Improvements in Machines for Trimming the Heels and Soles of Boots and Shoes, and also the Rands and Welts thereof.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 26th May. 1896-Accepted, 29th Aug., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines for Trimming the Heels and Soles of
Boots and Shoes, and also the Rands and Welts thereof.
I, AMBROSE STEVENS VOSE, of 13 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts, United
States of America, Mechanic, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described aud
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to a machine more especially designed and adapted for:
trimining the heels of boots and shoes and also the rands thereof in one operation.
The heels of boots and shoes are usually of unequal length from the heel seat to the.
tread of the heel, and are longer at the back of the heel than at the breast of
the same, and this inequality in the length of the heel varies in different styles or
shapes of heels. Furthermore, the heels of shoes of the same lot, when made
of supposedly uniform thickness or length, vary in different shoes of the same style
or shape.
It has long been desired to obtain a machine with which the heels of boots and
shoes may be completely trimmed in one operation irrespective of the difference in
the length of the heel at its various parts, and prior to this invention, I am aware
that attempts have been made to accomplish this result, but so far as I am
aware these attempts have not been productive of practical and commercially
successful machines for the purpose desired.
In the machines known to me, with which the result desired has been attempted,
two knives or sets of knives and a movable rand-guard have been employed, one
knife or set of knives, called the rand knife or knives, being used in connection
with the rand-guard, which is movable bodily away from the top lift or tread end
of the heel, and which guard normally covers the heel seat portion of the heel
cutter, the said rand knife being axially movable between the knives or blades of
the main or heel cutter.
This invention has for its object to provide a heel trimming machine with which
the heel and the rand thereof may be trimmed in one operation, and in accordance
with this invention, I employ a rotary cutter provided with knives or blades
preferably of substantially the width of the heel edge at its narrowest portion,
namely at its breast, and with rand-knives, an automatically yielding top-lift guide,
one or more auxiliary knives suitably connected to the top-lift guide to be moved
therewith so as to practically form extensions of the main heel trimming knives or
blades, and a rand-guard, which enters the rand-crease and forms a solid abutment
for the heel-seat end of the beel, so that, as the said heel is turned in the operation
of trimming, the top-lift or tread end of the heel will force backward the top-lift
guide and move the auxiliary knives or cutters into a different plane of rotation,.,
further removed from the rand-guard, whereby the longer portions of the heel may
be trimmed by the conjoint action of the main and auxiliary knives or blades
occupying different positions with relation to each other, so that the entire edge of
the heel may be trimmed in a smooth and finished manner in one operation. The
automatically yielding top-lift guide may and preferably will be adjustably
supported, so as to be moved radially with relation to the cutter-carrying shaft in
two directions substantially at right angles to each other, and the said auxiliary
knives are also preferably adjustable for a purpose as will be described.
The main heel-trimming blades or knives may and preferably will be provided
with rand-knives, and the cutter head may and preferably will be provided with,

page_text: additional rand-knives or blades attached to the cutter head between adjacent heel
trimming knives or blades, and the said additional rand-knives may be of a novel
construction as will be described.
These and other features of this invention will be pointed out in the claims at
the end of this specification.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a heel-trimming machine embodying this invention,
showing the various parts in what may be termed their normal position.
Fig. 2, a front elevation of the left hand. part or half of the machine shown in
Fig. 1, with the top-lift guide and the auxiliary knives moved back into the
position occupied by them when the back of the heel is being trimmed.
Fig. 3, a top or plan view of the left hand portion or half of the machine shown
in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4,,a detail in end elevation with the cutter removed from Fig. 1, looking
toward the right.
Fig. 5, a detail in section and elevation and on an enlarged scale to be
referred to.
Fig. 6, a front or side elevation of the rotary cutter shown in Fig. 5 looking
toward the right.
Fig. 7, a rear side elevation of the rotary cutter shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
Fig. 8, a detail in front elevation of one form of holder or carrier for the
auxiliary knives or blades.
Fig. 9, a perspective of the holder or carrier and its auxiliary knives shown in
Fig. 8 and on an enlarged scale, and
Figs. 10 to 15, modifications to be referred to, and
Fig. 16, a perspective of the rand-knife shown in Figs. 12 to 15 inclusive.
