Improvements in Machines for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Mar., 1890-Accepted, 5th Apr., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by GEORGE WARREN COPELAND, of Malden,
Massachusetts, United States of America, Sawyer.]
Improvements in Machines for Lasting Boots and Shoes.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
In lasting machines as heretofore made, the lasting heads for the heel and toe, have
an oscillating motion, to permit the heel and toe lasting plates, which move in such
heads in lines parallel therewith, to conform to the varying angles of heel and too
relative to each other and these heads are also fixed at some given height with
reference to the side lasting mechanism and are provided with downholds to resist the
upward thrust of the last.
Our Improvements consist among other things:-In fixing the last rigidly for the
action of the toe and heel lasting plates, without the usual heel and toe downholds and
in raising the toe lasting head so that the toe lasting plates in their upward motion
may serve to draw the leather, which is around the toe, up and over the last, before
they act to fold the leather down upon the inner sole.
In providing the operative edges of the lasting plates with auxiliary frictional
surfaces of material more adhesive than metal.
In so constructing the lasting plates that they present an unbroken edge to the last
and commence their folding action from the median line of the last, thus allowing
them to start from any desired distance below the inner sole at the toe and move up as
desired and when folding the leather over, to gather it more efficiently than if they
started to fold from the sides of a downhold.
In so mounting the lasting plates that they can rock or be rocked to conform to
the angles of toe and heel, without changing the angular position of their carrying
heads.
In giving the toe lasting head positive rising and falling motions at the will of the
operator, so that the head may be raised to allow the lasting plates to pass over the
upper and to fold it to the last and so that these plates can be pressed down, to iron
smooth the wrinkles formed by the folding operation.
In so connecting the mechanism for the toe support that it is held rigidly below
the last when in operative position and is lowered automatically to another position
when the machine is open to facilitate the entry of the lasts.
In using chains which pass over the last and are fastened at their ends to the
operating levers and in having the lasting straps secured to those chains by ring
fastenings properly located.
Figure 1. shows a side elevation of the machine when closed.
Figure 2, is a plan view thereof.
Figure 3, is a longitudinal vertical section showing the machine open.
Figure 4, is a vertical cross section, looking towards the toe lasting head.
Figure 5, is a longitudinal section of the toe lasting head.
Figure 6, is a plan of Figure 5.
Figure 7, is a front elevation of the toe lasting head showing the asting plates at
extreme angular position.
Figure 8, is a plan of the toe lasting head with the top plate and flat spring 112,
removed.
Figure 8, shows the bell crank levers 13, carrying the band N.
Figure shows in plan, a lasting plate and its attachments.
Figure 10, shows in plan one of the flat springs I¹..

page_text: Figure 12, is a front elevation of the lasting plate Figure 9.
Figure 13, shows in section, the rocking slide block L.
Figure 14, shows how additional frictional surface can be given the working edges
of the lasting plates.
Figure 15, shows the frictional covering O.
Figure 16, shows in section the relation and shape of guide-rolls and guide-slots to
each other.
Figure 17, is an enlarged cross section, looking towards the toe.
Figure 18, is a longitu linal section of the base carrying the toe lasting head.
Figure 19, is a cross section showing how the toe rest is fitted in the U-shaped
casting, C.
Figure 20, shows the vertical slide bearings for the base, carrying the toe lasting
heads.
Figure 21, is a cross section showing how one chain and one lasting strap are
operated.
Figure 22, is a cross section looking towards the heel lasting head and showing in
partial section the jack post.
Figures 23 and 24, show the relations of key and key-ways, in treadles and counter-
balances, when in different positions.
Figure 25, shows the ring connecting the lasting straps to the chains.
Figure 26, is an end view of the base A, showing connections of treadles D
and F.
Figure 27, is a detached back side elevation of the casting C, showing the locking
and revolving mechanism of the auxiliary downhold K
In this machine the side lasting straps, the jack post, the support for the heel lasting
devices, the base and the heel and the toe lasting bands are substantially the same, as
those of United States patents numbers 365504 and 365505 and the various motions
requisite for the lasting are all produced by manual labor.
A U-shaped casting C, is secured to the post B, at B', for the purpose of giving
bearings to the parts hereinafter described in detail.
