IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR LASTING BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR LASTING BOOTS AND SHOES." A com-
munication from abroad by George Warren Copeland, of Malden, and William
Storer Eaton, of Boston, both in Massachusetts, United States of America,
Gentlemen.
Sealed the 28th December 1878, and dated the 18th July 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th July 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR LASTING
BOOTS AND SHOES." [A communication from abroad by George Warren Copeland,
of Malden, and William Storer Eaton, of Boston, both in Massachusetts, United
States of America, Gentlemen.]
This Invention relates to improvements in machinery for lasting boots and shoes
and comprises mechanism for lasting the toe and heel. Also the combination of
said toe and heel lasting mechanism, and modifications thereof, with suitable side
lasting devices.
The special features embraced in the said toe and heel lasting mechanism con-
sist in various adjustments of converging folding plates in relation to that portion
of the bottom of a last upon which they are designed to close, and for this purpose
the said plates are provided with,—
1st. A transverse oscillating movement.
2nd. An independent tipping adjustment herein-after more fully described.
The Invention further comprises two sets of folding plates or slides one above
the other preferably, so arranged and operated that the upper set shall fold over
and conform the upper to the last, and the lower set complete the folding and
conforming of the upper upon the last.

page_text: It also comprises the combination of said converging folding plates, provided
with the adjustments named with toe and heel downholds, and a vertically adjust-
able lasting jack for supporting the toe and back or heel portion of the last.
It also comprises the combination of an upwardly moving toe-stretching and
smoothing pad, and a moveable downhold and abutment.
Also the combination of a toe-stretching and smoothing pad, moveable abutment
and downhold, with a duplex series of adjustable converging folding plates.
Also the various actuating devices herein-after described for adjusting the said
folding plates for closing the same; for operating the toe-stretching and smoothing
pad, and for vertically adjusting the said converging folding plates and the
mechanism operating the same, and for actuating the supporting jack.
It also comprises the combination of duplex toe and heel slides with their multi-
form adjustments, or either of them, with suitable side lasting mechanism.
Also various modifications in the side-lasting mechanism herein-after explained.
In a machine constructed according to this Invention, the last with the upper
secured thereto at the toe and heel is placed with its toe resting upon a toe rest,
and the portion back of the 'instep where the spindle usually is inserted in jacking
the same is supported by another rest, which is of sufficient length also to support
and hold in position the fore block of the last.
The last also contacts at the toe with an abutment, and a downhold projects
somewhat upon the surface of the insole at the toe. A treadle is provided which
is fastened to the end of a shaft and is provided with a cam which lifts a rod
carrying a main rest.
To firmly hold the last in position against the said abutment and under the said
downholds while the lasting is in progress, 'the 'said rock shaft has a suitable
bearing in the standard of the machine, and the aforesaid rod 'or 'spindle carrying
'the main rest is also 'furnished with a suitable bearing within the said standard,
and it is further provided with a step which plays in a recess in the "standard. A
rod is provided with slots in which the end of a rock shaft is given a limited
movement. The aforesaid main rest is hinged upon the said spindle and thereby
has a longitudinal adjustability.
It may also be hinged to swing laterally or it may be supported upon a
universal joint. The said toe rest is also hinged to oscillate longitudinally, and
may swing laterally or be supported on a universal joint.
...
The 'toe rest may be covered with a thin layer of 'india-rubber, and the main
rest may likewise be provided with an india-rubber covering.
The next manipulation in the operation of the machine is the withdrawal of the
abutment and the partial withdrawal and falling of the downhold. The aforesaid
abutment is operated by a cam groove in which plays a cam pin upon the end of
a connecting bar. This bar is, furnished with suitable guides in a block, and
preferably the abutment is caused to drop slightly as it withdraws.
Simultaneously with the withdrawal of the abutment occurs the partial with-
drawal of the downhold and the 'upward movement of a toe-stretching and
smoothing pad. The downhold is withdrawn by a cam groove on 'the under side of
a disc in which plays a cam pin which is fastened upon the end of a bar. The
downhold, however, is not withdrawn quite as far as the abutment, and is also
preferably provided with a downward movement. Both the bars are guided in the
said block. The under portion of 'the downhold corresponds in shape to the upper
portion of the abutment which fits therein, when the abutment is moved against
the toe of the last. And it will be understood that the downhold is inclined on
its under surface from the extreme point downwardly until it contacts with the abut-
ment, when it is 'curved upwardly to conform with the curved 'upper surface of the
abutment. This construction permits the toe-stretching and smoothing pad to lift
between the projecting foot of the downhold and the end of 'the abutment in per-
forming its work after the abutment has been withdrawn. This toe-stretching and
smoothing pad consists of a curved metal support or spring, shaped substantially 'to

page_text: conform to the toe of the last, and lined preferably with leather or india-rubber
ön'its inner sides.
The movement of this pad is upward substantially parallel with that portion
of the last upon which it is designed to operate, and it lifts between the under
portion of the downhold and the upper portion of the abutment, so that its
upper edge almost contacts with the under portion of an upper set of converging
folding plates. It then drops slightly, simaltaneously with the closing of the said
upper plates. This pad is operated by a cam groove in a disc in which a cam pin
plays through converging slides, each of which reciprocates vertically in suitable
guides in a portion of the frame projecting downwardly from the aforesaid block.
The slides are connected with each other by a short rod, and one of these slides
carries a bracket which supports the toe-stretching and smoothing pad which plays
in ways thereon, and may be provided with horizontal adjustment in relation
thereto.
After dropping sufficiently to allow an under set of converging plates to close,
this toe-stretching and smoothing pad remains stationary during the remainder
of the operation of the machine, closely hugging and clamping the upper to the
last.
