IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR UNITING THE SOLES AND UPPERS OF BOOTS, SHOES, AND SIMILAR COVERINGS FOR THE FEET, APPLICABLE ALSO FOR UNITING HOSE PIPES, HARNESS, MILL STRAPS, AND OTHER LIKE PURPOSES
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas White, of Prospect Terrace, Leeds, in the
County of York, Engineer and Mechanical Draughtsman, for the
Invention of IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR UNITING THE SOLES AND UPPERS OF
BOOTS, SHOES, AND SIMILAR COVERINGS FOR THE FEET, APPLICABLE ALSO FOR
UNITING HOSE PIPES, HARNESS, MILL STRAPS, AND OTHER LIKE PURPOSES."
Sealed the 8th August 1864, and dated the 12th February 1864.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas White at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 12th
February 1864.
I, THOMAS WHITE, of Prospect Terrace, Leeds, in the County of York,
Engineer and Mechanical Draughtsman, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR UNITING THE SOLES AND UPPERS
OF BOOTS, SHOES, AND SIMILAR COVERINGS FOR THE FEET, APPLICABLE ALSO FOR
UNITING HOSE PIPES, HARNESS, MILL STRAPS, AND OTHER LIKE PURPOSES," to be
as follows:-
My Invention has special reference to uniting the soles and uppers of boots,
shoes, and other coverings for the feet by the method known as rivetting.
Its principal features are, firstly, the use of a continuous length or coil of
wire (brass or other suitable metal), portions of which are cut, by mechanism
hereafter described, of the required length for rivets.
Secondly, the use of a "silent feed" motion to propel or feed the wire at
proper intervals.
Thirdly, a combined guiding and cutting apparatus, by means of which one

page_text: end of the continuous length or coil of wire is held fast whilst being forced
into the sole, and afterwards cut off square or pointedly and rivetted.
"race
"
Fourthly, the application of the "silent feed "motion for turning round the
boot, shoe, or other similar covering for the feet to receive successive rivets.
And, lastly, the use of an adjustable "nicker" for forming a groove or
on the sole in the line where the rivets are required, the frame and
last carrying such sole being actuated by suitable bevilled and pinion wheels.
Upon the top of an iron frame, somewhat similar in external appearance to
those used for ordinary shearing machines, I place a reel or coil filled with
brass or other suitable wire and free to rotate on its axis. In juxtaposition
with the front side of the machine, having a planed flat projection, I place a
I
second planed surface, itself containing a sliding bar hereafter described.
thus obtain two sliding surfaces moving independent of each other, the outer
one being supported by the planed projection of the machine, and the ordinary
mechanism of lips and s being used in the fitting up of the said planed
surfaces. To the lower part of the outer planed surface I attach studs or pins
on the same horizontal line carrying cranked levers, the upper ends of which
are fitted with friction rollers and the lower ends with jaws and cutters, or
jaws and a cutter, before alluded to as the third feature in my Invention. In
a convenient position above these levers I affix other studs to the said outer
planed surface carrying the "silent feed" motion before named. This motion
consists of two iron rings, having their centres placed equidistant from the
vertical centre line of the machine (and on the same horizontal line), adjusted
to allow the wire to pass between them, working freely on the studs, and
having projecting rings on their outer surfaces. Levers, also working freely
'on the outer ends of the studs and having notches cut in their bosses, are
connected by means of springs with clutches the outer ends of which clasp the
projecting rings before named, whilst the inner ends rest in the recesses cut
in the bosses of the levers. The inner sliding bar before named has the
corners of its lower end cut off at an acute angle, the end itself being rounded
off, and when the machine is not in motion the end just penetrates sufficiently
between the friction rollers on the upper end of the cranked levers before
described to keep the lower ends or jaws, or the wire between them, tight.
The upper end of the sliding bar is provided with a slot to receive a lever
(when the machine is worked by hand), having its fulcrum in the iron frame
and a balance weight on the extreme end of the back of the machine; or if
desired to apply steam power to the 'machine, a cam motion similar to that
used in shearing machines may be used. At the foot of the machine a planed
table carries an iron last and the last frame, on the outer edge of which are

