Improvements in Lasting Machines for use in the Manufacture of Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1891

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by GEORGE WARREN COPELAND, of Malden,
Massachusetts, United States of America.]
Improvements in Lasting Machines for use in the Manufacture of
Boots and Shoes.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
45 Southampton Buildings in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
In the drawings,
Figure 1, is a front elevation of the machine closed and showing a last held in
operative position therein.
Figure 2, is a rear elevation of the machine unlocked and open for the reception
of a last.
Figure 3, is an end elevation showing the mechanism for locking and unlocking
the machine.
Figure 4, is a sectional view showing the strap operating mechanism with the
straps held open for the reception of the last.
Figure 5, is the same view as Figure 4, showing the straps drawn around a last
and holding the upper thereto.
Figure 6, is an elevation of the toe lasting mechanism with the supporting post
and base of the machine partially in section.
Figure 7, is a central vertical section of the mechanism for locking and unlocking
the machine, showing the means of closing the heel band and drawing down the
heel lasting head.
Figure 8, shows the under side of the heel-lasting head and the means for
operating the heel band.
Figure 9, is a rear elevation of the swinging arm carrying and guiding the
jack post showing the devices used to automatically lock the jack post at any
desired height.
Figure 10, is an elevation of Figure 9, looking from the toe lasting
mechanism.
Figure 11, is a horizontal cross section of Figure 9 on the line X X.
Figure 12, is a plan of the heel lasting head.
Figure 13, is a front elevation of the heel lasting head.
Figure 14, is a vertical cross section of the heel lasting head on line X X
Figure 12.
Figure 15, is a longitudinal vertical section of the heel lasting head on line 3,
Figure 12.
Figure 16, is a longitudinal vertical section on line y y showing the manner of
connecting the heel lasting band to the heel lasting head.
Figure 17, is a horizontal cross section on line 2 z, Figure 16.
Figure 18, shows the spring C' attached to the toe lasting head.
Figure 19, a vertical cross section of Figure 18.
The base A, is of sufficient strength and size to support and carry the various
parts of the machine hereinafter described. On the rear of this base are formed
or attached bearings which carry the return or releasing shaft A'. To one end of
this shaft is fixed the foot treadle A Figures 1, 2 and 3 and to the other end is
fixed the lever A³ to which is secured one end of the spiral spring B, whose other
end is attached to the post B at B". The action of this spring B, holding the
foot treadle A in the normal position from which it is depressed for the purpose

page_text: of operating the various levers attached to the shaft A' when lasts are placed in or
removed from the machine.
To one end of the base is firmly fixed the post B, carrying the toe lasting
mechanism.
The toe lasting head C, is mounted upon the top part of the post B, so that its
lasting plates can be caused to act upon the upper around the toe of the inverted
last held in the machine, at any desired distance below the line of the inner-sole
and then move upward, thereby forming the upper around the toe of the last up
to the line of the inner sole, where the operation of the lasting plates will turn and
press the edges or margin of the upper close down upon the inner sole ready to be
fastened thereto.
The toe lasting head C is given the requisite motions for operative purposes in
the following manner. It is pivoted to a projection D' provided for that purpose
on the horizontal slide D, by the pivot pin C, Figures 1, 2 and 6 and is provided
with the adjusting screw C³, to give it longitudinal angular adjustment so as to
cause the lasting plates to conform to the spring of the last.
The lower end of the screw C³, is fitted to a hub C, so that it can turn therein,
and is provided with fixed collars which contact with the faces of the hub C4, and
hold the screw fixed endways. Another hub C3, is provided with a screw thread
and the screw C³ is fitted to turn therein; these hubs have bolt like projections
provided with screw threads which are fitted to corresponding screw threads formed
in the proper positions upon the slide D at D2, and the toe lasting head at C. The
hubs C, and C, turn upon their screws as the screw C³, is operated by the hand
wheel C, to change the angular relations of the slide D and toe lasting head C;
thus forming a rigid but easily operated adjustable connection between those
two parts.
The means for giving the toe lasting plates transverse angular adjustment are
fully described in the United States Patent No. 439051 of 1890 for the said toe
lasting head, the only difference being that in the present case springs C¹, C¹, are
employed as shown in Figs. 18 and 19.
The horizontal slide D carrying the toe lasting head is given the necessary
movement to enable the toe lasting plates to operate upon any length of last within
the scope of the machine by the handle D³, which handle is held at any desired
place by its spring catch D, engaging with the segmental ratchet D'.
