IMPROVEMENTS IN LASTING MACHINES FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1885

page_text: OI BOOTS and Snoes.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex do hereby declare the nature
of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN LASTING MACHINES FOR USE IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES" and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The object of my invention is the production of simple effective and inexpensive
machines for lasting boots and shoes.
The machine to be first described permits the use of pinchers, so far as necessary,
while it employs straps which aid in drawing the upper and then securely holding
it against the side of the last and corner of the insole.
The shoe is prepared in the usual manner; preferably by drawing the upper
properly over the toe of the last, (the insole having been first placed in position)
and then securing the part thus drawn over the centre of the too of the last to the
insole by one or two fastenings. The shoe is then adjusted in the machine. I do
not confine myself in this application and description to any special means of
holding the shoe, but may resort to any of the well known methods employed for
this purpose in lasting machines. The invention consists mainly in the use of
straps, made fast at one end to springs, while the other end of the straps is con-
nected with a foot treadle. If the straps were connected with a treadle such as is
ordinarily used, it is obvious that the workman would hardly be able to operate the
machine, without the aid of some other than foot or hand power; for he would be
obliged in lasting each shoe to add the force necessary to draw each succeeding
strap to that required to hold down those previously drawn. And it is one of the
principal features of this invention to so construct a strap lasting machine that the
workman after having drawn up the upper leather at one or more points, should be
able by means of the straps to turn it over the insole and securely hold it there;

page_text: -
and then proceed to draw up other parts of the upper, and by means of other
straps, turn these parts over the insole and hold them in a similar manner; till all
of that part of the upper (from a point near the toe to the heel) which it is desirable
to turn over the insole, has been manipulated and secured by successive straps put
in tension by a continuous pressure of the treadle; and it is desirable that the
workman should be able to perform these operations easily and conveniently. To
effect this result a treadle of peculiar construction has been made. This treadle
enables the operator to draw down strap after strap singly or in pairs till they have
all been put in tension, without exerting any more power at any time than would
be required to draw down a single strap or a pair of straps as the case may be.
The invention consists further in mechanism to hold the straps away from the shoe
and from the place the shoe is to occupy, when they are not acting upon the upper;
and also to prepare for the easy introduction and withdrawal of the last with the
upper thereon, before and after the lasting process.
This machine possesses
advantages over any strap or girth machine heretofore constructed.
It is of course very desirable to dispense with "power" when it can be done
without disadvantage. In this machine, the fact that the strap can be drawn as
desired, renders the use of any other than foot power wholly unnecessary. The
means afforded the workman to use the straps in succession, instead of all at once,
enable him, if he has insufficiently or imperfectly drawn over the upper at a given
place, to go back and correct what is wrong without releasing the straps which
hold down parts previously and properly drawn over. Further important advan-
tages of the machine herein described, are its simplicity of construction; its freedom
from liability to get out of order, and its small cost. To these may be added the
fact, that in a machine of this character, it is obvious that fine work can be done
better where each strap is controlled by the foot of the operator, than where all the
straps are drawn over at once, and by "power."
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved machine, showing the method of
connecting the straps with a treadle, which operates then successively.
Figure 2 is an end elevation of the machine.
Figure 3 is a plan thereof.
Figure 4 is an end elevation of the top of the machine partially in section,
shewing by full lines one pair of straps held in position to receive, or permit the
withdrawal of, the boot or shoe before or after the lasting thereof; the dotted lines
shewing the straps after they have been used to draw the upper close to the side
of the last and over the corner or edge of the insole, preparatory to fastening.
My invention is an improvement upon the strap machine for which Letters
Patent of the United States Number 28120 were gaited to William Wells May 1,
1860, and as, in the mechanism of my invention, the operation of a given number
of straps is in all respects similar to the operation of any other number, in the
illustration of my invention 1 shall confine the description to one pair of straps as
shewn in Figure 4.