page_text: teeth actuated by a pinion receiving its motion from bevilled wheels underneath
the table, these in turn receiving their motion from a "silent feeder," similar to
that before described, and actuated by a lever depending from the main or
driving lever when hand power is used. A recess cast in the frame receives a
sliding bar (adjusted by any convenient method) projected to the table of the
machine, and having its end turned down to cut grooves or races in the sole.
The bar being fixed in position, the sole, last, and last frame are caused to
revolve by means of a horizontal shaft placed under the table, having a bevilled
wheel on its extremity actuating the bevilled wheel on the upright pinion
shaft before named.
The action of the machine is as follows:-Placing a sole and upper leather
upon the iron last before named, the outer end of the wire on the reel or
pulley is passed between the feed rollers (which may have plain or cut peri-
pheries) and also between the jaws on the lower end of the outer planed
surface. Depressing the main lever, the inner slide bar is likewise depressed,
'and in turn depresses the outer slide by reason of the pressure its V end
exerts on the friction pulleys, the fulera of which are attached to the outer slide.
This outer slide is suspended in position when the machine is not in operation
by an elastic band attached to its lower extremity and to a convenient part of
the frame. The point of the wire being thus brought in contact with the sole,
.a steady pressure being continued, it is compelled to enter the same and
continues until it meets the resisting surface of the iron last, the depression of
the main lever still continuing, and the inner slide bar moving independently
of the outer slide, the wedge form of its lower extremity, which had previously
caused the jaws of the cranked levers to hold the wire just tight, now descends
further, and putting the friction rollers on the cranked levers further apart
causes the jaws to hold the wire still more tight, and finally to divide it. A.
rivet is now in the sole, and during the next descent of the cutters the pro-
truding end of the rivet is clenched by a blow from a projection on the jaw
cutter. The angularity of the cutters causes a sharp point to be left on the
end of the coil, which facilitates the next entrance into the sole; and I may
remark that in some cases I prefer to use a V cutter, which gives a point to
both ends of the rivet. The object is to form what I term a C rivet when
clenched, for the lower end of the wire coming in contact with the last becomes
bent or hooked, the top or protruding end of the rivet coming in contact with
the driver, which is so shaped as to curve the outer pointed end and compress
it in the leather. With this class of rivet I prefer to use the groove or "race"
previously alluded to.
The main lever being now elevated, a cross head on the same connected

page_text: by chains with the levers on the "silent feed" causes the feed rollers to rotate
and propel the requisite quantity of wire for the next rivet; at the same time
the lever depending from the main lever actuates the "silent feed" under the
table and moves the boot, shoe, or other covering for the feet the requisite
distance for the next rivet, the process being repeated as often as is requisite.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Thomas White in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
12th August 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
WHITE, of Prospect Terrace, Leeds, in the County of York, Engineer and
Mechanical Draughtsman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-seventh year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Thomas White, Her special licence that I, the said
Thomas White, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said Thomas White, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at
all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR UNITING THE SOLES AND UPPERS OF BOOTS,
SHOES, AND SIMILAR COVREINGS FOR THE FEET, APPLICABLE ALSO FOR UNITING HOSE
PIPES, HARNESS, MILL STRAPS, AND OTHER LIKE PURPOSES," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Thomas White, my executors or adminis-
trators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands
and seals, should particularly describe and, ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Thomas White, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to 'be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the fol-
lowing statement thereof, that is to say :-
My Invention has special reference to uniting the soles and uppers of

