IMPROVEMENTS IN LASTING MACHINES FOR BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Morgan-Brown, Patent Agent, of 38, Southampton
Buildings, London, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN LASTING MACHINES
FOR BOOTS AND SHOES." A communication from abroad by Gordon MoKay,
of Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Morgan-Brown at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th July 1880.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, Patent Agent, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LASTING MACHINES FOR BOOTS AND SHOES." [A communication
from abroad by Gordon McKay, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of
America.]
This Invention relates to improvements in lasting machines of that class wherein
pincers are employed to hold the edges of the upper while it is being stretched
over or drawn close upon tho last.
The pincers are pivoted upon a spring-held suspension rod, the said springs
acting to elevate the pincers when released, they being released automatically just
after the shank and toe-pads come into position against the shoe.
The last is pressed vertically into the upper by down holds made adjustable
vertically with relation to the bottom of the last at heel and toe, and longitudinally
with relation to the length of the last, this latter adjustment being made by a right
and left hand screw of such pitch that a certain definite movement or turn of the
screw through uniform distances will make the proper horizontal adjustment for
each successive size of shoe.
This hold-down also preferably carries a toe-notching device to notch or cut the
toe of the upper, previously secured by a lasting tack, as in hand-lasting, the said
notching-device removing portions of the surplus material at the edge of the upper
near the central part of the toe of tho last, preparatory to the operation of the
toc-crimping jaws.
The auxiliary cutters are preferably thrown forward by band to shave off or cut
away the tops or elevated parts of the pleats or crimps at the edges of the upper
formed in advance of the notched acting-edges of the crimping jaws.
These auxiliary cutters are preferably notched, and the projecting points botween
71

page_text: and at one sides OF MIG DEL
uppor.
The pincers and hold-down mechanism are carried by a movable head which is
held locked in position over the centre of the last during the time that the pincers
engago the upper, and the hold-down mechanism acts against the inner-sole upon
the last.
Just as the last and side-lasting devices are brought into the proper relative
position for the side-lasting devices to turn the edges of the upper at the sides of
the last, over upon the inner-sole, the shank and toe-pads are closed upon the upper
at the sides of the last, and the side-lasting devices then completo their closing-in
movement, and actuate the too and heel crimping jaws.
As soon as the shank and toe-pads como into their bearing position upon the
upper, and the end of the side-lasting fingers project a little way over the edges of
tho inner-sole, the pincers are automatically opened, the presser is unlocked and
retracted, and the head is automatically unlocked and moved so as to remove the
pincers and hold-down mechanism from above the last to permit unobstructed access
to the shoe while being nailed.
The machine contains two rotating shafts, one to operate the hold-downs and
the other the side-lasting devices.
Each of the said shafts has fixed upon it a drum that acts frictionally upon a
belt connected at one end with an arm of the rocker shaft, to which power is
applied by the hand or foot when it is desired that the hold-down or side-lasting
devices should operate.
The opposite end of one of these straps is connected in one instance with one arm
of a toggle-lever attached to the hold-down mechanism, and the end of the other
strap is connected with a lever that actuates the wedges or cams which close the
side-lasting jaw-carriers.
Power being applied by hand, as described, to move the said belts in the proper
direction, brings their inner surfaces in close contact with the surfaces of these
drums, moving in the same direction, causing them to apply to the belts power in
addition to that exerted by the hand or foot, commensurate with the degree of
'friction between the said belts and drums.
This Invention in lasting machines consists in a series of independent overhanging
pincers to grasp the upper at its edges, combined with fore and rear part down-
holds, to act upon the inner-sole while the upper is being drawn or fitted to the
last, and with independently operated side and toe-lasting devices to crowd the
edges of the upper over upon the inner-sole upon the last.
Also, a series of pincers pivoted upon spring supported rods combined with
vertically movable fore and rear part down-holds.
Also, a series of suspended pincers and locking devices to hold their jaws closed
upon the upper, combined with a tripper, to automatically move the pincer locking-
devices to release the jaws of the pincers just after the side-lasting devices impingo
against the upper upon the last.
Also, in a lasting machine, the movable head combined with and carrying the
pincers and fore and rear part down-holders.
Also, in a lasting machine, the horizontally movable head, and the down-hold
mechanism and pincers connected therewith, and the head-locking device, and
means to automatically release the said head to permit it to be moved horizontally
away from over the lasted shoc.
Also, a rod, and its attached head and its attached pincers, and the down-holds,
combined with a toggle-lever, the said lever crowding the last in opposition to the
pull of the pincers and the locking-devices to hold the toggle-lever while the
down-hold is depressed upon the inner sole.
Also, in a lasting machine a vertically sliding rod provided with a cross-bar and
a right and left hand screw, combined with the nuts and attached fore and rear-
nart down-holds..

