Improvements in Lasting Machines.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 31st Oct., 1893-Accepted, 17th Feb., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION,
Improvements in Lasting Machines.
I, HENRY AUGUSTUS CLARK, residing at the corner of Walnut and Harvey
Streets, in the City of Brookline, County of Norfolk, State of Massachusetts,
United States of America, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :—
This invention relates to power lasting machines and consists in providing two
sets of lasting fingers, an upper one and a lower one, which are adapted to grip the
edge of the leather upper or vamp automatically and hold it, while the act of
lasting is being performed. These several lasting fingers being operated to act
conjointly by means of fluid-impelled pistons or plungers.
My invention further relates to improvements in the mechanism by which the
heel and toe portions of the upper are properly crimped and folded over upon the
last at these particular points.
An important feature to be noticed in the first part of my invention is that the
act of lasting is performed through the agency of fluid-impelled pistons acting
upon the side lasting fingers in such a manner that no hand-operated jaws are
employed. I provide two groups of lasting fingers which cooperate simultaneously in
pairs, upper and lower. Further, I arrange the said lasting fingers together with a
series of fluid-impelled pistons so disposed that the edge of the leather upper shall
be seized at the will of the operator and then pulled or drawn up over the over
last.
A further feature consists in subsequently providing for the release and removal
of the top group of lasting fingers, the upper of the shoe being now held by the
lower lasting fingers against the last until the act of lasting is accomplished.
Another and important feature is contained in the mechanism provided by which
to control the movements of the several fluid-operated plungers and thereby the
lasting fingers; said mechanism consisting in pressure and vacuum chambers;
together with means whereby the pistons are advanced or withdrawn as desired.
By the improvements which are embodied in my present invention I am enabled
to equalize the action of the several pairs of lasting fingers and moreover I provide
adjustments for the upper set, whereby I am enabled to last either a right or left
boot or shoe with equal facility and without any previous or preliminary adjust-
ments. That is, by a slight movement of the hand the upper group of lasting
fingers is adapted to last a boot or shoe for either foot.
The object of my invention so far as it relates to the heel and toe mechanism
is to simplify the number of parts and at the same time to enable the act of lasting
including the several steps of holding, crimping, drawing and folding of the
upper either about the heel or the toe, to be effected by a single lever.
The drawings represent in Fig. 1, a side elevation partly in section of a lasting
machine embodying the first part of my invention.
Fig. 2 is a section on line 22 in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section of two of the upper group of lasting fingers and
carriage enlarged, and showing a modified construction.
Fig. 4 is a section on line 4 4 in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a plan of the heel lasting mechanism embodying my invention, showing
the parts in their inactive positions and prior to the act of lasting the heel.
Fig. 6 is a plan showing the parts in their respective positions just as the act of
haal lasting is complete

page_text: of the machine in part.
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section of heel lasting appurtenances under my
invention.
Fig. 9 is likewise a plan showing the parts in position after the act of lasting the
heel the wipers having been removed.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the wipers enlarged.
Fig. 11 is a similar view of the pivot of said wipers.
Fig. 12 is a cross section of the heel lasting piston and its cylinder on line t t.
In Figures 1 & 2 I have shown a casting or frame at 2 adapted to support a last 3
suitably mounted while a shoe upper is shown at 7 in position for lasting purposes.
Upon this standard and located laterally on either side of the last are two groups of
vertically disposed lasting fingers 5, 6; these cooperate in pairs; the individual
members of each pair being indicated by the numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, as coefficients
while corresponding numerals act conjointly; hence 5¹ and 6¹; 52 with 62 and so on.
Since the mechanism which I am about to describe serves to control each pair of
lasting fingers in exactly the same manner, and as the method of mounting,
adjusting and operating each pair is the same respectively in each group, I
shall proceed to describe but one such pair of fingers leaving it to be understood
that in the act of lasting the several pairs, which together form the two groups
of lasting fingers, then act conjointly along the sides of the boot or shoe in
process.
