Improvements in Lasting and Sole Laying Machines.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Nov., 1893-Accepted, 31st Mar., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Lasting and Sole Laying Machines.
I, JULIA ROGERS WOOD, of Main Street, Foxborough, in the County of
Norfolk, and State of Massachusetts, one of the United States of America,
Married Woman, 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 :-
These improvements in lasting machines for boots and shoes consist, in substance,
of mechanisms for gripping the upper, and drawing it over the edge of the sole; for
holding the lasted upper on the last so that an outsole may be laid thereon; for
pressing the outsole down onto the lasted insole and upper; for lasting the toe of
the upper; for raising and lowering the last as the boot or shoe is being lasted
thereon and of other details all of which are hereinafter described.
The drawings forming a part of this Specification, illustrate a machine of this
invention, in duplicate, that is to say, they illustrate two sets, nearly, complete in
all parts, of lasting mechanism as placed alongside of each other and supported on a
common supporting framework, the one to last a right and the other to last a left
boot or shoe and to lay the sole on either, and therefore, in many instances in the
description hereinafter given, some of the parts, inore especially those applied to
the lasting mechanism, will be described and will appear in the drawings as lettered
in duplicate.
In the drawings,
Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section, line 1-1, Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section, line 2-2, Figures 1 and 3.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the mechanism as shown, Figures 1 and 2, with all
parts of the machine above the plane of line 3-3, Figure 2, removed, or to be
more specific, the parts to lay and to allow of the laying of the sole.
Figure 4 is an enlarged elevation, in detail, and at the left hand end of the
machine, Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a vertical section, line 5-5, Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a front elevation, in detail, of parts of the lasting machine and as
hereinafter appears.
Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 are views, in detail, of the sole laying mechanism, as
hereinafter appears.
Figure 11 is an enlarged plan of the contrivances for lasting the toe of the upper
by drawing it over, and crimping or disposing of it in folds on the sole of the boot
or shoe properly presented therefor.
Figure 12 is a vertical section, in detail, line 12-12, Figure 11.
Figure 13 is a section on line 13-13 of Figure 11.
Figure 14 is a front elevation, in detail, of one of the parts shown, Figures 11, 12,
and 13.
Figure 15 is a front elevation, Figure 11, on a plane of inclination, indicated by
the arrow in Figure 12.
The supporting framework of the machine consists, mainly, of upper and lower
horizontal frames or open tables A, A', each of substantially corresponding
rectangular outline and both supported at their several corners on legs or
uprights A at their upper portions rigidly joined and braced together by plates A*,
vertically placed. Otherwise than above said framework is adapted to support the
working and stationary parts of the machine, all as hereinafter explained.
B is the driving shaft. This shaft is horizontal and below and midway between
the opposite ends and transversely to the length of the lower table A', and at one

page_text: end-portion it turns in a suitable bearing, of a horizontal cross-bar A', which
extends between and is held on fixed hangers A, Figures 1 and 2, of said table A³,
and at its other end-portion, it turns in a suitable bearing of a fixed hanger A',
Figure 2, of said table A².
B is the driving pulley of shaft B to be connected by a belt,-(not shown)-to
the driving power. B³, B and B', B, Figure 2, are two dog-clutches, on shaft B
and each composed of a loose member B³, B and a sliding splined member B, B,
and having each sliding member adapted to be moved into and out of clutch
with the loose member by means of treadle levers B7, B8, respectively connected by
connecting rods B, B and bell-cranks B, B10 to the sliding member of its
appropriate clutch and all are well known.
B, B are two cams. The cam B is held on the loose member B of the
clutch B, B, and when said member is clutched to the shaft, the cam rotates
therewith. The cam B is held on the loose member B* of the clutch B³, B, and
when said member is clutched to the shaft, the cam rotates therewith.