The side lasting devices (Figs. 1, 2, 4, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26,) are composed of pairs of
straps b, arranged in substantially parallel lines, to be drawn over the last when in
position; and each pair of these straps are simultaneously drawn towards each other,
over the upper against the resistance of strong spiral springs 61, secured to their
inner ends, by the motion of foot treadles, in the following manner :
Chain guide-rolls 62, are suitably located upon centre bearings fixed at C', an
opposite pair of rolls for each strap and over a pair of these guide-rolls is led; the
chain 63, of sufficient strength to draw a side lasting strap at all desired pressures.
One end of this chain is secured to the treadle connection c¹, of the operating
treadle C,
and the other end to the connection c³, of the counter-balance c²; the counter-
balance 2, and the treadle c, balancing each other, the result of these connections
when the treadle c, and the counter-balance c; are alternately moved down, is to cause
that part of the chain over the bottom of the last to reciprocate. There is attached to
that part of the chain, which the treadle c, moves a little past the centre line of the
last, the upper end of a side lasting strap b, by a ring connection 6, (Figs. 2, 25,) and
when the operating treadle c, is pressed down to its full extent, so that the gravity
latch or pawl c, will engage with the catch &, it will always draw the side lasting
strap b, over the edge of the last to about the centre thereof and hold it there and
the upper, under it, until the latch c', is unfastened.
The other strap b, of the pair is attached in the same manner to another chain b³,
which passes over other guide-rolls close to those of its mate and whose ends are so
connected to the same treadle c, and counter-balance c³, that it will move simultaneously
with its mate, but in opposite directions, thus causing the strain of the side lasting
straps to equalize each other.
Each pair of lasting straps may be operated by its own treadle and counter-balance
or as here shown, a treadle may be used for the two pairs operating over the shank

page_text: and a treadle for the pair acting upon the ball of the last. A return treadle F, is used
to raise the latches and operate the counter-balances, when it is desired to spread the
side lasting straps for the removal of a last or placing another one under the over
crossing chains that operate the side lasting straps, the straps themselves being drawn
back close to the chain guide-rolls by the following mechanism.
A shaft A', moving in bearings A³, on the base plate A, has fixed to its end, the
return treadle F, and on the part of this shaft, covered by the hubs of the strap-
treadles and counter-balances, which alternate with each other, there is firmly fixed
the long key A, and the key-ways in the hubs of the strap-treadles are so positioned
and widened, that when the return-treadle F, is at its lowest depression, the key A³,
forms a stop which limits the rise of the strap-treadles c, and when the return-
treadle F, is at its highest point, the key-ways in the strap-treadles c, are wide enough
to allow the strap-treadles to be depressed and locked without changing the position
of the return-treadle F. To raise the strap-treadles c, by the chains attached to them
and to the counter-balances c³, the key-ways in the counter-balance hubs are so located,
that when the return-treadle F, is at its lowest depression, the key A³, presses against
the side of the key-ways which are employed to depress the counter-balances. These
key-ways are widened, so that the return-treadle at the commencement of its down-
ward motion can unlock the gravity pawls c, holding down the treadles c, by turning
the shaft A, upon which shaft the pawls et, are mounted, in a manner similar to the
treadle and counterbalances. The connections A³, and A6, (Fig. 26), cause the shaft A*,
to operate as desired.
The return-treadle F, and shaft A', also unlock simultaneously the other parts of
the machine as will be described in connection with those parts.
The spiral springs 61, attached to the inner ends of the lasting straps b, are each
secured to the bar B2, at such an angle to the parts of the last the straps work over,
as will insure the most efficient action to the straps, and the angle or fixture of these
springs b¹, is varied for different curvature of lasts.
To introduce and secure the last in position for the lasting process in the most con-
venient manner, the last is placed upon the jack pin and swung toe foremost into the
tunnel formed by the side lasting straps and their operating chains, the heel lasting
head gaining upon the last, until said head is locked in correct position with referenco
to the side lasting straps, by mechanism constructed in the following manner. (See
Figs. 1, 3, 22.)
