Improvements in Machines Chiefly-Designed for Trimming and Channelling the Soles of Boots and Shoes."
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Feb., 1896-Accepted, 2nd May, 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
"Improvements in Machines Chiefly-Designed for Trimming and
Channelling the Soles of Boots and Shoes."
We, ZACHARY TAYLOR FRENCH, of Waban Street, and WILLIAM CRISTIAN MEYER,
of Peter Parley Road, both of Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America, 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 :-
This invention relates to a-machine-for-operating-upon-the--soles--of--boots--and
shoes, having-more-particular--referenee-te machines designed for either trimming
or channelling the soles of welted boots and shoes, or for both trimming and
channelling said soles, when upon the last.
One of the essential objects of this invention is to provide means whereby the sole
may be trimmed at different distances from the last or in-seam, that the sole edge may
project a short distance along the shank portious, and a greater distance along the
fore-part, producing what is commonly termed a "Scotch" edge; and another
essential object is to channel a "Scotch" edged sole.
In producing the variation thus required for the projecting edge of the sole, we
employ two independent guides, one working along the shank portions, and the
other working along the fore-part, they operating successively around the boot or
shoe, as it is trimined or channelled or both.
The shank guide may be made stationary, and the fore-part guide movable, and
when so constructed the shank-guide may, if desired, serve as a work-support,
while the fore-part guide, when brought into use, inay move the boot or shoe more
or less away from the shank guide, and such movement of the fore-part guide may
be gradually performed, so as to avoid any abrupt forinations, between the shank
and fore-part.
In the manner in which we have herein seen fit to carry out our invention, the
shank guide is shaped to enter the crease or in-seam, and the fore-part guide is
shaped to bear against the upper drawn over the last, near to but not entering the
crease, so that the shank guide acts as a crease guide, and the fore-part guide as a
last-guide.
We desire to hold the boot or shoe edgewise, and therefore the guides are disposed
in such manner that this may be done.
Feeding mechanism is provided for feeding along the boot or shoe, and the con-
struction herein described also forms a part of our invention.
The channelling knife is made to reciprocate or act intermittingly in cutting its

page_text: channel, and is also made vertically movable in order that the channel may be cut
more or less distant from the edge of the sole.
As such variation is desirable between the shank and fore-part of the sole, we
preferably connect the means employed for vertically moving the channel knife,
with the operating mechanism of the fore-part or last-guide, that they may act
simultaneously.
The trimming knife is arranged to vibrate or oscillate in a direction toward and
from the operator, acting upon the bottom of the sole, and in co-operation with, or
against a cutting block, which is located upon the other or welt side of the sole,
said block being firmly held or supported so to resist the pressure of the knife, and
having a plain face against which the cutting edge of the knife acts to prevent the
formation of a ragged edge.
This cutting block is herein represented as forming a co-operative part of the
feeding mechanism.
In addition to the above essential features our invention comprehends means for
automatically varying the relative positions of the trimming knife or channelling
knife or both, and the guide. As a simple and effective way of obtaining this
variation in the relative positions of the parts at the point desired, we may employ
a cam, with suitable mechanism to bring it into operation at the desired time, and
this cam is or may be arranged to act upon the guide support or other part to
which the guide is connected, or which is connected in any manner with the guide
to thereby automatically move the guide, so as to cause the trimming knife to trim
off the edge of the sole at a greater or less distance from the upper, such distance
being automatically varied by said cam during the trimming operation or progress
of the work, and so as to cause the channelling knife to cut the channel at a greater
or less distance from the line of the last, or in-seam.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1, shows a right hand side elevation of a sole trimming and chan-
nelling machine embodying our invention, the parts being in the normal position
of rest.
Figures 2 and 3, views of right and left soles.
Figure 4, a detail of the lifting device for the latch or pawi, which forms a
cooperative part of the automatic mechanism for controlling the operation of
the guide.
Figure 5, a front view of a portion of the machine shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6, a left hand side view of the machine shown in Figure 1, the base and
some of the adjacent parts being broken away.
Figure 7, a detail showing the relative positions of the knife and guide, at the
junction of the shank and outside ball portion of the left shoe, together with the
inechanism for varying their relative positions.
Figure 8, a similar detail showing the relative positions of the knife and guide, at
the forward end of the outside ball portion of a left shoe.
Figure 9, a similar detail showing particularly the reversed position of the latch
or pawl which engages the notched collar or hub, the cam being in the position it
will occupy when at the forward end of the outside ball portion of a right shoe.
Figure 10, a sectional detail showing the cam and notched collar or hub, and
rotary reciprocating knife-carrying arm.
Figures 11 and 12, details of the notched collar or hub.
Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16, details of the latch. controlling mechanism to be
referred to.
Figure 17, shows a left hand side elevation of the channelling and trimming
machine shown in Figure 1, the automatic mechanisin for the guide being removed
for clearness.
Figure 18, is a detail showing in plan view the work support or shank or crease
guide, and a cooperative part of the feeding mechanism and adjacent parts.
Figure 19, a detail showing the shank guide in engagement with the shoe.
Figure 20, a detail showing the fore-part guide in engagement with the shoe.

page_text: mechanism.
Figure 22, shows a front view of the machine shown in Figure 17.
Figures 23 and 24, details of the channel knife holder.
Figures 25 and 26, details of one of the feeding jaws.
Figure 27, a detail of the means for raising the channelling knife.
Figure 28, a detail of the trimming knife holder,
Figure 29, a detail of the trimming knife, and
Figure 30 is another detail of the trimming knife holder.
The main framework is of suitable construction to support the operating parts.
The boot or shoe to be channelled or trimmed or both, is held up edgewise
against a guide or work-support a, which is inade with a tapering end, adapted to
enter the usual crease or in-seam between the welt and upper, said guide being
herein represented as a bale-shaped piece of metal secured to and depending from
the extremity of a skeleton or two-armed bracket a', which is secured to the base
plate A of the frame-work.
As the function of this part a, to serve as a guide, is utilized along the shank
portion only, it may be referred to as a shank-guide.
The channelling knife b, see Figures 23 and 24, is formed upon or projects from a
block 61, made substantially semicircular in shape, and secured in a recess formed
in the upper end of a vertical pin or post b, depending from a plate 63, which is
screwed or otherwise secured to a rearwardly sliding or yielding holder b.
As a preferable way of securing this block b in place we have cut away or
grooved horizontally the vertical side wall of the recess which is formed in the
upper end of the post 62, and have provided the inner or flat face of the
block b with a horizontal projection 2 which enters said groove, and a set screw,
see dotted lines Figure 23, passes transversely through the upper end of the
post 62, entering a threaded hole 3 formed in the block b.
An anti-friction roller is mounted to turn freely upon the vertical post or
pin ba, it being held thereon by a nut 6', or otherwise.
The upper end of the post 62, together with the block b¹, forms a head which is
larger in diameter than the lower part or shank of the post, and the upper end 4 of
the anti-friction roller b is bored to receive said enlarged head, so that the block b¹
is enclosed or concealed by the upper end of the antifriction roller.
This anti-friction roller serves as a support against which the bottom of the sole
to be operated upon bears, and therefore may be referred to as a sole-support.
The anti-friction roller is preferably circumferentially concaved below the flat
portion 4, to perinit the boot or shoe to be tipped a certain degree if desired.
The anti-friction roller may be omitted, in which case the post may be formed to
serve as the sole-support, but its employment is by far preferable.
The sliding tool-carrying block or holder 6 has a dove-tailed groove 6' in its
upper side, see Figure 18, which receives a dovetailed block 6°, secured to an arm 6',
pivoted at 610 to the base plate, and swinging in a horizontal plane.
At the rear end of the dove-tailed block b₁ a cross piece 612 is secured, against the
rear side of which, at each end, a strong spiral spring bears, the opposite or rear
ends of said springs being connected with adjusting screws 6, turning in suitable
ears b projecting from each side of the hub of the arın 6°.
The cross piece 612 is pressed forward by the springs 613 so that it bears against
the rear end of the block b, b which thus limits thus-limiting its forward movement.
The springs & yield as pressure is exerted upon or against the anti-friction
roller b, or when the tool-carrying block 6 is otherwise moved rearwardly, by
means to be described.
Rearward movement of the tool-carrying block b is necessary for the purpose of
introducing the work, between it and the work-support or guide a, and the springs
are employed to press said tool-carrying block forward, that it may hold the work
against the work-support or guide, or against any other part that may be brought
into engagement with the welt, at the welt side of the sole.

page_text: Spring pressure is preferred for the reason that it permits the parts to automatically
adjust themselves for different thicknesses of soles.
The sliding tool-carrying block 64 has projecting laterally from it a lug 620, which
is engaged by a crank arm c, see Figures 18 and 22, projecting from a shaft c¹, see
Figure 1, having its bearings in the framework, said shaft being supplied at its outer
end with another crank. arm c² which is connected by a chain or otherwise with a
treadle (not shown), so that by depressing said treadle the slide block 64 will be
moved rearwardly with its channelling knife, for the insertion of the work to be
done.
As this yielding block bears against the bottom of the sole, it is designed to
utilize it as a cooperative part of the feeding mechanism for the boot or shoe, and
as one way of carrying out this result the arm is vibrated in a horizontal
plane, oscillating on the pivot pin 610, rising from the base plate.
A pin 621 see Figure 17 rises vertically from the top of the arm 69, which enters
a cam groove 622 formed in the pulley or hub B, secured to the main shaft C, and
as said pulley or hub revolves, the pin b following said groove 622 causes the
arm 6° to vibrate on the pivot b¹º.
As the arm 69 is thus swung back and forth, the sole-support being spring
pressed, is caused or permitted to move back and forth in a straight line.
To complete the feeding mechanisin a plate d, made tapering towards its lower
end, and having a substantially flat inner face, is adapted to bear upon or against
the welt or welt side of the sole, opposite the anti-friction roller 65, said plate being
rigidly secured to or formed integral with an arm d', projecting from a hub d³,
mounted upon a rod or shaft d³, which has two rearwardly extended projections or
arms d, d
The arm d' enters a cam groove 625 in the pulley or hub B, and as the latter is
revolved a longitudinal reciprocating movement is imparted to the hub d², and the
arm d³ has a laterally extended pin 5 which enters another cam groove 630, Fig. 1
in the pulley or hub B, and as the latter revolves the hub is rocked or reciprocated
axially on its support d³.
This mechanism, or some equivalent mechanism, which may be provided in lieu
thereof, gives to the plate da lateral and an "in and out" movement, or what is
ordinarily termed a four-motion movement.
The operations of the feeding devices in feeding along the shoe are as follows:-
the sole and welt, held edgewise, are introduced between, the roller 65 which is
adapted to bear against the bottom of the sole, and the work-support a, and plate d
adapted to operate upon the welt side.
If the plate d is in its forward position, the work will be held stationary by and
between the roller 66 and work-support a.
Suppose the plate d to be at the extreme right, it is then brought into engage-
ment with the welt, so that the work is then clamped between the plate d and
roller 65.
The plate d and roller bs are then moved together their full distance toward the
left, carrying the work along with them, then the plate d is moved out of engage-
ment with the welt, leaving the work to be held by and between the roller 65
and work-support a, and while the work is so held the plate d moves toward the
right, and while acting in conjunction with the trimining knife e, to be described,
or other part to hold the work the roller 65 moves its full distance toward the right
so that when the plate d again engages the welt, a new grip is obtained, that the
operation may be repeated, and the work thereby fed along intermittingly.
It will be observed that the work support a and plate d, act alternately upon the
welt, one being stationary and the other movable, but so far as our invention is
concerned we desire it to be understood that we do not limit our invention as to
which of the parts move, as it is obvious that the part a could be made movable
in the same manner as the part d, and the part d made stationary.
We prepare a stationary work-support as it serves as a fixed point against which
the operator may hold the work.