A represents any suitable frame or support, made to carry the device described
for supporting and operating the straps. a represents the straps with one end
made fast to a suitable spring a¹, secured at a³. The straps are passed under the
guide-bars a³, with substantially the same effect upon the straps. The straps then
pass up the sides of the last and across the insole thereon,.over the rollers b, and
then down to the treadle F, which by its movement, strains the straps against the
sides of the last and over the edges or corners of the insole.
The rollers b are so positioned with reference to the toe and heel supports, that
at all times the parts of the straps which pass across the insole are drawn from the
edge or corner of the insole to the opposite side, when the straps are under strain,
at such an inclination or angle with the insole, that the upper from the opposite
side is left so that it can be readily manipulated, and is not interfered with by said
strap. By this construction the upper is only held close to the insole at the side of
the last and the adjacent edge or corner over which it is drawn; leaving nearly all

page_text: of the upper, except that part near the edge or corner of the insole, to be laid close
to the insole by the fastening process.
The arrangement thus far described, leaves a portion of the strap always above
the bottom of the insole, and if no other mechanism were used, the straps would,
when not in tension, fall together, and render the introduction of the shoe a slow
and tedious process. I have therefore provided the straps with loops at a*, through
which loops are passed the spreading bars a³.
These bars a, drawing the loops when desired in the proper direction, cause
a bight in the straps a opposite the corner or edges of the last or insole, thus
holding the straps distended sufficiently to permit the easy passage of a boot or
shoe between them to the toe-rest or support. To produce the movement of the
bars as which result as above described, each bar is fixed on one end of a bell-crank
lever C, which is pivotted at D.
Upon the other end of each lever C, is fixed a rod a³, and to the rods a², are
secured the springs a¹. These bell crank levers are moved from one position to the
other by the cams attached to the handles E. The movement of the ends of these
levers C causes the straps to move around the guide-bars a³, without straining the
springs, as will be understood by reference to Figure 4. The loop, of course, will
cause the part of the strap to which it is attached to be drawn, as shewn by the
full lines, thus making room for the introduction of another unlasted shoe.
To cause the several straps to move at the desired times, they are attached as
shewn in Figures 1 and 2, to the treadle F. In the machine here shewn and
described, the treadlo F is constructed to operate the straps from shank to toe,
drawing first the shank straps, and then the straps near the toe, and last the straps
near the centre. It is obvious that it is easy to arrange the treadle so that the
straps may be drawn in any desired order.
This treadle, taken as a whole, is composed of the swinging lever F, pivotted at F¹‚·
and provided with the U-shaped notches F and F and the segmental parts above
slots, as shown, and moves between the guide-plates F' on each side of it. In these
guide-plates are the slots F and F which during a part of the downward motion
of the treadle F hold the round pins F7 and F and their attachments in the
U-shaped notches, and at the proper time switch these pins out, so that they may
be held under strain by the segmental parts of lever F, above alluded to, until the
return motion of lever F picks up and returns them to the starting point. Figure 1
shews F fully depressed and will make evident the whole operation of the lever F
in its movement by the guide plates. It will also show how any number of straps
may be moved in any predetermined succession.
The operation of this improved strap lasting machine is as follows:-
The upper and insole properly placed upon the last is introduced endwise between
the straps a held as shewn by the full lines Figure 4. The levers E are moved
downward, carrying and locking the bell-crank levers C C and their attachments
to the positions shewn by the dotted lines. The levers E may be moved either by
hand, or may be connected to the treadle; in which latter case they will receive
motion from the first part of the downward movement of the treadle F.
The movement of the treadle F then draws the straps as before described, the
operator using his pinchers as he may find it necessary, to draw up and tighten
the upper about the last preparatory to putting a holding strain upon the parts of
the upper thus sufficiently drawn, by the means of the tension of strap or straps
designed to hold these parts. So that when the treadle F has been fully depressed,
the upper from the toe to the heel is all drawn up and turned over the edge of the
insole in a proper manner and is ready to be fastened. After such fastening,
raising the treadle F and reversing E puts the mechanism in position to remove
the shoe, just finished, and begin another.