Upon ears A', with prolongations, formed on the base of the machine A, is pivoted
the swinging arm G, having the sleeve G', in its upper end for reception of the jack
post d, and at its lower end back of the centre, it has the rest G2, which by contact
with the base plate A, limits the backward throw of the jack post and the heel lasting
head around a prolongation of the pivot pin G³, is a torsional spring G', one end
of which spring rests on the base and the other end is attached to the support for
the heel lasting head; the use of this spring G₁, being to balance and ease the
swinging motions of said head and jack post.
:
The support G, carrying the heel lasting head is pivoted to the swinging arm
at Go, the lower parts (G',) of which support, engage with the prolongations of the
ears A. By the engagements of these parts when the jack post is swung forward or
backward, the heel lasting head on said support G, is simultaneously moved in the
same direction as the jack post, but at a faster rate of speed.
The support for the heel lasting head is locked in operative position and held rigidly
against lateral, motion by swinging between the spring latches C2, which latches are
pivoted at C³, to C, (Fig. 18,) and are pressed up to the catches G', by the
springs C, (Fig. 3). The rear end of these latches are prolonged over the cams (³,
mounted on C at C, and these cams by their connection C, to one of the counter-
balance levers separate the catches when the return-treadle F, is actuated.
The heel lasting bead E, is pivoted to its support at G³, (Fig. 3,) and its angular position
is adjusted and maintained by the adjusting screw-rod E, and spring E³, (Figs. 1
and 3). To firmly iron down the heel seat by the lasting plates when over it, the
front part of the head has the projections E³, which pass under the double ended

page_text: levers C³, pivoted to Cat C; and the opposite ends of these levers C³ are pressed
up by the rocking cross bar B³, (Fig. 3). This cross bar being operated by the properly
guided slide-rod B₁, connected to the crank B, by the links B6, the crank B³, being
fixed to the long shaft As, mounted in and passing under the base of the machine A,
(Fig. 3) and having the treadle 1), fixed to its outer end (Figs. 1, 26,) so that the full
depression of the treadle D, will carry the lasting plates in the lasting head down
any required distance; and since it is requisite that the lasting plates be locked
down different distances and also be relieved from pressure during the lasting process,
the pressure treadle D, is provided with the pawl D², that engages with the
pivoted ratchet D¹, provided with segmental teeth and as the pawl D2, passes by the
teeth of the ratchet it holds in whichever tooth it may be left. And to release
the pawl from contact with the ratchet, a segmental shield D³, is so pivoted to the
treadle D, at D, and provided with a toe piece D, that depressing the toe piece 1³,
to the level of the treadle D, causes the shield to force the ratchet back against its
spring and ride clear of the pawl on the treadle.
The ratchet D¹, is withdrawn from the pawl D2, by the return-treadle F. The
ratchet D1, is shaped somewhat like a bell crank lever and a projection A³,
(Fig. 26) is attached to the shaft A¹, on which the return-treadle is fixed. When
the return-treadle F, is depressed, the projection A', swings the ratchet D', away
from the pawl by acting on the end of the bell crank lever.
To facilitate jacking, to accommodate various thicknesses of lasts and resist the
préssure caused by ironing down heavy counters, the jack post should have a wide
range of adjustment together with absolute rigidity when locked in operative
position. Efficient mechanism for these purposes is constructed as follows:
(Figs. 1, 3, 22).
This
The jack pin d', and the last rest d², are pivoted to the top of the jack post d, so
that they may be fixed at any desired angle and on the lower part of the jack post,
that is round, is cut the rack d³, which intermeshes with the pinion gear d, fixed to
the short shaft ³, mounted in suitable bearings on the swinging arm G.
short shaft carries ratchet wheels, de, at each end outside of the swinging arm,
the teeth of which are set one half their spacing apart so as to give fine
adjustment.
The jack post is fitted to slide freely past the pinion in the sleeve G¹, and is
prevented from rotation by the tops and bottoms of the teeth of the rack and pinion
touching each other; beneath the jack post is the properly guided spiral spring d', it
being made of sufficient strength to balance the jack post and a large sized last, with
the upper thereon, a little above the level of the lasting plates when the machine is
open. In the act of closing the machine, the operator presses the last a little down
and the last passes under a gauge for height, formed on one end of the heel lasting
plates and upon removal of the hand after the machine is closed, the spring d',
raises the last up to the gauge and the pawls d³, swung at d¹³, drop into
one or the other of the ratchet wheels de holding the last in that position as long
as desired.