At the opposite sides of the cam B", are horizontal push-rods C, C², each
supported in and free to move through a fixed ear-piece A³ of each of the
hangers A, before referred to, of the table A*. The push-rods C, C³, at one end-
portion, are end to the cam B" but on opposite sides thereof, and at the other end-
portion they are end to vertical toggle-levers D, D³, respectively, and each
toggle-lever has the lower end of one of its arms pivoted on fixed ear-pieces A' of
hangers A held on the lower table A³, and the upper end of the other of its arms
pivoted on ear-pieces D³ of collars D held on vertical lifting-rods E, E²,
respectively, arranged to move through suitable guideways, A", of said lower table
and said hangers A', and all so that, on each rotation of the cam B", and the action
thereon, through the push-rods and release of said push-rods, from them, the arms
of each of said toggle-levers are alternately opened or straightened out and allowed
to close, in the first instance, lifting the lifting-rods and in the second instance,
allowing the lifting-rods to drop, alternately, however, as to each other.
E, E are fixed collars at the upper ends of the lifting-rods E, E2, respectively.
Each collar E, E has four outwardly and upwardly extending arms F, F1,
and F. Said arms of each lifting-rod are in two vertical planes at right angles to
each other.
Fare horizontal bearing-pins, one at the upper end of each of the aforesaid arms
and the axes of the pins belonging to the arms of each lifting-rod E, E³ are in
lines, or directions, at right angles to the line or direction of the projection of said
arms from said lifting-rods.
The several bearing-pins F of each lifting-rod E, E engage vertical cam-
slots F, F, F' and F, respectively, in blocks F, F10, F", F, that are severally
arranged and are free to move toward and away from each other on fixed horizontal
and parallel separated round guide-rods F, F, F, F" each in pairs, a pair to
each block. The several pairs of said guide-rods are mounted and supported at
their opposite ends on vertical plates A, A", A", A1, in pairs, rigidly held, in
any suitable manner, one set in an opening A and the other set in an opening, A
of the upper table A of the supporting frame work. Said cam-slots are such as to
secure, from the upward and downward movements of the lifting-rods, horizontal
Inovement of said blocks, in the opening A" or A" in which they are located,
toward and away from each other, this horizontal movement being more or less,
according to the extent to which the lifting-rods are to be raised or lowered, as has
been before described and will hereafter fully appear.
In the openings A" and A" of the upper table A and within the space bounded
by the several slide-blocks F, F10, F1, F2, arranged as has been explained, are
located right and left lasts G. G2, respectively, and the sole-face of each last is
uppermost and it is considerably above the horizontal plane of said slide-blocks
and it extends, heel to toe, between the slide-blocks F", F12 of each of said
openings.
The central longitudinal vertical plane of each last is coincident with the central

page_text: vertical plane of said slide-blocks F", F", and at right angles to the central
vertical plane of the slide-blocks F, F10, and each last G, G, at its heel end-
portion is held and supported on the upper end of vertical rods G³, G', respectively,
and each of these rods, at its lower end-portion, passes through a horizontal
portion A18 of vertical stirrup-straps A1, A2, held on and depending from the
inside edges of the plates A" and A", of each pair of plates A" and A13,
respectively, and which support the pair of guide-rods F1, F¼, for the slide-
blocks F, F. The lower end-portion of each last supporting-rod G³, G, is
screw-threaded and receives screw-nuts G7, G", the nut G being above and the
other below said horizontal strap A18, and all so that, by their proper adjustment,
each last may have an upward and a downward movement, as said lifting-
rols E, E are raised and lowered, the upward movement, in each instance,
being produced, as the lifting-rods E, E lifted by the abutment and lift of the
arm F on the lower screw-nut G, of each lifting-rod and the downward movement,
in each instance, being in common with the fall of the lifting-rods, until arrested
by the rest of the upper screw-nut G' of each rod on the fixed strap A18 belonging
to and making a guide for its movement, as before explained.
Each last, at its toe end-portion and in its lowermost or normal position, is
supported, Figure 2, on a rest-block G', suitably shaped for the last to seat and to
be held against lateral or sideways movement on it, and this rest-block is held on
the upper end-portion of a vertical screw-threaded rod Go, engaged at its lower
end-portion, with one end of a double-ended screw-threaded nut G2, that, at its
other and lower end, engages a vertical screw-threaded rod A20, rigidly held on a
fixed horizontal piece A, extending, one across each of the openings A", A",
respectively, and secured to the upper table A, and all so that by turning the screw-
nuts G, in one direction, its rest-block is raised, and in the other direction, it is
lowered.