The next mechanism to be described in my system of lasting boots and shoes is
a machine by which the toe portion of the upper of boots and shoes may be readily
drawn and turned down upon the insole without the aid of other than hand and

page_text: ;
and
foot power in any part of the operation preparatory to fastening the same
which will require no adjustments for different sizes of the same style of lasts.
It consists of improved heel supporting devices which hold and carry the heel so
that the toe portion of the shoe is firmly held at the proper angle with reference to
the toe-lasting plates; and which without regard to the length of the shoe, can be
locked in position by a lever always moving through the same arc.
It consists further of an improved band of flexible material preferably of leather
or metal, for the purpose of securely holding the upper around the toc of the last
just below the lasting plate, and operating from a point near or at the centre of the
toe; and while being drawn from such centre towards and around the toc-portion
of the sides, and continuing by the strain it exerts upon succeeding portions of the
upper, which are subject to its action as it is caused to wind around the toe upper,
to firmly hold the upper leather against the last. As this band is wound from the
centre of the toe to the sides of the last, it will, of course, conform automatically to
all shapes of lasts.
It consists also in improved means of changing the inclination of the boot or
shoe, so as to promote the convenience of the operation.
Figure 5, is a side elevation of my improved machine.
Figure 6, is a plan of the same..
Figure 7, is a section of Figure 6 taken on line x, x.
Figure 8, is a section of Figure 6, taken on the centre line.
Figure 9, is a plan with the upper parts and heel support removed, showing the
full operation of the toe-band.
Figure 10, is an end elevation with heel-support removed.
In the drawings G represents the body of the machine, which is carried and may
be swung and secured at any desired angle by the stationary piece G₁ made fast to
any suitable foundation. The top surface of this body is provided with slide
grooves G in which move the sliding bars G³. These sliding bars Gas hereinafter
described operate the band for pressing the toe portion of the upper against and
firmly around the last; on the top of G move the lasting plates I'. On one side
of G is secured the bracket G which supports and carries the heel devices Figures 5,
6 and 8.
The toe lasting band d, Figures 8, 9 and 10, preferably secured to G at d³, is
a piece of leather or other flexible material, formed with an ear secured to G as
shown. The upper part of the band which winds around the toe, may be of any
desired width, and its two ends are secured to the small blocks d which connect
them with the sliding bars G³ by the connections d³, so that pressure exerted
upon G³ is communicated to the ends of d, as can be clearly seen by reference to
Figure 9, and results in winding the band against and around the toe of the last.
A spring may be attached to this band (d) to keep it open so that the largest boot
or shoe toe will freely pass to the centre thereof, without touching the ends of the
band.
Close above the upper edge of the band d, is located the toe down-hold I which
prevents the surface of the upper when turned over upon the inner sole from being
forced by the heel supporting device above the line of action of the toe lasting
plates. These toe-lasting plates I' are connected to I, by and swing with the
links I, and 13 13 being provided with suitable handles I. The length of the
links I and I' with reference to each other, govern the motion of I so that its
ends next to I move in coincident lines with the angular ends of I, and prevent any
portion of the upper from getting between I and I
The operating ends of I are held down to their work by the curved-plate I³
secured to G by screws as shown.
There are also formed on the handles I' that form part of the links I³ devices for
operating the sliding bars G³ so that upon the forward motion of the handles I*,
the winding of the band d commences, continues, and is finished and the band held
in position, before the lasting plates begin to move; and also while these plates are

page_text: turning and holding the upper over and down upon the insole. This is clearly
shown in Figures 6 and 7. By reference to Figure 7, it will be seen that the
bars Gare formed of two parts, c and c¹ pressed apart by the springs c³ and held
from being pressed too far apart by the rods c³ and pins c. The connections d³ are
pivotted to d and c; and at con c is pivotted a swinging link e Figure 6. The
other end of this link e is provided with a round bolt head e¹ below it, which, so
long as it is desired to move c', forward, moves in the slide grooves; but when c²,
has reached the desired limit of forward motion; e is swung into the half round
cavity G Figures 6, 7, and 9; and is there retained until the lasting platos have
been operated and returned to the same position.