page_text: To trim the edge of the sole a vibrating or oscillating knife e is provided, shown
as attached to an arm e¹ projecting from a hub e, mounted upon the rod or
shaft d³, and an eccentric disk e³ on the inain shaft C has its strap e' connected by
a link es with said arm el, being employed as a means of vibrating said arm to
thereby oscillate the knife.
The knife e is made trough shaped, sharpened at the end, and provided with a
dove-tailed shank, see Figure 29, which fits a dove-tailed groove or recess in a
slitted block el2 which is secured to the arm el, a clamping screw el3 being provided
for drawing the slitted portion of said block together to securely bind the knife
in place.
The knife works against the bottom of the sole, and as herein represented,
toward and from the operator, and in order that it may penetrate the inaterial a
substantial support is required for the opposite or welt side of the sole, and to pro-
vide such a support, without increasing the number of parts, and thereby com-
plicating the construction of the machine, we have constructed and arranged the
cam which rocks the hub d² of the clamping or feeding plate d, so that during the
return movement of said plate d from left to right it will be brought into engage-
ment with the welt at the welt side of the sole, just opposite the trimming knife,
and there held for a short interval of time, to thus firmly support the sole at such
point while the knife cuts the material.
Hence it will be seen that the plate d, in addition to serving as a cooperative
part of the feeding mechanisın, also serves as a cutting block, or solid foundation
to resist the pressure or thrust of the knife.
The plate d is made with a plain or smooth face against which the cutting edge
of the knife acts, so as to ensure a smooth or clean cut, for when the cutting edge
of the knife enters a slot a ragged edge is produced.
The operation or movement of the parts in channelling and trimming is as
follows:-
The plate d, and roller bs, or its equivalent, being operated upon by their
respective cans, are moved from right to left together, as before stated, the sole
and welt being clamped or held between them, then the plate d is moved out a
short distance, disengaging the welt and at such time the sole and welt are held
between the spring pressed roller and the stationary work-support a, the channell-
ing knife being seated in the sole, then the plate d is moved toward the right a
short distance, then in again, engaging the sole at a point just opposite the
trimming knife, the trimming knife is then brought forward, and while it is
penetrating the material, it, together with the cutting block or plate d, holds the
work while the roller bs moves its full distance from left to right, the channelling
knife during such time cutting the channel, then the plate d again recedes, and
moves another short distance towards the right, the work being again held by the
roller 6 and work-support a, and then said plate d moves again into engagement
with the welt.
All the movements of the parts having thus been completed the operation is
repeated, feeding the boot or shoe along during its movement from right to
left.
It will be observed that the channel knife is borne by a cooperative part of the
clamp feeding mechanism, and when seated in the sole, moves therewith, during
the feeding operation, and that the channel slit is cut during the return movement
of the part carrying it.
While channelling the boot or shoe in or along the shank portions, the work-
support a is used as the guide, it entering the crease or in-seam between the welt
and upper, but when channelling along the fore-part it becomes necessary, or very
desirable to guide by the last instead of by the in-seam, and hence we have pro-
vided another guide, which is termed a fore-part or last guide, and is adapted to be
brought into operative position at the proper time, it being herein represented as a
bent arm secured to the outer end of an arm f¹, pivoted at f2, and connected
by a rod, cord, or chain, with a foot or knee operated treadle, so that whenever it

page_text: may be desired, the treadle may be depressed, and the fore-part or last guide,
which is norinally in its elevated position, as shown in Figure 1, thrown into
engagement with the fore-part of the boot or shoe, as shown in Figure 20, the
lower end of the part f at such time bearing upon the upper drawn taut over
the last.
This independent fore-part or last guide is very useful in connection with either
a channelling or trimming knife, or both; er-in-feet-in-connection-with-any-too!-or
tools-adapted--to-operate-upon--the-soles-of-boots-or-shoes,-where-a-guide-of-sneh-a
eharacter-is-necessary.
Hence we desire to have it understood that our invention is sufficiently broad in
scope as to include two separate guides, one acting along the shank and the other
along the fore-part, one guiding the knife by the crease, and the other by the last,
and operating successively around the boot or shoe, but the specific form of guides
shown, whereby the trimming knife or other channelling tool is guided by the
crease along the shank portion, and by the last around the fore-part, is, we consider,
a preferable form to employ.
This fore-part or last guide, while very desirable, may be omitted, and in such
case the work-support a used as the crease guide all round the shoe, or the portion
which is being trimmed, or trimmed and channelled.
It is also very desirable to vary the distance from the edge of the sole that the
channel shall be cut, as for instance it is deemed best to cut the channel nearer the
edge along the fore-part than along the shank portion, and hence the channel knife
holder is made vertically adjustable.
In carrying out this part of our invention the channel knife holder is coinciden-
tally raised just as the fore-part or last guide is depressed, and hence we have
connected the vertical adjusting devices of said channel knife holder, with the
operating mechanism of said fore-part or last guide, that they may operate in
unison.
Referring to Figure 27, a simple way of raising the channel knife holder is
shown.
The knife holder is arranged between vertical side plates n secured to the end of
the rearwardly sliding block b, said plates being arranged to present a vertical
dovetailed guide-way, and the channel knife holder has a dovetailed block n¹
fitting said guideway, which is provided on its rear side with a series of rack
teeth 2, engaged by a toothed sector 23 secured to a short shaft n having its
bearings in the block 64, and to said short shaft a crank arm n is secured extending
rearwardly which is connected to the pivoted arm f', by a spring 2, and also by a
link or pin n', the latter being connected at both ends by ball and socket joints or
other loose connections.
It will be observed that whenever the arm is depressed the crank arm n
will be correspondingly moved, thereby rocking the shaft n' and raising the channel
knife holder.
By means of the loose connections shown whereby the crank arm no is connected
with the arm, the block 6+ carrying the channel knife holder may be moved
rearwardly as desired.
We do not limit our invention to the particular way herein shown for raising
the channel knife holder, or to connecting the adjusting devices thereof with the
fore-part guide, as it is obvious that it may be otherwise operated.
Many of the features herein shown and described are as applicable to machines
for channelling or trimming soles as for machines having both kinds of tools,
and-also-are-applicable-to-machines-having-other-tools-for-acting-or-operating-upon
the-soles-of-boots-and-shees:
We also herein desire to automatically control the movable guide, so that its
relative position to the knife or knives may be determined, and we have herein
selected the "last" guide f, as the guide to be moved during the act of trimming
and channelling the sole, so as to vary its position relative to the trimming and
channelling knives, because as the machine is herein constructed and arranged this

page_text: is the guide which is brought into operation at that part of the shoe where it is
desired to vary the width of the projecting portion of the sole.
In other trimming, or trimming and channelling machines wherein but one guide
is employed, which acts around both the shank and fore-part of the boot or shoe,
our improvements to be described are made to act upon or work in conjunction
with such guide, whether the guide acts in the crease or against the upper drawn
over the last.
The guide arm f has an upward extension f12 bearing a cam roll f3, and has also
at its upper end a latch f, movable obliquely in suitable bearings provided for it.
This latch is herein shown as a pin, having a bevelled lower end, and a cross
piece or pin fat its upper end, and inside the bearing a spring encircles the pin,
the tendency of which is to depress it.
The upper end of the extension f12 is shouldered or cut away so that when the
pin f is depressed the cross piece f' enters said cut away portion, but when raised
or withdrawn and given a quarter turn the cross piece 7" will rest upon the upper
end of the extension, holding the pin in its elevated position, and when the pin is
turned a further quarter of a revolution in either direction the cross piece f¹s again
enters the cut away portion, as the pin descends.
The rotary reciprocating knife-carrying hub or sleeve c² is extended as at e¹o, see
Figure 10 along the shaft 3, and upon said sleeve-like extension a notched collar
or rim n is placed, which is herein shown as formed with several lateral projec-
tions 10 upon one side, and a smooth reduced portion n¹ upon the other side of
its notched part.
Pieces of leather may be inserted between the projections n¹0 on the notched
collar n, and a clamping ring m provided, to embrace said projections and the
interposed pieces of leather, acting to frictionally bind the notched collar to the
rotary reciprocating sleeve elo
Another clamping ring m' embraces the smooth portion n¹² of the notched collar
which has formed on it a cam m².
The notched part nll of the collar is located beneath the latch fit, and the cam m²
beneath the can roll f³
The arm carrying the guide f is normally in its elevated position, and when it
is brought into operative position, to be used as the fore-part or last guide, the
cam roll fl will bear upon the cam m².
While the latch f remains in its elevated position the notched collar n¹¹ is not
engaged and the can roll f13 will rest idly upon the cam, and the relative position of
the guide f, and trimming and channelling knives, will remain the same, but as
soon as the latch is operated, its lower bevelled end enters the notches cut in the
part n, as shown in Figure 7, and as the sleeve e oscillates, the cam is
intermittingly rotated, until the stop m³ is brought up against the cam roll us
represented in Figure 8.
During the travel or progress of the cam m the guide f is automatically
gradually raised relatively to the trimming and channelling knives, so that the
projecting edge of the sole is gradually narrowed.
The shoe thus introduced, and referred to, is a left shoe, (Figure 2), and the
edge of the sole along the outside of the ball portion, is thus trimmed off and left
wider than around the toe and inside ball portion.
When trimming and channelling the "right" shoe (Figure 8) the work is
begun at the right left hand side, (i.e. the wearers left) as in the left shoe, and
while the latch f remains in its elevated position, to which it would have been
raised after the cam m² had arrived in the position in which it is shown in
Figure 8, the cam roll fi rests idly upon the cam m² at its highest part, see
Figure 9, but just after passing around the toe the latch + is turned in the opposite
way to that previously described, entering the notched collar with its bevelled
end turned in the opposite way, so that as the sleeve e" continues to oscillate the
cain is intermittingly moved in the opposite way, the cam roll following along the
gradually reduced portion of the cain, and the guide f automatically gradually
•