The aforesaid upper folding plates which operate to partially break down, turn
over, and conform the margin of the upper upon the lasts bottom consist of two
or more thin plates, shaped upon the inner edge to conform substantially to the
vertical contour of the edge of that portion of the last over which they close. They
are attached to the ends of slide bars which are guided in guides upon a hinged
plate. These sliding bars are fastened upon a-bracket preting from collars which
slide upon a sleeve. These collars are reciprocated upon the sleeves by levers which
are pivotted to an oscillating plate, and are operated by a cam groove in the under
portion of a disc in which a cam pin which is fastened on the upper end of the
lever plays. This cam and cam pin operate each of the said levers, the one directly
and the other by means of a short swivelling connection which fastens the end of
the other lever to the cam pin.
Upon the closing of the aforesaid upper set of converging folding plates, the
lower set commence to operate, preferably the ones on each side of the downhold,
advancing a little in advance of the outer ones, though not so rapidly.
The action of these plates completes the breaking down and folding commenced
by the upper plates, and the cornor plates, or those next the downhold, commence
to operate a little in advance of the outer plates, but the outer plates advanco more
quickly and finish the folding of that part of the upper upon which they operate,
at the same time that the other two folding plates end their work through closing
preferably a little further upon the surface of the last. These plates are provided
with a lateral adjustability to adapt them to varying widths of lasts.
The said converging folding plates are similar in edge conformation to that given
the upper set of plates, and in determining said conformation I am governed by the
vertical conformation of the last. They are supported upon the ends of rods, some
of which carrying the outer plates are provided with bearings in brackets pro-
jecting from a hinged plate above mentioned, and each of these rods is operated by
a curved lever which is pivotted to a sleeve which surrounds the outer end of one
of these rods. This lever is pivotted to the said sleeve which surrounds the end of
the rod. This lever is also pivoted at the end of an arm or bracket on the inner
end of the sleeve upon which collars slide, as above described. This operating lever
is laid hold of at about the centre of its length by the said hinged plate from
which project the brackets as above stated. The hinged connecting plate is operated
by one of the rods upon which the converging folding plates are supported, to which
it is pinned. Each of the rods is provided with bearings in brackets which pro-
ject upwardly and outwardly from said oscillating plate. The rod also has a
further bearing in the sleeve on which the collars slide, upon which sleeve one of
the levers pivotted to the said plate 'plays in operating one of the sliding bars.
Each of the said rods is operated by a lever which is pivotted to the oscillating
.

page_text: plate, and is actuated by a cam pin in a cam groove in the under portion of the
last-named disc. The outer end of this lever lays hold of a block at the end of the
hinged lever, and the said lever is provided with a downwardly projecting bracket,
provided with a recess at its bottom which fits over a guide, supported by brackets
projecting from the said oscillating plate to steady and direct the hinged recipro-
cating lever or plate.
The cam discs are bolted to the said oscillating plate. This plate is pivotted to
oscillate laterally to a carriage and to a standard projecting upwardly from said
carriage. This oscillating plate supports all the mechanism for actuating the down;
hold, the abutment, the toe-stretching and smoothing pad, and the folding plates,
and therefore all this mechanism oscillates with it. The purpose of giving these
devices this oscillating movement is to effect a lateral adjustment of said devices in
relation to the plane of the bottom of the last upon which it is intended to operate.
Therefore, as nearly as possible, the said plate and the mechanism thereon contained,
should correspond and be in the same plane as the plane of that portion of the
surface of the last on which the folding plates are to close. This plane may be
determined by such a contrivance as above described called a carrying shoe, or by
the downhold itself, being of sufficient breadth upon its under surface to govern said
oscillating plates, and cause them to conform in plane as above stated, or by suitable
projections upon the under portion of either of the converging plates which shall
determine the plane of the oscillating plates as they close in upon the surface of
the last by contacting therewith; and for this purpose one of the plates is provided
with a projecting guide curved upwardly upon its under surface.
The next adjustment which I give the lasting devices, supported by the oscillating
plate, is that of a longitudinal adjustability by lifting said plate upon the elliptic
curve, which has for its moving centre the extreme end of the under portion of the
abutment. This I effect by means of levers which lay hold of the said carriage,
and a slotted lever which is stationarily pivotted, and is pivotted to the said slotted
lever. This lever also supports the said carriage which is pivotted thereon to move
upon the arc of the circle determined by the slot in the end of said lever. The
lever which takes hold of the carriage is provided with a nut, with guides which
move freely in ways in a bracket projecting downwardly from the frame of the
machine. A screw engages with the nut and is supported at the bottom of the
frame; it is provided with a handle to operate the lever in elevating the carriage
carrying the oscillating plate.
The lower set of converging folding plates are provided with holes near their
outer edge through which the lasting tacks or fastenings for securing the upper to
the insole are driven. In some instances where the surface of the last is round or
convex instead of plane, it is necessary that the lower outer plates should be pro-
vided with a longitudinal tipping movement from one end of the plate, which end
must be a given point determined by the centre of the rod operating the said plato.
To give these outer plates this tipping movement, I provide each of the operating
rods with a suitable gear wheel which is keyed to the rod, and is operated by a
worm having a bearing in a carriage which slides on the hinged plates which lays
hold of the rod. One of the rods is made movable in said supporting brackets, and
in the sleeve by means of a set screw, whereby the plate may be moved laterally to
and fro in said bracket in making an adjustment for varying widths.of lasts.
The cam discs are operated by a handle or lever, but it is intended that all the
movements eventually shall be automatic, and operated by power.
The side lasting mechanism is substantially like that described in the Specification
of former Patent, dated 12th July, A.D. 1877, No. 2688, consisting of interlaced
straps supported upon the ends of fingers having suitable movements in relation to
the sides of the last and acting in opposition to the stress of springs, whereby the
upper by the upward movement of the straps upon the last is drawn and smoothed
thereon, and by the closing of the fingers the edge folded upon the insole.