The pivot of the pawls do, being the shaft d³, on which just outside of the pawls
are fixed the pawl raisers do, operated by the return-treadle F, acting through
levers do, d¹¹, and connecting rod d¹³, (Fig. 22).
When positioning a last in this machine, it has been found advantageous to
have the toe support a, dropped considerably below its operative position until the
machine is locked together and that the toe of the last should be so firmly pressed
down upon the toe support when in operative position, that the raising of the toe
lasting plates in the act of forming the upper around the toe of the last cannot per-
ceptibly change its height; and it has been also found best that the toe support should
always preserve its distance from the lasting plates regardless of the length of the lasts,
(Figs. 1, 3, 17, 18, 19). This is accomplished by causing the stem of the toe support a¹,
to slide freely in the sleeve. H¹, (Figs. 17, 18,) formed on the base H, supporting
the toe lasting head I,so that it will always move forward and back in unison there-
with and at the same time allow the base H, to move vertically as desired without

page_text: varying the height of the toe support a; an adjusting screw a², is fitted under the
stem of the toe support and this screw takes bearing upon the rigid inclined rest a³,
(Fig. 18). The inclination of this rest causing the toe support to rise as it is carried
by the base H, towards the heel lasting head to meet the toes of shorter lasts which
lasts as they decrease in length usually grow thinner at the toe portion. Guide-
ways for the rest a³, fitted so that it will slide freely up and down, (Fig. 19,)
are formed in the U-shaped casting C, attached to the post B, carrying the toe
lasting head I, and beneath the rest a³, at a, is pivoted the cam or block a³,
(Figs. 3, 4, 17, 18,) having as a part of the same casting, the crank a, and the
crank a, is so connected to one of the counter-balance levers c², by the rod a", that
depressing the counter-balance lever as has been described by the treadle F, revolves the
block sufficiently to allow the rest and toe support to drop the distance required
to another rigid support in order to give freedom of entry to the toe.
Removal of pressure from the return-treadle F, lets the spring a³, (Figs. 1, and 3,)
revolve the block a³, in the opposite direction and so raise and rigidly hold the toe
support in operative position.
When this stage is reached with the machine locked together, the operator forces
the last firmly back into the heel lasting band by the brace K, (Figs. 1, 3, 22, 27,)
pivoted to the post B, at K, and acting against the sleeve G', carrying the jack
post d, which lever is operated by the handle K2, and held in position by the
ratchet K3; this forcing back of the last causes the toe portion thereof to press down
strongly upon the toe support and when the side lasting straps are drawn over the
centre of the last, as they are before the toe portion is lasted, it is sufficient for all
ordinary purposes.
Pressure of the thigh against the handle K², removes it from contact with the
ratchet K³, and allows the lever K to drop when it is desired to open the machine.
An auxiliary hold down K³, (Figs. 1, 2, 17, 18, 27,) is provided, which may be used
when the toe of the last is very thin or the leather is abnormally hard, and this rest is
fitted to a bearing K4, on C, in which bearing it slides vertically, and has partial
revolution horizontally, and it is held up by the spiral spring K, (Fig. 17,) around
its lowest part; this spring K³, both raises and revolves the projecting part of the
holddown from over the shoe.
Upon C, at K, is pivoted the pawl K', whose lower end engages with a projection
of the handle K2, when said handle is raised and on part of K³, at Ko, are formed
ratchet teeth which when K³, is swung over the last, engage with the ratchet pawl K³,
(Fig. 27).
When the operator sees that the conditions are not favorable for the last remaining
in position for toe lasting, he swings this holddown over the ball of the last and pushes
it down, so that it will contact therewith and the ratchet teeth hold it there and then
the toe is lasted as before.
Pressing out the handle K², causes the pawl K', to release the ratchet teeth and
the holddown moves up and swings from over the last automatically.