The horizontal slide D, is fitted to the guideway B' and attached to and forming
part of this guideway is the vertical slide B³, fitted to and sliding in a guideway
formed for its reception in the top of the post B, Figure 1, and reciprocation of
the slide B, gives the desired vertical movements to the toe lasting head and its
operating mechanism, which is carried thereon.
Pivoted to the lower end of the slide B³, is the adjustable connecting-rod B³, and
the other end of this rod is pivoted to the inner end of the foot treadle B', which is
in turn fulcrumed to the post B at B, Figure 6, so that the depression of the foot
plate of the treadle B, will raise the toe lasting head as desired.
The pivot pin at the lower end of the connecting rod B³, is extended beyond the
bearing and has mounted on this extension the roll B. The foot treadle B', is
fulcrumed to the post B at B, Figures 1 and 6, so that it will be over the roll B*,
as shown, and will be raised by said roll in unison with the toe lasting head.
The lower end of the connecting rod B³, and the parts of the treadles B*, and B',
are fitted together, so that they will fill the space formed for their reception at the
lower end of the post B, for the purpose of causing the whole combination to
operate smoothly. The weight of the parts carried by the slide B', always returns
the lasting head after use, to its lowest position of rest, ready to be again elevated
as desired by the foot treadle B', and the location of the fulcrum of the foot
treadle B', with reference to the roll 13, enables the operator to exert a powerful
downward pressure upon the lasting plates after they have been moved over the
inner sole and perfectly iron down the upper thereon.
The toe rest D, which holds the toe of the last at the correct height for the

page_text: action of the toe lasting plates is mounted upon the guiding stem D', which is fitted
to slide vertically in a guide formed on or attached to the horizontal slide D,
Figures 1, 2 and 6, so that it will move in unison therewith and preserve the
relations between the toe rest and lasting plates as said plates are adjusted to lasts
of varying lengths.
This toe rest is provided with the adjusting screw D8, which maintains the inner
sole at the correct height as the thickness of the toe of the lasts varies in different
styles.
The support D, under the adjusting screw is inclined properly, to cause the toe
rest to automatically adjust itself to the variations of thickness of the toe in
different lengths of lasts of the same style as it is moved to receive them. In order
to facilitate the entry of lasts into the machine the toe rest is caused automatically
to reciprocate to and from its operative position to another lower position.
This is accomplished by swinging the support D, in a bearing formed on or
attached to the post B at B³, so that it will swing freely therein, and swinging the
block or brace D10 in other bearings formed on or attached to the other side of
the post at B, Figures 1, 2 and 6.
The pivot pin forming part of the block D, is extended beyond the side of
the post B and has fitted to its end the lever D", and a connecting rod D",
connects this lever's outer end with the outer end of the lever A, which is fixed
on the releasing shaft A'.
These levers D1 and A³, are so proportioned to each other, that when the
releasing shaft A' is operated by its foot treadle A³, the block D10, is swung from
under and lets the support for the rest swing down by gravitation to the desired
point. The toe rest follows its support as it moves down and is returned to fixed
operative position upon the release of the treadle A'.
The support for the toe rest and the block D, are made strong enough to
sustain the severe strain brought upon the toe rest by the operation of the
treadle B', when the parts are in operative position as shown by Figure 6 and the
upper part of the support is provided with a raised rib D¹³, Figure 6, which presses
against one side of the head of the height adjusting screw of the toe rest D³, and
keeps it from turning or changing its set position.
Fixed to the post B are the horizontal parallel ties E, formed in one piece to
which is locked the heel lasting mechanism when the machine is in operative
position as shown by Figure 1. These ties have the projections E' branching
from them Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, and fixed in the ends of the branches are the
pivot pins E. These pivot pins carry the swinging arms E³, operating the side
lasting mechanism which consists of any desired number of pairs of holding straps
held sufficiently apart to allow the last to pass freely through them to the toe rest
as shown by Figure 4, and which are drawn around the upper from opposite sides
thereof during the lasting process as shown by Figure 5, where they hold the
upper firmly to the sides of the last and down upon the inner sole.
In the machine described two pairs of holding straps are used and operated in
unison over the shank of the last, and one pair to operate over the ball of the last.
As the description of a single pair of straps will serve for that of all, those
operating over the ball of the last and illustrated by Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 will
be used.
The swinging arms E³, are levers of the third order and are fulcrumed upon the
pivot pins E. They swing from each other in the act of drawing the holding
straps a around the last by the action of the toggle E, pivoted to them at E.
This toggle is operated by moving its centre up with the connecting rod E°, operated
in turn by the foot treadle E', fulcrumed to a stand A', on the base A, all of these
parts being connected in the usual manner.