page_text: lowering relatively to the trimming and channelling knives, along the outside of
the ball portion of the shoe, until the stop m³ is brought up against the cam roll,
and the edge of the sole will at such time project widest from the upper.
At the beginning of the shank portion this fore-part or last guide is removed
from its engagement with the shoe, and the trimming and channelling operation
continued, the shoe being guided by the work-support or crease guide a
Thus the intermittent motion of the cam m2 is reversed for right and left
shoes, so that by employing a single cam both shoes may be trimmed, or trimmed
and channelled, in the peculiar style desired, leaving the wider projecting edge
of the sole along the outside of the ball portion in each shoe. It will be observed
that a cam constructed and arranged to be reversed, as herein described, acts both to
raise and lower the guide with relation to the knife, but we intend to include within
the spirit and scope of our invention any equivalent device or devices, by which the
guide and knives may be moved one with relation to the other while trimming or
trimming and channelling a sole, that the width of the projecting edge of the sole
may be varied, and particularly any device or devices acting upon, or in
conjunction with the guide, to raise or lower it with relation to the knives, to
accomplish the results specified.
As a simple and efficient means of operating the latch f4 we may employ the
following mechanism :-A rod p is arranged horizontally in bearings p' secured to
the framework, and to said red is affixed a finger p2, the upper side or face of
which is bevelled in opposite ways, and this finger projects towards the latch, but
is located beneath the cross piece or pin f when the latch is in its elevated
position, and is arranged to act upon said pin f5 as will be described.
The rod p is movable longitudinally in its bearings in order that the finger p²
may occupy a position with one or the other bevelled face directly beneath the
pin f
on the latch f, and said rod is also free to be turned or rocked that the
finger p2 may be lifted to permit the return of the pin.
A detent is pivoted to a stud 5 projecting from a part or arm p on the rod p,
but connected and movable longitudinally with said rod, said detent engaging a,
cut away plate w on the frame, when the rod is in its extreme left hand position
a spring u being connected to said detent to draw it in.
A spring encircles the rod p, and is connected at one end to the frame, and
at the other end to the finger p², or it may be the rod, the action of which is to move
the rod p and its attached finger p² toward the right whenever the detent w
disengages the plate w.
An arm is secured to the shaft of the guide arm f, which has a spring
pressed latch w at its upper end, which as the guide arın is depressed strikes and
disengages the detent w, to thereby allow the rod p to move toward the right.
The rod p and its attached parts are afterwards moved toward the left or
restored to their normal position by the operator pressing upon the knob wis.
Assuming the parts are in the position shown in Figures 5, 13, and 15, and the
operator desires to vary the width of the sole, he depresses the arm f¹, by means of
a treadle connected thereto, and in doing so the pin f strikes the right bevelled
face of the finger p², and moving along said face is lifted and also turned substantially
a quarter of a revolution, as shown in Figure 16, and the latch ws then strikes the
detent w, disengaging it from the plate w', and the spring pressed rod, thus
released, is moved towards the right, carrying with it the finger p2 which is fixed to
it, and the latter during its passage strikes the pin fs and turns it further to the
right so that it will fall into the cut away portion and at such time the latch f** is
thrown into engagement with the notched collar.
The guide actuating cam is then intermittingly turned.
It will be seen that the latch f! is thus automatically turned one way by the
act of depressing the guide arm.
The guide arın is then elevated upon releasing the treadle returning to the
position shown in Figure 1, the finger p² rising to allow the passage of the pin f";
the spring ws yields to permit this rise of the finger p³.

page_text: When operating on the next shoe of the pair the guide arm is again depressed
at the desired time, and the pin f" turned a quarter of a revolution by striking
and moving along upon the left bevelled face of the finger p², and then the rod p is
pushed toward the left by the operator striking upon the knob w, and during such
movement the finger bearing against the pin moves it sufficiently for the
latch f to again drop into engagement with the notched collar, and the detent w
will at such time be moved into engagement with the cut away plate w.
Thus it will be seen that the latch f" is reversed each time it is depressed, or
caused to engage the notched collar.
We do not desire, however, to limit our invention to this means of operating the
latch j
It-will-be-observed-that-a-eam
constructed-and-arranged-to-be-reversed;-as-herein
deseribed,-aets-both-to-raise-and-lower-the-guide-with-relation--to-the-knife,-but-we
intend-to inelude-within-the-spirit-and-scope-of-our-invention-any-equivalent-dev.ee
or-devices,-by-which-the-guide-and-knives-may-be-moved-one--with-relation--to-the
other-while-trimming-er-trimming--and-channelling--a--sole;-that-the-width-of-the
projecting-edge-of-the-sole-may-be-varied,-and-partieularly--any--device--or--devices
aeting-upon,-or-in-conjunction-with-the-guide,--to--raise-or-lower--it-with-relatien-to
the-knives,-to-accomplish-the-results-specified.
The rod p is capable of being turned in its bearings, and has secured to and pro-
jecting from it two short arms p, p, the arm po bearing the pin 5, and the arm p'
bearing a pin, and when the rod p is in proper position for the finger p² to co-
operate with the latch f" the pin pe bears against the support p¹, but whenever
desired the rod p may be oscillated, and the finger p² moved out of cooperative
relation with the latch f; and--at--such--time--the--pin--5--will-bear--against--the
support--w¹-
Whenever it is desired to use the machine without the cam or its equivalent
device, whereby the width of the projecting edge of the sole may be varied along
the fore-part, and yet so trim the sole that it will project a greater distance beyond
the last or in-seain around the fore-part than along the shank portion, the bevelled
faced finger will be moved its full distance toward the right, and then the first time
the last guide is depressed the pin on the latch fit will strike the left bevelled face
of the finger, and be thereby turned a quarter of a revolution, at such time resting
upon the upper end of the bearing or frame, and it will remain in such position
until the rod p is positively moved by the operator striking the knob on the end of
the rod, and hence whenever it is so desired to use the machine the operator permits
the latch to continuously remain in this position. To cause the pin fis on the latch
f" to project towards the right of an observer of Figure 5 as is requisite for the pur-
poses set forth in the foregoing statement if it happens to project towards the left, the
arm f is operated; this will cause the pin on the latch to be rotated with the latch
through two quarters of a revolution in the manner hereinbefore described.
The last guide fis or may be made adjustable, as for instance, it may be con-
nected to the arm f by a set screw passing through a slot cut in the part f, so that
said part may be raised or lowered as desired, in order that the width of the
projecting edge of the sole around the fore-part may be more or less as desired,
although in such case such width is the same all around the fore-part, yet greater
than along the shank portion, and this adjustability of the last guide also forms a
part of our present invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In a machine for trimming or chunnelling or for both trimming and channel-
liny operating-apen the soles of boots and shoes, two independent guides, one
working along the shank portion and the other around the fore-part, substantially
as described.
2. In a machine for trimming or channelling or for both trimming and channel.

page_text: 'bang operating-upen the soles of boots and shoes, & shank guide working along the
shank portion, and an independent fore-part guide normally held out of engagement
with the boot or shoe, and ineans for bringing it into engagement with the boot or
shoe around the fore-part, substantially as described.
:
3. In-a-sole-trimming-machine, a trimming knife, and two-sneeessively operating
guides--therefor;--one--working--in-the---erease--along-the-shank-portions,-and-the
other-against-the-upper-drawn-over-the-last-around-the-fore--part--whereby-as-the
sole-is-trimmed-the-knife-is-guided-by-the-in-seam-or-crease-along the shank portion;
and-by-the-last-around-the-fore-part.
4. In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a-trimming knife;--e--stationary-erease--guide
whieh-enters-the-in-seam-or-erease-along--the--shank--portion,--and-a-movable-last
guide, which-when-brought-into-contact-with-the-upper-drawn-over-the-last-moves
the-boot or-shoe-more-or-less-away-from-the-erease-guide,--and--serves-to-guide-the
knife-by-the-last-around-the-tera-part;-said-guides-working--successively-around-the
beet-er-shoe-as-the-sole-is-trimmed.
5. In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a trimming knife,--a--stationary-crease--guide
which-enters-the-in-seam-or-erease-along the--shank--portion,-and--a--movable--inst
guide, which-when-brought-into-contact-with--the-upper-drawn-over-the-last-moves
the-boot-or-shee-more-or-less-away-from-the-erease--guide,--and--serves-to-guide-the
knife-by-the-last-around-the-fore-part,-said-guides working--successively-around-the
boot-or-shoe-as-the-sole-is trimmed,-and-a-treadle-connected-with-said-morable-last
guide:
6. In-a-sole-channelling--machine;----channelling--knife--and--two-snesessively
operating-guides-therefor,-one-working-in-the-orease--along--the-shank-portion,-and
the-other-against-the-upper-drawn-over-the-last-around-the-fore-part-whereby-as
the-sole-is-channelled-the-knife is-guided-by-the-in-seam-or-erease-along-the-shank
portion,-and-by-the-last-around--the-fore-part.
7. In-a-sele-channelling-machine,-a-channelling knife;-a-stationary-erease-guide
which-enters-the-in-seam-or-erease--along--the--shank--portion-and-a-movable-last
guide,-which-when-brought into-contact with the-upper--drawn--over-the-last-moves
the-boot-or-shoe-more-or-less-away-from-the--erease--guide--and--serves-to-guide-the
knife-by-the-last-around-the-fore-part;-said--guides-working-sneeessively-around-the
boot-or-shee-as-the-sole-is--channelled.
8. In-a-cole-channelling-machine;-a-channelling knife;-a-stationary-erease-guide
which-enters-the-in-seam-or-erease-along-the--shank--portion;--and--a-movable--last
guide;-which-when-brought-into-contest-with-the-upper-drawn--over-the-last-moves
the-boot-or-shoe-more-or-less-away-from-the-orease-guide-and-serves--to-guide--the
knife-by-the-last-around-the-tore-part,-said-guides-working-sneeessively-around-the
boot-or-shoe as the-sole-is-channelled;-and-a-treadle--eenneeted--with--said-movable
tore-part-guide.
8. 9. In a sole channelling and trimming machine, a channelling and a trimming
knife, and two successively operating guides therefor, one working in the creaso
along the shank portion, and the other against the upper drawn over the last around
the fore-part, whereby as the sole is trimmed and channelled the knives are guided
by the in-seam or crease along the shank portion, and by the last around the
fore-part.
10
Ine-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles-of-boots-and-shoes,-the-combine-
tion-of-a-work-support,-at-the-welt-side-of-the-sole;-a-four--motion-plate-also-acting
upon-the-welt-side-of-the-sole;-a-vibrating-sole-support-acting-against-the-bottom-of
the-sole-and-co-operating-with-the-four-motioned plate--to--feed-along-the-sole-while
held-against-the-work-support--substantially--as--deseribed.
11. In-a-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles--of--boots-and-shoes-a-vibrating
sole-support, having-at-its-forward-end-a-roller-turning-on-a-vertical-axis, and-a-for
motion-feeding-plate-acting-intermittingly-upon-the-welt-at-the--opposite--side--of
the-sole.
12. In-e-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles-of--boots-and-shoes;-reeiproenting
elamp-feeding mechanism-consisting-of-a-solo-support--having-a-roller;-adapted-to