The toe lasting mechanism (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 18,) is constructed in two parts, viz.: a
base with a horizontal and vertical movement, which positions the toe rest correctly;
the movements of which are produced by the hand-wheel H2, and screw H³, moving
the base to and from the heel lasting bead, the base working in a dove-tailed slide-
way, H, and this slide-way is moved vertically in other slide-ways formed upon the
post B at B', (Fig. 20,) by the connecting rod B³, the crank B, the shaft B, and
the double ended treadle B", which moves the crank in either direction. Pivoted to
this base at H³, is the lower part or plate I¹, of the toe lasting head (Figs. 1, 3,) and
by the thumb screw 12, the inclination of the head can be set as desired; on this
plate I, are pivoted the bell crank levers I³, by the bolts I15, whose inner ends I*, are
formed as intermeshing segments, giving common motion to each (Fig. 8) and at
the outer ends of these bell cranks are pivoted the links 15, which in turn, carry the
metallic or chain part of the leather lined pasting hand N, and to cause this band to
conform to any curve of toe, the thumb screw 16, (Figs. 7, 8,) is used to regulate the
distance between the ends of the levers 13; the front of the plate I', is shaped out so

page_text: as to clear the band in all positions, and a small slide-way is made at 1', for the centre
guide 18, of the band to move in.
In the bell crank levers at 1, are pockets for the strong spiral springs I¹º, and
other similar springs are held in position by pins in their centres at 1". Above, and
resting on these spiral springs, is the flat spring 112, (Figs. 5, 10) so shaped that the
lasting plates which rest thereon, will have sufficient bearing when over the last;
another flat spring I, is placed above the lasting plates and spiral springs in line
with those below are secured in the top plate 113, of the head (Figs. 5, 11,) and these
spiral springs are so near in line with the centre or median line of the last that the
lasting plates confined between them can move or be moved as if on a centre the
distance required to conform to the cross angle of the last and material to be folded
over it.
The outer ends J', of the lasting plates J (Figs. 8, 9, 12,) swing around their
median points of contact J2, as a common centre; and in order to keep those points
together at all positions of motions and against all forces, their outer edges are curved
as at J³, with J2, as a centre. The straight abutments J*, are long enough to cover
any desired forward motion of the centre of the plates and are firmly fixed between the
plates I, 113, by the bolts I", which serve to hold the plates together at those points
(Figs. 5, 6, 7,) the arc J³, of the lasting plates is curved at right angles to their
surfaces, also using J2, as a centre for those curves as shown (Figs. 9, 12). This last
mentioned curve allows the lasting plates to rock within the lead to the cross angles
of lasts and to still preserve contact with the abutments J*.
To insure the centres J2, of these lasting plates maintaining their level with each
other, segments ., spring tempered, are secured, one to each plate. These segments
interlock, as will be understood by Figs. 5, 6, 9, 12 and assist the flat outside plates J,
to preserve substantial parallelism of the lasting plates at all points of motion; the
segments J, also prevent one plate from running ahead of the other before they
contact with the leather to be turned down.
The operative motions of these lasting plates consist of a forward motion of centre
and a simultaneous swinging in of the outer ends; to govern the relations of these
motions to each other, the guide-slots Jo, of the desired angle and length start from
the guide-rolls J. The guide-rolls J', (Fig. 16) are of correct length and shape to
allow the lasting plates to rock as herein before described; the bolts 11, which assist
in securing the top and bottom plates of the lasting head together also form the
bearings for the rolls J', and the pivots for the bell crank levers 1³, besides holding
the flat plate springs I, in position.
To give motion to these lasting plates a lever L of the second class is closely pivoted
to the rocking slide-block L', (Figs. 2, 6, 8, 13) with its fulcrum against the pin L,
a slot L³, giving the desired freedom of motion thereto; closely pivoted to the
rocking-slide block L', and the lasting plates J, are the links L, so that moving the
lever up or down causes the lasting plates to rock in unison therewith and moving
the lever forward or back causes corresponding motions of the lasting plates. A
correct bearing is formed for the rocking-slide block L', on the lower part of the
lasting head whose centre of rotation corresponds with the rocking centre of the
lasting plates and by moving the fulcrum pin L², from side to side the head I can be
used either for heel or toe.
