Improvements in Lasting Machines
Year: 1891

page_text: Improvements in Lasting Machines,
A communication from THE CONSOLIDATED HAND METHOD LASTING MACHINE
COMPANY, of Nashua, State of Newhampshire, United States of America.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
M.I.M.E., 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 :-
Referring to the drawings.:-
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of right side upper part of the machine.
Fig. 2 is the reverse of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the upper part of the machine.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom part of the machine, also the
mechanism for giving the plaiting operation to the pincer mechanism.
Fig. 5 is a detail connected with Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the pincers driving mechanism detached from the
other parts of the machine.
Fig. 7 is a similar view of the tack or nail driving mechanism and its
connections.
Fig. 8 is a detail connected with Fig. 1.
Fig. 9 is a vertical, longitudinal section of the pincers.
Figs. 10, 11, 12 are cams to be referred to and described hereinafter.
Fig. 13 is a detail connected with Fig. 1.
Fig. 14 is a plan view of the tack distributor.
Fig. 15 is a vertical, longitudinal section thereof.
Fig. 16 is a plan view of the channel for carrying the tacks to the driver and .
its connections.
Fig. 17 is a side view of Fig. 16 with one side of the chanuel removed.
Figs. 18 and 19 are details connected with Fig. 16.
Fig. 20 is a detail plan connected with Fig. 6.
Fig. 20 is a detail section connected with Fig. 6.
Fig. 21 is a perspective view and
Figs. 22 to 28 are diagrams illustrating the progressive operations in the lasting
of a shoe.
Before proceeding to describe the construction in detail of the various parts of
this improved lasting machine, reference will first be made to the main operating
parts which act more directly upon the lasted upper and the operation of these
parts and thereafter will be described their particular construction and the devices
which are illustrated in the drawings for effecting their operation, which con-
struction and devices may, of course, be considerably varied, without departing
from the main features of the invention.
The material to be operated upon is arranged upon a last, as usual, that is,
there is a sole, P, (Fig. 21), tacked to the last, Q, and an upper, R, placed upon
the last with its edge, r, extending above the same in position to be turned down
and tacked to the last, as in the ordinary operation of lasting.
Hereafter in referring to the presentation of the last to the operating devices,
the term "last" will, for convenience, include the last with the material supported
thereby.
For seizing the edge of the upper and drawing it down upon the last in proper
position to receive the tack, a pair of jaws, or grippers, or tongues, S, are employed
which are designated by the term pincers aud which can be opened to receive
6
"

page_text: the edge r, of the upper and then closed upon the same to gripe it properly to
draw it back.
Heretofore it has been common in lasting shoes to support the last by means of
an automatic operating jack, but this has proved, in most cases, to be ineffectual
because of the differences in the qualities of leather and because of slight varia-
tions in the arrangement of-the uppers upon the last, so that the operations which
would serve to properly stretch one upper and secure it to the sole would not be
available in securing the proper result with another upper.
For these reasons it is deemed better that the last be supported by the hands
of the workman, who can thereby manipulate the last so as to vary the operations,
as required by the varying character of the work. As it would not be practicable
for the operator to so support the last in his hands so as to properly resist the
upper and lateral drawing action of the pincers, and so as to gauge it in relation
to the pincers, a fixed rest, 8, is employed in such a position as to afford a bearing
for the bottom of the last, and which is preferably provided with a pointed or
sharpened edge which will penetrate the sole upon the last, upon which bearing
the last may be turned and adjusted with the greatest facility, but upon which it
may be pressed so as to prevent any slipping of the last under the draft of the
pincers.
In order to gauge the last and adjust it with facility in its exact position to
present the edge of the upper to the pincers that it may with certainty be seized
thereby, a gauge, 9, is employed which remains stationary in proper position to
define the position of the last prior to the advance of the pincers and by
preference combined with this gauge, 9, are means whereby it may be withdrawn
after the upper has been seized.
In connection with the above described device is also employed a "wiper," 28,
which may be a plate or blade, preferably having some elasticity, which advances
over the edge of the last and wipes down and presses back the edge of the upper
on to the face of the sole as the pincers draw back, and which wiper, after the
pincers let go their hold upon the edge of the upper, retains the latter firmly
down upon the sole and holds it in position to receive the nail which is then
driven into it to secure it to the sole, after which the wiper returns to its first
position, prior to the succeeding action of the pincers upon another portion of the
upper.
The general arrangement of the parts above described is illustrated in perspec-
tive in Fig. 21 and the successive operations in drawing and securing the upper
are illustrated in the diagrams Figs. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
Diagram Fig. 22 shows the last as it is applied to the bearing or rest, 8, and
against the gauge, 9, and the pincers S, in the position they occupy after they
have advanced and seized the edge of the upper.
The pincers then rise and stretch the upper as illustrated in diagram, Fig. 23,
the gauge moving back so as to be out of the way.
The pincers then move forward towards the operator, drawing the upper tightly
and nearly to a flat position against the sole, the rest preventing the slipping of
the last until the parts are in position shown in Fig. 24, and as the pincers reach
their forward position, the wiper, 28, which is shown as in the form of a spring
attached to a reciprocating bar, is passed forward in firm contact with the upper
and presses it down firmly upon the face of the sole and holds it in position to be
secured by a nail which is driven downwards by a driver, 306, carried with the
bar, 20, and wiper, 28. The wiper bar and driver then move back out of the way,
the operator adjusts the last, so as to bring another portion of the upper into
position to be operated upon, and the above described operations are repeated.
