IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Cowburn, of the City and County of Bristol, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR THE
MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES."
Sealed the 5th April 1878, and dated the 8th November 1877
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Cowburn at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th November 1877.
THOMAS COWBURN, of the City and County of Bristol. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES."
My Invention relates to machinery or apparatus for rivetting the soles and heels,
and for shaping and finishing the heels of boots and shoes.
а
In carrying out my Invention the machinery or apparatus is constructed,
arranged, and operated in the following manner:-For the purpose of rivetting and
shaping the heels I provide a block or rest on which the heel with the boot or shoe
is placed, the heel being retained in position by a clip or holder, and I employ
ram which is caused to descend within the boot or shoe and press the heel firmly
on the block. The ram has within it a number of tubes, corresponding with the
number and position of the rivets to be driven, and also a punch to each tube, and
a supply of rivets is carried in guides or racks arranged around the top of the ram,
the racks sloping towards and delivering the rivets to the mouth of the tubes.
The rivets are delivered into the tube by suitable springs which release one to each
revolution of the machine, the punches are then forced down, driving the rivets into
the heel at any angle required by the shape of the heel.
For shaping or paring the heels I employ a knife arranged in the following
manner: The clip or holder being withdrawn by a further movement of the
machine out of the way of the knife, this knife is carried on a lever or arm,
working on a vertical axis nearly concentric with the heel, and has a reciprocating
Di 1031

page_text: motion imparted to it round three sides of the heel; the knife can be caused to
approach to or recede from the centre by means of a curved guide, which directs
the lower edge of the knife and imparts the form to the bottom of the heel, whilst
the top of the heel can be made of a different shape or form by the aid of another
curved guide which imparts the necessary movement to the upper edge of the knife,
the latter guide being set so as to give a greater or less difference between the
shapes at the top and bottom of the heel.
The upper edge or seat of the heel is pared true and level by a separate adjustable
knife fixed to the arm, and receiving the same lateral motion as the upper edge of
the main knife. The front of the heel is cut by another knife fixed in a slide with
a diagonal motion across the heel.
For polishing or burnishing the heel the knife is removed and replaced by a
hollow tool, heated within by gas or other suitable neans, pressure being applied
by means of a spring. The seat knife is replaced by a seat wheel, for ornamenting
the upper edge of the heel.
For the purpose of rivetting soles I propose to employ a machine, constructed in
a substantially similar manner to that herein-before described for rivetting heels.
I also propose to rivet on what is termed the top piece of the heel by a similar
arrangement of punches working upwards, the rivets being driven at any required
angle simultaneously with the operation of rivetting on the heels.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Cowburn in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th May
1878.
IMPROVEMENTS IN
THOMAS COWBURN, of the City and County of Bristol.
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES."
My said Invention relates to machinery or apparatus for rivetting and shaping.
or paring and finishing the soles and heels of boots and shoes.
-For
In carrying out my said Invention I proceed in the following manner:-
rivetting and shaping the heel I take the upper part of the boot or shoe (the sole
having been previously attached by rivetting, sewing, or otherwise) and place it
upon a ram or holder and maintain it in contact therewith. The materials for the
heel (consisting of lifts and top piece) are placed on a block, and are retained in
position by a clip or cup. On setting the machine in motion the requisite number
of rivets or nails are released, and pass down tubes in the ram or holder, falling on
to the insole which is being held against it. The ram or holder then descends and
presses the sole on to the material of the heel, and continuing to descend forces the
rivets into the heel at the desired angle, and holds the heel firmly on the block.
The clip or cup is then withdrawn by a further movement of the machine out of
the way of the paring knife, next herein-after described. This knife is carried on
a slide, working in a lever or arın revolving on a vertical axis nearly concentric
with the heel, and has a reciprocating partial rotary motion imparted to it round
three sides of the heel. The knife is caused to approach to or recede from the
centre by a curved guide, which directs the lower edge of the knives and gives the
form to the bottom of the heel. The top or seat can be made of a different shape
or form by the employment of another curved guide, which gives the necessary
movement to the upper edge of the knife. This guide may be set to give a greater
or less difference between the shape of the top and that of the bottom of the heel.
The upper edge or seat of the heel is pared true by a separate adjustable kuife
fixed to the main kife or to an arm, and receiving the same lateral motion as the
upper edge of the main knife. The paring round the heel being completed, and
the knife having returned, a further inotion of the machine raises a knife fixed on
a diagonal or curvilinear slide to cut the front of the heel. The knife slide fàlls, and
the ram or holder being raised the operation is complete.
For burnishing the heel the knife slide is removed, and a burnishing tool (which
may be heated by a gas jet or other means) is inserted. The motion for working
the knife is put out of gear, and a more rapid motion given to the crank arm or
other device which polishes the surface.
If the top piece of the heel is to be rivetted on at the same time the rivets or
nails are carried in a suitable rack mounted on a centre pin or on a slide; and
before the material for the heel is placed on the block the rack is swung or slid
over it, and a lever being depressed the rivets or nails are run down tubes into
holes in the block corresponding to the number and in the position required in the
heel. The rack is then reinoved and the operation before described is performed;
and while the upper ram or holder presses the heel firmly on to the block a driver
or ram ascends and forces certain punches which are provided against the rivets
in the block, and drives them into the heel. The paring operation is then performed
and the upper ram or holder finally ascends and the boot is removed.
For rivetting and paring the soles I put the lasted boot or shoe on a pivot and
place it on a slide, which moves on suitable guides to and fro under the table or
stand of the machine. The sole is placed in position and the slide pushed under,
and then it is elevated and the sole pressed firmly against a block fixed above the
table to the framing of the machine, this block is perforated with holes corre-
sponding with the number and position of the rivets or nails required in the sole,
waist, and seat. Rivet or nail tubes are connected to the block and passages made
to convey the rivets to the holes in the block..