The connecting rod E, is so adjusted for length that when the treadle E', is fully
depressed the centre of the toggle E, is raised just enough above the centres of the
pivot pins at Es, to prevent the swinging arms E³, from being drawn together by the
springs attached to the holding straps, a.

page_text: This adjustment of parts causes the toggle E, to serve as a lock to hold the
swinging arms E³, apart without relaxing in the slightest the strain upon
the holding straps which is a feature of great importance in strap lasting
machines.
The swinging arms E³, are of the proper length for that part of the last in
connection with which they are designed to operate; and to their upper ends there
is secured a suitable connection a' for drawing the holding straps a. These connec-
tions are of such length that they will just pass the median line of the last when
the straps are fully drawn, and they may be made of chain, leather, wire, or any
other suitable material.
The holding straps a, are made of a doubled strap of suitable leather, and
the loop of the strap is passed through a connection a³, attached to one end of
the connection a¹ and the ends of the doubled straps are hooked to one end
of the suitable spiral springs a³, with the opposite ends of the springs hooked
upon a ring a, which ring in turn passes through the projection a, formed for
its reception upon, or attached to, the ties E at the proper location. The loop
of the strap a, as the strap is drawn over the last, slides through the connection a³,
and allows the outer part of the strap to draw upon and assist the inner part
in holding the upper, which would not be the case were the doubled strap
fixed at both ends.
The holding straps and their connections are made of such length, and are so
positioned with reference to the lasts used, that the straps commence to draw the
upper around the last and over the inner sole from the time the straps strike the
sides of the lasts until the looped ends thereof have been drawn just past the median
line, where by the afore described action of the strap drawing arms E³, they
are held without relaxing their strain until the last is released from their
embrace.
The inner end of the foot treadle E', is extended beyond the point where the
connecting rod is pivoted to it and when it is desired to release the last from the
holding straps in the usual opening of the whole machine, the end of this exten-
sion Es, is pushed down by contacting with the pin A" of the lever A', which
lever is fixed upon the releasing shaft A', and operated by the common releasing
treadle A².
When the downward movement of the extension E, has drawn the joint of the
toggle below the line of its pivoted ends, the spiral springs a, attached to the ties E
and the swinging arms E³, draw said arms, the toggle and the foot treadle from the
position shown by Figure 5, to that shown by Figure 4 and there hold them until
the treadle E, is again depressed.
Sometimes it is found desirable to release one set or pair of holding straps without
unlocking the whole machine. With the described mechanism for drawing the
straps this is easily done by the operator who raises the proper treadle a little with
his toes placed under the foot piece thereof when the springs a', will act as has been
described.
To hold the lasting straps spread open so that the last with the unlasted upper
thereon may pass freely between them and under their operating connections, there
is pivoted to the strap drawing arms E, at the swinging arms b, Figures 4 and 5,
which are formed of two thin parts joined together at the top and which, straddle
the arms E, as shown by Figures 1 and 2.
To operate the arms b, studs 3, are screwed into the top edges of the ties E and
link connections 3, are pivoted to the top of the studs, at , and to the arms b
at 6. This connection, causes the arnis to swing in toward the last as the strap
drawing arms E³, are swung out, and turning the studs &, in and out of the ties E
adjusts the range of the swing of the arms b.
The upper joining part of the arms b, is formed with a narrow slot 6, therein, so
finished that a narrow strap 67, will slide freely therein, and one end of the strap &',
is secured to the connection a², and the other end is passed through the slot 6, and
connected by a spiral spring 6, to the toggle arms at 6.

page_text: The advantages of this combination of mechanism over any used for drawing the
holding straps of a strap lasting machine are, that the holding straps are held well
apart and their operating connections well up, so as to clear the sides of the last
and the projecting edges of the unlasted upper thereon as the last is passed into
lasting position. As the strap drawing arms E³ are operated from the position
shown by Figure 4, to that of Figure 5, the spiral springs 68 are moved upward and
ease the strain upon the spreading straps 6', while they render through the slots 66,
and at the same time, the slots themselves are dropped down and allow the holding
straps a, to draw correctly over the inner sole and furthermore offer but little
obstacle to the fastening of the upper to the inner sole, with the spreading straps
lying directly over the holding straps.
As the toe lasting head adjusts for varying length of lasts, it is desirable that the
pair of holding straps operating over the ball of the last should preserve their relative
distance from the lasting plates to give the best results and this distance also varies
in lasts having different curves at the ball of the foot.
This adjustment is provided for by pivoting the strap drawing arms E³ at E³, and
pivoting the studs at 610, so that all of the various parts above said pivots can be
swung by the operator and the holding straps can also be drawn at any desired
place between the toe lasting head and the next pair of strap drawing arms.
other pairs of strap drawing arms may be pivoted likewise, should it be desired to
increase the range of the machine to last very small sizes.