page_text: bear-against-one-side-of-the-work, and a-feeding-plate-adapted-to-bear-against-the
opposite-side,-and-a-guide.
13. In-a-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles-of-boots-and-shoes,-a-yielding
oscillating-arm-acting-as-a-sole--support,-and-a-four--motion--plate--acting-inter-
mittingly-upon-the-welt-at-the opposite-side-of-the-sole.
14. In-a-machine-for-operating-upon--the-soles-of---boots-and-shoes,-a-yielding
oscillating-arm-having-a-roller-at-its-forward-end-turning-on-a-vertical-axis-and-a
feeding-plate-acting-intermittingly-upon-the--welt--at--the
eo-operating-with-said-arm-to-feed-along-the--material.
opposite-side-of-the-sole,
4. 15. In a machine for trimming or channelling or for both trimming and channel-
ling operating-upen the soles of boots and shoes, a vibrating rearwardly movable
sole-support acting upon one side of the sole, and a plate acting intermittingly upon
the other side, a treadle and intermediate connections between said treadle and
vibrating sole-support for moving it rearwardly, arranged and operating sub-
stantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
5. 16. In a machine for trimming or channelling or for both trimming and channel-
ling operating-upen the soles of hoots and shoes, a rearwardly sliding vibrating sole-
support acting upon one side of the sole, and a reciprocating plate acting upon the
other side thereof, arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
17. In-a machine- for-operating--upon--the--soles--of--boots--and-shoes,-e-spring
pressed vibrating-sole-sapport; a-work--support--or--guide,--and--an--intermittingly
aeting-feeding-plate.
6. 18. In a machine for operating-apen channelling and trimming the soles of
boots and shoes, while on the last, the combination with channelling and trimming
knives of a vibrating spring-pressed sole-support, acting upon the bottom one-side of
the sole, and a work-support and plate an unyieldingly-supported cutting-block for
the trimming knife movable one with relation to the other, and acting alternately
upon the welt ether-side to hold and assist in feeding the work.
10. In-a-sole-channelling-machine;-means--for--holding-and-feeling--the-boot-or
shoe-the-channelling--knife b--its--holder,--raek--n'--seeured--to-the--holder,-tooth
seeter-n³-arm-n³-seeured-to-the-shaft-of-said--sector;--and--means--for--moving-said
arm-to-thereby vertically-move-the-channelling knife to--eut-the--channel--more--or
less-distant-from-the-edge.
guide.
20. In-a-channelling machine, n-channel-knife-and-means-for-holding-and-feeding
the-boot-or-shee; a shank-guide-and-a-tore-part-guide,-adjusting devices-for-vertically
adjusting-the-channelling-knife-connected-with--the--operating--devices-of-said-last
21-n-a-channelling--machine--a--rearwardly--sliding--channel--knife--holder; a
ehannelling-knife;-and-means-for-holding-and-feeding-the-sole;-a-shank-guide-and-a
the-means-employed-for-operating-the-last-guide,-substantially-as-deseribed.
fore-part-guide;-and-mans-for-moving-the-channelling
knife;-loosely-connected-with
7.99. Iu a channelling machine, a channel knife and a guide movable toward and
from each other, and adjusting devices for adjusting said channel knife toward and
from the guide, connected with the means employed for moving said guide toward
and from the channel knife, substantially as and for the purpose described.
23. In-a-channelling-machine-a-channel-knife-and-a-guide-movable-toward-and
from-each other,-an-operating-device-for-said-guide,-moving-it-toward-and-from-the
channel-knife;-und-adjusting-devices-for-adjusting-said-channel--knife--toward--and
from-the-guide-connected-with-and--operated--by--the-means-employed-for-moving
said-guide,-substantially-as-deseribed.
8. 24. In a trimming and channelling machine, a trimming knife, a guide freely
inovable with relation to the trimming knife during the trimming operation, and a
channel knife, and adjusting devices therefor connected with the means employed
for inoving said guide, substantially as described.

page_text: 9. 25. In a channelling machine, a combined vibrating sole-support and a channel-
knife holder at one side of the work, a work-support or guide, and an intermittingly
acting plate at the other side of the work, substantially as described.
10. 26. In a sole channelling machine, a sole-support, consisting of the vertical
post 62, recessed at its upper end, and a rollers thereon, enclosing the upper
recessed end, and a block bi fitting said recess, and secured to the post, and having
a channelling knife.
27.
In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a-work-support-or-guide-a-spring-pressed-sole
supports-an-intermittingly-moving-entting-block-and-a-vibrating-trimming-knife.
11. 28. In a machine for trimming or channelling or for both trimming and
channelling operating-upon the soles of boots and shoes, a work-support, a movable
sole-support, a plate which acts in conjunction with the sole support to feed along
the shoe, and which also serves as a cutting block, located between the outside
bearing points of the work-support, and a vibrating trimming knife movable toward
and from the cutting block, each arranged and operating with relation to the others
substantially as described.
12. 29. In a machine for channelling and trimming the soles of boots and shoes,
the combination of a guide against which the work is pressed, bearing upon the
welt side of the sole, a movable sole support carrying a channelling knife, a plate at
the welt side of the sole acting in conjunction with said sole support to feed along
the work, which also serves as a cutting block, and a vibrating trimming knife
acting against said cutting block, each arranged and operating with relation to the
others substantially as described.
30. In-a-machine-for-channelling and-trimming-the-soles-of-boots-and-shoes, the
combination-of-a-work-support-or-guide,-at-the-welt-side-of-the-sole;-a-movable-sole
support-at-the-opposite side-of-the-sole-earrying the channelling knife,-a-plate-acting
upon-the-welt-side-of-the-sole-and-in-conjunction-with-the-sole-support-to-feed along
the-shee,-suid-plate-also-serving-as--a--entting--block,-a--vibrating--trimming-knife
eeting-against-said-entting-block;-the-channel-being-ent-upon-the-return-movement
of the-sole-support-and-during-the-trimming-operation.
31. In-a-machine-for-trimming-and--channelling--the--soles-of--lasted-boots-and
shoes,-the-combination-of-a-channelling-knife;-a-trimming-knife;-and-a-guide-freely
movable-with-relation-to-said knives-during-the-trimming and channelling operation,
to-positively-move-the-work-with-relation-to--the-trimming-and-channelling-knives,
while-the-channelling-knife-is-in-the-sole,-and--thereby--varying--the--distance-from
the-last-that-the-trimming-knife-shell-trim--the--sole;--and--an--independent--elamp
feeding-device,-substantially-as-described.
13. 32. In a machine for trimming or channelling or for both trimming und
channelling operating-upon the soles of lasted boots and shoes, the combination of
a trimming knife, and a guide one of which parts is freely movable with relation to
the other during the trimming operation, to vary the width of the projecting edge
of the sole, a channel knife and its support, and ineans for moving it toward and
from the trimming knife during the trimming operation, substantially as described.
33. In-a-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles--of-boots-and-shoes,-the-combine-
tion-of-an-intermittingly-neting-sole-support--at--the--bottom--of-the-sole;-an-inter-
mittingly-acting-feeding-plate-at-the-welt-side-of-the-sole,-and-a-work-support-also
at-the-welt-side-of-the-sole-whieh co-operates-with-the-sole-support-to-held-the-work
while-the-feeding-plate-returns-substantially-as-described.
34. In-a-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles-of-boots-and-shoes,-elamp-feeding
mechanism-and-means-for-operating-it--to--engage-and--feed--along--the--work-and
return;-and-a-work-support-for-co-operating-with-one-member-of-said-clamp-feeding
mechanism-to-hold-the-work-while-the-other-member-thereof returns, substantially
as-described:
14. 35. In a machine for trimming or channelling or for both trimming and
channelling operating-upon the soles of boots and shoes, clamp feeding mechanism
having an intermittingly movable feeding plate at the welt side of the sole, com-
bined with a work support crossing the lower end of said feeding plate, and

page_text: presenting bearing points beyond the limit of motion of said feeding plate, substan-
tially as described.
39. In-a-machine-for--operating--upon--the--soles--of--boots--and--shoes,-a-work
support, combined-with-independent--elamp--feeding--mechanism-acting-within-the
outside-bearing-points-of-said-work-support, substantially-as-deseribed.
37 In-a-machine-for-operating--upon--the--soles--of-boots-and--shoes--a-work
support-elamp-feeding-mechanism-aeting within-the--outside-bearing-points-of-said
work support,-a-sole-trimming-knife-moving-to-and-fro--substantially--in--line-with
substantially-in-line--with--the--centre--of--said--work--support,--substantially--as
the-centre-of-said-work-support, and-acting--against--e--eutting-block--also-located
described.
38. In-a-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles-of--lasted--boots-and--shoes,-the
combination-of-a-trimming-knife-and-a-guide,-one-of-which-parts-is-freely-movable
with-relation-to-the-other-during-the-trimming-operation, to-vary the-distance from
the-last-that-the-trimming-knife-shall-trim-the-sole,-substantially-as-described.
39. In-a-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles of lasted-boots-and-shoes, the combi-
nation of a trimming knife;-and-a-guide-freely-movable-with relation-thereto, during
the-trimming-operation,-to-hold--the-work in-different-positions-with-relation-to-the
trimming-knife-and-thereby-vary-the-distance-from-the-last-that-the trimming knife
shall-trim-the-sole, substantially-as-described.
15. 40. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor,
and automatic means for automatically varying the relative positions of the knife
and guide during the trimming operation-, for the purpose described.
16. 41. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor
and a reversible cam for automatically varying the relative positions of the guide
and trimming knife during the trimming operation.
17. 42. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, a guide support
and a guide-actuating cam for automatically moving the guide relatively to the
knife during the trimming operation.
18. 43. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor,
and an intermittingly operated cam for automatically varying the relative positions
of the guide and trimming knife during the trimming operation.
44 In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a-trimming--knife;-e--guide,--support-therefor,
and-an-intermittingly-operated-reversible-cam-for-automatically varying the-relative
positions-of-the-guide-and-trimming knife--during-the-trimming-operation.
46 In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a-trimming-knite,-the-work-support-and-erease
guide-a, the last-guide fmovable-into-and-out-of-operative-position,-and-mechanism
for-varying-the-relative-positions-of-the-last-guide-f-and-knife-during-the-trimming
operation.
eam-m².
46. In-a-sole-trimming machine; the-guide-f-its-support,-and-a-guide-actuating
47. In a sole trimming machine, the-guide,--its-support--and--reversible-guide
eetnating-cam-m².
19. 4. In a sole trimming and channelling machine, sole trimming and channel-
ling knives, a guide at the welt side of the sole, support therefor, and automatic
means for automatically varying the relative positions of the guide, and the trim-
ming and channelling knives, during the trimming and channelling operation:, for
the purpose described.
40. In-a sole trimming and channelling machine, a trimming knife;-a-channelling
knife,-a-guide-at-the-welt-side-of-the-sole,--support-therefor, and-a-reversible-guide
aetnating-cam-acting-to-vary-the-relative-positions-of-the-guide-and-trimming-and
ehannelling knives during the-trimming-and-channelling-operation.
50. In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a-trimming knife-and-guide, support therefor,
and-means-for-automatically--varying--their--relative--positions,--consisting-of-the
reversible guide--aetuating-cam-m', lateh-f-bevelled-feed-finger-p²,-and-lengi-
tudinally movable-rod-p.
61. In-a-sole trimming-machine;-a-knife-and-guide, support therefor, a reversible