page_text: The upper ends of the rivet tubes are connected to feeders, and by the act of
depressing a lever the rivets are fed one into each required hole in the block.
The rivets are driven by punches or drivers fixed in a slide or slides above the
block, which are actuated by cams and levers so that the whole number of rivets
can be driven simultaneously; or, if preferred, they may be driven in sections, in
order to reduce the force or pressure on the boot or last.
The cams for working the rams are driven by a friction clutch, arranged to
disengage when the rivets are driven and the punches have returned.
For paring the sole and trimming the upper edge the knives are fixed on a slide
carried on a revolving ring, working in a recess on the top of the table and rotated
by suitable gearing and a friction clutch. The knife slide moves freely on the ring
in a radial direction, and is provided with a round stud or pin on which the tool
holder swivels. The desired form and size is imparted by a guide or shaper on
the block, which is shaped both laterally and vertically to the form of the solė.
The holder is maintained in contact with it by a friction roller working inside
against a flange, so that as the ring rotates and carries with it the guides for the slide,
the holder is forced out or drawn in by the holder bearing on one side and the
friction roller on the other. As, moreover, the holder is held in contact with the
guide the cutting edge of the knife is constantly maintained at the same angle with
the cut by moving on the round pin as the angle of the slide alters during its
rotation.
The knife performs a complete revolution, and when not required to cut, the
guide is retained at a greater distance from the block. The driving gear is arranged
to impart one revolution to the ring and then stop automatically.
The knife slide can be removed and a burnishing tool introduced in order to
polish the edge, and an ornamenting wheel or device can be applied when
required.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to
the several Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) of the accompanying Drawings represents a front elevation
of a machine constructed according to my said Invention, for rivetting, shaping, or
paring and finishing the heels of boots and shoes; Figure 2 is a side elevation, and
Figure 3 a plan of the same.
Figure 4 is a sectional plan, with the upper part removed.
Figure 5 (on Sheet 2) is a sectional side elevation.
Figure 6 is a sectional front elevation, and Figure 7 is a sectional plan, with the
top of the table removed.
Figure 7a is a sectional detail of the ram or holder and its appurtenances.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another modification of cutting knife.
Figures 10, 11, and 12 are enlarged views of the springs and rivet feeders, herein-
after more fully described.
Figure 12a illustrates a modification of the holder and the rivetting motion.
The same letters and numbers indicate corresponding parts in the several Figures
in Sheets 1 and 2 of my Drawings.
Figure 13 (on Sheet 3) represents a front elevation of a machine, constructed
according to my said Invention, for rivetting, paring, and trimming the soles of
boots and shoes; Figure 14 is a side elevation; Figure 15, a plan of the same; and
Figure 16, a plan with the upper part removed.
Figure 17 is an enlarged section of the block and rivet devices.
The same letters and numbers indicate corresponding parts in the several Figures
on Sheet 3 of my Drawings.
Referring to Sheets 1 and 2 of the Drawings the various parts of the machine,
herein-after described in detail, are carried on a stand or frame A, made of a
suitable shape for that purpose. The motion is derived from the shaft B, mounted
in bearings B', and actuated by the belt pulley B² and a belt and another pulley

page_text: from any suitable prime mover.
On the shaft B is a friction clutch B3, one part
sliding on feathers on the shaft and the other loose, with a worm B at one end.
This worm gives motion to a worm wheel C, keyed on the main shaft C¹, which
rotates in bearings C².
The shaft C¹ makes one revolution for a complete operation of the machine, and
is brought to rest by the pin C³ coming in contact with rods C, which are connected
to the lever B5, mounted on centres or fulera at 1 in the frame A. The lever B³
puts the friction clutch B3 in or out of gear, the necessary pressure for holding the
parts of the clutch in gear being given by the spring B.
When another operation of the machine is required, the rods C are lifted clear
of the stop pin C3 by the foot lever and rods B7 B8 is a lever connected to the
lever B, and which is provided for the facility of stopping the machine by hand
when required. D is the ram or holder on which the upper part a of the boot or
shoe is placed (the sole having been previously attached by rivetting, sewing, or
otherwise). This ram or holder is carried by the arm D' working in suitable guides
at 2 in the framing A. The arm D¹ is lifted by the cam E and roller E¹, and
pressed down by the cam F and roller F¹, the said rollers being carried in a frame 3
fitting on the arm D', and being adjustable for different thicknesses of work by the
screw and wheel 4. The cams E and F are so arranged that the falling side of the
cam E nearly coincides with the rising side of the cam F, and vice versa.
The ram D is hollow, and fitted with a spindle or bolt D2, having a collar 5 to
rest on the lower part, and a spiral spring 6 to bear on the collar 5 and against the
cap D' of the ram. On the lower end of the spindle D2 is fixed a die or presser G
for pressing upon the insole of the boot or shoe a placed thercon. This die is per-
forated with holes G' corresponding with the number of rivets or nails which are to
be driven from the inside of the boot or shoe, the holes or perforations being
arranged in the direction in which the rivets are to be driven.
The ram D is provided with a number of grooves or channels 7 corresponding
with the holes in the die G, and a thin casing of metal on the exterior forms with
the grooves passages for the rivets. On the lower end of the ram D are hinged
drivers or punches D³ (shewn most clearly in Figure 7a) of a flat section, with the
lower end thicker to form two shoulders 16; the middle or flat part 17 of each passes
into a groove 18 in the die, whilst the broader end 16 slides up the passage G₁ for
the rivets, which is wider than the groove, near the top of the die or presser G, the
passage G¹ slopes off towards the centre, as shewn at 19. When the ram D is raised,
the spring 6, pressing on the bolt D2, forces it down, and the drivers or punches D³
fall back towards the centre into the slope at 19 in the top of the die, and allow
the rivets 9 to pass down the back. This position of the parts is represented in
Figure 7.
The rivets are conveyed to the ram by small tubes H (one to each channel 7 in
the ram), which are fixed in a bracket H' secured to the frame A of the machine.
When the ram rises, the channels in the ram pass freely over the tubes. The rivets or
nails are conveyed to the tubes by holes 8 through the stand I by means of the
racks or guides I', which are grooved to allow the shank of the rivet to slide
freely down the head or shoulders resting on the edges.
The springs I2 (which are shown on an enlarged scale in Figure 10) retain the
rivets 9 in the rack by the lower or longer leg 10 of the spring being in contact
with the last rivet in the rack, and the shorter leg 11 being clear of the head of
the said rivet. When the bar I³ is raised by the ram D rising, it presses against
the shorter leg 11 of the spring, which retains the next rivet in place, while the bar
Is still rising presses out the longer leg 10 of the spring, and releases the rivet,
which slides down the rack, or falls into the tubes direct. The left of the bar I³ is
adjusted by the nuts or screws at 12 on the upper end of the rods I, and by a
slotted lever and adjusting screw 15 on the head of the ram.
The die G is maintained in close contact with the insole by the cam F, and holds
the heel a¹ firmly on the block J, which rests on the stand or table A. The clip