In the machine herein shown as embodying this invention, A represents a yoke-
shaped frame provided with arms a al having bearings a 2 a 3 for a main or
cutter shaft a 4, provided with a pulley a 5 intermediate of the said bearings, and
with a fly or balance wheel a 6, the said shaft being preferably provided with
oppositely extended tapering journals substantially as shown and described in
British Patent No. 8084 dated April 23, 1895. The shaft at beyond the
bearing a 3 is preferably provided with a cylindrical extension a 7 and a tapered
end a 8, upon which latter is fitted a rotary heel cutter A1 preferably of a con-
struction herein shown and as will now be described. The rotary heel cutter A 1
consists of a cutter head or annular body or wheel a 10 provided with a central
bore, made tapering for a portion of its length to fit the tapered end a 8 of the
shaft a 4, the said body or wheel having cylindrical flanges or hubs a 12 a 13 (see
Fig. 5) upon which are fitted rings a 14 a 15. The body or wheel a 10 of the
cutter is made as herein shown of a width substantially equal to the thickness or
height of the heel at its breast, and its outer circumference or periphery is made
of a curvature or shape which substantially conforms to the shape it is desired the
finished heel should have, and the said periphery is provided with transverse or
axial slots a 16, which extend into the hody or wheel a 10, and into which are
inserted heel trimming knives or blades a 17.
The knives or blades a 17 are provided with a cutting edge a 18 and preferably
with a re-entrant portion, a 19, which co-operates with the slot a 16 to form an
enlarged clearance for the leather or other chips trimmed off from the heel. The
knives or blades a 17 may and preferably will be simultaneously and individually
adjustable out and into their slots a 16, after the manner shown and described in
British Patent No. 18,295 dated October 1, 1895, namely, by means of the
ring a 15 having suitable openings or slots into which extend screws a 20,
eccentrically mounted in the blades or knives a 17. The knives are held in their
adjusted position, as herein shown, by means of a flanged nut a 21, having a screw-
threaded shank which engages screw threads on the interior of the hub a 13 as
clearly shown in Fig. 5. The knives or blades a 17 may be adjusted by unscrewing
the clamping nut a 21 and turning the ring a 15, so that their cutting edges a 18
will be substantially flush.with or project slightly beyond the periphery of the body

page_text: or wheel a 10, which preferably constitutes a bed for the rotary cutter. The blades
or knives a 17 constitute what may be designated the main beel-trimming knives,
and, if desired, each of the said knives may be provided at one end with a lip a 22
constituting a rand cutter or knife, and the periphery of the body or wheel a 10
may also be provided with a lip a 23, which, in practice, constitutes a bed for the
rand knife or cutter a 22. The cutter head A 1 may be secured to the cutter
shaft a 4 by the threaded bolt a 50. The body or wheel a 10 and the main trimming
knives a 17 carried thereby, may and preferably will be made of a width substantially
equal to the length of the heel at its narrowest point, namely, at its breast; and in
order that heels of varying shapes and sizes, which usually are made longer at the
back of the heel than at the breast, may be trimmed and randed in one operation,
I have provided one or more auxiliary heel trimming knives or blades b, co-operating
with that portion of the main kuives a 17, which acts upon the top lift or tread end
of the heel, the said auxiliary knives being automatically adjustable or movable
with relation to the rotary cutter A 1, so as to compensate for a variation in the
height of the heel.
In the present instance, the auxiliary heel-trimming knives.or cutters b, herein
shown as two in number but which may be of any desired number, are secured to a
carrier or holder which is automatically movable with the top-lift guide or
guard 61, in a manner as will now be described.
In the present instance, the carrier or holder for the auxiliary heel trimming
knives is shown as a ring 62, provided with radially extended arms 63 64 to which
the auxiliary heel trimming kuives b are removably and adjustably secured. In the
present instance, the arms 63 64 of the carrier are represented as each provided
with a dove-tailed slot 65 (see Fig. 9), into which is litted a dove-tailed base 66
frun which projects an arm or shank 67, having secured to or forming part of it the
auxiliary cutter b. The bases 66 of the auxiliary cutters or knives may and
preferably will be adjustably secured to the radial arms 63 64 of the carrier, by
means of threaded pins or screws 68, provided with an eccentric collar or hub x
(see Fig. 5) which rotates within an opening or hole in the base b 6, the said pin cr
screw being provided with a head 69 at one end, which bears against the base b 6,
and with a nut &10 at its opposite end, which bears against the radial arm as
clearly shown in Figs. 5, 8 and 9. By unloosening the nut 10, the screw.or
pin 68 may be turned so as to rotate the eccentric hub 6x, and thereby move the
base 66 for the auxiliary cutter, toward and away from the center of the ring 62.
The carrier for the auxiliary beel cutting knives b as above stated, is movable
bodily with relation to the rotary heel cutter A. 1, and this result may be effected
as herein shown, by connecting the said carrier to the top-lift guard or guide 61,
which connection may be effected after the manuer herein shown and as will now be
described.