Upon the upper part of the upright post of the standard is positioned a swinging
arm 4 terminating in a head 8 provided with a series of parallel holes or borings 9
which act as cylinders to receive vertical plungers or pistons 10, adapted to be
operated by fluid supply under pressure through a pipe 12 connecting with a
chamber 13 common to all the cylinders. To the lower end of each plunger is
attached a block 14 fitted with opposite end-lugs 15 adapted to receive adjusting
screws 16 the functions of which will be hereinafter explained. Mounted in
longitudinal guides or upon a rod or pin is a carriage 17 which is adapted to move
transversely across the last. Where a pin is used as a guide both lugs are shown
as integral with the block, but where guides are formed, as illustrated in Figs. 3
and 4 a removable plate is provided in order to enable the carriage to be slipped
into its guides in the block. Furthermore secured to the carriage and pendent
therefrom are two oppositely disposed swinging lasting fingers 61 62, which
terminate at their lower free ends in heads 18, while horizontal arms 19 grooved
at 20 on the under side, project laterally therefrom and at right angles to the
longitudinal axis of the last. A short pin or bolt 21 pivotally attached to one of
the fingers and having screw-thread engagement with the other as shown in Fig. 2
together with a coiled spring 23 serves to prevent the fingers from diverging too
widely when inactively positioned and caused by the tension of the spring, while
they are still free to approach each other.
Since the shape and position of these upper lasting fingers causes them to hang
slightly from the vertical it will be understood that a downward or advance move-
ment of a plunger 10 serves to press or force said fingers outwardly against any
opposing instrumentality.
In connection with the above described lasting fingers is the adjustment for the
carriage 17 on which the said fingers are mounted whereby such fingers can be
positioned for either a right or left boot or shoe. For purposes of explanation I
will assume in Fig. 2 that the. toe of the last is nearest the operator; this will
bring the outside of a right shoe on the right, conversely the outside of a left shoe on
the left. Consequently to effect the necessary adjustment the respective screws 16
are moved to conform to the contour of the last and when a right shoe is to be
lasted the operator passes his hand along, thereby wiping the several carriages and
slides them over until each one brings up against its adjusting screw, with the
result to bring every carriage in readiness to last a right boot or shoe. By
converse action an opposite effect is produced, and the fingers are placed suitably to
last a left boot or shoe.

page_text: To cooperate with the upper lasting fingers 61 62 I have arranged the lower
lasting fingers 5¹ 52 respectively. These consist of two vertically positioned bars
having curved ends, which bend in transversely over the last and terminate in
rounded extremities 24, adapted to cooperate automatically with the heads 18 in
order to grip the shoe upper. Upon reference to Fig. 3 it will be seen that the
upper portion of the extremities 24 of each lasting finger is wedge shaped, and
adapted to engage in the V grooves or guides 20 in the arms 19 on the upper lasting
fingers. This positive engagement serves to align vertically the heads of the
respective lasting fingers and compels them to assume their proper positions every
time in the act of lasting. To support said fingers and at the same time to equalize
their movements, since two, one on each side of the last, are operated by the same
plunger, I have attached the lower ends of the fingers to a horizontal fulcrum
rod 25, the latter being adapted to rock on a fulcrum block 26 spring-mounted in a
fixed part of the frame 2, which here consists in a lateral web or plate 27. To the
under side of said plate is bolted the lower plunger head 28 of a construction
similar to the upper one 8. The plungers in this lower head are shown at 29. To
operate the lower group of lasting fingers, a rocking arm 30 is attached to the
lower extremity of each plunger, while bands 31 fastened to the free ends of said
arm extend upward about anti-friction rollers 32 and connect with the lasting
fingers preferably in their upper portion. Thus as the fluid, admitted into the
chamber 34, which is common to the cylinders, forces said plungers downwardly
the bands draw the lasting fingers both downwardly and inwardly. This downward
action being compensated for by the spring-mounted fulcrum block 26.
