Improvements in Machinery for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Mar., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 4th Dec., 1895-Accepted, 4th Jan., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
We, WILLIAM HAIGH, JOHN HAIGH, and ARTHUR HAIGH, of Buslingthorpe,
Leeds, in the County of York, Wholesale Boot Mauufacturers, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to improvements in the mechanism and arrange-
ment of machinery for lasting boots and shoes; and has for its object the
production of a machine by which the necessary work may be accomplished in a
superior manner and in a shorter time than heretofore; and, that, in a machine
which is applicable to a last of any size. In using the term last, herein, we
mean one together with the "in-sole" and "upper" in position ready for
operating on.
Our machine has two operating heads, so mounted, on a suitable table, that
they may be each adjusted thereon to suit the length of the last to be used.
One head is used for the toe and the other for the heel, and, with the exception of
minor modifications on this account, both heads are similar in their mechanism.
The two heads, being independently mounted, permit of their being adjusted and
fixed at different levels to best suit the form of last in use.
Mounted on the same table as the heads, and in a suitable intermediate position
relative to the heel-head, is the last-pivot, which, besides being adjustable for
height, is arranged on a compound slide so that it adjusts itself automatically to
the position most suitable for lasts for "rights" and "lefts."
The toe-head is fitted with a recess for the reception of blocks having different
shapes of toes; and to ensure a firm fixing and true bedding of the last, and its
toe, in position, an overhead cramping-down bar, having a flat head provided with
a small central point (to prevent slipping), is brought to bear on the top of the
last in the neighbourhood of its toc.
Each operating head is fitted with opening and closing jaws whose duty when
closing is to fold the projecting fringe of the upper over the insole. The opening
and closing motion, which is rapid in the extreme, is obtained by throwing a lever
over, from one side to the other, through an angle of 180 degrees or so; the said
Lever working a multiple threaded screw, which, in the act of opening, impels an
operating nut forward towards the centre of the last. This nut carries in front
of it a narrow projecting tongue which folds inward the central portion of the
fringe one tongue acting on the heel, and the other (in the other head) on the
toe. Further, this operating nut carries two studs, arranged right and left
respectively, which project upward and through certain U shaped levers, whose
fixed fulcra lie to the opposite sides, that is, left and right respectively.
These special positions of the fixed and actuating studs together with the form
of the levers (whose jaws are suitably formed for stroking inwards the fringe of
the upper) give these levers, as the actuating nut moves forward, an advancing
and closing motion. This motion, together with that of the advancing tongue
beforementioned, completes the folding over of the fringe in the exact manner
required. The levers are, in the main, flat, and have suitable holes near the edges
of their jaws to permit the usual tacks to be driven.
On the flats of the levers, rollers are arranged to
in proper position; and pedal actions are used for
roller pressures which are brought about by springs.
press down, so as to keep all
regulating or relieving these
The pedal action is specially

page_text: arranged so as not to interfere with the freedom of adjustments required for
different sizes of lasts.
The table before mentioned is mounted on suitable supports so that the operators
can stand close up to their work, and so reach the various levers, etc., with
promptitude. Fixed to the table on each side are short pillars, or the like, which
serve as fulcra for side levers which carry pincers for drawing the sides of the
fringe over the insole. Each side lever is made with adjustments for effecting
various results, and double nuts are used for regulating the pincer-connections as
to length, etc. These side levers may be worked by pedal or by hand action as
thought desirable.
Dated this 28th day of March 1895.
WM. SNOWDON,
9 Old Bank Chambers, Leeds, Yorks, Agent for the Applicants.
Improvements in Machinery for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
We, WILLIAM HAIGH, JOHN HAIGH, and ARTHUR HAIGH, of Buslingthorpe,
Leeds, in the County of York, Wholesale Boot Manufacturers, 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 :-
This invention has reference to improvements in the mechanism and arrange-
ment of machinery for lasting boots and shoes, and has for its object the
production of a machine by which the necessary work may be accomplished in
a superior manner and in a shorter time than heretofore; and, that, in a machine
which is applicable to a last of any size. In using the term last, herein, we
mean one together with the "in-sole
" and <<
upper" in position ready for
operating on.
