Improvements in Machinery and Apparatus for Making Clog Blocks and Clog Soles.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 1st May, 1886.
Complete Left, 29th Jan., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 11th Mar., 1887
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery and Apparatus for Making Clog
Blocks and Clog Soles.
We ROBERT JOHN JONES of Bootle Cum Linacre in the County of Lancaster
Timber Merchant and CHARLES JONES of the same place Timber Merchant do hereby
declare the nature of our invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS
FOR MAKING CLOG BLOCKS AND CLOG SOLES to be as follows:-
Our invention consists in the method of working blank pieces of wood or blocks of
wood specially prepared into Clog blocks or Clog Soles of any required shape.
For use in the Machines previously employed it has been requisite to cut the wood
into blocks of a peculiar form to suit the Machines but by our improved method of
working it is not inaterial that the blocks should be specially shaped previous to the
initial operations of the machinery upon them though blocks so prepared may
be used.
We use as our model throughout a sole or block of the requisite shape formed in
wood metal or other suitable material or sections of the same.
Our first operation is performed by what we call the Toeing Machine. This
Machine cuts the end of the block to a proper bevil and at the same time takes the
top of the toe down to a guaged size thus finishing the toe and giving fixed points to
work from in all subsequent operations. The Machine consists of a fixed or movable
saw or cutter to cut the end and another cutter to cut down the top of the toe. The
said saws or cutters are regulated by screws or other contrivances and the block being
placed on a sliding table in the proper position is, in sliding against and under the saw
or cutters cut to the requisite form.
The next operation is to bring the edges of the rough block to the form required,
this is accomplished by the edge cutting machine. The model is placed on the sliding
table or other contrivance and above or underneath the model is placed the rough
block. The revolving cutters for cutting the block are made of a suitable form for
cutting the block square or bevilled on the edges as may be required. The frames
carrying the cutters have a swinging or to and fro motion and are provided with
guide rollers. When the table with the model and rough block on is traversed

page_text: hetween these the rough block is formed on both sides to the shape of the model.
The cut is from end to end of the block in the direction of the grain of the wood.
The cutter block is so formed that each cutter has a back iron coming close to the
cutting edge which back iron is the next face of the cutter block, this prevents the
tearing of the grain and enable one cutter block on each side to do the whole of
the work required.
The rough block thus partially formed is then rounded at the heel end to any circle
and bevil required by the Heel Rounding Machine. To accomplish this the rough
block is placed on a template with regulating slides to keep it in position it is then
set on a centre at a suitable distance from a revolving cutter head and being turned
round half a circle or thereabouts is cut to the desired shape.
The rough block is then taken to the Bottoming Machine. The contrivances of
movable cuiter heads sliding table and models in this machine are similar to the Edge
Cutting machine before described except that one cutter block only is required. The
model being fixed on the sliding table or other contrivance the rough block is placed
in position on the table and in passing the revolving cutters is cut to the required
shape on the bottom from heel to toe in the direction of the grain of the wood.
The next operation is to cut down the breast of the heel to the length of heel
required and to form the waist. This is done by the Breasting Machine. This
Machine has a revolving head with narrow hollow cutters and at one side lance knives.
The block is placed on a sliding table at right angles to the cutters and this table
carries a model of the required shape which passing under or past the roller affixed to
the frame which carries the revolving cutter head the cutters are worked to and fro
and form the breast and waist to the shape of the model.
The block so far formed towards a sole has next to be hollowed to fit the foot. This
is done by the Hollowing Machine which in its general details is similar to the
Bottoming Machine before described except that the cutters are curved to the requisite
shape to form the hollow transversely. The table or the cutter block frame is made
with a to and fro motion so as to adapt itself to the varying contour and form of the
inside of the sole which variation is actuated by the model fixed to the sliding table or
other contrivance. This machine cuts in the direction of the grain of the wood.
In the machines hereinbefore described when the cutting has been done the cutters
are held off the blocks on the return of the table by points or levers so as to prevent
the cutters making a second slight backwards cut as they otherwise would do.
The next operation is the grooving-of what we will now term a sole-to receive the
leather top. This is done by the Grooving Machine. This Machine has a revolving
head formed on the edge to a double bevil. On these bevils are lance knives fixed on
so that those on one face cut the groove down on one side and those on the other face
cut down the other side thus grooving out the sole to receive the leather. Between
the two bevils in the centre of the head, scraping cutters are fixed to take off the
rough edge next the hollow so as to avoid cutting the leather. The sole is held
againt suitable fences or guages and moved along them to effect the desired grooving.