page_text: guide-aetuating-cam-acting-automatically-to-rary-the-relative positions-of-the-guide
and-knife,-means-for-rotating--said--eam intermittingly,--thrown--into-action--auto-
matically-when-turning-the-eam-one-way,-and--mannally-when-turning-it-the-other,
substantially-as-described.
52 In-a-sole-trimming-machine, a knife-and-guide-support-therefor,-a-reversible
guide-aetuating-cam-acting-to-vary-the--relative--positions-of--the-guide--and-knife,
notched-collar-n",-lateh-f",-and-means-for--reversing--said--latch--each--time--it--is
thrown-into-engagement-with-the-notehed-collar,-substantially-as-described.
53. In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a-trimming knife, a--guide,-and-an-automatio
lifting-device-for-one-of-said-parts, whereby their relative-positions-is-varied:
54. In-a-cole-trimming-machine,-a--trimming--knife,-a-guide,-and-an-automatio
lowering-device-for-one-of-said-parts, whereby-their-relative positions-is-varied.
55. In a sole-trimming machine,-a-trimming-knife,-u-guide,-and-support therefor.
and-an-automatie-lifting-device-for-said-guide.
56. In-a-sole trimming machine, a trimming knife;-a-guide;-and-support therefor,
and-an-automatie-lowering-device-for-said-guide.
57. In-a-sole trimming-and--channelling--machine,--trimmins--and--channelling
knives,-a--guide--and--support--therefor,--and--an--antomatie-lifting-device-for-said
guide.
58.
In-a-sole-trimming-machine-trimming-and-channelling-knives;-&-guide-and
In--a--sole--trimming--machine,--a--knife--and--guide,-and-movable-support
theretor,-the-guide-aetuating-eam-m-and-lateh,--the--finger--p-and-the-rotatable
support-therefor,-and-an-automatie-lowering-device-for-said-guide.
60.
rod-p;-having-steps-to-hold-it-in-one-or-its-other-position.
20. 60. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a crease guide, and an
adjustable last or fore-part guide, said guides working successively around the shoe,
to guide the knife along the shank and fore-part.
61. In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a-trimming
knife,--a-guide,--support-therefor,
and-means,-as-a-treadle-conneeted-with-the-guide;--for--moving-it-into--and--out--of
operative-position,-and-a-guide-actuating-cam--for--automatically-moving--the-guide
to--the--knife;--while-held--in--its--operative--position,--substantially--as
relatively
described.
21. 62. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor,
and means, as a treadle connected with the guide, for moving it into and out of
operative position, and automatic means, for automatically varying the relative
positions of the knife aud guide during the trimming operation, substantially as
described.
63. In-a-cole-trimming-machine,-a-trimming-knife, a--guide,--support-therefor
and-means--as a-treadle-conneeted-with--the--guide,--for-moving-it-into-and--out--ef
operative--position;--and--a--reversible--eam--for--automatically-varying-the-relative
positions-of-the-guide-and-trimming-knife--during--the-trimming--operation, -sub-
stantially-as-described.
64 In-e-sole-trimming-machine--a-trimming--knife,-a-guide-support therefor
and-means,-as-a-treadle, connected-with--the-guide; for-moving it--into--and--out--of
operative-position,-and-an-automatie-supplementary--lifting--device--for-said-guide,
substantially-as-described.
65. In-a-sole-trimming-machine,-a-trimming knife,-a--guide,--support-therefor,
and-means,-as-a-treadle,--connected--with--the--guide,-for-moving-it-into-and-out-of
operative-position,-and-an-automatie--supplementary-lowering-device-for-said-guide,
substantially-as-described.
22. 66. The combination of a channelling knife, a guide, support therefor, and
automatic means for varying the relative positions of said channelling knife and
guide, substantially as described.
67. The combination-with-a-channelling knife, -a-guide,-support therefor, and-a
guide-aetuating-cam-for--automatically--moving--the-guide--with--relation--to--the
ehannelling-knife, substantially-as-described.
23. 68. The combination of a channelling knife, crease guide a, last guide f,

page_text: movable into and out of operative position, and mechanism for varying the relative
positions of the last guide and channelling knife during the channelling operation,.
substantially as described.
60. In-a--machine--for--operating-apon--the-soles-of-lasted-boots-and-shoes, the
combination-of-feeding-mechanism, a-trimming knife;-and-a-guide-acting-externally.
upon-the-lasted-boot-or-shoe, which is freely-movable-transversely-to-the-direction
of-the-feed,--and--means--for--actuating--said--guide--during--the--operation--of-the
machine, substantially-as-described.
70. In-a-machine-for-operating-upon-the-soles-of--lasted--boots--and-shoes,-the-
combination-of-feeding mechanism, a-trimming-knife-and-a-channelling-knife,-and-a
guide-acting-externally upon the lasted-boot-or-shoe,-which-is-freely-movable-trans-
versely-to-the-direction-of-the-feed-and-means-for-netnating-said-guide-during-the
operation-of-the-machine,-substantially-as-described.]
Dated this 15th day of February 1806
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.
Agents for the Applicants.

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Feb.. 1896-Accepted, 2nd May, 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines chiefly designed for Trimming and
Channelling the Soles of Boots and Shoes.
We, ZACHARY TAYLOR FRENCH, of Waban Street, and WILLIAM CRISTIAN
MEYER, of Peter Parley Road, both of Boston, Massachusetts, United States of
America, 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 :-
This invention relates to a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and
shoes, having more particular reference to machines designed for either trimming
or channelling the soles of welted boots and shoes, or for both trimming and
channelling said soles, when upon the last.
One of the essential objects of this invention is to provide means whereby
the sole may be trimmed at different distances from the last or in-sea n, that the
sole edge may project a short distance along the shank portions, and a greater
distance along the fore-part, producing what is commonly termed a "Scotch "
edge; and another essential object is to channel a "Scotch " edged sole.
In producing the variation thus required for the projecting edge of the sole, we
employ two independent guides, one working along the shank portions, and the
other working along the fore part, they operating successively around the boot or
shoe, as it is trimmed or channelled or both.
The shank guide may be made stationary, and the fore-part guide movable, and
when so constructed the shank-guide may, if desired, serve as a work-support, while
the fore-part guide, when brought into use, may move the boot or shoe more or
less away from the shank guide, and such movement of the fore-part guide may
be gradually performed, so as to avoid any abrupt formations, between the shank
and fore-part.
In the manner in which we have herein seen fit to carry out our invention, the
shank guide is shaped to enter the crease or in-seam, and the fore-part guide is
shaped to bear against the upper drawn over the last, near to but not entering the
crease, so that the shank guide acts as a crease guide, and the fore-part guide as a
last-guide.
We desire to hold the boot or shoe edgwise, and therefore the guides are disposed
in such manner that this may be done.
Feeding mechanism is provided for feeding along the boot or shoe, and the
construction herein described also forms a part of our invention.
The channelling knife is made to reciprocate or act intermittingly in cutting its
channel, and is also made vertically movable in order that the channel may be cut
more or less distant from the edge of the sole.
As such variation is desirable between the shank and fore-part of the sole, we
preferably connect the means employed for vertically moving the channel knife,
with the operating mechanism of the fore-part or last-guide, that they may act
simultaneously.
The trimming knife is arranged to vibrate or oscillate in a direction toward and
from the operator, acting upon the bottom of the sole, and in co-operation with, or
against a cutting block, which is located upon the other or welt side of the sole,
said block being firmly held or supported so to resist the pressure of the knife,
and having a plain face against which the cutting edge of the knife acts to prevent
the formation of a ragged edge.

page_text: This cutting block is herein represented as forming a co-operative part of the
feeding mechanism.
In addition to the above essential features our invention comprehends means for
automatically varying the relative positions of the trimming knife or channelling
knife or both, and the guide. As a simple and effective way of obtaining this
variation in the relative positions of the parts at the point desired, we may employ
a cam, with suitable mechanism to bring it into operation at the desired time, and
this cam is or may be arranged to act upon the guide support or other part to
which the guide is connected, or which is connected in any manner with the guide
to thereby automatically move the guide, so as to cause the trimming knife to trim
off the edge of the sole at a greater or less distance from the upper, such distance
being automatically varied by said cam during the trimming operation or progress
of the work, and so as to cause the channelling knife to cut the channel at a greater
or less distance from the line of the last, or in-seam.
In the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1, shows a right hand side elevation of a sole trimming and channelling
machine embodying our invention, the parts being in the normal position of rest.
Figures 2 and 3, views of right and left soles.
Figure 4, a detail of the lifting device for the latch or pawl, which forms a
co-operative part of the automatic mechanism for controlling the operation of the
guide.
Figure 5, a front view of a portion of the machine shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6, a left hand side view of the machine shown in Figure 1, the base
and some of the adjacent parts being broken away.
Figure 7, a detail showing the relative positions of the knife and guide, at
the junction of the shank and outside ball portion of the left shoe, together with
the mechanism for varying their relative positions.
Figure 8, a similar detail showing the relative positions of the knife and guide,
at the forward end of the outside ball portion of a left shoe.
Figure 9, a similar detail showing particularly the reversed position of the
latch or pawl which engages the notched collar or hub, the cam being in the
position it will occupy when at the forward end of the outside ball portion of a
right shoe.
Figure 10, a sectional detail showing the cam and notched collar or hub, and
rotary reciprocating knife-carrying arm.
Figures 11 and 12, details of the notched collar or hub.
Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16, details of the latch controlling mechanism to be
referred to.
Figure 17, shows a left hand side elevation of the channelling and trimming
machine shown in Figure 1, the automatic mechanism for the guide being removed
for clearness.
Figure 18, is a detail showing in plan view the work support or shank or crease
guide, and a co-operative part of the feeding mechanism and adjacent parts.
Figure 19, a detail showing the shank guide in engagement with the shoe.
Figure 20, a detail showing the fore-part guide in engagement with the shoe.
Figure 21, a detail of the shank guide and a co-operative part of the feeding
mechanism.
Figure 22, shows a front view of the machine shown in Figure 17.
Figures 23 and 24, details of the channel knife holder.
Figures 25 and 26, details of one of the feeding jaws.
Figure 27, a detail of the means for raising the channelling knife.
Figure 28, a detail of the trimming knife holder,
Figure 29, a detail of the trimming knife, and
Figure 30 is another detail of the trimming knife holder.
The main framework is of suitable construction to support the operating parts.
The boot or shoe to be channelled or trimmed or both, is held up edgewise
against a guide or work-support a, which is made with a tapering end, adapted

