Improvements in or relating to Lasting Machines.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Dec., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 17th Jan., 1891-Accepted, 14th Mar., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Lasting Machines.
A communication from abroad by THE ROCHESTER LASTING MACHINE COMPANY
(a corporation organised under the laws of the State of Minnesota), of
Minneapolis, in the State of Minnesota, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, & 6, Bank Street, Manchester,
both in the County of Lancaster, & 323, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to lasting machines, and consists in various features and
details hereinafter set forth (which may be described as improvements upon the
machine disclosed by the Patent Specification No. 11379 of 1888).
A metallic frame, supported by legs and comprising a horizontal bed portion, an
upright back plate and an over-arching arm, is arranged substantially as in the
Patent above referred to.
The back plate is provided with a vertical slot, and with horizontal ways or
guides, the former adapted to receive the last-support and the supports for the toe
and heel lasting devices, while the guides or ways receive the supports for the side
lasting jaws.
The side lasting-jaw supports are duplicates, and hence a description of one will
be applicable to both. These supports comprise each a flat plate to fit into the
ways or guides, and a hollow arm to receive a stem (preferably cylindrical) having
at its outer end an eye to receive the stem of the jaw.
Upon the underside of the hollow arm aforesaid are lugs, in which is mounted a
screw rod or stem, the stein turning freely in one of the lugs, but being threaded
to engage with the other lug through which it passes.
Between the lugs the screw stem aforesaid is provided with a knurled collar or
other means by which it may be turned.
The stem aforesaid, which receives the stem of the side lasting-jaw, is provided
with a perforated lug to receive the outer end of the screw stem, the lug being
embraced between collars upon the latter stem, so as to prevent longitudinal
movement of the latter through the lug, but permitting it to turn freely
therein.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that, by turning the screw-stem, the stem
carrying the jaw may be adjusted so as to bring the fingers or blades of the jaw
into the same plane with the bottom of the last. In order to clamp the jaw sten
in the eye of the cylindrical stem aforesaid, a screw is tapped into the body of the
eye adjacent to its opening, and the said screw is encircled by a collar, which
intersects the opening or hore of the eye, so that, when the screw is turned in one
direction, it will cause the collar to bear firmly against the shank of the jaw, and
thereby firmly clamp the jaw in position.
Screwing into the back of the plate of the side lasting-jaw support is a stud
or pin, for a purpose presently explained; the back plate of the machine
being slotted to receive and permit the studs to slide horizontally with the
supports.
The heel-former or heel-lasting-carrier or support resembles somewhat the
supports for the side lasting-jaws; that is to say, it is provided with a hollow
arm to receive a stem or shank, which, in turn, receives the heel-lasting devices;
and it is also provided with a screw for adjusting the said lasting devices within the
eye of the stem toward and from or relatively to the bottom or heel of the last, and
hence these parts need not be described.

page_text: The heel lasting support is provided with a body portion, designed to slide in the
vertical slot in the back plate of the machine, the said body portion being cored out.
to receive a block or nut having a lateral arm or lug, which projects outward
through a slot in the rear face of the support and through a slot in a plate secured
to the support and bearing against the rear face of the back plate of the machine.
This slotted plate, in conjunction with the flanges formed on the body of the carrier
or support,tholds or clamps the latter to the upright back plate of the machine.
Within the block or nut aforesaid is a sleeve or tube threaded externally to
engage the nut, and prevented from longitudinal movement within the support
or carrier, by means of collars or washers and screws, or in any other suitable
manner.
A. screw is carried by the sleeve or tube aforesaid, the reduced end of the screw
projecting into the interior of the sleeve to engage a slotted vertical shaft for a
purpose presently explained.
The support or carrier for the toe lasting mechanism comprises a body portion,
to fit into the slot in the upright back plate of the machine, a hollow arm to receive
the stem or shank of the frame or head, that carries the toe-wipers; and, finally, a
second hollow arm to receive the support for the toc of the last; the inner
end of the latter arm being set away from the front face of the body portion
of the support, and provided on its side with a bracket for a purpose hereinafter
described.
Secured to and projecting from the rear face of the body portion of the support
or of a plate carried thereby is a stud upon which is mounted a plate or crank disc,
having a handle or lever. A link connects the crank disc with a stud which is
secured to the lug or arm aforesaid, projecting from the rear of the heel lasting
support, while other two links connect the plate or crank disc with the side lasting
jaw-supports.
