US1715299A - Apparatus for making stiffeners for boots and shoes - Google Patents

Description

y 1929- p. B. MACDONALD 1.715.29

TUS FOR MAKING STIFFENERS FOR BOOTS AND SHOES Filed June 8, 1926 5 eeeee s-Sheet 1 6 H MIMI I C d I b I mm F/G.2. III/(26%? I flmo 7w/M4 May 28, 1929. B MACDONALD 1,715,299

APPARATUS FOR MAKING STIFFENERS FOR BOOTS AND SHOES Filed June 8, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 D. B. MACDONALD 1.715.299

APPARATUS FOR MAKING STIFFENERS FOR BOOTS AND SHOES May 28, 1929.

5 Sheets-Sheet I 3 Filed June 8, 1926 May 28, 1929. D, B, MACDONALD 1,715,299

' APPARATUS FOR MAKING STIFFENERS FOR BOOTS AND SHOES Filed June 8, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 28, 1929, D. B. MACDONALD APPARATUS FOR MAKING STIFFENERS FOR BOOTS AND SHOES Filed June 8, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented May 28, 1929. 1,715,299

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

DAVID BAIRD MACDONALD, F LEICESTER, ENGLAND.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING STIFFENERS FOB. BOOTS AND SHOES.

Application filed June 8, 1926, Serial No. 114,434, and in Great Britain June 18, 1925.

This invention concerns apparatus for makpreferably consist of reticulated textile maing boot and shoe stiifeners of the kind comterial but for some classes of work -non-re- 55 v posed of a number of layers of material comticulated-m'aterial such as swansdown may be bined with a stiffening agent and is applicable used. One of the reticulated layerse. g. the to those which require-to be softened by heat. layer'c may be omitted. Or there may be prior to usev and also to those which do not more than two intermediate layers. Accordrequire such preliminary softening. ing to the inventionthe intermediate layer .-.60

' This invention chiefly relates to apparatus at (or one at least of the intermediate'layers for making pufi's or stiffeners for insertion whereanumber are used) is made larger than 1 into the toe parts but it may be applied to the remainin layers and the stiffening agent stiffeners for insertion into other parts of is applied thereto over a restricted area boots and shoes. equivalent to the area of the outer layers so 65 The object of the invention is to produce that a marginal portion of the stiffener is left an improved stiffener of the kind referred to thin and pliant. Thus as represented in Fig- 1 so constructed that one or more of its edges ure 1 a stiffener having a rear edge e constiis or are reduced in thickness to obviate the tuted by an untreated portion of the layer (7 formation of a ridge on the outside of the may be produced, or, as shown in Figure 2, 70 upper. a stiffener wherein the layer 03 projects all This is achieved by making the stiffener so round to provide" an untreated marginal 2 that the edge of one or more of the composite portion f may be formed.

layers projectsbeyond the other or others and For making the improved stifi'eners the deis not treated with the stiffening agent. vice represented in Figures 53 and 4 may be '75 The-invention includes apparatus for makused comprising a pair of plates land 2, the ing the improved stiffeners as will be hereinplate 1 forming a guard being movable relafter described. i atively to the other so that the layer to be In describing the invention reference will treated with the stiffening agent may be be made to the accompanying. drawings placed and held between them: The guard 80 ,wherein':- plate 1, has an opening 3 therein correspond- Figure 1 is a face view of one form of the ing in shape to the outer layers a and b of the improved stiffener the view showing the comstiflener, connected to a handle 4 by a hinge posite layers partly separated. 5 the plate 2 being fixed to this handle. The

' Figure 2 is a similar view of another form fixed plate 2 may have its front and side edges of the improved stiffener. turned up to form a recess for the location of Figure .3 is a perspective view of a device the layer (1 (or layers of more than one) to be 35 used for carrying out the method of manufactreated when thehinged plate 1 is raised-as ture herein to be described. represented by the dot and dash lines in F ig Figure 4 is a plan of the device shown in ure 3. Other means may be provided to po- Figure-3. sition the layer on the plate 2. The opening Figure 5 is a perspective view of an appa- 3 may be so located that when the/layer is in 40 ratus which may be used in association with position between the plates a margin or strip the said device. v along the rear thereof, which subsequently Figure 6isafront elevation, and ,constitutes the rear edge e of the stiffener -Figure 7 is a part sectional side elevation shown in Figure 1, is covered by the guard of a power-actuated apparatus which may be plate 1-, leaving the remainder practically employed according to the invention. wholly exposed as represented in Figure 4 Figures 4 to 7 are drawn to a smaller scale where the outline of the layer is,shown by than Figures 1 to 3. dotted lines. 'When the stiffening agent is to Referring to the drawings, the stiffeners be applied by means of rollers the'plate 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises respecmay be allowed to slightly overlap the layer tively outer layers a and b and inner layers at the front and thus prevent displacement of c and (Z. The layers a may consist of textile the layer at this'point, so that in the finished fabric such as white croydon and the layers stiffener the said layer will project shghtly b may consist of paper. The inner layers at the front as represented in* Figural. Ol 1 the other hand the plate need not overlap as aforesaid so that the front edges of the various layers in the stiffener will correspond. For making the stiffener shown in Figure 2 the opening in the plate 1. is so disposed that the edge thereof overlaps the layer to the same extent all round so that the centre part is exposed to the stiffening agent thus leaving the untreated margin \Vhen the layer is held between the plates of the device the stiffening agent may be applied to the part exposed by the opening by means of a brush, knife or equivalent after which the smaller covering layers and a (or the layer a only if the layer 0 is omitted) may be applied and smoothed down, the guard plate serving as a guide for the added layer (or layers). The guard plate is then raised, the layer (1 with its attached layers (or layer) is turned over and the operation repeated to apply the other covering layer b. When the layer d is of reticulated mate- .rial it may not be necessary to apply the stifl'eningagent to both sides, since when applied to one side of the layer said agent may penetrate to the other side. When the inner layer is of non-reticulated material it will be necessary to treat both sides. In this case, or when instead of applying the stifiening agent with a brush or equivalent the device containing the layer to be treated is passed between rollers or dipped in the stiffening agent the plate 2 may be formed with an opening similar to the opening 3 so that both sides of the layer 7 may be treated at once and the covering layers afterwards applied first on one side and then on the other. When both plates have an opening that in one may be smaller than that in the other, the covering layers subsequently applied being of correspondingly different sizes so that a stiffener of graduated thickness may be produced. WVhen the stiffener includes an inner reticulated "layer 0 smaller than the layer d the latter may have the former attached to it by a smaller quantity of the stiffening agent before insering the holder.

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I may use a simpler form of device (not shown) consisting of a guard stencil plate cut from sheet material. The layer to be treated is laid upon a bench or table and theguard is placed on the layer to cover the portions not requiring treatment leaving exposed the area 'which is to receive the stiffening medium which is then applied by a brush or other means after which the smaller covering layers for the stiffener are placed in position upon the treated area and smoothed down,

the guard serving as a guide for the added layer. The guard is then removed, the treated layer with the attached smaller layers is turned over, the guard is applied to the face thus brought uppermost, and the operation is repeated to treat this side of the article.

The stencil guard may be used by hand in the manner described, or it may be hingedly arranged. on a bed, block, or table so that it can be raised for insertion and removal of the stiffener layers. 'hen the guard is hinged to a block or bed the latter may be shaped or providedwith guides to enable the large layer or layers to be placed in correct position thereon so that when the guard is closed down upon the said layer or layers it will expose the desired area for reception of the stiffening agent and protect by covering the marginal portion which is to remain untreated.

The holder device (Figures 3 and 4) may be used with an apparatus comprising a tank 8 (Figure for thestitl'ening agent provided in front with a slot 9 through which the holder is pushed to carry the layer therein into said agent and which is normally closed by a shutter 10 slidable between guides 11 and held in contact with a stop plate 12 by springs 13. The sliding shutter is connected for example by apair of links lt, a lever 15 fulcrumed' on the tank and a link 16 to a treadle or equivalent (not shown) lVhen the treadleis depressed the shutter 10 is raised to uncover the slot so that the holder may be pushed into the tank and then withdrawn thereby coating the exposed part of the layer with the stiffening agent. Guides 17 may be provided on the stop plate 12 to facilitate the insertion of the holder into the slot. A holder consisting of a slide operable by hand or mechanically may be combined with the apparatus for carrying the layer into and out of the tank.

The apparatus shown in Figures 6 and 7 comprises a tank 18 of closed form having a filling orifice furnished with a cover, and having on the front thereof a slide comprising two plates 19 and 20 between which the layer or components which is or are to be treated or in'lpregnated with the stiffening agent is or are held. The plates 19 or each plate is provided with a suitable opening the size and shape of which determines the area which is to receive the stiffening agent. The slide is carried by a plate 21 mounted on a bracket 22 attached to another slide 23 movable in a guideway 2% fixed on one side of the tank and operated through the medium of a connecting rod 25, by a crank disc 26 fast on a shaft 27. This shaft is carried by a bearing 28 fixed on the bed plate 29 of the apparatus and is driven as hereinafter described. The slide is thus reciprocated to carry the layer or components into and out of the tank through a slot 30 suitably situated Ill) lur

for the purpose and having associated with.

it a displaceable shutter 31. The shutter is controlled by a laminated spring 32 arranged between abutment- s 33 and 34 on the tank and shutter respectively. On the outward movethe outer position its forward end extends through the slot 30 and between-the rollers, the shutter 31 pressing down upon the slide to prevent escape of the stifiening agent.

The lower plate 20 is made longer than the top plate. 19 (which is pivoted on the plate 20 by a hinge 38) and has a further plate 39 fixedly attached to it in front of the hinged plate.

The hinged plate 19 can "be raised by a thumb piece 40 for insertion and removal of the layer or components when the slide is in the outer position shown and it may or may not be spring controlled. Instead of operation by hand the hinged plate 19 may be raised mechanically such as by an abutment when the slide moves outwards. alternatively, the slide may move right out of the tank and forcibly open the shutter upon its inward stroke, in which case the lower edge of the shutter or the forward edge of the slide or both may be bevelled to facilitate the forcible lifting of the shutter when the slide moves inwards. Or the shutter may be opened and closed independently by suitable mechanical means. The shutter may be furnished with rollers or small shoes to facilitate the opening and closing movement and may move between guides 41.

The rollers 35and 36 are driven by gear wheels and shafts actuated by an eccentric or equivalent in timed relation with the slide I the latter operating with a reciprocating motion while the rollers rotate first in one direction and then in the opposite direction according to the movement of the slidez Conveniently the movements of the parts are derived from a main shaft 42 rotatable bearings 43 on the tank and 'fitted with driving means which include a single revolution clutch operable by a treadle or other member in a manner well known. The crankshaft 27 is driven from the main shaft 42 by chain gears 44, 45 and 46. An eccentric 47 on said shaft 42 engages rollers 48 on and thereby oscillates a frame 49 pivoted at 49 on the tank. A chain 50 attached at one end to one point on the frame -49 passes over a layers thereto.

spring pressed into contact with the upper oneand is thereby driven.

The method of making the stiffeners by use of the apparatus just described may be the same as that previously described herein the slide serving the same purpose as the hand manipulated device described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

When the bottom plate 20 of the slide is made without an opening the reticulated inner layer or components of the stifiener and one of the outer layersmay be placed in the slide in company, said outer layer being placed under the ot er or others, so that when passed between t' e rollers 35 and 36 the reticulated layer or components will be im- 'pregnated with the stiffening agent and the various layers united simultaneously. Then following the outward movement of the slide the other outer layer may be applied to the treated layers. In this manner it is possible by using a top plate 20 of suitable form and suitably positioning the component layers in the slide to produce a stifl'ener wherein the front edges of the various layers approximately correspond, as represented in Figure -1, while havingan untreated marginal portion all round.

One or each plate of the slide may be removable and interchangeable with others havingdifferent openings for making different stifieners and the lower plate may have marks, guides or other means to facilitate the correct positioning of the layer or components thereon.

The tanks shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, may be jacketed for heating by steam or hot water.

Quick drying stilfeners of thekind herein described may be produced by preliminary treatment of one or more of the composite layers by applying the stiffening agent there to as hereinbefore described, but over; a smaller area than that to be covered by the other layer or layers, then allowing the treated layer or layers to dry or partly dry, and subsequently treating the same over the larger area and applying the other layer or For carrying out this ethod guards, holders or slides or interchan eable plates having correspondingly different openings therein may be provided.

Stilfeners produced as just described dry no i more quickly than those having their treated layers impregnated at one operation, and as a result when inserted into boots and shoes enable lasts to be slipped sooner thereby expod iting manufacture;

A stiffener with a thin flexible edge such as herein describediis an improvement upon viate the objection referred to.

The invention concerns principally though not exclusively composite stiffeners of the cold type and wherein the stiffening agent used consists of celluloid or the like in solution in a solvent of volatile character.

What I claim then is .1. For use in making stiflencrs of the kind herein referred to, a holder device of stencil form comprising a pair of plates to expose for treatment a restricted area of a stifiener layer when placed between them, said plates being hingedly connected whereby they may be separated to receive the layer and closed to hold same, a handle on one plate for manipulation of the device, and guiding means on one plate to determine the position of the layer to be treated.

2. For use in making stiffcners of the kind herein referred to, a holder device of stencil form con'iprising a pair of plates to expose for treatment a restricted area of a stiffener layer when placed beta-eon them, said plates being hingedly connected whereby they may be separated to receive the layer and closed to hold same, a handle on one plate for manipulation of the device a, spring to normally hold the plates closed and a thumb piece on the movable plate for actuation thereof.

3. For use in making stiffener-s of the kind herein referred to, apparatus comprising a tank for the stiffening agent, a holder device comprising guard plates between which the stiffener layer can be held and have a restricted area exposed for treatment said holder device being adapted for insertion into the tank through'a slot therein to carry the' layer into the stiffening agent, and a shutter to normally close the slot in the tank.

4. For use in making stiffeners of the kind herein referred to, apparatus comprising a kind herein referred to, comprising, a tank 5. Apparatus for making stiffener-s of the kind herein referred to, comprising, a tank to contain the stiffening agent a slot therein and a slide having guard plates betweein which a layer of stiffener material may be held, said slide being movable through the slot to carry the layer into and out of the tank. w 6. Apparatus for making stiffener-s of the kind herein referred to, comprising a tank to contain the stiffening agent, a slot there-- in, a shutter covering said slot, and a slide having guard plates between which a layer of stiffener material may be held, said slide being movable through the slot to carify the layer into and out of the tank, and the shutfor acting as a scraper on the slide to remove surplus stiffening agent from the treated layer.

7. Apparatus for making stiffeners of the kind herein referred to, comprising, a tank' to contain the stiffening agent, a slot therein, a slide having a pair of guard plates one or each of which has a shaped opening to expose a restricted area of a layer of stiffener material held between them, one of said plates being movably associated with the other whereby they may be opened for reception of the layer and closed to hold'said layer in position, said slide being movable through the slot so as to carry the layer into and out of the tank for treatment by the stiffening agent. i

8. Apparatus for making stiffeners of the kind herein referred to, comprisinga tank to contain the stiffening agent, a slot therein, a slide equipped with guard plates for holding a layer of stiffener material and exposing a restricted area thereof, said slide being movable through the slot in the tank to carry the layer into and out of the stiffening agent, and means to impart reciprocation to the slide.

9. Apparatus for making stiffeners of the HO to contain the stiffening agent, a slot therein, a slide equipped with guard plates for holding a layer of stiffener material and exposing a restricted area thereof, presser rollers in the tank, the said slide being movable through the slot in the tank to carry the layer into the stiffening agent and between the rollers, and means to impart reciprocation to'the slide. 10. ,Apparatus for making stiffeners ofthe kind herein referred to, comprising, a tank to contain the stiffening agent, a slot therein, a slide equipped with guard plates for holding a layer'of stiffener material and exposing a restricted area thereof, prcsser rollers in the tank, the said slide being movable through the slot in the tank to carry the layer info the stiffening agent and between the rollers, means to impart reciprocation to the slide, and means to drive the presser. rollers first in onedirection and then in the other in timed relation with the reciprocating movements of the slide. 4

11. Apparatus for making stifleners of the kind herein referred to, comprising, a tank to contain the stiffening agent, a slot therein,

a slide equipped with guard plates for holding a layer of stifiener material and exposing a restricted area thereof, a spring controlled shutter covering the slot and acting on the slide, presser rollers in the tank, the said slide being movable through the slot in the tank to carry the layer into the stifl'ening agent and between the rollers, means to impart reciprocation to the slide, and means to drive the presser rollers in timed relation to the regiprocation of the slide.

12. Apparatus for making stifl'eners of the kind herein referred to, comprising a stencil guard plate hinged to a block, bed or table the latter being shaped or provided with guides to determine the position of a stiffener layer thereon said stencil plate being adapted when closed down upon the layer to hold same and expose a restricted area thereof for reception of the stiffening agent, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

DAVID BAIRD MACDONALD.

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