The
The heel lasting mechanism in combination with the jack-post is swung to and
from operative position for the purpose of introducing and removing the lasts from
the tunnel formed by the side lasting-straps and their operating arms, and the jack
post is lowered to facilitate the introduction by the return treadle A³, in the
following manner.
Forming part of, or attached to the base A, are two strong lugs A°, Figures 1, 2, 3,
to which is fitted the pivot-pin A', and mounted upon this pivot-pin so that it will
swing between the hugs is the swinging-arm F, best shown by Figures 7, 9, 10.
The swinging arm F is provided with the projection F which contacts with the
top of the base A. and limits the backward motion of the swinging-arm F, when
the machine is open, and at the upper end of this swinging arm is formed the round
bearing or sleeve F2, in which slides the jack post G, which is fitted to slide freely,
and is provided with the stop-pin G¹.
A spiral spring G², strong enough to raise the jack-post and the heaviest last
that will be used as high as the stop pin will allow when the machine is open,
is arranged below the jack post with a centre guide fixed in the hub of the
swinging arm F. There is a strong rack G³, cut upon the jack-post and
intermeshing with the teeth of this rack are the teeth of the pinion gear G,
Figure 7. This pinion is fixed to the shaft G, which is mounted in bearings G,
formed on the swinging arm F, at the correct distance from the rack G³, so
that tops and bottoms of the teeth of the rack and pinion respectively will
contact and prevent the jack-post from turning in its bearing.
On the end of the shaft G, at one side of the swinging arm F is fixed the
ratchet wheel G7, Figures 9 and 10 and below the ratchet wheel upon a strong
pivot-pin G8, fixed in the swinging arm G, are hung two counter-weighted
pawls G³, of different lengths, one or the other of which engage with the teeth
of the ratchet wheel and hold the jack-post fixed against downward pressure.
When the machine is open the jack-post is held up by the spring G³, with
the stop pin G' against the under side of the bearing or sleeve F, and in the
act of placing a last in the machine or removing it therefrom, the jack-post is
unlocked and drawn down by the return treadle A³, which operates the following
mechanism for that purpose.
In a guideway F, formed on the swinging arm F there is fitted to slide
freely the plate F, which plate is held in position by the bolt F³, fixed in the
swinging arm and passing through the slot F, formed through the plate F";
this slot being long enough to allow the plate F, the desired range of motion.

page_text: To the plate F, is bolted another smaller plate F', which is about the length
of the slot F, and is so positioned with reference to the counter-weighted pawls G',
that as it is moved down its lower end will press upon the extensions or arms Go,
of said pawls and swing and hold the pawls clear of the teeth of the ratchet
wheel G', as the plate F', is moved farther down and until it has returned to
its position of rest above the ends of the arms G10.
The plate F', is fixed upon the plate F, at such a distance from its lower end that
as soon as the plate F' has raised the pawls G' clear of the ratchet teeth, the lower
end of the plate F rests upon the stop pin G', which is extended under the guideway
as shown by Figure 9, and as the plate F continues its downward motion, the jack-
post G is carried down by the plate.
To operate the plate 14, there is placed upon the return shaft A' the lever A³,
provided with the extension A, which extension is connected to the plate F* by the
link connection F, as shown by Figures 9 and 10, constructed with a ring at each
end engaging with similar rings upon the plate F and the extension A', which
combination substantially forms a universal coupling and allows the jack-post to be
operated at any angle within its range of motion; and at the same time the spring
operating the return shaft A¹ will raise the plates F and F, and allow the pawls
to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel G'.
The heel lasting head H, is mounted upon the upper end of the swinging frame K,
and is hung and provided with longitudinal angular adjustment by substantially the
same mechanism used for that purpose with the toe lasting head.
The swinging frame K consists of two parallel plates held the correct distance
apart by the stays K', to cause the edges of their lower ends to engage with the
edges of the lugs A. This swinging frame K is hung at K upon the pivot pin K³,
so that it will straddle the lever K, through which the pivot pin K passes at K,
and upon which pin the frame K can be swung, Figures 1, 2, 3 and 7.
One end of the lever K is constructed to straddle the swinging arm F and is
pivoted thereto at F, by the pivot pin F10, so that as the lever K is operated, the
swinging frame K is reciprocated longitudinally with relation to the swinging arm F
when these parts are in operative position, Figure 7.