page_text: Also, in a lasting machine fore-part down-hold, combined with flexible or elastic
surfaces to press upon the inner-solo near its edges.
Also, in a lasting machine, vertically movable fore and rear part down-holds,
and an attached notching cutter, combined with the suspended pincers to engage
and hold the upper as the fore and rear part down-holds act upon the inner sole.
The Invention also consists in a friction-drum, combined with a strap connected
with the downhold mechanism, and with means to tighten the said strap upon
the drum to operate the down-hold mechanism.
Also, in lasting machine fore and rear part down-holds, their connected nuts,
and the right and left hand screw to movo them and adjust the down-holds
longitudinally.
Also, in a lasting machine, a carriage and pivoted independent toc-pads having
downwardly extended arms, combined with a cam or projection to operate upon
the arms of and close the said toe-pads, to grasp the upper, as set forth, against the
sides of the last at its toe.
Also, in a lasting machine, a carriage and pivoted independent toe-pads, com-
bined with a toc-rest, and means to automatically raise and lower the toe-rest as
the carriage is adjusted horizontally.
Also, in a lasting machine, a carriage and pivoted toe-pads provided with
inclines, combined with closing arms.
Also, in a lasting machine, crimping jaws, provided at their working edges with
notches, combined with separate and independent auxiliary notched cutters to slide
longitudinally over the crimping jaws, to cut from the edges of the upper the
surplus or bunched-up leather in advance of the notches of the said jaws.
Also, in a lasting machine, the following instrumentalities, viz., side lasting jaws
or devices to operate upon the upper and lay it over upon tho inner-sole, shank-
pads pivoted below the line of action of the said lasting devices and upon inde-
pendent arms, the pivots of the shank-pads being located in the line described with
relation to the bottom of the last to enable the shank-pads to readily adapt them-
selves to a right or left foot last, and two toe pads, one to operate upon the upper,
at each side of the last near the toe.
Also, in a lasting machine, pivoted shank-pad carrying levers or arms, combined
with shank-pads mounted thereon near their upper ends, and pivoted as set forth,
to rock in that line or point below but near the bottom of the last, common to
the surface of both the right and left foot lasts at or near their shanks, to thus
adapt the shank-pads to both right and left foot lasts.
Also, in a lasting machine, universally pivoted shank-pads and their actuating
levers or arms, combined with intermediate mechanism, to vary the extent of
movement of the shank pads, according to the size of the last.
Also, in a lasting machine, a drum and strap extended about it and connected at
one end with the mechanism for operating the side-lasting devices, combined with
and connected at its other end with a foot lever to strain the said strap against the
said drum.
Also, in a lasting machine, the side-lasting devices and the universally pivoted
shank-pads and toe-pads, combined with mechanism to automatically close the
shank and toe-pads upon the upper on the last, and then close the side-lasting
devices.
Also, in a lasting machine, side lasting devices, independent arms, and universally
pivoted shank-pads pivoted thereon below the level of the line of closing in
movement of the said side lasting devices, combined with means, substantially as
described, to first act upon and close the shank-pads against the upper on the last,
and then to separately actuate the side lasting devices, whereby they may be
closed upon the last, and partially withdrawn, if desired, without releasing the
shank-pads.
Also, in a lasting machine, the side lasting devices made movable to last the sides
of the shoe independently of the shank-pads, combined with the shank-pads,

page_text: pivoted upon carrying arms, automatically moved independently of the side-
lasting devices, and at different times, or in the order or succession herein stated,
and with independent toe-pads, one for each side of the last at the toe, the said
toe-pads being automatically operated simultaneously and in unison with the
shank-pads.
Also, in a lasting machine, the suspended pincers and down-hold mechanism, and
the movable head to carry them, combined with means substantially such as
described to first automatically release tho pincers, reloase the down-hold mechanisın
to permit the down-holds to be retracted, and to unlock the movable head to permit
it to be moved away from above the lasted shoe.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Morgan-Brown in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 19th
January 1881.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, Patent Agent, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LASTING MACHINES FOR BOOTS AND SHOES." A communication
from abroad by Gordon McKay, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of
America.
This Invention relates to improvements in lasting machines of that class wherein
pincers are employed to hold the edges of the upper while it is being stretched over
or drawn close upon the last.
The pincers are pivoted upon a spring-held suspension rod, the said springs
acting to elevate the pincers when released, they being released automatically just
after the shank and too-pads come into position against the shoe.
The last is pressed vertically into the upper by down holds made adjustable
vertically with relation to the bottom of the last at hoel and toe, and longitudinally
with relation to the length of the last, this latter adjustment being made by a
right and left hand screw of such pitch that a certain definite movement or turn of
the screw through uniform distances will make the proper horizontal adjustment for
each successive size of shoe.