The toe wipers head is provided with a hollow stem to fit within the first named
hollow arm of the toe lasting support, and with separated arms, carrying a horizontal
pin upon which a tubular-case or-shell is adapted to swing. The hollow stem is
guided in its movements by spline or feather, and projecting from the upper face
of-the-stem-is a-stud-which works through a slot in the hollow arm. This stud is
connected with the upper end of the case or shell by an extensible and yielding
connection, comprising two rods; a large hand nut having a socket to receive a
spring, and screwing on to the end of one of the rods; a flanged nut screwing on
to the end of the other rod, and bearing on the spring; and, finally, a hollow mut,
through which the flanged nut slides freely, screwing into-the-hand-nut.-
From this construction, it is clear that the case or shell may tip or rock upon
its-pivot, and that, in thus rocking or tipping, the spring in the aforesaid yielding
connection will yield or be compressed slightly in order that the toe wipers carried
by the case or shell, may adjust themselves automatically to the bottom of the last
in case the latter should not be in line with the toe wipers.
It will also be noted that, by turning the hand nut aforesaid in one or the other
direction, the case or shell and the wipers carried thereby may be given any
desired inclination to correspond with the longitudinal curvature or the toe portion
of the last.
Sliding in the shell or case is the stock or shank that carries the toe wipers, the
stock consisting merely of a straight rack-bar provided on one face with teeth, with
which-a-pinion, mounted-loosely-on-the-pivot-pin of the shell, engages. The hub
of this pinion is elongated to receive, or is provided with, a bevel gear, which latter
meshes with a similar gear on the end of a shaft, extending centrally through the
hollow stem of the head carrying the swinging case or shell so that, as the shaft is
rotated, the rack bar, to which the toe wipers are attached, will be projected from
or withdrawn into the case or shell.
The shaft aforesaid is designed to slide lengthwise with the head and to provide
for this movement, the rear end of the shaft is passed through a bushing, which is
carried by or journaled in the plate that clamps the toe lasting support to the back

page_text: plate of the machine. A spline or feather permits the shaft to move lengthwise.
through the bushing, but prevents these parts from turning independently of
each other.
Encircling, or secured to, the bushing is a crank arm, which is connected with
the cam plate or disc aforesaid by means of a rod or pitman. The head carrying
the toe wipers is formed or provided with an upright plate on one side, having a
curved slot concentric with the pivot pin of the shell, to receive one or more studs
or screws projecting from the side of the shell or case, the said studs or screws
carrying a plate having a line or mark thereon, which, in connection with the marks
or graduations on the slotted plate, enables the operator to tell at a glance whether
or not the shell is at the proper inclination.
Projecting from the side of the hollow stem carrying the shell is a lug, which is
threaded to receive a hollow sleeve or nut, which latter, in turn, receives a shouldered
rod, carrying a guide block, to work in a pivoted guide plate, secured to the back
plate of the machine.
The guide plate is secured to back plate by means of a screw, in such manner as
to permit its inclination to be varied as desired, the plate being provided with a
curved slot to receive a screw by which the plate may be clamped. in. different
positions. If this guide plate be arranged in an inclined position and the toe-lasting
support be raised, the guide block working in the guide plate will,. acting through
the parts connecting said block with the shell-carrying head, draw the said head
and attached parts inward within the hollow arm of the support; and, when the
support is lowered, the head will be projected. By varying the inclination of the
guide plate the degree and direction of the automatic movement of the head may
be controlled.
This automatic inward and outward adjustment of the head as the support for
said head is raised and lowered is a matter of considerable importance as it is
thereby possible to maintain the proper relative position between the devices
carried by said head and the bottom of the last, regardless of the length of
the last.
However, the head may be moved inward and outward manually, to provide for
the primary adjustment thereof by turning the hollow sleeve or nut aforesaid, which
is held against longitudinal movement upon the rod in any suitable manner.
In the second or lower hollow arm of the toe lasting support is mounted a rod or
stem, to receive the rest for the toe of the last, the stem or rod being urged outward
by a spring and guided in its movements by a pin. At its inner end, the rod is
loosely connected with an arm, secured upon the upper end of an upright shaft,
which latter is supported at said upper end in the bracket aforesaid, projecting from
the side of the toe lasting support.
This shaft passes vertically through the last-support and is stepped at the
lower end in a plate or bracket, which will be secured in proper position upon
the floor.
In the said plate or bracket is mounted a foot-treadle, to the shaft or axis of
which is secured a bevel gear adapted to mesh with a similar gear secured to the
shaft, so that, when the treadle is depressed, the shaft will be partly rotated, but,
when the foot is removed, the springs of the last supporting and toe rest stems will
return the parts to their positions.
