IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Prust, of Hackney Road, in the County
of Middlesex, and Samuel Graham Browne, of Cavendish Road, Kilburn, in
the same County, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS TO BE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES."
Sealed the 14th October 1876, and dated the 20th April 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward Prust and
Samuel Graham Browne at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
20th April 1876.
WILLIAM EDWARD PRUST, of Hackney Road, in the County of Middlesex, and
SAMUEL GRAHAM BROWNE, of Cavendish Road, Kilburn, in the same County.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE USED IN THE MANU-
FACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES."
This Invention relates to devices for cutting and polishing the heels of boots and
shoes, so arranged that various forms may be cut with the same cutter, for paring
the soles of same, and for marking line for driving nails, to clear cutter of said
machine in building heel.
"
This Invention consists in the application of a rotary cutter fixed on a spindle,
said spindle working on a universal joint, preferably of the ball-and-socket descrip-
tion, connecting spindle with a driving shaft, which is provided with a suitable
pulley, the joint to be made so that an upward and downward movement can take
place in the cutter and spindle whilst rotating, compensating for any difference in
height in plane of ledge of heel compared with centre of joint, and can be made
with four pins working in suitable slots in socket, and if necessary said pins can
be bushed, the bushes working in slots. The cutter can be held in a frame which
may form bearings for spindle, and on which is supported a guide or "former
arranged that it is universal in its movements, and during such movements clears
the cutter, and if so desired can be milled on edge to make it revolve, or a lateral
movement only may be given to said "former," which can be connected with frame
and work on a centre. This frame is held by a lever in which are slots so arranged
as to allow a backward and forward motion toward the centre on which said lever
noves, yet forms a steady lateral bearing for the frame-holding spindle. This
lever rests on an annular guide ring, the centre of which is the point to which the
lever is attached and upon which it is worked; the lever is provided with a handle
So

page_text: to move it, or this lever might be made to work automatically. On the top of
the frame to which the bearings of the driving shaft are attached is fixed a plate on
which slides a sole plate for holding the boot, said sole plate arranged to be fixed
rigidly at any point in its traverse, and to which is fixed a clamp either arranged
to grasp the boot with an eccentric or screw movement, so arranged that it will
grasp the boot with last inside or the last itself firmly, yet fix it readily in its
proper position, and if desired grasp also the back of the heel so as to centre it.
This sole plate terminates in a tongue so shaped as to clear the cutter when in
contact with the heel; this tongue may be roughed or have pins in it so that the
clamp may be assisted in holding the boot firinly in place when required, also a
moveable ledge can be fixed on tongue to set the heels against, and at the same
time can be made in different sizes corresponding with the shape of heel, and can
be screwed on tongue giving a greater bearing for heel to rest on; this ledge
may be roughed and form a substitute for the tongue as a bearing for heel if
desired. A similar tongue arranged to clear cutter may be cast on top of stand
forming bearing for sole plate. This tongue can be used for the centre of lever
and annular ring or guide fixed to bearing of sole plate. The cutter spindle
may be provided with a loose handle to bring cutter in contact with heel, or this
motion may be given by means of a handle in the frame and the spindle moved.
toward the centre on which lever works, preferably by a suitable weight working
in centre of stand and connected by a cord or suitable attachment to frame or to
spindle, this cord working through an eyelet at end of lever, which is provided with
two small pulleys to guide cord to a moveable pulley in stand over centre of weight.
A lever working in a fulcrum may be fixed on bottom of stand so as to throw this
arrangement out of gear and remove pressure from spindle, or a spring or other
mechanical means may be adopted in lieu of the above arrangement. A hook or
other suitable device may be fixed to annular bearing on which lever moves. (or
other convenient place), so as to grasp and release either the spindle or frame
when required, and to hold spindle when revolving and not doing work. A spring
guide may be used so as to rest on ledge of uncut heel, and arranged to an universal
guard or guide on ledge to be cut and bring cutter in contact with work to be
done. The driving shaft is on a moveable centre to allow for any difference in
height of heels, which moveable centre may be arranged to be worked by foot.