To operate and control the said lasting fingers at pleasure and to advance or
retract either group simultaneously and automatically I have found the following
method inexpensive, practical and efficient. Two liquid-tight vessels 40, 41, are
provided respectively for pressure and vacuum service; each is furnished with
gauges as indicators of their condition, while a pumping apparatus 42 interconnects
the two by pipes 43, 45. Oil, preferably employed as a liquid, is first poured into
the vacuum reservoir, when reciprocations of the pump force the oil into the
tank 40, where it is retained under pressure by aid of the check-valve 46, while the
transfer of such liquid causes a vacuum to be formed in the vessel from which
the liquid is taken and maintained by a check valve 50. A pipe 48 leading from
the pressure reservoir interconnects with each plunger head 8, 28, by means of
branch pipes 49, 12, while threeway valves 51, 52 control communication between
said pipes and the pressure and vacuum vessels. The pipe 53. leads from the
vacuum vessel to the threeway valves. Hence by aid of levers, shown 56, 57, or
other instrumentalities by which said valves may be shifted quickly, the positions,
pressure and action of the plungers can readily be controlled. That is, both
groups can be advanced, or one may be withdrawn, while the other group remains
inactive, or both may be withdrawn, so it is evident that each group is independent
of the other, or can be caused to act simultaneously therewith, as circumstances
require.
The mode of operation and the function of the various elements above described
when assembled as a power lasting machine are as follows:-Liquid, preferably oil,
is poured into the vacuum vessel 41, whence it is transferred by the pump 42 into
the tank 40, and by such transfer a vacuum is formed in 41, and pressure
created in 40. This liquid now under pressure is in readiness to be employed
for adjusting the plungers and either series may now be advanced by opening the
valves 51, 52 to their respective supply pipes 49, 12; or either series may be
retracted, if already advanced, by allowing the chambered heads to communicate.
with the vacuum vessel. This is effected by turning the proper valve into such a
position, as to shut off the supply pipe and interconnect either pipe 49, 12 with the
vacuum vessel, when the plungers are retracted an amount equal to the displacement
occasioned by the oil permitted to return to the vacuum vessel 41.
Assuming that the valves are now positioned to close communication with both
vessels 40, 41, the last 3 with its inuer sole 54 and leather upper is then put in

page_text: place. The position of the lasting fingers is as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings.
Liquid under pressure is now admitted through the pipes 49, 12 into the plunger-
heads 8, 28 by opening the valves 51, 52 with the result to advance their plungers
and actuate the lasting fingers. The lower group advancing inwardly and slightly
downwardly until they meet the upper group which now rest upon the insole.
The individual fingers 61, 62, &c., acting with an outward thrust to oppose the
cooperating lasting fingers 5¹, 5%, &c., acting with an inward thrust; as a
consequence the edge of the leather upper is grasped and held between the
heads 18, 24. At this moment the lower fingers 5 52 are now subjected to the full
liquid pressure, the valve 51 being open. In order to advance. the lower fingers
inwardly, while the act of lasting is being performed, the valve 52 is slightly
opened to the vacuum with the result that the upper fingers are allowed to yield
as their plungers retract. The pressure between the fingers, upper and lower
pairs, remaining constant, since the lower fingers advance inwardly only as fast as
the upper ones approach each other. In this way the upper of the shoe is stretched
and drawn tightly over the last. At the time this act is completed the lower
fingers 51, 52, &c. bear upon the last and hold the leather firmly against said last.
In order to finish the act of lasting and tack the upper in place, the valve 52 is
turned to close pipe 48 and open the pipe 12 which now connects with the pipe 53,
and is so held until the upper group 61, 62, &c. is released and withdrawn sufficiently
to permit the entire group of fingers, plungers, and plunger-head to be swung
to one side. After tacking has taken place, the valve 51 is turned to allow
the fluid in part in the plunger head 28 to return to the vessel 41.. When
such steps are completed the pump 42 may be operated to return the oil now in
vessel 41 to the tank 40 and then restore the vacuum in one and the pressure in the
other. However I have found by experiment that the pump 42 does not require
to be operated except at long intervals.