In order to fully describe our invention we have annexed two drawings, on the
former of which Fig. 1 is an end elevation of a machine incorporating our
improvements; Fig. 2 is a corresponding side clevation, partly in section ;
Fig. 3 is a cross section showing the compound last-pivot, and a mode of
actuating the pincers by pedals; and Fig. 34 is a plan having reference to a
special arrangement of part of Fig. 3. Ön Sheet 2, Fig. 4 is a plan; Fig. 5 a
similar plan with the heads, etc., removed in order to show underlying details;
Fig. 6, another plan, showing arrangements of pedals; Fig. 7 a plan of a toe
head with jaws or wiper-plates removed to show the closed positions of the parts
below; Fig. 8 a similar plan showing the jaws or wiper-plates open; and Fig. 9 is
an end elevation, partly in section, of the toe head, and cramping-down bar, viewed
from the heel position. The same letters refer to the same parts, or their
equivalents, in all the figures.
Our machine has two operating heads, A and B, so mounted, on a suitable
table C, that they may be cach adjusted thereon to suit the length of the last, D,
to be used. One head A is used for the toe, and the other B for the heel; and,
with the exception of minor modifications on this account, both heads are similar.
in their mechanism. The two heads, being independently mounted, (in sockets
at A and B), permit of their being adjusted and fixed at different levels to best
suit the form of last in use; see adjusting screws A³, B³, and set-screws A, B, in
Fig. 2, for vertical adjustments; and wheels A, B, and racks A, B, with set-
screws A, B, for longitudinal movement, for which latter movement a suitable
groove is provided in the table C.
Mounted on the same table as the heads, and in a suitable intermediate position
relative to the heel-head, is the last-pivot E, which, besides being adjustable for

page_text: height, by the set-screw E¹, is arranged on a compound slide so that it adjusts
itself automatically in its horizontal plane to the position most suitable for lasts
for "rights" and "lefts." This compound slide is clearly shown in Figs. 2, 3
and 5, where its longitudinal slide is fitted in the foot of the socket B'; but this
arrangement is optional, as the main longitudinal slide in the table itself is equally
open to receive it.
The toe-head A is fitted with a recess F for the reception of blocks having
different shapes of toes; and to ensure a firm fixing and true bedding of the
last, and its toe, in position, an overhead cramping-down bar G, having a flat head
provided with a small central point, or other equivalent (to prevent slipping) is
brought to bear on the top of the last in the neighbourhood of its toe. Instead
of blocks of different shapes being inserted at F, blocks may be fitted with a
central hinge at F1, with set-screws F, F, at each side for closing the same to the
requisite position. When such appliances are used a further set-screw F³ is
arranged to raise and lower a pad F so as to complete the cage for the toe. The
bar G which is mounted on an arm G', radiating from the pillar G² fixed on and
adjusted along the table C, should be so situated that the bar may be conveniently
pushed to one side when done with.
66
Each operating head is fitted with opening and closing jaws or wiper-
plates A, B, whose duty when closing is to fold the projecting fringe of the
upper" over the "insole." The opening and closing motion, which is rapid in
the extreme, is obtained by throwing a lever A, B, over, from one side to the
other, through an angle of 180 degrees or so; the said lever working a multiple
threaded screw, A1, B10, which, in the act of closing the wiper-plates impels an
operating nut A", B", forward towards the centre of the last. This nut carries
in front of it a narrow projecting tongue which folds inward the central portion of
the fringe one tongue acting on the heel, and the other (in the other head) on the
toe, see A2 Fig. 7. Further, this operating nut, see Figs. 2, 4, 7 and 8, carries
two studs, A, B1³, arranged right and left of the centre line, respectively, which
project upward and through certain U shaped levers, jaws, or wiper plates A, B,
whose fixed fulcra A, B, lie to the opposite sides, that is, left and right
respectively.
These special positions of the fixed and actuating studs, together with the form
of the levers (whose jaws are suitably formed for stroking inwards the fringe of
the "upper"), give these levers and their jaws, as the actuating nut moves
forward, an advancing and closing motion. This motion, together with that of the
advancing tongue beforementioned, completes the folding over of the fringe in
the exact manner required. One lever spans across the other where they would
otherwise foul one another. The jaws or wipers are shown closed in Fig. 4; and
open in Fig. 8; when half open the studs A¹13 and A1 will be found in a line, this
arrangement reducing to a minimum the versed sine arising out of the cross move-
ment; as it is, the holes may require to be eased somewhat. The tongues A¹², B",
are springs striving to lift the overhead jaw-levers.