The cutter can be used with any required curvature. The cutter may be angled so
as to spread the cut over a number of nails and make it gradual. The universal
guide or "former" preferably supported on a ball-and-socket universal joint held
by a frame being a bearing for spindle, the centre on which it works being a line
drawn from centre of spindle cutting a tangent to curve of top of cutter, thus
revolving universal and clearing cutter. It can also be fixed on a centre to frame
and give only to line of ledge of heel, accommodating itself to centre of universal
joint and plane of ledge of heel. I may, however, in practice find it desirable to
inodify this position of the "former." To the frame may be fixed a guard encircling
cutter, except at its cutting edge, preventing the cutter from injuring operator in
case of flying off. Two moveable springs or guide plates or other approved means
may be fixed on sole plate, so arranged as to guide the sole of boot in a suitable
manner to get the heel in proper position. In practice it may in some cases be
found desirable to arrange the sole plate so as to give it a backward and forward
motion while the cutter is in operation, the lever in such case only being worked
round the semicircle of back of heel. A similar machine may also be used for
paring the edges of the soles by having a moveable sole plate and increasing the
length of shaft-holding cutter, the form of the cutter being of such shape that it
will cut a square or a beveled edge, as may be desired. Thus by the combination
of the spindle running on a universal joint, and a universal table moved by suitable
means giving form of sole, the edge may be beveled from front while edges at side
are cut to the square, as may be desired. The edges of the sole being trimmed and
the cutter prevented from cutting leather in. body of boot by a suitable guide or
"former," which acts against upper of boot containing last, and is sustained by

page_text: working on ledge of uncut sole. The sole plate holding boot may simply have a
backward and forward motion worked by levers or other suitable means, the centre
of universal joint being in line of its centre. The cutter being thrown in contact
with the edge of the sole the guide and "former" resting against upper of boot and
ledge of heel, the boot receives a backward movement until the necessary point
is reached for forming toe, when the cutter is moved by means of lever until it has
passed round the toe, a forward movement then takes place until the sole is
trimmed, suitable means being provided for allowing to the cutter a considerable
up-and-down movement.
The polishing arrangement is similar, having a solid circular polisher, the edge
of which conbines such curves as will be universal to curve of heel, set and arranged
to run at such speed as will develope the heat necessary to polish heel, coated with
proper materials. This arrangement may, also be inverted, the spindle running in
a slot so arranged as to make a straight cut along the front of heel, and being pro-
vided with a guard to prevent making too deep a cut, and the boot, if so desired,
can be fixed on a moveable and universal clamp, or a cutter may be used in fixed
bearings and the front of the heel moved so as to be cut as required, the guide in
this case may be so arranged that the cutter may revolve in a case, the cutting
edge projecting slightly at the cutting centre, the top of the case being concaved,
and the working face being cut to a slightly larger radius than radius from centre
of cutter, thus allowing the cutter to project slightly, sufficient for a cut. This case
may be made moveable and in two parts so as to graduate the cut, and the cutter
shaped to any required form. As an adjunct to this machine, a marker is added
so as to define the position in which the nails must be driven for binding the layers
of leather to form heel. A spindle with an universal joint corresponding with
cutter spindle of heel-shaping machine is provided with a marker, to be either fixed
or held in the hand, also with a guide or "former" similar to that which rests
against back of boot and on top of edge of heel in machine above described, the
marker to be so arranged that it scribes a line at any required distance inside of
where the cutter will reach, and mark equidistant all round from cut, so that when
the required nails are driven in the cutter in cutting will clear them. This marker
can be inverted or used in best practical position.
All the above mentioned devices may be united on one stand, or be made
separately with tables or brackets for holding the work, and be driven separately
or from the same shaft.