page_text: •
or cap U, which in my Drawings is shewn clear of the heel, being employed to
maintain the lifts and top piece of the heel in position previously to the descent of
the die G, and during the operation of attaching the heel to the sole. The block J,
which is perforated with holes corresponding to the number of rivets or nails required
in the top piece or under side of the heel, is made hollow, and has a piece J¹ fitted
inside to move up and down a distance slightly exceeding the length of the longest
rivets. In this piece are fitted drivers or punches J2 similar to those D³ in the
upper ram, and working through holes or grooves in the block J. The lifting piece
J₁ rests on the top of the ram K, which is elevated by the cam K', wheel K², and
lever K³. The rivets are fed into the holes in the block by the rack L (see
Figure 11), which swings on the stud L', and extends over the block J when the
ram D is up. The rack is fitted with springs L2 and tubes L³, similar to the tubes
and springs with which the rack I' for the upper. ram D is provided, with the ex-
ception that the rivets 12 after being delivered by the springs slide down the lower
slope, and the lower part of the shank comes in contact with a stop L, Figure 11,
which turns the rivets' head downwards before they fall into the tubes L³; the
tubes terminate in a piece with perforations similar to those in the block J.
On depressing the lever L, the bar Le is operated, a rivet is released for each
tube, and passes down into holes in the block; the rack L is then turned out of
the way.
It will thus be seen that the heel is made and attached to the sole in one operation,
the descent of the upper ram or holder D having the effect of forcing the rivets
supplied from the rack I downwards through the insole lifts and top piece; thereby
attaching the heel bodily to the sole; and if the top piece is to be rivetted on at the
same time, the rivets supplied from the rack L are forced upwards by the driver K,
and the parts are thereby united together. When the upper arm or holder has
descended, and the rivets have been thereby forced into the heel, the clip or cup U
is withdrawn by the means herein-after explained, out of the way of the cutting
or paring knife M, which next comes into operation, and the function of which is
to pare round three sides of the heel. This position of the parts is that indicated
in the Drawings.
The cutting or paring knife M is made of the desired shape for the back of the
heel, and fixed in a lever M¹ pivotted on a centre M². The tail end of the lever is
provided with a friction roller resting on a shaper bar N; this bar is hinged at N¹,
and is adjusted horizontally by the bolt and nut N2. The centre M² is carried on a
slide M³, which can be moved to adjust the knife to the size of the heel.
The knife M is worked round three sides of the heel by the cam O and the lever O¹
moving the toothed rack O2 and toothed pinion P, the axis of which latter is the
ram K, on which it works.
To the pinion P is connected by a sleeve the radial arm P', with angular sides to
form guides on which works the slide P2, having a boss or cylindrical part on its
upper side, with a hole therein for the reception of the round shank of the part M
on which slides the knife carrier M³. The cylindrical part of the slide P2 fits into a
groove or slot G in the top of the table or stand A (made by preference a separate
piece, and let into the table); this slot is of a shape corresponding with the shape of
the lower part of the heel, so that when the arm P¹ moves round its axis the cylin-
drical part of the slide P2 follows the groove or slot G, and moves the knife carrier
in the form of the heel.
On the end of the round shank of the part M is fixed a crank R, with a friction
roller R' at its outer end, which works in a groove or slot R2 in the plate R³. This
groove is of similar shape to the groove or slot G, and the two extremities are a
corresponding distance from the centre of the axis of the pinion P, but the opposite
centre line is set at a distance from the centre line of the groove G (see dotted lines
in Figure 4) equal to the distance between the centres of the friction roller R' and
the shank on the crank R.
As the cylindrical part of the slide P2 passes. round the groove G the friction
1

page_text: roller R¹ also moves round the groove R2, and thus turns the shank of the part P¹,
and with it the cutting knife M, so that the cutting edge is always at the same
relative angle with the material being cut.
The ends of the grooves G and R³ turn outwards from the centre to draw the
knife further from the heel when the cut is finished, and before it commences.
The shaper N is made of such a form and so adjusted that when the cutting
knife moves from a central, position the tail end of the lever M' rises or falls as may
be desired, and so moves the upper edge of the knife nearer to the heel relatively
with the lower edge, or draws it further from it.
On the upper part of the lever M' is fixed a small knife or cutter S, which cuts
round the seating of the heel at the same time that the main knife M moves round.
The knife or cutter S is adjustable, so that its position may be varied as required
The paring round of the heel having been completed the knife M returns, and a
knife T is raised automatically for cutting the front of the heel. This knife is fixed
in a curvilinear slide T¹, which receives an upward motion from the cam T³, roller
T3, and levers T4, T5, and T, and is withdrawn by a spring 20. The ram or holder D
is then raised, and the operation is complete, the machine stopping automatically
by the means herein-before described.
The clip or cup U for supporting the parts of the heel previously to and during
the operation of rivetting is moved towards and from the block J in the following
manner: The cup or clip U is drawn forward by hand, and is held in position by
the catch and spring U'. At the proper time the catch U' is pressed back by the
lever U2 actuated by the cam Us and roller U, and the clip is thus pushed back
and held clear of the cutting knife M until the paring operation is completed.
When it is required to burnish or polish the heel the knife slide M is removed,
and a burnishing tool is inserted. This tool may be of any suitable description, and
may be heated by a gas jet or other convenient means.
The burnishing or polishing motion is derived from the crank V and rod V', which
latter is connected to the bell-crank lever V2, working on the same fulcrum as the
lever O', so that the pin which engages the cam O can be withdrawn from it, and
inserted in the eye of the lever V2. The crank then gives rapid motion to the slide
(similar to the slide M³) in which the burnishing tool is fixed.
:
Figures 8 and 9, Sheet 2, illustrate another modification of knife holder for the
knife M employed for shaping the heel.
The knife is carried on a sliding piece W, which moves freely on a curved slide
W¹, which is fixed on the part M. The piece W is moved up and down the slide by
the lever X, which has its fulcrum at M³. One end of the lever is connected to the
knife holder W, and the other end carries two friction rollers 13, 14; the one 13
being under, and the other 14 over the shaper bar Y, which is of suitable shape to
move the upper part of the knife closer to or further from the seating of the heel.
The seating knife S is carried on the top of a lever Z, which has its fulcrum on a
pin in the slide M. It is caused to approach nearer to the seating when the sliding
piece W rises by the pin Z¹ moving in a diagonal slot in the lever Z.
Figure 12 (Sheet 2) shews another modification of nail or rivet feeder, in which
in lieu of employing a rack to receive the rivets, and passing them to the springs,
the rivets are fed into a tube H' of suitable size for the heads to pass down freely.
The rivets stand one upon another, and at the point where the feeding springs 1²
operate an opening 15 is cut in the tube H¹. The rivets thence pass one into each
of the series of tubes H.
Figure 12 (Sheet 2) is a vertical section, illustrating an arrangement of ram or
holder and rivet drivers, in which the holding-down motion is separate from the
rivetting motion, one-half being shewn with the drivers down, and the other with
them elevated.
D is the holder or ram carried by the arm D'; the die or presser G is fixed on the
ram, and perforated for the passage of the rivets.
The drivers or punches D³ are continued through the ram and work on inclined