The last support comprises a hollow arm and a main body, the latter adapted to
work vertically in the slotted back plate of the machine. Mounted and free to
slide in the hollow arm is a rod or stem to receive the last, the rod being urged;
outward by the spring aforesaid and the stem being seated in the arm and connected
with an arm secured to the upright shaft aforesaid.
Of course, when the said shaft is rotated as above described, its arms will.draw
the stems or rods of the last support and toe rest inward into their respective
supporting arms, and will carry the last with them.
A horizontal shaft, bearing at one end a bevel wheel and at the other end a

page_text: handle, is mounted in a sleeve, secured to the underside of the machine bed in line
with the upright back plate thereof.
The said pinion meshes with a similar pinion on the lower end of a second upright
shaft, which latter is journaled in the base plate of the machine.
This upright shaft is provided with right and left hand threaded portions of
different pitch, which engage, respectively, with the supports or carriers for the last
and the toe lasting mechanism.
The shaft is also grooved longitudinally to receive the set screw aforesaid,
carried by the sleeve in the heel lasting support, so that, while the said sleeve
may rotate with the shaft, it is also adapted to slide or move lengthwise thereon.
As the shaft is rotated, it turns the threaded sleeve, but, as the latter is
prevented from moving endwise within the heel lasting support, the rotation of the
sleeve within the block in said support will cause the said block to rise or fall
according to the direction of rotation.
As the block or nut is connected with the crank disc aforesaid by means of a
link, it will, in being thus raised, turn or move the said disc slightly, and cause the
latter, through the other two of its links to move the side lasting jaw supports
inward toward each other. These latter supports are adjustably connected with
the aforesaid links, so that the inward movement caused by the rotation of the
shaft as aforesaid may be compensated for.
The turning of the screw shaft to the right will raise the last support and lower
the toe lasting support or carrier simultaneously with the raising of the block of the
heel lasting support.
The threads on the shaft and the sleeve may conveniently vary in pitch in the
proportions 9, 12 and 5, so that the block or nut in the heel lasting supports will
move upward through a greater distance than the last support, while the toe lasting
support-will move downward more slowly than the support moves upward.
In order that the adjustments of the supports may not affect the operation of the
upright treadle shaft aforesaid, the latter may be made telescopic.
The side lasting jaw supports may be adjustably connected with their operating
links by any suitable device, for the purpose-of-varying their relative positions, in
order that one set of their fingers may, during the operation of the machine, act in
advance of the other set, or for any other reason. A convenient adjusting device
for this purpose is as follows:-
The stud projecting from the back of each side lasting jaw support receives an
eccentric flanged collar, which is free to turn on the screw or stud, except when
held against turning by means of a spring-pin-hereinafter described, and the
eccentric hub of which fits into the eye of the operating link.
The spring pin is carried by-a-head or enlargement, rigidly attached to the stud
upon which the eccentric collar turns, and is adapted to engage with any one of a
series of holes or perforations, made in the flange of the collar.
When the pin is withdrawn, the collar is free to be turned upon its stud, and, as
a consequence, the side lasting jaw support will be moved toward or away from the
centre of the crank disc according to the direction in which the collar is turned.
The details and arrangement of the above adjusting device may, however, be varied
considerably.
Arms or brackets project from the sides of the shell or casing carrying the toe
wipers and carry the toe pincers heads, the arm or bracket of each head serving
not only as a support for the latter,-but-also-as_the_axis of a sector-shaped rack,
which engages with a toothed hollow sleeve designed to work longitudinally through
the head.
The sleeve is guided in its movements by a set-screw and carries the pincers-
holder, which latter is adjustably mounted in the sleeve.
The upper end of the holder is threaded to receive a nut fitting into the end
of the sleeve, a spring encircling the shouldered holder and bearing against the
nut and the case or shell.

page_text: If the strain on the leather should be too great, the spring will be compressed
so as to permit the hollow sleeve to move upon the holder.
A shaft, journaled upon the underside of the overarching arm of the machine
frame, is provided with a hand-lever, and two arms, which are connected by
adjustable connecting-rods, with the arms of the sector-shaped wheels aforesaid.
A second shaft, also journaled upon the underside of the overarching arm is
provided with arms, and a handle or lever, the arms being connected by extensible
rods or connections, with the operating levers or blocks of the toe-pincers, which
are carried by the head, as aforesaid in a manner substantially as in the Patent
before referred to.
The side-lasting jaws comprise a main body, a series of longitudinal fingers,
a former to bear upon the backs of and to give the proper curvature to the row
or line of fingers; and an end former, having at each end a slot.