The top lift guide or guard 61 is provided with an annular ledge or rim 615 and
with a beveled annular surface & 16 against which the top-lift rests, and the guide
or guard in the present instance is connected by arms 617 to a hub 6 18, which is
loosely mounted on an annular projection or sleeve 19, secured to or forming part
of au upright support or bar 620, which is preferably radially movable in two
directions with relation to the cylindrical extension a 7 of the cutter carrying
shaft a 4 in a manner as will be described.
The sleeve 619 encircles a sleeve 21 (see Fig. 5) which is loosely fitted upon
the cylindrical extension a7 of the cutter shaft, and which as herein shown is provided
at one end, termed the inner end, with an annular fange 622, which annular Hange
is of reduced diameter at its front end, to form an annular groove into which is
extended an annular ring b 23 secured to or forming part of the ring 62 of the
auxiliary cutter carrier, as clearly shown in Fig. 9, the ring 623 being separated
from the ring 2 to leave an annular groove b 24, located, in its operative.
position under the flange b22 on the sleeve b21, and into which groove locking
devices are adapted to project to secure the auxiliary cutter carrier to the
sleeve 621, so that when the sleeve 621 is moved longitudinally on the

page_text: cylindrical extension a 7 of the cutter shaft, the auxiliary cutter carrier will
also be moved with it, but which annular groove & 24 permits the auxiliary cutter
carrier to be rotated without producing rotation of the sleeve b 21. The auxiliary
'cutter carrier may be locked to the sleeve 6 21 in any suitable or desired manner,
and in the present instance, I have represented the same as locked by means of
pawls or levers 630, herein shown as two in number (see Fig. 4) and located
substantially diametrically opposite to each other, and pivoted as at 631 in suitable
slots or openings in the flange 22 of the sleeve 621, the said pawls or levers being
adapted to be pressed forward so as to project into the groove b 24 of the auxiliary
cutter carrier, as represented in Fig. 4, by means of suitable springs 632 or in any
other suitable manner. The pawls 6 30 are capable of being moved on their pivots
so as to disengage the cutter carrier from the sleeve b21, when it is desired to
remove the auxiliary cutter carrier from the machine, as for instance, for the
purpose of grinding or replacing the auxiliary cutting blades or knives b. The
sleeve b 21 is designed to be moved longitudinally on the cutter shaft or rather on
the cylindrical extension a 7 of the same, and to effect this result, the said sleeve is
connected in a suitable manner with the sleeve 619. This connection may be
effected in any suitable or desired manner, and in the present instance, it is
represented as effected by means of keys or pins 635 (see Figs. 1 and 2), which
extend through slots in the support 6 20, and into an annular groove b 36 in the
end of the sleeve 21. The fastening pins 35 do not project into the said annular
groove 636 its entire depth, but only sufficient to effect a positive connection
between the sleeve 21 and the support 620, and so as to leave an opportunity for
the support 620 and its sleeve 619 to be moved radially with relation to the
cylindrical extension a 7 and the sleeve b21, which latter is normally separated from
the inner circumference of the sleeve b 19 by an annular space 6 38.
The radial movement of the sleeve 619 and thereby of the hub b 18 for the top-
lift guide, may and preferably will be effected as will be hereinafter described.
In order that the auxiliary cutters 6 may be moved back away from the heel seat
of the shoe simultaneously with the top-lift guide 61, the auxiliary cutters & in the
normal position of the top-litt guide b 1, which normal position is represented in
Figs. 1, 3 and 5, extend into suitable shaped slots, cavities or pockets c, made in
the body or wheel a 10 of the rotary cutter A 1, preferably between the slots
in which are located the main blades or knives a 17, which pockets or openings c as
.shown in Figs. 3.and 5 extend from the rear face or side of the cutter head or
body a 10, but partially across the periphery of the same.....