Prior to the activity of the lasting fingers the several carriages 17 are pushed.
over to the right or left according to the boot or shoe to be lasted, while the
fingers 5¹ 61 52, 62; adjust themselves to conform to the top and side contour of
the last at their respective points of contact. Any degree of grip between the
fingers can be secured, while the pull upon the leather in the process of lasting
may likewise be varied at the will of the operator.
This machine is very rapid in its work, since the leather upper is seized
simultaneously at all points along its edge by the two groups of lasting fingers which
act automatically. In this way I avoid the use of manually operated jaw-members,
as hitherto employed. The toe and heel portion of the upper may be lasted by
mechanism of any approved form, the following is one method of doing this.
I am not aware that a lasting machine has ever been constructed in which the
edge of the leather upper has been grasped by two groups of lasting fingers, upper
and lower, operated automatically by fluid pressure, hence I do not desire to be
limited to the precise construction of the several instrumentalities provided by
which such effect is obtained, as the various elements may be modified somewhat in
form and still be within my invention.
The dotted arrows in Fig. 2 indicate the direction in the flow of the liquid
whenever either valve 51, 52, is so turned as to unite the pipes 12, 49 with the
pipe 53 to the vacuum vessel 41.
In the further description and operation of my invention particularly with
reference to the heel and toe lasting elements I have shown only such parts as would
be required to last the heel portion of the upper, but as the mechanism for
lasting the toe portion is merely a duplicate I have omitted all mention and
description thereof.
In said drawings Sheet 2 I have indicated at A a portion of an upright post
supporting a platform B with guides C on which slides a carriage D. Upon the
latter is mounted the jack E with the last 3 and upper 7, as also the heel lasting
mechanism proper. The purpose of the sliding adjustment of the carriage is to
enable the workman to place the last in the desired position with respect to the lasting

page_text: mechanism, viz. :—the side lasting fingers as well as the heel and toe appurtenances,
and to provide for different sizes of lasts. A toothed bar G adapted to engage
the post A serves to lock the carriage and thus hold the last in any desired position
with respect to the lasting mechanism considered as a whole.
The lasting instrumentalities in this part of my invention consist primarily of a
pair of independent rocker arms I, pivotally attached to the front end of the
carriage, while the upper extremities support upon the fulcrum points J a swinging
semi-circular frame K, which is upheld at the rear end by a screw-threaded
sleeve L likewise provided with rocking movements. By turning this sleeve the
rear end of the frame can be raised or lowered. This adjustment is intended to
bring the wipers in such position as will enable them to pass over the heel of the
last with a sliding movement. From the manner of mounting this frame K it will
be understood that it is adapted to move in right line movement to and fro with
respect to the last. This swinging frame as shown in plan view, Figs. 5, 6, 9 is
made up of two curved arms M M adapted to span the heel of the last. Further-
more upright plates N N¹ (Figs. 7 & 12) serve to retain a cylinder having a
transverse pivot P; within this cylinder open at both ends reciprocates a piston Q,
which is adapted to be operated and controlled by a hand lever R, pivoted at S
with its fulcrum point at T upon the carriage. This fulcrum consists of a
rectangular pivoted block.which the end of the lever is formed to engage. Hence
elevation or depression of the 'free end of said lever, permitted by the relation of
the parts will produce axial rocking of the piston, the lever being free to slide upon
the fulcrum post.
The front end of the piston is shouldered to serve as a stop in its retreat
movement, while a pivot plate U shown in detail in Fig. 11 is attached thereto.
This pivot plate U acts as the center about which the wipers, V V' move after the
manner of scissors and transversely across the heel of the last. Said wipers
comprise two similar plates of flat metal, curved on the edges adjacent to the last,
that they may conform approximately to the periphery of the latter. To actuate
said wipers, studs W WI are inserted in the upper side and connect with a
compound leverage system consisting of a bar X, transversely of the end of piston
and affixed thereto; .toggles made up of the arms Y, Z, Y, Z, and connecting
rods a, a¹ from the extremities of the bar X to the long arms Y, Y₁, of the toggles
complete the system, it being understood that one end of the toggle arms Y, Y¹,
are pivoted upon the arm M of the frame K.