I also provide means for automatically adjusting the toe or heel lasting mechanism
by the slope of the bottom of the last, whereby the folding plates, when actuated,

page_text: close upon the bottom of the last substantially parallel with the plane thereof, as
herein-after explained. Also an improved reciprocating clamp or downhold, whose
upper outer edge may be provided with a recess on each side to act as a supporting
guide in preventing the folding plates from being tipped or sprung as they close
upon the last in the act of turning over the upper upon the insole.
Also an elastic heel pad automatically operated by the closing of cross heads,
carrying girth supporting fingers to clamp the upper to the heel of the last while
the girth is operating before the heel plates are actuated.
Also a modification of the operative mechanism for actuating the abutment at
the toe, and the toe-stretching and smoothing pad. Also a spring attached to the
under surface of the toe-lasting plates to bear upon the end of the toe-stretching
and smoothing pad to clamp the same against the last operated simultaneously
therewith.
Carriages respectively carrying the toe and heel mechanism are provided with the
same movement upon tables in relation to each other, and in relation to a spindle
that is given the like parts in the machine described in the Specification of the
Patent above mentioned, and for the purposes fully set forth in the said Specifica-
tion; but the operative mechanism is slightly different, and consists of a shaft
having a handle and bearings in arms that project laterally from the said tables and
right and left handed screws, each of which operate through an arm in moving the
carriages. The thread of the former or right-handed screw is so much quicker than
that of the last screw to preserve the proper ratio of movement between the two
carriages; if necessary, a like device can be arranged on the opposite side of the.
machine, and by suitable gearing be connected to the one described,.and this con-
struction may be necessary to prevent springing the shaft in machines for doing
heavy work.
One of the said carriages supports an oscillating plate, upon which is arranged
the heel-lasting mechanism substantially like that described in the said former
Specification, and it further carries a cam for operating a heel centreing foot through
means of a reciprocating slide and edge cam in conjunction with a spring, and so
reciprocates the heel clamp or downhold by means of a connecting rod. The pro-
jecting end of the downhold is pointed, and is provided on its outer upper edge
with sloping recesses somewhat bevelled, and upon which the edge of the heel-
lasting plates next adjoining the downhold rest as they converge.
When this construction is employed, the downhold is withdrawn by the cam, the
heel-lasting plates drawn back, and the centreing foot brought to bear upon the
inside at the heel, thereby adjusting the said oscillating plate, so that when the
heel-lasting plates advance, they move in a path directly parallel with the surface
of the insole. The downhold then advances and securely clamps the last at the
heel. This movement is immediately followed by the closing of the heel-lasting
plates and the lifting of the centreing foot. The heel-lasting plates as they
converge, are guided and partly supported in a recess on the side of the downhold.
The downhold preferably is given a downward movement in addition to the inward
movement described.
A spring rod, whose office in compressing an elastic or flexible heel pad is fully
explained in the Specification of the former Patent above referred to, is actuated by
wings projecting from cross heads.
In some cases, the toe block instead of being operated by a lever, is independently
operated by a rod or bar projecting from one of the cross heads, which in lifting
contacts with an arm and suitable connecting mechanism for raising the same,
whereby the toe block is slightly raised and lowered simultaneously with the
raising and falling of the cross heads.
An abutment is caused to withdraw, and the toe-stretching and smoothing pad is
caused to lift by suitable actuating mechanism.
Girth supporting fingers which close over the ball of the last are pivotted to a
support, and are each provided with a downwardly projecting arm, and a spring is
arranged to act against the end of said arm in depressing the end of a finger sup-

page_text: porting straps. This construction provides automatic vertical adjustment at the
ends of the girth-supporting fingers by which they accommodate themselves to any
inequalities of the last's surface, or any unusual tension upon the girth without
roughening the insole or breaking. The springs must be sufficiently powerful.not
to be compressed, until the strain on the end of the girth-supporting fingers is
enough almost to break the fingers, as it is necessary that the girth-supporting
fingers nearest the toe should be stiff enough when shut upon, the insole, in some
instances, to hold the last in the right position in relation to the toe-lasting plate
when the toe downhold is withdrawn, and before the toe-lasting plates are advanced,
as may be the case with some lasting machines. The girth-supporting fingers at or
near the shank may be simply pivotted.
The fingers are further. provided with a longitudinal adjustment at their girth-
bearing ends, so that the same number of fingers when separated, may answer with
the same girth in lasting at least five sizes without change. This longitudinal
adjustment may be effected by means of a spring arranged to bear against the end
of a pivotted finger to force it away from the end of the next finger, thereby
lengthening the line on which the girth acts. But a better construction would be
to so shape the fingers that they may shut into each other against spring pressure
if desired, by the closing of the toe and heel carriages.
In some instances, the upper surface of the girth may be protected by a leather
or other apron, one on each side of the girth, fastened to the top thereof only, and
another laid, loosely under the flaps of said apron.
Although in the toe-lasting mechanism first herein described, the upper set of
converging plates are described as advancing and completing their work before the
closing of the under set of plates and are then withdrawn, and although the lower
set of folding plates are provided with differential motions, it is not intended that
this Invention shall be confined to this particular manner of operating, neither is
it intended that it shall be confined to their use in combination with this mechanism
or with the adjustments given, but they may be used upon any portion of the last
in folding the upper thereon where it may be desirable to break over and fold, the
edge of the upper upon the insole by duplex folding plates provided with suitable
adjustments.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed-by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 18th
January 1879.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR LASTING
BOOTS AND SHOES." A communication from abroad by George Warren Copeland,
of Malden, and William Storer Eaton, of Boston, both in. Massachusetts, United
States of America, Gentleman.
This Invention relates to mechanism for lasting the toe and heel of boots and
shoes;
also to the combination of said toe and heel lasting mechanism, and modifi-
cations thereof, with suitable side lasting devices.
The special features embraced in the toe and heel lasting mechanism consist in
various adjustments of converging folding plates in relation to that portion of the
bottom of a last upon which they are designed to close, and for this purpose the
said plates are provided with,-
1st. A transverse oscillating movement.