It will be seen that the rest, 8, is fixed, as is also the gauge, 9, during the
adjustment of the last in position and that the pincers have a back and forth
movement, which will hereafter be designated as the forward reciprocating move-
ment of the pincers, and that they also have a vertical movement for the stretching
of the upper and for bringing it down upon the sole. The forward, reciprocating

page_text: movement of the pincers is effected by means of a carrier, as will hereafter be set
forth, and in addition to these movements described, another carrier is also
employed which imparts to the pincers lateral reciprocating movements upon
opposite sides of the line of the forward movement for the purpose of folding over
and plaiting the edge of the upper, as is required in folding it down upon the face
of the sole in turning the toe and heel.
The movements thus imparted to the pincers are illustrated in the diagram
Figs. 27 and 28.
In Fig. 27 the upper is represented as having been turned down at the right
hand corner of the last forming the folds, t, t, the last bearing upon the rest at 8,
and the pincers, S, are in the position shown in full lines, 1. The first movement
of the pincers is backward in the direction of the arrow to the position shown in
dotted lines, 2, where they seize upon the edge of the upper, and they then ascend
and swing forward to the position shown in dotted lines, 3, thereby stretching the
upper vertically and drawing it forward, after which the pincers swing to the right
to the position shown in dotted lines, 4, and descend close to the sole thereby
folding or plaiting the portion of the leather over towards the right, after which
the wiper, 28, moves forward and presses down the fold close against the sole in
position to receive the nail, which is then driven through the fold to secure it.
The operator then adjusts the last by turning it, upon its bearing 8, and the operations
are repeated upon another portion of the upper.
In Fig. 28 the upper is shown as having been plaited over to the left portion
of the last. In this case the remaining portion at the toe is folded over by a like
series of operations, as before described, on reference to diagram Fig. 27, excepting
that after the pincers move forward and seize the upper and stretch it and draw
it back, they move to the left, to the position shown at 4, thereby making the fold
or plait to the left, prior to the driving of the nail.
It will be seen that the operations are required only upon a portion of the last,
that is, where there are corners to be turned, and it is therefor requisite to
provide means whereby the operator may at will impart to the pincers the lateral
movements in either direction and arrest such movements. For this purpose any
suitable appliances are used between the driving shaft and the pincers in con-
nection with a shifter or device against which the operator may bear by hand, or
otherwise, so as to at will throw the lateral carrier into and out of operation upon
the pincers, the particular appliances which have been found desirable for this
purpose being hereinafter fully set forth and illustrated in the drawings, the
mechanism of which will now be described in detail.
All the working mechanism is mounted upon a column, A, which stands upon
the floor. This column is bent forward and upon its rear end supports a plate, B,
having in the rear part fixed posts, C, C, to which is fixed an upper plate D.
On the rear of these parts are brackets, 2, in which is journaled the main
driving shaft, 3. On the end of said driving shaft is the main driving
wheel, 5, and connected with this drive-wheel is an ordinary clutch mechanism
having a treadle (not shown) extending to the floor and adapted to be manipulated
by the workman, to start and stop the machine. On the shaft, 3, are set the cams
and cam-wheels which give proper motion to the mechanism, all as hereinafter
more fully described. The upper plate, D, is further supported upon the lower
by means of a pedestal bracket, 4. On the front sides of the posts, C, are
projections, 6, 6, in which are supported rods, 7, 7, on which the various bell-crank
levers turn.
In order that the upper may be presented properly in position while the pincers
are drawing and stretching the same, the rest, 8, which is secured by suitable
connections to the plate, B, or other support, is arranged to afford a bearing below
the travel of the pincers, Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The last is passed firmly upwards
against the rest, the bottom of the last bearing against the bottom face of the
rest and thus is prevented from being moved about by the strain of the upper.
The position of the rest is such that the last, when held up against the same, as

page_text: stated, will be in position for the pincers to come forward and clamp the edge of
the upper, as referred to hereafter.
In proceeding to further describe the machine, we commence with the gripping
devices, by means of which the edge of the upper is seized, drawn over the edge
of the last and held down upon the bottom in position to receive the tacks and
which also at the heel and toe perform the proper plaiting.
The pincers are provided with two jaws, one fixed and the other movable in
relation to the fixed jaw. The shank or rod of the pincers is shown in position in
Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, as 46, and Fig. 9 is a vertical, longitudinal section thereof;
said pincers have laterally projecting jaws, movable one to and from the other.
The shank, 46, carries the outer or fixed jaw, 47. The shank, 46, is grooved
longitudinally, (see Fig. 9), and in this groove lies the shank, 48, of the movable
jaw, 49.
The shank, 48, is held to the shank, 46, by means of a collar, 50,
which collar is fixed to the shank, 46, but allows the necessary vertical movement
of the shank, 48. The vertical movements of the pincers are imparted by means
of a lifter, K, which may be constructed in different ways to effect this result.