In connection with the hand lever R is a latch b, controlled by a spring rod c,
and arranged to engage a lug d on the cylinder. Normally the spring e keeps the
latch from engagement with the lug d, so that the lever R may operate the wipers
to move the latter, either longitudinally of the last or rock them transversely
thereof, while the swinging frame, the cylinder and parts attached are permitted to
remain stationary. When the latch bis forced into engagement with the lug, the
frame K, cylinder O and all the lasting instrumentalities are compelled, by means
of the lever, to advance in direction of the heel, while a toothed catch f, which
engages a post g, placed on the carriage, serves to hold the frame K with its
several instrumentalities in any position desired and fixed with respect to the
Jast.
In the process of lasting the heel, it is requisite that the upper should be firmly
held against the last prior to active operation of the wipers in order to prevent the
upper from moving when said wipers are drawing and crimping the upper over
upon the last. To accomplish this I mount a sliding bar centrally in the frame K
and affixed upon an upright pin in the end nearest the last are twin operating
rods i, curved as shown; these rods are fastened to levers jj', the fulcrum ends
of the latter being pivotally mounted in the extremities of the frame K while the
free ends support a flexible metallic clamping band k.
As shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9, the relative positions of the clamping band k
and its operating parts are below the wipers and lasting elements proper, since the
band is adapted to seize the upper and hold it firmly against the last prior to the

page_text: act of lasting itself. In addition to this function of closing the ends of the clamping
band against the last, the operating rods i serve to center said band, that is,
to bring the middle of the band coincident with the central longitudinal axis
of the last; hence the upright pin to which they are pivoted is likewise in said
plane.
Having thus described the various instrumentalities which compose the heel
lasting portions under my invention, I will now proceed to explain several move-
ments relatively in such mechanism and their manner of cooperation during the
act of heel lasting. The several component parts are presumably as in Fig. 5;
while the last with its upper has been placed upon the jack. On the supposition
that the mechanism is not suitably positioned the carriage with all the appa-
ratus upon it is either advanced or withdrawn until the last is properly situated,
and the toothed bar G then holds said carriage firmly locked. This act completed,
the screw-threaded sleeve L is moved to elevate or depress the frame K in order to
properly position the wipers with respect to the top of the last. These adjust-
ments completed the act proper of lasting the heel is now in order; grasping the
lever R the operator, by means of the rod c causes the latch b to engage the lug d
on the cylinder. A movement of this lever in direction of arrow 2 compels the
frame K to advance carrying with it the lasting appurtenances, together with the
plate h, the operating rods i¹ and the clamping band k. As soon as the latter
contacts against the upper and last, the central part is compelled to stop while
slight further advances of the frame actuate the levers jj¹ and the extremities of
said clamping band are forced inwardly against the last binding the upper forcibly
against said last. The frame K and the band are now held fixed and rigid by
means of the tooth catch f.
The final step in the act of lasting the heel now occurs; the operator releases
the latch 6 from the cylinder, and continues to advance the lever R still further in
the direction of the arrow 2. This movement results in leaving the frame and
cylinder locked and stationary, as before stated, while the piston carrying the
wipers advances towards the heel of the last. The wipers, as before premised, by
means of the adjustment effected by the sleeve L are approximately in position to
pass over the heel, but to render this movement positive, the cylinder being
independently pivoted at P allows them to pass over the heel of the last with a
folding wiping action, while a spring m holds them down thereagainst and its pressure
acts to press the edge of the upper snugly upon the top surface of the last at this
point. The forward movement of the lever continues when by the action of the
system of levers and pivot plate U, the wipers are brought inwardly with a move-
ment very similar to that effected by the hand, while at the same time an up and
down rocking of the lever oscillates the piston and said wipers transversely across
the heel to break the heel portion of the upper down upon the last.
The lever may be retracted slightly and then advanced in order to repeat the
step by which the crimping and folding down of the upper upon the heel of the
last is produced in order to render it more effectual and complete. The edge of
the upper is now tacked, and the process is fully completed, and this by means of
a single lever in the hands of the operator.