2nd. An independent tipping adjustment, herein-after more fully described.
The said Invention further relates to two sets of folding plates or slides, one
above the other, preferably so arranged and operated that the upper set shall fold
over and conform the upper to the last, and the lower set complete the folding and
conforming of the upper upon the last, as herein-after will be fully set forth.
Also to the combination of said converging. folding plates, provided with the
-adjustments named with toe and heel downholds, and the vertically adjustable
lasting jack for supporting the toe and back or heel portion of, the last.
Also to the combination of an upwardly moving toe-stretching and smoothing
pad, and a movable downhold and abutment.
Also to the combination of a toe-stretching and smoothing pad, movable abut-
ment, and downhold, with the duplex series of adjustable converging folding
plates.
Also to the various arrangements of actuating mechanism described for adjusting
said, folding plates for closing the same for operating the toe-stretching and smoothing
pad, and for vertically adjusting the said converging folding plates, and the mechanism
operating the same and for actuating the supporting jack.
Also to the combination of the duplex toe and heel slides, with their multiforin
adjustments, or either of them, with suitable side-lasting mechanism.
Also to various modifications in the side-lasting mechanism, all of, which combina-
tions and modifications will be fully herein-after described.
In the accompanying Drawings,-
In plate 1 Figure 1 represents a side elevation of improved toe-lasting mechanism
constructed, according to this Invention, and showing the last in position upon the
jack, and under the toe and heel downholds.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal vertical central section of said mechanism.
Figure 3 is a plan of the toe-lasting devices, showing the folding plates and
position of the actuating mechanism after the upper has. been folded upon the
insole.
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the duplex converging plates.
Figure 5 is a vertical section on the line x, a, Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a vertical section on the line y, y, Figure 4.
Figure 7 is a longitudinal vertical section of the abutment downhold and toe-
stretching and smoothing pad, and mechanism for operating the same and the toe
rest.
Figure 8 shews some of the parts seen in Figure 7, in a different position.

page_text: In Plate 2, Figure 1 is a plan of a modification of a portion of the devices shown
in Plate 1, in combination with the side-lasting mechanism.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of the same.
Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 are detail views.
Figure 7 is a cross section shewing the method of supporting the girth-carrying
fingers upon the jaws and other parts.
Figure 8 is a transverse section of a girth having protecting aprons of leather.
In Plate 1 the last A, with the upper secured thereto at the toe and heel, is
placed in a machine with its toe resting upon the toe rest a, and the portion behind
the instep, where the spindle usually is inserted in jacking the same, is supported
by the rest a', which is of sufficient length also to support and hold in position the
fore block a² of the last.
The last also is in contact at the toe with the abutment B, and the downhold C
projects somewhat upon the surface of the insole at the toe. The movement of
the treadle, which is fastened to the end of the shaft a³, and is provided with the
cam a³, lifts the rod a³ carrying the main rest a¹, and also operates through the
shaft as and lever a, the rod a', rock shaft as, cam a³, the sector a10, and cam a¹¹,
fastened by the set screw a¹ to the rod a¹³, which carries the toe rest a.
To firmly hold the last in position against the abutment B and under the down-
holds C while the lasting is in progress, the rock shaft a³ has a suitable bearing in
the standard A2, and the spindle a is also furnished with a suitable bearing within
said standard A2, and it is further provided with the step a¹%, which plays in the
recess a¹³ in the standard A². The rod a7 is provided with slots, in whicn the end
of the rock shaft as is given a limited movement. The main rest a¹ is hinged upon
the spindle a³, and thereby given a longitudinal adjustability. It may also be
hinged to swing laterally, or it may be supported upon the universal joint.
The toe rest a is also hinged to oscillate longitudinally, and may swing laterally
or. be supported on a universal joint. The toe rest may be covered with a thin
layer of rubber, and the main rest may likewise be provided with a rubber covering.
The next manipulation in the operation of the machine is the withdrawal of the
abutment, and the partial withdrawal and falling of the downhold C. The abut-
ment B is operated by the cam groove b, in which plays the cam pin b¹ upon the
end of the connecting bar b²; this bar is furnished with suitable guides in the
block B¹, and preferably the abutment B is caused to drop slightly as it
withdraws.
Simultaneously with the withdrawal of the abutment occurs the partial with-
drawal of the downhold C, and the upward movement of the toe-stretching and
smoothing pad D. The downhold is withdrawn by the cam groove c on the under
side of the disc C¹, in which plays the cam pin c¹, which is fastened upon the end
of the bar c². The downhold however is not withdrawn quite as far as the abut-
ment, and is also preferably provided with a downward movement. Like the bar b²
the bar c² is guided in the block B¹. The under portion of the downhold B corre-
sponds in shape to the upper portion of the abutment C, which fits therein when
the abutment is moved against the toe of the last, and it will be seen that the
downhold is inclined on its under surface from the extreme point downwardly until
it comes in contact with the abutment, when it is curved upwardly to conform with
the curved upper surface of the abutment. This construction permits the toe-
stretching and smoothing pad to lift between the projecting foot of the downhold
and the end of the abutment in performing its work after the abutment has been
withdrawn. This toe-stretching and smoothing pad consists of a curved metal
support or spring, shaped substantially to conform to the toe of the last, and lined
preferably with leather or rubber on its inner sides.
It will be observed that the movement of this pad is upward, substantially
parallel with that portion of the last upon which it is designed to operate, and that
it lifts between the under portion of the downhold and the upper portion of the
abutment so that its upper edge almost touches the under portion of the
upper set of converging folding plates E. It then drops slightly simultaneously

page_text: with the closing of said upper plates; this pad is operated by the cam groove din
the disc D¹, in which the cam pin d plays through the converging slides d², d³, each
of which reciprocates, vertically in suitable guides in a portion of the frame pro-
jecting downwardly from the block B'. The slides are connected with each other
by the short rod d³, and the slide d³ carries the bracket d³, which supports the toe-
stretching and smoothing pad D, which plays in ways thereon, and may be provided
with horizontal adjustment in relation thereto.