This hold-down also preferably carries a toe-notching devico to notch or cut tho
toe of the upper, previously secured by a lasting tack, as in hand lasting, the said
notching-devico, removing portions of the surplus material at the edge of the
upper near the central part of the toe of the last preparatory to the operation of the
toe-crimping jaws.
The auxiliary cutters are preferably thrown forward by hand to shave off or cut
away the tops or elevated parts of the pleats or crimps at the edges of the upper,
formed in advance of the notched acting-edges of the crimping jaws.
These auxiliary cutters are preferably notched, and the projecting points
between and at the sides of the said notches are blunt, to avoid cutting the edges of
the upper.
The pincers and hold-down mechanism are carried by a movable head, which is
held locked in position over the centre of the last during the time that the pincers
engage the upper, and the hold-down mechanism acts against the inner solo upon
the last.
Just as the last and side-lasting devices are brought into the proper relativo
position for the side-lasting devices to turn the edges of the upper at the sides of
the last over upon the inner-sole, the shank and toe-pads are closed upon the upper
at the sides of the last, and the side-lasting devices then complete their closing-in
movement and actuate the toe and heel-crimping jaws.
As soon as the shank and toe-pads come into their bearing position upon the
upper, and the end of the side-lasting fingers project a little way over the edges of
the inner-sole, the pincers are automatically opened, the presser is unlocked and
retracted, and the head is automatically unlocked and moved, so as to remove the
pincers and hold-down mechanism from above the last to permit unobstructed access
to the shoe while being nailed.
The machine contains two rotating shafts, one to operate the hold-downs, and tho
other the side-lasting devices.
Each of the said shafts has fixed upon it a drum that acts frictionally upon a belt
connected at one end with an arm of the rocker shaft, to which power is applied by
the band or foot when it is desired that the hold-down or side-lasting devices
should operate.
The opposite end of one of these straps is connected in one instance with one arm
'

page_text: of a toggle lever attached to the hold-down mechanism, and the end of the other
strap is connected with a lever that actuates the wedges or cams which closo the
side-lasting jaw-carriers.
Power being applied by hand, as described, to move the said belts in the proper
direction, brings their inner surfaces in close contact with the; surfaces of these
drums moving in the same direction, causing then to apply to the belts power in
addition to that exerted by the hand or foot, commensurate with the degree of
friction between the said belts and drums.
This Invention in lasting machines consists in a series of independent overhanging
pincers to grasp the upper at its edges, combined with fore and rear part down-
holds, to act upon the inner sole while the upper is being drawn or fitted to the
last, and with independently operated sido and toc-lasting devices to crowd the
edges of the upper over upon the inner sole upon the last, substantially as described.
Also, a series of pincers pivoted upon spring supported rods combined with
vertically movable fore and rear part down-holds.
Also, a series of suspended pincers and locking devices to hold their jaws closed
upon the upper, combined with a tripper, to automatically move the pincer locking
devices to release the jaws of the pinders just after the side lasting devices impinge
against the upper upon the last.
Also, in a lasting machine, the movable head, combined with and carrying the
pincers and fore and rear part down-holders.
Also, in a lasting machine, the horizontally movable head and the down hold
mechanism and pincers connected therewith, and the head-locking device, and ineans
to automatically release the said head, to permit it to be moved horizontally away
from over the lasted shoe.
Also, a rod and its attached head and its attached pincers and the down-holds,
combined with a toggle-lever, the said lever crowding the last in opposition to the
pull of the pincers, and the locking devices to hold tho toggle lever while the down-
bold is depressed upon tho inner sole.
Also, in a lasting machine, a vertically sliding rod provided with a cross-bar and
a right and left hand screw combined with the nuts and attached foro and rear
part down-holds.
Also, in a lasting machine, fore-part down-hold, combined with floxible or elastic
surfaces, to press upon the inner solo near its edges.
Also, in a lasting machine, vertically movable fore and rear-part down-holds
and an attached notching cutter, combined with the suspended pincers to engage
and hold the upper as the fore and rear part down-holds act upon the inner sole.
The Invention also consists in a friction-drum combined with a strap connected
with the down-hold mechanism, and with means to tighten the saiḍ strap upon the
drum to operate the down-hold mechanism.
.
Also, in a lasting machine, fore and rear-part down-holds, their connected nuts, and
the right and left hand screw to move them and adjust the down-holds longitudinally.
Also, in a lasting machine, a carriage and pivoted independent toe-pads having
downwardly extended arms, combined with a cam or projection to operate upon the
arms of and close the said toe pads to grasp the upper, as set forth, against the sides
of the last at its toe.
