US1678139A - Method of and apparatus for softening shoe materials - Google Patents

Description

July'24, 1928.

F. M. FURB ER METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SOFTENING SHOE MATERIALS Filed Feb. 10, 1923 Patented July '24, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK M. FURBER, OF REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO UNITED SI- IOE MACHINERY CORPORATION, OF IPATERSON, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SOFTENING SHOE MATERIALS.

Application filed February 10, 1923. Serial No. 618,374.

This invention relates to the treatment of materials in process of manufacture for the purpose of softening them,and especially to the treatment of shoe materials. The pres ent application is filed as a continuation in part of my copending application Serial No. 342,883, filed December 6, 1919, and includes not only the subject-matter of the former said application butsubject-matter not therein disclosed.

For the purpose of illustrating a preferred form of apparatus embodying the invention the accompanying drawings show an appaiw tus designed to soften the Vamps and toe stiiieners of assembled shoes preparatory to the usual pulling-over operation. The con; struction of this apparatus issuch that the materials to be treated may conveniently be in a substantially flat condition and be separated from the forepart of the last while the: rear portion of the upper is attached to the last, but in some respects the invention is capable of being embodied in other forms and is adapted to be used at other stages in the manufacture of shoes. For example, cer tain features of the invention are well adapted to be used in an apparatus designed more particularly to soften pulled-over toes preparatory to lasting. An object of the invention is to provide improved methods of supplying moisture to the materials that require softening and to provide improved apparatus adapted to administer treatment according to said meth ods. sirable regulations of moisture and heat to suit the various requirements of different kinds of leather and stiffening materials and I to suit also the preferences of the user, with a view to making); the apparatus and the treatment to be practised therewith as nearly universal as possible and to safeguard the materials against being burned or otl'ierwise injured.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method of operation that will minimize the moistening' of the atmosphere in the work-room. In this respect the invention provides for generating enough, but not necessarily more than enough, moist vapor to accomplish. the

The invention provides for all the dedesired softening treatment, and provides for supplying the vapor in such a Wav that it may be nearly if not wholly absorbed by the work. i

A feature of the invention consists in a. heatradiating element arranged adjacent to a Work-station, and means arranged to sup ply liquid such as water to that surface of the heat-radiating element that confronts the work, from a source of supply at a lower level, by the motive force of the medium that heats said element. The heat-radiating element is preferably located so close to the work that the vapor generatedthereby will have no appreciable distance to travel to reach the work, excepting as it may spread laterally in the space between the heat-radiating; element and the work. An advantage of supplying hot moist vapor in this way is that the quantity may be-regulated with the utmost accuracy by regulating the quantity of water supplied to the heat-radiating element, while the temperature of the vapor may be regulated by regulating the heating medium.

For softening Vamps and toe-stiffeners preparatory to pulling-over, the invention preferably comprises a heat-radiatina element formed to enter between the upper and last of an assembled shoe, in which case the invention consists further in supplying the water between the upper and the last with which it is assembled. I consider myself the first to provide softening treatment for an assembled shoe by supplying water between the upper and the last and there converting, the water into hot moist vapor, and I therefore desire protection of correspondingly broad scope.

The illustrated apparatus is designed to use steam as the heating medium and comprises a steam-chest for radiating heat to the work and for vaporizing the water that is used to moisten. the work. i In this connection a feature of the invention consists in utilizing water of condensation that accumulates in the steam-chest to supply the moisture that is used to treat the work. and consists further in utilizing steam-chest pressure to t'ansfer the water to the external surface of the chest that confronts the Work to be treated. In this respect the apparatus and its operation are comparable to those of the well-known siphon-bottle.

Another object of the invention is to spread the vapor laterally and to distribute it evenly throughout arelatively great area so that a plurality of articles of work or a single article of great lateral dimensions may be moistened uniformly at all points. This is accomplished, according to the illustrated construction, by providing a foraminous plate between the work and the vapor izing surface and by restricting the openings in said plate to an extent that compels the vapor tospread laterally from the point of vaporization to all points of the plate to find the necessary aggregate means of escape. Although the hol s in the plate are relatively close to each other they are so small that their aggregate area is not sutlic-ient to re- ].ease all the vapor. Furthermore, the foraminous plate serves to safeguard the work against being burned and against being moistened too rapidly. Any surplus of vapor will escape beyond the area of the plate as, for example, through the-port which receives the water to be vaporized and through crevices between the plate and its supporting structure. Atmospheric pressure 18 therefore maintained at all times under the plate.

Another feature of the invention consists in providing for two alternative modes of operating the apparatus, by one of which the treating vapor may be restricted with respect to quantity by restricting its temperature to'a point below the boiling temperature, and by the other of which a more copious supply may be administered to the work by increasing its temperature to a point above the boiling temperature. The control as to these two 'modes of operation is subject to the willof the user, and the change from one to the other and vice versa is obtainable by regulating the temperature of the foraminous plate. For example, the temperature of this plate is never as high as that of the heating element, and the difference, while not necessarily constant, may be such as to enable the plate to condense the vapor that is generated by the heating element. Now, therefore, if the temper ature of the plate were say 200 degrees F. while that of the heat-radiating element is 220 degrees, the plate would condense the vapor generated by the heating element. The holes in the plate are so small that when filled with waterthe water will be sup ported in them by surface tension. Consequently, in practice, as the vapor becomes condensed by the plate under the thermal conditions above defined, the holes in the plate become sealed with plugs of water. Still, the temperature of the plate, while not sufficient to boil the water, is neVert-helesS than that of the vapor underthe plate and would safeguard even the most delicate leathers against scorching, regardless of how long the work-mightremain in position for treatment. Furthermore, the quantity of lllOlSlZUlB rising from the plate would be de termined by the temperature of the plate rather than by the quantity of vapor gene rated under the plate. I

On. the other hand, to apply the hotter vapor directly'to the work the user would have merely to regulate the heating means to maintain the foraminous plate at a temperature above 212 degrees. Under the latter condition, the vapor unde' the plate would rise as such through the holes in the plate and act on the work without bein condensed by the plate, and the volume of moisturerecoived' by the work would be greater than, under the aforesaid lower thermal conditions.

For efficiency of operation the steam-chest l is preferably cylindric, that shape aifordin g the greatest heating capacity in proportion to the size and weight of the chest. The increased heating efficiency makes it feasible to make the radiating tin solid and relatively thin instead of hollow and relatively thick as in my former said construction. The later construction is therefore less costly and better adapted to conform to the requirements of the work, especially in treating small sizes.

The steam-chest is preferably made of three major elements, viz, two confronting headers and a tubularbody member arranged between them. This construction enables the headers to remain permanently oined to a supply pipe and an exhaust pipe respec tively and at the same time provides for removing the body portion, as for cleaning or repairs, without disturbing the piping connections. It also provides for an inexpensive three-point healing orstand, since each of said major elements may be provided witha. foot portion to rest on a bench or other supporting surface.

Other objects and novel features are hereinafter described and claimed and, so far as the apparatus is concerned, are illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings, 7

Fig. 1 is an end elevation partly in section of'anapparatus constructed in accordance with this invention, the figure including a last and an upper as assembled preparatory to the pulling-overoperation,the rear part of the upper being fastenedto the heel end'of the last as by a tack, while the vamp is sep- 1 position for treatment;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the apparatus indicated bybroken line 2-2 of Fig. 1, portions ofthe apparatus being broken out merely to save space on the drawing;

F 3 is a plan View of a portion of the feraminous plate that forms the upper wall of the vaporizing chamber; and

Fig. i is a verticalsection of a portion of the structure intersected by broken line 41 i of 1, to show how the ends of the vaporizing chamber are formed.

A hollow metallic structure providing a steam-chest is formed in part by a tubular body portion and in part. by detachable end pieces or headers 11 and 12. These headers are fastened to the ends of the body portion by bolts 13, and the joints are made steam-tight by suitable gaskets 141. When the apparatus is designed to be installed on abench it is preferably provided with three bearing Joints so that it will not require truing to avoid wabbling. Accordingly, as shown. the body portion 10 isprovided, midway of its ends, with a bearing piece 15, and

each of the headers is formed with a brackis bored to receive two bolts one of which is indicated at 21 and both of which extend through the shelf 18 and carry wing nuts by which to clamp the member 20. The shelf 18 is preferablyprovided with slots 23 to receive the clamping bolts and to afford a range of adjustment of the member 20 relatively to the shelf. v

A pipe 2% for supplying steam is coupied to the header 11. and a return or exhaust pipe 25 is coupled to the header These pipes are provided respectively With a supply valve 26 and an exhaust valve 27 by which the volume and pressure of steam in the chest may be regulated. The water of condensation indicated at 28 may accumulate in thest-eantchest up to the level of the outlet pipe 25 to provide moisture for the work as hereinafter explained; The hollow body men'iber 10 of the steam-chest has a substantially horizontally projecting portion 29 arrai'iged to overhangtlreforeparts of the lasts placed on the Shah 1 8, to conduct the heat from the steam and to radiate such heat between the lasts and the Vamps. This heat-radiatingportion 29 has relatively great lateral dimensions to underlie from four to six vamps at once. Furs thermore the portion 29 is pan-shaped or dished to provide a relatively shallow chamber 30 in which water may be vaporized be tween the lasts and the Vamps 31. I

The water of condensation that accumu- .lates in thesteam-chest may be caused to low to the chamber 30 by the pressure of the steam in the chest, in which respect the action is comparable to the siphonic action of a siphon-bottle. For this purpose a pipe 32 is arranged toextend through one wall of the steam-chest so that its receiving end will be immersed in the water of condensation. This pipe, including the necessary fittings, conducts the water under pressure to a discharge nozzle 33 above the steamchest. The body of the steam-chest is formed with afunnel-shaped boss3 t to re ceive the water so discharged, said boss having a hole through which the water drops so that it may flow on the pan-shaped portion 25) to be vaporized.

That part of the chamber 30 over which the Vamps are arranged for treatment is provided with a detachable cover consist ing of a thin foraminous plate 35 herein before mentioned, the edges of said plate being arranged to rest on the upright walls of the chamber and being held preferably by some means that will permit it to be detached quickly. This plate is. provided with a large number of closely spaced holes 36 preferably no larger than, if as large as, the shank of a common pin. It has been found in practice that holes this size will hold water by surface tension and that they become sealedwith water of condensation when the temperature of the plate is below the boiling ten'iperature. A grid, consisting of a sheet of wire fabric 37, is placcdon the plate 35 to support the Vamps out of contact with the plate. Thisgrid enables the vapor to spread laterally between the plate and the work and to become distributed evenly to all portions of the work. A grooved bar 38 is'attached to the heat-radiating portion 29 toclamp both the wire grid 37 and the plate 35 to the portion 29. This clamping device 38 is preferably made of some material that will not conduct heat readily and may be made most economically of wood such as maple. It is preferably coextensive with the portion 29 and plate 35, and is bored at suitable intervals for the reception of screws 39 which extend into tapped holes formed in the portion 29. The'clainping device has a hook-shaped portion 40 that ex,- tends' around the front edges of the plate and grid and bears on the top of the grid with su'iiicientpressure, when the screws 39 are tightened, to hold the plate and grid against slipping. This clamping device occupies a position where it is adapt-ed to be engaged by the instep portions of the lasts,

ill!) ill) provided the toe board 20 is not set out far enough to prevent such engagement. In this respect the clamping device constitutes an additional guard to prevent the lasts from being indented or chipped by striking the' cast iron of which the heat-radiating ele ment is made, and also prevents the uppers from being burned by engagement with the heat-radiating element.

When the apparatus is installed for use the pipe 24: will be connected to any convenient source of steam, the pressure-of which may be high or low. The pressure and temperature of the chest will depend upon how much or how little the valves 26 and 27 are opened. In a comparatively short space "of time water of condensation will accumulate in the bottom of the chest and thereafter it will be maintained at a constant level determined by the outlet through which the exhaust is conducted. The steam pressure in the chest will force the water of condensation through the pipe 32 which is provided with a valve tl by which the quantity of water discharged from the nozzle 38 may be regulated or even cut off entirely if desired. Assuming that an article of work is arranged as shown by Fig. 1, the last will not be appreciably affected by the heat or moisture supplied by the apparatus, but the vamp 31 will receive treatment according to regulation of the valves -26 and. 27 and' 41. If the valve tl is closed tightly while the valves 26 and 27 are open the Vamps will be heated without receiving any moisture, since the heat is supplied exclusively by radiation. Although the portion 29 would ordinarily be maintained at a temperature suflicient to boil water the heat radiated therefrom will not injure the work because the plate 35 remains at a much lower temperature and acts as a baffle or screen, and because the work is spaced from the plate by the wire grid 87. The efficiency of the apparatus is increased by providing the vaporizing chamber with upstanding ribs 50 integral with the portion 29, to radiate heat and to brace the plate 35. Since the Vamps do not engage .anything but the non-conducting clamping member 38 and the wire mesh 37 they are safeguarded against being burned.

In most cases it is desirable to administer some moisture with the heat, the necessary quantity of moisture being small in all cases but being more for some kinds of leather than for others. For example, certain colored leathers would be discolored by a quantity of moisture'that would expedite the softening of certain other leathers without harming them. Whatever the requirements may be, they may be satisfied by adjusting the three valves. Assuming that the steam-chest has been heated to the desired temperature, and that the-Work to be treat ed requires moisture, any desired quantity of vapor may be generated in the chamber 30 by opening the valve 41 to the desired extent. As the water drops from the nozzle 33 it flows into the chamber-30 and spreads laterally toform a thin film and is converted into vapor almost instantaneously. I In'no case would the requisite amountof moisture be so great as to call for .a quantity of water that would spread over the entire surface of the bottom of the chamber 30 before it would be converted into vapor.

The apparatus therefore operates as a flash boiler, and the slight pressure in the chamber 30 due to expansion causes the vapor tospread laterally from the center of vaporization to all parts of. the plate seeking to escape through the holes 86, since the aggregate area of all the holes is not quite enough to relieve the pressure. The pressure is, of'course, almost negligible because the relatively remote hole for the water supply is always open. I

In practice the valve 41 would be the most convenient means for regulating the rate of flow of water to the chamber 30, but whether there would or would not be a flow of water would. depend primarily upon the valves that regulate the heating medium. For example, assuming that the valve 41 mm the most desirable position of regulation, and.

that it is desired to keep it there, it is possible to stop the flow of water by manipulating the valves 26 and 27. At theend of a working period the valve 26 would be closed to turn oifthe heat, and this would also turn off the flow of water because there would be no pressure in the steam-chest to discharge the water. Onresuming the operation of the apparatus after an interval of non-use it would onlybe necessary to open the valve 26 to supply heat andalso to supply the motive force for dischargingwaterfrom the nozzle 33, and if it were desired to leave the valve 41 open at some predetermined position of regulation, but to postpone the discharge of water until the apparatusis hot enough to vaporize it, it would only be necessary to adjust the valve 27 to relieve the pressure in the steam-chest, thus providing rapid circulation of steam through the chest without developing pressure therein. Having permitted the-steam to heat the chest to the desired working temperature, the discharge of water would be brought about by regulating the valve'27 to restrict the exaust'to a point that would develop a slight pressurein the chest. From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus is also capable of heating the work without moist- 1,678,139 I l W l y plate 35 may be heated to a temperature above 212 degrees F. or its temperature may be maintained considerably below'that point While the temperature of the heating element 29 is maintained considerably above that point. If the regulation is such that the temperatures of the plate and heating element are maintained respectively below and above 212 degrees the platevvill condense the vapor seeking to pass through its holes and the latter will therefore besealed ,With plugs of Water Which Will be supported by surface tension and Will undergo continuous evaporation above and continuous replenishment from below by more vapor and condensation thereof.

In many cases. the last-described mode of:

operation Will supplysufficient moisture to the Work since the evaporation of the'inany small segregated bodies of Water in the holes of the plate will be moderately rapid because of their nearncss to the boiling temperature. Still, if a greater volume of moisture is desired, it may be readily supplied by regulating the heating means to maintain the temperature of the plate 35 above 212 degrees.

Then the vapor rising from the heating ele perature with comparatively small c'onsu1nption of steam. VVhen it is necessary to clean the steam-chest or to remove it for any other purpose it is not necessary to disturb the steam-piping or disconnect it from, the

headers 11 and 12, since the body the steannchest may be lifted from betiveen the headers after removing the bolts 13;

Having thus described my invention, hat I claim as new and desire to'secure by Let ters Patent of the United States is.

l. A softening apparatus comprising a heat'radiatinp; element formed toenter between the last and upper of an assembled shoe, and means forsupplying a liquid to said element.

a .2. A softening apparatus comprising: a dry heat-radiating elementand work-,engag ing means spaced from and fastened to each otl'ier both being formed to intervene between a last and a portion of a shoe-upper as seinbled therewith. f r

3. A softening apparatus comprising a dry heat-radiating element and Work-engaging means spaced from and fastened to each other, both being formed to intervene be 4 tween and, anda portion or a shoe-upper assembled therewith, and ineansarranged to supply a treating agent bet-Ween saidelement and the Work-engaging means Iiisoftening apparatus comprising reguf latable heating means and vamp-supporting I meansLspaced' from and fastened to'each other, both being formed to intervene between a last and the vamp, of a shoe-upper assembled therewith, and means rcgulatable independently of said heating means to sup-I ply a fluid treating agentbetween the'heating means and the vampsupporting means.

'5. A softening: apparatus comprising work-engaging.means formed to maintain a portion of shoo-upper apart froma last with which the upper is assembled, means constructed and arranged to radiate dry heat betweenthe lastand said \vorlr-eiigag ing means,and means for supplyinga fluid treating agent bet-weenthetwo aforesaid means. p 1 I p 6. A softening apparatus comprising means constructed and arranged to rad ate dry heat and formed to intervene between a last and aportion of EL Sl'IO G' LiPPGi' assemble-d I therewith; means arranged to: maintain said por ion o'l tlie upper out oi contactwvith said heat radiating means,fl and inc-ans ar rang id to supj' ly a fluid treating agent betwccnthe twoaioi'esaid:means,

,7. A. softening apparatus comprising a dry-beat radiatoifianda grid fastened to but i I loo spaced fromfeach otherand formed to inter-11 vene between a last and port-ionof a shoe-- upper assembled therewith, and means .i I

rangedtosupply a vaporizable fluid between.

the radiatorandthe grid p r i 8,18, softening apparatus comprising a steam-chest having an imperloi'ateport-ion f forn'ied'to intervene between a last and a p rtionot a shoeaipper assembled thereu'tl and means arranged to supply a fluid treat? ing agent to an external surface of said iing perforate portion. Y

9. A softening apparatus coin, rising a heat-radiat ng elei'z 'ient having an.in'ipcrt rate portion formed to intervenebetween a last and a'portion or an upper asson'ibled therewith, and means for supplying a vapor izableliquid to a surface said imperferatc portion. U y

10. A softening apparatus comprising a steam-chest having a space arranged to contain Water, anda conduit connected to the Water-space of said chest and arranged to Ian supply Water to an externalsurtace 'of's aid.

chest from the products of condensation the steam used to heat-the chest;

' 1.1. A softening apparatus comprising a stesun-chest and a conduit arranged to convey the products of condensation "from the interior ofsai'd chest to-a point of discharge ver the chest so that the products disa.

Gel

charged said point will flowon an external surface of. the chest.

:12. Asoftening apparatus comprising a steam-chest, a conduit arranged to conduct said regulating means the products of condensation from the interior ofthe chest to a point of discharge adjacent toan external surface of the chest 7 sothat the products discharged at said point 1 will flow on said surface, and a conduit leading out of said chest above the level of the receiving end of the first said conduit to conductaway the used steamseparately from the products of condensation;

13. A softening apparatus heating means, means for regulating the tem- I pcrature thereof, and means arranged to sup plya liquid treatin agent under control of to an external surface of said heating means.

14:. A softening apparatus comprising a steam-chest forradiating heat to an article of work, and means arranged to supply water from the. interior of said steam-chest to an external surface thereof adjacent to thework station by the fiuidpressure in the chest.

' 15. A softening] apparatus I comprising work-supporting means, and means including a pressuresustaining steam-chest con-h structcd and arranged to treat the work on said supporting means with hot moist vapor derived from water of condensation in said Steam-chest. v i T 1 6. A softening apparatus comprising steam-heated means for radiating heat to the work, said means having an inlet valve and an outlet valve to control the effective pressure of steam therein,.and means arranged to supply water, under said pressure,

I from the lower part of said steam heated the work.

means tothe external surface that confronts .17. A softening apparatus comprising chamber-forming means, means for conduct a ing a heated fluid under pressure'to the chamber in said means, and-a conduit arranged to conduct a fluid treating agent from said chamber by the pressure in the chamher, said conduit being arranged to dig charge said treatingagentupon a heated external, surface of said chamber-forming means. I v

18. A softening apparatus comprising a hollow heat-radiating element a portion of which is formed to intervene between a last and thevamp of a shoeupper assembled therew th, means for supplying. steam under pressure to the chamber in said element,

and means constructed and arranged to coni duct the products of condensation from said chamber and to discharge them on the surface of said intervening portion.

- 19. A softening apparatus comprising a steam chesthaving a portion formedto in tervenebetween a last and the vamp of a.

shoe-upperassembled therewith, "vamp supcomprising portingn'ieans arranged to maintain a space between the vamp and said intervening port on, and means arranged to/conduct the products of condensation of the steam used to heat said chest to said space aiidlto dis? charge said products into the air so as to flow on an upper surface of said intervening portion. I I s 20. A softening apparatus comprising elongated heating means formed to inter- .v'ene between aseriesof lasts andthe vanips of] shoe-uppers assembled with the lasts,

means; arranged to support the Vamps so as to provide a space between the vamps and an upper surface of said heating means, and means arranged to discharge a liquid treating agent so that itw'ill flow in said space and on'said surface to be vaporized by the heatof the latter.

" 21. A' softening apparatus comprising means ;constructed and arranged to intervene between a last and portion of a shoeupper assembled therewith to maintain a space,and means constructed and arranged to conduct a liquid treating agent into said space and to vaporize the liquid in said space; Y

22. VA softening apparatus comprising a steam-chest, means arranged to maintain an article of work adjacent to but out of contact with an external surface of'the steainchest, means arranged 'to circulate steam through said chest, and means arranged to conduct to said surface, to be vaporized thereby, the products of condensation of the steam used to heat the chest, the latter said means being regulatable independently of the" steam supplied to the. chest.

23. A softening apparatus comprising a heating element having heat-radiating fins pro ecting upwardly from an upper sur-- face, a work-supporting grid fastened to said element and arranged to lie on said fins, and means arranged to discharge a liquid treating agent'on said element so that i; will flow on said surface between said 24. A softening apparatus comprising a means for radiating dry heat from a moist and heated treating fluid, means for supporting an article of work HIPOSiiLlOIl to be heated thereby, and means constructed and arranged to siphon the liquid constituents of the fluid that has been used to heat the first said means to the field of radiation of the first said means so that the radiant heat will convert said liquid into moist vapor and supply said vapor to'the work to moisten the latter.

26. A softening apparatus comprising a work-support, a steam-conduit connected to a source of steam under pressure and arranged to radiate dry heat to an article of' work sustained by said work-support, and a conduit arranged to conduct to the field of radiant heat the condensed constituents of the steam that has given up its heat to the work. 7

27. A softening apparatus comprising regulatable dry heating means formed to enfor between the last and upper of an assembled shoe, and means arranged to supply a. liquid between said heating means and the upper to be vaporized by the heat, said two means being so related that the supply of liquid is dependent upon the application of heat to said heating means.

28. That method of treating shoe materials which consists in heating the work by causing steam to heat a radiator adjacent to the work, and simultaneously moistening the work by causing water of condensation from the steam so used to flow on that surface of the radiator that confronts the work.

29. That method of treating shoe-materials which consists in supplying a liquid treating agent between a shoe-element and a last assembled therewith, and vaporizing said treating agent by radiating heat between the shoe-element and the last.

30. That method of treating shoe-materials which consists in supplying a liquid treating agent between a shoe-element and a last assembled there-with, maintaining the shoe-element out of contact with the liquid, and vaporizing the latterby radiating heat between said element and the last.

31. That method of treating shoe-materials which consists in maintaining a shoeelement out of contact with a last with which it is assembled, to provide a space between said element and the last, causing a vaporizable liquid to flow into said space without touching the shoe-element, and vaporizing the liquid in said space by radiating heat therein. a

32. That method of producing hot moist vapor to treat shoe materials which consists in supplying water to a level adjacent to the work from a lower level by the motive force of a heating medium, and vaporizing said water adjacent to the work by said heating medium.

33. That method of producing hot moist vapor to treat shoe-materials which consists in spreading water under one or more workstations to form a thin sheet or film, causing a heating medium to vaporize saidsheet orfihn of water, and replenishing said water with water supplied from a lower level by the motive force of said heating me dium.

34. That step in methods of generating hot vapor to treat shoe-materials which consists in supplying water to a heat-radiating element from a source of supply at a lower level by the action of the heating medium that beats said element.

35. That method of generating vapor to treat shoe-materials which consists in vaporizing a body ofwater under the work by radiating heat into saidwater, and main taining a substantially constant quantity of water in the vaporizing locality by replenishing said body under control of the heating medium.

36. A softening apparatus comprising a work-support, means for radiating dry heat to the work on said support from a locality under the work, and means arranged to supply water to the field of radiant heat under the work there to be vaporized by the radiant heat, said water-supplying means being controllably related to said heat-radiating means so that the former can function only when the latter functions.

37. That method of treating shoes which consists in separating a portion of the upper from the last of an assembled shoe, and converting a liquid into hot moist vapor between the last and said portion of the upper.

38. A softeningapparatus comprising a steam-chest for radiating heat to the work, said chest having a steam-inlet and a steamoutlet for circulating steam therethrough and having a water-space below said outlet, and means arranged to supply water from said space to flow on the external surface confronting the work.

39. A softening apparatus comprising a steam-chest for radiating heat to the work,v

and siphonic means arranged to supply water from the interior of said chest to flow on the external surface that confronts the work.

40. A softening apparatus comprising a Steam-chest for radiating heat to the work, said chest having an interior space for water of condensation, and a conduit arranged to conduct said water of condensation to an external surface of the chest at a higher level than said water, the receiving end of said conduit being arranged to be immersed in said water to enable the steam-chest pressure to force the water of condensation to the higher level.

41. A softening apparatus comprising a heat-radiating element adjacent to a workstation, and means arranged to supplya liquid to that surface of the heat-radiating its element that confronts the work, from a source of supply at a lower level, by the motive force of the heating medium that heats said element.

4C2. A softening apparatus comprising a tubular body member and two headers fastened to the ends thereof to form a closed steam chamber, a shelf connecting and sup ported by said headers to support one or more lasts, said body member having a laterally projecting pan-shaped portion formed and arranged to overhang the foreparts of lasts arranged on said shelf, means for supplying water to said pan-shaped portion to be converted into hot moist vapor by radiant icat, and a grid arranged over said panshaped portion to support the Vamps of up pers attached to the heel-parts of the lasts so that the Vamps will be heated and moistened.

l3. A softening apparatus comprising a steam-chest having a laterally projecting pan-shaped heat-radiating portion, and means for supplying water to said portion. 44:. A softening apparatus comprising a stcain-chest having a pan-shaped. heatradiating portion, a foraminous plate arranged to cover said portion, upstanding projections formed on said pan-shaped portion to brace said plate and to radiate heat, and means for supplying water to said panshaped portion. 7

l5. A softening apparatus comprising two confronting headers each having a bracket portion, a work-supporting shelf connecting said bracket portions and fastened to each, a tubular member arranged between and detachably fastened to said headers to form, conjointly with the latter, a. pressure-sustaining steam-chest, said tubular member having a projecting heat to work arranged on said shelf.

A softening apparatus comprising a steam-chest consisting of three major elements, viz, two headers and a tubular member arranged between them, said headers having flat confronting surfaces seated against the ends of said tubular member and having provisions for coupling to a supply pipe and an exhaust pipe respectively, and mea s for fastening said headers to said tubular acmber, each of said major elements having a foot to provide the assemblage with a three-point bearing or stand. I j i'i softening apparatus comprising an element for radiating heat to the Work, means for supplying water between said element and the work to be vaporized by the heat, and a foraminous balile member arranged between said element and the workstation to spread the vapor by restricting its flow to the work.

48. A softening apparatus comprising an element for radiating heat to the work, means for supplying water between said eleportion for radiating ment and the work to be vaporized by the heat, and aforaminous metallic member arranged between said element and the Workstation to control the flow of vapor to the work, the aggregate area of the holes in said member being less than enough to release all of the vapor at atmospheric pressure.

4-9. A. moistening apparatus comprising means for supplying hot moist vapor at substantially atmospheric pressure, said means including a metallicheat-radiating element havin emission holes so small that water 5 of condensation will automatically form' seals therein by reason of surface tension.

50. A moistening apparatus comprising a thinmetallic plate, and means for supplying hot moistvapor at substantially atmospheric'pressure to one side of said plate, the latter having emission holes so small that water of condensation will automatically form seals therein by reason of surface tension. v

51. A moistening apparatus comprising a thin plate arranged to underlie the work, means for supplying hot moist vapor at atmospheric pressure to the under side of said plate, tie latter having emission holes so small that water of condensation supported therein by surface tension will fill them, and means to heat said plate.

A moistening apparatus comprising means forming a vaporizing Cllitl'l'llOQl' and inclndinga top plate ofthin sheet metal and a heater for converting water in the chamber into hot moist vapor at atmospheric pressure, said top plate having emission holes so small that if the vapor condenses in them the water of condensation will fill them and form complete closuresby reason of surface tension. H v

53. A moistening apparatus comprising a heat-radiating element the upper surface of which is dished to form a pan, means arranged to supply water to said pan to be converted into hot moist vapor by the heat of the'pan, and a thin sheet metal plate'arranged to cover said pan and having emission holes so small that if the vapor condenses in them the water of condensation Will fill them, said heat-radiating element having ribs extending upwardly from the bottom of, the pan and touching said plate to support the latter and to transmitheat thereto.

5a. A moistening apparatus comprising means for supporting an article of work. means formed and arranged to support by surface tension a plurality of small separate bodies of water under and adjacent to the work, and means for heating said bodies of water to convert them into hot moist vapor.

55. A' moistening apparatus comprising means for-supporting an article of work, means formed and arranged to support by surface tension a plurality of small separate 56. A 'moistening apparatus comprising a foramlnousplate the holes in wl ich are so small as to hold enough'water by surface tension to keep them" sealed, means arranged to heat said plate to convertthe water 1n said holes into hot moist vapor,-and means arranged to supply waterto said heating means so that it will be converted intohot moist vapor and flow under saidfplate to fill said holeswithwater. of condensation and thereafter" replenish f them as 'the water thereln 1s rte-vapor zed, o

57. A moistemng"apparatuscompr smg a steam-chest having an external dished portion arranged to hold water,a vapor-dispens ing plate arrangedover said dished portion to form a cover therefor, sald plate havlng holes so. small. that water held in them by surface tension will seal them, and means arranged to conduct water of condensation from the interior of said steam-chest to said dished portion by the pressure in the steam chest so that it will be converted into hot moist vapor by the dished portion and rise as vapor to fill and replenish said holes with water of condensation.

58. A moistening apparatus comprising means forming a vaporizing chamber and having a vent to maintain atmospheric pressure therein, means for supplying water to said chamber, and means for heating the bottom of the first said means to convert the water into hot moist vapor, the cover. of said chamber having emission holes so small that the quantity of water that will be supported in them by surface tension will seal them.

59. A moistening apparatus comprising a foraminous plate arranged to underlie a work station, the holes in said plate being so small that water enough to fill them will be supported in them by surface tension,

' means to supply hot moist vapor at atmospheric pressure under said plate, and means to regulate the temperature of said plate to maintain. it above or below the boiling temperature, as desired.

60. A moistening apparatus comprising means to supply hot moist vapor at atmospheric pressure between the last and vamp of an assembled shoe, and means to reduce the temperature of said vapor before it reaches the vamp.

61., A moistening apparatus comprising means to generate hot moist vapor at atmospheric pressure between the last and vamp of an assembled shoe, and means to reduce the temperature of said vapor before it reaches the vamp.

62. A moistening apparatus comprising vmeans to supply hot moist v'apor' at atmospheric pressure under and adjacent to a workstation, and thermally regulatable means arranged to condense said vapor and re-evaporate it ata lower temperature before it reaches the work. p

63. That method of heating and moistening an article of work which consists in supporting by surface tension aflplurality of small segregated bodies of waternnder and adjacent to thew'vork, and convertingsuch waterinto hot moist vapor. 4. That method of suplying hot moist vapor to treat an article of work which consis'ts in.,suppo rt-ing a plurality of small sag:

regatedbodies of water under and adjacent to the work, converting such watenir'ito "hot moistvapor, and replenishing said bodies of water individually as they become converted into vapor as aforesaid I 65. That method of supplying hot moist vapor to treat an article of work which consists inflsu'pporting apluxality of small segregatedbodies of? water at predetermined points under and adjacent to; thew'ork, and simultaneously converting said bodies of water into hot moist vapor and replenishing them individually with more water.

66. That method of supplying hot moist vapor to treat an article-of work which consists insupportinga plurality of small segregated bodies of water of predetermined volume under and adjacent to the work, and simultaneously converting said bodies of water into vapor and replenishing them in-v dividually with more water to maintain a substantially constant volume in each of them.

67 That method of supplying hot moist vapor to treat an article of work which consists in supporting a plurality of small segregated bodies of water under and adjacent to the work, converting said bodies of Water into hot I moist vapor, and supplying. hot moist vapor to said bodies of water to replenish them with products of condensation.

68. That method of supplying hot moist vapor to treat an article of work which consists insupporting a plurality of small segregated bodies of water under and ad aCent to the work, converting said bodies of water into hot moist vapor, and supplying hot moist vapor to the under sides of said bodies of water to replenish them with water of condensation.

69. That method of supplying hot moist vapor to treat an article of work which consists in converting Water into hot molst vapor, spreading said vapor laterally to efi'ect substantially uniform distribution thereof within a predetermined area maintaining said vapor out of contact with the work,

small segregated bodies of water so consists in supplying hot moist vapor at atmospheric pressure under the work station, baffling said vapor to distribute it laterally and keep it below the workstation, condensing said'baiiled vapor while so distributed, supporting the water of condensation by surface tension under and relatively'close to the work station, and re-oonverting said water of condensation into moderately hot moist vapor within treating range of the work station. a I 1 71. An apparatus for treating shoe materials comprisinga pressure-sustaining steam-chest, means to drain water of condensation from the bottom ofsaid chestand deliver it to anupper surface thereof to be converted into vapor; and meansto support an article of work in the field of such vapor.

72.-An apparatus for treating shoe materials comprising; w0rk-supporting means providing a'series of work-stations, a steamheated structurehaving a pressure-sustaining steam-chest and a heat-radiating portion arranged to extend under and adjacent to each of sa1d-work-stat1ons, and means to drainwater ofcondensation from the'bottom of. said steam-ohest and deliver it to tion to be converted' thereby into vapor to treat the work at said stations.

73; A treating apparatus comprising means to support one or more shoes on lasts in arranged in frontof the forward edge jof said heat-radiatingmeansto arrest the lasts by engagement with the instep portions thereof. i

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to thisspeoifioation.

FREDERICK. M. FURBER.

, theupper surface of said heat-radiating porj

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