US1791059A

US1791059A - Shoe-forming- machine

Info

Publication number: US1791059A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1931-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 1948-02-03

Description

Feb. 3 1931. R. L. HUBBARD SHOE FORMING MACHINE Filed Dec. 6 1925 5 Shaets-Sheet Feb. 3, 1931. R. 1.. HUBBARD SHOE FORMING MACHINE Filed DEG 1,926

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Hill Filed Dec. 6, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 fin/)? Z07" Rahr/Lfigiblufr/ M;

Feb. 3, 1931. R, L, HUB ARD 1,791,059

SHOE FORMING MACHINE Filed Dec. 6. 192 5 Sheets-Sheefi 4 :0 junior Feb. 3, 1931. R. HUBBARD 1,791,059

' SHOE FORMING MACHINE Filed Dec. 6 925 5 Sheets- Sheet 5 A Zovagy N a? Q Patented Feb. 3, 1931 warren err ROBERT L. HUBBARD, 015 Los ANGELES, CALIFORNIA SHOE-FORMING MACHINE Application filed December 6, 1926. Serial No.,152,803.

This invention has to do with shoe forming machines and it is an object of this invention to provide an efiective, practical and improved machine of this general character.

It is a general object of my present invention to provide improvements in shoe making or forming machines of the general type set forth in Unit-ed States Letters Patent, No. 1,580,893, issuedto me April 13, 1926; whereby such machines are made more effective and practical.

It is a particular object of my present invention to provide improvements in the forming irons or dies of a shoe making ma- ].5 chine.

Another object of this invention is to provide shoe forming plates which are effective in fully shaping a linin or upper over a last, it being a particular feature of the inven- 3 tion that a lining or upper be completely formed over a last in a single operation.

Another feature of my invention is the provision of a power operated shoe forming machine which control 'means which oper- 95 ates to prevent overtravel of the parts and which protects the machine against operations, such as might injure it.

It is another feature of this invention to provide a shoe forming machine including two units of forming plates, related so that an operator can conveniently handle orattend both of them without interruption in operation.

The various objects and features of my invention will be best and more fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form of the invention throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Fig. 1, is an end elevation of the machine showing the parts in position ready to start operation.

Fig. 2, is a view, similar to Fig. 1, showing the parts completely operated to form a lining or vamp over a last and in position ready for the formed shoe to be released for removal from the machine.

Fig.3, is a plan view, taken as indicated by line 33 on Fig. 2. V

Fig. 4, is a side view of themachine with certain parts broken away to show in sections and showing one of the sets of forming plates in position ready to start operation and the other set of forming plates in position where a lining or vamp has been completelyformed over a last. I

Fig. 5, is an enlarged detailed view of certain parts shown in Fig. 1; being a view taken as indicated on line 55, on Fig. 4.

Fig. 6, is an enlarged plan view taken as indicated by line 6-6 on Fig. 1, showing the parts-in the opposite operative position.

Fig. 7, is a fragmentary view, illustrating a portion of the forming plate operating means, the automatic clutch release. which operates to stop operation of the forming plates upon their reaching a predetermined position, and the automatic lock which operates to prevent the machine being thrown into operation, except when the parts are ready for operation.

Fig. 8, is a side elevation of the sleeveiron or plate showing it independent of its mountmg.

Fig. 9, is a side elevation of one of the supports for 'thesleeve plate.

Fig. 10, is'a View of the support shown in Fig. 9, being a view taken as indicated'by line 1010, on Fig. 9. V

Fig. 11, is a plan view ofthe sleeve plate takenwith the plate in one position.

Fig. 12, is a View of thesleeve plate taken with the plate in the reverse posit-ion.

Fig. 13, is a side elevation of the clamp plate.

Fig. 14, is a plan view of the clamp plate showing a clamp plate to be used in forming a shoe for the leftfoot and to cooperate with 7 the sleeve plate illustrated in Fig. 12.

Fig. 15, is a view of a clamp plate to be used when forming a shoe for the right foot and to cooperate with the sleeve plate illustrated in Fig. 11.

Fig. 16, is a side elevation of the base or sole plate.

Fig. 17, is a plan View of a sole plate to be used when forming a shoe for the right foot and for use in combination with the clamp plate, illustrated in Fig. 15.

Fig. 18, is a plan view of a sole plate to be used in forming a shoe for the left foot and for use in combination with the clamp plate shown in Fig. 14.