The slide-blocks F, F10, at each side of each last G, G³, have, at their opposite
ends, fixed vertical posts H, H³, over and on which are similar side-plates J, J³,
Each side-
respectively, and each from end to end, substantially horizontal.
plate J, J, in position as stated, and from end to end, has a curvature vertically
corresponding generally to the curvature or near the outline and from toe to heel, of
the sole of the last and the edge J³, the inner, of each plate, J, J' toward
the last is from end to end of the general outline of the sole and has an under
chamfer a.
The side-plates J, J2, when their respective carrier blocks F, F1, are moved
toward each other, as before explained, close by their inner and chamfered
edges Js upon and over the top and along the side length of the last, or rather,
the upper K to be with the insole L lasted as hereinafter explained, and the
upper K and insole L are clamped on the last and between it and said side plates,
but as and for a purpose which will. hereinafter appear only at and just inside the
outer edge of the insole.
Each side-plate J, J2, at its opposite ends, moves in guide-ways A" of
blocks A", suitably located and held on the upper table A. and preferably, the
plates are made of spring sheet steel, unconfined against movement on their post-
supports, so that they can spring and yield, the better to adjust their chamfered
edges to the varying conditions at the exposed faces, and thicknesses of the insole
and upper.
The slide-block F12 at the toe and slide-block F, at the heel of each last G, G²,
have fixed vertical posts H³, H' respectively, and over and on these posts are
horizontal toe and heel-plates J, J, respectively.
The edges J, J', respectively, of the toe and heel-plates J, Js toward the toe
and heel of the last, are at right angles to the central vertical longitudinal plane of
the last, and they have a chamfer b, (see Fig. 12) on their upper sides all so that
when they are upon and over and across the toe and heel of the sole of the last or
rather of the upper K lasted upon the insole L, as hereinafter explained, the
upper K and insole L at the toe and heel are clamped on the last between it and

page_text: said toe and heel-plates, but as and for a purpose which will hereinafter appear
only at and just inside the outer edge of the insole, and said side-plates J, J' over-
lap said heel and toe plates and thereon substantially meet in the central longitudinal
and vertical plane of the last, thereby preventing pinching the upper where the toe
and heel and side plates meet. The toe and heel-plates, preferably are entered 5
into guide-ways A" of the blocks A" held on the upper table A, and before
referred to, and preferably the toe plate and said guide-ways therefor are arranged
so that the toe-plate moves, in a more or less, upward inclined plane, corresponding
substantially to that of the sole of the last at and upward from the toe toward the
heel of the last, such inclination however not being new in this invention.
M, M' are horizontal rectangular blocks, each located at and lengthwise along
the outer side of the carrier posts H, H' for the side-plates J, J. Both
blocks M, M' are in a common horizontal plane below that of said side-plates and
they are supported in the position stated, by horizontal pins M³, at their opposite
end-portions and entered into and free to move through said vertical posts H, H².
Each block M, M' has a lever-catch M with handle Ms, for convenience to lock
it to, and unlock it from the post H, H as the case may be, that supports it, and
all so that said blocks M, M' and said posts H, H' when locked together, as stated,
will move as one, in either direction of movement of the carrier-blocks F', F10,
for said posts, and when unlocked to permit said blocks M, M2 to be drawn back,
or away from said posts using for convenience, a lever M, fulcrumed on the outer
edge of each block M, M2, and adapted to work against the outer face of said
carrier blocks Fº, F.
M², M are round vertical posts each at its lower end-portion set into the
rectangular blocks M, M², so as to be vertically adjusted thereon and as adjusted,
made fast by set-screws M, one for each post. These posts M' are a series on and
along the length of each block M, M and each post has a horizontal rod N
extending through and adjustable in it and as adjusted, fastened by a set-screw N.