As shown, the lifter is a lever, 51, and the main shank, 46, of the pincers is
rounded and threaded upon its upper end, as shown in Figs. 1, 2,
and 6 and is
supported upon the lever, 51, which is pivoted upon a standard, 88, (see Fig. 6), on
the upper plate, D. The front end of this lever is forked, the forked portion being
arranged to turn on the main portion as a sleeve and within this fork is located a
ring or collar, 300, mounted upon trunnions. Through this ring passes the threaded
end of the shank, 46, aforesaid. The upper end is surrounded by a coil spring, 52,
the lower end of which bears upon the ring and the upper end against a thumb
screw by means of which the tension is regulated. Thus the whole pincers shank
and pincers are supported upon a collar through the spring, 52, and thus gives a
yielding or spring tension to the pincers when they have seized the edge of the
leather and are drawn up by action of the lever, 51. The rear end of the lever, 51
is connected by means of a rod, 53, to a lever, 54, which is pivoted upon the lower
rod, 7. Its rear end extends back by the side of the cam-wheel, E, and a pin in
said lever enters the groove in the side of said cam-wheel. The groove in this
wheel has a shape as represented in Fig. 11. In order to understand the vertical
movement of the pincers imparted thereto by this cam-wheel, it may here be stated
that during this vertical movement, by means of mechanism hereinafter described,
the pincers receive also a movement from and towards the front in order to draw
the leather over the last after they have gripped it. We will suppose the
pincers have gripped the leather. This occurs when the highest part of the cam
marked a, (Fig. 11), bears upon the pin of the lever, 54, and consequently the
pincers are at their lowest point of depression. At that time they are moved by
other mechanism, hereinafter described, farthest to the rear, then from the point, a,
to the point, b, the pin is made to rise quickly and thereby the pincers rise
quickly by the same motion drawing up the leather vertically, in order to stretch
it, upward. From the point, b, to the point, d, as the wheel advances, the pin and
rear end of the lever are depressed and with them the pincers come down upon
the last having, by other mechanism, been moved forward over the last.
But they
do not at first come down as low as they were carried at the point, a, since the
point, d, is a less distance from the centre of the wheel or shaft but from the
point, d, round again to the point, a, as the wheel advances the pin of the lever
is held downward and consequently the pincers are also held down; but it
will be apparent from the shape of the groove that the pincers will be gradually
lowered more and more as the pin approaches the point, a. During the first part
of its movement the pincers have hold of the leather and during the latter part of
the movement, from d, to a, the jaws of the pincers have opened and the pincers
have been moved to the rear while being thus lowered in order to bring them
again to the leather to take a new grip. Then at the point, a, the pincers again 5
seize the leather and rise as before. The spring tension of the leather is caused
in. the lifting part of the movement of the pincers by the spring, 52; as the lever

page_text: rises this spring becomes compressed and the tension increases. In order to guard
against any excessive strain and consequent tearing of the leather, a second
tension is provided which may come into play when the spring, 52, has reached a
certain point of compression. This consists in making the post, 88, on which the
lever, 51, is pivoted rest upon a spring, 56, which is supported in the upper part
of the bracket, 4, heretofore referred to. The post passes through the upper plate
and through the pedestal bracket and is provided with a collar threaded upon the
post for adjustment, the spring resting upon the pedestal bracket.
The spring is set at the proper tension say at a certain number of pounds
depending upon the position of the fulcrum of the lever, 51, and the limit of
tension required. When the strain upon the spring, 52, reaches that limit, the
spring, 56, will yield and thus limit the movement of or strain on the leather.
In the description of the parts last given, reference is made to a forward move-
ment of the pincers which takes place during the vertical movement and thus
secures a resultant force causing the pincers to draw up the leather and carry it
over and lay it down upon the last. These forward and return movements of the
pincers are effected by carrier, J, which may be constructed and operated in
different ways. As shown, it is connected with a guide block, 57. The shank of
the pincers below its pivot in the arm, 51, passes through the guide block, 57,
which block, 57, is pivoted to an armed plate,. 58, and this plate, 58, is supported
upon the prongs, 59, (Figs. 1, 2, 6, but omitted from Fig. 3), which form part of
the carrier, J, and which embrace the plate on each side and support it by means of
small trunnions, 72, the trunnions being fixed to the lower corners of the plate.
The prongs are carried up on the front end of block, 61, sliding on guides on the
upper surface of the lower plate, B. A slotted bar, 63, (Figs. 6 and 20), is
connected to a bell-crank lever, 69, which gives positive movement to the bar and
a forward movement to the block, 61, through an intermediate tension spring.
From the block, 61, projects upward a pin, 162. The slot of the bar, 63, receives
said pin and a sliding bearing, 301, between which and the end of the bar, the pin
extends. In rear of the piu, 162, is a collar, 64, on a spindle, 66, (Fig. 20). This
spindle passes back through the rear cross piece of the bar, 63, and between said
cross piece and the collar on said spindle is a coiled spring, 67, encircling the
spindle and tending constantly to press the block, 301, forward so that when a
forward pressure is applied by means of the bell crank lever upon the bar, it
applies a yielding pressure through the spring, 67, upon the pin, 162, and thereby
carries forward the carrier, J, with a yielding pressure, and with it the guide, 57,
and the pincers. This, it will be understood, is the force applied to the pincers to
draw the upper to the front over the last. The collar, 64, on the spindle, 66, in
front of the spring is a threaded nut, and by turning it the tension of spring, 67,
may be adjusted in order to put a proper amount of strain upon the upper. The
pin of the lever, 69, works in a groove in the face of a cam, S. The shape of this
groove is shown in Fig. 10. The rear arm of the bell crank lever, 69, is over the
shaft as shown in the drawings. When the rear end of the lever, 69, is up the
pincers, through the described intermediate connections, are drawn back to take a
fresh hold upon the leather and as the rear arm of said lever, 69, comes down the
pincers are carried forward. That part of cam-groove in wheel, S, between e and,
holds the pin in one direction or position during which time the pincers are in their
rear position and the mechanisms operate to cause them to grasp the edge of the
leather.