The machine provided by this invention is designed primarily to carry out the general scheme of operation set forth in the above mentioned patent, however, there are certain important features of my invention not concerned with, or limited to, any specific type of machine. To facilitate an understanding of the description to follow, I will here briefly set forth a process of shoe manufacture; such as may be advantageously carried out with the machine provided by this invention.

Themachinemay be employed to last or form a-lining over alast'or to form a vamp or outer leather over a last on which alining and inner sole and/ or a box-toe and counter have been previously assembled. The machine provided by this invention is adapted to be used in connection with the manufacture of stitch-down shoes with unitary uppers.

The operation of the present machine may start upon a last on which a lining and inner soleare togbe assembled, the leather or ma terial' to form the lining is formed over the last and secured by a suitable cement to the projecting margin or edge portion of the inner sole. The leather forming the lining completely covers the last above thein'ner sole and is drawn smoothly over the last and so that it is without joints or seams except where thelining joins the -inner sole. The last with the lining formed over it is then removed from the machine after which the lining and projecting portion of the inner sole may be stitched together. In practice an outwardly flanged box-toe and counter may be arranged over the lining previous to the application of the upper leather. A main sole may be stitched to the inner sole and the shoe finished in any desired manner. In practice an outwardly flanged box-toe and counter may be arranged over the lining previous to the application of vampor outer leather.

Assuming the operation of the machine to start with a last only, thelining to be formed 'over the last is substituted for the vamp or upper forming leather above referred to and the inner sole is arranged under the last so that the machine operates to form a lining over the last and flange it outwardly on the periphery portion of the inner sole; it being understood that a suitable cement may be applied to hold the lining in place on the inner sole until it can be properly stitched.

The machine provided by this invention includes a frame and two sets or units of forming plates arranged to be operated insuitable synchronism from a single drive shaft. The general operation of the two sets of forming plates is the same, so therefore, I will describe in detail the construction and operation of The machine comprises, generally, a frame 20, two sets offorming irons or plates 21, one designated as set A and the other as set E. Referring to one set of plates the machine includes a mounting 22, for one of the plate parts, a mounting 23 for another of the plate parts and a mounting 24for another of the plate parts, means 25 for operating the plate part mounting 22, means 26 for operating plate part mounting 24:, a carriage 27, for the mounting 24, a clutch 28, for conveying power from a drive shaft 29 to the machine, means 30, for automatically releasing the clutch when the machine has completed the formation of a piece of material over a last, manual control means 31, for closing the clutch, lock means 32 whereby the clutch cannot be closed when any part of the machine is not in position ready for operation, and various other parts and means, the details and functions of which will be set forth in the description to follow.

The frame 20 includes, generally, a top plate 33 supported'on end standards 34. The end standards 34 include spaced leg parts joined near their lower ends by horizontal parts 35. In the particular construction shown in the drawings, the frame includes horizontal beams 36 which extend lengthwise of the machine between the parts to form mountings for variousparts'of the mechanism hereinafter described. The particular frame ust described, and which is illustrated throughout the drawing, is merely typical of the general construction that may be em-- ployed in carrying out the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

Each set of forming irons or plates 21, includes a sleeve plate 37 having an opening 38 extending vertically through it, a top or clamp plate 39 arranged above the sleeve plate and having an opening 40 adapted to register with the opening in the sleeve plate, and a base or sole plate 41 adapted to carry a last upwardly through the openings in the sleeve plate and clamp plate to form a leather blank, held between the sleeve plate and clamp plate, over the last. In accordance with certain of the broader features of my invention, the plate parts may be varied in formation and their manner of co-operation; for instance, they may follow the teachings of my above mentioned patent; in which case the sleeve plate and clamp plate are reversible to form shoes for the left foot or for the right foot.

In the particular form of the invention shown in the drawings, the sleeve plate 37 is reversible to be useful in forming a shoe for either foot, while the clamp plates and sole plates are made for forming respectively a left shoe or a right shoe and, therefore, must be provided in lofts and rights to be changed as conditions require.

The sleeve plate 37 is a comparatively deep plate with an opening 38 extending vertically through it, which opening corresponds in shape to the plan outline of a shoe and is just sufficiently large to pass a last carrying an innersole which projects somewhat beyond the last. When the sleeve plate is in one position, for instance, as shown in Fig. 12, the plan configuration of the, opening through the plate corresponds to that of a shoe for the left foot. Face 50 of the sleeve plat-e'which is uppermost when the plate is in the position shown in Fig. 12, is curved transversely as shown in the drawings to correspond to the configuration of the last of a left shoe along the line of joinder of the lining and outer leather and the innersole.