page_text: to enter the usual crease or in-seam between the welt and upper, said guide being
herein represented as a bale-shaped piece of metal secured to and depending from
the extremity of a skeleton or two-armed bracket a¹, which is secured to the base
plate A of the frame-work.
As the function of this part a, to serve as a guide, is utilized along the shank
portion only, it may be referred to as a shank-guide.
The channelling knife b, see Figures 23 and 24, is formed upon or projects from
a block &', made substantially semicircular in shape, and secured in a recess formed
in the upper end of a vertical pin or post, depending from a plate 63, which is
screwed or otherwise secured to a rearwardly sliding or yielding holder b*.
As a preferable way of securing this block b' in place we have cut away or
grooved horizontally the vertical side wall of the recess which is formed in the
upper end of the post, and have provided the inner or flat face of the block 6'
with a horizontal projection 2 which enters said groove, and a set screw, see
dotted lines Figure 23, passes transversely through the upper end of the post b³,
entering a threaded hole 3 formed in the block b
An anti-friction roller 6 is mounted to turn freely upon the vertical post or
pin 2, it being held thereon by a nut be, or otherwise.
The upper end of the post, together with the block b, forms a head
which is larger in diameter than the lower part or shank of the post, and the
upper end 4 of the anti-friction roller is bored to receive said enlarged head,
so that the block 6' is enclosed or concealed by the upper end of the antifriction
roller.
This anti-friction roller serves as a support against which the bottom of the
sole to be operated upon bears, and therefore may be referred to as a sole-
support.
The anti-friction roller is preferably circumferentially concaved below the flat
portiou 4, to permit the boot or shoe to be tipped a certain degree if desired.
The anti-friction roller may be omitted, in which case the post may be formed to
serve as the scle-support, but its employment is by far preferable.
The sliding tool-carrying block or holder 6 has a dove-tailed groove b² in its
upper side, see Figure 18, which receives a dove-tailed block 68, secured to an
arm 6, pivoted at 60 to the base plate, and swinging in a horizontal plane.
At the rear end of the dove-tailed block & a cross piece 612 is secured, against
the rear side of which, at each end, a strong spiral spring 613 bears the opposite or
rear ends of said springs being connected with adjusting screws 6, turning in
suitable ears 615 projecting from each side of the hub of the arm .
The cross piece is pressed forward by the springs so that it bears against
the rear end of the block &, thus limiting its forward movement.
The springs 6 yield as pressure is exerted upon or against, the anti-friction
roller , or when the tool-carrying block is otherwise moved rearwardly, by
means to be described.
Rearward movement of the tool-carrying block 4 is necessary for the purpose
of introducing the work, between it and the work-support or guide a, and the
springs are employed to press said tool-carrying block forward, that it may hold
the work against the work-support or guide, or against any other part that may
be brought into engagement with the welt, at the welt side of the sole.
Spring pressure is preferred for the reason that it permits the parts to
automatically adjust themselves for different thicknesses of soles.
The sliding tool-carrying block has projecting laterally from it a lug 620, which
is engaged by a crank arm c, see Figures 18 and 22, projecting from a shaft c', see
Figure 1, having its bearings in the framework, said shaft being supplied at its
outer end with another crank arm c² which is connected by a chain or otherwise
with a treadle (not shown), so that by depressing said treadle the slide block b* will
be moved rearwardly with its channelling knife, for the insertion of the work to
be done.
As this yielding block bears against the bottom of the sole, it is designed to,

page_text: utilize it as a co-operative part of the feeding mechanism for the boot or shoe, and
as one way of carrying out this result the arm is vibrated in a horizontal plane,
oscillating on the pivot pin 610, rising from the base plate.
A pin see Figure 17 rises vertically from the top of the arm 69, which enters
a cam groove formed in the pulley or hub B, secured to the main shaft C, and
as said pulley or bub revolves, the pin 1 following said groove 6" causes the
arm 6 to vibrate on the pivot b¹º.
As the arm is thus swung back and forth, the sole-support being spring
pressed, is caused or permitted to move back and forth in a straight line.
To complete the feeding mechanism a plate d, made tapering towards its lower
end, and having a substantially flat inner face, is adapted to bear upon or against
the welt or welt side of the sole, opposite the anti-friction roller 65, said plate
being rigidly secured to or formed integral with an arm d', projecting from a
hub d mounted upon a rod or shaft d³, which has two rearwardly extended
projections or arms d*, d³.
The arm d' enters a cam groove 625 in the pulley or hub B, and as the latter is
revolved a longitudinal reciprocating movement is imparted to the hub d, and the
arm has a laterally extended pin dx which enters another cam groove 630 Fig. 1,
in the pulley or hub B, and as the latter revolves the hub is rocked or reciprocated
axially on its support d³.
This mechanism, or some equivalent mechanism, which may be provided in lieu
thereof, gives to the plate da lateral and an "in and out' movement, or what is
ordinarily termed a four-motion movement.
The operation of the feeding devices in feeding along the shoe are as follows:-
the sole and welt, held edgewise, are introduced between, the roller which is
adapted to bear against the bottom of the sole, and the work-support a, and plate d
adapted to operate upon the welt side.
If the plate d is in its forward position, the work will be held stationary by and
between the roller and work-support a.
Suppose the plate d to be at the extreme right, it is then brought into
engagement with the welt, so that the work is then clamped between the plate d
and roller .
The plate d and roller are then moved together their full distance toward the
left, carrying the work along with them, then the plate d is moved out of engage-
ment with the welt, leaving the work to be held by and between the roller 65 and
work-support a, aud while the work is so held the plate d moves toward the right,
and while acting in conjunction with the trimming knife e, to be described, or other
part to hold the work the roller 6 moves its full distance toward the right, so that
when the plate d again engages the welt, a new grip is obtained, that the operation
may be repeated, and the work thereby fed along intermittingly.
It will be observed that the work support a and plate d, act alternately upon the
welt, one being stationary and the other movable, but so far as our invention is
concerned we desire it to be understood that we do not limit our invention as to
which of the parts move, as it is obvious that the part a could be made movable in
the same manner as the part d, and the part d made stationary.
We prefer a stationary work-support as it serves as a fixed point against which
the operator may hold the work.
To trim the edge of the sole a vibrating or oscillating knife e is provided, shown
as attached to an arm el projecting from a hub e, mounted upon the rod or shaft d
and an eccentric disk e on the main shaft C has its strap et connected by a link e
with said arm el, being employed as a means of vibrating said arm to thereby
oscillate the knite.
The knife e is made trough shaped, sharpened at the end, and provided with a
dove-tailed shank, see Figure 29, which fits a dove-tailed groove or recess in a
slitted block el which is secured to the arm el, a clamping screw el being provided
for drawing the slitted portion of said block together to securely bind the knife
in place.

page_text: The knife works against the bottom of the sole, and as herein represented, toward
and from the operator, and in order that it may penetrate the material a substantial
support is required for the opposite or welt side of the sole, and to provide such a
support, without increasing the number of parts, and thereby complicating the
construction of the machine, we have constructed and arranged the cam which
rocks the hub d2 of the clamping or feeding plate d, so that during the return
movement of said plate d from left to right it will be brought into engagement
with the welt at the welt side of the sole, just opposite the trimming knife, and
there held for a short interval of time, to thus firmly support the sole at such point
while the knife cuts the material.
Hence it will be seen that the plate d, in addition to serving as a co-operative
part of the feeding mechanism, also serves as a cutting block, or solid foundation
to resist the pressure or thrust of the knife.
The plate d is made with a plain or smooth face against which the cutting edge
of the knife acts, so as to ensure a smooth or clean cut, for when the cutting
edge of the kuite enters a slot a ragged edge is produced.
The operation or movement of the parts in channelling and trimming is as
follows:-
The plate d, and roller , or its equivalent, being operated upon by their
respective cams, are moved from right to left together, as before stated, the sole
and welt being clamped or held between them, then the plate d is moved out a short
distance, disengaging the welt and at such time the sole and welt are held between
the spring pressed roller and the stationary work-support a, the channelling knife
being seated in the sole, then the plate d is moved toward the right a short distance,
then in again, engaging the sole at a point just opposite the trimming knife, the
trimming knife is then brought forward, and while it is penetrating the material,
it, together with the cutting block or plate d, bolds the work while the roller 65
moves its full distance from left to right, the channelling knife during such time
cutting the channel, then the plate d again recedes, and moves another short distance
towards the right, the work being again held by the roller and work-support a,
and then said plate d moves again into engagement with the welt.
All the movements of the parts having thus been completed the operation is
repeated, feeding the boot or shoe along during its movement from right to left.
It will be observed that the channel knife is borne by a co-operative part of the
clamp feeding mechanism, and when seated in the sole, moves therewith, during
the feeding operation, and that the channel slit is cut during the return movement
of the part carrying it.
While channelling the boot or shoe in or along the shank portions, the work-
support a is used as the guide, it entering the crease or in-seam between the welt
and upper, but when channelling along the fore-part it becomes necessary, or very
desirable to guide by the last instead of by the in-seam, and hence we have
provided another guide, which is termed a fore-part or last guide, and is adapted
to be brought into operative position at the proper time, it being herein represented
as a bent arm f secured to the outer end of an arm f', pivoted at /2, and connected
by a rod, cord, or chain, with a foot or knce operated treadle, so that whenever it
may be desired, the treadle may be depressed, and the fore-part or last guide,
which is normally in its elevated position, as shown in Figure 1, thrown into
engagement with the fore-part of the boot or shoe, as shown in Figure 20, the
lower end of the part fat such time bearing upon the upper drawn taut over
the last.
This independent fore-part or last guide is very useful in connection with either
a channelling or trimming knife, or both, or in fact in connection with any tool or
tools adapted to operate upon the soles of boots or shoes, where a guide of such
a character is necessary.
Hence we desire to have it uuderstood that our invention is sufficiently broad in
scope as to include two separate guides, one acting along the shauk and the other
along the fore-part, one guiding the knife by the crease, and the other by the last

page_text: and operating successively around the boot or shoe, but the specific form of guides
shown, whereby the trimming knife or other tool is guided by the crease along the
shank portion, and by the last around the fore-part, is, we consider, a preferable
form to employ.
This fore-part or last guide, while very desirable, may be omitted, and in such
case the work-support a used as the crease guide all round the shoe, or the portion
which is being trimmed, or trimmed and channelled.
It is also very desirable to vary the distance from the edge of the sole that the
channel shall be cut, as for instance it is deemed best to cut the channel nearer the
edge along the fore-part than along the shank portion, and hence the channel
knife holder is made vertically adjustable.
In carrying out this part of our invention the channel knife holder is coincidentally
raised just as the fore-part or last guide is depressed, and hence we have connected
the vertical adjusting devices of said channel knife holder, with the operating
mechanism of said fore-part or last guide, that they may operate in unison.
Referring to Figure 27, a simple way of raising the channel knife holder is
shown.
The knife holder is arranged between vertical side plates n secured to the end of
the rearwardly sliding block 6, said plates being arranged to present a vertical
dove-tailed guide-way, and the channel knife holder has a dove-tailed block n' fitting
said guideway, which is provided on its rear side with a series of rack teeth n³,
engaged by a toothed sector n³ secured to a short shaft n having its bearings in
the block &, and to said short shaft a crank arm n' is secured extending rearwardly
which is connected to the pivoted arm f', by a spring n, and also by a link or
pin n', the latter being connected at both ends by ball and socket joints or other
loose connections.
It will be observed that whenever the arm f' is depressed the crank arm n³ will
be correspondingly moved, thereby rocking the shaft n' and raising the channel
knife holder.
By means of the loose connections shown whereby the crank arm n' is connected
with the arm f¹, the block 6 carrying the channel knife holder may be moved
rearwardly as desired.
We do not limit our invention to the particular way herein shown for raising the
channel knife holder, or to connecting the adjusting devices thereof with the
fore-part guide, as it is obvious that it may be otherwise operated.
Many of the features herein shown and described are as applicable to machines
for channelling or trimming soles as for machines having both kinds of tools, and
also are applicable to machines having other tools for acting or operating upon the
soles of boots and shoes.
We also herein desire to automatically control the movable guide, so that its
relative position to the knife or knives may be determined, and we have herein
selected the "last" guide f, as the guide to be moved during the act of trimming
and channelling the sole, so as to vary its position relative to the trimming and
channelling knives, because as the machine is herein constructed and arranged this
is the guide which is brought into operation at that part of the shoe where it is
desired to vary the width of the projecting portion of the sole.
In other trimming, or trimming and channelling machines wherein but one guide
is employed, which acts around both the shank and fore-part of the boot or shoe,
our improvements to be described are made to act upon or work in conjunction with
such guide, whether the guide acts in the crease or against the upper drawn over
the last.
The guide arm 1 has an upward extension 1 bearing a cam roll, and has
also at its upper end a latch f, movable obliquely in suitable bearings provided
for it.
This latch is herein shown as a pin, having a bevelled lower end, and a cross
piece or pin 15 at its upper end, and inside the bearing a spring encircles the pin,
the tendency of which is to depress it.