During this operation, the band d, has been held against the upper with a force
governed by the strength of the spring c³.
To move and swing e at the proper time, the body of its bolt is prolonged so as
to reach far enough above e to carry the roll e; and I, is provided with a groove 1º,
that engages with the roll e³, moves it forward until e, is opposite half round
cavity G', when e³, by reason of the change of angle I, passes into G4, and is there
held by the curved part of I, I' and prevented from moving therefrom, until 1º,
returns, when it passes back to its starting point. This construction permits the
band to automatically wind around a toe of any size, and also enables the operator
to move either one, or both sides of the band up to and against the upper as may
be desired, before operating the lasting plates.
The heel supporting device holds the heel at the proper height with reference to
the curve of that part of the toe operated upon by the lasting plates, and is
constructed as follows:--
On the bracket G at G³, is pivotted the lever H, Figures 5 6 and 8. On H
slides the half round or U shaped piece H, which can be adjusted and secured
to H at any distance from the centre by the set-screw H. The half round
piece H¹ carries on its top the heel-gauge H, against which the beel is raised
before pressure is exerted upon it. To the ends of the U shaped piece, before
mentioned as the half round piece H, are attached the ends of a sling H³, preferably
of leather of any convenient width, which embraces or hugs the back, or counter
portion of the heel. The pin J made fast in H, passing through G+, acts as a pivot
and has securely fastened to it the segmental ratchet K. Made fast under G*, is
the strong spring L, provided at L¹, with the fixed pin LA.
Upon L, is pivotted the handle M and lever M³, which may be made in one
piece, provided with the stop pin g. To the lever M³, is connected the pawl M³,
provided with the stop pin g¹; the lever M¹ is so proportioned that the motion of
the point of the pawl M², is somewhat more than the distance between the teeth of
the ratchet K, when the handle M is moved from stop g to stop g¹; and when the
stop g², is pressed against L, the end of pawl M², is raised above the teeth of the
ratchet K.
To secure the boot or shoe by this apparatus, the handle M, is pressed fully
back and the ratchet K, left free to swing with the lever H. The heel is passed
into the sling and held up against the gauge H'; the lever H is then swung forward
until the toe of the last is under the toe-down-hold I, and against the centre of the
band d. Then the handle M is moved down. The pawl M³, drops into the tooth
or ratchet K, under it, and the full downward motion of handle M presses, holds
and locks the toe against the centre of the band d, and under down-hold I, with
the desired force which is communicated by the spring L. The band d and the
lasting plates, are operated as before described. It will be observed by reference
to Figure 6, that the leg portion of a boot can be passed side-ways into the machine
instead of passing it downward, as is usual.
The next mechanism to be described is for the purpose of lasting the heel portions
of boots and shoes. In it the jack-pin is adjusted by a gauge and then automatically
locked at the proper height; break-down irons turn over the upper and stiffener
while they are clamped to the sides of the heel of the last; fastenings are driven,
between the break-down irons to secure the turned over part of the heel, upper

page_text: and stiffener or counter; and upon the withdrawal of the break-down irons, the
heel seat is compressed and consolidated more perfectly than is possible by lasting
plates.
Figure 11, is an elevation of my machine.
Figure 12, is a view part in vertical section and part in elevation of the upper
portion of the shoe, to represent the operation of the compressing device for
levelling, flattening and compressing the turned over edge, and forming a square,
smooth corner, as hereinafter specified.
Figure 13 is a detailed view, to which reference will hereafter be made.
Figure 14, is a vertical central section of the machine from front to rear.