In Figs. 5, 7 and 12, it will be seen that the lasting plates are slanted at their front
ends and spiral springs I, which do not contact with the slanted ends of the lasting
plates when back, are fixed in that part of the top plate of the head over the slanted
front ends of the plates, thus enabling the lasting plates to be easily rocked to the
angle of the last when starting them over and then causing their pressure to increase
as they move on to their work.
As it is requisite that the operative end of these lasting plates conform in shape to
that of the line of work they are used for, the usual removable end 1", is fitted to
them.
In order to give these lasting plates a better frictional surface leather or other
similar materials (Fig. 15,) is attached above the working edge of said plates as shown

page_text: in Fig. 14; the leather or similar material is placed above and projects beyond the
edges of the plates so that in the process of lasting the toe, it is brought and held in
contact with the upper at the toe part of the shoe until the plates commence to fold
over the upper on the last, whether the plates are raised upward to come in contact
with a shoe or the shoe is pressed down to come in contact with plates which have
only a horizontal motion.
The leather may be so made as to cover not only the upper surface of the plate, but
also extend over and cover the working edge; the leather used should be of sufficient
stability for the desired purposes.
When the head is used upon the heel of the last a gauge M, for height is formed on
one of the removable parts I"; this gauge is so cut under that it does not destroy the
curved working edge of the lasting plates or start a wrinkle on the edge of the upper.
The handle M, and ratchet M2, is substituted for the adjusting screw of the toe
lasting band and the point of pivoting the head is changed from H', to G³, and the
balancing spring E2, and pull down bars E³, attached, as hereinbefore described.
The operation of this machine is easily understood and commencing with the
machine open Fig. 3, is as follows:
With an upper properly placed upon a last the operator takes it preferably in his
left hand, near the heel and places it upon the jack pin, at the same time with his
right foot pressing down the return treadle F, and swings the last toe foremost under
the chains that operate the side lasting straps when the toe nearly reaches the toe
lasting plates which were left in position after lasting the previous upper, the
treadle F, is released and as the last moves forward the toe support moves up to
operative position and the latches C2, drop into place. At the same time the jack post
has raised the heel to the gauge M. which forms a part of one of the heel lasting
plates and has there been locked. The operator next raises the brace K, to press back
the jack post and about the same time swings the lever M³, around until the heel
band presses firmly around the counter of the upper. The ratchet M², holds the band
in place. The next operation is to draw the leather well up by the pinchers adapted
to that purpose and then the treadle operating one set of lasting straps is depressed
and locked. Next in turn, the leather towards and at the shank of the foot is drawn
up by the combined action of pinchers and the operators fingers and the treadle
moving the straps for that part, depressed and locked.
Turning his attention to the heel, the operator grasps the handle actuating the heel
lasting plates and with his foot on the treadle D, feeling the top of the inner sole
with the lasting plate draws them over. He increases the pressure upon the treadle D,
as the plates move forward and at the end of their motion or when he has moved them
as far over as desired, he presses the lever D, firmly down and the graduated ratchet
there holds the plates.
To last the toe the operator ascertains if the toe lasting plates are in correct lineal
position; and they will be if the preceding upper was of the same length. If not, a
turn of the hand wheel H2, makes them so. If the leather looks extra hard or the
toe of the last is very thin the auxiliary downhold K8, is swung over the ball of
the last and pressed down and then with the fingers of his right hand or with
a suitable device for that purpose the operator presses the upper away from the
last over and against the toe lasting plates, at the same time feeling the toe
lasting plates up to and against the upper around the toe of the last so that they
fairly and pretty closely touch it, using the left hand upon the lever of the toe
lasting plates for that purpose and also to rock those plates to the angle of the
toe of the last. The toe lasting head is raised by the elevating end of the double
ended treadle B", thus by the movements already described drawing the leather
tightly around the toe of the last.
When the toe lasting plates are high enough to pass over the inner sole they
are drawn over and as the toe lasting band has embraced the toe just below the
line of action of the lasting plates the bend or corner is well formed. If the
operator thinks that the weight of the toe lasting head and attachments are not
sufficient to properly iron down the upper, he passes his foot to the opposite or

page_text: depressing end of the treadle B", and forces the lasting plates down as much as
is desirable.
The upper is now ready to be fastened by tacks or pegs or both as the class of
work requires. After fastening, the operator grasps the shoe as at starting and by
pressing down the treadle F, he releases and returns to their starting positions as
has been described in detail all operative parts that have been used to act during the
lasting process. The holddown K³, and brace K, he has already relieved during the
fastening operation by pressing against the handle K2, when he passed it while driving
the fastenings.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a lasting machine, a toe lasting head carrying toe lasting devices adapted by
means substantially as described to be moved bodily in vertical direction with reference
to the toe of a last fixed in front of it, whereby the lasting devices carried by said
head may be raised above or lowered below the surface of an insole on said last for the
purpose set forth.
2. In a lasting machine, the toe lasting head I in combination with the crank B⁹,
and its connecting rod B8, substantially as described.
3. In a toe lasting machine, the toe lasting head, connecting rod and crank in
combination with the double ended foot B", all substantially as and for the purposes
shown and described.
4 In the head of a lasting machine, the combination of lasting plates, having an
unbroken working edge, with springs, between which, said plates are moved, whereby
the plates will conform to the angle of the heel or toe, presented for lasting without
changing the angle of said lasting head substantially as described.
5. In a lasting machine, a head having plates supported by springs above and
below them so as to swing about a point in the median line of said head, when folding
over the upper upon the last, substantially as described.
6. In the head of a lasting machine the combination of the lasting plates J, the
springs I10 and 112, supporting said lasting plates and so as to give them a tipping or
floating motion all arranged and operating substantially as set forth.
7. In the head of a lasting machine, the combination of the lasting plates J, and
the abutments J4, substantially as and for the purpose shown and described.
8. In the head of a lasting machine, the combination of the lasting plates J, with
the segmental slide L', the pivoted links L, and hand lever L, substantially as
described.
9. In the head of a lasting machine, lasting plates which swing around and rock
upon a point in the median line of said head carrying lasting devices in combination
with abutments on said lasting head acting against the outside edges of said plates to
hold them in proper relation to each other, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
10. In the head of a lasting machine, the combination of the lasting plates J
having guide-slots Jo, with the guide-rolls J', arranged and operating substantially
as described.
11. In a lasting machine, a toe support fitted to slide in a sleeve formed on the
base of the toe lasting head in combination with an inclined rigidly supported rest,
beneath said toe support, substantially as described.
12. In a lasting machine, a toe support fitted to slide in a sleeve formed on the
base of the toe lasting head, in combination with its adjusting screw a², substantially
as described.
13. The combination in a lasting machine, of a toe support, a sleeve formed on the
base of the toe lasting head and an inclined rest with a cam or block for raising and
lowering said rest, substantially as shown and described.
14. In a lasting machine, in which the last is presented to the toe lasting mechanism
by being swung into position on a hinged support, a brace, pivoted to the post,

page_text: supporting the toe lasting head, by which the last is forced against the heel band and
at the same time down upon the toe support in combination with such band or support
substantially as shown and described.
15. In a lasting machine having a vertically movable toe lasting head carrying
lasting devices, the auxiliary downhold K³, constructed and operating in the manner
and for the purpose specified.
16. In a lasting machine, a lasting head, having a flexible embracing band
carried upon segmentally connected bell-crank-levers, the thumb screws I, and
block J, for adjusting and maintaining the relation of the bell-crank-levers with
each other substantially as described.
17. In a lasting machine, a head having a flexible embracing band carried upon
segmentally connected bell-crank-levers the lever M1, and ratchet M², for operating
said band in the manner and for the purpose specified.
18. In a lasting machine, a toe lasting head in combination with the lasting
plates, an auxiliary frictional covering of leather or analogous material secured to
and projecting beyond the edges of said plates, substantially as specified, which
presses and forms upon the last the material to be lasted, before the lasting plates
commence their folding action as described.
19. In a lasting machine, heel lasting plates hinged to each other substantially as
described to form a practically continuous surface when closed, having a gauge with
an undercut portion formed on one of said plates for determining the proper height
of the last, substantially as set forth.
20. In a strap lasting machine, the combination of strap drawing chains passing
over guide-rolls from actuating treadles to counter-balance or return levers, with
side lasting straps attached to said chains by ring fastenings substantially as
described.
Dated this 4th day of March 1800
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.