"
The action of the machine is as follows:-The boot, with last inside, being firmly
clamped in its required position, the cutter is started and the guide and "former
placed on top of ledge of uncut heel and against back of boot containing last, the
cutter being set to make any required cut, the lever is worked round the heel and
the weight, spring, or other mechanical movement brings the cutter in constant
and equal contact to the work during the operation, the universal joint allowing the
cutter spindle to be driven at any angle, thus when the heel requires a deeper cut at
the back than at the sides, by setting the sole plate further back, throwing the heel
in eccentric as compared with centre of universal joint, the angle of spindle shaft
being increased, a greater cut will be taken at that point and consequently a greater
curvature cut at the back than at sides. In paring the edges of the soles the action is
similar, with the exception that the boot moves backwards, and the cutter and
spindle with frame held steadily in the lever till it is necessary to finish toe, when
lever is moved across to the other side paring sole across toe, when a forward
traverse takes place till the sole is finished, a suitable polisher can be used with a
similar action.
The action of the polisher is similar to that of above machine, the heel of the
boot being cut and coated with required material is fixed rigidly to sole plate by
clamp, the polisher brought in contact with it, and its revolving developes enough
heat to polish the part with which it is in contact, and on its being worked round
gradually with an upward and downward motion polishes the entire heel, getting
this upward and downward motion either by hand or inechanical means, thus reaching

page_text: all points required and making a perfect polish. The cutter in fixed bearings to cut
front of heel as described is covered by a moveable guard with a square face, the
cutter only projecting enough to give required cut, the sole of the boot being placed
on top of guard and worked across makes the required cut-in front of heel. The
marker is arranged for marking the position of nails of heel, and is similar in
principle to the cutting machine.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Edward Prust and Samuel Graham Browne in the Great
Seal Patent Office on the 20th October 1876.
WILLIAM EDWARD PRUST, of Hackney Road, in the County of Middlesex, and
SAMUEL GRAHAM BROWNE, of Cavendish Road, Kilburn, in the same County.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE USED IN THE MANU-
FACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES."
This Invention relates to devices for cutting and polishing the heels of boots and
shoes, so arranged that various forms may be cut with the same cutter; for paring
the soles of same, and for marking line for driving nails, to clear cutter of said
machine in building heel.
This Invention consists in the application of a rotary cutter fixed on a spindle,
said spindle working on a universal joint, preferably of the ball-and-socket
description, connecting spindle with a driving shaft which is provided with a
suitable pulley, the joint to be made so that an upward and downward movement
can take place in the cutter and spindle whilst rotating, compensating for any
difference in height in plane of ledge of heel compared with centre of joint.
The cutter is held in a frame which may form bearing for spindle, and on which
is supported a guide or "former," which may be so arranged as to be universal in
its movements, and during such movements clears the cutter; if desired it can also
be milled on edge to make it revolve, or a lateral movement only may be given to
said "former," which can be connected with frame and work on a centre. This frame
is held by a lever, in which are slots so arranged as to allow a backward and
forward motion toward the centre on which said lever moves, yet forms a steady
lateral bearing for the frame-holding spindle. This lever rests on an annular guide
ring, the centre of which is the point to which the lever is attached, and upon
which it is worked; the lever is provided with a handle to move it; or this lever
might be made to work automatically. On the top of the frame to which the
bearings of the driving shaft are attached is fixed a plate, on which slides a sole
plate for holding the boot, said sole plate arranged to be fixed rigidly at any point
in its traverse, and to which is fixed a clamp, either arranged to grasp the boot
with an eccentric or a screw movement so arranged that it will grasp the boot with
last inside, or the last itself firmly, yet fix it readily in its proper position, and if
desired grasp also the back of the heel so as to centre it, or we arrange it as herein-
after described in reference to the accompanying Sheet of Drawing. This sole plate
terminates in a tongue so shaped as to clear the cutter when in contact with the
heel; a moveable ledge or bracket may be fixed on tongue to set the heels against,
and at the same time can be made in different sizes corresponding with shape of
heel, and can be screwed on tongue, giving a greater bearing for heel to rest on.