From the points f to h, on the cam, S, the pin of lever, 69, is depressed and the
pincers having, by that time, seized the leather, are carried forward to draw the
leather over the last. From h to k, the pin passes round the curve remaining in
position during this time the pin has no vertical movement and the pincers remain
in their advanced position over the last holding the leather in place. From k to e
the pincers are drawn back to take a new hold upon the leather. In order that the
shoe may be held in position for the pincers to take hold of the upper, as above
stated, a gauge or guide foot, 9, is provided. This guide foot, 9, is a bar arranged

page_text: to slide in suitable ways on the underside of the plate, B. It is connected by a
series of levers to a cam-wheel, H. Fig. 8 of the drawings is a side elevation of
these parts, i.e., the cam-wheel, H, the bottom plate, B, the gauge, 9, and the
mechanism through which motion is transmitted from the cam, H, to the gauge;
said parts being detached from the machine. The cam, H, it will be understood, is
fixed upon the main shaft 3. The lever, 13, is pivoted on the top rod, 7, and bears
one end on the periphery of the cam-wheel, H, and its opposite end connects by a
rod, 14, to the lever, 15, which is pivoted on a suitable bracket extending from the
plate, B, upwards. The bottom end of this lever, 15, connects by a link, 16, as
shown, with a block, 17. The block, 17, is on the rear end of the gauge, 9, and is
adjustable thereon by means of a set screw, 18. The rear end of lever, 13, bears
upon the periphery of the cam, H, being held thereon by a coil spring, 19; said
spring is secured, one end to the lever, as shown, and one end to the pedestal
bracket, 4. When the end of lever, 13, reaches the point, n, on the cam-wheel, H,
it is lifted and thereby moves forward the gauge, 9, and during the movement of the
lever from the point, n, to the point, t, on the cam, the end of the lever remains
lifted and consequently the gauge, 9, is held forward. During the time the guide
or bearing, 9, is stationary, the shoe is pressed forward, as before described, against
the extreme end of said bearing and the pincers advance and take hold of the edge
of the upper.
At the point, t, on the cam, H, the rear end of the lever is depressed,
the gauge is thereby drawn backward and is held backward while the lever passes
from the point, t, to the point, n, on the cam. During this time the pincers move
upward and forward, as before described, to stretch and pull the upper over the
last, the foot being now withdrawn from the contact with the upper. At the
point, n, the end of the lever is again lifted and the movements of the guide foot
repeated.
Next will be described the mechanism for opening and closing the jaws of the
pincers, for gripping and releasing the edge of the leather.
It will be borne in mind, from the description heretofore given of the general
movement of the pincers, that they pass backwards from the last gradually descending
during such backward movement. This brings the pincers back against the edge
of the upper and it is necessary, at that point, that the moveable jaw should be
raised so that the gripping face of the fixed jaw should pass beneath the inturned
portion of the leather. It will be observed that the jaws are open back to the rear
as shown in Fig. 9, so that when the movable jaw is raised it opens the space between
the two jaws. In practice it is necessary that the upper jaw should be raised about
three-fourths of an inch and this occurs just before the jaw comes back against the
upper. The position of these jaws is shown clearly in Fig. 9. The edge of the
upper extends upward and forward to enter the pincers as they descend open.
The fixed jaw of the pincers is provided with side-guards or fenders, 70, which
prevent the upper from entering too far into the pincers. The fixed jaw is secured
to the shank, 46, by screws and is therefore detachable from the shank. The
movable jaw is raised by means of a cam on the main shaft through intermediate
links and levers and is forced down by a spring, 84. The upper end of the shank, 48,
is connected to a collar 85, which surrounds the shank, 46, and slides freely thereon.
A forked rod, 86, is connected by an intermediate link, 71, to a bell crank lever, 87.
The link, 71, is pivoted one end to the forked rod, 86, and one end to the lever, 87,
as shown; this is done to permit a side movement of the pincers referred to herein-
after. The lower or forked end of the rod, 86, embraces the collar, 85, to which it
is pivoted as shown in Fig. 6. The bell crank lever, 87, is pivoted upon a
standard, 88, and is preferably forked at its upper end to pass the main shaft of the
pincers. The vertical arm of the bell crank lever is connected by a pusher bar, 89,
to the bell crank lever, 90, which bears on the cam, T, (see Fig. 6). The shape
and position of this cam are such as to throw up the rear end of the bell crank
lever 90 and advance the pusher to lift the movable jaw immediately after the
nailer advances and just before advance movement of the nailer is completed. It
begins to open at the rise of cam, T, at the point, m, on the cam.
The first move-

page_text: ment is sufficient to cause the jaws to release the leather and this occurs just before
the nailer and consequently the presser foot, hereinafter described reaches its
extreme forward movement. The increased rise of the cam from m to v continues
to lift the jaw until at the point, it is at its greatest height. The lifting of this
jaw takes place during the backward movement of the pincers and immediately
after the fixed jaw reaches the edge of the leather, the rear end of the bell crank
lever, 90, drops from the point of the cam, T, and the movable jaw is forced down
by the spring, 84, to grip the upper and remains constantly in contact with the
leather until lifted by the movement of the cam and intermediate mechanism.
