Improvements in Machines for Cleaning and Polishing Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Aug., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 23rd May, 1895-Accepted, 17th Aug., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines for Cleaning and Polishing Boots
and Shoes.
I, FREDERICK WILLIAM FOLLOWS, of Froxmer Street, Gorton, in the
County of Lancaster, Agricultural Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
This invention is designed to provide an efficient machine for cleaning and
polishing boots and shoes which the operator will be able to drive and control
by his feet while his hands are occupied with the boots.
It consists essentially in constructing and arranging the machine with one or two
pairs of rotating brushes (one of each pair of which is carried in an oscillating or
movable frame) in combination with a pedal motion and driving wheel connected
thereto with driving straps or chains and an adjustable seat attached thereto upon
which the operator rests while his feet and hands are employed.
In carrying out the invention I construct the machine with one or more pairs of
rotating brushes in sets the lower set being journalled in fixed supports and the
journals of the upper set being carried in a movable frame capable of oscillating
round a pivot so that the brushes of one set may approach or recede from the
other. The brushes are preferably constructed in sets of two that is two on each
spindle, one on either end. Each brush spindle is driven independently of the
other from pulleys or wheels on a shaft or spindle which receives motion from a
pedal motion and driving wheel placed at the base of the apparatus. The
supporting frame is extended down to the floor and is provided with a suitable
spindle and wheel, the spindle carrying one or two cranks and pedal whereby it is
rotated the motion being carried to the brushes by a driving belt chain or rope.
In the front of the machine the framing is extended outwards and to it I connect
an adjustable seat upon which the operator can rest. The frame is provided" with
a number of projections or notches against which the frame of the seat engages,
the seat being capable of being raised or lowered by disengaging it with the
projections or notches and then sliding it in the desired direction. The framing
may be made in one casting or made in parts and bolted or attached together.
Dated this 22nd day of August 1894.
Improvements in Machines for Cleaning and Polishing Boots
and Shoes.
I, FREDERICK WILLIAM FOLLOWS, of Froxmer Street, Gorton, in the County
of Lancaster, Agricultural Engineer, 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 is designed to provide an efficient machine for cleaning and

page_text: polishing boots and shoes which the operator will be able to drive and control by
his feet while his hands are occupied with the boots.
It consists essentially in constructing and arranging the machine with one or two
pairs of rotating brushes (one of each pair of which is carried in an oscillating or
movable frame) in combination with a pedal motion and driving wheel connected
thereto by driving straps or chains and an adjustable seat upon which the operator
rests while his feet and hands are employed.
The invention will be fully described with reference to the accompanying
drawings
Fig. 5. Sectional plan on line x-x, Fig. 1.
I construct the machine with an upright standard or framing A upon the upper
part of which I bolt or otherwise attach two brackets B forming a head. Each of
the brackets B is formed with two arms one arm carrying journals for a rotating
spindle C upon which are mounted brushes D at either end and the other arm
carries journals for the spindle or axle E of a driving wheel F and a fly
wheel G.
To the head formed by the brackets B I pivot two arms or brackets H to form
an oscillating frame and in the journal at the end of this frame I mount a second
brush spindle J carrying at either end an upper set of brushes K.
The brackets B are connected together by stay bolts b to form a rigid head
and they are so shaped in front to form a casing or cover for the chain wheel c
on the brush spindle C. In like manner the arms H are connected together
by the stay bolts h to form an oscillating frame to carry the top set of brushes
and the front part is so made as to enclose the chain wheel j on the upper brush
spindle J..
An even and continuous pressure is exerted on the oscillating frame H and top
set of brushes by the spring L through the lever M aud radius rod or link m.
The tension of the spring L pulling on the end of the lever M tends to raise the
end of the swing frame H and the brushes K but does not actually lift them.
Thus the pressure remains practically constant and can be regulated either increased
or diminished by the screw l.
The brushes are driven by chains or bands N extending from the driving wheel F
to the wheels c and respectively and the axle of the driving wheel is supported in
adjustable bearings supported by the back arms of the brackets B. The driving
wheel is driven from the pedals O by the connecting rods o onto the cranks e.
pedals are pivoted to the base plate P.
The
In the front of the machine the framing extends outwards into a U shaped
part A and to this part I connect an adjustable seat R upon which the operator
can rest. The frame is provided with a number of projections and notches a
against which the frame of the seat R engages to retain it at any desired
height above the ground. The seat is capable of being raised and lowered by
disengaging it from the projections and notches a and then moving it in the
desired direction.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a machine for cleaning and polishing boots and shoes the combination
with an upright supporting framing of a fixed head and oscillating frame carrying
two sets of rotating brushes a driving wheel and chain connecting same with the
brushes and a pedal motion connected to the axle of the driving wheel by connecting
rods engaging with cranks substantially as described.