The lever K is held up against one of the stays K' of the swinging frame K, by
the spiral spring. K', properly connected to its outer end and to the swinging
frame K, this spring being made strong enough to support the weight of all the
parts carried by the swinging frame K and to cause said frame and the lever K*,
to act substantially as one piece and swing upon the pivot pin F1, when the
machine is opened and closed. To the outer end of the lever K, is adjustably
secured the chain connection K", whose opposite end is connected to the foot
treadle K, Figures 1, 2, 3 and 7 and the depression of this treadle, when the
machine is locked together and the heel lasting plates are drawn over the heel, will
draw said plates down with the requisite force to iron smooth the heel seat.
The treadle K is fulcrumed to the end of the base A, upon the pin A, and
the chain connection allows the swinging frame K and the swinging arm F, to be
moved forward and back freely as desired which would not be the case were a
rigid connection used.
The plates of the swinging frame K have extensions K, below the pivot pin,
the ends of which contact with the top of the base A and limit the backward
throw of the swinging arm when the machine is open, Figure 2. The edges of
these extensions K³, are shaped so that by contact with the edges of the lugs A,
they will cause the swinging frame K to have a differential swinging movement
with relation to the swinging motion of the swinging arm F, when the machine is
being opened and closed."
Attached to the swinging frame K at K³, is the long spiral spring K, whose
other end is secured to the post B at Box, which spring balances the weight of all
the parts attached to the swinging arm F, when the machine is open, so that when
the operator places a last upon the jack pin c, and moves it toward the toe lasting
mechanism, the heel lasting head follows and finally catches the heel of the last at

page_text: the point where the swinging frame K is locked to the horizontal ties by the
latch K, without exertion or care on the part of the operator.
The latch K is hung in the centre upon the upper of the stays K', and its ends
swing into the bevelled catches E10 fixed at the ends of the horizontal ties E, and
hold the heel lasting mechanism against all horizontal strains. This latch slides
down in said catches when the heel lasting plates are drawn down, as will be herein-
after described, for the purpose of ironing down the lasted upper over the heel
seat. A stop pind fixed in the upper stay K', limits the swinging motion of the
latch K" and the spiral spring di connected to it at d², and to the stay at d³,
swings it into the catches E10 whenever it is drawn by their bevelled ends.
The sides of the swinging frame K are fitted to pass in between the ends of the
horizontal ties E and the inner edges of said frame are fitted to rest against
stops K, formed for that purpose on the inner sides of the horizontal ties, so
that the heel lasting head is always held at the same point and against all lateral
strains.
Attached to the latch Kat d', is the rod ds, and the lower end of this rod is
connected by a chain connection d to the return treadle A2, at d, and whenever
said treadle is depressed, the latch K" is swung from contact with the catches E10,
at the proper time for the heel lasting mechanism to start back and open the
machine.
Upon the swinging frame K at e, there are formed bearings e' for the shaft e² to
revolve in, and upon this shaft is fixed the small crank e³, Figures 3 and 7 and to
this crank at e, is attached one end of the chain e, with the other end of the chain
hung in a slot e formed in the upper end of the swinging arm F.
The whole length of crank and chain is such, that when the machine is in the
position shown by Figure 2, the crank and chain are about straight with each
other, but when the machine is in the position shown by Figure 1, with the
largest last ever used therein and the crank revolved to take the chain up, the
chain will rest upon the shaft with the crank a little past the back centre.
As the size of the last decreases the crank is further revolved until the smallest size
is reached, which is before the chain is wound once around the shaft e². Around the
shaft is placed the torsional spring e, with one end fixed to the shaft and the other end
secured to the inside of one side of the swinging frame K, which spring acts to.
keep the chain e³, taut, at all positions of the swinging frame.
To the outer end of the shaft e², is fixed the hand wheel e8, Figures 1 and 3,
which is provided with ratchet teeth on so much of its periphery as represents the
requisite revolution of the shaft e³, to draw the chain for all sizes of lasts after
the machine is closed.
Below the shaft e³, on the swinging frame K are formed bearings f, to which is
fitted the shaft f¹, carrying at one end the pawl f', which engages with the ratchet
teeth of the hand wheel e, and holds said wheel wherever the operator may
leave it.
To operate the pawl ", there is fixed to the opposite end of the shaft f', the
lever, and the spiral spring f, connected to the lever f³, at f, and to the side of
the swinging frame at fo, draws the pawl 2 into contact with the periphery of the
hand wheel e. The outer end of the lever f³, is attached by a chain connection f',
to the lever A, and when the return treadle A, is operated, the pawl, is drawn
clear of the ratchet teeth of the hand wheel e³, and allows this part of the machine -
to open.