page_text: surfaces D, corresponding with the angle at which the rivets are to be driven.
The upper part of the drivers are connected by a flange and bush D5 (sliding on a
continuation of the ram) to an arın D, which moves simultaneously with the
arm D¹ by a cam on the shaft C¹, and after the die G presses the heel firmly on the
block, the arm Do still descends and drives the rivets home.
When the drivers return to the top of the stroke they slide up the inclined sur-
faces D, and leave a space between the bottom of the groove in which they work
and the back of the drivers down which the rivets pass into the die G. The rivet
tubes H are fixed in the cap of the ram, and can be fed by either arrangement herein-
before described.
If desired the rivets for attaching the heel to the sole may be driven vertically in
lieu of at an angle, different lengths of rivets being employed to suit the configura-
tion of the heel.
The several Figures on Sheet 3 of my Drawings illustrate a machine for rivetting
and shaping the soles of boots and shoes in accordance with my said Invention, and
which is constructed and arranged in the following manner:-
The stand or frame a is of suitable form for carrying the various parts of the
apparatus. The motion is derived from the shaft b, mounted in bearings b¹, and
actuated by one of the belt pulleys 62, and a belt and another pulley from any suit-
able prime mover. On the shaft b is a double friction clutch, the centre part b³
sliding on feathers; one part (a¹) of the clutch is connected to a worm b³, gearing
into a worm wheel c on the shaft c', the latter being carried in bearings c². The
shaft c' is provided with cams or tappets d, in contact with which are rollers d',
carried by levers d² for forcing down the rams or slides e, which are brought
back under the action of the springs d³.
The clutch b³ is put in gear with the part al by hand by the act of operating the
lever f, mounted on a centre or fulcrum at f¹, and it is held in gear by the roller f?
bearing on the cam f³ of the worm wheel c, which holds the lever up until the
operation of driving the nails is completed, when the can releases the lever and
disengages the clutch, thus stopping the machine automatically.
The rams e have fastened to their under side plates e¹ for holding the rivet
punches or drivers e², which move up and down in holes in the block g, which is
secured to the frame of the machine by the bolts g¹.
The rivet tubes e³ fit loosely into the holes in the side of the block g and the
frame at e, so that they can be readily moved for changing the block g and plates e¹.
The rivets or nails are fed into the upper tubes by the springs h', actuated by
hand by means of the bar h² and lever h³.
On the block. g is a guide flange g², which guides the cutting knife i round the
sole; this guide extends all round the block, and when it is not required to cut it is
a greater distance from the side of the block, so as to guide the knife clear of the
waist or heel, if required.
The cutting knife and trimming knife are fixed on a holder ², which fits on
a cylindrical pin on the sliding piece j. On the top of the holder 2 is a piece resting
on the top of the guide flange g³, and carrying a friction roller ³ which bears against
the flange maintaining the holder 2 in contact with the guide.
The holder is hollowed to suit the smallest radius of the curved sides of the guide,
so that the outer edge always bears on and holds the knife i at the same relative
angle to the sole which it is cutting.
The knife is guided vertically, so as to conform in its motion to the shape of the
sole by the upper edge of the guide flange g² (which has the same form as the sole).
The piece on the holder and a projection under the flange moves the said holder
up and down on the cylindrical pin on the sliding piece j. This sliding piece works
in guides on the ring, which rotates in a recess in the top of the table. The ring
has teeth on the outer edge gearing with teeth on a carrying wheel ', which receives
motion from the pinion and bevel wheels k³ and , the latter being connected to
the part of the friction clutch, .with which the part 6s is put in or out of gear by

page_text: 7.
the lever f; when the clutch is in gear the roller 2 is engaged by another cam
on the wheel c, reversed to the cam f³, and which holds the roller f² down until the
operation of cutting is performed, when the cam releases the lever.
The lasted boot or shoe is carried on the pivot 18, fixed in a slide l, working on
guides m, and is further supported by means of the screw ', which is fitted with a
piece of india-rubber or other suitable substance 72 to bear against the upper and
works in a socket or nut ; a handle is fixed on the slide for the facility of
removing it.
The guides marê carried on a stem m³, sliding up or down in a socket fixed
in the framing d. This motion is obtained in the following manner:-At the
lower end of the stem m¹ is a pin m², carrying a pulley m³, and a drum n is also
provided, mounted on a shaft n¹, which works in bearings n². When the drum is
turned, a belt n³ which passes under the pulley m³ is wound or unwound, according
to the direction of the motion, thereby raising or lowering the pulley m³, and with
it the stem m¹, the belt n³ being attached at one end to the drum, and at the other
end. secured by a plate n' to the framing a
The drum n is operated by means of a hand wheel é fast on the shaft n', à ratchet
wheel o¹ and detent o² being provided to retain the parts in position; with
the stem m¹ elevated, and thus maintain the boot or shoe tightly against the
block g.
In operating with this apparatus the lasted boot or shoe is placed on the pivot
18 on the slide l; and is supported at 12. The sole is then placed thereon, and the
slide is moved into its position beneath the rams or slidés é, and is then elevated
by the act of operating the wheel o and the sole pressed firmly against the block g.
The rivets are next supplied one to each tube es, by the act of operating the lever h³
and delivered to the respective holes in the block g the punches or drivers e² then
descend; forcing the rivets through the sole and attaching it to the boot or shoe.
The machine then stops automatically by the means herein-before described, and the
knife slide is brought into gear by a movement by. hand of the lever f, as
before explained. The paring of the sole and the, trimming of the upper edge is
then proceeded with; the slide j carrying the knives i, i works once round the
sole by the rotation of the ring k, and when the revolution is completed the
machine again stops automatically by the means herein-before described, and the
motion is suspended until the parts bs and a² are again brought into gear by
the act of moving the lever f by hand, when the former series of operations will
be repeated, and so on in succession.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The construction and arrangement of apparatus, whereby the parts or pieces
of which the heel of a boot or shoe is composed are secured together, and the heel
thus formed is attached to the boot or shoe at one and the same operation, substan-
tially as herein-before described.
Second. A block for the heel fitted with nail or rivet drivers, arranged and
operating substantially in the manner herein-before described.
Third. The application and use to and in machinery or apparatus for the manu-
facture of boots and shoes, of a knife for shaping or paring round the heel or sole,
when such knife is arranged to operate substantially in the manner herein-before
described.
Fourth. The combination with a knife for shaping or paring round the heel of
a knife for shaping or paring the upper edge or seat of the heel, the two operations
being performed simultaneously, substantially as herein-before described.
Fifth. The employment of a knife for cutting the front of the heel, when arranged
to operate, substantially in the manner herein-before described.

page_text: Sixth. The combination of the knives M, S, and T, arranged and operating sub-
stantially in the manner herein-before described.
Seventh. The peculiar constructions of guides for directing the motion of the
shaping or paring knives, substantially as herein-before described.
Eighth. The employment for directing the motion of a knife for shaping or paring
the heels of boots or shoes, of guides so constructed and arranged as to admit of the
relative shapes of the top and bottom of the heel being varied as required, substan-
tially as herein-before described.
Ninth. The construction and arrangement of apparatus, whereby any required
number of uniting or attaching nails or rivets are simultaneously fed or brought
within the range of the driving devices by one action or at one operation, substan-
tially as herein-before described.
Tenth. The peculiar arrangements of apparatus, whereby the uniting or attaching
rivets or nails or a portion thereof are driven in angular directions, substantially as
herein-before described.
Eleventh. The combination of a ram or holder for the upper part of the boot
or shoe of a block for the heel, and of a clip or cup for maintaining the heel in
position, substantially as herein-before described.
Twelfth. The employment of springs so constructed and arranged as to regulate
and control the delivery of the uniting or attaching rivets or nails to the driving
devices, substantially as herein-before described.
Thirteenth. The general arrangement and combination of parts constituting an
apparatus for rivetting or attaching, shaping, and finishing the heels of boots and
shoes, substantially as herein-before described, and illustrated by Sheets 1 and 2
of my Drawings.
Fourteenth. The general arrangement and combination of apparatus for rivetting
and shaping the soles of boots and shoes, substantially as herein-before described,
and illustrated by Sheet 3 of my Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Cowburn, have to this my Specification
set my hand and seal, the First day of May, One thousand eight hundred
and seventy-eight.
THOMAS COWBURN. (L.S.)

