An Improved Adjustable Apparatus for "Treeing," Stretching, or Holding Boots or Shoes.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Sept., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 22nd June, 1892-Accepted, 23rd July, 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Adjustable Apparatus for "Treeing," Stretching,
or Holding Boots or Shoes.
I, WILLIAM WEBSTER WATTS, of Legge Lane, Birmingham, Manufacturer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of this invention is to produce an improved apparatus for treeing,.
stretching, or holding boots and shoes, whereby the shape of same is neatly and
elegantly preserved, and the operation of cleaning, or polishing rendered easy and
expeditious.
29.
In carrying out my invention, I take a piece of wood, or other suitable
material of suitable length and section, which for convenience I call a "tongue,"
one end of which is rounded off, while the other end is slightly bevelled
upwards, and provided with a threaded aperture through which is passed a
screw rod.
One end of this screw rod is provided with a suitable handle, while the other end
abuts against or enters a suitably shaped block, or piece of wood, called the "heel
block."
This apparatus is used for the purposes alone mentioned in the following.
manner.
The "tongue" is introduced into the boot or shoe to be treed or stretched, and
its free end pressed forward towards the toe, while at the same time the heel block
is dropped into the heel or back of the boot or shoe.
The rotation of the screw rod will then cause the tongue to rise and separate
from the heel block, and pressing forward against the upper and sides, and toe of
the boot or shoe, will instantly restore the shape, and remove wrinkles, while also
affording a ready and convenient means of carrying on the operation of cleaning or
polishing.
For the purpose of using the apparatus as a means by which boots, or shoes may
be held while being cleaned or polished, the "tongue" may be lengthened at
its back or heel end, and formed so that it can be attached to any suitable.
support.
It is obvious that the "tongue" may be operated by means of a lever or cam, or
a ratchet arrangement instead of the screw described, the principle of the invention.
being, the insertion of the tongue piece in a boot or shoe, and the application of
means to force same against the upper and sides, as well as towards the toe, thereby
accomplishing the object in view.
Deted this 21st day of Sentember 1891
J. K. FAHIE & SON,
9, Westland Row, Dublin, Agents for Applicant..
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION..
An Improved Adjustable Apparatus for "Treeing," Stretching,
or Holding Boots or Shoes.
I, WILLIAM WEBSTER WATTS, of Legge Lane, Birmingham, Manufacturer,.
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 object of this invention, is to produce an improved apparatus for treeing,
stretching, or holding boots or shoes, whereby the shape of same is neatly and

page_text: elegantly preserved, and the operation of cleaning or polishing, rendered easy and
expeditious.
In carrying out my invention I take a piece of wood, or other suitable material
of suitable length and section (which for convenience I call a " tongue") one end
of which is rounded off, while the other end is slightly bevelled upwards, and
provided with a threaded aperture through which is passed a suitable screw rod.
One end of this screw rod is provided with a suitable handle, while the other end
abuts against or enters a block of wood or other suitable material of peculiar shape
called the "heel block."
The accompanying drawings will enable the construction and application of my
said invention to be more readily understood.
Fig. 1, represents the apparatus per se; and
Fig. 2, its application to an ordinary boot;
Fig. 3, the end of the screw rod as presently described.
A, is the tongue, through the heel or back end of which passes the screw rod B.
The end of this screw rod is dovetailed, and has a saw cut E, as shown (Fig. 3),
which permits of its being sprung into a corresponding dovetailed recess formed in
the heel block C. By this means the block is held on the screw rod sufficiently
secure and remains stationary, while the screw rod is rotated.
This arrangement also enables the screw rod to be readily withdrawn from the
tongue, and thus facilitates the packing and portability of the apparatus.
The shape of heel block I prefer consists of a rounded ball with flattened ends
as shown in figs.
The action of the apparatus is obvious.
When it is desired to use the apparatus, the screw rod is turned up so that the
heel block comes near the tongue, when the latter is introduced into the boot or
shoe to be treed, stretched or held, with its free end directed towards the toe.
The screw rod is then rotated so as to drive the heel block against heel of boot
or shoe. This causes the tongue to rise against upper and sides, and press forward
against the toe, thereby straightening the sole, removing wrinkles, and effectually
restoring the shape, while at the same time affording a ready and convenient means
for holding the boot or shoe in a suitable position during the operation of cleaning
or polishing.
When used for this latter purpose the tongue may be prolonged at its heel end
as indicated by the dotted extension D, Fig. 1, so that the device can be attached
to any suitable support.
It is obvious that the tongue may be operated by means of a lever, or cam, or a
ratchet arrangement, instead of the screw described, the principle of the invention
being the insertion of the tongue piece in a boot or shoe, and the application of
means to force same against the upper and sides, as well as towards the toe, thereby
accomplishing the objects in view.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I would have it understood
that I do not confine myself to the exact details herein described, as the
same may be altered without departing from the principle of my invention, what
I claim is
In the operation of treeing, stretching, or holding boots and shoes, the use and
application of an apparatus consisting of a tongue A, with or without a pro-
jection. D, a screw rod B. and a heel piece C, arranged and operating in the
manner substantially as herein described and set forth.
Dated this 21st dow of June 1800
.
J. K. FAHIE & SON,
9, Westland Row, Dublin, Agents for Applicant.