On the flats of the jaw levers, rollers, A6, B1, are arranged to press down, so
as to keep all io proper position; and pedal actions are used for relieving these
roller pressures which are brought about by springs A", B". The pedal action is
specially arranged so as not to interfere with the freedom of adjustments required
for different sizes of lasts. The rollers are arranged on cross shafts A2, B18,
whose ends are carried by guided crossheads A1, B1, into which are screwed the
vertical rods A", B; these rods which are each held down by springs (adjustable
by nuts at A20, B20) are continued down to adjustable cross bars A2, B2, which,
respectively, connect them together. On either side of the machine the pedal
levers J and K actuate, through rods J' and K', the levers J2 and K³, which bear
on the centre of the crossbars last mentioned. By adjusting the nuts of the
crossbars, A and B", the levers J2 and K2 are kept horizontal, and therefore
capable of acting, by reason of their length, on the crossbars in all positions to
which they may be adjusted. The underneath arrangement of the adjustable

page_text: springs A, B, leaves the top of the machine in undisturbed possession of the
operator's arms.
The table C heforementioned is mounted on suitable supports L, L, so that the
operator can stand close up to his work, and so reach the various levers, etc., with
promptitude. Fixed to the table on each side are brackets M and N which serve
as fulcra for side levers, M¹ and N', which carry pincers M and N2 for drawing
the sides of the fringe over the "insole." Each side lever is made with adjustments
for effecting various results, and double nuts are used for regulating the pincer-
connections as to length, etc.
These side levers "M' and N are worked by pedals O and P. The plan of
working from the pedals O and P is important as by this arrangement the machine
is under the complete control of a single operator who has no occasion to move
from his front position. In Fig. 6 the pedals O and P, which have their fulcra
at O and P, are shown brought into line with the other pedals J and K at the
front of the machine. In Fig. 3, which is little more than a half section, a cord,
with a tightening arrangement, runs from P over the pulley P' to the tail end of
the side lever N₁, as shown; a similar cord, shown in Fig. 2, running from the
pedal lever O, over another pulley O³, to the tail end of the side lever M' in like
manner. The heads of the levers M¹ and N¹ have slots by which adjustment is
allowed in height, etc., for the crossbars M³, N³. An alternate mode of adjusting
the heads of these levers may be had by arranging their fulcra to adjust in slots in
the supporting brackets M and N. The crossbars M³ and N³ are of sufficient
length to allow the heads M' and N of the pincer connections to slide thereon as
required to the right or left hand. The pincers have tightening links as shown and
are connected with their head pieces by double nuts at M* No for adjusting purposes
as beforementioned. In arranging the positions of the heads of the levers M'
and N¹, and their pincer gears, care must be taken to provide length to allow the
pincers to be brought up into action in the direct path shown in the short are in
Fig. 3. As an alternative to the single levers M and N', independent levers may
be arranged in duplicate, with their tail ends harnessed together by a crossbar and
so led to the pedal cord, as shown in plan in Fig. 34, where n, n, are the separate
levers, n the harnessing crossbar, and n³ the pedal cord leading to the pulley.
On the left hand side of Fig. 6 an alternate arrangement of the pedal J is
sketched, showing that all four pedals may be brought between the standards of the
machine if required.
The tongue, A2, B12, may be arranged as a flattish spring, slipped over the
studs A, B, with an additional fixing stud, as shown in isolated plan in Fig. 7A.
The modus operandi is as follows:-The attendant begins by taking a last upon
which an insole has been fastened, and an upper has been drawn over at heel an:l
toe, and held by a single tack or so, to ensure correct position, and this he places
on the last-pivot as shown in Fig. 2, whilst the heel is enclosed in the recess in the
head B; this done he allows the toe to fall into the cup, or other equivalent cage,
in the head A, and brings down on it the pressing bar G until all is as firmly
cramped down as required. The open jaw-levers A, B, are then closed, turning
in, with the help of the advancing tongues, A2, B1, the fringe as shown in Fig. 4.