page_text: The upper end of the extension f" is shouldered or cut away so that when the
pin is depressed the cross piece f" enters said cut away portion, but when
raised or withdrawn and given a quarter turn the cross piece f¹ will rest upon the
upper end of the extension, holding the pin in its elevated position, and when the
pin is turned a further quarter of a revolution in either direction the cross piece f 15
again enters the cut away portion, as the pin descends.
The rotary reciprocating knife-carrying hub or sleeve e is extended as at elo, see
Figure 10 along the shaft d³, and upon said sleeve-like extension a notched collar
or rim n is placed, which is herein shown as formed with several lateral
projections no upon one side, and a smooth reduced portion n upon the other side.
of its notched part.
Pieces of leather may be inserted between the projections 10 on the notched
collar n, and a clamping ring m provided, to embrace said projections and the
interposed pieces of leather, acting to frictionally bind the notched collar to the
rotary reciprocating sleeve e¹0.
Another clamping ring m' embraces the smooth portion n¹ of the notched collar
which has formed on it a cam m².
The notched part 1 of the collar is located beneath the latch, and the mm²
beneath the cam roll f13.
The arm carrying the guide f is normally in its elevated position, and w
it is brought into operative position, to be used as the fore-part or last guide, the
cam roll will hear upon the cam m².
While the latch f" remains in its elevated position the notched collar n" is not
engaged and the cam roll f18 will rest idly upon the cam, and the relative
position of the guide f, and trimming and channelling knives, will remain the
same, but as soon as the latch is operated, its lower bevelled end enters the
notches cut in the part n", as shown in Figure 7, and as the sleeve e oscillates,
the cam is intermittingly rotated, until the stop m³ is brought up against the cam.
roll as represented in Figure 8.
During the travel or progress of the cam m² the guide f is automatically
gradually raised relatively to the trimming and channelling knives, so that the
projecting edge of the sole is gradually narrowed.
The shoe thus introduced, and referred to, is a left shoe, and the edge of the
sole along the outside of the ball portion, is thus trimmed off and left wider than
around the toe and inside ball portion.
When trimming and channelling the "right" shoe the work is begun at the
right hand side, as in the left shoe, and while the latch f" remains in its elevated
position, the cam roll f" rests idly upon the cam m² at its highest part, see
Figure 9, but just after passing around the toe the latch 1 is turned in the
opposite way to that previously described, entering the notched collar with its
bevelled end turned in the opposite way, so that as the sleeve el continues to oscillate
the cam is intermittingly moved in the opposite way, the cam roll following
along the gradually reduced portion of the cam, and the guide f automatically
gradually lowering relatively to the trimming and channelling knives, along the
outside of the ball portion of the shoe, until the stop m³ is brought up against the
cam roll, and the edge of the sole will at such time project widest from the upper.
At the beginning of the shank portion this fore-part or last guide is removed
from its engagement with the shoe, and the trimming and channelling operation
continued, the shoe being guided by the work-support or crease guide a.
Thus the intermittent motion of the cam m³ is reversed for right and left shoes,
so that by employing a single cam both shoes may be trimmed, or trimmed and
channelled, in the peculiar style desired, leaving the wider projecting edge of the
sole along the outside of the ball portion in each shoe.
As a simple and efficient means of operating the latch f" we may employ the
following mechanism :-a rod p is arranged horizontally in bearings pl secured to
the framework, and to said rod is affixed a finger p, the upper side or face of
which is bevelled in opposite ways, and this finger projects towards the latch, but

page_text: located beneath the cross piece or pin f1 when the latch is in its elevated position,
and is arranged to act upon said pin f as will be described.
The rod is movable longitudinally in its bearings in order that the finger p
may occupy a position with one or the other bevelled face directly beneath the
pin on the latch 14, and said rod is also free to be turned or rocked that the
finger p' may be lifted to permit the return of the pin.
A detent w is pivoted to a stud 5 projecting from a part or arm
p on the rod p,
but connected and movable longitudinally with said rod, said detent engaging a cut
away plate won the frame, when the rod is in its extreme left hand position, a
spring being connected to said detent to draw it in.
A spring w encircles the rod p, and is connected at one end to the frame, and at
the other end to the finger p2, or it may be the rod, the action of which is to move
the rod p and its attached finger p2 toward the right whenever the detent w
disengages the plate w¹.
An arm w is secured to the shaft of the guide arm f', which has a spring pressed
latch at its upper end, which as the guide arm is depressed strikes and disengages
the detent w, to thereby allow the rod p to move toward the right.
The rod p and its attached parts are afterwards moved toward the left or restored
to their normal position by the operator pressing upon the knob w.
Assuming the parts are in the position shown in Figures 5, 13, and 15, and the
operator desires to vary the width of the sole, he depresses the arm f, by means
of a treadle connected thereto, and in doing so the pin 15 strikes the right bevelled
face of the finger p, and moving along said face is lifted and also turned sub-
stantially a quarter of a revolution, as shown in Figure 16, and the latch w then
strikes the detent w, disengaging it from the plate w, and the spring pressed rod p,
thus released, is moved towards the right, carrying with it the finger p² which is
fixed to it, and the latter during its passage strikes the pin f15 and turns it further
to the right so that it will fall into the cut away portion and at such time the
latch is thrown into engagement with the notched collar.
The guide actuating cam is then intermittingly turned.
It will be seen that the latch f4 is thus automatically turned one way by the
act of depressing the guide arm.
The guide arm is then elevated upon releasing the treadle returning to the
position shown in Figure 1, the finger p² rising to allow the passage of the pin f
When operating on the next shoe of the pair the guide arm is again depressed
at the desired time, and the pin f turned a quarter of a revolution by striking and
moving along upon the left bevelled face of the finger p³, and then the rod p is
pushed toward the left by the operator striking upon the knob to, and during such
movement the finger 12 bearing against the pin moves it sufficiently for the latch f¹4
to again drop into engagement with the notched collar, and the detent to will at
such time be moved into engagement with the cut away plate w'.
Thus it will be seen that the latch f14 is reversed each time it is depressed, or
caused to engage the notched collar.
We do not desire, however, to limit our invention to this means of operating the
latch ₤14.
It will be observed that a cam constructed and arranged to be reversed, as herein
described, acts both to raise and lower the guide with relation to the knife, but we
intend to include within the spirit and scope of our invention any equivalent device
or devices, by which the guide and knives may be moved one with relation to the
other while trimming or trimming and channelling a sole, that the width of the
projecting edge of the sole may be varied, and particularly any device or devices
acting upon, or in conjunction with the guide, to raise or lower it with relation to
the knives, to accomplish the results specified.
The rod p is capable of being turned in its bearings, and has secured to and
projecting from it two short arms p, p, the arm p bearing the pin 5, and the
arm p' bearing a pin p8, and when the rod p is in proper position for the finger p²
to co-operate with the latch the pin p8 bears against the support p', but

page_text: whenever desired the rod p may be oscillated, the finger p² moved out of
co-operative relation with the latch f¼, and at such time the pin 5 will bear
against the support w¹.
Whenever it is desired to use the machine without the cam or its equivalent
device, whereby the width of the projecting edge of the sole may be varied along
the fore-part, and yet so trim the sole that it will project a greater distance beyond
the last or in-seam around the fore-part than along the shauk portion, the bevelled
faced finger will be moved its full distance toward the right, and then the first
time the last guide is depressed the pin on the latch f" will strike the left bevelled
face of the finger, and be thereby turned a quarter of a revolution, at such time
resting upon the upper end of the bearing or frame, and it will remain in such
position until the rod p is positively moved by the operator striking the knob on
the end of the rod, and hence whenever it is so desired to use the machine the
operator permits the latch to continuously remain in this position.
The last guide f is or may be made adjustable, as for instance, it may be
connected to the arm f¹ by a set screw passing through a slot cut in the part f, so
that said part may be raised or lowered as desired, in order that the width of
the projecting edge of the sole around the fore-part may be more or less as desired,
although in such case such width is the same all around the fore-part, yet greater
than along the shank portion, and this adjustability of the last guide also forms a
part of our present invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, two independent
guides, one working along the shank portion and the other around the fore-part,
substantially as described.
2. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a shank guide
working along the shank portion, and an independent fore-part guide normally
held out of engagement with the boot or shoe, and means for bringing it into
engagement with the boot or shoe around the fore-part, substantially as described.
3. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, and two successively operating
guides therefor, one working in the crease along the shank portions, and the other
against the upper drawn over the last around the fore-part, whereby as the sole is
trimined the knife is guided by the in-seam or crease along the shank portion, and
by the last around the fore-part.
4. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a stationary crease guide
which enters the in-seam or crease along the shank portion, and a movable last
guide, which when brought into contact with the upper drawn over the last moves
the boot or shoe more or less away from the crease guide, and serves to guide the
knife by the last around the fore-part, said guides working successively around
the boot or shoe as the sole is trimmed.
5. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a stationary crease guide which
enters the in-seam or crease along the shank portion, and a movable last guide,
which when brought into contact with the upper drawn over the last moves the
boot or shoe more or less away from the crease guide, and serves to guide the
knife by the last around the fore-part, said guides working successively around
the boot or shoe as the sole is trimmed, and a treadle connected with said movable
last guide.
6. In a sole channelling machine, a channelling knife, and two successively
operating guides therefor, one working in the crease along the shank portion, and
the other against the upper drawn over the last around the fore-part, whereby as
the sole is channelled the knife is guided by the in-seam or crease along the shank
portion, and by the last around the fore-part.
7. In a sole channelling machine, a channelling knife, a stationary crease guide
which enters the in-seam or crease along the shank portion, and a movable last
B

page_text: guide, which when brought into contact with the upper drawn over the last moves
the boot or shoe more or less away from the crease guide and serves to guide the
knife by the last around the fore-part, said guides working successively around
the boot or shoe as the sole is channelled.
8. In a sole channelling machine, a channelling knife, a stationary crease guide
which enters the in-seam or crease along the shank portion, and a movable last
guide, which when brought into contact with the upper drawn over the last moves
the boot or shoe more or less away from the crease guide and serves to guide the
knife by the last around the fore-part, said guides working successively around
the boot or shoe as the sole is channelled, and a treadle connected with said
movable fore-part guide.
9. In a sole channelling and trimming machine, a channelling and a trimming
knife, and two successively operating guides therefor, one working in the crease
along the shank portion, and the other against the upper drawn over the last
around the fore-part, whereby as the sole is trimmed and channelled the knives
are guided by the in-seam or crease along the shank portion, and by the last around
the fore-part.
10. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, the combination
of a work-support, at the welt side of the sole, a four-motion plate also acting upon
the welt side of the sole, a vibrating sole support acting against the bottom of the
sole and co-operating with the four-motioned plate to feed along the shoe while
held against the work-support, substantially as described.
11. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a vibrating
sole-support, having at its forward end a roller turning on a vertical axis, and a
four-motion feeding plate, acting intermittingly upon the welt at the opposite side
of the sole.
12. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, reciprocating
clamp-feeding mechanism consisting of a sole-support having a roller, adapted to
bear against one side of the work, and a feeding plate adapted to bear against the
opposite side, and a guide.
13. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a yielding
oscillating arm acting as a sole support, and a four-motion plate acting intermittingly
upon the welt at the opposite side of the sole.
14. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a yielding
oscillating arm, having a roller at its forward end turning on a vertical axis, and a
feeding plate acting intermittingly upon the welt at the opposite side of the sole,
co-operating with said arm to feed along the material.
15. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a vibrating
rearwardly movable sole-support acting upon one side of the sole, and a plate acting
intermittingly upon the other side, a treadle and intermediate connections between
said treadle and vibrating sole-support for moving it rearwardly.
16. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a rearwardly
sliding vibrating sole-support acting upon one side of the sole, and a reciprocating
plate acting upon the other side thereof.
17. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a spring pressed
vibrating sole-support, a work-support or guide, and an intermittingly acting
feeding plate.
18. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a vibrating
sole-support, acting upon one side of the sole, and a work-support and plate
movable one with relation to the other, and acting alternately upon the other side
to hold and assist in feeding the work.
19. In a sole channelling machine, means for holding and feeding the boot or
shoe, the channelling knife b, its holder, rack n' secured to the holder, tooth
sector n³, arm secured to the shaft of said sector, and means for moving said arm
to thereby vertically move the channelling knife to cut the channel more or less
distant from the edge.
20. In a channelling machine, a channel knife, and means for holding and