The slots in the end former are each enlarged at their upper ends so as to fit
over the heads of pins or studs, projecting from the outer face of the jaws, the pins
being reduced in size immediately below the head so that when the former is slipped
outo or over the pins or studs, and then moved lengthwise, it will be effectually
prevented from becoming accidentally detached. It is not intended however to
make any broad claim to an end former, per se, as such are well known.
Fitting in the heel lasting support, is a hollow stem, which receives the shank of
the heel wiper, the stem being provided with a spring catch, to engage with, or
enter a notch in, the body or the shank of the wiper. The body of the wiper
comprises a back and sides, and an open front and top, and hung or pivoted between
the sides is a pivoted block, the pin upon which the block swings being mounted in
slots in the sides of the body so as to permit the block with its pivot or pin to move
bodily back and forth relatively to the body. A stem or rod projecting from the
linck of the block through the back of the body is encircled by a spring bearing
against the body at one end, and a nut on the stem at the other end. The rod may
conveniently be carried by the pivot pin before referred to. A set screw at the
upper end of the body limits the inward movement of the block. Pivotally secured
to the upper end of the block, on its front face, are the blades or heel wipers.
The toe wipers may, if desired, be arranged and mounted in a manner similar to
that above described.
It is of course to be understood that the machine will be provided with pincers
for stretching the upper upon the last, as in the Patent above mentioned, but as they
form no part of the present invention, they are not described herein.
Secured to the upright back plate of the machine is a scale plate over which a
pointer carried by the toe lasting support is designed to more, so that the operator
may see at a glance how far to turn the screw to adapt the machine to different
sized lasts.
The side lasting jaws have longitudinally adjustable fingers with reduced shanks,
curved faces and ribs. The end and top formers bear against the fingers. The
shanks pass through conical holes and are provided each with a shoulder and a head,
against. which latter the end former bears, the said former being held in position by
means of a perforated plate and a lever; or else by the arrangement of slots and
pins hereinbefore described. Screws bear against the end fingers and crowd them
together. Now when it is desired to last with a "right" last, the bar or end former
will be taken off the one jaw and put on to the other jaw; but when lasting with a
left" last, the end former will be taken off of latter jaw and put on to first
named jaw. Thus with the two jaws and a single end former, the machine can last
either rights" or "lefts" at will.
1000
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: to prevent longitudinal movement of the latter through the lug, but permitting it to
turn freely therein.
From the foregoing it will be seen that, by turning the screw-stem K, the stem K³,
carrying the jaw, may be adjusted so as to bring the fingers or blades of the jaw
into the same plane with the bottom of the last. In order to clamp the jaw-stem
in the eye of the stein K, a screw K' is tapped into the body of the eye
adjacent to its opening, and the said screw is encircled by a collar K", which
intersects the opening or bore of the eye K, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, so
that, when the screw is turned in one direction, it will cause the collar to bear firmly
against the shank of the jaw, and thereby firmly clamp the jaw in position.
Screwing into the back of the plate K' of the support K is a stud or pin K", for
a purpose presently explained, the back plate D being slotted as at K2, Figure 4,
to receive and permit the studs to slide horizontally with the supports.
The heel-former-carrier J, Figures 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12, resembles somewhat the
supports, K, for the side-lasting-jaws, that is to say, it is provided with a hollow
arm to receive a stem or shank, which, in turn, receives the heel-lasting devices,
and it is also provided with a screw for adjusting the said lasting devices toward and
from or relatively to the bottom or heel of the last, and hence these parts need not
be described.
The support J is provided with a body portion J', designed to slide in the vertical
slot F in the back plate D, the said body portion being cored out to receive a block
or nut J2, having a lateral arm or lug J, which projects outward through a slot .J*
in the rear face of the support and through a slot J in a plate J secured to the
support, as shown in Figures 3, 11 and 12. This plate, in conjunction with the
flanges J', formed on the body of the carrier or support 3, holds or clamps the latter.
to the upright-plate D.
Within the block or nut J2 is a sleeve or tube .Js, threaded externally to engage
the nut, and prevented from longitudinal movement within the support or carrier .J
by means of collars or washers J and screws J10, or in any other suitable manner.
J", Figures 3 and 12, indicates a screw carried by the sleeve or tube, the reduced
end of the screw projecting into the interior of the sleeve to engage a slotted shaft P³,
for a purpose presently explained.