The pressing-bar G may now be removed as the last is firmly held down at each
end by the closed jaws which act as holding down plates. The pincers may now
be used in either order according to the judgement of the operator; supposing the
near one to be used first, the operator raises them and brings them up into position,
giving each a proper and proportionate hold on the fringe according to the position
into which it is to be drawn. This drawing forward of a set of pincers raises the
corresponding pedal, on which the operator then presses, drawing the fringe
inwards. By keeping the foot on the pedal, the stretched leather is held in position,
whilst both hands of the operator are at liberty for tacking. This done, the pedal
pressure is removed, and the pincers are allowed to swing downwards again. The
other set of pincers are now brought up into action, and are made to do the
corresponding work from the other side by the other pedal; the hands being again

page_text: 56
free for the purpose of tacking, whilst the pedal pressure holds all tight. The
projecting fringe at the heel and toe are now tacked down, the handles working
the jaw-levers are thrown back, and the last removed. The foregoing description
presupposes that the machine has been adjusted for the last, if however a change
(seldom required) has to be made to suit a different form or spring " of last, the
relative heights of the two heads may require attention in order that the angles of
the toe and heel may be met; means for this end have been explained, that is,
adjusting-screws A³, B³, and set-screws A, B₁. When a difficulty occurs in
closing either pair of jaws the corresponding pedal is slightly depressed, whereupon
the tongues A, B12, lift the jaws over the obstruction, the adjustments of the
bar A, B, having been properly made. The wheels A5, B5, with their set-
Screws A', B', are provided for making the adjustments requisite for different
lengths of lasts. The last-pivot, which is self-adjusting otherwise, is raised and
lowered by a screw E. The use of the double nuts Ms and N' on the pincer arms
have already been explained, as well as the nuts for the springs A20, B20 und
bars A", B; mention has also been made of a tightening arrangement as being
necessary on the pedal cords which stretch over the pullies O2, P2. Other adjust-
ments are those connected with the toe cage, F³ for raising the pad, and F², F³, for
closing the hinged sides. The pincer heads slide on the bars M, N, which latter
are adjustable either at the lever head or at their fulcra M and N. The position
of the pillar G is also adjustable in the slotted hole shown in Fig. 5.
It must be understood that the springs A", B", can be adjusted by their nuts so
as to give as heavy a pressure on the rollers as may be required to enable the closed
jaw levers to hold the last firmly down in position when under the side action of
the pincers.
;
In Fig. 5 numerous slots are shown in the table, usable for the following
purposes: Adjusting the pillar G2; allowing freedom to the spring-rods raised by
the bars A and B adjusting the side-lever brackets M and N; and the central
bracket carrying the pulleys 02, P2; suitable clamping plates and screws being
provided as may be required. In this fig. the brackets M and N are shown
specially arranged with their bolts (there may be more than one) brought into line
with the slots for the spring rods A1, B10.
It may be noted that the action of the jaw-levers, wipers, and holding-down
plates A, B, is a positive one, both in advancing and retiring; hence by arranging
wheels on the screw ends A, B1, alongside, or on, the handles A, B, together
with a suitable shaft and pinions (underneath), the opening and closing of one set
of jaws could be made to simultaneously actuate the other.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In a combined hand and pedal lasting machine, the combination of a table
(provided with suitable slots for adjustment and like purposes) arranged to receive
sliding pieces capable of being adjusted horizontally by racks and pinions, and
fixed by set-screws; the said sliding pieces being respectively fitted with hee! and
toe operating heads, adjusted vertically by suitable screws and fixed by set-screws;
the whole, with or without a compound last-pivot, being arranged and held in or
on the said table, together with a cramping-down pillar, in such a manner as to
allow free action for the pedals below, substantially as described and shown.
2. In a pedal fitted lasting machine, the linked pincers, in combination with side
levers, these latter being capable of standing (idle) by themselves in an upright
position ready for use, acted upon by pedals-whether fitted with double levers
(on each side) and compensating bar, or not-substantially as described and
shown.
3. In a lasting machine having its pincers controlled by the operator's pedal
power, the use of additional pedals for varying the pressure of the springs (arranged
in pairs at the sides of the operating heads) used for the purpose of holding down

page_text: the work during the process of tacking, the said pedals being brought to the front
of the machine and there arranged side by side with the pincer-pedals, substantially
as described and shown.
4. The jaw-levers, wipers, and holding-down plates A8, B8, with their fixed and
other actuating studs and gear, whether worked by multiple threaded screws or
not, and wheth r held down by the pressure rollers A1, B18, or not, substantially as
described and shown.
5. The elastic tongue A1, forming part of the jaw-lever wiping action, fixed to
and advancing with the actuating nut, substantially as described and shown.
6. The compound last pivot, with vertical adjusting screw, arranged for self-
adjustment horizontally, for right and left footed lasts, substantially as described
and shown.
7. The improved lasting machine with pedal actions, to supplement the manual
ones, arranged, constructed, and operated (for and by a single attendant),
substantially as described and shown.
Dated this 3rd day of December 1895.
WM.
SNOWDON,
9 Old Bank Chambers, Leeds, Yorks, Agent for the Applicants.