Only the movements of the pincer mechanism heretofore described are necessary
in operating on the upper at the sides of the last. In order to form the plaiting at
the heel and toe and occasionally at other points the lateral movement before
referred to is required and it is also necessary that in such movement the pincers
should be adapted to yield to prevent tearing the upper. In order to prepare the
pincers to permit lateral movement the forked end of lever, 51, is made in the form
of a sleeve to turn on the end of the lever; also is provided the joint at W, as
before described, also the trunnions, 72, are extended as shown in Fig. 3, and are
allowed to slide loosely in the bearings of the prongs, 59, whereby they are
supported and the plate, 58, is also pivoted to the plate, 57. The lateral movement
is effected by a laterally reciprocating carrier, 40, which as shown is a bar, but may
be constructed in different ways and so connected with the pincers as to carry them
with it. As shown, the carrier bar, 40, is employed in connection with a horizontal
rod, 73, which is arranged in rear of the pincers shanks, as shown, and which is
reciprocated longitudinally by the movements of said carrier rod, 40. On the rod, 73,
are two coiled springs, 74, 74, bearing their inner or contiguous ends against a pin or
collar, 304, (Figs. 3 and 4), fixed in the rod. The outer ends of these springs bear'
respectively against the collars, 75, 76, provided with downward extensions, 77, and
horizontal extensions, 78. The horizontal extensions, 78, are fitted to a groove in
the plate or block, 57, which supports the extensions and collars and consequently
the rod, 73. The collars are loose on the rod, 73, and screws, 79, passing from the
extensions, 77, into the block, 57, serve as means whereby to adjust the collars towards
and from each other on the rod and thus to regulate the tension of springs, 74. The
opposing powers of springs, 74, operate to keep the block, 57, and pincer shanks
supported thereby midway between the collars, 75, 76, so that a movement of the
rod, 73, to the left for example, applies a yielding force to carry the pincers in that
direction; a reverse movement of the rod to the right will, in like manner, carry the
pincers in that direction. This force is applied through the rods, 40 and 73, through
the springs, 74, and the collars, 75, 76. The power which carries the pincers to either
side is limited by the tension of the springs, 74, and this, it will be understood, is
the force applied to stretch the upper in this direction whether for purposes of
plaiting or otherwise. It will be understood that the pincers always return to the
centre point or line to grasp the upper and the movement in plaiting is from that
point outward in an oblique line, the springs, 74, will yield sufficiently to accommo-
date this movement. This yielding lateral movement of the pincers is not
absolutely necessary for lasting, nor is it required at all times, but it is very
advantageous and especially for operating about the toe and shank. It is
desirable therefore to leave the mechanism whereby the lateral movements
are effected subject to the control of the operator in order that he may
put it into operation at the tinie desired. To this end mechanism is provided
as follows: (shown in Fig. 4); the arm, 94, carries the pin, 40, which enters a
slot in the head, 303, of the rod, 73, and by varying the position and extent of
vibration of the arm, 94, or of the carrier the requisite changes in the lateral
movements of the pincers may be effected. To vary these movements a driver, M,
constituting part of the connections between the main driving shaft and the lateral
carrier is employed and connected with the shifter. This driver is shown as a
sliding block, 99, mounted on a vibrating bar, 100. An arm, 96, is fixed to the
arm, 94,.and extends laterally therefrom. It is provided with a slotted head, 97,

page_text: and in this slot in the head projects a pin, 98, fixed in the block, 99, which slides on
the block, 100, which block, 100, is pivoted upon an arm, 101, on the plate, D.
The outer side of the block, 100, is provided with an arm, 102, which is connected
by means of a bar, 103, to the bell crank lever, 104. This lever and its operating
cam are fully shown in Fig. 4. This bell crank lever, 104, has a pin which enters
a cam groove in the periphery of the wheel, X, on the main shaft. It will be
apparent that when the lever is rocked it will impart longitudinal movement to the
bar, 103, and vibrate the block, 100, either to the right or left and the block acts
upon the slotted head, 97, of the arm, 96, through the pin, 98.
It will be plain
that lateral action, both in direction and amount, upon the arm, 94, will depend
upon the position of the pin, 98. If the pin be in the centre of the slot in the end
of arm, 96, it will have no effect upon the arm, 94, but the block, 100, will simply
turn. If, however, the pin, 98, be drawn into the front end of the slot and the
connecting rod, 103, be pushed to the front, the pin, 98, will act upon the head; 97,
as upon a lever and will push the rod, 73, in one direction and carry the pincers to
one side; but if the pin, 98, is in the other end of the slot, a like movement of the
connecting rod, 103, will draw the rod, 73, in the opposite direction and carry the
pincers to the other side. The object of this twofold, graduated motion, is to draw
and plait the upper at one time in one direction and at another time in some other
direction and to vary the extent of the draft. It is desirable, as before stated, that
this mechanism should be subjected to the control of the workman, so as to throw
into or out of operation at any moment. To this end a shifter, N, is used in
connection with mechanism as follows, (also shown in Fig. 4); a lever, 105, is
pivoted upon a bracket upon the machine. This lever is connected at its lower end
and by a connecting rod, 107, to a shifter in the form of a bell crank lever, 108.
The lever, 108, is pivoted on a bracket, 109, upon the machine and is forked at one
end to receive the knee of the operator. On the bracket, 109, is a cross-bar, 110,
provided with leaf springs, 111; said springs reach over and bear upon the
lever, 108, to hold it in place. The upper end of lever, 108, is connected by a
rod, 106, to the block, 99, which carries the pin, 98. It will be apparent that when
the lever, 108, stands in the centre of cross-bar, 110, (as in Fig. 4), the pin, 98, is
at the centre of the slot in the head of arm, 96. The pincers will then consequently
have no lateral movement. When the lever, 108, is pushed to either side, it will
draw the pin, 98, into one end of the slot and the pincers will commence to move
in the side line, as before described. The lever, 108, is intended and arranged to
be moved by the knee of the operator. The shifter is retained in position, when
set, by force of the springs, 111. It is observed that this lever could be arranged
to be operated by the foot or some other part of the body, though it is believed the
arrangement shown herein is the most convenient.
