US1792192A - Shoe stretcher - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 10, 1931. F. L. SORDI-:LETT 1,792,192

SHOE STRETCHER Filed June 25, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 10, 1931. F. L.. soRDELETT SHOE STRETCHEIR Filed June V25, 1929 2 Sheets-Shea?I 2 'Y Patented Feb. 10, 1931 UNITED STATES AP 1K-11ENT; @1an@CEI` ff FRANK LEWIS SORDELETT, ornIorr'MoNn, VIRGINA SHOE STRETCHIER Y,

Application mea .Tune 25, 1929.37 ,serialu Nd. A9.72554.L

, This invention relates to shoe stretchers, and more particularly to an inflatable stretcher.

. Gne of the objects of this invention is the provision of an inflatable stretcher for enlarging a shoe.

Another object ofthis invention is the provision of an inflatable stretcher adapted to operate in either right or left shoe.

tive relation with an inflatable member so as to stretch a shoe in various directions.

Other objects and features will more Jf ully appear from the accompanying drawings and following description, in which:

Fig. 1 is a shoe showing the invention therein;

Fig. 2, a longitudinal cross sectional view;

e Fig. 3, a top plan view;

"5 Referring to the drawings, a last or form l, having a circumferential groove 2, around a medium stock 3, is shaped so as to substantially conform to the size of a shoe.

A tube 5, made from any flexible material,

40 such as rubber, is provided with the usual air valve 6, and adapted to engage said groove. The valve 6 projects from the posterior of said last and is inflated by an air pump 7 well known to the art. Y,

Fig. 6 is a modification showing a grooved `last 8 consisting of an upper section 9 and lower section 10. A spring catch l1 is secured in the lower section and adapted to be disposed in an aperture l2 of said upper section,

5@ and engage a lip 13projecting from said se@1 from said last A still further object of this invention is the provision of last-like member 1n operation, so as to securely the two sectionsl together or by ldisenga-gement of said 'catch tions when the tube'is inflated. A Fig. 7' another modicati'on showing an upper section llll hinged to 'a lower section 15 kso 'that when the tube is inflated, expansion of saidsections may take placefin a direction around .the axis of said hinge. 1

. Fig.y9 isa still'urther'modication showing a' socket 16 screwed to a threaded valve 17 connected to a tube. vA hollow ball 18'en'- gages channel 19 in said socket and the usual ,permit expansion of said secv ball andv socket-motionA Vis obtained by the foregoing'` arrangement.'` It .will be notedl thatthe valve head issecured to lower hinge 20 by a nutf2l and said socket. f v

By inserting the last into a shoe, inthe manner lshown in Fig. 1, and inating the tube, `expansion takes place outwardly and the shoe` is thus stretched. The frictionv between said shoe and tube, when the latter is A expanded,tends to hold the last in a fixed position and the latter cannot slip toward the heel. The modification shown in Fig. 6 functions in a similar manner to that just described and in addition, when the spring catch is releasedV the last members may eX- pand along with the tube; while the modication shown in Fig. 7 provides an arrangement whereby expansion may take place around the axis of a hinge which securesthe sections together.

By the provision of the ball and socket member shown in Fig. 9 elimination of rubber tubeis obtained and the pump can be connected directly to the ball member therevrby serving both as inflatable means and a handle. y

If too much space is allowed between the posterior sections of the last the tube, when y inflated, will escape therefrom; whichv is an undesirable condition'. By the provision of protruding supports on each of the sections', which -substantially closes the posterior portions of said last, said tube is thus prevented from escaping.

Having described my invention, I claim: j

l. In a device of the character described a last having a substantially semicircular groove on the periphery thereof, and an inlatable means, adapted to engage said groove, for stretching purposes.

2. In a device of the character described a last consisting of an upper and lowery section respectively provided With a stock, a periph- Y eral e'PQOvin .Said lest Substantially-@fwd by' said stocks, and an inaitalble means en` gaging said groove, in operative rel atnipp with said sections, for stretching, purposes.

3. In a device of Vthe olianaotr desoribed a last consisting of upper and lowersections respectively provided with stock portionsv substantially :forming a .circular peripheral groove, a. tube in said groove, and means for securing said sections. 1

4. 111e device of the Character deserihed consisting off a last having an upper Land lower section hinged togetherattheposterior thereof, .andan inflamable ftube between said Setns for ,stretehng purposes.

Y 5. a device `of the character described consisting of a last .having an upper and lower section hinged :togethena tube between said sections, a valve on Said tube,fand,a`ba1l andr socket .member engaging ,said Valve for connection Wlzh a source \of pneumatic sup- 6. In avdev-icefof the characteridescni'bed a last comprising upper and lower Asect-ions grooved to form a peripheral groove, Aandan inflatable member adapted Yto engage .said groove for stretching purposes.

In :testimony whereof I have hereunto jset my name this 15th dayo J une, 19.29.

FRANK LEWIS

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