This operation completes the sole.
By our invention we obviate the necessity of using large knives or cutters made to
the shape of the block or sole the requisite configuration being obtained from the
models or sections of them and by using the machines herein described we form and
finish the sole in its different parts at one operation on each of the said parts thus
avoiding the necessity of using hand knives technically called "stock knives
contrivances to finish the blocks or soles as has been the case heretofore.
or other

page_text: We ROBERT JOHN JONES and CHARLES JONES of Number 60 Saint John's Road
in the Borough of Bootle cum Linacre County of Lancaster, Timber Merchants
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:
Hitherto it has been requisite to cut the wood intended for the making of Clog
blocks or soles into blocks or blanks of a peculiar form to suit the machinery but by
using our invention this is not requisite, though blocks or blanks roughed out may
be used.
It will be seen that by our invention the form or shape of the block or its various
parts is obtained by working from the model block or sole or from models or templates
which are parts or sections of it.
Our first operation is performed by the Toeing Machine and consists in cutting the
end and top of the toe to the finished bevils at one and the same time, and by a fixed
stop or line to set the block, guaging it to length, thus giving a fixed end and top
surface to work from in all subsequent operations as well as a length. This as well
as the subsequent operations may be on a block of any form but for clearness we shew
a block of wood cut roughly to an approximate shape by the Band or other saw.
The Toeing Machine is shewn at Figures 1. 2 and 3, where A is the rough block,
B the Saw or Cutter for cutting the end, the top cutter for guaging the top of toe,
and D is the sliding table upon which the block rests, E is a frame hung on centres
so that it may be raised or lowered to exact position required. On centres or bearings
in this frame runs the Shaft carrying cutter head C. The saw or cutter B is also run
in centres or bearings but these are stationary in their position as the framing
is fixed.
We mention at once with respect to these and other revolving shafts that the
pulleys upon them may be driven from any convenient source, but the driving pulleys
as well as the framing of the machines are purposely left out of drawings as they may
be of any of the forms or arrangements already known.
The operation of the toeing is as follows, the block being placed on table D and set
to its proper position on a suitable packing which is of the required pitch or bevil
(having on it a length guage or mark) it is held thereon by the hand, a lever or other
contrivance. The cutter having been set to a proper height or guage and held

page_text: there by a screw or other contrivance attached to its framing, the table is pushed past
the cutter and saw, thus the top of block is cut to guage, and the toe end cut to bevil
and length. It will be obvious that though the swing frame E is shewn for the
purpose of regulating the height, a vertical or other slide frame may be used with the
same result.
The block is next taken to the Edge cutting Machine, this Machine is shewn at
Figures 45 and 6 and by it is formed the two edges of the block its entire length,
and if desired at the same time the heel and so much of the toe as it is necessary to
round or partially round may be worked, or the said heeling and toeing may be done
subsequently in a similar or parts of a similar machine. F shews the cutter heads
which are of a triangular shape, so that the cutters being screwed on each face the
next faces form a back iron to prevent the tearing of the wood, at the same time
the pitch of the knives assist in preventing the tearing of the wood where it is slightly
against the grain. These cutter heads are run in centres or other bearings and may
be adapted to cut the block square or bevil on the edges.
The frames in which the cutter heads run are either made to swing as shewn at G
or slide as shewn at H so long as they can open and close when the template I passes
between them. The template I is fixed in position below as shewn or it may be above
the cutters or for increased steadiness of cut two templates may be used one above and
one below the cutters.
In order to take off the friction in opening the frames carrying the cutters, rollers J
are inserted in the said frames as shewn. K shews the sliding table and on the two
shoulder pins Iris placed the template I. Above the template I is the bar M on which
rests the block to be operated upon. The block being held by any suitable means and
set to guage at the toe end and on one edge is then-by sliding the table K along-
cut to the required shape by the cutters on heads F. F.; these heads revolve in
opposite direction one to another and in such a manner that they meet the block as it
is moved along by the sliding table. When the block is cut, in order to prevent a
second slight cut or roughening on its return the heads are held off the block by
means of the pins on the sliding frames running outside the oscillating bars or
points N. N. which points are held in position by springs.