The cutting edges or cutters. proper of the auxiliary knives extend outwardly
. above or beyond their arms 67, so that the top-lift guide 61 may encircle the said
arms and bring the annular flange 15 substantially flush with the cutting edges of
the main cutter a 17 and the auxiliary cutters 6, when the latter are in their
operative position, which may be when they are in their sockets c, so that they act
upon the heel when in the said sockets and continue to act upon the said heel when
drawn out of their sockets into the position represented in Fig. 2. The ring a 14,
which is secured to the body or wheel a 10 by the screws cl (see Fig. 7), aud
which is employed to confine the knives a 17 in their slots against side movement,
is also provided with a cut-out portion 2, which registers with and practically
forms part of the sockets or pockets c in the cutter head or wheel a 10. The
auxiliary knives and their carrier are rotated in unison with the rotary cutter A 1,
aud this result may be effected as herein shown by means of pins or rods c 3, c 4,
(see Figs. 5 and 9), fast to the radial arms b3 64 of the carrier and extended into
sockets e6 e 7 in the cutter head, the said rods also extending through suitable
holes c 8 c 9 in the plate a 14, which holes are in line with the sockets c6 c7. The
pins or rods c3 c4 also serve as guide pins, to guide the carrier and its cutting
knives in the longitudinal movement of the carrier away from the cutter head.or
wheel a 10. The cutter head on its front or heel seat end, may and preferably
will be provided in its outer face with suitably inclined slots 12 (see Figs. 5
:.and 6), into which are placed rand-knives e 13, which may and preferably will be

page_text: connected to the adjustable ring a 15 by an eccentric screw or connection 14 of a
similar construction to the eccentric connection a 20, and the said rand-knife on its
front face may be cut out as at c 15, and the front wall of the slot. c 12 may also be
cut out as at c 16 to form a clearance for the chips. The rand-knives c 13 may alone
be relied upon to do the "randing" or trimming of the rand, in which case, the
rand-knife or edge a 22 on the main cutting knife or blade a 17 may be dispensed
with, or both may be employed as herein represented, or the auxiliary rand-
knife c 13, when preferred, may also be dispensed with and the rand edge or knife c 22
be relied upon. By means of the eccentric connection c 14, the rand-knife c 13 may
be adjusted independently of the main heel-trimming knives a 17, and it also may be
adjusted simultaneously with the said heel-trimming kuives. The rand-knives a 22 c13
may have co-operating with them a hollow rand-guard d, the edge of which is designed
to run in the rand-crease or space between the heel seat and the upper, and when in
its operative position, the said rand-guard is stationary with relation to the rotary
cutter A 1, and forms an abutinent for the heel seat end of the heel, as the latter
in the operation of trimming a shoe is turned so as to present its complete edge to
the operating or cutting knives. The hollow or recessed rand-guard has its
body portion provided with suitable openings or chip outlets d*. The rand-
guard d is supported so as to be capable of being removed from proximity to the
rotary cutter A 1, when it is desired to gain access to the said cutter, and in
the present instance, the rand-guard d is shown as rotatably supported in a hub
or sleeve d attached to the arm d 2 (see Fig. 3), secured to or forming part of
a piston d 4 longitudinally movable in a cylinder d 5, the said piston being provided
with a key or projection d6, which is extended up into a slot d7 in the
cylinder d5, the said piston being adapted to be firmly held in its adjusted
position axially with relation to the rotary cutter A 1, by means of the walls of
the slot d 7 gripping the upright or key d6, which clamping action is effected,
as herein shown by means of a lever d 9 on the end of a threaded rod d 10
extended through cars d 12 d 13. The cylinder d 5 is provided with a cylindrical
rod or arm d 14 extended substantially at right angles to it (see Fig. 3), which
constitutes a piston movable in a cylinder d 15, pivotally supported upon centering
screws d 16 d 17 in. arms d 18 d 19 (see Figs. 1 and 3) of a bracket d 20, secured to
the arm al of the main frame. The piston d 14 is guided in its longitudinal
movement in its cylinder d 15, by means of a key or guide arm d 21, secured to or
forming part of a split collar d 22, which embraces the piston d 14 and is securely
clamped thereto by a screw d 23, extended through the ends of the yoke or split
collar as shown in Fig. 1. The cylinder d 15 is held from turning on its centering
screws d 16 d 17 when in its proper or adjusted position, by means of a front stop
shown as a threaded bolt à 30, and a back stop shown as an eccentrically
mounted lever d 32. The piston d 14 is secured in its adjusted position within
the cylinder 15 by. a set screw d 33, and the piston d 14 may be moved longi-
tudinally in its cylinder d 15 by the adjusting screw d 34. The rand-guard d
may be moved backward so as to obtain access to the rotary cutter A. 1, by
turning the handle or lever d 32 so as to unclamp the cylinder à 15 and permit it
to be turned on its centering screws d 16 d.17. The top-lift guard 61 is free to
rotate on the sleeve & 19 but is secured thereto by a segmental clamping section
or piece d 40 (sec. Fig. 3), which while permitting rotation of the sleeve b18,
engages the flange d 41 of the sleeve below the transverse center of the sleeve b 18,
and holds the same firmly up from contact with the sleeve 621, the clamping
segment d 40 being secured to the support b 20.