When the plate 37 is reversed from the po-' sition just described, the plan configuration of the opening 38 corresponds to that of a shoe for the right foot and the face 51 of the plate which is then uppermost, is finished to correspond to the curvature of a last of a shoe for the right foot along the line of joinder of the lining and outer leather and the innersole.

The clamp plate 39 to be used during the formation of a left shoe has an opening 40 through it, corresponding to the plan configuration of a left shoe, which opening is slightly smaller than the opening 38 in the sleeve plate so that the clamp plate has a part projecting somewhat inwardly from overhanging the sleeve plate. The clamp plate is curved transversely to correspond generally to the transverse curvature of the face .of the sleeve plate, so that the clamp plate and sleeve plate can be brought together as illustrated in Fig. 2, to hold a leather blank between them. A clamp plate to be used in the formation of a right shoe is the same as that for a left shoe except that the opening 40 is shaped to correspond to the plan configuration of a right shoe.

The sole plate 41-, forms a rest or support for the innersole and the last over which the lining or vamp is to be formed and operates to carry the last upwardly through the sleeve plate until the projecting portion of the inner sole previously tacked to the last, comes into contact with the lining or outer leather which is held in position beneath the portion of the clamp plate which overhangs the opening in the sleeve plate. The sole plate used in forming a left shoe corresponds, of course, to the plan configuration of a left shoe, while that used for forming a right shoe corresponds to the plan configuration of a right shoe. The sole plates are made to slidably fit the opening in the sleeve plate and are transversely curved to correspond to the transverse curvature of the plates.

The mounting means provided for the sole plate includes a push rod 55 mounted in the frame 20 to operate vertically. The sole plate is adapted to be arranged on a mounting pin 56 formed on the upperend of the push rod, the pin 56 is on a plate 56a mounted on the upper end of the push rod. The push rod slidatbly fits an opening in the top plate 33 and is provided at its lower end with clamp an extension 57 which slidably fits an opening' 58, in a cross-head 59. The cross head 59 is slidably mounted in a vertical guideway 60 in the frame 20. A strong compression spring 61 is arranged under compression between a shoulder near the lower end of the push rod and the top of the cross-head so that it operates to normally urge the push rod upwardly. The upward movement of the push rod with reference to the cross heard is limited by a nut 62 applied to the lower end. of extension 57 to engage the lower side of the cross head. With this arrangement the push rod is moved vertically by operating the cross head vertically in the guideway 60 and the spring 61 provides a cushion or. yielding means which prevents the sole die on the upper end of the push rod being forced past the desired position with reference to the-clamp die. r r

The mounting 23, provided for the sleeve plate 37, includes socket members mounted in vertical guideways 71 formed in brackets 72. The brackets 72 extend upwardly from the top plate 33 of the frame. The socket members 70 are provided with sockets 73 to receive and hold lugs 74, provided on the ends of the sleeve die. Rods .75 project downwardly from the socket members 7 O and slidably fit openings 'in'the top plate 33 of the frame. Compression springs 7 7 are providedbetween the top plate of the frame and nuts 7 8 screw thread on the rods 75 so that they operate to normally urge the rods upwardly.

The sockets 73 are in the form of elongate openings in the members 7 0, and are open at their upper ends to allow the lugs at the sleeve ends to be passed into them. The lugs 7 4 on the ends of the die are shaped to fit the sockets in the members 70 so that the members 7 O operate to effectively hold the sleeve die with its opening in proper alignment with reference to the sole die and clamp die. The mounting just described allows the sleeve die to be lifted from the member 70, when it is desired to reverse it, or to insert another size.

The mounting 24 for the clamp die 39 includes blocks mounted in guide brackets 81 supported by the carrier 27. The guide brackets 81 are arranged so that the blocks 80 are oppositely disposed to receive the ends of the clamp die 39. The guide members 81,

which carry the blocks 80, are formed with horizontal guide-ways 82 which carry the blocks 80 so that they can be reciprocated horizontally in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the clamp die.

The carriage 27, which holds or supports the guide brackets 81 may include two rods 84, slidably mounted in the top plate 33 and the brackets 72, a top brace 85, connecting the upper ends of t 1e rods 84, and a bottom brace 86 connecting the lower ends of the rods 84. The rods 84 are located immediately beyond the ends of the forming plates and aremounted to be movable vertically. The guide brackets 81 are fixed on the upper portions of the rods 84. The top brace 85 tends between the upper ends of the rods 84 above members 81, while the lower brace 86 extends between the lower ends of of therods 84 at a point below the top plate 33 of the frame.