The support or carrier 1, Figures 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9, for the toe-lasting mechanism,.
comprises a body portion I', to fit into the slot F in the upright plate D, a hollow
arm 12 to receive the stem or shank L' of the frame or head that carries the toe-
wipers, and, finally, a second hollow arm I³ to receive the support for the toe of
the last, the inner end of the arm 13 being set away from the front face of the body
portion I, as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 8, and provided on its side with a bracket I*,.
for a purpose hereinafter described.
Secured to and projecting from the rear face of the body portion I', or the
plate M carried thereby, is a stud 15, upon which is mounted a plate or crank
disc 16, having a handle or lever I', as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
A. link 18 connects.
the crank-disc with the stud I, which is secured to the lug or arm J3 of the
support J, while other two links 110, 110 connect the plate or crank disc with the
jaw-supports KK, as indicated in Figure 4.
L, Figures 8 and 9, indicates the toe-wipers' head provided with a hollow stem L'
to fit within the hollow arm I, and with separated arms L2 L2, carrying a pin L
upon which a tubular case or shell L is adapted to swing. The stem L' is guided
in its movements by a spline or feather L, Figure 8, and projecting from the upper
face of the stem is a stud L, which works through a slot L' in the hollow arm I.
This stud L is connected with the upper end of the case or shell L by an extensible
and yielding connection L³, comprising two rods L, L, a large hand-nut L10 having
a socket to receive a spring L", and screwing on to the end of one of the rods L,
a flanged nut L screwing on to the end of the other rod L³, and bearing on the
spring, and, finally, a hollow nut L13 through which the nut L" slides freely,.
screwing into the hand-nut L", as shown in Figure 8.

page_text: From this construction it is clear that the case or shell L' may tip or rock upon
its pivot L³, and that, in thus rocking or tipping, the spring L" will yield or be
compressed slightly in order that the toe-wipers (not shown) carried by the case or
shell L may adjust themselves automatically to the bottom of the last in case the
latter should not be in line with the toe-wipers.
It will also be noted that, by turning the hand-nut L in one or the other
direction, the case or shell Land the wipers carried thereby may be given any
desired inclination to correspond with the longitudinal curvature of the toe-portion
of the last.
Sliding in the shell or case 1 is the stock or shank that carries the toe-wipers,
the stock consisting merely of a straight rack-bar M, provided on one face with
teeth, with which a pinion M', Figures 8 and 9, mounted loosely on the pin L³,
engages. The hub of pinion is elongated to receive, or is provided with, a
bevel gear M², Figures 8 and 9, which latter meshes with a similar gear M³ on the
end of a shaft M, extending centrally through the hollow stem L', so that, as the
shaft M is rotated, the rack-bar M, to which the toe-wipers are attached, will be
projected from or withdrawn into the case or shell L*.
The shaft M is designed to slide lengthwise with the head L, and, to provide for
this movement, the rear end of the shaft is passed through a bushing M', which is
carried by or journaled in the plate M that clamps the support, I, to the back-
plate D. A spline or feather M, Figure 4, permits the shaft to move lengthwise
through the bushing, but prevents these parts from turning independently of each
other.
Encircling or secured to the bushing M³ is a crank-arm Ms, Figures 1 and 4,
which is connected with the crank-plate, or disc aforesaid by means of a rod or
pitanan M. The head L is formed or provided with an upright plate M¹ on one
side, having a curved slot M", Figure 3, concentric with pin L3, to receive one or
more studs M, projecting from the side of the shell or case L', the said studs
or screws M2 carrying a plate M13, having a line or mark thereon, which, in con-
nection with the-marks or graduations on the plate M, enables the operator to tell
at a glance whether or not the shell L is at the proper inclination.
Projecting from the side of the hollow stem is a lug N, which is threaded to
receive a hollow sleeve or nut N, which latter in turn receives a shouldered rod N³,
carrying a guide block N to work in a pivoted guide-plate N, secured to the
back-plate D, as shown in Figures 2 and 10.
4-
--Plate-N-is-secured-to-plate_D_by_means of a screw N³, in such manner as to
permit its inclination to be varied as desired, the plate being provided with a curved
slot No to receive a screw N by which the plate may be clamped in different
positions. If this guide plate be arranged-in-an- inclined position and the
support I be raised, the guide block N³, working in the guide-plate N will, acting
through the connections N2, N¹ and N, draw the head L and attached parts inward
within the hollow arm 12; and, when the support 1 is lowered, the head L will
be projected. By varying the inclination of the guide plate N, the degree and
direction of the automatic movement of the head L may be controlled.