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES PLATT, of
Gloucester, in the County of Gloucester, Engineer, send greeting:
WHEREAS Her Most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Royal Letters
Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date at West-
minster, the Eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord One thousand eighth
hundred and seventy seven in the forty first year of Her reign did for Herself her
heirs and successors give and grant unto Thomas Cowburn, his executors
administrators, or assigns, or such other as he his executors, administrators, or
assigns should at any time agree with and no others from time to time, and at
all times thereafter during the term therein expressed should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES," for and
during the term of Fourteen years thence next ensuing :
And whereas in pursuance and performance of a proviso in the said Letters
Patent contained, the said Thomas Cowburn, did, within six Calendar months
next after the date of the said Letters Patent, cause a Specification in writing
under his band and seal, purporting to particularly describe the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, to be duly filed in
the Great Seal Patent Office:
And whereas by Indenture bearing date the Thirteenth day of January One
thousand eight hundred and eighty, and made between the said Thomas Cowburn
of the first part James Heastie, of the second part, the said Thomas Cowburn,
James Heastie, James Johnston, and Andrew Marchbank, of the third part, and me
the said James Platt of the fourth part, the said hereinbefore recited Letters

page_text: «
Patent, and all rights, powers, authorities, privileges, advantages, profits, emolu-
ments, and benefits appertaining or belonging to the said Letters Patent were
assigned to and became vested in me :
"
"
16
And whereas I have been recently advised and have ascertained that certain of the
claiming clauses of the said Specification may be held to be susceptible of such a
construction as would render the claims too general, and I am therefore desirous
of striking out the second, fourth, and fifth claiming clauses, and of altering the
first, seventh, and eleventh claiming clauses of the said Specification, so as to limit
the claims under the said Letters Patent in manner more fully hereinafter appearing.
NOW KNOW YE that I the said James Platt by and with the leave of Her
Majesty's Attorney General, and for the reasons aforesaid do alter the said Speci-
fication by inserting in the said Specification printed by the Queen's Printers and
published at the Great Seal Patent Office in One thousand eight hundred and
seventy eight, between the word " operation" and the portion of the word
substantially," which occur on line forty four of page nine, the words "the whole
being performed automatically; I also strike out the whole of the second claim
constituting lines forty six and forty seven of the said page nine; I also strike out
the word "Third," which occurs at the beginning of line forty eight of the said page
nine, and substitute therefor the word "Second; I also strike out the whole of
the fourth and fifth claiming clauses constituting lines fifty two to fifty
"Sixth,"
six inclusive of the said page nine; I also. strike out the word
which occurs at the commencement of line one of page ten of the said printed
copy of the said Specification, and substitute therefor the word "Third; " I
also strike out the word "Seventh " which occurs at the commencement of line
three of the said page ten and substitute therefor the word "Fourth;" I also insert
between the word "knives" and the word "substantially," which occur on line four
of the said page ten, the words "the said guides being arranged and combined
together so as to operate;" I also strike out the word "Eighth" which occurs at
the commencement of line 5 of the said page ten and substitute therefor the word
"Fifth;" I also strike out the word "Ninth" which occurs at the commencement
of line nine of the said page ten, and substitute therefor the word "Sixth;" I also
strike out the word "Tenth" which occurs at the commencement of line thirteen of
the said page ten, and substitute therefor the word "Seventh;" I also strike out
the word "Eleventh" which occurs at the commencement of line sixteen of the
said page ten, and substitute therefor the word "Eighth ;" I also insert between the
word "position" and the word "substantially," which occur on line eighteen of the
said page ten, the words "when the said parts are arranged to operate together;" I
also strike out the word "Twelfth" which occurs at the commencement of line
nineteen of the said page ten, and substitute therefor the word "Ninth;" I also
strike out the word "Thirteenth" which occurs at the commencement of line twenty
two of the said page ten, and substitute therefor the word "Tenth;" I also strike
out the word "Fourteenth" which occurs at the commencement of line twenty six
of the said page ten, and substitute therefor the word "Eleventh." And in order
that the effect of the said Disclaimer may be clearly understood I annex hereunto
a copy of the said Specification as it will appear when so amended, the preamble
and testing clause being omitted.
My said Invention relates to machinery or apparatus for rivetting and shaping
or paring and finishing the soles and heels of boots and shoes.
În carrying out my said Invention I proceed in the following manner:-For
rivetting and shaping the beel I take the upper part of the boot or shoe (the sole
having been previously attached by rivetting, sewing, or otherwise) and place it
upon a ram or holder and maintain it in contact therewith. The materials for the
heel (consisting of lifts and top piece) are placed upon a block and are retained in
position by a clip or cup. On setting the machine in motion the requisite number
of rivets or nails are released and pass down tubes in the ram or holder, falling on
to the insole which is being held against it. The ram or holder then descends and

page_text: presses the sole on to the material of the heel, and continuing to descend forces the
rivets into the heel at the desired angle, and holds the heel firmly on the block.
The clip or cup is then withdrawn by a further movement of the machine out of
the way of the paring knife, next hereinafter described. This knife is carried on a
slide working in a lever or arm revolving on a vertical axis nearly concentric with
the heel, and has a reciprocating partial rotary motion imparted to it round three
sides of the heel. The knife is caused to approach to or recede from the centre by
a curved guide, which directs the lower edge of the knives and gives the form to
the bottom of the beel. The top or seat can be made of a different shape or form
curved
A
by the employment of another guide which gives the necessary movement
to the upper edge of the knife. This guide may be set to give a greater or less
difference between the shape of the top and that of the bottom of the heel.
The upper edge or seat of the heel is pared true by a separate adjustable knife
fixed to the main knife, or to an arm, and receiving the same lateral motion as the
upper edge of the main knife. The paring round the heel being completed, and the
knife having returned a further motion of the machine raises a knife fixed on a
diagonal or curvilinear slide to cut the front of the heel. The knife slide falls, and
the ram or holder being raised the operation is complete.
For burnishing the heel the knife slide is removed, and a burnishing tool (which
may be heated by a gas jet or other means) is inserted.
The motion for working the knife is put out of gear and a more rapid motion
given to the crank arm or other device which polishes the surface.
If the top piece of the heel is to be rivetted on at the same time the rivets or nails
are carried in a suitable rack mounted on a centre pin or on a slide, and before the
material for the heel is placed on the block the rack is swung or slid over it, and a
lever being depressed the rivets or nails are run down tubes into holes in the block
corresponding to the number and in the position required in the heel. The rack is then
removed and the operation before described is performed, and while the upper ram
or holder presses the heel firmly on to the block a driver or ram ascends and forces
certain punches which are provided against the rivets in the block and drives them
into the heel. The paring operation is then performed, and the upper ram or
holder finally ascends and the boot is removed.
For rivetting and paring the soles I put the lasted boot or shoe on a pivot and
place it on a slide, which moves on suitable guides to and fro under the table or
stand of the machine. The sole is placed in position and the slide pushed under,
and then it is elevated and the sole pressed firmly against a block fixed above the
table to the framing of the machine; this block is perforated with holes corre-
sponding with the number and position of the rivets or nails required in the sole
waist and seat. Rivet or nail tubes are connected to the block, and passages made
to convey the rivets to the holes in the block.
The upper ends of the rivet tubes are connected to feeders, and by the act of
depressing a lever the rivets are fed into each required hole in the block.
The rivets are driven by punches or drivers fixed in a slide or slides above the
block, which are actuated by cams and levers, so that the whole number of rivets
can be driven simultaneously; or, if preferred, they may be driven in sections in
order to reduce the force or pressure on the boot or last.
The cams for working the rams are driven by a friction clutch arranged to
disengage when the rivets are driven and the punches have returned.
For paring the sole and trimming the upper edge the knives are fixed on a slide
carried on a revolving ring, working in a recess on the top of the table, and rotated
by suitable gearing and a friction clutch. The knife slide moves freely on the ring
in a radial direction, and is provided with a round stud or pin on which the 'tool
holder swivels. The desired form and size is imparted by a guide or shaper on the
block, which is shaped both laterally and vertically to the form of the sole.
The holder is maintained in contact with it by a friction roller working inside
against a flange, so that as the ring rotates and carries with it the guides for the