The support b 20 as above outlined is radially movable in two directions with
relation to the axis of the cutter shaft, and this adjustment or movement may be
effected after the manner herein shown and as will now be described.
Referring to Fig. 4, the support 6 20 is represented as fitted into a vertical slot
in a bar or block d 50, and is secured thereto as herein shown, by means of 'a
clamping screw d51, which extends through a vertical slot d 52 into the block or
piece d 50. The bar or support & 20 is provided as shown with a horizontal

page_text: slot d 53, in which is located an eccentric collar or hub d 54 on a stud or
pin d 55 represented by dotted lines in Fig. 4, the said stud or pin turning in
the block 50, and being provided on the front face of the bar or support 6 20
with a suitable head, not shown, by which the pin b55 may be turned so as to
raise and lower the bar b 20 in its guideway, and thereby effect a vertically radial
movement with relation to the axis of the cutter shaft, which movement raises and
lowers the top-lift guard with relation to the cutter A 1. The block d 50 on its
rear side is provided with a. dove-tailed piece, which is fitted into a dove-tailed
guideway in a supporting frame d 60, which frame has extended through it an
adjusting screw d61 entering a suitably threaded socket in the block or piece d 50,
so that by turning the adjusting screw d61, tbe piece or block d50 may be
adjusted laterally in its guiding frame d 60, and thereby move the supporting
bar b20 radially in a transverse or horizontal direction with relation to the axis
of the cutter shaft. The frame d 60 is supported as herein shown in the main
framework A of the machine, and, in the present instance, the said frame has
secured to or forming part of it a guide rod or bar d 70 (see Fig. 1) located near
its upper end, and a guide rod or bar d 71 located near its lower end, and a further
guide rod or bar d72 located intermediate of the guide rods d 70 d71. The
guide rods d 70, d 71, d 72 extend through suitable openings or holes in the
main frame of the machine, and as herein shown (see Fig. 1), the guide
.rods d 70, d 72 are encircled by spiral springs d 73, d 74, which are compressed
when the support b 20 for the top-lift guide is moved backward or in the direction
indicated by the arrow 20, Fig. 1, and which restore the supporting frame d 20
and the top-lift guide to their normal position, when pressure is relieved from the
beveled or front face b 16 of the said guide.
In the operation of my improved apparatus, the heel of the shoe may be placed
in position to be operated upon with the breast end of the heel in position to be
acted upon by the main heel-trimming knives a 17, and in placing the shoe in its
operative position, the rand-crease is applied to the edge of the rand-guard, and
the top-lift at such time bears against the beveled edge b 16 of the top-lift
guide 61 with the latter in its normal or substantially normal position represented
in Figs. 1, 3 and 5. As the operator turns the heel from its breast end toward the
back, the edge of the rand-guard d follows or remains in the rand-crease, and as
this guard is practically stationary, the top-lift guide 61 yields as the heel
lengthens from its breast to the center of its rear part, and as the top-lift guide b 1
yields or moves away from the rand-guard, it carries with it the carrier for the
auxiliary cutters or heel trimming knives b, which are drawn out of their sockets
or pockets c of the cutter head or body a 10, and are moved so as to practically
form extensions of the heel-trimming knives a 17; the said auxiliary knives acting
upon the top-lift end of the heel. The auxiliary knives b are made of such length
that in the extreme outer position of the top-lift guide, they are preferably
never completely withdrawn from their sockets, but overlap, as it were, the main
heel trimming knives, and, therefore, it will be seen that a smooth and finished cut
or trimming of the heel is effected, which leaves nothing to be finished by hand.
As the heel is turned by the operator, the rand-knives a 22 c 13 "rand" or trim the
rand of the heel at the same time its edge is being trimmed by the heel-trimming
knives a 17, b, so that both operations of "randing" and trimmining the heel are
simultaneously accomplished and in one operation.
...In practice, the contour of the body of the rotary cutter A1 and the shape of
the heel trimming knives a 17 and 6 may be adapted to any particular style or
shape of heel, the auxiliary knife b being so shaped, that when in its operative
..position, its cutting edge will form a continuation of the cutting edge of the main
heel-trimming knife.
In the operation of trimming the heel, it is desirable that the annular flange 6 15
of the top-lift guide 61 should be brought into a position substantially in line
...with the top-lift end of the heel trimming knives, and this adjustment, as above
described, may be effected by adjusting the movable support 6 20 for the top-lift

page_text: guide. By making the auxiliary cutters 6 adjustable on their carrier, they may
be accurately positioned both when first applied to the machine, and also after they
have been removed and ground.
From the above description, it will be seen that the upper of the boot or shoe
is fully protected by the rand-guard, and owing to the fact that this is substantially:
stationary while in its operative position, and does not move away from the rotary
cutter during the act of trimming the heel of the boot or shoe, danger of
injuring the upper is entirely avoided or at least reduced to a minimum.
In some instances, if desired, the rotary cutter A 1 may be provided with a cap
or shield (see Fig. 10) secured to it by the threaded bolt a 50, in which case the
shield protects the upper from the rand knives. When the shield referred to, is
used, it may be provided with clearance openings f1 for the passage of chips cut:
by the rand knives (see Fig. 11).
I have herein shown one form of carrier for the auxiliary beel-trimming knives,
and while I may prefer this construction, I do not desire to limit my invention to
the particular construction of carrier shown. The machine herein shown is
provided with a heel rest e which may be of any suitable or usual construction,
but preferably that herein shown, it consisting of the heel rest proper e provided
with a shank e 1 fitted into a split sleeve e 2, in which it is longitudinally movable,
and adapted to be clamped by means of a clamping bolt e3 extended through
ears e 4 e 5 of the said sleeve, the sleeve e 2 being adjustably mounted on a stud e 6.
extended from the framework of the machine, the hub of the sleeve e 2 being split
as herein shown, and clamped on the stud e 6 by the clamping bolt e 7 extended
through the ears e 8 e 9. The heel rest e is in this case made extensible and also
adjustable with relation to the rotary cutter A 1.
In Fig. 6, I have shown the cutter head as provided with an adjustable rand-
knife, but I do not desire to limit my invention in this respect, as the rand-knives
may be adjustably secured to the rand-guard or shield as shown in Figs. 12 to 15.,
inclusive.
Referring to Figs. 12 and 15, the rand guard is composed of a frustum-shaped
body g, concaved on its outer side to form a substantially thin rim portion 9 1, the
edge of which is adapted to enter the rand crease of the boot or shoe, the said
rim portion.being provided with one or more radially disposed slots g2 extended
through the said rim portion for the reception of the cutting portion or blade 2
of a rand knife g3, which is provided as herein shown (see Figs. 15 and 16) with.
an oblong shank 3.
The slot g 2 in the rim portion communicates with a suitable slot or channel g 4
on the outer surface of the body g, which channel is made in the direction of the
length of the body g, and into which the shank 3 is fitted to move longitudinally
therein so as to adjust the blade 2 with relation to the inner flat face 4 of the rim
portion g 1.
By reference to Fig. 16, it will be seen, that the blade 2 of the rand knife:
extends from the shank 3 substantially at an obtuse angle thereto, so that the said
shank may fit into the inclined channel 94 and have the blade 2 occupy a position.
substantially at right angles to the axis of the body g. The rand knife 93 may
be adjusted on the rand guard by means of an adjusting device, preferably a
screw 95 inserted into and through a threaded hole in a fastening or clamping
device for the rand-knife, which device is preferably made as herein showu and.
consists of an annular cover or plate g 10 provided with an annular frustum-shaped.
flange g 12 forming a hollow clamping device, the flange g 12 fitting over. the
shank 3 of the rand knife, the cover or plate g 10 being provided with a threaded
hole through which the adjusting screw 95 is extended, so that its end engages the
end of the shank 3, whereby the latter may be moved in its channel when the
clamping flange is loosened.
The clamping device for the rand-knife may be secured to the body g, preferably
as herein shown, by means of a threaded nut consisting of an annular Hange g 13.

page_text: on a hollow stem g 14, threaded on its outer circumference to engage screw threads
on the wall of a central bore or opening in the body g. By turning the threaded
nut in one direction, the flange g 13 will force the clamping hollow or dish-shaped
device upon the body g and will firmly secure the rand knife to the said body,
and by turning the said threaded nut in an opposite direction, the clamping device
will be loosened, so as to release the rand knife and permit it to be adjusted in one
direction by the screw 95, and in the opposite direction by the hand pressing
upon the blade 2.
The blade 2 is preferably concaved on one side as at 5, which may be designated
the back side of the blade, and its front side may be made substantially flat so
as to form the cutting edge 6. The blade 2 is ground or made inclined from the
cutting edge to its back or heel, so that when adjusted into its operative position,
the cutting edge 6 of the blade will be presented to the work at a most efficient
cutting angle, as clearly shown in Figure 12.
The adjustability of the rand-knife accomplishes two results, that is, it permits
the rand-knife to be adjusted so as to cut or trim rands of different or varying
thicknesses, and it also enables the cutting edge to be placed in a constant or fixed
position with relation to the guard after each grinding or sharpening.
The concaved cutting edge 6 of the blade forms with the edge 10 of the slot g 2
a clearance opening for the passage of the chips or material cut by the knife, the
said chips passing to the outside of the rand guard or shield, and through cap g 20
provided with openings g 21 and similar to the guard d shown in Figures 1, 2
and 3.
The rand guard and knife herein described are adapted to be used in connection
with a rotary heel cutter or trimmer, or they may be used with an edge-trimmer
for trimming the welt simultaneously with the edge of the sole, and, in the present
instance, it is shown as co-operating with a rotary heel cutter of substantially the
construction shown in Figure 5 and herein before described.
i order to obtain additional clearance for the rand-knife, the body or wheel a 10
0 _ tter A 1 is provided on its side at its edge, with a cavity or recess g 30,
into which the edge of the rand-knife may project and yet leave a space on the
front side of the rand-knife, between it and the side of the body or wheel a 10, for
the passage of chips into the clearance openings for the trimming knives.
The rand guard and cutters shown in Figures 12 to 15 are driven by the main
or cutter shaft a to which they are secured by means of a screw passed through
the hollow stem g¹ and fitting in a tapped hole in the end of the said shaft.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. A shoe-trimning machine comprising a rotary cutter provided with a heel-
trimming knife or blade and with a rand-knife or blade, and having a socket or
pocket for the reception of an auxiliary heel-trimming knife or blade, a shaft upon
which the said rotary cutter is mounted to rotate therewith, a top-lift guide
movable with relation to the rotary cutter and disconnected from its shaft to
revolve independently thereof, and the said auxiliary knife or blade co-operating
with the said heel-trimming knife and movable axially with the said top-lift guide,
the said auxiliary knife or blade being normally extended into the said socket or
pocket, for the purpose specified.
2. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary cutter consisting of a body or
head of a width substantially equal to the height of the heel at its breast and
provided with heel trimming blades or knives of a width substantially equal to the
width of the cutter head or body, a rand-knife carried by the said head or body, a
rand-guard co-operating with the said rand-knife, a shaft upon which the said
rotary cutter is mounted to rotate therewith, a top-lift guide movable axially away
from the cutter head or body and disconnected from the said shaft, and an

page_text: auxiliary heel-trimming knife movable axially with the said top-lift guide to act
on the top-lift end of the heel not acted upon by the main heel trimming knives,.
substantially as described.
3. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary cutter of a width substantially
equal to the height of the heel at its breast, a heel-trimming knife of a width
substantially equal to the width of the said rotary cutter, and a rand-knife carried
by said cutter, a rand-guard co-operating with the said rand-knife, a shaft upon
which said rotary cutter is mounted to rotate therewith, a top-lift guide
movable bodily axially and radially with relation to the said rotary cutter and
disconnected from said rotary shaft, and an auxiliary heel-trimming knife movable
axially with the top-lift guide to act on the top-lift end of the heel not acted upon
by the main heel trimming knife, substantially as described.
4. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotatable shaft, a rotary heel cutter
mounted on said shaft and having a fixed position thereon, a rand-knife movable.
with the said rotary cutter, a rand-guard co-operating with said rand-knife, a
top-lift guide movable on the said shaft with relation to the rotary cutter, and
disconnected therefrom, an auxiliary knife carrier independent of and detachably
secured to the said top-lift guide, and an auxiliary knife secured to said
carrier and co-operating with said rotary heel cutter, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
5. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary cutter provided with heel
trimming knives, a rotatable rand-knife having a fixed relation to the heel-trimming
knives, a rand-guard having a fixed position, with relation to the heel trimming
knives in its operative position and co-operating with the said rand-knife, an
auxiliary heel-trimming knife provided with a shank or arm and co-operating with
the main heel-trimming knife to form an extension of the top-lift end thereof, and a
movable hollow or recessed top-lift guard normally close to the top-lift end of the
main heel-trimming knife, and extended over the shank or arm of the auxiliary
knife, substantially as described.
6. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary heel cutter provided with a
heel-trimming knife or blade, a shaft on which said cutter is mounted to rotate
therewith, a top-lift guide loosely mounted on the said shaft to revolve independent
of said shaft and movable axially with relation to the said cutter and provided
with an annular ledge or rim substantially in line with the cutting edge of the
heel-trimming knives, and an auxiliary heel-trimming knife having its cutting edge.
in substantially the same line or plane as the cutting edge of the main heel-
trimming knife and automatically movable axially with the top-lift guide and
connected to the said rotary heel cutter to rotate therewith, substantially as
described.
7. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary cutter consisting of a head or
body having its periphery of substantially the same contour as the finished heel,
and provided with slots in its periphery, a plurality of main heel-trimming knives,
inserted in said slots and having their cutting edges of substantially the contour of
the finished heel, a rand-knife revoluble with the said rotary cutter, & rand-guard
co-operating with said rand-knife, a hollow or recessed top-lift guide movable
bodily with relation to the rotary cutter, and an auxiliary heel-trimming knife
having its shank or arm extended into the hollow or recessed top-lift guide and
secured thereto to move therewith, and having its cutting edge adapted to form a
continuation of the cutting edge of the main-heel-trimming knife, substantially as
described.
8. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary cutter consisting of a body or
wheel provided with heel-trimming knives or blades, and a rand-knife inserted into
a slot in the side or face of the said body or wheel and provided with a clearance
notch c 15, and means to move the said knife to adjust it with relation to the said
body or wheel, substantially as described.
9. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary heel cutter, a rand-cutter, an
B

page_text: auxiliary heel knife or blade co-operating with said heel cutter, a carrier for said
auxiliary heel knife or blade connected to the rotary heel cutter to revolve
therewith and movable with relation to said rotary cutter, and means to adjust
said auxiliary heel knife in its carrier, substantially as described.
10. A. shoe-trimming knife comprising a rotary cutter consisting of a body or
wheel provided with peripheral knife receiving slots, knives or blades inserted in
said slots, a socket or pocket in the said body or wheel intermediate of the said
knife-receiving peripheral slots, a shaft on which the said body or wheel is mounted
to revolve therewith, an auxiliary knife or blade inserted into said socket or pocket,
and a carrier for said auxiliary knife or blade loose on the said shaft but connected
to said body or wheel to revolve therewith and movable bodily away from said
body or wheel, substantially as described.
11. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary cutter consisting of a body or
wheel provided with a peripheral knife-receiving slot extended across the said
body or wheel, a main heel-trimming knife inserted in said peripheral slot, a shaft
on which said body or wheel is mounted to revolve therewith, a separate and
auxiliary heel-trimming knife co-operating with the main heel-trimming knife, and
a carrier for said auxiliary knife loose on said shaft but connected to said body or
wheel to revolve therewith and movable bodily away from the main heel trimming
knife, substantially as described.
12. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary cutter consisting of a body or
head provided with a heel trimming knife having its cutting edge of a width
substantially equal to the height of the heel at its breast, and of a shape
substantially the same as 'the contour of the finished heel, a rand-knife, a rand-
guard co-operating therewith, a shaft on which said body is mounted to rotate
therewith, an auxiliary heel-trimming knife separate from the main heel-trimming
knife but co-operating therewith, a hollow or recessed top-lift guide movable bodily
with relation to the rotary cutter and disconnected from the cutter shaft, and means
to connect the auxiliary heel-trimming knife to the said body or wheel and to the
top-lift guide, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
13. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary cutter provided with a heel-
trimming knife, a. rand-knife, a rand-guard co-operating therewith, a shaft on
which said cutter is mounted to rotate therewith, an auxiliary heel-trimming
knife, a carrier for said auxiliary knife loose on said shaft and movable with
relation to the rotary cutter, and means to connect the said carrier with the rotary
cutter to cause the same to rotate simultaneously therewith and to guide the
carrier in its movement away from the rotary cutter, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
14. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary heel cutter provided with a
heel trimming knife, a shaft on which said cutter is mounted to rotate therewith, a
top-lift guard loose on said shaft and movable axially on said shaft with relation to
the cutter fast thereon, an auxiliary heel trimming knife, a support for the said
knife loose on said shaft but connected to said rotary cutter and to the top-lift
guard, to revolve with the cutter without imparting rotation to the said top-
lift guard, and yet axially movable with the said guard, for the purpose
specified.
15. A shoe-trimming machine comprising a rotary heel cutter provided with a
heel trimming knife or blade, a shaft on which said cutter is mounted to rotate
therewith, a top-lift guide loosely mounted on said shaft and radially and axially
adjustable with relation thereto, and an auxiliary heel trimming knife co-operating
with the main heel trimming knife and connected to the rotary heel cutter to rotate
therewith and to the top lift guide to move axially with relation to the heel cutter
and to permit the top-lift guide to be adjusted radially without moving the
auxiliary knife, substantially as described.
16. A shoe-trimming machine provided with a rand-guard or shield, a blade or
knife carried thereby to revolve therewith, means to adjust the said knife on

page_text: its guard and means to secure the said knife in its adjusted position, substantially
as described.
Dated the 26th day of May 1896.
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.