This automatic inward and outward adjustment of the head L, as the support
for said head is raised and lowered, is a matter of considerable importance,
as it is thereby possible to maintain the proper relative position between the
devices carried by said head and the bottom of the last, regardless of the length
of the last.
However, the head may be moved inward and outward manually, to provide
for the primary adjustment thereof by turning the nut N', which is held against
longitudinal movement upon the rod N2 by the means shown in Figure 9, or
otherwise.
In the hollow arm I³ of the support. I is mounted a rod or stem O, shown in
Figure 8, to receive the rest for the toe of the last, the stem or rod being urged
outward by a spring O¹, and guided in its movements by a pin 0%. At its inner

page_text: end, the rod O is loosely connected with an arm (³, secured upon the upper end of
an upright shaft O₁, which latter is supported at said upper end on the bracket Iª,
projecting from the side of the support 1.
This shaft O' passes vertically through the last-support H, and is stepped at the
lower end in a plate O, which will be secured in proper position upon the floor, as
in Figures 1 and 3.
In the plate or bracket is mounted a foot-treadle 06, to the shaft or axis of
which is secured a bevel-gear O' adapted to mesh with a similar gear O³, secured
to the shaft (, so that, when the treadle is depressed, the shaft will be partly
rotated, but, when the foot is removed, the springs 01 and H (Figure 15) will
return the parts to their positions.
The last-support H comprises a hollow arm H' and a main body H2, the latter
adapted to work in the slotted back-plate D, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 15 and 16.
Mounted and free to slide in the arm H' is a rod or stem H³, to receive the last,
the rod being urged outward by a spring H', & the stem being seated in the arm,
and connected with an arm H³ secured to the shaft O'.
Of course, when the shaft O is rotated, as above described, its arms O³ and H
will draw the stems or rods O and H inward into their respective arms 13 and H¹,
and will carry the last with them.
P, Figure 4, indicates a shaft, bearing at one end a bevel-wheel P, and, at the
other end, a handle P2, the shaft being mounted in a sleeve P³, secured to the
underside of the machine bed in line with the upright back-plate D.
The pinion P meshes with a similar pinion P on the lower end of a shaft P8,
which latter is journaled. in the base-plate C, as shown in Figure 4.
.
This shaft 1 is provided with right and left threaded portions, 1 and P,
Figure 3, of different pitch, which engage, respectively, with the supports or.
carriers Hand I.
The shaft is also grooved longitudinally, as at 17, to receive the set screw J",
carried by the sleeve J, as shown in Figure 3, so that, while the sleeve may rotate
with the shaft, it is also adapted to slide or move lengthwise thereon.
As the shaft is rotated, it turns the threaded sleeve 18, but, as the latter is
prevented from moving endwise within the support J, the rotation of the sleeve
within the block J2 will cause the latter to rise or fall according to the direction of
rotation.
- 4
As the block or nut J² is connected with the crank disc 1 by means of the
link 18, it will, in being thus raised, turn or move the said dise slightly, and cause
the latter, through the links 10, to move the side lasting jaw-supports K K inward
toward each other. These supports K are adjustably connected (as hereinafter
described) with the links [10, so that the inward movement, caused by the rotation
of the shaft as aforesaid, may be compensated for.
"
The turning of the screw-shaft to the right will raise the last-support H and
lower the toe-lasting support or carrier I simultaneously with the raising of the "
block J of the support J.
The threads on the shaft and the sleeve vary in pitch in the proportions 9, 12
and 5, so that the block or nut J2 will move upward through a greater distance
than the support H, while the support I will move downward more slowly than the
support H moves upward.
In order that the adjustments of the supports may not affect the operation of
the treadle-shaft O', the latter is made telescopic, as shown in Figure 3.
The side lasting jaw supports K K may be adjustably connected with their
operating links 10 11 by any suitable device, for the purpose of varying their
relative positions, in order that one set of their fingers may, during the operation
of the machine, act in advance of the other set, or for any other reason.
A convenient adjusting device for this purpose is as follows:-
The stud K", projecting from the back of each side lasting jaw-support K
receives an eccentric flanged collar Q, which is free to turn on the stud (except
'
13

page_text: when held against turning by means of a spring pin Q2 hereinafter described) and
the eccentric hub of which fits into the eye of the operating link I",
The spring pin Q2 is carried by a head or enlargement rigidly attached to or
forming part of the end of the link 110, which turns upon the hub of the eccentric
collar. The spring pin is adapted to engage with any one of a series of holes or
perforations Q3 made in the flange of the collar. To this end, the perforations Q3
are located upon a circle concentric with the eye of the link and having a radius
equal to the distance of the centre of said eye from the centre of the pin Q. Qis
a screwed pin, and Q a plate washer, which, together, serve to retain the link and
collar in position upon the stud K".