ار
Next will be described the tacking and nailing mechanism.
The tacks are brought to the driving point by polished steel guides, (Figs. 16
to 19), forming a channel, 202, leading from the tack distributor, hereinafter
explained, to a point just below the driver. The forward ends of the guides are
supported upon the forward end of a sliding bar, 20, (Fig. 1). This bar is
arranged to slide in a suitable channel in the block, 62, (Fig. 7). The extreme end
of the guide channel turns down vertically and in line with the driver, 306. The
driver slides in a guide-block, 21, (Fig. 7), which is supported by a vertical
post, 22, fixed upon the bar, 20. The upper end of the driver, (see Fig. 7), is
connected to a lever, 110, the forked end of the lever receiving the pin at the upper
end of the driver. The lever, 110, is supported in a post on the plate, D, and is
connected by a link, 23, to the bottom end of a rod, 34, (Fig. 1). The link, 23, is
pivoted both to the lever, 110, and to the rod, 34. The bottom end of the rod 34,
is enlarged, to slide freely in the inner bore of a hollow post, 35, fixed upon the
plate, D. The rod, 34, is surrounded by a coiled spring, 36, which bears one end
against the head on the rod and the other against a collar, 37, at the top end of the
rod, 34. The collar, 37, is a threaded nut arranged to turn on the rod and thus
the tension of the spring may be regulated. This spring, it will be understood, is the

page_text: force that drives the hammer down to insert the tack. On the collar, 37, is
a check nut, 38, whereby the collar may be fastened, when once adjusted. Under
the bottom end of the rod, 34, is a spring, 307, to prevent the hammer from
descending too far and reduce the impact. This spring acts upon the plate, D,
within the hollow post; instead of the spring some fibrous material, as leather or
rubber, may be used. The rear end of the lever, 110, is connected by a connecting
rod, 112, to a lever pivoted upon the lower rod, 7, which has a transverse pin under
the cam, H, (Fig. 7). This cam is constructed as shown, to depress the end of
lever, 113, and thereby to elevate the driver, through the described intermediate
connections and hold the driver lifted until the rod reaches the point, t, on cam, H;
at this point the rod is suddenly released, thereby allowing the hammer to descend
and it is forced instantly downward by the spring, 36, delivering a blow upon the
head of the tack. The rear end of the bar, 20, is turned slightly upward and is
connected by means of a pin, 26, (Fig. 7), to one end of the bell-crank-lever, 25 ;
the other end of the bell crank lever carries a transverse pin that enters a cam-groove
in the face of wheel, 27, (Fig. 7). The shape of this cam-groove is shown in Fig. 12.
When the rear end of the lever, 25, is depressed, the bar, 20, and consequently the
tack driving mechanism is pushed forward and when the lever is raised, this
mechanism is drawn back. That part of the cam-groove from e¹ to a¹ holds the
lever raised, during which time the bar, 20, is held back and the pincers come
forward, grasp and draw the upper over the last. At the point a', the end of
lever, 25, is depressed, the bar, 20, is thereby pushed forward carrying the tacker
into position for driving the tack. That part of the cam-groove from a¹ to e¹ holds
the lever depressed; during this time the tack is driven. At the point, e', the end
of the lever is raised to withdraw the bar, 20, and give opportunity for the operation
of the pincers to be repeated.
A wiper, 28, preferably in the form of a spring, is secured at one end to the
forward under side of the bar, 20, and the outer end of this wiper extends forward
under the bar in a curved line, as shown in Fig. 7. This wiper extends under the
tack hammer and when the bar, 20, is pushed forward, as before described, the wiper
bears upon the upper to fold it over the edge of the last and hold it in place
while the tack is driven. Great importance is attached to this wiper and it may be
operated in different ways and independently of the tack guide. It advances
forward in line with the draw of the pincers and acts very much like the thumb
of the hand when drawn over the edge of the strained upper to smooth the leather
and holds it down closely to the last while the tack is inserted. The wiper, as
shown, is attached directly to the bar. It will be evident however that it could be
operated by an independent mechanism, if desired. The mechanism is so preferably
timed that the bar, 20, commences to go forward while the pincers have hold of
the upper over the last and when the wiper, 28, crosses over the last sufficiently to
get a good bearing upon the edge of the upper the pincers let go and fly back, the
tacker bar, 20, continues forward over the last wiper, 28, now holding and smoothing
the upper as it advances until the extreme forward movement of the bar, 20, is
reached. The arm, 113, is then immediately released, as before described the
driver is forced down by the spring, 36, and the tack is thereby inserted, it being
allowed to pass down through a hole in the guide.
The two steel bars, 200, 201, which form the guide channel are placed adjacent
to each other and are held together by screws or other obvious means. These bars
are grooved and separated to form the channel, 202, which receives the tacks as
they come from the distributor.
The distributor is a box, 203. One end of the box is pivoted to the guide,
as shown in Fig. 1 & 3. The free end of the box is raised and lowered by
a mechanism as follows: on the main shaft is a pulley and on the post, 205,
fixed upon the plate, D, is another pulley, 204; a belt connects these two
pulleys and transmits power from the main shaft to turn the pulley, 204.