Also, in a lasting machine, a carriage and pivoted independent too-pads, combined
with a toe rest and means to automatically raise and lower the toc rest as the
carriage is adjusted horizontally.
Also, in a lasting machine, a carriago and pivoted toe-pads provided with inclines,
combined with closing arms.
Also, in a lasting machine, crimping jaws, provided at their working edges with
notches combined with separate and independent auxiliary notched cutters, to
slide longitudinally over the crimping jaws, to cut from the edges of the upper
the surplus or bunched up leather in advance of the notches of the said jaws.
Also, in a lasting machine, the following instrumentalities, viz. :-Side lasting jaws
or devices to operate upon the upper and lay it over upon the inner-sole, shank pads

page_text: pivoted below the line of action of the said lasting devices and upon independent
arms, the pivots of the shank-pads boing located in the line described with relation
to the bottom of the last, to enable the shank-pads to readily adapt themselves to a
right or left foot-last, and two toe pads, one to operate upon the upper at each side
of the last near the toe.
Also, in a lasting machine, pivoted shank pad, carrying levers or arms, combined
with shank-pads mounted thereon near their upper ends, and pivoted as set forth
to rock in that line or point below, but near the bottom of the last common to the
surface of both the right and left foot lasts at or near their shanks, to thus adapt
the shank-pads to both right and left foot lasts.
Also, in a lasting machine, universally pivoted shank-pads and their actuating
levers or arms, combined with intermediate mochanism to vary the extent of
movement of the shank-pads according to the size of the last.
Also, in a lasting machine, a drum and strap extended about it and connected at
one end with the mechanism for operating the side-lasting devices, combined with
and connected at its other end with a foot lever to strain the said strap against tho
said drum.
Also, in a lasting machine, the side-lasting devices and the universally pivoted
shank-pads and toe-pads, combined with mechanism to automatically close the
shank and toe-pads upon the upper on the last, and then close the side-lasting
devices.
Also, in a lasting machine, sido lasting devices, independent arms, and universally
pivoted shank-pads pivoted thereon below the level of the line of closing in
movement of the said side lasting devices, combined with means substantially as
described to first act upon and close the shank-pads against the upper on the last,
and then to separately actuate the side lasting devices, whereby they may be
closed upon the last, and partially withdrawn if desired, without releasing the
shank-pads.
Also, in a lasting machine, the side lasting devices made movable to last the sides
of the shoe independently of the shank pads, combined with the shank-pads
pivoted upon carrying arms automatically moved independently of the side-lasting
devices, and at different times, or in the order or succession herein stated, and with
independent toe-pads, one for each side of the last at the toe, the said toe-pads
being automatically operated simultaneously and in unison with the shank-pads.
Also, in a lasting machine, the suspended pincers and down-hold mechanism, and
the movable head to carry them, combined with means substantially such as
described, to first automatically release the pincers, release the down-hold mechanism
to permit the down-holds to be retracted, and to unlock the moveable head to permit
it to be moved away from above the lasted shoe.
Figure 1 represents in front elevation a lasting machine provided with these
improvements; Figure 2, a right hand end elevation, the movable head being in
proper position for the pincers to be closed upon and to hold the edges of tho uppor;
the shoe upper and last being omitted to avoid confusion. In said Figure the springs
of the pincers hold them up in a position above that which they would occupy if
the pincers closed as thercin shown, engaged the upper; Figuro 3 is a view of
only the top of the machine, that part of the strap (seo Figure 2) extending between
the friction-drum, and toggle-lever being broken out to show the moving parts
below it; Figure 4 is a detail top or plan view showing the side and toe-lasting
devices, the cutters and the toe and shank-pads, the heel-lasting jaws and their
accessories being omitted, as they in practice will be substantially like the toe-
lasting jaws; Figure 5 is a vertical cross-section, showing part of the machine from
the top of the lasting jaw-carriers, down, the line of section being about on the
line x, x, (Figure 4); Figures 6, 7, and 8 are details of the toe-lasting mechanism
and actuating parts; Figure 9, a detail, partially in longitudinal and vertical section,
of the hold-down, to show its means for vertical and horizontal adjustment;
Figure 10, details showing a top and undersido view of the forward part of the
hold-down and its attached notching cutters; Figuro 11, a detail showing face

page_text: views of one of the shank pads; Figure 12, a detail showing the toe-crimping jaws
and cutters above them drawn back, the said Figure also showing part of the toe
of the shoe to be lasted, the toe of the upper being held by the single lasting tack;
Figure 13, a detail top-view of the toe-pads, with side wedges and levers to movo
them; Figure 14, a side elevation of the toe carriage, toe pad, and lever to move it,
as the said parts would appear were the side-lasting jaw-carrier in Figure 1
removed; Figure 15, a sectional detail on the line y, Figure 1; Figure 16 shows the
toe of the shoe after it is notched by the notching cutter carried by the down-hold;
Figure 17 is a detail showing the shank pads in operative position upon the last;
Figure 18, details of the slide 2 that carries the pivot of the toe-lasting jaws;
Figure 19, is a detail of the notched block e on the hand lever and its
spring f; Figure 20 is a detached detail of the upper part p of the toggle-lever
and its connected piece 73; Figure 21, a top view of the locking device for the
movable head; Figures 22, 23, and 24 are details showing means by which to
control automatically the extent of inward' movement of the shank pads according
to the size of the last, it in practice being preferred to employ the devices therein
shown rather than those shown in the other Figures.