When the pin Q2 is withdrawn, the collar Q is free to be turned upon its
stad K", and, as a consequence, the side lasting jaw-support K will be moved
slightly toward or away from the centre of the crank disc 1, according to the
direction in which the collar is turned.
R R, Figures 1, 2 and 3, indicate arms or brackets that project from the sides
of the shell or case L and carry the toe-pincers' heads R' R', the arm or
bracket of each head serving, not only as a support for the latter, but also as
the axis of a sector-shaped rack R2, Figure 19, which engages with the toothed
hollow sleeve R³, which is designed to work longitudinally through the head R¹.
The sleeve is guided in its movements by a set-screw R, shown in dotted
lines in Figure 19, and carries the pincers-holder R³, which latter is adjustably
mounted in the sleeve.
The upper end of the holder R³ is threaded to receive a nut R, fitting into the
end of the sleeve, a spring R' encircling the shouldered holder R, and bearing
against the nut and the case or shell, as shown.
If the strain on the leather should be too great, the spring will be compressed so
as to permit the hollow sleeve R³ to move upon the holder R³.
S, Figures 1 and 2, indicates a shaft, journaled upon the underside of the
overarching arm E, and provided with a hand-lever S and two arms S2 S²,
which are connected by adjustable connecting rods S³ with the arms of the
sector-shaped wheels R
T, Figure 1, indicates a second shaft also journaled upon the underside of the
arm E and provided with arms T and a handle or lever T, the arms T' being
connected by extensible rods or connections T3 with the operating levers or blocks
of the toe-pincers, which are carried by the head R', substantially as in the Patent
-before-referred-to.-
Fitting in the support J is a hollow stem V, Figures 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12, which
receives the shank V of the heel-wiper, the stem V being provided with a spring-
catch to engage with or enter a notch in the body or shank of the wiper.
As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the body V3 comprises a back and sides and an open
front and top, and hung or pivoted between the sides is a block V, the pin V³, upon
which the block swings, being mounted in slots in the sides of the body, so as to
permit the block with its pivot or pin, to move bodily back and forth relatively to
the body V³. Vo indicates a stem or rod projecting from the back of the block
through the back of the body V³ and encircled by a spring V bearing against the
body at one end, and a nut on the stem at the other end, the rod V being
carried by the pin V³ before. referred to. A set-screw V, at the upper end
of the body V³, limits the inward movement of the block V. Pivotally
secured to the upper end of the block on its front face are the blades or
wipers V8, V8
The toe-wipers may, if desired, be arranged and mounted in a manner similar to
that above described.
It is, of course, to be understood that the machine will be provided with
pincers for stretching the upper upon the last, as in the Patent above mentioned,
but, as they form no part of the present invention, they are not shown nor described
herein.

page_text: Secured to the upright plate D is a scale plate D₁, over
carried by the support 1, is designed to move, as shown in
operator may see at a glance how far to turn the screw to
different sized lasts.
4
which a pointer D²,
Figure 2, so that the
adapt the machine to
The side lasting jaws (as shown in Figures 1, 17, 18,) comprise a main body U, a
series of longitudinal fingers U', a former U² to bear upon the backs of and to give
the proper curvature to the row or line of fingers; and an end-former U³, having,
at each end, a slot U¹.
The slots in the former U³ are cach enlarged at their upper ends so as to fit over
the heads of pins or studs Us, projecting from the outer face of the jaw; the pins
being reduced in size immediately below the head so that, when the former is
slipped on to or over the pins or studs, and then moved lengthwise, it will be
effectually prevented from becoming accidentally detached.
Referring now to Figures 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24:--
It will be seen that the side lasting jaws U U have longitudinally adjustable
fingers U with reduced shanks u, curved faces u¹ and ribs u². U and U are
respectively the end and top formers to bear against the fingers U'. The shanks u
pass through conical holes u³, and are provided each with a shoulder u and a head us,
against which latter the end former U³ bears, the said former being held in position
by means of a perforated plate us and a lever u', or else by the construction illus-
trated in Figures 17 and 18. Screws 8 bear against the end fingers and crowd them
together. Now, when it is desired to last with a "right" last, the bar or end
former U³ will be taken off the one jaw U and put on to the other jaw U, and the
parts will assume the position shown in full lines in Figures 20 and 21; but, when
lasting with a "left" last, the end former U³ will be taken off latter jaw U and
put on the first named jaw U, thus enabling the fingers of said latter jaw to assume
the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 21. Thus, with the two jaws and a
single end former U³, the machine can last either " rights or " lefts at will.
It will be obvious that a lever or sliding piece might be substituted for the
removable end former, said lever or sliding piece being mounted upon the body U
and adapted to bear against the ends of the fingers U₁. The lever or its equivalent
could be maintained in position by a lever, such as ', Figure 20, or by other
suitable means.
23
""
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a lasting machine, a last-support and a supporting stem mounted therein
and having a spring serving to maintain the stem in its extended position, in com-
bination with a shaft and an arm secured to the shaft and engaging the stem
so as to retract the latter upon the rotation of the shaft, substantially as
described.
2. In a lasting machine, the combination, with a retractile last-support and a
retractile supplemental support for the toe of the last, of a shaft extending past both
supports and having arms engaging said supports and adapted to retract the same,
on the rotation of the shaft, substantially as described.
3. In a lasting machine, a vertically moving support or head I and a swinging
head carrying the toe-wipers and mounted on said support, in combination with a
rod connecting the swinging head with the support I or with the adjustable head
support thereon, and having an adjusting nut provided with a compression spring,
substantially as described and shown.
4. In a lasting machine, a head or support I carrying the toc-lasting mechanism
and also, if desired, the toe-support for the last, a head or support H carrying.
the last jack, and a head or support J provided with a heel-lasting mechanism,
in combination with a screw-rod constructed substantially as described and shown,
and engaging all the supports H, 1 and J, for the purposes described.

page_text: 5. In a lasting machine, the threaded supports H, I and J and the threaded
shaft P engaging the same, in combination with an externally threaded sleeve J
mounted substantially as described upon the support J and capable of rotating with
and sliding longitudinally upon the shaft; and a block J J engaging the external
thread of the sleeve J and connected with the operating mechanism of the
support J, whereby the said support may be moved to and from the supports H
and independently of the action of the threaded shaft P³, substantially as
described.
6. In a lasting machine, the combination of. a pair of side-lasting-jaw-supports, a
toe-wiper support, and a heel-wiper support, all capable of sliding on the main
frame to and from a common centre, of a crank disc adapted to be rotated by the
operator, and links connected at their inner ends to the disc and, at their outer
ends, with all, or either opposing pair, of said supports, or with the lasting
mechanisms carried thereby, in such manner that the rotation of the disc shall cause
the various lasting devices connected therewith to move simultaneously to or from
their common centre, substantially as described.
7. In a lasting machine, the combination, with the supports I, J, K and K, of
a crank disc carried by the support I and adapted to be rotated by the operator, a
shaft M journaled in the support -I and adapted to actuate the toe-lasting mechanism
carried thereby, links connected at their inner ends to said disc and at their opposite
ends respectively with the supports J, K and K, and the shaft M that operates the
toe-lasting mechanism, substantially as described.
8. In a lasting machine, the combination, with a pair of pivoted wipers, of an
adjustable shank carrying the same and having a socket or recess at its upper end
provided at opposite sides with elongated slots, a wiper carrying block mounted in
the socket and provided with a pivot pin the ends of which extend through said
slots, a stem secured to the pin and projecting through the rear wall of the socket
piece, and a spring encircling said stem, substantially as described.
9. In the side lasting jaw of a lasting machine, the combination, with the main
stock or body of the jaw, of a series of longitudinally adjustable lasting fingers,
and a removable end-former, or its equivalent as described, adapted to bear upon
the ends of said fingers and to adjust them all simultaneously, substantially as
described.
10. In a lasting machine, the combination, with a last-support and supports for
the toe and heel wiping mechanisms, of a pivoted head or shell carrying the toe-
wipers, a-screw-for-adjusting-all-the-supports.simultaneously, and an inclined way or
guide adapted to move the head inward and outward horizontally as it is raised and
lowered, substantially as described.
11. In combination with a support I, a head L mounted therein and carrying the
toe-lasting mechanism, means for raising and lowering the support, and ineans
substantially as described for automatically moving the head inward and outward
during such raising and lowering.
12. In combination with the side-lasting-jaw-support K, and operating link 11°
therefor, the flanged eccentric collar Q turning upon a pin projecting from the back
of said support and having its eccentric hub turning within the eye of said link, and
the spring pin Q2 mounted on the link-end and adapted to engage any one of a
series of holes Q³ in the flange of the said collar, substantially as and for the purpose
_described..