The pulley, 204, carries an eccentric pin, 206, that operates in the slotted
end of lever, 207, pivoted to a post in the plate, D, and is connected by a
B

page_text: connecting rod, 208, to the free end of the box 203. It will now be understood
that each revolution of the wheel, 204, operates to raise and lower the free end of
the box. The tacks are placed into the box, 203, promiscuously in bulk, and as the
box lifts and falls the tacks pass by gravity from the free end of the box to
the other end; in the bottom of the box a slot is formed that commences near the
free end of the box and opens out at the opposite end into the channel, 202.
This slot is formed by cutting through the bottom of the box and is sufficiently
wide to receive the shanks of the tacks but will not receive the heads of the tacks
into the slot. Near the centre of the box is formed a ridge, 209. Said ridge is
formed by raising the sides of the channel at this point and it is inclined two ways
as shown (see Fig. 15). When the box, 203, is depressed so that the tacks fall to
the outer end thereof, some of the tacks fall into the slot and there hang suspended
by their heads bearing upon the sides of the channel, so that when the box is lifted
again, the bulk of the tacks pass to the other end of the box leaving the channel
unobstructed and allowing those tacks which hang in the slot to slide forward up
the first incline and over the top of the ridge and perhaps down the second incline.
The channel in front of this ridge is covered and all tacks that pass over the ridge
are prevented by the ridge from passing back when the box is lowered again. In
this manner the tacks are continuously distributed to the channel in front of the
ridge and find exit through this channel out of the box. The tacks are moved
along the channel by the inclining of the box and the jar of the machine. The box
is pivoted to the channel in such manner as to bring the exit from the box in
alignment with the groove, 202, so that as the tacks exit from the box they pass
into the groove, 202, and are moved downward by the constant jar of the tack
driver or other agitating means. At the lower end of the channel, 202, is formed a
chamber adapted to receive the screw, 210, this chamber is formed by enlarging the
channel at this point or by arranging the screw adjacent to the channel. This
screw receives the tacks from the channel, 202, carries them along and drops them,
one by one, into the guide tube, 215, as desired for use. To this end the screw is
provided with a shank or spindle, 211, which is journaled to turn in a bushing, 212,
which is preferably made to screw into a suitable hole in the channel bars, 200, 201,
a collar on each side or end of the bushing prevents endwise movement of the
screw. The rear end of the screw shank, 211, is connected by a universal joint
connection to one end of a connecting rod, 213, Fig. 1; the other end of the
rod, 213, is connected by a universal joint to the shaft, 214. This shaft 214, is
journaled to turn in a bracket on the machine frame and carries a crown wheel that
engages a similar wheel on the main driving shaft. The result of this mechanism
is to give motion to the screw, 210, and the mechanism is so timed as to give one
revolution of the screw to each complete revolution of the tack driver. Each
revolution of the screw drops one tack into the vertical tube, 215, there it hangs
suspended by the head on a spring tripper, 216, Fig. 16, which is sufficient to
retain the tack but which yields readily to the descent of the driver.
Spring guides, 217, guide the tack in its descent directly to the leather. It
remains to be observed that the channel groove is preferably made wedged shape
to prevent the points of the tacks from crowding past each other; it is also covered
to prevent the tacks from being thrown out by the jar of the driver. At the point
where the tack enters the screw 210, a spring, 218, is arranged with its end adapted
to press lightly upon the top until it has fairly entered the threads of the screw.
The screw, 210, at the point where it commences is the size of the shank or spindle
and gradually is enlarged to the full size thus forming a gimlet like screw section.
This formation allows the screw to take the tack close up under the head and to this
end also a slight lateral angle, 220, is here formed in the channel, (see Fig. 16).
The screw is revolved in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 17, and a tack having
once entered the screw is carried along regularly between the screw threads and
the side channel point downwards until it arrives at or near the extreme end of the
screw; here the angle of the screw thread changes abruptly to an angle of about
forty-five degrees so that the tack is moved point forward into the guide tube, 215.

page_text: This special formation of screw causes the tack to turn into the guide tube, point
first. It also allows the extreme end of the screw to be notched out at one side, 221,
(see Fig. 18). This allows the screw to be set forward over the guide tube in order
to carry the tack completely into the guide tube before dropping the same, but a
partial revolution of the screw throws the notched part of the screw in line with the
tube leaving a free passage to drop the tack and thus allowing the driver to descend
without striking the screw. The driver should, of course, be so timed as to lift out
of the tube in time to allow the continuous movement of the screw.
Attention is called to the curvature of the guide bars, 200, 201. Some articles
as buttons may be carried from a distributor operated similar to the one herein
described, through a straight channel. But in transmitting tacks great difficulty
is encountered to keep the tacks in place and prevent them from crowding in the
channel.
The difficulty arises largely from the inclination imparted to the guide and to
obviate this guides are curved as shown and this allows the box to be pivoted out
of line with the feeding end of the channel. This construction very much reduces
the vibration and the difficulty before encountered is practically obviated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, as communicated to me by my foreign correspondents, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1st In a lasting machine the combination with a fixed rest of a single pair of
pincers suspended above said rest and mechanism for moving said pincers vertically
and forward and back above and over the rest from the position in front to a
position back of the same, substantially as described.
:
2nd In a lasting machine, in combination with a fixed rest of a single pair of
pincers suspended above the rest and adapted to be moved vertically and forward
and back above and over the rest from a position in front to a position toward the
back of the same, and a forwardly and backwardly moving elastic wiper, substantially
as described.
3rd: A lasting machine provided with a frame, a rest supported in a fixed
position on the frame, a pair of pincers and appliances supporting them above the
rest, in position to swing from front to back over the rest, and mechanism con-
nected with the pincers to open and close and move the same vertically and forward
and back, substantially as described.