The frame work A of the machine of proper shape to sustain the working parts
has springs for the main driven shaft B, upon which is a friction drum C, about
which is extended the strap D, one end of which is connected with an adjusted
stud E of the foot levor F pivoted at G, while the other end of the, said strap
is connected with the upper end of a lever H having its fulcrum on the said
pivot G.
The lever H at its lower end is connected by link I with and moves the
rod J provided with two wedges K, L.
The wedge K acts upon the rolls at the lower ends of the carriers M pivoted
at N. Upon these screws are mounted the forms to which are secured the side-
lasting devices, herein shown as steel fingers a.
The wedge L strikes between the rolls at the lower ends of the pivotod levers b,
having connected with their upper ends short spring arms R, upon which are
mounted by a suitablo universal-joint the shank pads c.
The wedge L, when moved, closes the pads c quickly upon the upper, and then
by a further movement of the rod J the wedge K closes the carriers M more closely.
Each of these carriers, in practice, will have at each end an incline p, that, as the
carriers are closed at their upper ends to cause the side lasting devices
to crowd
the upper over upon the inner sole, strike the rolls d on the lever e pivoted at j
on the toe-carriage S, the said levers being connected by links f with the toe-jaws g
pivoted at h on the slide 2, guided on the top plate of the said carriage, and
cause the said levers and links to close the toc-jaws sufficiently to crimp 'the toe of
the upper over upon the inner sole, the said toe jaws moving forward, as they are
being closed.
This forward movement is produced by the links i (see Figure 8) attached to
the said lovers e, the said links at their other ends being connected with a part of
the slide 2, so as to move the said slide and tho pivot of the toe jaws forward.
The toe-pads are pivoted at m on the toc-carriage S (see Figure 6) made
adjustable by the screw toward and from the shank of the last and the levers b,
that carry the shank-pads c and toe-pad closing arms or projections ?'.
The screw n which turns, but does not slide, is provided with right and left
threaded portions to engage and move simultaneously in opposite directions, and
at different or at the same speed, both the toe and heel jaw carriages, 'the latter
being, as previously stated, omitted from the Drawings.
Between the levers 6 (see Figures 4, 5, 6), and secured to the rigid or fixed
framework, is a wedge block o², along the inclined sides of which the lower ends of
the pivoted toe-pads travel as the toc-carriage is adjusted horizontally, the wedgo
block acting to determine the extent to which the side jaws may open in any t
adjusted position of the carriage S, the extent of this opening of the jaws depending
upon the size of the shoe being lasted.

page_text: The toe pads at their sides (see Figures 12 and 13) have inclines o, which, as the
levers bare closed to bring the shank-pads against the last, are struck by the ends
of the toe-pad closing arms r, which then act to close the toe-pads upon the upper
at the toe of the last.
By employing the said inclines p, it is possible to close the toe-pads, moro or less,
according to the size of the shoe being lasted, and the said inclines being fixed
upon the toe-pads, act automatically, as the toe carriage is moved or adjusted
horizontally, to insure a proper amount of closing movement for the toc-pads
according to the size of the last.
The toe-rest 9 is a cup-shaped piece mounted to rock or turn on a pivot at the
top of the toe-rest carrying bar s (see Figure 6) fitted loosely in ways made for it
in the toe-rest carriage S, as shown in Figure 7, which is a partial horizontal section
of the said carriage on the line x1, x¹, Figure 6.
The lower end of this bars rests upon the upper side of the said wodge-bar o',
and as the carriage is moved horizontally, the said toe rest is automatically raised
and lowered to accommodate it in position to the size of the shoe being lasted.
The inner or working edgos of the jaws g (see Figure 12), are cut away at t
to cause the crimps at the toe of the upper to form directly opposite the said
notches.
In line with these notches are placed the auxiliary cutters u, notched at their
front ends and provided with cutting edges at the said notches opposite the cut
away parts of the toe-jaws, so that as the auxiliary cutters are subsequently
moved forward independently of the too jaws, their notched parts will pass beyond
the acting edges of the jaws g, and cut away the crimped, or wrinkled, or bunched
up parts of the upper.
The portions (see Figure 12). of the cutters are made dull so as not to act
injuriously against the upper or any part of it.
The cutters are fitted into grooves in the slide 2, so as to be moved diagonally
therein, as shown in Figure 4.
The shank of each cutter u is adjustably held in the clamp a³ connected by
link 6 with one of the hand levers c² pivoted at 3.
The pivot 3 also serves as the fulcrum of a hand lover d³ provided with an
attached block e² (see Figure 19) grooved at its sides to receive the levers c", a
spring about the said levers c³, d³, and block serving to keep the said levers c³ in
contact with the lever d².
The lever d² (see Figure 4) may be moved toward the right or left as desired,
and turn one of the levers with it in the direction of its movement, and throw its
attached cutter u forward, to cut away the wrinkled or pleated part of the shoe
upper, the other lever at that time remaining stationary. The lever being
moved in one and then in the other direction, operates first one and then the other
cutter at the proper times.
The lasts for right and left. shoes differ in shape at their sides near the shank,
and were it not for supporting the shank pads upon the universal joints it would
be impossible to last both rights and lefts because of unequal pressure of the said
pads, except by adjusting the pads when changing from right to left, and vice
versa.
Figure 17 shows a last in cross section at the shank looking toward the too.
The full outline of said Figure represents the outline of a right foot last, and the
dotted outline that of a left foot last.
These right and left foot lasts have a common point f³ on the horizontal dotted
line therein shown, and it is substantially at this common point that wo locate tho
centre of motion of the shank pads, thereby enabling the said pads to always
properly meet and cooperate with the upper upon either a right or left foot last.
The shaft B has upon it a pulley T that is connected, as herein shown, by cross
belt V with the pulley W on the shaft a' in a short bearing b².
The shaft a has a bevel gear c' that engages a bevel gear d' and drives a bevel
gear el on a shaft f¹, having upon it a drum g',

page_text: The shaft f' has its bearings attached to the head A2, herein shown as pivoted
between the ears h¹, i, (see Figure 2) of the frame A.
In this form of this Invention the said head is adapted to be moved or vibratod
horizontally in the arc of a circle, but instead of vibrating, it might be made to
reciprocate in a right line.
The head A carries a rod j¹, having at its lower end a tubular cross head ¹ to
which are adjustably secured the rear and fore part down holds ', m¹
The upper end of rod is connected with one member n' of a toggle lever, the
other member p¹ of which is arranged to turn on a pivot or centre ². |
This upper member, shown separately in Figure 20, has a projecting arm 7ª
provided (sco Figuro 2) with a ratchet tooth adapted to be engaged by the hold
down locking device, shown as a pawl, it preventing tho hold down rod j' from
rising when lowered, until at such proper times as the said pawl shall be actod
upon by the car on the rod 6, guided at its upper end in the lug h², and
connected at its lower end with the block 12 attached to the rod g³, connected
with lever h³ pivoted at 13, the said lever being joined by link with the foot
lever F.
This block 12 has connected with it a hooked rod, that, as the foot lever is
depressed to close the side lasting devices over upon the inner sole, meets the end
of the tripping device that disengages the locking device of the pincers m², and
permits them to open and release the edges of the upper held between the two
members of the said pincers.
I
In Figure 2 the said pincers are shown as closed or shut, as they will be when
engaging the upper.
1
I
This tripping device is composed of a lever na connected with a moveable
collar n³, having projecting pins 14 that strike the short ends of the locking
devices and turn them in opposition to their connected springs 15.
The head A has a head locking device d³ (sec Figure 2, and detail Figure 21)
made as a hook to clutch over a pin a', a spring a keeping the said locking device
engaged and holding the head in proper position above the last bottom and shoe,
as in Figures 1 and 2, except when it is desired to move the said head out of the
way to nail the upper and sole together, at which time the lug 16 on the rod g²
strikes and disengages the locking device a, leaving the head free to be moved or
turned aside from above the shoe and last.
Each pincer is composed of a main jaw 17, upon which (at 18) is pivoted the
second jaw 19, its upper end being connected by link 20 with the lower end of
the elbow lever 21, having a laterally projecting finger 22 at its upper end to
engage the teeth of the locking device 12.
Each main jaw 17 is pivoted upon a guided rod 23, having a nut 24 acted upon
by a spiral spring 25, the tendency of which is to lift the said rod and pincers as
soon as the pincers are released from the upper.
The rods 23 are guided in boxes 26 made horizontally adjustable upon the cross
head 27 connected with head A².
The strap s¹ is attached at one end by the plate t with the member p² of the
toggle lever and passed about the drum g, its other end is attached to the arm w
of the rocker shaft 63, the latter having connected with it a hand lever by by which
power is applied to the said shaft when it is desired to draw the said strap and
straighten the toggle lever to depress the down holds and force the last to the
proper level with relation to the side lasting devices.
The torsional spring 28 on the shaft acts to turn it to slacken the strap s¹.
The strap & passes also over a sheave 29.
The drums g², C, are always in rotation, and as soon as the operator moves the
foot lever For the hand lever b' to draw taut the straps 8' and D, they are by the
application of power in this way moved in the proper direction, and are at the
same time drawn closely about in contact, with the surfaces of the said moving
drums, which thus increase the power of tho said straps to operate their connected

page_text: levers to a greater or less amount according to the amount of friction between the
said straps and drums.
The toggle lever once straightened, as it will bo as the hold downs reach their
lowest position, the pawl r, before described, will lock the hold downs in place
until released, as herein before described; and the pawl released, the down holds
will be quickly retracted by the spring 30
The rod J, Figure 5, having been lifted, the rod arresting device 31, shown as
a lever pivoted at 32 and acted upon by the spring 33, is thrown inward at its
upper end until its notch is placed in range with a pin 34 on the lever 'H.
The rod J, as long as the foot is on treadle lever and the lever is fully
down, keeps the lasting devices closed upon the upper and last until the nailing is
effected, when, to inspect the work, it may be desirable to open the lasting devices
without releasing the shank and toe pads from the upper.
To do this the lever F may be permitted to rise until the rod J descends far
enough for the pin 34 to strike the notched part of the lever 31, when, if the work
is satisfactorily performed, the rod arresting dovice may be turned outward to
permit the rod to fully descend.
The rear part down hold is pivoted upon a scrow rod 35 which enters a
nut 36 fitted in a guido way (soe Figure 9, made in the hollow cross head ¹) and
made to engage one part of the right and left handed screw 37 which has a milled
nut 38 (see Figures 1 and 2) by which the said screw can be turned one or more
times, but the said screw does not move longitudinally.
The fore part down-hold m¹ is composed of a concaved plate attached to a screw
rod 39 and nut 40 fitted in a liko manner into the hollow cross head and to tho
said screw 37.
1
At the sides of the fore part down hold are pieces of leather or india rubber 41
that act upon the edges of the inner sole to keep it down upon the last, but yet so
as to yield if struck by the side lasting devices.
The screws 8, 39, permit vertical adjustment of the down holda, and the scrow 37
regulates their distance apart for different sizes of shoes.
I
In practice, one turn of the screw 37 makes the adjustment from a shoe of one
to a shoe of the next size.
The notching cutters 42, adjustably attached to the fore part down hold, notches
or cuts out the edge of the upper at the toe of the last, cach side of the too
lasting tack 43, sco Figure 16, leaving the notches, therein shown, to permit the
upper to be crimped in smoothly at the toe of the shoc, while closing the toe jaw
fully over the toc of the inner sole on the last.
As the toe-jaws are closed in, other parts of the edge of the upper are bunchied
up at the sides of the said notches, but such bunched up edges aro subsequently cut
away by the auxiliary cutters, as described.
The heel of the last will be supported upon a last pin in any usual manner.
I
In Figure 22, ³ is supposed to represent a section of the last. The shank pads c
are universally jointed to a radius bar.cʻ pivoted at to a rigid part of the
frame.
The lever b is substantially like that shown in Figure 5, except as to its upward
extension and the position of its pivot.
I
The upper arm of the lover b has an adjusting screw co, which is set to give the
proper pressure upon the radius bar e', but which when once set need not thereafter
bo adjusted to last a shoe of a different size.
Between the inner end of the said screw and the outer face of the radius bar c' is
interposed a wedge bar c', pivoted to a part of the toe or heel carriage, so that as
the said carriage is adjusted horizontally, as before described, to adapt the apparatus
to shoes of different sizes, the said wedge will be simultaneously moved between
the said screw and the radius bar to ensure the proper extent of movement of the
shank pad for the sized shoe being operated upon.
The wedge bar c' is denominated as the shank pad adjusting device.!
Having now described and particularly set forth the nature of the said Invention,

page_text: and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood that
what I claim is,―
grasp
1st. In a lasting machine the series of independent overhanging pincers to
the upper at its edges, combined with fore and rear part down hold to act upon
the inner sole while the upper is being drawn or fitted to the last, and with
independently operated side and toe lasting devices to crowd the edges of the upper
over upon the inner sole upon the last, substantially as described.
2nd. The pincers pivoted upon spring supported rods, combined with the vertically
moveable fore and rear part down holds, as described.
3rd. The suspended pincers and locking devices to hold their jaws closed upon
the upper, combined with the tripper to automatically move the pincer locking
devices to release the jaws of the pincers just after the side lasting devices impinge
against the upper upon the last.