Figure 15, is a detailed view to represent the last-pin and its adjacent parts.
Figure 16 is a horizontal section upon the line x, x of Figure 15.
Figures 17, 18 and 19 illustrate the operation of the lasting band or clamp.
Figure 20, is a vertical section, enlarged, to show the operation of the levelling
and compressing device, and
Figure 21 is a perspective view of the lasting band or clamp.
N is a column or post rising from the base h, and supporting the working devices;
0, 0¹ are the blocks carrying the break-down irons . The blocks have an opening
and closing movement, and the break-down irons have horizontal movements
imparted to them.
The blocks O, O¹, are carried or supported by the table or block ", and are
pivotted at, they are moved horizontally by the combined lever and spring ³,
which is operated by the vertically movable cam or incline, . The jaws are closed
by the combined levers and springs iº, 16, which are horizontally movable by the
inclines or cams, 18, 28. There is attached to the front edge of each of the jaws,
O, O a metal band P, which is curved inward from the jaws to approximate the
curve of the heel end of the last, and it is shaped and supported, preferably, so as
to be somewhat inclined, as represented in Figures 12, 20 and 21. It is secured to
the jaws O O¹ by means of screws, or in any other desirable way, and it is adapted
to be drawn against the heel end of the last by the horizontal movement of the
jaws until its rear inner surface comes in contact with the surface of the upper at
the extreme end of the heel of the last, (see figures 17 and 18) and then by the
closing movements of the forward ends of the blocks, it is brought to bear continu-
ously along the end of the last, on each side of the heel from the back to the
shank, and the section of the upper with which it is brought in contact, is held
clamped against the surface of the last (see Figure 19).
The band is also arranged so that its upper edge extends above the upper surface
or level of the insole in order to provide an abutment or surface which shall develop
or mark the line of the margin of the upper, and which shall hold it so that in
the folding action the margin or edge folded in must creep or extend from that
abutment or surface forward upon the surface of the insole, and thereby prevent
any slack, and at the same time developing a square smooth corner.
In connection with this band the break-down irons used to break down or over
the edge of the upper, stiffening & and the upper when so broken over by the
inward movement of these irons, is secured to the insole by tacks driven by any
suitable tack-driving device. The break-down irons having been moved backward
out of the way, the pressing or conforming iron Q, is then brought into use to fit,
mold, level and compress the folded-in and fastened edge of the upper, lining,
stiffening &, to and upon the outsole. This compressing or conforming. iron is
shaped upon its under surface preferably to substantially conform to the level of
the last, and its edge conformation is substantially parallel with the edge of the
last. It is represented as supported by the post k, extended in from the cross-
head, and the cross-head is given a vertical movement by means of the rods k, k,
pivotted at 4, 5, to the lever ko pivotted to the base at . This lever is adapted
to be used as a foot treadle, and it has at its outer end the pivotted support k³.
By this leverage the iron is brought down upon the work with considerable
pressure, forcing the turned down upper at its edges down and against the iron

page_text: band; and the device is operated immediately after the breaking down irons have.
been withdrawn, but while the band still holds the upper to the surface of the last.
It will be seen that by this operation, not only is the edge of the upper and the
parts thereof made to smoothly fit the insole, but the pressure exerted thereon along
the corner of the last causes the upper to be pressed against the inner surface of
the band, so that a very perfect and symmetrical edge or corner is obtained; in fact
the edge of the upper submitted to the action of the band and presser is thos
really moulded to shape in an easy and expeditious manner.