In order to release the last with the upper, the lever R is reversed in its move-
ment, and thereby the wipers are withdrawn from the last, while the retreat of the
piston carries a boss n, formed on a plate p, which covers the rear of the wipers,
against the smooth end of the catch to trip the latter, when the swinging frame
with the cylinder, its piston, the wipers, and the clamping band are all moved back
until they again assume the relative positions as shown in Fig. 5.
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 :-
1st. A power lasting machine composed of two groups of lasting fingers adapted

page_text: grip the leather upper, together with fluid-impelled plungers for actuating said
fingers, substantially as and for purposes herein described.
2nd. A power lasting machine composed of two series of fluid-impelled plungers,
two groups of lasting fingers, interconnecting mechanism between said plungers
and their fingers, together with means whereby said plungers are reciprocated to
cause the groups of lasting fingers to act conjointly in pairs, one upper finger and
one lower finger and thereby grasp the leather upper, substantially as specified.
3rd. In a power lasting machine, two chambered heads, a series of reciprocating
plungers therein, and mechanism by which fluid pressure controls said plungers,
combined with two groups of lasting fingers, said groups being composed of
similarly operated lower fingers arranged on each side of the last, together with
like operated upper fingers, and mechanism which unites said fingers and plungers
whereby the several members composing the upper and lower groups shall act
conjointly in pairs to automatically grasp the leather, substantially as set forth and
stated.
4th. In a lasting machine, the combination with a chambered head, a series of
fluid-impelled plungers, and an adjustable carriage attached to each plunger, of a
pair of lasting fingers composing a group and pivoted upon said carriage, said
lasting fingers adapted to cooperate with a pair of lasting fingers composing a
second group, all operating substantially as and for purposes specified.
5th. In a lasting machine, a pair of lasting fingers composing a group, a spring-
mounted fulcrum bar, and a fluid-impelled plunger, with connections from said
plunger to actuate the lasting fingers, combined with a pair of lasting fingers con-
stituting a second group, a carriage adjustable transversely of the last and adapted
to support said fingers and a fluid-impelled plunger, the two plungers serving to
automatically control the two groups of lasting fingers which act conjointly,
substantially as explained.
6th. In a lasting machine, the combination with two chambered heads, a series of
reciprocating plungers therein, and two groups of lasting fingers operating con-
jointly in pairs to grip the upper automatically, of two closed vessels respectively
for pressure and vacuum service, mechanism for uniting the plungers with the
lasting fingers, connections from said vessels to each chamber, and means by which
said chambered heads are subjected to pressure or vacuum influence of said vessels,
substantially as herein stated and described.
7th. In combination with the frame of a lasting machine, a spring fulcrum block,
an oscillating fulcrum bar thereupon, lasting fingers mounted pivotally at each end
of said bar, and a chambered head, flexible connections, which unite each plunger
with a pair of lasting fingers, which latter are adapted to press the upper of the
shoe against the last during the act of tacking, substantially as set forth.
8th. In a lasting machine, the combination with a stationary last, two series
of reciprocating plungers, two groups of lasting fingers, each operated by a
plunger, interconnecting mechanism between said plungers and their fingers,
together with means whereby the top group of lasting fingers is adapted to
swing bodily from over the last at stated times, substantially as and for purposes.
stated.
9th. In a lasting machine, the combination with a fluid-impelled plunger suitably
mounted, and a carriage affixed thereto, of a pair of lasting fingers supported by
said carriage, a grooved arm laterally of each plunger, and an adjusting screw
which connects the two fingers, substantially as explained.
10th. The combination of two series of fluid-impelled plungers, and two groups
of lasting fingers connected with and operated thereby, of a series of arms, one
laterally from each member of one group of fingers and adapted to engage with and
guide the extremities of the other and cooperating group of lasting fingers,
substantially as set forth.