The advantages of this combination are that they cause the jacking mechanism
to follow up the motions of the machine and also to be automatically released, and
only require the operator to move the hand wheel e³, a few teeth, in order to firmly
jack the last.
The base plate of the heel lasting head H, is pivoted by a projecting lug H',
between the upper ends of the two plates forming the swinging frame K, at H',
upon the pivot pin H, and the screw H', connected to one side of the swinging
frame K, and to the base plate H, gives longitudinal angular adjustment to the

page_text: lasting plates carried thereon, by the same devices as those connected with the
screw C³, of the toe lasting head, Figures 1 and 2.
The heel lasting band is composed of metal and leather and is mounted on the
base plate H and operated by the following mechanism.
On the under side of the base plate H, are formed guide-ways g, for the sliding
bars gl and the plate caps y², secured to the base plate of the screws g³, hold these
sliding-bars in the guide-ways correctly, Figures 7, 8 and 11.
The centre support g, of the heel band is fitted to the groove go, on the upper
side of the base plate H, and the outer ends of the heel band are properly hung on
the inner ends of the bell-crank levers go, which levers are hung at, on the inner
ends of the sliding-bars g¹ by proper pivot pins. To the outer ends of the bell-
crank levers are connected the strong spiral springs 98, which are connected to the
base plate at 9, and when the machine is open they hold the ends of the heel band
spread to their full limit and draw the sliding bars g', fully back.
This is substantially the same mechanism for operating and holding heel and toe
bands of lasting machines, known before the time of this invention; but the
mechanism operating the sliding bars g', is an improvement upon any used for this
purpose and is constructed as follows.
The outer ends of the sliding-bars g', are turned down and inward as shown by
Figure 3; and through the ears go, so formed, are placed the eye-bolts", having
the length adjusting thumb-nuts g12. Mounted upon the pivot pin between the
two sides of the swinging irame Kat is the lever, which, above the fulcrum
pin h, consists of two arms upon a long hub set at such a distance apart as to
stand opposite the two eye-bolts g". To these eye-bolts the arms of the lever h³,
are connected by the strong spiral springs ³, which springs serve as elastic
connecting rods to draw the slide-bars g, forward when the lever ² is actuated.
The part of the lever ', below the fulcrum pin, consists of a single arm, connected
to the long hub in such position that when the swinging frame K, is locked between
the ends of the parallel ties E, it will be in opposition to the end of the bell-crank
lever k, which operates and locks the lever . The bell-crank lever k, is pivoted
in a bearing formed near the outer end of the rear one of the parallel ties E,
Figures 2 and 7 and the end of said lever operating in conjunction with the lower
end of the lever 2, is made of such length, that when swung to the full limit of
its motion, with the parts of the machine locked together as shown by Figure 7, it
(the lever ) always swings the lever 2, to the full limit of its motion and there
locks it as shown by said figure.
The opposite end of the bell-crank lever is attached to the connecting rod ²,
and the connecting rod is attached to the foot lever or treadle ³, which is hung
free on the return shaft A', Figures 1, 2, 3 and 7. To this connecting-rod 13, is
secured one end of the spiral spring k*, whose opposite end is secured to the tie E.
This spring, is strong enough to raise the treadle ³, and the parts attached
thereto when the machine is open, and bring and hold the operative end of the
bell-crank-lever k, in the position shown by Figure 2; and the depression of the
foot treadle when the machine is closed, brings together the heel band and locks
it around the counter of the upper just below the line of action of the heel lasting
plates.
The advantages of this combination are its simplicity, and the facts, that while
the lever klocks the band around the heel against the tension of the spring
connections, the same spring connections act to lock the lever k in position by
the lower end of the lever, pressing against it, while the spring connections h³,
equalize the strain of the band on right and left lasts and may be set to any desired
tension by the thumb-nuts g
All of the above described parts return automatically to their normal position
and finally the strain of the spring connections 98 increases largely the facility of
opening the machine to remove the lasted upper.
The metal part of the heel lasting band consists of a flat link chain built up to
considerable width by a number of its links properly connected and attached to the

page_text: center support g, and to the inner ends of the bell crank levers. This chain
band is lined with leather properly secured to the chain, and to the top edge of the
leather lining is cemented a wedge like piece of leather for the purpose of causing
the band to approximate the curve of the counter of the last and hold the upper
firm to the last close under the line of the inner sole.
Heretofore the center support g*, of the heel band has been made from one piece
of metal terminating in a fixed ear to which the metal chain was attached, and
when the curve of the counter operated upon varied much from the original curve
to which the leather lining of the heel band was fitted, the action of the band
would be inefficient and either the lining would have to be changed in form or the
band replaced by one of proper shape. Figures 16 and 17 show means for
overcoming this difficulty and rendering the action of the heel lasting band
substantially automatic upon counters of varying curves.