It is of course desirable that the last-pin shall have a vertical movement in order
that the position of the work may be lowest, and brought to the same level in
relation to the breaking-down irons and the band, and it is desirable that this
adjustment of the last be made automatic, as nearly as possible. To accomplish
this end we have arranged the last-pin R, upon the post 7, and have supported the
post in the hole , in the block 2, upon the yielding cross-bar or rod 13. This
cross-bar or rod being suspended by the springs . This provides the post with
a vertical movement. It is necessary, however, that it should be locked auto-
matically in place after it has been adjusted, and this we accomplish by forming
upon the back surface of the post the teeth S, and by arranging in the block 1³,
a locking bolt m, having teeth m¹ the reverse shape of the teeth S which is
moved automatically upon being released, so that the teeth m¹ shall close upon the
teeth S, and this automatic movement is produced by means of the springs m².
When the pin is in its highest position it is necessary of course, that it shall be
unlocked, and it is of course essential to release the locking bolt so that the pin
shall be locked before the breaking-down irons are moved inwardly, or, in fact,
before the band P is closed upon the last. To accomplish this I employ a catch m³,
which has the wedge-shaped end m³, adapted to close upon the incline m of the
bolt m m. This catch m¹ is connected by means of the arm ml, with the sliding
sleeve m², carrying the cam or incline. By this arrangement it will be seen that
upon the least downward movement of the sliding sleeve m', the point m³, of the
catch is immediately withdrawn from the recess m², and the bolt is at liberty to
close automatically upon the jack-post. Upon the upward movement, however, of
the sleeve, the incline on the end of the catch comes in contact with the incline on
the latch and moves it back automatically to engage the teeth m from the teeth S.
In the operation the last is placed upon the last-pin and the last-pin is moved
downward until the insole has been brought to a proper level, when by placing the
foot upon the treadle, to operate the device, and slightly depressing it, the post is
automatically locked.
To determine what shall constitute the proper height or level for the insole,
there may be employed an insole gauge consisting of the plate T, carried by a
rod n, and depending from the arm n¹, which is pivotted at n³, so that the plate
may be swung over upon the insole after the lasted shoe and last have been
placed upon the spindle or pin, and the upper surface of the insole is brought to
the level of the lower surface of the gauge plate T.
Of course it is obvious that upon the upward movement of the catch m³, the
latch is withdrawn from the jack-post, and the pin automatically lifted to its
original position.
In operating, the last with the upper and insole mounted thereon is placed upon
the jack-pin and the gauge swung over and the last depressed to the proper level.
Upon the downward movement of the treadle the last-pin is immediately locked,
the band P brought to bear at the heel and caused to conform to the sides of the
last and to the shank. The break-down irons are then operated to turn in sections
of the edge, and the section of the upper between the break-down irons is turned
down and fastened. The break-down irons are then withdrawn. The compresser
is then brought into use, and the upper made smooth, consolidated and finished.
The compressing iron is then removed, the band thrown back, the last post released,
and the last removed from the pin,

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, 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
First. In a strap lasting machine the straps a, which at all times pass over the
insole whereby holding and fitting the upper to the last is accomplished, sub-
stantially as described and set forth.
Second. In a strap lasting machine, in combination with the straps a, the
bell-crank levers C, and the levers E, whereby the straps a, are made ready for
the reception or removal of a boot or shoe, substantially as described.
Third. In a strap lasting machine, the combination of the straps a, with the
treadle F, whereby the straps are tightened and held in succession, substantially as
described and for the purposes set forth.
Fourth. In a strap lasting machine, a treadle composed of the treadle F provided
with Ushaped notches, and guide-plates F2 having slots F, F, adapted to move
and hold a series of reciprocating devices by a continuous movement of the lever F,
substantially as described and for the purposes set forth.
Fifth. In a strap lasting machine, in combination with a treadle adapted to be
oscillated about a fixed pivot, a series of connecting rods, hooked to said treadlo,
and a series of switching-guides engaged with the joint between the treadle and
connecting rods, which retain the said joint in engagement with the treadle during
a part of its movement, and switch it out of connection with the treadle, sub-
stantially as described and for the purposes set forth.
Sixth. In a strap lasting machine, the straps a, crossing the line of the insole
and at no time crossing or touching the medium line of the upper, substantially as
described.
