connection
with the rack bar, and a spring interposed between the shoulder of the bolt and the
rack bar, whereby the latter is permitted to yield independently of the link.
17. In a lasting machine, in combination with a rack bar, and a sector serving to
support and reciprocato the same, a link having one end pivoted to a fixed support,
and the other end attached to the rack bar by a yielding connection.
18. In a lasting machine, the combination of a supporting frame provided with
guides, blocks mounted and movable in said guides, a supplemental block mounted
upon one of said main blocks and movable transversely across the same, and posts,
provided respectively with heel and toe supports for a last, one of said posts being
carried by one of the main blocks, and the other by the supplemental block mounted
upon the other main block.
19. In a lasting machine, the combination with a stationary bed or frame, a last,
and folders, or stretchers movable toward and from said last, of a last support movable
transversely to the length of the last, a block carrying said support, and an adjusting
screw for moving said support, whereby the last may be brought into proper relation
to the folders or stretchers.
20. In a lasting machine, the combination of a last, folding or stretching devices
movable toward and from the last, a downlold to bear upon the last or upon the
insole carried thereby, and a yielding support for the last, consisting of a tubular post,
spring placed within said post, a rod or stem movable within said post, and bearing
at its inner end upon the spring, and a stop-pin or screw to limit the longitudinal
movement of the rod or stem.
21. In a lasting machine, the combination of a downhold, and a last support
consisting of a post, a two part rod or stem movable longitudinally, in said post, and
one part longitudinally movable in relation to the other, a spring bearing against the
inner end of the two part stem, and a stop pin or screw, serving to limit the movement
of the two part stem.
22. In a lasting machine, a last support consisting of a tubular post, an internally
threaded sleeve movable within said support, a stop to limit the movement of said
sleeve, a spring bearing against the inner end of the sleeve, and tending to force the
same outward, and a threaded stem screwed into the sleeve, substantially as described
and shown, whereby the threaded stem may be screwed in or out to vary its projection
without affecting the compression of the spring or the play of the sleeve.
23. In combination with a last, and supports therefor adapted to hold the last with
its sole in a vertical plane, a frame provided with stretching devices to act upon an
upper carried by the last, said frame being arranged to swing in a horizontal plane
into and out of alignment with the last.
24. In a lasting machine, the combination of a last, a frame adapted to swing
laterally in reference thereto, and a sash or sliding frame movable within the swinging
frame and carrying pincers or stretching devices to act upon an upper carried by
the last.
25. In combination with a last or work support, a laterally swinging frame in front
thereof, a sash or frame, mounted in said swinging frame, and movable toward and
from the last, a catch or locking bolt adapted to lock the swinging frame against
lateral movement, and a toe or trip carried by the sliding sash and serving to force
back the catch, and unlock the swinging frame when the sash moves back to its
prescribed point.
26. In a lasting machine, the combination of a stem or stock q², two lever jaws 9, 9,
independently pivoted thereto, and each provided with a stud or pin q', and double
yoke or lever q', pivoted to stock, and provided with slots q, the pins q³ being
extended into said slots.

page_text: 27. In combination with a stock or stem, and jaws independently pivoted thereto,
and provided with studs or pins, a yoke or lever pivoted to the stock, and having slots
on opposite sides of the pivot, the slots being concentric at their inner ends with the
pivot of the lever or yoke, and eccentric thereto elsewhere in their length, and the
pins of the lever jaws being extended into said slots, substantially as set forth.
28. In combination with a supporting block or sleeve, an internally threaded pincers
stock, free to slide but held against rotation therein, a threaded stem passing through
the rear end of the block or sleeve, screwed into the rear end of the pincers stock,
and having a shoulder or enlargement bearing against a shoulder therein, a spring
encircling the stem in rear of the sleeve or block, and a nut screwed upon the rod in
rear of the spring.
29. In combination with sleeve 713, a stock 77, arranged to slide longitudinally
therein, shouldered rod extending through the sleeve, screwing into the stock q
and projecting through the rear end of the sleeve, spring 7" encircling said rod, and
nutq applied to the rear end of the rod and adjustable therein.
30. The combination in a lasting machine, of a series of pincers provided with yokes
or levers for opening and closing them, a bar or frame movable toward and from said
pincers, and connecting rods extending from said bar or frame to the yokes or levers,
whereby all the pincers may be opened or closed in unison by a single movement of
the bar or frame.
31. In a lasting machine, the combination with two groups of pincers, arranged at
opposite sides of the last, each pincer being furnished with a yoke or lover
for opening and closing its jaws, two swinging frames connected by toothed sectors,
or gearing and adapted to move in unison toward or from an intermediate point, and
rods extending froin each yoke or lever to the swinging frame at its side, whereby all
the pincers are simultaneously opened or closed by the application of force to one of
said frames.