The several horizontal rods N of each block M, M12 project toward the last G, G³
to which they belong and each constitutes one member of a tool or pair of grippers,
having its other member a spring-gripper-finger N³, all of which are held on and
dependent from a common horizontal arm N, which at one end is supported by an
adjustable collar A of and is free to swing on a fixed post A" of the upper
table A, and in a position back of and midway between the two heels of the last.
There is a gripper-finger N³ for each gripper-rod N, and the several fingers for
each last G, G, are in two rows, and in pairs, and those of each pair face in
opposite directions and intermediately of their height they abut against each other
and cross each other over the last as shown in Figure 1. Again the several pairs
are in parallel vertical planes coincident with those of the gripper-rods Nat
opposite sides of the lasts G, G. The lower ends of each pair of gripper-fingers
and the axes of the gripper rods belonging thereto are in the same horizontal plane,
and their several horizontal planes, from end to end, of the last G, G³, are in the
line of a curve, corresponding to the vertical curvature of the sole face of the last,
and also such that the gripper-rods in moving forward will pass directly over said
sole face of the last, or rather in the practical use of the machine in lasting the
upper face of the insole of the boot or shoc on the last G or G' as the case may be,
all as will hereinafter appear. Each gripper-finger N³ as particularly shown, is
made of spring wire and it has, at its lower end, an eye N, and, between its two
ends, a coil No, and its upper end-portion passes upward through and is fastened
on the arm N before referred to, by a set-screw N. Moreover, as above mentioned,
each gripper-finger of a pair crosses and recrosses the other gripper-finger above
the last, as shown in Figure 1, thus allowing a vertical movement at the coil
which counteracts the tendency to a curved downward movement at the eye and
changes it to a substantially horizontal movement, thereby preventing it from
striking the insole.
The forward end Ns of each gripper-rod N is a more or less rounded nipple so
as to co-operate with the eye N of the gripper-finger to which it belongs, and

page_text: ensure a bite of the upper of the boot or shoe upper as the same is being lastel
as hereinafter appears.
The left last G and its lasting mechanism, so far as has been explained, are
shown in Fig. 1, in their normal positions and the last shown, is shown as having,
as well known, an upper K and insole I, preparatory to lasting. The right last G
and its lasting mechanism so far as explained, are in their positions after the lasting
of the upper and insole, with which the lasts were prepared as before stated for
the left last G².
The operation of the lasting mechanism for both lasts G, G, is from the rotation
of a common driving shaft B, clutched to the driving pulley B, and a common
cam B on said shaft which is arranged and adapted, in each rotation to work on
the toggle-levers D, D³, one after the other, and thus, in one case, to lift the
lifting-rod E, and in the other case, to lift the lifting-rod E, and to allow each rod
to lower, and all in a manner, acting through respective cams F, F, F', F³, and
during the lift of each lifting-rod E, E, to move the several gripper-rods N, side
plates J, J, and toe and heel-plates J, J', belonging to said lifting-rods, toward
and during the lowering of each lifting rod to move the said gripper-rods N and
said side-plates and toe and heel-plates away from the last. The gripper-rods N,
in their forward movement, press against the upper K standing above and along
the sides of the last, and force it forward and into contact with the gripper spring-
fingers N' and confined between these two members of the grippers, the upper K
is held and drawn over the edge of and laid upon the insole L as the forward
movement of the gripper-rods continues and until it ends, when the lifting-rod has
finished its upward movement. During the forward movement of the gripper-rods
the last is lifted and the side-plates J, J and toe and heel plates J, J are moved
forward, (severally properly adjusted however as will hereinafter appear)-and
all in a manner for the said plates to enter on lasted sides of the upper and in
co-operation with the lift of the last to bind and hold said lasted portions of the
upper on the last and also by the heel-plate to last the upper thereat over the inner
sole and in co-operation with the lift of the last to bind and hold it on the last
and also by the toe-plate to enter on the upper at the toe, which however has been
previously lasted as is hereinafter described, or otherwise suitably, and in
co-operation with the lift of the last, to bind and hold the upper at the toe on the
last.