page_text: boots, shoes, and other coverings for the feet by the method known as
rivetting.
Its principal features are, firstly, the use of a continuous length or coil of
wire (brass or other suitable metal), portions off which are cut, by mechanism
hereafter described, of the required length for rivets.
Secondly, the use of a "silent feed" motion to propel or feed the wire at
proper intervals.
Thirdly, a combined guiding and cutting apparatus, by means of which
one end of the continuous length or coil of wire is held fast whilst
being forced into the sole, and afterwards cut off square or pointedly and
rivetted.
Fourthly, the application of the "silent feed" motion for turning round
the boot, shoe, or other similar covering for the feet to receive successive
rivets.
And, lastly, the use of an adjustable "nicker" for forming a groove or
"race" on the sole in the line where the rivets are required, the frame and
last carrying such sole being actuated by suitable bevilled and pinion
wheels.
Upon the top of an iron frame, somewhat similar in external appearance to
those used for ordinary shearing machines, I place a reel or coil filled with
brass or other suitable wire, and free to rotate on its axis. In juxta-
position with the front side of the machine, having a planed flat projection
I place a second planed surface, itself containing a sliding bar hereafter
described. I thus obtain two sliding surfaces moving independent of each
other, the outer one being supported by the planed projection of the machine
and the ordinary mechanism of lips and Vs being used in the fitting up of
the said planed surfaces. To the lower part of the outer planed surface I
attach studs or pins on the same horizontal line carrying cranked levers, the
upper ends of which are fitted with friction rollers and the lower ends with
jaws and cutters, or jaws and a cutter, before alluded to as the third feature in
my Invention. In a convenient position above these levers I affix other
studs to the said outer planed surface, carrying the "silent feed" motion before
named. This motion consists of two iron rings (having their centres placed
equidistant from the vertical centre line of the machine and on the same
horizontal line), adjusted to allow the wire to pass between them, working freely
on the studs, and having projecting rings on their outer surfaces. Levers, also
working freely on the outer ends of the studs and having notches cut in their
bosses, are connected by means of springs with clutches the outer ends of
which clasp the projecting rings before named, whilst the inner ends rest in

page_text: the recesses cut in the bosses of the levers. The inner sliding bar before
named has the corners of its lower end cut off at an acute angle, the end
itself being rounded off, and when the machine is not in motion the end just
penetrates sufficiently between the friction rollers on the upper end of the
cranked levers before described to keep the lower ends or jaws or the wire
between them tight. The upper end of the sliding bar is provided with a
slot to receive a lever (when the machine is worked by hand), having its
fulcrum in the iron frame and a balance weight on the extreme end at the
back of the machine, or if desired to apply steam power to the machine, a
cam motion similar to that used in shearing machines may be used. At the
foot of the machine a planed table carries an iron last and the last frame, on-
the outer edge of which are teeth actuated by a pinion receiving its motion
from bevilled wheels underneath the table, these in turn receiving their motion
from a "silent feeder," similar to that before described, and actuated by a
lever depending from the main or driving lever when hand power is used.
A recess cast in the frame receives a sliding bar (adjusted by any convenient
method), projected to the table of the machine, and having its end turned
down to cut grooves or races in the sole. The bar being fixed in position;
the sole, last, and last frame are caused to revolve by means of a horizontal
shaft placed under the table, having a bevilled wheel on its extremity
actuating the bevilled wheel on the upright pinion shaft before named.
The action of the machine is as follows:-Placing a sole and upper
leather upon the iron last before named the outer end of the wire on the reel
or pulley is passed between the feed rollers (which may have plain or cut
peripheries) and also between the jaws on the lower end of the outer planed
surface. Depressing the main lever, the inner slide bar is likewise depressed,
and in turn depresses the outer slide by reason of the pressure its V end
exerts on the friction pulleys, the fulcra of which are attached to the outer
slide. This outer slide is suspended in position when the machine is not in
operation by an elastic band attached to its lower extremity and to a con-
venient part of the frame. The point of the wire being thus brought in
contact with the sole, a steady pressure being continued it is compelled to
enter the same and continues until it meets the resisting surface of the iron
last, the depression of the main lever still continuing and the inner slide bar
moving independently of the outer slide, the wedge form of its lower extremity
which had previously caused the jaws of the cranked levers to hold the wire
just tight now descends further, and putting the friction rollers on the cranked
levers further apart causes the jaws to hold the wire still more tight and
finally to divide it. A rivet is now in the sole, and during the next descent of