page_text: feeding the boot or shoe, a shank guide and a fore-part guide, adjusting devices for
vertically adjusting the channelling knife connected with the operating devices of
said last guide.
21. In a channelling machine, a rearwardly sliding channel knife holder, a
channelling knife, and means for holding and feeding the sole, a shank guide and a
fore-part guide, and means for moving the channelling knife, loosely connected
with the means employed for operating the last guide, substantially as described.
22. In a channelling machine, a channel knife and a guide movable toward and
from each other, and adjusting devices for adjusting said channel knife toward and
from the guide, connected with the means employed for moving said guide toward
and from the channel knife, substantially as described.
23. In a channelling machine, a channel knife and a guide movable toward and
from each other, an operating device for said guide, moving it toward and from
the channel knife, and adjusting devices for adjusting said channel knife toward
and from the guide, connected with and operated by the means employed for
moving said guide, substantially as described.
24. In a trimming and channelling machine, a trimming knife, a guide freely
movable with relation to the trimming knife during the trimming operation, and a
channel knife, and adjusting devices therefor connected with the means employed
for moving said guide, substantially as described.
25. In a channelling machine, a combined vibrating sole-support and a channel-
knife holder at one side of the work, a work-support or guide, and an intermittingly
acting plate at the other side of the work, substantially as described.
26. In a sole channelling machine, a sole-support, consisting of the vertical
post 62, recessed at its upper end, and a roller thereon, enclosing the upper
recessed end, and a block 6 fitting said recess, and secured to the post, and having
a channelling knife.
27. In a sole trimming machine, a work-support or guide, a spring pressed sole
support, an intermittingly moving cutting block, and a vibrating trimming knife.
28. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a work-support,
a movable sole-support, a plate which acts in conjunction with the sole support to
feed along the shoe, and which also serves as a cutting block, located between the
outside bearing points of the work-support, and a vibrating trimming knife movable
toward and from the cutting block, substantially as described.
29. In a machine for channelling and trimming the soles of boots and shoes, the
combination of a guide against which the work is pressed, bearing upon the welt
side of the sole, a movable sole support carrying a channelling knife, a plate at the
welt side of the sole acting in conjunction with said sole support to feed along the
work, which also serves as a cutting block, and a vibrating trimming knife acting
against said cutting block.
30. In a machine for channelling and trimming the soles of boots and shoes, the
combination of a work-support or guide, at the welt side of the sole, a movable
sole-support at the opposite side of the sole carrying the channelling knife, a plate
acting upon the welt side of the sole and in conjunction with the sole support to
feed along the shoe, said plate also serving as a cutting block, a vibrating trimming
knife acting against said cutting block, the channel being cut upon the return
movement of the sole-support and during the trimming operation.
31. In a machine for trimming and channelling the soles of lasted boots and
shoes, the combination of a channelling knife, a trimming knife, and a guide freely
movable with relation to said knives during the trimming and channelling operation,
to positively move the work with relation to the trimming and channelling knives,
while the channelling knife is in the sole, and thereby varying the distance from
the last that the trimming knife shall trim the sole, and an independent clamp-
feeding device, substantially as described.
32. In a machine for operating upon the soles of lasted boots and shoes, the
combination of a trimming knife, and a guide one of which parts is freely movable
with relation to the other during the trimming operation, to vary the width of the

page_text: projecting edge of the sole, a channel knife and its support, and means for moving
it toward and from the trimming knife during the trimming operation, substantially
as described.
33. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, the combination
of an intermittingly acting sole-support at the bottom of the sole, an intermittingly
acting feeding plate at the welt side of the sole, and a work-support also at the
welt side of the sole which co-operates with the sole-support to hold the work while
the feeding plate returns, substantially as described.
34. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, clamp feeding
mechanism and means for operating it to engage and feed along the work and
return, and a work-support for co-operating with one member of said clamp
feeding mechanism to hold the work while the other member thereof returns,
Bubstantially as described.
35. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, clamp feeding
mechanism having an intermittingly movable feeding plate at the welt side of the
sole, combined with a work-support crossing the lower end of said feeding plate,
and presenting bearing points beyond the limit of motion of said feeding plate,
substantially as described.
36. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a work-
support, combined with independent clamp feeding mechanism acting within the
outside bearing points of said work-support, substantially as described.
37. In a machine for operating upon the soles of boots and shoes, a work-support,
clamp-feeding mechanism acting within the outside bearing points of said work-
support, a sole trimming knife moving to and fro substantially in line with the
centre of said work-support, and acting against a cutting block also located
substantially in line with the centre of said work-support, substantially as
described.
38. In a machine for operating upon the soles of lasted boots and shoes, the
combination of a trimming knife and a guide, one of which parts is freely movable
with relation to the other during the trimming operation, to vary the distance from
the last that the trimming knife shall trim the sole, substantially as described.
39. In a machine for operating upon the soles of lasted boots and shoes, the
combination of a trimming knife, and a guide freely movable with relation thereto,
during the trimming operation, to hold the work in different positions with relation
to the trimming knife, and thereby vary the distance from the last that the
trimming knife shall trim the sole, substantially as described.
40. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor, and
automatic means for automatically varying the relative positions of the knife and
guide during the trimming operation.
41. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor,
and a reversible cam for automatically varying the relative positions of the guide and
trimming knife during the trimming operation.
42. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, a guide support and
a guide-actuating cam for automatically moving the guide relatively to the knife
during the trimming operation.
43. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming kuife, a guide, support therefor, and
an intermittingly operated cam for automatically varying the relative positions of
the guide and trimming knife during the trimning operation.
44. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor, and
an intermittingly operated reversible cam for automatically varying the relative
positions of the guide and trimming knife during the trimming operation.
45. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, the work-support and crease
guide a, the last guide, movable into and out of operative position, and mechanism
for varying the relative positions of the last guidef and knife during the trimming
operation.
46. In a sole trimming machine, the guide f, its support, and a guide-actuating
cam sn

page_text: 47. In a sole trimming machine, the guide, its support, and reversible guide-
actuating cam m².
48. In a sole trimming and channelling machine, sole trimming and channelling
knives, a guide at the welt side of the sole, support therefor, and automatic means
for automatically varying the relative positions of the guide, and the trimming and
channelling knives, during the trimming and channelling operation.
49. In a sole trimming and channelling machine, a trimming knife, a channelling
knife, a guide at the welt side of the sole, support therefor, and a reversible guide-
actuating cam acting to vary the relative positions of the guide and trimming and
channelling knives during the trimming and channelling operation.
50. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife and guide, support therefor,
and means for automatically varying their relative positions, consisting of the
reversible guide-actuating cam m², latch f", bevelled faced finger p², and
longitudinally movable rod p.
51. In a sole trimming machine, a knife and guide, support therefor, a reversible
guide-actuating cam acting automatically to vary the relative positions of the
guide and knife, means for rotating said cam intermittingly, thrown into action
automatically when turning the cam one way, and manually when turning it the
other, substantially as described.
52. In a sole trimming machine, a knife and guide, support therefor, a reversible
guide-actuating cam acting to vary the relative positions of the guide and knife,
notched collar, latch f, and means for reversing said latch each time it is
thrown into engagement with the notched collar, substantially as described.
53. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, and an automatic
lifting device for one of said parts, whereby their relative positions is varied.
54. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, and an automatic
lowering device for one of said parts, whereby their relative positions is varied.
55. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, and support therefor,
and an automatic lifting device for said guide.
56. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, and support therefor,
and an automatic lowering device for said guide.
57. In a sole trimming and channelling machine, trimming and channelling
knives, a guide and support therefor, and an automatic lifting device for said
guide.
58. In a sole trimming machine, trimming and channelling knives, a guide and
support therefor, and an automatic lowering device for said guide.
59. In a sole trimming machine, a knife and guide, and movable support
therefor, the guide-actuating cam m³ and latch, the finger p2, and the rotatable
rod p, having stops to hold it in one or its other position.
60. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a crease guide, and an adjust-
able last or fore-part guide, said guides working successively around the shoe, to
guide the knife along the shank and fore-part.
61. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor, and
means, as a treadle connected with the guide, for moving it into and out of
operative position, and a guide-actuating cam for automatically moving the guide
relatively to the knife, while held in its operative position, substantially as
described.
62. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor, and
means, as a treadle connected with the guide, for moving it into and out of
operative position, and automatic means, for automatically varying the relative
positions of the knife and guide during the trimming operation, substantially as
described.
63. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor, and
means, as a treadle connected with the guide, for moving it into and out of
operative position, and a reversible cam for automatically varying the relative
positions of the guide and trimming knife during the trimming operation,
substantially as described.

page_text: 64. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor, and
'means, as a treadle, connected with the guide, for moving it into and out of
operative position, and an automatic supplementary lifting device for said guide,
substantially as described.
65. In a sole trimming machine, a trimming knife, a guide, support therefor,
and means, as a treadle, connected with the guide, for moving it into and out of
-operative position, and an automatic supplementary lowering device for said guide,
substantially as described.
66. The combination of a channelling knife, a guide, support therefor, and
automatic means for varying the relative positions of said channelling knife and
guide, substantially as described.
67. The combination with a channelling knife, a guide, support therefor, and a
guide-actuating cam for automatically moving the guide with relation to the
channelling knife, substantially as described.
68. The combination of a channelling knife, crease guide a, last guide f
movable into and out of operative position, and mechanism for varying the
relative positions of the last guide and channelling knife during the channelling
operation, substantially as described.
69. In a machine for operating upon the soles of lasted boots and shoes, the
combination of feeding mechanism, a trimming knife, and a guide acting externally
upon the lasted boot or shoe, which is freely movable transversely to the direction
of the feed, and means for actuating said guide during the operation of the
machine, substantially as described.
70. In a machine for operating upon the soles of lasted boots and shoes, the
combination of feeding mechanism, a trimming knife and a channelling knife, and a
guide acting externally upon the lasted boot or shoe, which is freely movable
transversely to the direction of the feed, and means for actuating said guide during
the operation of the machine, substantially as described.
Dated this 15th day of February 1896
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicants.