GB166924A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for softening toe or other portions of boot or shoe uppers - Google Patents

Abstract

166,924. British United Shoe Machinery Co., Ltd., (United Shoe Machinery Corporation). Jan. 29, 1920. Softening.-In apparatus for softening a toestiffener when with an upper on a last, heat alone or heat and moisture are applied in regulable proportions to the inner surface of the upper while it is held on a last. The apparatus comprises a hollow chamber 11 through which steam under pressure is conducted, a vertical baffle 9 being provided and the lower part of the chamber forming a trough 16 for collecting the water of condensation. Valves 13, 15 control the entry and the escape of the steam. Water that has collected in the trough 16 is forced by the steam pressure up the pipe 20 into the pipe 17 from which it is discharged, by operating the valve 40, through a hole 22 on to the top 24, of the chamber, where it vaporizes and passes through a perforated plate 36 to the boct upper 28. The upper surface of the steam chamber is provided with a number of vertical ribs 25 and an inclined flange 43 which prevents access of water vapour to the last. An underhanging shelf 33 carried by the casing 10 supports one or more lasts 29, the toe ends of which abut against an adjustable bar 34. By suitable manipulation of the valves 13, 15, 40, the desired softening conditions are obtained, an imperforate plate being placed over the perforated plate 26 when a perfectly dry heat is required. A modification is described in which steam is bubbled through a water reservoir, the moist vapour given off being passed through a folded sheet of wire netting with cloth between the folds, before coming into contact with the upper. When a dry heat is required, the netting may be covered or replaced by an imperforate metal plate. Specifications 5946/13 and 18174/13, [Class 17 (ii), Boots and shoes, Construction of], are referred to.