page_text: the cutters the protruding end of the rivet is clenched by a blow from a pro-
jection on the jaw cutter. The angularity of the cutters causes a sharp point
to be left on the end of the coil which facilitates the next entrance into
the sole. And I may remark that in some cases I prefer to use a V cutter,
which gives a point to both ends of the rivet. The object is to form what I.
term a C rivet when clenched, for the lower end of the wire coming in contact
with the last becomes bent or hooked, the top or protruding end of the rivet
coming in contact with the driver, which is so shaped as to curve the outer:
pointed end and compress it in the leather. With this class of rivet I prefer to:
use the groove or "race" previously alluded to.
The main lever being now elevated, a cross head on the same, connected by:
chains with the levers on the "silent feed," causes the feed rollers to rotate:
and propel the requisite quantity of wire for the next rivet; at the same time
the lever depending from the main lever actuates the "silent feed" under.
the table and moves the boot, shoe, or other covering for the feet the requisite
distance for the next rivet, the process being repeated as often as is requisite ;
or in some cases I prefer to use a simplified arrangement which presents:
modification of details, the principle being unaltered. By this arrangement
I dispense with the inner sliding bar having a V on its lower extremity:
as well as the friction rollers and cranked levers carrying the jaws and
cutters, substituting a fixed cutter attached to the outer slide. and levers:
depending from the main levers to actuate such outer slide, as well as a
moving cutter having a cranked arm which passes through the framework
of the machine. I also dispense with one half of the motion for feeding the
wire, using an adjustable friction roller.
But in order that my Invention may be thoroughly understood,, reference is
made to the accompanying Sheets of Drawings, and the letters and figures
marked thereon.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS..
Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation showing my first method, Figure 2
being a front sectional elevation of the same, and Figure 3 a transverse section.
on the line E, E, Figure 1; similar letters representing similar parts in these

page_text: slide before named having a V form on its lower extremity and actuated by
the lever B through the pin e¹ working within the slot e¹¹; f is the outer
slide within which the inner slide e works (as will be clearly seen on reference
to Figure 3). The slide f works against the surface a¹ of the standard A,
being held in position by the lips a", a". The parts G, G', Figures 1 and
3, are sections of the silent feed, motion, "Figure 4 being front elevation of one
part of the same. This feed motion being identical in principle and construc-
tion with that well known as Howe's feed in an expired sewing machine.
Patent, it is not necessary to describe its construction. It is, however, as before
explained, connected to the outer slide f by means of the studs g¹, g¹, and
actuated by small chains or slotted levers attached to the main lever B and the
small levers g¹¹, g"; h, h, Figures 2 and 1, represents the cranked levers
working on fulcra: h¹, h', and furnished with friction rollers h", 7", on the
upper ends, the lower end being provided with jaws or cutters h¹, h. The
centre pins or fulcra h¹, h', are affixed to the outer slide f.
I, Figures 1 and 2, represents a planed traversing table actuated by the
screw. working within the female screw i¹ (a portion of the standard. A);
j is an interchangeable cam supporting the rack K and last l, upon which will
be observed the sole and upper 11, 7"; mis the pinion on the shaft m¹ which
actuates the rack K, being itself actuated by the bevilled wheel n geared into
the wheel: n. The shaft carrying the bevilled wheel n is furnished with a
silent feed motion precisely similar to that before named, and put in motion
by the lever o connected with the main lever B at o. Within the cam j is a
stop or pin j. The lip ¹¹ of the cam. is removeable, being affixed by screws
and having its inner and outer edges shaped according to the curve of the line
of rivets required. This lip passes between the stop or pin j' and the collar
m on the pinion shaft, and is further steadied by another collar similar to
and abutting on m¹, seen in Figure 2, and gives the desired curvature to the
line of rivets. For delicate work I use a duplicate rack working within the
pinion m, Figure 5, and carrying a copy of the contour of the sole. This
contour being directly under the outer slide f acts as a stop to regulate the
length of the stroke, and prevents marks on the sole of the boot. The
nicker g, Figure 1, is shewn in red lines, fixed by screws-9, 91, to the barr
within the frame A, the "feed motion" under the table being thrown out of
gear by means of the lever p (Figure 2), having its fulcrum p¹ in. the
standard A, and connected by means of the pin p" with the slide ; which
carries the "feed," the shaft S put in motion, and by means of the bevel
wheel and the pinion m imparts motion to the rack K... The nicker g
being stationary, a groove is cut during the revolution of the boot or shoe