After dropping sufficiently to allow the under set of converging plates F to
close, this toe-stretching and smoothing pad remains stationary during the
remainder of the operation of the machine, closely hugging and clamping the upper
to the last.
The upper plates E which operate to partially break down, turn over, and conform
the margin of the upper upon the last's bottom, consist of two or more thin plates
shaped upon their inner edge to conform substantially to the vertical contour of the
edge of that portion of the last over which they close; they are attached to the
ends of the slide bars e, which are guided in the guides e' upon the hinged plate F¹
These sliding bars e are fastened upon the bracket e², projecting from the collars e³,
which slide upon the sleeve et. These collars e³ are reciprocated upon the sleeves
by the levers E¹, which are pivotted to the oscillating plate G, and are operated by
the cam groove e³ in the under portion of the disc D', in which the cam pin e,
which is fastened on the upper end of the lever E' plays. This cam and cam pin e³, eб,
operate each of the levers E¹, the one directly, and the other by means of a short
swivelling connection e, which fastens the end of the other lever to the cam pin.
Upon the closing of the upper set of converging folding plates the lower set F
will commence to operate, preferably in such a manner that those on each
-side of the downhold move a little in advance of the outer ones, though not so
rapidly.
The action of these plates complete the breaking down and folding commenced
by the upper plates, and it will be observed that the corner plates, or those next
the downhold, commence to operate a little in advance of the outer plates, but that
the outer plates advance more quickly and finish the folding of that part of the
upper, upon which they operate at the same time that the other two folding plates
end their work, though closing preferably a little further upon the surface of the
last. These plates are provided with a lateral adjustability which will berein-after
be explained, to adapt them to varying widths of lasts.
The converging folding plates F are similar in edge conformation to that given;
the upper set of plates and this conformation must be governed by the vertical
conformation of the last. They are supported upon the ends of the rods F2, F³; the
rods F carrying the outer plates are provided with bearings in the brackets f pro-
jecting from the plate F; and each of these rods FS is operated by the curved lever f',
which is pivotted to the sleeve f³ which surrounds the outer end of the rod F³.
This lever is also pivotted at f³ at the end of the arm or bracket f on the
inner end of the sleeve e¹. This operating lever f1 is laid hold of at about the
centre of its length f5 by the plate F¹, from which project the brackets f, as above
stated. This connecting plate F' is operated by the rod F, to which it is pinned
at f. Each of the rods F2 is provided with bearings in the brackets g, which
project upwardly and outwardly from the plate G. The rod also has a further
bearing in the sleeve et, upon which the lever E' plays in operating the bar e.
Each of the said rods F2 is operated by a lever F*, which is pivotted to the
plate G, and is actuated by a cam pin f' in the cam groove f8 in the under portion
of the disc D¹. The outer end of this lever lays hold of the block f° at the end of
the lever F', and said lever F¹ is provided with the downward projecting bracket f10,
provided with a recess fll at its bottom, which fits over the guide f" supported by
the brackets 13 projecting from the plate G, to steady and direct the reciprocating
lever F¹.
The cam discs C¹, D¹, are bolted to the oscillating plate G. This plate G is
pivotted to oscillate laterally to the carriage H at g², and at g³ to the standard h

page_text: projecting upwardly from said carriage H. This oscillating plate supports all the
mechanism for actuating the downhold, the abutment, the toe-stretching and
smoothing pad, and the folding plates, and therefore all this mechanism oscillates
with it. The purpose in giving these devices this oscillating movement is to effect
a lateral adjustment of said devices in relation to the plane of the bottom of the
last upon which it is intended to operate. Therefore as nearly as possible the said
plate and the mechanism thereon should correspond and be in the same plane as the
portion of the surface of the last on which the folding plates are to close. This
plane may be determined by a contrivance called a carrying shoe, or by the down;
hhold itself, being of sufficient breadth upon its under surface to govern said oscillating
plates and cause them to conform in plane, as above stated; or by suitable projections
upon the under portion of either of the converging plates, which shall determine
the plane of the oscillating plates as they close in upon the surface of the last by
coming in contact therewith; and for this purpose I show in Figure 4 one of
the plates F provided with a projecting guide curved upwardly upon its under
surface.
The next adjustment which I give the lasting devices supported by the plate G
is that of a longitudinal adjustability, by lifting said plate upon the elliptic curve,
which has for its moving centre the extreme end of the under portion of the
abutment. This I effect by means of the levers M which lay hold of the carriage H
at h', and the slotted lever N which is pivotted at n, and is pivotted to the lever M
at n'. This lever N also supports the carriage H at h2, which is pivotted thereon to
move upon the arc of the circle determined by the slot in the end of said lever N.
The lever M is provided with the nut M¹ with the guides m which move freely in
the ways m in the bracket M2 projecting downwardly from the frame of the
machine. The screw O engaging with the nut M' is supported at the bottom of
the frame M³, and is provided with the handle o, in order to operate the lever M.in
elevating the carriage H, carrying the oscillating plate G.
The lower set of converging folding plates F I provide with holes f14 near their
outer edge, through which the lasting tacks or fastenings for securing the upper to
the insole are driven. In some instances, where the surface of the last is round or
convex, instead of plane it is necessary that the lower outer plates F should be
provided with a longitudinal tipping movement from one end of the plate, which
end must be a given point, determined by the centre of the rod operating the said
plate. To give these outer plates this tipping movement I provide each of the
operating rods F3 with a suitable gear p which is keyed to the rod, and is operated
by.the worm gear p³, having a bearing in the carriage p², which slides on the
plates F which lay hold of the rod. The rod F3 is made movable in said supporting
brackets and in the sleeve f2, by means of the set screws f 15, f16, whereby the plate
may be moved laterally to and fro in said bracket in making an adjustment for
varying widths of lasts."