4th. In a lasting machine the movable head combined with and carrying the
pincers and fore and rear part down holds, substantially as described.
5th. In a lasting machine the horizontally movable head and the down hold
mechanism and pincers connected therewith, and the head locking device and
means, substantially as described to automatically release the said head to permit
it to be moved horizontally away from over the lasted shoe, substantially as
described.
6th. The rod and its attached head, and its attached pincers, and the down
holds, combined with the toggle lever, the said lever crowding the last in opposition
to the pull of the pincers and the locking devices to hold the toggle lever while the
down hold is depressed upon the inner sole, substantially as described.
7th. The rod of the down hold mechanism and its cross bar provided with the
right and left hand screw, combined with the nuts and attached fore and rear part
.down holds, substantially as described.
Sth. The fore part down hold combined with the flexible or elastic surfaces to
press upon the inner sole near its edges, substantially as described.
9th. The vertically movable fore and rear part down holds and attached notching
cutter, combined with the suspended pincers to engage and hold the upper as the
fore and rear part down holds act upon the inner sole, substantially as described.
10th. The friction drum g', combined with the strap connected with the down
hold mechanism and with means, substantially as described, to tighten the said
strap upon the drum to operate the down hold mechanism, substantially as
described.
11th. The fore and rear part down holds, their connected nuts, and the right
and left hand screw to move them and adjust the down holds, longitudinally as
described.
12th. The carriage S, and the pivoted independent toe pads having downwardly 4
extended arms, combined with a cam or projection to operate upon the arins of and
close the said toc pads to grasp the upper, as set forth, against the sides of the last at
its toe, substantially as described.
13th. The carriage S, and pivoted independent toe pads, combined with the toe
rest and means, substantially as described, to automatically raise and lower the 4
toe rest as the carriage is adjusted horizontally.
14th. The carriage S, and pivoted toe pads provided with inclines o, combined
with the closing arms, substantially as described.
15th. The crimping jaws provided at their working edges with notches, combined
with the separate and independent auxiliary notched cutters to slide longitudinally
over the crimping jaws, as described and shown, to cut from the edges of the upper
the surplus or bunched up leather in advance of the notches of the said jaws,
substantially as described.
16th. In a lasting machine the following instrumentalities, viz., side lasting jaws
or devices to operate upon the upper and lay it over upon the inner sole, shauk
pads pivoted below the line of action of the sido lasting devices and upon
independent arms, the pivots of the shank pads being located in the line described

page_text: with relation to the bottom of the last to enable the shank pads to readily adapt
themselves to a right or left foot last, and two too pads, one to operate upon the
upper at each side of the last near the toe, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
17th. The pivoted shank pad carrying levers or arms, combined with the shank
pads c mounted thereon near their upper ends and pivoted, as set forth, to rock as
described substantially in that line or point below but near the bottom of the last
common to the surface of both the right and left foot lasts at or near their shanks
to thus adapt the shank pads to both right and left foot lasts, as set forth.
18th. The universally pivoted shank pads and their actuating levers or arms,
combined with intermediate mechanism, substantially as described, to vary the
extent of movement of the shank pads according to the size of the last.
19th. The drum C and strap extended about it and connected at one end with
the mechanism for operating the side lasting devices, combined, and connected at
its other end with the foot lever to strain the said strap against the said drum,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
20th. The side lasting devices and the universally pivoted slank pads and the
toe pads l, combined with mechanism,. substantially as described, to automatically
close the shank and toe pads upon the upper on the last and then close the side
lasting devices, as and for the purpose herein before described.
21st. The side lasting devices, independent arms R, and universally pivoted
shank pads c pivoted thereon below the level of the line of closing in movement
of the said side lasting devices, combined with means, substantially as described, to
first act upon and close the shank pads against the upper on the last and then to
separately actuate the side lasting devices whereby they may be closed upon the
last and partially withdrawn, if desired, without releasing the shank pads, as and
for the purpose set forth.
22nd. The side lasting devices made movable to last the sides of the shoo
independently of the shank pads combined with the shank pads c pivotted upon
carrying arms automatically moved independently of the side lasting devices, and
ut different times or in the order or succession herein stated, and with independent
toc pads, one for each side of the last at the toc, the said toe pads being automatically
operated simultaneously and in unison with the shank pads, as and for the purpose
Bet forth.
23rd. In a lasting machine the suspended pincers and down hold mechanism,
and the moveable head to carry them, combined with means substantially such as
described to first automatically release the pincers and then release the down hold
mechanism to permit the down holds to be retracted, and to unlock the moveable
head to permit it to be moved away from above the lasted shoe in the order
described.
j
In witness whereof, I, the said William Morgan-Brown, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.