page_text: i
1
slide, the holder is forced out or drawn in by the holder bearing on one side and the
friction roller on the other. As, moreover, the holder is held in contact with the
guide the cutting edge of the knife is constantly maintained at the same angle with
the cut by moving on the round pin as the angle of the slide alters during its
rotation...
'
The knife performs a complete revolution, and when not required to cut the guide
is retained at a. greater distance from the block. The driving gear is arranged to
impart one revolution to the ring, and then stop automatically.
The knife slide can be removed and a burnishing tool introduced in order to
polish the edge, and an ornamenting wheel or device can be applied when
required.
2
+
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to the several
Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating
corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) of the accompanying Drawings represents a front elevation of
a machine constructed according to my said Invention for rivetting, shaping, or
paring, and finishing the heels of boots and shoes.
Figure 2 is a side elevation; and Figure 3, a plan of the same.
Figure 4 is a sectional plan, with the upper part removed.
Figure 5 (on Sheet 2) is a sectional side elevation.
Figure 6 is a sectional front elevation; and Figure 7 is a sectional plan, with the
top of the table removed.
Figure 7 is a sectional detail of the ram or holder and its appurtenances.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another modification of cutting knife.
:
Figures 10, 11, and 12 are enlarged views of the springs and rivet feeders herein-
after more fully described.
Figure 12a illustrates a modification of the holder and the rivetting motion.
The same letters and numbers indicate corresponding parts in the several Figures
in Sheets 1 and 2 of my Drawings.
Figure 13 (on Sheet 3) represents a front elevation of a machine constructed,
according to my said Invention for rivetting, paring, and trimming the soles of boots
and shoes; Figure 14 is a side elevation; Figure 15, a plan of the same; and
Figure 16, a plan with the upper part removed.
Figure 17 is an enlarged section of the block and rivet devices.
The same letters and numbers indicate corresponding parts in the several Figures
on Sheet 3 of my Drawings.
Referring to Sheets 1 and 2 of the Drawings, the various parts of the machine
hereinafter described in detail are carried on a stand or frame A made of a suitable
shape for that purpose. The motion is derived from the shaft B mounted in
bearings B¹, and actuated by the belt pulley B2, and a belt and another pulley from
any suitable prime mover. On the shaft B is a friction clutch B³, one part sliding
on feathers on the shaft, and the other loose, with a worm B4 at one end. This
worm gives motion to a worm wheel C keyed on the main shaft C¹, which rotates
in bearings C².
The shaft C¹ makes one revolution for a complete operation of the machine, and
is brought to rest by the pin C³ coming in contact with rods C, which are connected
'to the lever B5 mounted on centres or fulcra at 1 in the frame A. The lever B5
puts the friction clutch B³ in or out of gear, the necessary pressure for holding the
parts of the cluch in gear being given by the spring Be.
When another operation of the machine is required the rods C are lifted clear of
'the stop pin C³ by the foot lever and rods B7 B8 is a lever connected to the lever
B, and which is provided for the facility of stopping the machine by hand when
'required. D is the ram or holder on which the upper part a of the boot or shoe is
placed (the sole having been previously attached by rivetting, sewing, or otherwise).
This ram or holder is carried by the arm D' working in suitable guides at 2 in the
'framing A. The arm D' is lifted by the cam E and roller E¹, and pressed down by

page_text: the cam F and roller F¹, the said rollers being carried in a frame 3 fitting on the
arm D', and being adjustable for different thicknesses of work by the screw and
wheel 4. The cams E and F are so arranged that the falling side of the cam E
nearly coincides with the rising side of the cam F, and vice versa.
The ram D is hollow and fitted with a spindle or bolt D2 having a collar 5 to rest
on the lower part, and a spiral spring 6 to bear on the collar 5 and against the cap
D7 of the ram. On the lower end of the spindle D is fixed a die or presser G for
pressing upon the insole of the boot or shoe a placed thereon. This die is perforated
with holes G corresponding with the number of rivets or nails which are to be
driven from the inside of the boot or shoe, the holes or perforations being arranged
in the direction in which the rivets are to be driven.
The ram D is provided with a number of grooves or channels 7 corresponding
with the holes in the die G, and a thin casing of metal on the exterior forms, with
the grooves, passages for the rivets. On the lower end of the ram D are hinged
drivers or punches Ds (shewn most clearly in Figure 7a) of a flat section, with the
lower end thicker to form two shoulders 16; the middle or flat part 17. of each passes
into a groove 18 in the die, whilst the broader end 16 slides up the passage Ġ' for
the rivets, which is wider than the groove. Near the top of the die or presser G the
passage G¹ slopes off towards the centre, as shewn at 19. When the ram D is raised
the spring 6 pressing on the bolt D³ forces it down, and the drivers or punches D³
fall back towards the centre unto the slope at 19 in the top of the die, and allow
the rivets 9 to pass down the back. This position of the parts is represented in
Figure 7a.
The rivets are conveyed to the ram by small tubes H (one to each channel 7 in
the ram) which are fixed to the bracket H₁ secured to the frame A. of the machine.
When the ram rises the channels in the ram pass freely over the tubes. The rivets
or nails are conveyed to the tubes by holes 8 through the stand I by means of the
racks or guides I', which are grooved to allow the shank of the rivet to slide freely
down, the head or shoulders resting on the edges.
The springs I (which are shewn on an enlarged scale in Figure 10) retain the
rivets 9 in the rack by the lower or longer leg 10 of the spring, being in contact with
the last rivet in the rack, and the shorter leg 11 being clear of the head of the said
rivet. When the bar 13 is raised by the ram D rising it presses against the shorter
leg 11 of the spring, which retains the next rivet in place while the bar I³, still
rising, presses out the longer leg 10 of the spring and releases the rivet, which slides
down the rack or falls into the tubes direct. The left of the bar I³ is adjusted by
the nuts or screws at 12 on the upper end of the rods I*, and by a slotted lever and
adjusting screw Is on the head of the ram.
The die G is maintained in close contact with the insole by the cam F, and holds
the heel a firmly on the block J which rests on the stand or table A. The clip
or cap U, which in my Drawings is shewn clear of the heel, being employed to
maintain the lifts and top piece of the heel in position previously to the descent
of the die G and during the operation of attaching the heel to the sole. The
block J which is perforated with holes corresponding to the number of rivets or
nails required in the top piece or under side of the heel is made hollow, and has a
piece J fitted inside to move up and down a distance slightly exceeding the length
of the longest rivets. In this piece are fitted drivers or punches Je, similar to
those D in the upper ram, and working through holes or grooves in the block J.
The lifting piece J' rests on the top of the ram K, which is elevated by the cam K¹,
wheel K, and lever K³. The rivets are fed into the holes in the block by the
rack L (see Figure 11), which swings on the stud L' and extends over the block J
when the ram D is up. The rack is fitted with springs L' and tubes L³ similar
to the tubes and springs with which the rack I' for the upper ram D is provided,
with the exception that the rivets 12 after being delivered by the springs slide
down the lower slope and the lower part of the shank comes in contact with a
stop L', Figure 11, which turns the rivet's head downwards before they fall into