The cam discs are operated by the handle or lever R, but the machine may be so
arranged that all of the movements will be automatic, and derived from any
suitable power.
The side-lasting mechanism which is shown is substantially like.. that described
in the Specification of former Letters Patent, dated July 12th, A.D. 1877, No. 2688.
It consists of interlaced straps supported upon the ends of fingers having. suitable
movements in relation to the sides of the last, and acting in opposition to the stress
of the springs whereby the upper by the upward movement of the straps upon the
last is drawn and smoothed thereon, and by the closing of the fingers, the edge
folded upon the insole.
In Plate 2 of the Drawings, means are shown for automatically adjusting the toe
or heel lasting mechanism by the slope of the bottom of the last, whereby the
folding plates when actuated close upon the bottom of the last, substantially parallel
with the plane thereof, as herein-after explained.
Also an improved reciprocating clamp or downhold whose upper outer edge may
be provided with a recess on each side to act as a supporting guide in preventing

page_text: the folding plates from being tipped or sprung as they close upon the last in the act
of turning over the upper upon the insole.
Also an elastic heel pad automatically operated by the closing of the cross heads
carrying the girth-supporting fingers to clamp the upper to the heel of the last,
while the girth is operating before the heel plates are actuated.
Also a modification of the operative mechanism for actuating the abutment at
the toe, and the toe-stretching and smoothing pad.
Also a spring attached to the under surface of the toe-lasting plates to bear upon
the end of the toe-stretching and smoothing pad, to clamp the same against the
last, operated simultaneously therewith.
The carriages 1, 2, respectively carrying the toe and heel mechanism have the
same movement upon the tables 3, in relation to each other and in relation to the
spindle 4, as in the machine described in the Specification of the aforesaid Letters
Patent, and for the purposes fully set forth in the said Specification, but the
operative mechanism is slightly different, and consists of a shaft 5 having a handle 6
and bearings in the arms 7, 8, that project laterally from the tables 3 and the right
and left screws 9, 10, each of which operate through an arm 11 in moving the
carriages. The thread of the former or right screw is sufficiently quicker than that
of the last screw to preserve the proper ratio of movement between the two carriages;
if necessary, a like device can be arranged on the opposite side of the machine, and
by suitable gearing may be connected to the one described, and this construction may
be necessary to prevent springing the shaft in machines for doing heavy work.
The carriage 2 supports the oscillating plate 12, upon which is arranged the heel-
lasting mechanism, substantially like that described in said former Specification,
and it further carries a cam 13 for operating the heel-centreing foot 14. through
means of a reciprocating slide and edge. cam 15 in conjunction with the spring,
reciprocates the heel clamp or downhold 16 by means of a connecting rod. The
projecting end of the downhold 16 is pointed, as shewn, and is provided on its outer
upper edge with sloping recesses, somewhat bevelled, and upon which the edge of
the heel-lasting plates next adjoining the downhold rest as they converge.
It will be seen that when this construction is employed the downhold is with-
drawn by the cam, the heel-lasting plates drawn back, and the centreing foot
brought to bear upon the insole at the heel, thereby adjusting the oscillating
plate 12 so that when the heel-lasting plates advance they move in a path directly
parallel with the surface of the insole. The downhold then advances and securely
clamps the last at the heel. This movement is immediately followed by, the
closing of the licel-lasting plates, and the lifting of the centreing foot. The heel-
lasting plates as they converge are guided and partly supported in the recess on
the side of the downhold. The downhold preferably is given a downward, move
ment in addition to the inward movement described.
The spring rod 17, whose office in compressing the elastic or flexible heel pad 18,
is fully explained in the Specification above referred to, is actuated by the wings 19
projecting from the cross heads 20.
In Figure 4, Plate 2, the toe block 21 instead of being operated by a lever, as
shown is Plate 1, is independently operated by a rod or bar projecting, from one
of the cross heads which, in lifting, comes in contact with an arm and suitable
connecting mechanism for raising the same, whereby the toe block is slightly
raised and lowered simultaneously with the rising and falling of the cross heads.
The abutment 22 is caused to withdraw, and the toe-stretching and smoothing
pad 23 is caused to lift by actuating mechanism, shown in Figures 2 and 4,
Plate 2, and is somewhat different from that described, but as it operates to per-
form the same duties this actuating mechanism need not be specifically described.
The girth-supporting fingers 24, which close over the ball of the last, are pivotted
at 25 to a support 26, and are each provided with a downwardly projecting arın 27,
and a spring 28 is arranged to act, against the end of the said arm in depressing
the end of the finger supporting the straps 29. This construction provides auto-
matic vertical adjustment at the ends of the girth-supporting fingers, by, which

page_text: they accomodate themselves to any inequalities of the last's surface or any unusual
tension upon the girth without roughening the insole, or breaking. The springs
must be sufficiently powerful not to be compressed until the strain on the end of
the girth-supporting fingers is enough almost to break the fingers, as it is necessary
that the girth-supporting fingers nearest the toe should be stiff enough when shut
upon the insole, in some instances, to hold the last in the right position in relation
to the toe-lasting plate when the toe downhold is withdrawn, and before the toe-
lasting plates are advanced, as may be the case with some lasting machines. The
girth-supporting fingers at or near the shank may be simply pivotted as shown
at 30.
The fingers are further provided with a longitudinal adjustment at their girth-
bearing ends, so that the same number of fingers, when separated, may answer with
the same girth in lasting at least five sizes without change. This longitudinal
adjustment may be effected by means of a spring 31 arranged to bear against the
end of a finger, pivotted as shewn in Figure 1, Plate 2, to force it away from the
end of the next finger, thereby lengthening the line on which the girth acts. But
a better construction would be to so shape the fingers that they may shut into each
other against spring pressure, if desired, by the closing of the toe and heel carriages.