When it is desired to round the heel or toe complete it will be requisite to have
one cutter head slightly in advance of the other (taking a Plan view of them) so that
the cutters will not touch each other when they complete the cut up to the centre of
the end of heel.
The block if not rounded at the heel or toe by the Edge cutting machine or suitable
parts of it, may be rounded by a cutter head shewn at Figure 7 but this method of
cutting is not claimed by us as our invention.
The block is then taken to the Bottoming Machine shewn at Figures 8. 9. 10 and 11.
In this Machine O is the cutter block of similar construction to cutter blocks F. F. in
the Edge Cutting Machine Figures 4. 5 and 6; it revolves in centres or bearings
which centres or bearings are fixed in a frame P, which frame rises and falls either by
sliding or by being hung on a centre. On table Q is fixed guages R and S which
regulate the position of the block, on bar T which works on a pin U is fixed a cramp
piece V; when the block is in position the right and left threaded screw W is turned
sufficient to hold it as in a vice which at the same time as it holds it the side grip
prevents the block from springing in its weakest section or tread part.
The block is placed on packings XX and the packing at the toe forms also an end
as well as inside guage. At the two sides there are fixed on the table Q templates YY:
of the shape of bottom of block required: on these run the rollers Z. Z: which revolve
in the frame P. when the templates Y. Y: are in position and the block held in its
position it will be seen that by sliding the table the cutters will cut the block on the
bottom from end to end of the required shape.
At figure 11 is shown the template divested of all other lines for the sake of
clearness. The templates are dropped into upright slots at each end of table and can
be packed to any height to suit the varying strengths of blocks required.

page_text: In returning the block after the cut the cutters are held clear of it by means of
points or lifting levers, which can be self acting as the points shewn in Edge cutting
imachine or can be worked by hand or foot pressure.
The next operation is to cut down the breast or shoulder of heel so as to form the
length of heel required, at the same time to form the waist. This is done by the
Breasting Machine shewn at Figures 12 and 13. A' is the sliding table B' the Block
the template D¹ the roller that runs on the template and E¹ the cutter head
revolving in swing or sliding frame F. The cutters G³ are narrow strips of steel
bent or flat as may be required and instead of presenting a pitched or ground off
edge, the face of the cutter is almost in the line of the circumference of the head:
and the ground off or channel part of the cutter is on the underside: thus the cutters
are what we will call of a spokeshave form, the face being the shape required the form
is not altered by grinding. The cutters are secured to the head E by being turned
down at their ends and fixed in slots in the head by a screw at each end, or they may
be simply secured on the face of the head by screws. At the side of the head next
the breast of heel are fixed ordinary lance cutters for scoring across the block, these
being set slightly in advance of the shaving cutters.
When the block B' is secured on table A¹ and the template C is set in position it
will be seen that the breast of block is thereby cut down and the waist cut out to the
shape of template by the Table A¹ being slided along the roller D' at the same time
rolling upon template thus effecting the desired cut. The template can be raised
to suit the various thicknesses of blocks by means of the screws shewn, and in order
to obviate the necessity of a complete end to end template being used we attain the
varying forms of waist by movable pieces H' which can be dropped into recess
as shewn.
The block so far formed towards a sole is now hollowed to fit the foot, this is done
by means of the Hollowing Machine. This machine is in its general details similar to
the Bottoming Machine, the only material difference being that the cutters have to be
of a curved form on the cutting edge so as to hollow out the inside to fit the foot in
addition also it is requisite to give the cutter carrying frame or slide a lateral as well
as a vertical motion when hollowing rights and lefts. The lateral motion can be
obtained by the frame working on a pivot or universal joint or any of the other well
known means by which vertical and lateral movements can be worked, but though
similar in its general details to the Bottoming Machine, in order to clearly shew the
method of working Figures 14. 15. 16 and 17 are drawn for reference. On these
Figures J is to toe stop K¹ to L' is the cast or rise of the block M¹ and N¹ are cutter
heads working in frames O' and P¹: Q₁is the heel stop or cramp piece: R¹ is the.
pivot upon which the joints or centres of frames O' and P work S is the template
TT are the anti-friction rollers to run upon templates: U₁ is the roller brought into
use when working rights and lefts: V₁ is the sliding table: W is the screw attached
to table for bringing up the heel stop or cramp piece Q: X' is the block in position
and shews the method of letting in side pieces when hollowing rights and lefts.