This is accomplished by making the ear 93, of the center support g', for the
heel lasting band, separate from the part fitting in the groove 9, and pivoting it
thereto at g¹, so that the ear g¹³, can swing vertically lengthwise of the last
operated upon, and find its correct bearing at the heel end of the last, where there
are the largest variations of curve. The outer ends of the chain band are also
pivoted loosely to the inner ends of the bell-crank levers g, which gives sufficient
adjusting quality to the band on the sides of the counter" where the variations of
curve are but small.
It has been found desirable that the heel lasting plates should rise slightly over
the median line with reference to their outer edges, and that at the same time they
should maintain an approximate level with each other at that point while they
are drawn over and pressed down upon the heel seat for the purpose of forming it,
said heel being generally higher in the center than at the edges that is, a little
crowning. The desired result is secured by fitting the cross-bar H, so that it
will slide in the front of the top plate of the heel lasting head, as shown by
Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15, and rest on the top of the heel lasting plates near the
inner edges in all the positions of said plates. The strong curved spring H³, is
secured to the said top plate by the bolt H, so that its outer end will rest upon
the cross-bar H', and bear the heel lasting plates down against stress applied
The cross-
from below by the act of drawing down the heel lasting head.
bar H, is made strong enough to be rigid; and should the leather of the counter
turned over be thicker on one side than the other, the cross-bar transmits the full
strength of the spring Ho, to that side and holds the center of the plate it is acting
upon parallel with its fellow, at the same time permitting both plates to rise
a little at the median line and smooth the heel seat equally at all parts.
The operation of this machine is easily understood and commencing with the
machine open, as shown by Figure 2, is as follows: With an upper properly
mounted upon a last the operator takes it preferably in his left hand, near the
heel, and places it upon the jack pin, at the same time with his right foot pressing
down the return treadle A, and swings the last toe foremost under the chains that
are connected to the side lasting straps.
When the toe nearly reaches the toe lasting plates which were left in position
therefor after lasting the previous upper, the treadle A³, is released, and as the
last moves forward the toe-support moves up to operative position and the latch K",
drops into place.
At the same time, the jack-post, actuated by the spring G², has raised the heel
to the gauge for height on one of the heel-lasting plates and has there been locked.
The hand wheel e, is then turned sufficient to firmly jack the last as has been
described in connection with the mechanism for that purpose. The operator then
depresses the foot treadle k³, to the full limit and the heel-band is pressed
firmly around the counter of the upper and there locked as has been hereinbefore
described.
The next operation is to draw the leather of the upper well up by pinchers
adapted to that purpose, and then the treadle operating the lasting-straps over the
D

page_text: Dall of the foot 18 fully depressed and said lasting-straps are locked fast at that
place.
Next in turn, the leather toward and at the shank of the foot is properly drawn
up and the treadle operating the straps for that part are depressed.
Turning his attention to the heel, the operator grasps the handle actuating the
heel-lasting plates, and with his foot on the treadle K, feeling the top of the
inner sole with the lasting plates, draws them over. He increases the pressure
upon the treadle K", as the plates move forward, and at the end of their motion,
or when he has moved them as far over as desired, he presses the lever K, firmly
down and formis the heel-seat and the frictional hold of the heel-lasting band retains
the heel-lasting plates down.
To last the toe, the operator ascertains if the toe lasting plates are in correct
lineal position, and they will be, if the preceding upper was of the same length.
If not, a slight motion of the swinging handle will make them so, and then with
the fingers of the right hand, or with a suitable device for that purpose, the
operator presses the upper away from the last over and against the toc-lasting
plates, at the same time "feeling" the toe lasting plates up to and against the upper
round the toe of the last so that they fairly and pretty closely touch it, using the
left hand upon the lever of the toe-lasting plates, for that purpose, the transverse
angular position of the lasting plates having been previously set, in anticipation
of the angle of the toe of the last if it were different from that of the preceding
one. The toe lasting head is then raised by the foot of the operator pressing upon
the treadle B', and this action in connection with the movements already described
draws the leather up and tightly around the toe of the last.
D
When the toe lasting plates are high enough to pass over the inner sole, they are
drawn over, and the action of the toe lasting plates as their edges pass up and over
the bend of toc forms it correctly and makes the toc smooth and perfect. If
the operator thinks that the weight of the toe lasting head and its attachments are
not sufficient to properly iron down the upper, he passes his foot to the treadle B',
and forces the lasting plates down as much as desired.
The upper is now ready to be fastened by tacks or pegs, or both, as the class of
work requires.