page_text: preparatory to the process of pegging or rivetting; in some classes of work I
dispense with the groove. This being effected the bevil wheel n is thrown
into gear again, the spring t keeping the pinion fully-up. The part' U,
Figure 2, on the top of the standard shows the periphery of a pulley or reel
rotating on the centre u¹¹; this reel is filled with a continuous coil of wire u³,
which is passed between the feed rollers G, G, and through the jaws or cutters
h, h, to the sole piece or pieces of leather to be operated upon. The lever B
being depressed the slides e and f are likewise depressed, and the jaws holding
the wire tight it is forced into the article under operation down to the iron
last 1. The resistance to further progress then met with causes the outer
slide to remain still, whilst the inner slide still descending, the wedge form of
its lower extremity (which had up to this period caused the jaws only to keep
firm hold of the wire) widens the distance between the friction rollers, and
brings the cutting edge of the jaws into operation, severing the wire within
the sole or other article from the continuous coil at any desired. angle,
dependent upon the shape of the cutters. The main lever B being now
elevated the feed motion on the outer slide is brought into operation, and
imparts the requisite "feed" of wire for the next rivet, whilst the feed motion
under the table simultaneously advances the article under operation by means
of the bevil pinion and rack wheels before described. An elastic band v,
attached to the upper part of the standard A and to the lower part of the
outer slide f, assists the ascent of the latter. On the next descent another
rivet is forced in like manner to the former, and the operation is repeated ad
infinitum, each rivet being clenched by impact with a flat on the cutter during
the succeeding blow. A reference to Figures 5 and 6 will show my second
and simplified arrangement. Using a similar standard A and main lever B,
also outer slide f, I dispense with the inner slide shewn in previous Figures,
propelling the slidef by means of a lever f' from the main lever. Within
the box f, which forms a part of the slide f, I place a guide g, having a
groove for the reception of the wire u¹ from the reel or pulley U as before.
The lower part of the guide is slotted to receive an adjustable cutter g¹; this
cutter is fixed by a set screw in the desired position, and the guide g being
likewise fixed within the box f" ascends or descends vertically with the outer
slide f; the cutter g" is fixed with a cranked arm f¹ of the lever F, and
actuated by the main lever B through lever f'. On reference to Figure 6 it
will be seen that I only use one feed wheel G for the wire, substituting an
adjustable friction pulley m, which answers the purpose.
The arrangement for travelling the boot or other article to receive each
successive peg or rivet is similar to that before shewn, an elastic band x

page_text: being shewn instead of an iron spring to retain the feed in gear with the
pinion.
The feed receives its motion from the lever n attached to the centre pin
carrying the balance weight. In other particulars this arrangement, shewn in
Figures 5 and 6, may be regarded as essentially similar to that first mentioned,
the nicker (which is altogether omitted) being excepted.
Having now fully described and ascertained the nature of my Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I would have it understood
that without confining myself to the precise details shewn, as mechanical
equivalents may be substituted, what I claim as of my Invention is;-
Firstly, the use of a continuous coil of wire for the purpose above named.
Secondly, the application of the silent feed motion for the purposes described
: and shewn.
Thirdly, the combined holding and cutting apparatus.
Fourthly, the interchangeable cam for giving the requisite curvature to the
article under operation.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas White, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Ninth day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
THOMAS WHITE. (L.S.)