This ledge may also be made in two pieces, and if desired the part on which the
heel rests may be made of wood, as herein-after described. A similar tongue
arranged to clear cutter may be cast on top of stand forming bearing for sole plate;
.or this tongue can be used for the centre of lever and annular ring or guide fixed to
bearing of sole plate. The cutter spindle may be provided with a loose handle to
bring cutter in contact with heel; or this motion may be given by means of a
handle on the frame, and the spindle moved towards the centre on which lever,
works, preferably by a suitable weight working in centre of stand, and connected

page_text: by a cord or suitable attachment to frame or to spindle, this cord working through
an eylet at end of lever, which is provided with two small pulleys to guide cord to
a moveable pulley in stand over centre of weight. A lever working in a fulcrum
may be fixed on bottom of stand, so as to throw this arrangement out of gear, and
remove pressure from spindle. Or a spring or other mechanical means may be
adopted in lieu of the above arrangement. A hook or other suitable device may be
fixed to annular bearing on which lever moves, or other convenient place, so as to
grasp and release either the spindle or frame when required, and to hold spindle
when revolving and not doing work. The driving shaft is on a moveable centre to
allow for any difference in height of heels, which moveable centre may be arranged
to be worked by foot. The cutter can be used with any required curvature and
may be angled so as to spread the cut over a number of nails and make it gradual.
The universal guide or former," preferably supported on a ball and socket
universal joint held by a frame being a bearing for spindle, the centre on which it
works being a line drawn from centre of spindle, cutting a tangent to curve of
top of cutter, thus revolving universal and clearing cutter. It can also be
fixed on a centre to frame, and give only to line of ledge of heel, accommodating
itself to centre of universal joint and plane of ledge of heel. We may, however,
in practice find it desirable to modify this position of the " former." To the
frame may be fixed a guard encircling cutter, except at its cutting edge, pre-
venting the cutter from injuring operator in cases of flying off. Two moveable
springs or guide plates, or other approved means may be fixed on sole plate, so
arranged as to guide the sole of boot in a suitable manner to get the heel in proper
position. In practice it may in some cases be found desirable to arrange the
sole plate so as to give it a backward and forward motion while the cutter is in
operation, the lever in such case only being worked round the semicircle of back
of heel.
A similar machine may also be used for paring the edges of the soles by having a
moveable sole plate, and increasing the length of shaft-holding cutter, the form
of the cutter being such that it will cut a square or a beveled edge as may be
desired. Thus by the combination of the spindle running on a universal joint,
and a universal table moved by suitable means giving form of sole, the edges
may be beveled from front, while edges at side are cut to the square, as may be
desired. The edges of the sole being trimmed, and the cutter prevented from
cutting leather in body of boot by a suitable guide or "former," which acts against
upper of boot containing last, and is sustained by working on ledge of uncut sole.
The sole plate holding boot may simply have a backward and forward motion
worked by levers or other suitable means, the centre of the universal joint being in
line of its centre. The cutter being thrown into contact with the edge of the sole
the guide and "former" resting against upper of boot and ledge of heel, the boot
receives a backward movement until the necessary point is reached for forming toe,
when the cutter is moved by means of lever until it has passed round the toe; a
forward movement then takes place until the sole is trimmed, suitable means being
provided for allowing to the cutter a considerable up-and-down movement. We
however give preference to the position of "former" and arrangement for working
same shown on the Drawing, and berein-after described.
The polishing arrangement is similar, having a solid circular polisher, the edge of
which combines such curves as will be universal to curve of heel, set and arranged
to run at such speed as will develop the heat necessary to polish heels, coated with
proper materials; or may be heated by suitable jet of gas. For cutting the "breast"
of the heel, the arrangement of universal joint may be inverted, the spindle running
in a slot so arranged as to make a straight cut along the front of the heel, and
being provided with a guard to prevent making too deep a cut, and the boot, if so
desired, can be fixed on a moveable and universal clamp; or a cutter may be used
in fixed bearings, and the front of the heel moved so as to be cut as required; the
guide in this case may be so arranged that the cutter may revolve in a case, the
cutting edge projecting slightly at the cutting centre, the top of the case being

page_text: concaved, and the working face being cut to a slightly larger radius than radius
from centre of cutter, thus allowing the cutter to project slightly, sufficient for a
cut. The case may be made moveable and in two parts so as to graduate the cut,
and the cutter shaped to any required form.
As an adjunct to this machine a marker is added in order to define the position
in which the nails must be driven for binding the layers of leather to form the heel.
A spindle with an universal joint corresponding with cutter spindle of heel-shaping
machine is provided with a marker, to be either fixed or held in the hand; also
with a guide or "former" similar to that which rests against back of boot, and on
top edge of heel in machine above described; the marker to be so arranged that
it scribes a line at any required distance inside of where the cutter will reach,
and mark equidistant all round from cut, so that when the required nails are driven
in the cutter in cutting will clear them. This marker can be inverted or used in
best practical position.
All the above-mentioned devices may be united on one stand, or be made sepa-
rately with tables or brackets for holding the work, and be driven separately or
from the same shaft.
On the accompanying sheet of Drawing:-
"
Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a machine, embodying our improved heel-
cutting apparatus; Figure 2 a plan of same; Figure 3 a side elevation of our
improved sole-paring apparatus; Figure 4 a plan of same; Figure 5 shows our
polishing apparatus; Figures 6 clevation and plan of our improved apparatus for
cutting breast" of heel; Figure 7 shows our improved marker; Figure S, details
of frame and "former"; Figure 9 shows the clamp; Figure 10 shows an arrange-
ment for guiding "former" against back of heel; and Figure 11 shows an arrange-
ment of guide for "former on sole-paring machine. Similar letters of reference
denote similar parts in each of the Figures respectively.
33
A indicates the rotary cutter; B spindle of same; C universal joint ;. D driving
shaft ;
E cutter frame; F guide or "former"; G lever holding frame E-g, slot in
same; H, annular guide ring; I, sole plate; J, plate holding same; K, clamp ;
L, screw for giving backward and forward motion to sole plate; M, tongue of sole
plate; N, moveable ledge on tongue, to set the heels against; n, wooden or metal
adjunct to ledge to give full bearing to heel; O, handle on frame; P, weight;
Q, lever for throwing cutter out of gear; R, hook fixed to annular bearing;
S, spring guide placed around back of heel, against which spring the "former
may work giving an even cut, and, if desired, a modified form in shape; T, springs
or guide plates for setting boot in position, either right or left, as desired.
In Figures 3 and 4, a, indicates the moveable sole plate; b, table supporting sole
plate; c, scew for moving sole plate backward and forward; c¹, its nut; c¹¹ lug
from sole plate holding nut; d, friction gear for driving screw; e, clutch keyed on
spindle of screw; f, vertical shaft for driving friction gear, which may be driven
directly from the spindle shaft; h, clutch for throwing loose pulley in and out of
gear; 3, treadle for working same; k, lever for working clutch e, giving screw ca
right or left hand movement; this lever is worked by suitable pins or connections
with lever Gl, arrangement for stopping backward and forward traverse by
working on clutch e.
In Figure 7, U indicates the marker; V, guide frame.
In Figure 8, W indicates thumb screw by which the "former" F may be set out
or in as required. ✗, screw for tightening and holding same; Y, "former" made
with a graduated eccentric edge, so that when the universal joint is at a considerable
angle the projecting part may be rolling at the back of heel, while the less pro-
jection in same is working round the edge. This "former may be marked at the
greatest projection, and roll round from the back to the side of the heel, so as to
give proper position for starting the cut, and may be provided with a number
of holes in which a pin may be inserted, which, catching against the edge of the
frame, would be an indicator for each successive cut.
In Figure 9, m.indicates a piece of metal or of wood for fitting inside of heel, in

page_text: lieu of last. This piece may be made to expand and contract by any suitable
means to suit different sizes, and may be fixed to a square shank o, so arranged
that it may drop into slot p, and be there held by suitable notches, thus fixing both
in position required, owing to the relative positions of o and m, q, screw for
tightening boot in position The head of clamp may have a lateral movement to
provide for position of right and left hand boot.
In Figure 10, indicates a spring guide, having at its end a strap s for passing
under sole of boot; which strap may be riveted to one side of r, and be provided
with holes to tighten same on suitable pin. The strap may have notches to rest on
ledge of uncut heel.
In Figure 11, t indicates the spring against which the "former" may work under
the sole plate instead of against the upper of boot. The sole plate may be per-
forated for pins to give the form required to be cut. The operation is as follows:-
The boot with last or with piece m inside being firmly clamped in its required
position by turning the screw q; the cutter A is started, and the guide and
"former" F placed on top of ledge of uncut heel and against back of boot (and
when spring is used against this spring); the cutter being set by the "former" to
make any required cut, the lever Gis worked round the heel and the weight P, spring,
or other mechanical movement, brings the cutter in constant and equal contact to
the work, the universal joint C allowing the cutter spindle B to be driven at any
angle; thus when the heel requires a deeper cut at the back than at the sides, by
setting the sole plate I further back, throwing the heel in eccentric as compared
with centre of universal joint, the angle of spindle shaft being increased a greater
cut will be taken at that point aud consequently a greater curvature at the back
than at the sides.
In paring the edges of the soles the action is similar, with the exception that
the boot moves backwards and the cutter and spindle with frame E are held steadily
in the lever G until it is necessary to finish the toe, when the lever G is moved
across to the other side, paring sole across toc, after which a forward traverse takes
place until the sole is finished. This backward and forward motion is given by
screw c working in nut c connected with sole plate a by means of lug c. The
friction bevels & working loosely on spindle of c give a right or a left hand motion
by the action of clutch e, and can be thrown in and out of gear by lever / moved
by pins on lever G, so that in cutting across part of toe, the driving wheel i being
thrown out of gear, the lever G moving across and catching against lever k, throws
clutch e into gear with bevel & thereby giving the forward movement, this traverse
being stopped by l.
The boot is then removed to cutter, Fig. 6, to cut front of heel; this cutter is
covered by a moveable guard with a square face, the cutter only projecting enough
to give required cut, the sole of the boot being placed on top of guard and worked
across makes the required cut in front of heel.
The action of the polisher is similar to that of the heel cutting machine, the heel
of the boot being cut and coated with proper material is fixed rigidly to sole plate
by clamp, the polisher brought in contact with it and in revolving developing
enough heat to polish the part with which it is in contact, and on its being worked
round gradually with an upward and downward movement polishes the entire
heel, getting this upward and downward movement either by hand or by mecha-
nical means, in this manner all the required points are reached and a perfect polish
obtained.
The marker for marking the position of nails of heel is similar in principle to the
cutting machine.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of our said Invention, and in
what manner the same is or may be performed, what we claim as of our Invention,
and secured to us by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is―
Firstly. The combination of the universal joint C and guide or
" former" F with
frame E held by lever G, arranged and operating substantially as and for the
purpose herein-before set forth.

page_text: Secondly. The combination of the weight P, or an equivalent movement, with our
improved cutting gear, substantially as and for the purpose herein-before described.
Thirdly. The backward and forward motion of sole plate and circular motion of
lever in combination with cutting gear, arranged and operating substantially as
herein-before described.
Fourthly. The spring guide S in combination with our cutting gear, and operating
as herein-before described.
Fifthly. The combination of the marker substantially as shown, Figure 7, and
for the purpose herein-before set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Edward Prust, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twentieth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
WILLIAM EDWARD PRUST. (L.S.)