4th: In a lasting machine the combination with a fixed rest having its bearing
surface upon its under side, of a single pair of pincers suspended above said rest and
adapted to be moved vertically, laterally and forward and back above the horizontal
plane of the rest whereby the upper is drawn over the last and plaited at the same
time, substantially as set forth.
5th In a lasting machine the combination with the reciprocating pincers and
fixed rest of a guide adjustable to and from the rest, for the purpose set forth.
6th In a lasting machine the combination with the reciprocating pincers, of a
rest having an under-bearing for the last, and an edge-guide, 9, movable toward
and from the rest, substantially as described.
7th: In a lasting machine the combination with the pincers and last rest, and
with devices for reciprocating the pincers back and forth, of the devices for recipro-
cating the pincers laterally, a shaft from which motion is imparted to said devices
through a movable driver, and a shifter whereby said driver may be moved by the
operator to vary or arrest the lateral reciprocating, substantially as described.
8th: In a lasting machine, the combination with the pincers of a lasting machine
supported to move freely, of a carrier, 40, and devices for moving it laterally, said
carrier being connected with said pincers to swing them sidewise, substantially as
described.
9th The combination in a lasting machine of pincers and pincer-actuating
mechanism, the driver, M, and the shifter, N, and the connections, substantially as
described.

page_text: 10th In a lasting machine, the combination with the pincers of two carriers, J,
and 40, and devices for moving one back and forth and the other from side to side,
and each connected to operate the pincers, substantially as described.
11th In a lasting machine, the combination with the pincers of a carrier,
driving-shaft, movable driver and a shifter arranged in the line of connection
between the pincers and shaft in position to be moved by the operator, substantially
as described.
12th In a lasting machine, the combination with the pincers and carrier, of a
vibrating block, a bearing movable upon said block, past the axis thereof and a
shifter connected with said bearing, and arranged to be operated by the attendant,
substantially as described.
13th In a lasting machine, the combination with the pincers and the forward
and laterally movable carriers therefor, of the driving shaft and connections between
the same and the carrier, and a driver connected with the laterally reciprocating
carrier and adjustable to vary the movements of the carrier, substantially as
described.
14th In a lasting machine the combination with the pincers and devices for
vibrating the same back and forward and laterally, of a lifter, K, provided with a
swivel and a sleeve, substantially as described.
15th: In a lasting machine the combination with the pincers, S, forward and
lateral carriers, J, and 40, and lifter, K, of side spring bearings interposed between
the lateral carrier and the pincers, substantially as described.
16th In a lasting machine the combination of the pincers, S, lateral carrier, 40,
and intermediate yielding bearings, substantially as described.
17th In a lasting machine the combination with the pincers, S, a lifter, K, and
forward and lateral carriers, J, and 40, and vertical and lateral yielding bearings
between the pincers and said lifter and carriers, substantially as described.
:
18th In a lasting machine, the combination of a vertically reciprocating lifter
provided with a swinging yoke supporting a pivoted ring or collar, in combination
with pincers supported by a shaft extending through said collar, substantially as
described.
19th In a lasting machine the combination with the swinging pincers of a slide
connected with the movable jaw thereof, and jointed connections, 71, 86, between
said slide and an operating shaft, substantially as described.
20th In a lasting machine and in combination, pincers provided with mechanism
for causing them to grip the leather and draw it over the last and a wiper mechanism,
substantially as described, to advance it over the last towards the position of the
pincers, said mechanism being timed so that the wiper shall commence to advance
while the pincers hold the leather tightly down over the last and continue to
advance after the pincers let go and bear upon and hold the leather tightly stretched
during the latter part of the movement, substantially as described.
21st: In a lasting machine, the combination with the reciprocating pincers, of a
nailer and means substantially as described for moving the latter toward and from
the last independently of the movements of the pincers, substantially as described.
22nd In a lasting machine, the combination pincers provided with mechanism
for causing them to grip the leather and draw over the last, a nailing mechanism
substantially as described, adapted to advance into the position of the pincers for
inserting the tack, and a wiper independent of the pincers for smoothing and
holding the strained upper while the tack is inserted, the wiper being timed to take
hold in time for the pincers to let go and give place to the nailer, all substantially
as described.
23rd: In a lasting machine the pincers suspended as described and provided
with a sleeve on lever, 51, joint, W, loose trunnions, 72, and mechanism to impart a
forward lateral movement to the pincers, substantially as described.
24th In a lasting machine the combination of the shank, 48, and upper jaw, the
shank, 46, with lower jaw, collar, 85, spring, 84, rod, 86, link, 71, bell crank
lever, 87, and connections with the driving mechanism, substantially as described.

page_text: 25th In a lasting machine the combination of the guide foot, 9, sliding on the
under side of plate, B, the rod, 16, lever, 15, and connections with the driving
mechanism, substantially as described.
26th In a lasting machine, the combination of the driver, the guide-block, 21,
lever, 110, the link, 23, spring, 36, rod, 35, post on the plate, D, and the driving
mechanism connected to the lever, 110, substantially as described.
27th In a lasting machine in combination with the driver suspended as
described, the bar, 20, and lever, 25, and driving mechanism, substantially as
described.
28th The combination with the stretching devices of a lasting machine, of a
box, 203, provided with the described slot or channel and double inclined ridge
way, 209, combined with the channel and tack driver, all substantially as
described.
29th In a lasting machine the combination in the pincers with the upper
movable jaw of the lower jaw and side flanges secured thereto whereby the edge
of the leather is prevented from entering the pincers too far, substantially as
described.
Dated this 22nd day of September 1891.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.