32. In combination with pincers as W, provided with yoke or lever q, rod or bar r
movable toward and from said pincers, sleeve encircling said rod, a spring carried
by the collar and bearing upon the rod, and a link or rod extending from collar
the lever 7, the spring serving to hold the collar at any desired adjustment upon
rod r.
to
33. In combination with pincers W and their yoke or lever q, swinging frame X,
provided with collar, and rod extending from a pivoted block carried by the yoke
or lever to the collar and adapted to be screwed into or out of either or both to shorten
or lengthen the distance between the two.
34. In combination with a last or work support, a sliding sash or frame in front
thereof, pincers carried by said frame, a downhold carrier mounted in said sash or
frame, and capable of motion toward and from the last, independently of the sash, and
a locking dog or catch adapted to engage with the downhold carrier when it is
advanced to bear upon the last or insole, and to hold it against recession with
the sash.
35. In combination with a last or work support, a sliding sash in front thereof
provided with a series of pincers, and movable toward and from the last, a downhold
carrier mounted and arranged to slide a limited distance in and independently of the
sash, adjustable stops to limit the independent movement of the downhold carrier, and
a dog or catch to hold said carrier in its forward position while the pincers are
receded.
36. In combination with a last or work support, sliding sash X' provided with
toothed rack bars, toothed sectors meshing with said bars, and serving to advance and
recede the sash, rods Y and Y carrying a downhold bar, and movable back and
forth in the sash, nuts Y's, Y" applied to said rods and serving to control their move-
ments forward and backward, springs Y applied to said rods, and tending to recede
the downhold bar, and locking dogs u adapted to engage the nuts Y when the
downhold is advanced, and to hold the same forward against the force of the
springs.
37. In combination with sliding sash X' provided with finger u³, downhold bar Yº,

page_text: and its carrying rods Y4, Y, movable within or relatively to said sash, and provided
with retracting springs, pivoted dog u adapted to engage against a nut or shoulder
upon one of said rods, the finger ² and dog u being arranged to ride one beneath the
other, substantially as explained, whereby the dog is automatically lifted and the
springs permitted to retract the downhold when the sash is moved back a given
distance.
38. In combination with a last or work support, a guide bar in front thereof, a
series of cross-arms movable in said guide bar, pincers carried by said cross-arms, a
system of crossed levers connected at their points of crossing with the cross-arms and
at their ends with each other, and a screw or equivalent device for drawing the free
ends of one pair of levers together or moving them apart, whereby the entire series
of lovers may be caused to move in unison and to move the cross-arms and their
pincers toward or from each other.
39. In combination with slotted bar Y' and cross-arms s, carrying pincers, crossed
levers Z, connected at their points of crossing with the shanks of the cross-arms »,
and pivotally connected at their ends, and screw rod or stem Z extending from one
lever to another, and serving to draw them together or force them apart.
40. In a lasting machine, a side jaw comprising a head M, a slotied plate M', a
series of wipers or folders N, each consisting of a shank n' and a blade n2, adjusting
screws n³, swivelled in the slots of plate I, and screwing into the shanks of the
wipers, a yielding plate M2 overlying the shanks of the wipers, and screws n*, bearing
against the shanks of the outer wipers of the series.
41. In a lasting machine, a side jaw having a series of independently adjustable
wiper blades or folders, and a flexible rod or wire passing through the shanks of the
several wipers or folders, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
42. In combination with head M, and slotted plate M, wipers or folding blades N
resting with their backs against the face of head M, adjusting screws swivelled in
plate M and screwing into the shanks of the wipers or folders, plate M² extending
over the front faces of the blade or wiper shanks, bolts no passing through said plate
and the head M, and springs encircling the bolts, and tending to hold the plato M²
against the shanks of the wipers.
43. In a lasting machine, the combination of a toothed rack carrying a wiper or
folder, a toothed sector meshing with and serving to actuate said racks, a second rack
for imparting motion to said sector, provided with a slotted lug, as m, and a bolt
passing through said slot, and into the lever arm of the sector, whereby the
sector and the rack which it operates may be adjusted without moving the actuating
rack.
44. In a lasting machine, the combination of a last heel and toe jaws or wipers, and
side jaws or wipers, the side wipers being made up of independently-yielding blades
or sections in immediate contact with each other, and the heel and toe jaws being
extended across the side wipers, whereby an unbroken but yielding line of folders or
wipers is formed entirely around the last.
Dated this 4th day of August 1888
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.