11th. In a lasting machine a sliding carriage, a swinging frame thereupon, a
pivotally mounted cylinder in said frame, and a flexible band to clamp the upper,
combined with a piston, lasting instrumentalities carried by said piston, a single

page_text: operating lever, and mechanism which interconnects the piston, cylinder, and lever,
whereby said lever is adapted to advance the cylinder and slide or oscillate the
piston in the act of heel or toe lasting, substantially as explained.
12th. In a lasting machine, the combination with a sliding carriage, locking
mechanism therefor, a tilting frame, rocker arms secured to the carriage and which
support said frame, and a screw-threaded sleeve to adjust said frame, of a cylinder
transversely pivoted upon the frame, a reciprocating piston, wipers carried by
said piston, and means by which the wipers are simultaneously actuated upon
reciprocations of the piston, substantially as specified.
13th. In a lasting machine, the combination with a sliding carriage, its locking
mechanism, an adjustably swinging frame, a lever for actuating said frame, a
clamping band, and mechanism carried by said frame, to force the ends of the band
simultaneously against the upper at the time the lever is operated to swing the
frame, substantially as stated.
14th. The construction with a tilting carriage, a swinging frame, and mechanism
for locking the frame, of a cylinder pivotally mounted upon the frame, a piston
adapted to slide or oscillate therein, lasting appurtenances carried by said piston, a
single operating lever, and means to cause said lever to engage with or be disengaged
from said cylinder, substantially as set forth.
15th. In combination with a flexible clamping band, mechanism for forcing said
band against the upper, a pair of folding wipers, and a piston which carries said
wipers, a tilting cylinder, means for supporting said cylinder, a single operating
lever R, mechanism for locking said lever with the cylinder to produce advance
movement of the cylinder and closing together of the wipers, as likewise
mechanism for freeing the lever from the cylinder to allow oscillation of the piston
and wipers, substantially as and for purposes described.
16th. In a lasting machine, the combination with a swinging frame, a sliding
bar thereupon, and a flexible clamping band, of the equalizing levers which
secure the extremities of said band to the swinging frame, the connecting levers
which unite the sliding bar to the equalizing levers, and means for producing
movement of the frame to cause the flexible band to clasp the upper, substantially
as stated.
17th. In a lasting machine, a swinging frame, a pivotal cylinder thereupon, a
piston adapted to carry wipers, and a single operating lever R pivoted to the piston
and having a fixed fulcrum point, combined with a latch to lock the lever with the
cylinder, to advance the latter and clamp the band, mechanism for holding the
cylinder in a fixed position, and means for freeing the lever from the cylinder to
permit independent movement of the piston and closing of the wipers by means of
said lever R, substantially as explained.
18th. In a lasting machine a swinging frame, a pivotal cylinder, a piston, and
a pair of wipers carried by said piston, combined with a single operating lever
adapted to advance the frame, the cylinder, and piston as a unit, and mechanism
to release the lever to allow the frame and cylinder to remain stationary but to
permit reciprocations or oscillations of the piston, substantially as described and
stated.
19th. The combination with a fixed last, a swinging frame, and a piston, of a pair
of wipers or lasting tools pivotally hung upon the piston, a toggle which unites the
free ends of said wipers to the rocking frame, connecting rods from the piston to the
toggle, and mechanism to actuate the piston to cause the wipers to close or to close
and oscillate, substantially as specified.
20th. In a lasting machine a cylinder pivotally mounted upon a swinging frame,
a piston loose in said cylinder and adapted to carry wipers or lasting tools, combined
with a lever secured to the piston, and a fixed fulcrum point for said lever, the lever
being loosely attached to said fulcrum to allow the lever to swing in vertical or
horizontal planes, substantially as set forth.
21st. The combination with a swinging frame, a pivotal cylinder, and piston
therein furnished with lasting appurtenances, of a lever secured to said piston

page_text: and having a fixed fulcrum, a latch upon said lever, and mechanism to cause
said latch to engage with or be disengaged from the cylinder, substantially as
described.
Dated, Boston, Mass., U.S.A., October Second 1893.
HENRY AUGUSTUS CLARK.