Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 17th May, 1887.
Specification Accepted, 12th Aug., 1887.
I, SOLOMON BRADFORD ELLITHORP, of Buffalo, State of New York, in the United
States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of my invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-.
.
My invention relates to an improvement in Lasting Machines, and it consists in the
novel features hereinafter particularly set forth and claimed.
In the accompanying drawings;
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a lasting machine embodying my improvement
constructed to last two boots at a time.
Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the same.
Fig. 3 is a horizontal section, taken on the line xx of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a similar view taken on the line y y of Fig. 1.
Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of one of the gatherers.
Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view on the line Z. Z. of Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a vertical transverse section on line W. W. of Figure 1.
Figure 8 is a detail sectional view of one of the standards S.
Figure 9 is a rear view of one of the gatherers.
Figure 10 is a detail view of one of the plungers.
Figure 11 is a sectional view of the same.
Figure 12 is a detailed view of the templet.
Figure 13 is a detail perspective view of one of the clamping arms of the
gatherers.
Figure 14 is a vertical view taken on the line V. V. of Figures 13 and 5.
Figure 15 is a detail sectional view on the line 1. 1. of Figure 5.
Figure 16 is a side elevation of an improved form of lasting machine, to last but
one shoe or boot at a time.
Figure 17 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the same.
Figure 18 is a horizontal section taken on the line X. X. of Figure 16.
Figure 19 is a similar view taken on the line Y. Y. of Figure 16.
Figure 20 is a detail perspective view of one of the gatherers.
Figure 21 is a detail sectional view.

page_text: Figure 22 is a perspective view of a clamp embodying my improvements, suspended
from the templet.
Figure 23 is a vertical section of the clamp.
Figure 24 is a transverse sectional view of the same, taken on the line xx of
Fig. 22 and 23 showing the jaws closed.
Figure 25 is a detail perspective view of one of the jaws of the clasp.
Referring to Figures 1 to 15 inclusive, A represents a table or bed, which is made
substantially in the shape of a pair of diamonds arranged in longitudinal line and
having their inner ends joined together. At each projecting corner of the table or
bed is attached a supporting leg B, and at the centre of the table or bed, is attached
a seventh supporting leg C. The table is thus made double, each end of the same
being provided with slots D and E which intersect each other and extend at right
angles, Fig. 6 the slots D extending transversely across the ends of the table and the
slot E extending longitudinally therein. To the centre of the frame is attached a
vertical standard F, to the upper end of which is pivoted the central portion of a
swinging bar G. The said bar corresponding in length to the table or bed and being
provided at one extremity with a depending standard H, which corresponds in height
with the standard F, and is thus adapted to rest upon either end of the bed or table so
as to support the swinging bar in a horizontal position. The standard H is made
hollow for a considerable distance, and in the said standard is located and secured a
coiled extensile spring I. In the upper portion of the standard H is made a vertical
transverse slot H, for the purpose to be hereinafter explained.
K represents a pair of longitudinal horizontal shafts which have their inner ends
journalled in the central supporting leg C, and their outer portions journailed in the
supporting legs B, at the extreme outer end of the table or bed. The said shafts are
arranged directly in line with each other, and are provided at their outer ends with
hand wheels or cranks K¹, by means of which they may be rotated. Each shaft K, is
provided at one end with right hand screw threads K, and at its opposite end with
left hand screw threads K³, the central portions of the said shafts being plane.
L, represents collars which are screwed on the threaded portions of the shafts, the said
collars being provided on opposite sides with grooves or recesses L.
M, represents shafts which are journaled in the legs B on the sides of the table or
bed, at the outer ends of the slot D, the said shaft M being directly below the said
slots and in line therewith, and being arranged at right angles to the shafts K. The
shafts M, are also provided with the hand wheels or crank handles M', and have the
right hand screw threads M2 and the left hand screw threads M³, on which are secured
collars N, which are similar to the collars L. The shafts M are provided at their
centres with suitable gear, so that when one of the shafts K is rotated, the shaft M,
which crosses the said shaft K, will also be rotated simultaneously therewith and at the
same rate of speed.
Near the inner ends of the slot E are secured standards R by means of clamping
nuts R¹ the said standards R are thus made adjustable in the said slots. The
standard R, carrying supporting pins R2, and toe rests R³ for the lasts Z. The said
supporting pins and toe rests are vertically adjustable in the said standards, and are
secured at any desired vertical adjustment by means of set screws R*, with which the
standards are provided.
.