The carriage 27 is made vertically movable so that it can belowered from a position shown in Fig. 1, where the clamp die is spaced above the sleeve die to a position such as is shown in Fig. 2, where the clamp die cooperates with the upper face of the sleeve die to hold a vamp or lining to be lasted as the sole die is operated. 7

The means 26 provided for operating the carrier 27 between the positions just clescribed, may include a hand lever 88 mounted on ashaft 89, and an arm 90 carried by the shaft 89 to co-operatively engage the lower brace member 86 of the carriage.

In the particular construction shown in the drawings the lower brace member 86 of the carriage is in the form'of a channel and the arm 90 is provided at its outer end with a pinmounted roller 91 which fits the channel. As the hand lever 88 is rotated, the arm 90 is swung, thus causing operation of the carriage. In the proper arrangement of parts, the arm 90 extends slightly beyond a line straight down when the clamp plate is in the down or clamped position with reference to the sleeve plate.

The drive means 25, between the clutch 28 connected with the power shaft 29 and the push rod upon which the sole plate is supported includes a worm shaft 93 connected with the clutch 28, a worm gear 94 on shaft 93, a main shaft 95, a worm wheel 96 fixed on the shaft 95, in mesh with the worm gear 94, a crank pin 97 on the end of the main shaft 95,

- and a connecting rod 98 connecting the crank pin 97 with the cross head 59.

W hen the clutch is closed or in engagement, the shaft 93 is operated, causing operation of the main shaft 95, through the gears 94 and 96. Operation of the main shaft 95 causes turning of the crank pin which through the connecting rod causes vertical reciprocation of the cross head 59, and lifts push rod 55. The means 30, provided to automatically disengage the clutch 28 upon the sole plate being operated to the desired position, includes a sleeve 100 fixed on the main shaft 95 and having projections l01adapted to be moved into engagement with an arm 102 of a bell crank which has its other arm 103 operatively connected with a sleeve 104 on the shaft 93. The sleeve 104 is connected with a part of the clutch 28.

In the particular mechanism shown in'the drawing, there are two projections 101 on the sleeve 100. This is necessary because the crank pins 97 of the operating means for the sole plates of the two units of plates A and B are on the main shaft 95, and are located 180 degrees apart so that the units of plates operate oppositely; that is, one is moved to the operating position while the other is withdrawn therefrom. It is thus necessary to automatically stop the machine twice during each complete revolution of the main shaft, once when the sole plate of the plate set A is up and once-when the sole plate of the plate set B is up. The parts are related so that the arm 102 is actuated by the projections to move the arm 103 so that the sleeve 104 is slid on the shaft 93 to disengage the clutch; the parts being related and timed so that the clutch disengages each time one of the sole plates reaches the position where it tightly clamps against a clamp plate.

An emergency foot lever 106 is operatively connected with the arm 102 through a link 107, so that the clutch can be disengaged at any time at the will of the operator.

lVith the mechanism just described, the machine will automatically stop each time a projection 101 co-operatively engages the arm 102 in about the manner illustrated in Fig. 7.

The manual means 31 provided for throwing the clutch into engagement to return the machine to operation, includes a rotatable shaft 108 provided with a hand lever 109 to be engaged by the operator and arm 110 which engage the sleeve 100 to move it longitudi nally on the main shaft 95, when the shaft 108 is rotated.

A spring 111 is provided in connection with the shaft 108 to normally hold it in a rotative position where the sleeve 100 is in position so that the projections 101, co-operate with the arm 102. \Vhen the shaft 108 is rotated through the hand lever 109, the sleeve 100 is moved longitudinally so that the projectionslOl move out of line or position where they co-operate with arm 102, thus allowing the arm 102 to be returned to its unactuated position through the action of a spring 112 carried on the shaft 93. The spring 112 normally holds the sleeve 104 in position where the clutch is closed.

The means 26a provided by my invention fOr operating the clamp plate 39, horizontally in proper synchronism with the operation of the sole die 41, includes cams 115 mounted in the guides 81 back of the blocks 80, and means interconnecting the cams 115 so that they operate in synchronism. When one block 80 is moved outwardly in its guide 82 the other is allowed to move inwardly in its guide 82. The cams 115 are operatively connected with the push rod 55 so that the cams are operated in proper synchronism with the push rod 55. The inter-connection between the cams 115 may include an arm 118, in connection with each cam and a tie rod 119, connecting the outer parts of the arms in the manner clearly illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 7 of the drawings. The operative connection between the push rod 55 and the cams 115 includes a bell crank having one arm 120 arranged to be operated by a projection 121 on the push rod 55, and an arm 122,

connected with a connecting rod 123 which extends upwardly from the arm 122, and connects with an arm 125 connecting with one of the cams 115. As the cross head 59 and push rod 55 move upwardly the projection 121 en gages the arm 120 moving it upwardly so that the arm 122 is moved downwardly. This operation, through the connecting rod 123, operates the arm 125 so that the cams 115 are turned, causing the forward operation of the clamp die 39.

The parts just described are positioned and related so that the projection 121 does not engage the arm to move it until the last, being carried upwardly by the sole die 41, is in position where the point C of the last, is at, or opposite the heel edge of the clampl plate. From that point of operation on, the projection 121. operates the arm 120 so that the clamp plate is moved through the mechanism just described, in a direction forward with reference to the last, being moved up wardly through it so that the heel portion of the leather blank being formed over the last, isshaped Or wiped againstand around the heel portion of the last. If it were not for this forward movement of the clamp plate as the'last is moved upward to its final position, with reference to the forming irons or plates, the heel seat of the upper would be formed straight down from the point C. A spring 126 is provided in connection with the arm 122 to normally hold the parts in position where the clamp plate is in its unactuated or rear position.

The particular mechanism just described,

is very effective and desirable as it allows the carriage 27 to be moved upwardly to the position shown in Fig. 1, when the sole plate is down without disturbing or breaking interconnection of parts. TV hen the carriage 27 is moved to the up position, shown in Fig. 1, the arm 125 is pulled down and the arm 122 is moved up but none of the parts are disconnected. The moving of the arm 125, down, simply operates the clamp plate 39, to its forward position while the carriage is elebein moved to release the arm 102 when either of the clamp plates 39 of the machine are in the raised position as shown in Fig. 1. This locking means includes a locking dog 130 carried on a shaft 131, a locking dog 132 carried on a sleeve 133 fitting over a portion of the shaft 131, arms 134 one fixed on the shaft 131, and one fixed on the sleeve 133, and links 135, one connecting one of the arms 134 with one of the carriages 27, and the other connecting other arm 134C with the other carriage 27 The connection between the arms 12% and links 135 includes pins 136 on the arms operating in slots 137 formed longitudinally in the arms 135. The arms are pivotally connected to the lower brace members.

of the carriages.

The parts just described are arranged and proportioned so that the movement of one of the carriages to the up position, shown in Fi 1, causes the link 135 connecting with the carriage, to lift or swing its connecting arm 134 upwardly, throwing the dog connected with that arm into engagement with the sleeve 100, so that the sleeve cannot be moved longitudinally on the counter shaft 95. Return of the carriage to its normal or operating position causes the link connected with the carriage to lower the connected arm 135, and thus disengages the dog so that the sleeve 100 is free to move.

In operating the machine a last is lowered into or through the sleeve plate into position on the sole plate and a leather blank to be formed over the last is arranged over the sleeve plate whereupon vthe clamp plate is lowered, so that the leather blank is clamped between the sleeve plate and the 'clampplate. The mounting of the sleeve plate above de scribed, allows'the clamp plate to be moved downwardly to a position where the sleeve plate is depressed slightly againstthe resistance of the springs 77 this causes the leather to be held with the desired pressure. As before stated, the clamp plate and sleeve plate preferably co-operate to grip at varying degrees of grip or pressure at all points except at the toe portion at which point it is desirable to leave the leather free.

To throw the machine into operation, the aperator actuates the lever 109, moving the sleeve 100, and releasing the arm 102. This closes the clutch and causes the push rod 55 to be moved upwardly through the mechanism above described... As the push rod 55 moves upwardly, to move the last up against the leather, the clamp plate is moved forward at the proper time and in proper synchronism with the sole plate, so that the leather is effectively shaped under the heel iii) portion of the last. When the sole plate reaches a point where it clamps the leather and inner sole, on the last, tightly against the clamping plate one of the projections 101 actuates the arm 102 to release the clutch. The operator then actuates the lever 88 to raise the carriage 2'2". The last with the leather formed over it, is lifted from the sleeve plate in and by the clamp plate. The operator then removes the leather covered last from the clamp plate and makes ready for another operation.

The two plate sets A and B, as above described, operate oppositely; that is while the sole plate of one set is moving upwardly that of the other is moving downwardly, making itpossible for a single operator to keep two sets of plates in operation.

In the operation of forming a shoe over a last by means of the mechanism above described, the projecting portion or flange of the inner sole, and the outwardly turned por tion of the leather intended to be formed over the last, have previously had applied to them a suitable cement or adhesive paste so that when the inner sole and the lining or outer leather of the shoe are pressed between the sole plate 41 and the clamp plate 39, the cement adheres and holds the leathers together until stitched by means of another machine, the mechanism herein described as my invention being one intended primarily for the purpose of forming or lasting a sheet of material over a last or the like.

Having described only a typical preferred form of my invention I do not wish to limit myself to the specific details set forth, but,

wish to reserve to myself any changes or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described by invention, I claim 1. In shoe forming apparatus, two plate parts movable together to hold a sheet of material, and means for moving a complete shoe last so that the material is formed entirely over it while held by the plate parts, the plate parts being shiftable with relation to each other while in holding position.

2. In shoe forming apparatus, a sleeve plate, a clamp plate cooperating with the sleeve plate to hold a sheet of material, a sole plate, mechanism connected thereto for moving a last to form the material over it, and means whereby the clamp plate is shifted relative to the last to form the material inwardly on the last.

3. In shoe forming apparatus, a sleeve plate, a clamp. plate cooperating with the sleeve plate to hold a sheet of material, a sole plate, mechanism connected thereto for moving a lastto form the material over it, and means operating in synchronism with the sole plate whereby the clamp plate is shifted relative to the last to form the material inwardly on the last.

4. In shoe forming apparatus, a sleeve plate, a clamp plate cooperating. with the sleeve plate to hold a sheet of. material, a sole plate, mechanism connected thereto for moving a last to form the material over it, means whereby the clamp plate is shifted relative to the last to form the material inwardly on the last, and an inter-connection between the sole plate and said means whereby they operate together.

5. In shoe forming apparatus, a sleeve plate, a clamp plate cooperating with the sleeve plate to hold a sheet of material, a sole plate, mechanism connected thereto for moving a last to form the material over it, and means whereby the clamp plate is shifted longitudinally relative to the last to form the material inwardly on the last.

6. In shoe forming apparatus, a sleeve plate, a clamp plate cooperating with the sleeve plate to hold a sheet of material, a sole plate, mechanism connected thereto for moving a last to form the materialover it, and cam operated means whereby the clamp plate is shifted relative to the last to form the material inwardly on the last.

7. In shoe forming apparatus, a sleeve plate, a clamp plate cooperating with the sleeve plate to hold a sheet of material, a sole plate, mechanism connected thereto for moving a complete shoe last to form the material entirely over it, a mounting for the clamp plate whereby it can be shifted when in holding position, and cam means for shifting the clamp plate.

8. In shoe forming apparatus, a sleeve plate, a clamp plate cooperating with the sleeve plate to hold a sheet of material, a sole plate, means for operating the sole plate to carry a complete shoelast into engagement with the material so that the material is formed over the entire last, means whereby the clamp plate can be shifted when in holding position, and an inter-connection between said means whereby they operate in synchronism.

9. In shoe forming apparatus, a sleeve plate, a clamp plate cooperating with the sleeve plate to hold a sheet of material, a sole plate for carrying a complete shoe last, a push rod for operating the sole plate so that the material is formed entirely over the last, means for shifting the clamp plate when in holding position, and an inter-connection between said means and the push rod whereby the clamp plate is shifted during operation of the sole plate.

10. In shoe forming apparatus, a last carrying member, a reciprocating head, crank means for reciprocating the head, a push rod carrying the member and connected with the head for limited sliding movement, and a spring in connection with the rod and head normally holding the rod in extended position with relation to the head.

11. In shoe forming apparatus, two plates operable to hold a sheet of material, a carriage for moving one of the plates, and a hand crank for actuating the carriage, the crank being operable to dead center to hold the apparatus actuated.

12. In shoe forming apparatus, means for holding a sheet of material, means for moving a last into engagement with the material, power means, a releasable drive connection between the power means and means for moving the last, and means operating to hold the drive connection in disengaged position when the first mentioned means is out of operation.

13. In shoe forming apparatus, two plate parts movable into and out of position where they hold a sheet of material, a last moving means, power means, a releasable drive connection between the power means and last moving means, and means operable to hold the drive connection released when the plate parts are out of position to hold a sheet or" material.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 10th day of November, 1926.

ROBERT L. HUBBARD.