When hollowing a straight sole the roller U₁ is not brought into operation but
when hollowing rights and lefts it is requisite to give the cutter frame a lateral
motion. This is obtained by placing in a recess dovetailed as shewn or otherwise
suitably formed a side forming template Y¹ which when forming the hollow of a right
foot block is of the shape shewn by dotted line on Y and for a left foot as shewn by
the clear or convex line on the said Y. As the table V with the block X¹ cramped
upon it is passed under the cutter, the vertical rise and fall being actuated by
rollers TT working. upon suitable templates S₁ and the lateral movement being
caused by roller or pin U₁ acting upon the side pieces let into Y it will be seen that
the necessary operation will be performed, the cut being in the direction of the grain
of the wood. N¹ is the cutter usually employed but where the rise from K¹ to L' is
very quick, cutter M' is brought into operation, this cutter M' being run in an opposite
direction to N'.
The cutter can be held off the block on its return by points or levers as already

page_text: described. In order to facilitate the setting for different sizes of blocks stops are
attached to the form template which regulate the position of block sideways.
The sole as we will now term it has next to be grooved to receive the leather. This
is done by the grooving machine the head or operative part of which is shewn by
Figures 18 and 19.
On the shaft a which runs in any suitable bearings there is fastened a cutter head b
bevelled on both edges as shewn, in slots on bevelled faces are fixed lance cutters
two or more being affixed to one face and two or more to the other face, the ends of
these cutters being set out so as to form a point, it will be seen that their formation
creates a shape and will cut a groove of that form. The entters being lances they
work the groove out equally well against the grain as with it, thus making a clean
groove all round the sole. A scraper may if required be introduced in the head to
take off the sharp edge where the leather comes. The sole d is held and worked round
by the hand on a suitable rest of any form, and the depth of groove can be regulated
by the stop e.
This operation completes the sole.
Though the various operations are described in the order named it will be evident.
the rotation may be altered and also some of the working parts combined or divided
without altering the general principle. We also wish it to be distinctly understood
that the vertical or lateral motions of cutter carrying frames may be obtained either
by the frames sliding or being hung so as to swing.
It will be seen from the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings that
the necessity of using large knives or cutters of the form of sole required is entirely
obviated whilst by working the cutters in the direction of the grain of the wood
instead of across it as has hitherto been the case, the finish required is obtained
without having recourse to the use of hand knives technically called stock knives or
other expedient for the same purpose.
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.
First. The cutting of the block to a guaged length, the bevelling and finishing of
the toe end and the guaging of the top of the toe by the method shewn on Figures 1. 2
and 3 and in the manner substantially as herein described.
Second. The cutting of the edges and where requisite the toe and heel to the shape
required, the cutting being in the direction of the grain of the wood, one set of cutters
for each edge being used only. The heads being preferably of the triangular shape
shewn (but not necessarily so). The form being obtained from a sole or section of the
The method being shewn by Figures 4. 5 and 6 and in manner substantially
as herein described.
same.
Third. The cutting and finishing of the bottom or tread part of the block at one
operation to the shape required the cutting being in the direction of the grain of the
wood. The form being obtained from a sole or section of the same. The method
being shewn by Figures 9. 10 and 11 and in manner as substantially herein
described.
Fourth. The cutting down of breast of heel and forming the waist at one operation
by the knives described and by the method shewn by Figures 12 and 13 and in the
manner substantially as herein described.
Fifth. The hollowing of the block to fit the foot in the direction of the grain of the
wood, the machine being adapted to work either straight or right and left blocks
by adopting the style of templates and working by the method as shewn on
Figures 14. 15. 16 and 17 and in the manner substantially as herein described.
Sixth. The grooving of the sole by lance cutters set in the manner shewn on
Figures 18 and 19 and in manner substantially as herein described.

page_text: Seventh. The obviating of any roughing in the return motion by holding the cutters
off the block by points or levers in the manner substantially as herein described.
Eighth. Generally the using of simple straight cutters for the operations which
were formerly done by large cuiters ground to the requisite form and the working
instead from models of the sole or parts thereof which attain the same end, and by
working them with the grain attaining a finish at the same time. And by the use of
quickly movable templates of a simple form (speedily changed) saving multiplication
of templates and effecting the desired result in much less time than has hitherto been
the case.