S represents vertical standards which are provided on their lower sides with
clamping bolts S¹ that extend downwardly through the slots E, and said standards
are arranged on the outer sides of the standards R. The standards S are provided
with outwardly extending ears between which are fulcrumed toggle jointed levers T
extending downwardly and engaging with the sliding collars on the shafts K. From
the upper end of the levers T project lever arms T², T¹.
U represents vertically adjustable supporting heads, having depending spindles,
which are socketed in the standards S. In the said supporting heads are secured
longitudinally movable sleeves U¹, which are connected to the upper ends of the
levers T¹, and are thereby adapted to be moved forwardly or rearwardly by the said
levers when the shafts are rotated, as will be very readily understood.

page_text: V represents gatherers which are provided with curved heads V₁, that are adapted
to fit the toe and heel of the last. From the central portion of the heads of these
gatherers, on the rear sides thereof, project horizontal spindles V³, which enter the
bores of the sleeves U, and are secured therein by means of set screws with which
the outer ends of the said sleeves are provided. On the upper side of the head of
each gatherer, at the centre thereof, is rigidly secured an inwardly projecting plate V³,
forming a tongue or flange. The said plate is of considerable width, and its inner
edge is curved and thereby adapted to closely fit the centre of the heel or toe of the
last. The outer edges V, of the said plate may be curved inwardly towards the
centre of the plato, so as to leave a space between each side of the plate and the con-
tiguous inner ends of the pivoted curved jaws V₁, in Fig. 5. The said jaws have their inner
sides curved and thereby adapted to the toe or heel of the last, and the undersides of
the inner sides of the said jaws and of the projecting plate V³ are beveled, as shown in
Figs. 14 and 15 thereby adapting the said jaws and plate to pass over the bottom or
sole of the last, so as to force the upper leather over the insole on the last, and thus
compress it firmly in position and prevent the leather from being wrinkled, and also
avoid "shingling." To each of the jaws V at the inner end of the same is attached
a plate V, see Fig. 5. The said plates have their outer ends projecting outwardly
beyond the jaws, thereby forming arms, in the outer ends of which are made slotted
openings V for the purpose to be hereinafter described. The inner ends of the plate V
project over the plate Vs as at V7, and extend to the centre thereof, thus effectually
closing the spaces between the edges of the said plate V³ and the inner ends of the
pivoted jaws thus preventing the leather from becoming kinked and caught in the
cracks between the outer edges of the plate V and the inner ends of the pivoted jaws.
To the upper end of each arm T2 of the levers T is connected a transverse
cross-head W.
W¹, represents rods which have their front ends pivoted in the openings V* of
the arms of the pivoted jaw. The outer ends of the said rods are screw threaded
and extend through transverse openings which are made in the cross heads and are
provided with thumb nuts W which bear against opposite sides of the cross heads
and are screwed on to the threaded ends of the rods and are thus adapted to adjust
the latter forwardly and rearwardly in the cross heads.
✗ represents standards which are identical in construction with the standards S,
and are adjustably secured in the slots D. The said standards carry vertically
adjustable heads X, in which are secured longitudinally movable sleeves X³ carrying
plungers X³. In the ears which project outwardly from the standards ✗ are pivoted
toggle jointed levers ✗* and X'. The levers X have their lower ends attached to
the sliding collars on the shafts M, and the upper ends of the levers X³, are connected
to the longitudinally movable sleeves. The said lovers X' have vertical slots ✗*
Fig. 1, to receive the rear ends of the sleeves, and the latter are provided with slots
as at X, to receive keys X8 which bear against the inner and outer sides of the
lovers X Fig. 7.
From the foregoing description taken in connection with Figures 1 to 15 of the
drawings, it will be readily understood that when either of the shafts K is rotated, its
motion will be communicated to its transverse connected shaft M, thus causing both
the said shafts to rotate at the same rate of speed, so as to force the gatherers against
the heel and toe of the lasts, and also force the plungers against the sides of the sides
of the lasts, at the bottom thereof simultaneously.
To the underside of the swinging bar G between the pivotal standard F, and the
depending standard H is bolted a depending yoke guide Y, the horizontal portion of
which and the outer end thereof is provided with a longitudinal slot Y¹, See Fig. 2. To
the inner end of the said guide is balanced a hand lever a, the outer end of which
extends through the slot H, of the depending standard H, and bears upon the upper
end of the coiled extensile spring in the said standard. The function of this spring is
to keep the hand lever a, moved normally to the upper end of the slot, so as to
raise the holding bar or rod c, which is attached to the said hand lever, from
the last

page_text: This holding rod extends downwardly through the slot Y', and through a movable
guide plate d, which is clamped to the horizontal portion of the yoke guide, and is
provided with a depending sleeve d', which serves to keep the holding rod always in
an exactly vertical position. The hand lever a, is provided with a curved slot a',
through which extends the pin that pivots the holding rod to the hand lever, and the
function of this slot is to enable the holding rod to be adjusted, by moving the guide
plate d, on the guiding yoke. The lower end of the holding rod is roughened so as
to cause it to bear firmly upon the insole when it is lowered to the last. e, represents
a brace arm, which extends from the inner end of the yoke guide to the pivotal
standard F, and said brace arm is provided at its lower end with a horizontal foot e¹,
the inner end of which is rounded and fits in a groove f, which is formed between two
collars, that are made with the standard F.
9, represents a lever frame comprising the horizontal bars g¹, and the connecting
rods or cross bars 93. The said lever frame is connected to one end of the bar G,
above the yoke guide, by means of rocking links h, which have their upper ends
pivoted to the lever frame and their lower ends pivoted to the swinging bar. To the
pair of the said links which are located near the outer ends of the swinging bar are
attached handles or levers ¹, the outer ends of which are connected by a transverse
rod h³.
i, represents rocking levers which are located intermediate between the links h, and
have their upper ends pivoted to the lever frame.
The said rocking levers near their lower ends are fulcrumed to the swinging bar,
as at, and are provided with depending ears, having outwardly projecting
spindles.
k, represents a pair of horizontal yoke bars, which are provided near their outer
ends with depending ears k', and with horizontal slots 2, through which the spindles 1³,
of the rocking lever arms extend, thereby suspending the said yoke bars from the
said rocking lever arms.
From the centre of each yoke bar projects an upwardly extending tongue or arm k³,
having a vertical slot k. Bolts *, extend through the said slots and enter the
swinging bar G, and thus serve to prevent the yoke bars from moving longitudinally,
but allow them to be freely moved in a vertical direction when the arms are rocked
by raising or lowering the lever frame G.
1, represents a series of depending rods or links which have their upper ends
pivoted to the depending ears k³, of the yoke bars.
In the lower end of each of the said rods or links is made a transverse
opening 1.
m, represents the templet Fig. 12, which is of the general shape of the bottom of
the last Z, and is provided with slots m³, around its edge for the engagement of
hooks m³, from which are suspended clamps m².
The templet is provided near the toe and heel with outwardly extending spindles m*,
which pass through the openings l, of the links or rods 1. The construction of
the clamps will be presently described.
From this construction it will be readily understood that the templet is suspended
from its outer sides at both ends and not from the centre as heretofore, and thus
the templet is always maintained in an exactly horizontal position and is prevented
from being tilted or inclined to one side in the event that the leather is undergoing the
operation of being stretched onto the last, should it have one side more spongy or
elastic than the other. It will thus be seen that the leather will be stretched with
equal tension all around the edges of the last and thus prevent an imperfectly lasted
shoe from being produced by the machine.
The operation of this part of my invention is as follows, referring to Figures 1 to 15
of the drawings.
In order to last a boot or shoe on this machine I first take an insole and tack it on
the bottom of the last. I then take the upper leather Z', for the boot or shoe
that has been prepared for lasting, and turn it bottom up and insert the last Z
therein.

page_text: The bar G is then swung around on the standard F, so as to move the templet and
the holding rod out of the way, and the last is secured in an inverted position upon
its supports.
The swinging bar G is then moved back to its initial position so as to bring the
templet and the holding rod over the last, and the lever frame is raised, thereby
causing the templet to be lowered. The clamps m³ are then caused to grasp the upper
leather Z, all around the edge thereof where it projects above the sole of the last,
first grasping at the centre of the heel, then at the centre of the toe, and then at proper
distances apart all around the said leather or upper.
The hand lever a is then lowered, against the resistance of the spring, so as to
cause the holding rod to bear upon the last, and the hand lever is secured in this
position by means of a depending hook rod a², which engages a catch a³, on the end
of the table or bed. The lever frame is then raised causing the clamps to pull the
leather Z closely to the last at every point alike. The holding bar prevents the last
from being raised with the leather, thus causing the latter to be effectually stretched
and fitted on the last.
One of the shafts K, is then rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in
Fig. 1, causing its sliding collars to be moved toward each other by the right and
left hand screw threads, and thus causing the toggle jointed levers to engage with
the said collars to move the gatherers against the heel and toe of the last. As the shaft K
is geared to its transverse shaft M, as before described the latter is also caused to
rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1, and the right and left hand
screw threads on the said shaft M, cause its collars to be moved towards each other,
thereby forcing the plungers against the sides of the last at the same time that the
gatherers are forced against the heel and toe thereof. This causes the upper
leather Z to be pressed to the shape of the last all around the bottom thereof, and
over the insole which has been tacked thereon. The leather is thus effectually lasted,
and, if desired, the edges which are bent over the bottom of the insole may be
temporarily secured thereto by driving pegs or nails through the openings which are
made in the plungers. As soon as the leather has been set to the last the plungers
and gatherers are caused to move outwardly from the last by reversing the rotation
of the shaft K, the clamps are disengaged from the leather, the holding bar or rod is
released from the last, and the latter is then removed. During the time consumed in
lasting a shoe on one end of the machine, another last and leather is placed upon the
opposite end of the machine, so that as soon as one shoe is lasted, the bar G, is swung
around to the opposite end of the machine, and the operation before described is then
repeated.
The plungers which are adapted to fit the spring of the last, between the toe and
the heel, have their inwardly projecting flanges beveled on their under side,
similarly to the jaws and plates of the gatherers, so as to enable the said projecting
flanges to pass over the bottom or sole of the last to force the upper leather between
the toe and heel, over the insole on the last, and compress it firmly in position
without wrinkling, See Figs. 10, and 11.
Referring now to Figs. 16, to 21 inclusive, I will proceed to describe certain
improvements in lasting machines.
A, represents the frame. The horizontal portion B, of the frame is provided at
opposite ends with longitudinal slots C, and in the sides of the frame, at the central
portion thereof, are made transverse slots D, which correspond with the slot C.
E, represents the last block or seat which is provided with a depending threaded
shank, that extends through one of the slots C, and on the lower end of the said
threaded shank is secured a clamping thumb-nut E¹, by means of which the last
block may be secured to the frame at any desired adjustment from the centre thereof.
The upper end of the said standard is provided with a vertical central recess to
receive the spindle F, of the rest or block F, and the said standard is also provided
with a set screw E', adapted to clamp the spindle of the toe rest or block, so as to
secure the same at any desired vertical adjustment in the standard.
G, represents a similar standard which is secured near the inner end of the

page_text: remaining slot (, and is adjustable longitudinally in the said slot, and in the
standard G, is secured the vertically adjustable pin or rod H, which is adapted to
enter an opening made in the last, as shown, so as to support the heel or rear portion
of the last. Legs A', depend from the ends of the frame A.
I, represents a shaft which is journaled longitudinally in the legs of the frame
under the slots C, and is provided at one end with a wheel or crank I¹. The said
shaft is also provided with a ratchet wheel I', with which engages a gravity pawl I³,
the function of which is to prevent retrograde rotation of the shaft.
To the centre of the shaft I, immediately under the centre of the frame, is attached
a drum 1.
K, represents the shaft which is journaled in the supporting legs of the frame, and
extends at right angles to the shaft I, the said shaft K being directly under the
slots D. The centre of the said shaft K, directly under the centre of the frame, is
provided with a drum K', and one end of the said shaft has a hand wheel or crank K³,
and a ratchet wheel K³, with which engages a gravity pawl or detent K. From one
end of the frame rises a vertical standard A³, and from the opposite end thereof
rises a similar standard A³.
A*, represents a cross bar or top plate, which has one end journaled or pivoted on
the upper end of the standard A2, and the opposite end resting upon the upper end
of the standard A³, and is secured thereto by a removable pin or bolt A°. By this
means it will be readily understood that the top plate may be disconnected from the
standard A³, and thereby adapted to be swung outwardly from the standard A³.
Through the centre of the frame A', and extending from one standard to the other,
is a longitudinal vertical slot A°. From the under side of the plate A, depends a
guiding yoke M, which is provided with vertical arms that are attached to the plate
by means of bolts which extend through legs that project horizontally from the upper
ends of the said vertical arms, and the bolts are passed through the slot A. On the
upper ends of the bolts are clamping nuts M², and clamping plates M², by means of
which the guiding yoke may be firmly secured to the top plate at any desired
longitudinal adjustment.
N, represents a lever frame, which comprises a pair of longitudinal bars N¹,
connected together by means of cross bars or rods N2. Two of the said cross bars
connect the side bars N1, at their extremities, and the remaining cross bars_connect
the side bars at suitable distances from the centre of the lever frame. Links or
arms L, connect the lever frame with the top plate, the said links or arms having
their upper ends pivoted to the lever frame and their lower ends pivoted to the
top frame.
By this construction it will be readily understood that the lever frame may be raised
or lowered from the top plate, and always maintained in a horizontal position.
On the upper side of the top plate are vertical legs or standards O, which are
provided with transverse bases that rest upon the top plate, and from the lower ends
of the said standards or legs depend threaded spindles O', which extend downwardly
through the slot A°.
Clamping thumb nuts 0%, and washers are secured on the lower end of the
spindle O¹, and bear against the under side of the top plate, and thus secure the legs
or standards to be adjusted longitudinally on the top plate. To the upper ends of the
said legs or standards are fulcrumed levers P. The upper ends of the said levers are
pivoted upon the intermediate cross bars of the lever frame N, and the lower shorter
ends of the levers are pivoted to the vertically depending rods R, which extend down
through the slot AB, and also through rectangular openings, which are made in the
guide yoke M.
To the lower end of the vertical rods R, below the guide yoke M, is attached a
templet S, which is of the general shape of the bottom of the last Z, and is provided
with slots around its edge, for the engagement of hooks S', from which are suspended
clamps S³.
T, represents a pair of vertical standards, which are secured in the frame A, and are
provided with depending threaded spindles, which pass through the slots C. Clamping

page_text: nuts T¹, are secured onto the lower ends of the said spindle and serve to clasp the
standards T, to the frame at any desired adjustment. The said standards are provided
with outwardly projecting flanges T, which extend parallel with the slots C.
U and U¹, represent two pairs of toggle jointed levers, which extend through the
grooves or openings in the outer sides of the standard T, between the flanges T. The
levers U are fulcrumed upon pins u, which pass through the sides of the flanges.
The upper levers U₁, are provided with slots U through which the fulcrum pins u¹
pass, thereby permitting the levers to work freely on the said fulcrum pins. From the
upper end of each lever U, on the rear side thereof extends an arm U³. The lower
ends of the levers U, pass downwardly through the slots C.
Each of the standards T, is provided with a vertical recess, in which is socketed a
vertical spindle Y, having a horizontal head V¹.
Set screws T are provided for the standards T and are adapted to clamp the
spindles V, so as to secure the same in the standards at any desired vertical adjustment.
Through the heads V₁, extend horizontal sleeves W, which are hollowed and adapted
to move back and forth in the heads. The rear ends of these sleeves are bifurcated
and receive the upper ends of the levers U¹.
Cross pins W, extend through the rear bifurcated ends of the sleeves in rear of the
said levers U, and thus secure the upper ends thereof in the bifurcated rear ends of
the sleeves, and thus adapt the sleeves to be moved forwardly and rearwardly by the
lever.
✗, represents gatherers, a pair of which is provided for each machine, one gatherer
being intended for the toe and one for the heel of the last. These gatherers are
provided with heads X', which are adapted to the contour of the heel or toe of the
last so as to fit the same exactly, and from the central portion of the heads, on the
rear sides thereof, project horizontal spindles X2, which enter the bores of the sleeves W,
and are secured therein by means of set screws with which the outer edges of the said
sleeves are provided. On the upper side of the head of each gatherer at the centre
thereof, is rigidly secured an inwardly projecting plate X, Fig. 20, forming a tongue
or flange, and on each side of the said plate are pivoted jaws X, which are curved and
adapted to the contour of the heel. The inner edges of the said curved jaws project
beyond the inner side of the head, thereby forming inwardly, projecting flanges, which
together with the tongue X³, extend over the bottom or sole of the last at the heel
and toe thereof.
To the upper end of each arm U³, of the levers U is pivoted a transverso cross
head Y, Y, represents rods which have their front ends pivoted to the outer ends of
the jaws X. The outer ends of the said rods, are screw threaded and extend through
transverse openings which are made in the cross heads, and are provided with the
threaded nuts Y2, which bear against opposite sides of the cross heads and are screwed
into the threaded ends of the rod, and are thus adapted to adjust the latter forwardly
and rearwardly in the cross head.
a, represents a pair of cords which have their inner ends attached to the drum K',
and coiled thereon in the same direction. The outer ends of the said cords are
attached to the lower ends of the levers U.
b, represents springs which are attached to the frame, and are also connected to the
lower end of the levers U, and the function of the said springs is to draw the lower
ends of the levers outwardly towards the ends of the frame. By rotating the shaft K,
in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 16, the cords will be caused to wind
upon the drum, and thereby draw the lower ends of the levers U, towards each other.
As the upper ends of the said levers are toggle jointed to the lower ends of the
levers U, it follows that the upper ends of the latter levers will be moved inwardly
towards each other, and thus force the heads of the gatherers against the toe and heel
of the last. The upwardly extending arms U³, which are rigidly attached to the upper
side of the levers U, will be moved outwardly from each other, and thus cause the
rods Y', to draw upon the full outer ends of the pivoted jaws X, of the gatherers, and
thus cause the said jaws to bo clamped firmly against the toe and heel of the last.
The detent or pawl K, by engaging with the ratchet wheel K³, prevents the

page_text: shaft K, normally, from rotating in the reverse direction, and thus locks the said shaft
so as to keep the gatherers pressed firmly against the toe and heel of the last.
As soon as the detent is released from the ratchet wheel, the springs b, move the
lower ends of the lever U, outwardly from each other and thus release the gatherers
from the last, and at the same time, the inward movement of the upper ends of the
arm U³, causes the rods Y¹, to open the pivoted jaws X, from the last, as will be
readily understood.
c, represents vertical standards which are identical in construction with the
standards T, and are secured to the frame, and are laterally adjustable in the slots D.
The said standards are provided with toggle jointed levers d, and e, which are precisely
liko the levers U, and U¹.
9, represents spindles which are vertically adjustable in the standards c, and have
heads corresponding to the spindles and heads V, and V¹.
h, represents hollow sleeves which fit in the said head g', and are connected to the
upper ends of the levers e, and in said heads are secured the spindles i, of plungers K.
The said plungers are curved to fit the spring of the last, on the ball and shank,
between the toe and heel thereof, and are provided on their upper inner edges with
laterally projecting flanges l, which are adapted to extend over the sole or bottom of
the last when the plungers are forced against the same.
In the said flanges are made slots or openings m, the function of which will be
explained hereinafter.
o, represents cords which are attached to the drum 1, of the shaft I, and have their
outer extremities attached to the lower ends of the levers d. Coiled retractile
springs n, are attached to the depending legs at the sides of the frame A, and have
their inner ends connected to the lower ends of the levers d, so as to move the latter
outwardly when the pawl ³, is released from the ratchet wheel, and thus withdraw
the plungers K, from the sides of the last.
p, represents a holding rod, the upper end of which is pivoted to one of the levers P.
The holding rod passes down through the slot A, of the top plate A', and also through
the guide yoke M, and through the templet, and bears upon the last when the lever
frame N is lowered so as to hold the last firmly upon the rest F.
The operation of my invention is as follows."
In order to last a boot or shoe on this machine I first take an insole and tack it on
the bottom of the shoe. I then take the upper leather Z', for the boot or shoe, that
had been prepared for lasting, and turn it bottom upward and insert the last Z, therein,
the top plate A*, is then released from the standard A³, by withdrawing the pin or
bolt A, and is swung around so as to uncover this gatherer or plunger, the said
gatherer and plunger having been previously distended or pressed outwardly from each
other. The last is then secured in an inverted position upon the pin or rod H, and the
rest F, and the top plate is then swung back to its original position and the pin A,
reinstated so as to secure the free end of the top plate to the standard A. The
lever N, is then raised, thereby causing the holding rod to be raised and the templet
to be lowered simultaneously.
The clamps S³, are then caused to grasp the upper leather Z, all around the edge
thereof which projects above the sole of the last, first grasping at the centre of the
heel, then at the centre of the toe, and then at proper distances apart all around the
said leather or upper Z¹.
The lever frame N, is then lowered, causing the clamps to be drawn upwardly by
the templet, thereby causing the clamps to pull the leather Z, closely to the last, at
every point alike, and at the same time the holding bar or rod P, is lowered upon the
last, thus preventing the same from being raised with the lever Z', and thus causing
the latter to be effectually stretched and fitted on the last. The shafts I, and K, are
then turned simultaneously, causing the cords to draw inwardly upon the lower toggle
jointed levers, so as to force the gatherers and plungers against the toe and heel of the
last and against the sides thereof simultaneously, and while the leather is pressed,
thereby pressing the upper leather Z' to the shape of the last all around the bottom
thereof, and over the insole which has been tacked thereon. The leather is thus drawn

page_text: smoothly and firmly over the last, without wrinkling, and the edges which are bent
over the bottom of the insole are temporarily secured thereto by driving pegs or nails
through the slots or openings m, of the plungers k.
As soon as the leather has been set to the last, the plunger and gatherers are caused
to move outwardly from the last, the clamps are disengaged from the leather the
holding rod or bar is released from the last, and the top plate A, is swung around out
of the way when the last may be very readily removed, and the operation is then
repeated as before.
Referring to Figures 22 to 25 of the drawings, I will now proceed to describe my
improved form of clamp.
A, represents the vertically movable templet plate of a lasting machine, and BB,
represents one of the series of vertically adjustable hooks which are attached to the
edge of the templet and depend therefrom.
C, represents a clamp which comprises the rigid jaw D, the jaw E, which is pivoted
thereof, and the cam lever F, which is pivoted in the upper arm of the jaw E, and is
adapted to bear against the opposing side of the upper arm of the right jaw so as to
close the said rigid and pivoted jaw together, and cause them to grasp the upper edge
of the leather which forms the upper part of the shoe. That side of the cam which
bears against the upper arm of the rigid jaw, when the leather is clamped, is flattened
as at F, to prevent the clamp lever from turning and thus releasing the leather, while
the shoe is being lasted.
I provide the opposing faces of the clamping jaws with circular cavaties or recesses a.
When the jaws are clamped on to the leather it is compressed between the faces of the
clamping jaws, and those portions of the leather which coincide with the cavuties or
recesses a, are forced into the same, thereby enabling the clamping jaws to obtain an
exceedingly strong grip on the leather, without marring or injuring it in the slightest
degree.
Between the opposing sides or faces of the clamping jaws, and near the upper ends
thereof, is secured an extensile coiled spring G, the ends of which are seated in counter
sunk openings or recesses H, that align with each other and are made in the inner
side of the clamping jaws. As soon as the cam lever is turned upwardly the spring
re-acts and thus creates the clamping jaws to instantly release their grasp on the
leather.
In the upper ends of the upper arm of the rigid jaw is made an elongated opening I,
with which the hook B, engages.
When the templet is lowered to its fullest extent, the clamp which is suspended
therefrom by the hook B, is enabled to be moved independently of the templet a
distance corresponding to the length of the opening I, thereby enabling the clamp to be
manipulated and worked over the edge of the leather so as to obtain a grasp thereon.
Having thus described my invention I claim :-
1. The combination in a lasting machine, of the stationary bed or table having the
duplicate set of clamping devices and supports for the last, the swinging arm G,
pivoted midway between the duplicate supports for the last, and carrying at one end
the stretching and holding devices, substantially as described.
2. The combination in a lasting machine, of the bed or table having the clamping
devices and the supports for the lasts at opposite ends, with the swinging bar G,
pivoted above the bed or table and having the stretching devices and the lever a, with
a holding rod, substantially as described.
3. The combination in a lasting machine, of the supporting bar G, the rocking
levers i, pivoted thereto and connected together, the yokes k, suspended from the said
levers, and the templet provided with a series of pincers and having its sides suspended
from the said yoke, whereby the templet is suspended at all times in a horizontal
position, substantially as described.
4. The combination in a lasting machine, of the bed or table, having the clamping
devices at opposite ends and the supports for the lasts, with the swinging bar G,
pivoted above the centre of the table and carrying the stretching and holding devices,
B

page_text: and the standard H, suspended from the outer end of the swinging bar and adapted to rest
upon either end of the bed or table, for the purpose set forth, substantially as
described.
5. In a lasting machine, the combination with the lever a, of the last, the holding
bar pivoted to the lever and adapted to rest upon the last, the pivot of the holding bar
to the lever being capable of horizontal adjustment, and a guide to retain the
holding bar in a vertical position, said guide being adjustable laterally to effect the
horizontal adjustment of the pivot point of the holding bar, as set forth.
6. The combination in a lasting machine, with the gatherers and plungers, for
acting upon the heel and toe and sides, of the last, respectively, of the operating shafts
having the right and left hand screw threads, the toggle jointed levers connected to
the gatherers and plungers for opening the same simultaneously, and the threaded
collars working on the threaded shafts and engaging the toggle jointed levers,
substantially as described.
7. The gatherer having the curved head provided with the centre plate V³, the
pivoted jaws V+, having the plates V7, the inner ends of the said plates projecting
over the plate V³, and adapted to meet at the centre thereof, and the outer ends of
the said plates forming projecting arms V, for the purpose set forth, substantially as
described.
8. The gatherer having the central plate V, and the pivoted jaws V*, the inner
edges of the said plates and jaws being beveled on their under sides and adapted to
fit the toe or heel of the last, for the purpose set forth, substantially as described.
9. The combination in a lasting machine, of the top plate having the lovers P, the
lever frame connected to the said levers the rods depending from the levers P, and the
templet suspended by the said rods, and carrying the stretching devices, whereby both
ends of the templet will be raised or lowered simultaneously, and the templot thus
maintained in a horizontal position, and means substantially as described for holding
the last down, substantially as described.
10. The combination in a lasting machine, having the legs or standards O, on its
upper side, of the levers P fulcrumed to the said legs or standards, the lever frame
connecting with the upper free ends of the levers, and the templet suspended from the
outer ends of the levers and carrying the stretching devices, and the holding rod
or bar connected to the inner end of one of the levers, whereby the said templet
and holding rod will be moved in opposite directions simultaneously, substantially as
described.
11. The lasting machine and the toggle jointed levers U, and U', and the plungers
and gatherers attached to the said toggle jointed levers, and adapted to be forced
thereby against the last, substantially as described.
12. The combination in a lasting machine, of the toggle jointed levers U, and U¹,
the vertically adjustable heads V₁, and the gatherers secured to the said heads and
longitudinally movable therein and connected to the levers U³, substantially as
described.
13. The combination of the levers U³, adapted to move in opposite directions
simultaneously by means substantially as described, the levers U₁ adapted to move in
opposite directions from the levers U³ at the same time the gatherers attached
to the levers U¹, and movable therewith, and the jaws X₁, pivoted to the said
gatherers, and connected to the levers U³, for the purpose set forth, substantially as
described.
14. The combination in a lasting machine, of the vertically adjustable head V₁, the
horizontally movable sleeves W³, secured in the said heads, the levers for moving the
sleeves, and gatherers and plungers having the spindles entering the said sleeves,
substantially as described.
15. The combination in a lasting machine, of the movable gatherers, the toggle
jointed levers U, and U', for operating the gatherers, the lever arms U³, extending
from the lovers U, and having the cross heads and the rods Y¹, connecting the said
cross heads with the gatherers, substantially as described.
16. The combination in a lasting machine, of the movable gatherers having the

page_text: pivoted jaws X, the levers to move the gatherers, the levers U³, and the rods Y¹,
connecting the jaws X', with the levers Us, the said rods being adjusted longitudinally,
for the purpose set forth, substantially as described.
17. In a lasting machine, the combination of the standards, the gatherers carried by
the standards, the jointed levers for operating the gatherers, and the adjustable rods
connecting the levers to the gatherers, as set forth.
18. The combination in a lasting machine, of the frame having the support at its
centre for the last, the slots C, and D, radiating from the centre of the frame and
arranged at right angles to each other, and the standards secured in the said slots
and adjustable therein and carrying the movable gatherers and plungers, substantially
as described.
19. In a clamp for lasting machines, the jaws having their opposing engaging faces
made flat, and provided with recesses or cavaties which recesses or cavaties are made
in the flat faces of the jaws, and separated from one another by a flat portion of the
jaws, as set forth.
20. In a lasting machine, the swinging top plate, carrying the templet and the
holding rod, whereby the said top plate, templet, and holding rod may be swung to
one side, out of the way, substantially as described.
21. The combination in a lasting machine, of the movable gatherers and plungers
toward the last, the levers for moving the plungers and gatherers and the spring
for moving the said gatherers and plungers from the last, substantially as described.
22. The combination in a lasting machine, of the adjustable standards carrying the
movable gatherers and plungers, and the adjustable standards having the supports for
the last, whereby the machine is adapted for lasting shoes of varying sizes, substantially
as described.
23. The combination of the standards, the heads for the gatherers or plungers,
having the depending spindles socketed and adjustably in the said standards.
24. The combination in a lasting machine, of the templet and the holding bar or
rod, the said templet and holding rod or bar being movably vertically in opposite
directions simultaneously, substantially as described.
25. The method of lasting a boot or shoe, consisting in stretching the upper on the
last, forcing the edges of the upper over the spring of the last and onto the insole,
while the leather is taut, and securing the edges to the insole, before the tension on
the upper is relaxed, substantially as described.
26. The combination in a lasting machine, of the devices to stretch the upper on
the last, and the movable gatherers and plungers and means substantially as set forth
to cause the said gatherers and plungers to simultaneously compress the edges of the
upper over the spring of the last, while the leather is stretched, substantially as
described.
27. The combination in a lasting machine, of the hand lever a, the holding rod
attached to said lever, aud the spring to normally raise the hand lever, for the purpose
set forth, substantially as described.
28. The plungers for acting upon the leather, having the outwardly projecting
flanges, adapted to fit the spring of the last, the said flange being beveled or inclined
on their inner sides to wedge or crowd the leather over the spring of the last,
substantially as described.