In some instances the upper surface of the girth can be protected by a leather or
other apron, one on each side of the girth, fastened to the top thereof only, and
another laid loosely under the flaps of said apron, as shown in Figure 8, Plate 2.
The operation of this Invention is as follows:-The last, with the upper thereon,
is placed under the downholds, and the toe and main supports are then raised to
firmly clamp the last in position. The side-lasting mechanism is then operated to
draw, smooth, and fit the upper to the sides of the last, and fold the edge upon the
insole. The toe and heel lasting mechanism are then adjusted so that the plane of
the oscillating plate shall be as nearly parallel as possible with the plane of that
portion of the surface of the last upon which they are designed to operate, and the
necessary adjustment to secure this position of the toe-lasting devices, as well as to
secure the proper conformation of the lower set of plates to the surface upon which
they are to close is then made. The downholds and abutments are then withdrawn
simultaneously with the upward movement of the toe-stretching and smoothing
pad, which is followed by the closing of the upper plate, the shutting of the lower
plates, and by the withdrawal of the upper plates, leaving the holes in the lower
plates exposed for the purpose of tacking in uniting the margin of the upper to the
insole.
The advantages of the various adjustments herein described are very great. I
am enabled by them to secure, it may be said, almost universal adjustability and
conformation of the converging folding plates to that portion of the surface of the
last upon which they are intended to operate, so that whatever the surface of the
last at that point may be, and whatever its width, whether it is inclined regularly
from the ball of the last to the toe, or whether it is additionally inclined from the
median line extended from the ball of the last to the toe towards each edge,
whether it be lower upon one side or upon the other, or whatever inequality there
may be upon the surface of the last, upon their proper adjustment the side-lasting
appliances act with uniformity and precision in breaking down and folding the edge
of the upper upon the insole.
By using the jack shown in Plate 1, a last can be inserted in the machine without
the use of the spindle, which results in a saving of time.
Although in the toe-lasting mechanism shewn and described in Plate 1, the upper
converging plates are shown and described as advancing and completing the work
before the closing of the under set of plates, and are then withdrawn, and although
the lower folding plates are provided with differential motions, it is not intended
that this Invention shall be confined to this particular manner of operation, neither
is it intended that it shall be confined to their use in combination with the
mechanism shown or with the adjustments given, but they may be used upon any
portion of the last in folding the upper thereon where it may be desirable to break

page_text: over and fold the edge of the upper upon the insole by duplex folding plates provided
with suitable adjustments.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondents, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,-
First. In a machine for lasting the uppers of boots and shoes the improved jack,
consisting of the vertically adjustable toe rest and the main rest or support, of
sufficient length to include the fore block of a last, thereby preventing the slipping
of the same while the lasting is in progress, and supporting both the fire block and
heel, and provided with means for vertical adjustment in relation to the heel down-
hold, all as above described.
Second. A longitudinally rocking rest, either with or without means for vertical
adjustment, as above described.
Third. The combination of a toe rest with a main rest, each provided with means
for vertical adjustment in relation to the toe and heel downholds of a lasting
machine, as and for the purposes set forth.
Fourth. The combination of a toe rest and main rest, or either of them, with
suitable connecting mechanism and the actuating lever, whereby the said rests are
simultaneously operated, and the adjustable cam, with the sector for adjusting the
lift of the said toe rest, all as and for the purposes set forth.
Fifth. The combination of a downhold, having a horizontal or approximately hori-
zontal movement, and the abutment, with mechanism for simultaneously operating
the said downhold and abutment, whereby the downhold is moved downward and
backward upon the surface of the last, but not entirely removed therefrom, and the_
abutment is moved backward sufficiently-to allow of the upward movement of the
toc-stretching and smoothing pad between it and the said downhold, the said toe-
stretching and smoothing pad being arranged to be operated upon the withdrawal
of the abutment, as above described.
Sixth. A duplex system of folding plates for breaking down and turning over the
upper upon the last's bottom, one set of such folding plates being adapted to par-
tially turn over the margin of an upper upon the last's bottom, and the lower set of
folding plates being adapted by their closing to completely finish the turning over
and plaiting of the upper upon the insole, as and for the purpose set forth.
Seventh. The combination of one pair or more of converging plates, with two
pairs or more of converging folding plates arranged immediately below the said first
pair in such a manner that the first pair shall operate over the joints occurring between
each of the second pairs, as shown and described.
Eighth. The combination of three pairs of converging folding plates, the upper
pair closing first to partially turn over the margin of an upper upon the insole, the
lower pairs having different movements in relation to each other, as and for the
purpose described.
Ninth. The combination of a suitable jack for firmly supporting the last and
device for holding it thereon, with two pairs of converging folding plates, the outer
pair being provided with a quicker movement than the inner pair, and also with one
set arranged over the other to partially turn over the margin of an upper upon the
insole, and the lower set to complete the folding and to operate after the said upper
set, all as and for the purposes described.
Tenth. A duplex system of folding plates, so operated that the first and upper set
shall partially turn over and plait the edge of an upper upon the insole; the second
and under set shall complete said folding and plaiting, and the upper set shall then
withdraw, as and for the purpose described.
Eleventh. A pair of folding plates, with a longitudinal tipping movement, and the
combination of two pairs of converging folding plates, the outer plates of which
have a longitudinal tipping movement in relation to the inner plates, and are pro-
vided with means for transverse adjustment in relation to each other, all as and for
the purposes specified.

page_text: Twelfth. The combination of a duplex series or two pairs of folding plates, pro-
vided with means for vertical adjustment upon an elliptic curve having the extreme
point of the abutment as a centre, as above described.
Thirteenth. The combination of a suitable lasting jack, with an abutment, the
extreme end of which forms a centre in determining the relation of the folding plates
to that portion of the surface of a last upon which they are designed to close, as
above described.
Fourteenth. The combination of a suitable jack for 'supporting a last, a toe-
stretching and smoothing pad, provided with an upward vertical movement, a mov-
able abutment, and 'two or more converging folding plates, when said plates, abut-
ment, and toe-stretching and smoothing pad are provided with vertical adjustment
upon the arc of an ellipse, having 'the extreme end of 'the abutment as a moving
centre, substantially as shown and described.
Fifteenth. The combination of an oscillating plate for supporting the mechanism
operating the converging folding plates, 'the downhold, the abutment, and the toe-
stretching and smoothing pad, with a carriage for lifting 'the said plate upon the arc
of an ellipse, of which the extreme end of the abutment is the centre, as
described.
'Sixteenth. The combination of a carriage for supporting the oscillating plate with
the lever M and the slotted lever N, each pivotted as shewn and operated by the
screw O, as' and 'for the purposes described.
Seventeenth. The 'combination of the lever N, pivotted as shown, and operating
the lever M, provided with the guides m and the nut M¹ with the operating screw O,
as and for the purposes described.
Eighteenth. The combination of the edge cam groove d, suitable connecting
mechanisin, and the toe-stretching and smoothing pad, as above described.
Nineteenth. The combination of the cam groove, the levers pivotted to the oscil-
lating plate G, as shown, and operating movable 'bars on the sleeve, with the con-
verging folding plates E, and sliding bars e having suitable bearings in plates, as
shewn and described.
Twentieth. The combination of the cam groove, the levers pivotted upon the
oscillating plates G, as shown, and operating the collars with the plates F, and the
sliding rods having bearings in the brackets g and in the sleeve, and guides in the
slotted projection, as and for the purpose described.
Twenty-first. The combination of the cam grooves f8, the lever pivotted to the
plate G, as 'shown, and operating through the collar, the converging lasting or folding
plates F, with the hinges or connecting plates F', which operate the levers f¹, laying
lold 'of, and pivotted to the sleeves, caps, or barrels at the end of the rods F³, with the
outer converging folding plates F, and the rods, provided with bearings in the
brackets, as shown and described.
Twenty-second. The combination of the rod F³, provided with the guide with
means for partially revolving the same in either direction, and with set screws and
brackets, as described.
Twenty-third. The combination of a duplex series of converging folding plates,
one set for breaking down and partially folding the edges of the upper upon the
insole, and the other set for finishing and folding with the cains, and suitable con-
necting mechanism for operating the said converging folding plates, as above set
forth.
Twenty-fourth. The combination of a duplex series of folding plates, the upper
set of which partially breaks over and folds the edge of the upper upon the last, and
the lower set of which completes such folding when the upper plates are withdrawn,
after the said lower plates are closed, and when said lower plates are perforated, as
shown, and 'for the purposes described.
Twenty-fifth. The combination of a heel centreing foot or plate, adopted to auto-
matically adjust the heel or toe-lasting mechanism to the slope of the surface of said
insole, with mechanism for folding the upper upon the said surface of said insole, 'as
and for the purpose described.

page_text: Twenty-sixth. An automatic adjusting heel downhold, as and for the purpose
described.
Twenty-seventh. The combination of a reciprocating downhold, with a toe or heel
lasting mechanism, as above described.
Twenty-eighth. The combination of a heel downhold, with devices for folding the
upper upon the insole, when the same acts as a guide and support in directing and
assisting the action of the folding mechanism, as set forth.
Twenty-ninth. The combination of a centreing foot and a toe or heel downhold
alternately actuated, and which centreing foot or plate is adapted to automatically
adjust the folding plates on a plane with the bottom of the last, as and for the
purposes specified.
Thirtieth. The combination of an adjustable carriage, provided with means for
supporting an oscillating plate, carrying the toe or heel lasting mechanism, as above
described.
Thirty-first. A downhold, provided with a horizontal movement parallel or
approximately parallel with the plane of the insole, followed by a descending move-
ment upon the same, in combination with folding plates for plaiting the upper upon
the insole or bottom of the last, for the purpose set forth.
Thirty-second. The combination of the spring fingers for operating the heel
clamping pad, with the cross heads adapted to operate the same as shown and
described.
Thirty-third. A toe rest, supported by a universal joint, and provided with auto-
matic lateral, longitudinal, and vertical adjustment, and arranged in combination
with toe-lasting mechanism, and adapted to be raised by the lift of the cross heads,-
all as and for the purposes set forth.
Thirty-fourth. The combination of an abutment and a toe-stretching and smooth-
ing pad, obliquely actuated, as and for the purpose set forth.
Thirty-fifth. The toe-lasting and folding plates, provided with spring clamps, and
adapted to close upon the ends of the toe-stretching and smoothing pad simul-
taneously with the closing of the folding plates, as and for the purposes set forth.
Thirty-sixth. A girth-supporting finger, provided with automatic vertical adjust-
ment at its end, and the combination of the same, with a spring of sufficient power
to relieve a severe strain upon the ends of the finger, as above described.
Thirty-seventh. The combination of a girth or straps for shaping and clamping
an upper
to a last, with girth-supporting fingers, provided with means for longitu
dinal adjustment, whereby the length of the girth may be increased or diminished
to the length of the last, as above set forth.
Thirty-eighth. The combination of a girth-supporting finger, having longitudinal
adjustment, with automatic means for regulating the extent of said adjustment by
the closing of the toe and heel carriage, as above set forth.
Thirty-ninth. In a machine for lasting the uppers of boots and shoes, the combi-
nation of automatic toc-lasting mechanism, provided with either or all of the
adjustments above described, the girth or strap, side-lasting mechanism, provided
with one or more of the various adjustments herein set forth, and automatic heel-
lasting devices having either or all of the adjustments herein set forth.
Fourticth. In a lasting machine the oscillating toe or heel lasting mechanism,
adapted to be automatically adjusted by the slope of the insole, for the purpose set
forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Seventeenth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and coventy nina