After fastening the operator grasps the last, as at starting, and by pressing down
the return or releasing treadle A2, he returns to their starting positions, as has been
described in detail, all operative parts that have been caused to act, during the
lasting process, and the machine is ready for another operation.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated
to me by my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is :--
1. In combination with a lasting machine head and the support to which said
head is pivoted for longitudinal angular adjustment, the screw C³, provided with
fixed collars and the hubs C, and C, mounted upon screw threads all operating
substantially as shown and described.
2. In combination with a lasting machine head the slides D and B2, the connecting
rod B³, the treadle B', the roll B, and the treadle B', all substantially as shown and
described.
3. In combination with a lasting machine head the toe rest D6, the adjusting screw
therefor D, the support 'D', provided with the rib D³, the elevating and lowering
block D, the lever D", the connection D, and the lever A³, all constructed
substantially as shown and described.
4. In combination with a lasting machine, a toe support provided with a height
adjusting screw and a swinging or sliding support for said screw constructed with a
rib which engages with said screw head and assures the location of said screw,
substantially as shown and described.
5. In a lasting machine of the class described whose lasting straps or their
operating connections are permanently positioned over the inner sole of the uppers

page_text: to be lasted, swinging arms located on each side of the machine with the lasting
straps secured to their upper ends and toggle connections secured to their lower
ends for drawing and locking said lasting straps around the lasts operated upon and
suitable mechanism for operating said toggles all substantially as shown and
described for the purpose set forth.
6. In a lasting machine of the class described whose lasting straps or their
operating connections are permanently positioned over the upper to be lasted,
swinging arms located on each side of the machine, with lasting straps secured to
their upper ends, and swinging arms pivoted thereto and provided with suitable
connecting mechanism to fixed parts of the machine to ensure their swinging
reversely to the arms to which they are pivoted when said arms are operated in
either direction, all constructed substantially as described and for the purpose set
forth.
7. In a lasting machine of the class described whose lasting straps or their
operating connections are permanently positioned over the upper to be lasted,
swinging arms located on each side of the machine with lasting straps secured to
their upper ends, and swinging arms pivoted thereto and provided with suitable
connecting mechanism to fixed parts of the machine to ensure their swinging
reversely to the arms to which they are pivoted when said arms are operated in
either direction and provided with the joints E' and 610 all operating substantially
as shown and described.
8. In a lasting machine in combination with the jack-post provided with the
spring G and the stop pin G₁, the sliding plates F4 and F, the counterweighted
pawls Go, the ratchet wheel G7 the lever As and suitable connecting mechanism all
operating substantially as shown and described.
9. In a lasting machine the swinging frame K carrying the heel lasting mechanism
and mounted upon the lever K in combination with the spring K7 the foot treadle
or lever K and suitable connecting mechanism whereby the action of spring and
treadle causes the heel lasting mechanism to reciprocate vertically at will of the
operator.substantially as shown and described.
10. In a lasting machine whose heel lasting mechanism is swung from the toe
lasting mechanism for the purpose of introducing the last in combination with
thes winging frame K the balance and drawing spring K10 substantially as described.
11. In a lasting machine of the class described, the combination of the treadle E'
provided with extension E3 and the lever A' mounted upon the releasing
shaft A¹ and provided with the pin A", all operating substantially as shown and
described.
12. In a lasting machine of the class described the combination of the holding
straps a, the connection a² the springs a³ and suitable operating mechanism all
substantially as described and for the purposes set forth.
13. In a lasting machine of the class described the double ended swinging
latch Khung upon the swinging frame K the bevelled catches E10 fixed at the
ends of the horizontal ties E and suitable connecting and operating mechanism,
substantially as described all operating as set forth.
14. In a lasting machine of the class described, jacking mechanism consisting of
the crank e properly mounted upon the swinging frame K and connected to the
swinging arm by the chain e, the hand wheel e provided with automatic holding
mechanism and the torsional spring e and suitable connecting and operating
mechanism all substantially as described and for the purpose set forth.
15. In a lasting machine in combination with mechanism for operating and
holding heel and toe bands thereof, the spring connections ³ the lever ² the bell-
crank lever k and suitable connecting and operating mechanism all substantially as
shown and described.
16 In a lasting machine in combination with the heel and toe bands thereof,
means for giving said bands automatic adjustment to counters and toes of varying
curves and angles, consisting of the ear g₁ and suitable connecting mechanism,
substantially as described.

page_text: 17. In a lasting machine in combination with the lasting plates thereof, the
cross bar H and suitable operating mechanism, substantially as shown and
described.
Dated this 13th day of June 1891.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.