page_text: the tubes L. The tubes terminate in a piece with perforations similar to those in
the block J. On depressing the lever L5 the bar L' is operated, a rivet is released
for each tube and passes down into holes in the block, the rack L is then turned
out of the way.
It will thus be seen that the heel is made and attached to the sole in one
operation, the descent of the upper ram or holder D having the effect of forcing the
rivets supplied from the rack I¹ downwards through the insole lifts and top piece,
thereby attaching the heel bodily to the sole, and if the top piece is to be rivetted
on at the same time the rivets supplied from the rack L are forced upwards by the
driver K and the parts are thereby united together. When the upper arm or
holder has descended and the rivets have been thereby forced into the heel the clip
or cut U is withdrawn by the means hereinafter explained out of the way of the
cutting or paring knife M which next comes into operation, and the function of
which is to pare round three sides of the heel. This position of the parts is that
indicated in the Drawings.
The cutting or paring knife M is made of the desired shape for the back of the
heel, and fixed in a lever M' pivotted on a centre M². The tail end of the lever
is provided with a friction roller resting on a shaper bar N. This bar is hinged
at N¹, and is adjusted horizontally by the bolt and nut N2. The centre M² is
carried on a slide M³, which can be moved to adjust the knife to the size of the
heel.
The knife M is worked round three sides of the heel by the cam O, and the
lever O moving the toothed rack O2 and toothed pinion P, the axis of which latter
is the ram K on which it works.
To the pinions P is connected by a sleeve the radial arm P¹, with angular sides
to form guides, on which works the slide P2, having a boss or cylindrical part on its
upper side with a hole therein for the reception of the round shank of the part M4,
on which slides the knife carrier M³. The cylindrical part of the slide P3 fits into a
groove or slot G in the top of the table or stand A. (made, by preference, a separate
piece, and let into the table. This slot is of a shape corresponding with the shape
of the lower part of the heel, so that when the arm P' moves round its axis the
cylindrical part of the slide P2 follows the groove or slot G, and moves the knife
carrier in the form of the heel.
On the end of the round shank of the part M* is fixed a crank R, with a friction
roller R¹ at its outer end, which works in a groove or slot R2, in the plate R³.
This groove is of a similar shape to the groove or slot G, and the two extremities
are a corresponding distance from the centre of the axis of the pinion P, but the
opposite centre line is set at a distance from the centre line of the groove G (see
dotted lines in Figure 4) equal to the distance between the centres of the friction
roller R and the shank on the crank R.
As the cylindrical part of the slide P2 passes round the groove G the friction
roller R also moves round the groove R2, and thus turns the shank of the part P¹,
and with it the cutting knife M, so that the cutting edge is always at the same
relative angle with the material being cut.
The ends of the grooves. G and R² turn outwards from the centre to draw the
knife further from the heel when the cut is finished and before it commences.
The shaper N is made of such a form and so adjusted that when the cutting.
knife moves from a central position the tail end of the lever M¹ rises or falls, as may
be desired, and so moves the upper edge of the knife nearer to the heel, relatively
with the lower edge, or draws it further from it.
On the upper part of the lever M¹ is fixed a small knife or cutter S, which cuts.
round the seating of the heel at the same time that the main. knife M moves round.
The knife or cutter S is adjustable, so that its position may be varied as required.
The paring round of the heel having been completed the knife M returns, and. a.
knife T is raised automatically for. cutting the front of the heel. This knife. is
fixed in a curvilinear slide T', which receives an upward motion from the cam T³,
roller Ts, and levers T4, T5, and Te, and is withdrawn by a spring 20. The ram or

page_text: holder D is then raised, and the operation is complete, the machine stopping.
automatically by the means herein before described.
The clip or cup U, for supporting the parts of the heel previously to and during
the operation of rivetting, is moved towards and from the block J in the following
manner: The cup or clip U is drawn forward by hand, and is held in position by
the catch and spring U₁. At the proper time the catch. U₁ is pressed back by
the lever U2, actuated by the cam Us and roller U, and the clip is thus pushed
back and held clear of the cutting knife M until the paring operation is completed.
When it is required to, burnish or polish the heel the knife slide M is removed,
and a burnishing tool is inserted. This tool may be of any suitable description,
and may be heated by a gas jet or other convenient means.
"
The burnishing or polishing motion. is derived from the crank V and rod V¹,
which latter is connected to the bell crank lever V2, working on the same fulcrum
as the lever O¹, so that the pin which engages the cam O can be withdrawn from
it and inserted in the eye of the lever V2 The crank ean then gives rapid motion
to the slide (similar to the slide M³) in which the burnishing tool is fixed.
Figures 8 and 9, Sheet 2, illustrate another modification or knife holder for the
knife M, employed for shaping the heel.
The knife is carried on a sliding piece W, which moves freely on a curved slide
W', which is fixed on the part M. The piece W is moved up and down the slide
by the lever X, which has its fulcrum at M³. One end of the lever is connected to
the knife holder W, and the other end carries two friction rollers 13, 14, the one 13
being under and the other 14 over the shaper bar Y, which is of suitable shape to
move the upper part of the knife closer to or further from the seating of the
heel.
The seating knife S is carried on the top of a lever Z, which has its fulcrum on a
pin in the slide M. It is caused to approach nearer to the seating when the
sliding piece W rises by the pin Z¹ moving in a diagonal slot in, the lever Z.
Figure 12 (Sheet 2) shews another modification of nail or r et feeder, in which,
in lieu of employing a rack to receive the rivets and passing them to the springs,
the rivets are fed into a tube H of suitable size for the heads to pass down freely.
The rivets stand one upon another, and at the point where the feeding springs I²
operate, an opening 15 is cut in the tube H. The rivets thence pass one into each
of the series of tubes H.
Figure 12 (Sheet 2) is a verticular section illustrating an arrangement of ram or
holder and rivet drivers in which the holding down motion is separate from the
rivetting motion, one half being shewn with the drivers down, and the other with
them elevated.
D is the holder or ram carried by the arm D¹; the die or presser G is fixed on the
ram, and perforated for the passage of the rivets.
The drivers or punches D³ are continued through the ram, and work on inclined
surfaces D corresponsing with the angle at which the rivets are to be driven. The
upper part of the drivers are connected by a flange and bush D³ (sliding on a conti-
nuation of the ram) to an arm D6, which moves simultaneously with the arm D¹ by
a cam on the shaft C, and after the die G presses the heel firmly on the block the
arm De still descends and drives the rivets home.
When the drivers return to the top of the stroke they slide up the inclined sur-
faces D, and leave a space between the bottom of the groove in which they work
and the back of the drivers, down which the rivets pass into the die G. The rivet
tubes H are fixed in the cap of the ram, and can be fed by either arrangement
hereinbefore described. If desired, the rivets for attaching the heel to the sole may
be driven vertically in lieu of at an angle, different lengths of rivets being employed
to suit the configuration of the heel.
The several Figures on sheet 3 of my Drawings illustrate a machine for rivetting
and shaping the soles of boots and shoes in accordance with my said Invention
and which is constructed and arranged in the following manner :-
The stand or frame a is of suitable form, for carrying the various parts of the