The lasting of the upper and the hold of it on the last thus having been
completed, the catches M for the two series of gripper-rods are released and by
means of the levers M each series of said rods is drawn back leaving the side-
plates J, J, in co-operation with the last holding the lasted upper in position, and
the gripper spring-fingers N are severally placed at one side, by suitably swinging
their common carrier-arm N and in this manner the lasted upper and insole are
exposed to have an outsole placed and laid and made secure thereon, by mechanism
to be brought into play and to work on the outsole, all as hereinaiter explained, and
the outsole and insole and upper lasted being prepared with a suitable cement to
insure sufficient adhesion between the outsole and the insole and upper.
The adjustment of the gripper-rods N and side-plates J, J' for work as explained
is in substance as follows.
The carrying bar M for each series of gripper-rods N is secured by the catch M*
to the side-block belonging thereto. The side-plates J, J-first having selected
those corresponding in outline with the last at their edge and otherwise as
described, are set upon the posts of their respective slide-blocks and entered at
their ends into their respective guide-ways A2 of fixed head-blocks A and all
otherwise so that on their forward movement their respective chamfered edges a
finally enter upon the lasted upper at and along the outer edge of the sole, the then
lasted boot or shoe and its last having during the meantime, been lifted, by means
of the action of the lifting-rod on the post carrying the last, sufficiently to bind
the lasted upper and insole between the side-plates and the last.
Each gripper-rod of each series, caught on its respective slide-block as stated, is
adjusted horizontally on its carrier post M' to project at its working end N° to a

page_text: point somewhat at the rear of the chamfered edge a of the slide-plate J, J' over
which it belongs, and vertically by a vertical adjustment of said carrier-post on the
common carrier block M, M³, in each case by loosening the set-screws Ms,
respectively, and setting each gripper-rod in its post, and the several posts on their
said common block and tightening said set-screws, all in such manner, that in the
forward movement of the gripper-rods, which is in conjunction with that of said
side-plates, the gripper-rods and gripper-spring-fingers will severally act in
co-operation and complete the lasting of the upper. By reason of the slide-plates
extending beyond the ends of the gripper-rods, as above mentioned, there is a
strong aud continuous pressure on the upper, below the gripper-fingers and rods,
drawing the upper up and over the last. Thus the pressure is in a continuous line
and is not confined merely to the points grasped by the grippers.
The sliding heel and toe-plates move simultaneously with the side-plates J, J,
but preferably their operating cams F7, F are shaped, (Figure 2), to have their
movement toward the upper at the heel and toe completed when the movement of
the side-plates toward the upper is only partially completed and during the
completion of the forward movement of the side-plates over and onto the heel and
toe plates.
This effect on the toe and heel-plates is accomplished by a shortening of the can
part of the slots, FT, F" and having the remainder of the slots continued
vertically.
The heel-plate lasts the heel of the upper as well as holds it lasted as explained
for the laying of the outsole. The toe-plate holds the toe of the upper in a similar
and suitable manner, but preferably with lasting mechanism forming part of this
invention and to be soon described.
In the lasting operation of the grippers, composed of the rods N and spring-
fingers N³ and as described, the upper is not only nipped by the grippers but
beyond that gripped as it is engaged by the two members for the reason that it is
forced by the pointed ends N8 of the gripper-rods N into the eyes N' of the gripper-
fingers Ñ³.
The several side-plates J, J, lap over the upper side of the heel and toe
plates J, J³ when the several plates are in position holding the lasted upper as
:stated.
99 are a series of pending arns from the arm N* carrying the spring gripper-
fingers, to rest on and hold the insole down on the last during the operation of
lasting.
The lasting of the toe of the upper is under this invention by means now to be
described, Figures 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 more particularly, it being understood
that the upper
preferably secured to the last by a tack. O is a flat casing or
shell, rectangular in cross section and semicircular along its length. This casing
lies across and is held on the top of the head-blocks A23, acting as guards to
the forward and backward movement of the toe-plate, and its vertical central line
is coincident with the vertical plane of the last, the toe of which is surrounded by
it. The upper face of the head-blocks holding the casing as described has an
inclination corresponding to the usual downward inclination of the sole of lasts and
the casing is on a corresponding downward inclination, not new in this invention.