Seventh. In a strap lasting machine, the combination of the straps which fit and
hold the upper to the last, with springs at one end, a movable tightening treadle at
the other end, and a device for spreding the bight of the straps near the corners of
the last, substantially as, and for the purposes, described.
Eighth. In a machine for lasting the toe-parts of boots and shoes, the com-
bination with toe-lasting mechanism of the heel pressing and holding device,
swinging in the arc of a circle for the purpose of positioning and locking a last
with the upper thereon, with reference to the toe lasting mechanism, substantially
as shown and described.
Ninth. In a machine for lasting the toe parts of boots and shoes, the com-
bination of the swinging lever H, ratchet K, spring L, handle M, pawl M² and the
stop pins g and g¹, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Tenth. In a machine for lasting the toe parts of boots and shoes, the com-
bination of the lever H, the sliding piece H³, and gauge H³, substantially as shown
and for the purposes set forth.
Eleventh. In a machine for lasting the toe parts of boots and shoes, the com-
bination of the lever or arm, the sliding piece H¹; gauge H³, and sling H³, operating
as described and for the purposes set forth.
Twelfth. In a machine for lasting the toe-portions of boots and shoes, a band
whereby the upper is pressed and held against the toe end of the last, in the
manner described and for the purposes set forth.
Thirteenth. In a machine for lasting the toe portions of boots and shoes, the
combination of the band d, blocks d connections d³, slide bars G³, springs c² rods c³
and pins c¹ for the purposes set forth.
Fourteenth. In a machine for lasting the toe portions of boots and shoes, the
combination of the slide bars G³, the links e, bolt-heads e¹, rolls e², half round
cavities G*, grooves Iº, curves I, and handles I, for the purposes set forth.
Fifteenth. In a machine for lasting the toe portions of boots and shoes, the
combination of the handles I, links I, I, lasting plates I, toe down-hold I, and
plate 15, all operating as described, substantially as set forth.

page_text: Sixteenth. In a heel lasting machine a conforming and pressing band operating
substantially as described to press the counter and upper close to the last at all
times and ensure the correct shape thereof.
Seventeenth. The combination in a heel lasting machine of the breaking down-
irons i, with the vertically movable last-pin and devices for automatically locking
it rigidly in any desired position, substantially as described.
Eighteenth. In a heel lasting machine in combination with an upper-holding or
conforming band or abutment P, a vertically movable last-pin, and devices for
automatically locking it, substantially as described.
Nineteenth. The combination of the last-pin R, post l, mounted on a yielding
support, the teeth S and automatically operated bolt m, all substantially as
described.
Twentieth. The combination of the last-pin R, post l, mounted on a yielding
support, the bolt m, and the catch m³, for holding said bolt from contact with the
jack-post, all substantially as described.
Twenty first. The combination of the pin R, post l, mounted on the yielding
support, the locking bolt, and a device for automatically releasing or moving the
locking bolt from the post, all substantially as described.
Twenty second. The combination of the vertically movable jack pin and devices
for locking it, with the gauge T for determining the height or level of the work,
substantially as described.
Twenty third. In a heel lasting machine, the combination of the band P, inclined
as specified, and devices substantially as described for moving it upon the surface
of the last, all substantially as described.
Twenty fourth. In a lasting machine, the combination of the last with the
compressing and conforming iron Q and mechanism substantially as set forth for
operating the samo, all substantially as described.
.
Twenty fifth. The combination of the last, a band for holding the upper to the
surface thereof, and a compressing plate Q to smooth, compress, and consolidate the
upper after it has been folded and while it is held by the band above and against
the side surfaces of the last, substantially as described.
Twenty sixth. The combination in a lasting machine, of break-down irons having
horizontal movements, a band for holding the upper against the side surface of the
last, and a compressing plate for compressing, comforming and moulding the
upper's edge and upper after the operation of the breaking down irons, all sub-
stantially as described.
DALA 21