page_text: apparatus. The motion is derived from the shaft 6 mounted in bearings b' and
actuated by one of the belt pulleys 62 and a belt and another pulley from any
suitable prime mover. On the shaft b is a double friction clutch, the centre part
63 sliding on feathers, one part (a¹) of the clutch is connected to a worm, 64 gearing
into a worm wheel c on the shaft c', the latter being carried in bearings c². The
shaft cis provided with cams or tappets d, in contact with which are rollers d'
carried by levers d² for forcing down the rams or slides e which are brought back
under the action of the springs d³.
The clutch 63 is put in gear with the part a' by hand, by the act of operating
the lever mounted on a centre or fulcrum at fl and it is held in gear by the roller
fbearing on the cam f³ of the worm wheel c which holds the lever up until the
operation of driving the nails is completed, when the cam releases the lever and
disengages the clutch, thus stopping the machine automatically.
The rams e have fastened to their under side plates e¹ for holding the rivet
punches or drivers e³ which move up and down in holes in the block which is
secured to the frame of the machine by the bolts g¹.
The rivet tubes es fit loosely into the holes in the side of the block g and the
frame at e* so that they can be readily moved for changing the block g and plates e¹.
The rivets or nails are fed into the upper tubes h by the springs h¹ actuated by
hand, by means of the bar h² and lever h³.
On the block is a guide flange 92 which guides the cutting knife i round the
sole, this guide extends all round the block and when it is not required to cut it,
is a greater distance from the side of the block so as to guide the knife clear of the
waist or heel if required.
The cutting knife i and trimming knife ¹ are fixed on a holder 22 which fits on a
cylindrical pin on the sliding piece j. On the top of the holder i is a piece resting
on the top of the guide flange g² and carrying a friction roller which bears
against the flange maintaining the holder 2 in contact with the guide.
The holder is hollowed to suit the smallest radius of the curved sides of the
guide so that the outer edge always bears on and holds the knife i at the same
relative angle to the sole which it is cutting.
in
The knife is guided vertically so as to conform its motion to the shape of the
sole by the upper edge of the guide flange g² (which has the same form as the sole).
The piece on the holder i² and a projection under the flange moves the said holder
up and down on the cylindrical pin on the sliding pin j. This sliding piece works
in guides on the ring k which rotates in a recess in the top of the table. The
ring has teeth on the outer edge gearing with teeth on a carrying wheel k¹, which
receives motion from the pinion 2 and bevel wheels k³ and , the latter being
connected to the part of the friction clutch with which the part b³ is put in or
out of gear by the lever f; when the clutch is in gear the roller f2 is engaged by
another cam on the wheel c reversed to the cam fs, and which holds the roller fa
down until the operation of cutting is performed, when the cam releases the lever.
The lasted boot or shoe is carried on the pivot 18 fixed in a slide 7 working on
guides m, and is further supported by means of the screw 1, which is fitted with a
piece of india rubber or other suitable substance to bear against the upper and
works in a socket or nut 13; a handle is fixed on the slide for the facility of
removing it.
The guides m are carried on a stem m' sliding up or down in a socket fixed in
the framing a. This motion is obtained in the following manner :-At the lower
end of the stem m² is a pin m² carrying a pulley m³, and a drum n is also provided
mounted on a shaft n³ which works in bearings n². When the drum is turned a
belt n³ which passes under the pulley m³ is wound or unwound according to the
direction of the motion, thereby raising or lowering the pulley m³ and with it the
stem m¹, the belt n³ being attached at one end to the drum, and at the other end
secured by a plate n' to the framing d.
The drum n is operated by means of a hand wheel e fast on the shaft n¹, a

page_text: ratchet wheel o¹ and detent o³ being provided to retain the parts in position with
the stem m¹ elevated, and thus maintain the boot or shoe tightly against the
block g.
In operating with this apparatus the lasted boot or shoe is placed on the pivot 18
on the slide 7 and is supported at 13. The sole is then placed thereon and the slide
7 is moved into its position beneath the rams or slides e, and is then elevated by
the act of operating the wheel o, and the sole pressed firmly against the block g.
The rivets are next supplied one to each tube 83 by the act of operating the lever h³,
and delivered to the respective holes in the block g; the punches or drivers e² then
descend, forcing the rivets through the sole and attaching it to the boot or shoe.
The machine then stops automatically by the means herein-before described, and the
knife slide j is brought into gear by a movement by hand of the lever f, as before
explained. The paring of the sole and the trimming of the upper edge is then
proceeded with; the slide j carrying the knives i, i¹, works once round the sole by
the rotation of the ring k, and when the revolution is completed the machine again
stops automatically by the means herein before described, and the motion is
suspended until the parts 63 and a¹ are again brought into gear by the act of
moving the lever f by hand, when the former series of operations will be repeated
and so on in succession.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore
recited Letters Patent is,-
ginal,
part
First. The construction and arrangement of apparatus whereby the parts or
pieces of which the heel of a boot or shoe is composed are secured together, and the
heel thus formed is attached to the boot or shoe at one and the same operation, the
whole being performed automatically substantially as hereinbefore described.
Second. The application and use to and in machinery or apparatus for the manu-
facture of boots and shoes, of a knife for shaping or paring round the heel or sole
when such knife is arranged to operate substantially in the manner herein-before
described.
Third. The combination of the knives M, S, and T, arranged and operating
substantially in the manner herein before described.
Fourth. The peculiar construction of guides for directing the motion of the
shaping or paring knives, the said guides being arranged and combined together so
as to operate substantially as herein before described.
Fifth. The employment for directing the motion of a knife for shaping or paring
the heels of boots or shoes, of guides so constructed and arranged as to admit of the
relative shapes of the top and bottom of the heel being varied as required
substantially as herein before described.
Sixth. The construction and arrangement of apparatus whereby any required
number of uniting or attaching nails or rivets are simultaneously fed or brought
within the range of the driving devices by one action or at one operation
substantially as herein before described.
Seventh. The peculiar arrangements of apparatus whereby the uniting or
attaching rivets or nails or a portion thereof are driven in angular directions
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Eighth. The combination of a ram or holder for the upper part of the boot or shoe,
of a block for the heel and of a clip or cup for maintaining the heel in position
when the said parts are arranged to operate together substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Ninth. The employment of springs so constructed and arranged as to regulate
and control the delivery of the uniting or attaching rivets or nails to the driving
devices substantially as hereinbefore described.
Tenth. The general arrangement and combination of parts constituting an
apparatus for rivetting or attaching shaping and finishing the heels of boots and

page_text: shoes substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by Sheets 1 and 2 of
my Drawings.
Eleventh. The general arrangement and combination of apparatus for rivetting
and shaping the soles of boots and shoes substantially as herein before described and
illustrated by Sheet 3 of my Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, said James Platt, have to this my Disclaimer, set my
hand and seal, this Twenty first day of January, One thousand eight
hundred and eighty.
I hereby grant my fiat, giving leave to the above named James Platt, as assignee
of the said Letters Patent, to file in the Great Seal Patent Office, with the Speci-
fication to which the same relates, the above written Disclaimer and Memorandum
of Alteration.