P', Pare a series of similar horizontal toe lasting rods, three on each side of the
-central line of the shell, and at equal distances apart and each one the nearer to the
central line at the same distance therefrom as the others of each series are from
each other. These several rods are in radial lines and are arranged to be freely
moved lengthwise through guide-ways, (Figure 13) of the side walls of the shell
and also of suitable length to have their end-portions which lie within the inner
circular wall of the shell, properly presented for their work and to be withdrawn
therefrom, as will hereinafter appear.
O is a flat and circular metal plate within and fitting the shell and lying over
the lasting rods each of which has a vertical stud P to engage a cam-slot 0 of
Baid plate, one for each lasting rod, and also a radial slot O' of the upper wall of the

page_text: shell, one for each of said cam-slots. Each cam-slot is of the character and shape-
shown, Figure 11, and all of which is such that as the cam plate is reciprocated
within the shell, using a handle 0 attached to it for conveniently moving it, each
lasting rod is moved forward to and backward from the toe of the last a distance,.
in either direction, equal to the length of the radial slots, all of similar length, and
the length of each such that the forward movement of each lasting rod is suitable.
for it to perform its work on the upper held on the last, in co-operation with a toe--
block held just over the toe end of the last as will hereinafter appear.
Again the character and shape of the cam-slot is also such as to move forward
the lasting rods, to the full extent in pairs and order as follows:-
First. The lasting rods, one next toward and on each side of the central line of
the shell.
Second. The lasting rods next adjoining the last rods first movel and
Third. The lasting rods next adjoining the lasting rods last moved
And also until all the lasting rods have been moved as stated to hold those-
which were prior moved in their forward positions, in order to draw the fullness of
the upper forward toward the center of the toe of the last as in hand lasting.
Each lasting rol at its forward end has an edgewise vertical and fixed blade P³.
and having its forward end of a more or less acute shape in vertical direction.
The toe-block before generally referred to as acting in co-operation with the:
toe-lasting mechanism described, is flat and rounded at one end and laid on the
last at the toe to correspond substantially with the shape of the toe. The rounded
end has a series of separated vertical grooves or recesses (Q2 severally located
correspondingly to the toe-lasting rods and to receive them when they are moved
forward as described. This toe block rests at its toe end on the last and at its.
rear end it is hinged to the lower end of a vertical rod Q³, adjustable in and out of
a block Q, adjustable horizontally on the horizontal rod or arm N', having a
downward extension N', entered into a socket O at the inner edge of the shell O,
carrying the toe lasting rods.
The lasting of the toe upper is secured by the toe lasting rods acting in:
co-operation with the grooves or notches of the toe-block and as the cam-slots are
arranged as has been explained the toe upper at each side of the center of the toe,.
is first lasted and held, followed by the lasting of the portion of the toe upper next
thereto and so on out to the lasted sides of the upper, which and the then lasted toe-
upper are then held by the plates J, J' and toe-plates J all as has been herein
explained. After lasting the toe-upper and holding it as stated the toe lasting
rods P are withdrawn and the toe block Q removed from the machine, thus.
exposing the lasting boot or shoe for a sole to be laid by a mechanism such as now
to be described.
For laying the outer sole on the lasted boot or shoe as explained, the invention.
consists of mechanism as follows:-
R is a vertical rectangular frame which surrounds the cam B of the driving
shaft B and is shaped, as is also said cam, and from the rotation of the cam
to lift said frame and lower it alternately and once in each rotation of the driving
cam B, provided the collar B, carrying said cam, has been clutched to the shaft
by means of the clutching means hereinbefore described.
R is a vertical rod fixed on the upper side of the up and down moving frame K
and therefrom extended loosely through the upper and lower frames A, A* of the
supporting framework, and thence considerably above the lasting mechanisms of
both of the lasts G, G. The location of the rod R2 is midway between the two
lasts and its axis coincident with the transverse vertical plane of the two lifting.
rods E, E for the lasts G, G².
R is a horizontal arm swivelled on the upper end-portion of the vertical rod R*
and there supported by its forked end on a collar R held, but adjustable up and
down on the rod.
S is a vertical pin swivelled in the outer end of the arm R³ and having
horizontally hung on its lower end, a frame S', which has a slot S³ along its under

page_text: side and in which slot are located and depend therefrom, a series of screw-rods S*
held thereon and adjustable vertically by means of upper and lower screw-
nuts S, S. Each depending screw-rod bas hung on its lower end a presser-foot T
and the several presser-feet are adapted, when they are severally located over and
brought down upon the lasted boot or shoe with the outsole laid thereon, to
extend across the outsole and to press down upon it only near its opposite side
edges of and preferably in lieu of directly on the outsole, on it through a skeleton
sole-frame U which has been preparatory therefor, located in the channel of the
outsole.
The downward pressure on the outsole as stated, is secured by the downward
movements of the parts described, by the action of the cam B" on the frame R
surrounding it as has been before explained, and the relief of said pressure, as well
as the further lifting of said parts, is secured by the upward action of said cam on
said frame.
The outsole, as also the lasted upper and insole, before laying and pressing the
outsole as has been stated, are preferably cemented so that thereby the outsole may
be attached to the lasted boot or shoe suitably for being fastened.
With the outsole attached, the lasted boot or shoe is then ready for removal, it
being understood that during the meantime, the side plates J, J and toe and heel
plates J, J which, being situated as they were, in no way interfere with the sole
laying as explained, have moved back to their normal positions all as is obvious
without further explanation.
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. In a lasting machine, the combination of horizontally sliding side, heel and
toe plates, J, J, J, J, adjustable gripper rods N having substantially round inner
ends and mounted on sliding blocks whereby said gripper rods slide horizontally
above the plates, and adjustable spring gripper fingers as N³ formed at their lower
ends into eyes N° set opposite and on a horizontal line with the inner ends of the
gripper rods and with their vertical planes parallel with the periphery of the last,
whereby the gripper rods grip the leather and hold it in the eyes at numerous
points but not in a continuous line, substantially as set forth.
2. In a lasting machine, a series of pairs of spring gripper fingers N³ secured to
and depending from the arm N, each gripper finger of a pair being bent as shown
and crossing the other, i.e., crossing and recrossing the other of the pair, above the
last, whereby the lower ends are prevented from swinging in the arc of a circle but
are caused to move in a substantially horizontal line, and hence prevented from
striking the inner sole, substantially as set forth.
3. In a lasting machine, the combination of the centrally located cam B" on the
driving shaft B, the horizontally sliding pins C, C actuated by the cam and on
opposite sides thereof, the toggle-joints D, D' engaged by the pins, the vertical
shafts E, E actuated by the toggles, frame or arms F, F1, F2, F3, and the sliding
blocks F, F10, F1, F slotted at F, F, F7, F8, and suitable lasting mechanism,
substantially as described.
4. In a lasting machine, the mechanism for laying the outsole, comprising the
endwise moving shaft R2 extending vertically from the table at the rear and
between the two lasting mechanisms, the arm R³ extending horizontally from said
shaft, the longitudinally slotted frame S supported by a swivelled connection with
the free end of the arm, the screw-rods S adjustably secured in the slot in said
frame, the presser-feet T, and suitable lasting mechanism, substantially as
described.
5. In a lasting machine, the combination of the semicircular plate O provided
with the radial guide slots O', the semicircular plate O' provided with the diagonal
cam-slots 0³, the radial toe-lasting rods P engaging with the said diagonal and
radial slots by means of studs and moving longitudinally on radial lines, the inner

page_text: ends of said toe-lasting rods being provided with blades curved in horizontali
section, and a toe-block provided with recesses corresponding in shape with and..
serving as seats for said curved blades, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 7th day of November 1893.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant..